- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
So.... Im thinking about weight loss surgery and went to a meeting yesterday to hear all about it. I love that so many of you can embrace your size but I just cant do it any more. Im wondering if there is anyone here thats has considered this or even more so looked into it/ is in the process or would like to give some advice?
My BMI is just on the line of being able to have the surgery so the reason Im thinking about this so seriously is I cannot try to loose weight on my own before I go into the appointment. (Little back round, I have tried everything under the sun for about 3 years and cant loose more than 10 lbs)
Thanks ladys ;)
I wouldn't have surgery b/c anecdotally some have gone back to weighing what they were before the surgery.
Have you thought about being tested for PCOS? Metformin, often times prescribed for PCOS patients, helps with weightloss b/c of insulin resistance. I understand how hard it is to lose weight, I really do b/c it's a constant battle for me. I don't embrace my size. Have you also tried a low carb diet? By the way, I understand wanting and trying to lose weight without success.
EDIT: Meal planning and measuring portions helps me. I have a pedometer that measures steps and 10,000 steps or 5 miles leads to weight loss. Also, make sure you're eating enough so your body doesn't think you're in starvation mode.
I have had the surgery and would love to answer any questions you may have. :) I'm an open book when it comes to my WLS. :)
Have you talked to your doctor? I would think your doctor can help advise you the best options for you. The fact that you are right on the borderline of qualifying makes me think that maybe you should try some other options. While surgery may seem like a quick and easy fix it's a lot of strain to put on your body when there are more natural and safe ways to lose the weight.
@Jenbee:I have considered this. I went to a meeting with a friend of mine and she ended up doing it. I just couldn't. Gastric Bypass LITERALLY ruins your body. You will NEVER be able to process natural supplements, minerals and vitamins. You will have to take them in pill form for the remainder of your life. Some people suffer from long-term effects such as stomach ulcers, inability to process certain foods such as meat.
Getting WLS is a lifestyle change. The reason people like you and I can't lose the weight we want or keep it off is because we're not committing to a lifestyle change. In order to be successful you need to change the entire way you live, your entire relationship with food and surgery does NOT help this at all. To me, it's short-term help.
This is why I would never mutilate my body just to be "healthy". You CAN lose the weight on your own. There is no such thing as "people who can't lose weight". That's a bunch of bullhonkey. A friend of mine has started going to OE (Over-Eaters- Anon meetings. I've been thinking about it, maybe you should as well.
Thank you for your input but Im not looking for a quick and easy fix as I had said for that reason -I have tried every diet, trainer, medical supervised option out there, I have also had all tests/blood tests to rule anyting out. My doctor refured me to the weightloss center I went too.
Thank you FlutterbyBee I will PM you :)
@JamieinMN: Not everyone who is heavy over-eats. There are a myriad of medical reasons why some women simply cannot lose weight and it's not an excuse.
@Jenbee:That's because DIETS DON'T WORK. You can't just do a diet for a month and expect results overnight and weight to stay off. I wish that was the case but it's not. I've started making small changes and I've noticed a very big difference. I haven't lost alot of weight, but my clothes are fitting better.
@JamieinMN: Is 9 years considered "short term"? My surgery was August 6, 2002, and while I have put on about 20 pounds since my absolute lightest weight, I have still managed to keep off 120 of the 140 pounds I lost.
You are right in the fact that this surgery isn't a "fix all". It is a tool - not a solution. The surgery doesn't fail people - people fail the surgery.
@FlutterbyBee:9 years, good for you! Some people have success, most do not. The surgery OBVIOUSLY works, it's the people who can't commit to changing.
"Getting WLS is a lifestyle change. The reason people like you and I can't lose the weight we want or keep it off is because we're not committing to a lifestyle change. In order to be successful you need to change the entire way you live, your entire relationship with food and surgery does NOT help this at all. To me, it's short-term help."
I, myself, have not had elective surgery, but my cousin did. She had gastric bypass and it literally almost killed her. Something internal (honestly, I don't know all of the medical details) did not heal properly, and actually never "closed" up inside of her. She had stomach acids leaking through her body. She got sicker and sicker for years, and they didn't catch it until recently. She had to have almost her entire stomach removed, parts of her intestines, and spleen. Her liver and kidneys have all been damaged. The doctors said they have no idea how she survived. Literally, some of her organs have fused together. She is still eating though some type of tube, which may be in her for the rest of her life.
That being said, I'm really not trying to scare you....just trying to share my families experience with it.
Also, my best friend went to a nutritionist who put him on a diet. Granted, it was a fairly radical diet. Lots of vitamin shakes and protein bars....it was about 4 months he did this. He lost 100 pounds (he was over 400 to begin with). He has since been eating MUCH healthier and in smaller portions....something about this diet was to essentially "restart" your system.
I hope whatever you decide, you are successful!
From what I understand (which is admittedly limited), the surgery can be a little risky. I personally exhaust every single option, and it sounds like you may have. I would talk with your doctor more about it.
