KERRYMONIQUE

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Real Advice Needed About Gastric Bypass

Friday, October 07, 2011

If you know me, or read my bio, then you know I have a lot of medical issues. I've been suggested and evaluated for gastric bypass before and I didn't want to do it, but my condition has gone down hill over the past year and a half and my docs want me to think about it again. I know they've made a lot of progress over the past 10 years or so and have really come along way with the medical procedure. I'm well-versed with the medical side and am not concerned about the procedure or immediate side effects.

I gained a lot of my weight (~75 lbs) in a short time due to a medication and was mostly bedridden at the time, so I don't know how much pain losing weight will help alleviate. My main disorder and destroyer to my life is pain caused by abnormal skeletal deterioration. I can only reasonably assume that any and all weight I can remove from my joints will help. But right now my life is consumed with medications, doctors appointments, procedures, side effects, etc. I have lots of pain, even on tons of medications, and am fatigued beyond comprehension. Realistically speaking, the chances of me losing weight on my own are next to nothing, nevertheless the amount of weight I need to lose to really help my joints. This is why I'm considering gastric bypass when I normally wouldn't. However, I don't want to add more medical issues, more doctors, more things to worry about. The whole point is for me to gain some control over my health and hopefully be able to lead a somewhat functional life.

Unfortunately, most of my research and medical professionals can only tell me statistics in regards to the actual procedure and immediate recovery, then weight loss stats. I know all too well what surgery is like and assume 3 months of recovery with just about any surgery. What I need to know about are the impacts to your life after the operation. I've heard a lot about people becoming dehydrated, malnourished, vomiting frequently, having to take loads of supplements, etc. I would really appreciate honest feedback on what living with gastric bypass is like - the aftermath. Is it worth it? Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? How much does it impact your day to day life? If you have arthritis or other painful conditions, did it help? How much?

Please feel free to message me if you don't want to post it on here. Thanks!
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Member Comments About This Blog Post
  • LVZ617
    You are, indeed, in a difficult place. I have debated about the surgery several times, but never did it because of my emotional eating issues. If I had it, I would go for the "sleeve" or banding, not the actual bypass. When the ambulance crew had trouble getting me down the stairs, I did start losing and got below 200 on my own, and now hope to lose more with SP.
    Out of curiosity, I did a search on the Spark Teams with gastric bypass, and there are several. A couple mentioned that they included people considering the surgery, so that may be a resource for you.
    Good luck with whatever you decide.
    emoticon Linda
    3379 days ago
  • SAPHRAEL
    I don't have a clue. It's a scary prospect and I can see why you're seeking more information.

    Best of luck in your decision.

    emoticon
    3379 days ago
  • AMUSING01
    Hi. I am actually having a similar issue. I have doubled my body weight in 5 years. It started with stress and stopping my healthy lifestyle of eating good food and working out often. I then started getting sick often. I have been diagnosed with Celiac, Chron's, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Stomach infections, Ulcers, etc. You name it. Usually I get the diagnosis and it goes away shortly after. This makes things worse since I start and stop so many meds so often. I just got back from the Mayo Clinic on Saturday and was told I really need to consider Gastric Bypass. I do actually have Esophogitis and a stomach condition, but they can't give me the surgery due to my BMI. They suggested GP since it would correct my weight and hopefully my ailments at the same time. I'm scared. I really wanted to do this on my own. I really worry that GP is a "copout" because I don't have the strength to do it ... but like you, I am so exhausted all of the time, I'm so anemic, Vitamin D and Iron deficient that I can barely get out of bed at times. I'm on a mission to make this decision soon and after getting much more info. I'd love to keep in touch with you as you make your decision too!

    -E-
    3385 days ago
  • TAZIAH
    You may want to look into the sleeve gastrectomy instead of the bypass. It doesn't impact on your life as much as the bypass, and the weight loss is more gradual which is better for your body. It also doesn't have the malabsorption problems that the bypass has. The problems you've mentioned only occur if you are not doing what you are supposed to do. I'd suggest going through a program that will offer you the support you need to be successful. You do not want to just go see a surgeon, have the op and then be left to your own devices. Remember that you're the only one who can make this decision. There are more positive stories than negative in the bariatric world, so don't get dragged down by the stories you may hear. Do what's right for your body and your health. If you want any more info, feel free to send me a spark mail. Good luck on your journey! emoticon
    3389 days ago
  • RUGBYGUY6
    I chose gastric banding over the bypass and considered both because of being diabetic. I wouldnt have been a candidate for either except for the co morbidities.
    I thought the mortality for the bypass was still way to high even though frankly it was like.02.
    I have been pleased with the banding, losing about a pound to a pound and a half a week since june..and the diabetes is getting slowly better as well
    3390 days ago
  • no profile photo CD1276095
    emoticon I am not a big advocate of GBS. I watched the complications kill my mother. If you would like to hear her story, feel free to message me.
    3390 days ago

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