Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
New guy here. I'm a 44 year old ready for VGS surgery. I've met with all my doctors, and was given a pre-op weight loss goal of 30 lb. I've dropped 27.1 in the last 5 weeks, so I guess it's getting pretty serious. Despite being morbidly obese, 6' and 358 currently, I'm in incredibly good health. No weight related diseases, yet. I'm a master at losing weight, but even better at gaining it. Four years ago I went from 442 lb. to 320 lb. with proper diet and exercise, but then school started and I used that as a reason to derail myself.
I'm sold on the idea of gastric bypass surgery, it's the post-op that I'm unsure of. My mother had a bariatric surgery (I'm guessing RNY) 35 years ago and kept the excess weight off until the day she died at 51 from cancer. She seemed to frequently have issues with digestion, nausea, heartburn, and acid reflux. I assume her issues were because the surgery was new and not yet perfected, but it's still scary to think of the possible complications.
All that aside, I've weighed the pros and cons, I'm willing to deal with being uncomfortable a few times a day after eating as opposed to being uncomfortable for the rest of my (probably shortened) life by remaining overweight. I guess I'm looking for a reason NOT to have surgery, or maybe just new information I haven't considered yet. Thanks.
As Lcat said, bariatric surgery has improved a lot since its early days. Because I had GERD and was 175 lbs overweight (5 ft tall and over 300 lbs), my surgeon and I decided Roux en Y would be the best surgery for me. I haven't had heartburn since the surgery. Even throwing up (which doesn't happen often at all) was easier post-op because I don't have any bile in my pouch. Yes, there is the statistical possibility of complications. Choosing to have your surgery at a Center of Excellence may decrease your chances of post-op problems.
I had RNY 7 1/2 years ago and haven't regretted it for a minute. I have had a 2 issues with twisted intestine (and an intussusception) that were incredibly painful and sent me to the ER. The first time, I had emergency surgery, but the kink in my intestine resolved early in the surgery before the surgeon did anything to fix it. He'd warned me of that possibility before surgery. And, because I'd been having issues with my gallbladder, I asked him to take it out while he was in there so I'd feel like the surgery accomplished something. :) He did. The second time, it resolved before surgery. From what I've read, the incidence of twisted intestine is higher for those who were super-morbidly obese when they are at their target weight. Again, for me, totally worth it!!
Yes, there are foods/drinks I will never consume again (Diet Coke, quarter pounder with cheese, deep dish pizza, rice, pasta, bread, desserts). But, nothing I can chew/drink/swallow is worth weighing more than my refrigerator again!!
Again, welcome!!
JJ
I just got the call today for the follow up psych appointment since I'm within 5 lb. of my target weight, unfortunately I have to wait until the 15th.
Hmmm... The doctor didn't admit to any butt squeezing, but I was under anesthesia, so....
I can't wait to welcome you to the bench and to celebrate your shrinking into the healthiest version of you!
JJ