I just started myfitnesspal.com, and I think it will be a helpful tool for you. It tracks your food and exercise, over a lot of categories (protein, carbs, sugar, etc). This might help you, pre and post surgery to make sure that even though it seems like you're eating well, you actually are. I know for me, I am shocked at the way my numbers work out, especially sugars. Granted, most of those are from fruits and veggies, but still- hard to get those off.
Two ladies I work with had surgery. They were both out a while but came back and have been fine ever since. Both getting smaller and smaller right before our eyes. To my knowledge neither had complications and both seem to be doing very well since their returns to work.
@futuremrsmaista:Oh how scary! My coworkers MIL had the surgery done yearrrrssss ago and for the longest time she couldn't eat meat. She would get sick every now and then, thought nothing of it. Finally something happened, I'm not sure exactly what but she went in to the ER. Come to find out, she was so backed up, she had rotting food/feces inside. BARRRRFFFF! OMG. That shit scares the hell out of me. I'm sure if she would've gone for her normal checkups they could've nipped this in the bud.
Well all I have to say about this is do your homework on what the surgery offers and side affects all that. I have not experienced that but I think that if its something that you want to do and you think it will make you more comfortable go for it!! Good luck.
I myself had lap band 6/9/09 and just this past saturday had to have my band completely unfilled. As soon as I can afford it after the wedding next year I will have having the band removed and reversed to the verticle gastric sleeve.
When you think about the surgery, please consider anything BUT the band. While it works great the first few months, unless you are able to go back constantlly for adjustments; in which you will have to pay for each one, or you are alright with your meals getting stuck constantly.
Someone will always know someone who knows someone who knows someone who had issues with everything. Heck if I had listened to that reasoning I would have never had my gall bladder out, or for that matter I would never of had my kids due to my cousins blood pressure spiking after she had her daughter and they could not control her bleeding, causing and emergency hysterectomy.
Get a good doctor with many surgeries under his belt, and an awesome support system. Follow the rules and remember that the surgery will change your internal biology, but it will not change your brain.
This is a hard one. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2003. I think that you have to really go into it with your eyes open and realize that it is going to change your relationship to food for the rest of your life. I know, that I am a stress eater. When you first have your surgery, and for several months you can only take in about 2-4 ozs of food at a meal. For someone like me, who used food as a coping mechanism, this turned into a problem. I didn't know how to comfort myself any way, except with food. Of course, I did not realize this until I was going through it. I did loose a lot of weight, and kept it off for a couple years. Sadly, I have gained about half of it back, and am struggling now to get back to where I was. BUT, that being said, would I do it again? Yes, I would. I think, knowing what I know now I would have done a few things differently. I think the most important thing you need to do, if you do this, is find a very, very good support group, and go to it religiously, even after you loose the weight-ESPECIALLY after you loose the weight, as well as a regular therapist, to help you through the journey. Loosing the weight is NOT just a physical issue. Once the weight starts coming off, and people start treating you differently, it brings up a lot of other issues. You also have to change your attitude about exercise and get into a regime where you are exercising at least a full hour every day, no matter what. You also have to realize that once you loose the weight, you are not "cured". I think that most people, myself included, make the mistake of slipping back into bad habits once they hit a goal weight.
Ok-I think I've said enough for now. Seriously, if you want to talk about this, send me a message with your email and you can ask me any questions you want, and I will answer as honestly as I can, to help you with this decision. I recognize this is not the way for everyone, but for some people, it is the only way. It is not a decision to make lightly, and I want you to make sure you are making the right decision for you.
@beekiss:I'd say majority are overeaters. It's not "certain people just can't lose weight". That's the biggest BS lie I've ever heard.
I think only you can make this decision. Talk to as many people who've had it as you can. I know of one who died from it, another who's been sick ever since, five who have been happy with it, and one who never lost all the weight. So, there are risks for sure.
Have you looked at lap band over Gastric Bypass?
Good luck in whatever you choose.
I would love to tell you I "over eat" in that case I would stop eating and loose weight. I eat very healthy and have seen many nutritionists
@JamieinMN: Why are you still so over weight if you not comfortable and know just how to loose it? It seems like you want to attack those of us who have already tried everything but what is your excuse? Being overweight is extreamly unhealthy for so many reasons I shouldnt even have to explain. It fine to love you curves but if your that heavy and "know it all" about loosing it than do it and stop talking about it. I want to have children and I dont want to be a fat mom who cant keep up with them and put myself at all sorts of medical risks, that is not fair to them. So yes I am looking into this a a serious option for me and my family and Yes I have obviously looked at the risks or I would not be asking for advice at all.
@Jenbee:I'm not attacking anybody, I'm just stating my opinions like everyone else. I know what it takes to lose weight, I've done it before. It's hard to stick to it, I'ms ure youk now this too. I personally though, would not put my body through something like that.
FYI, I eat healthy too (the small changes I'm making) but I need to stop eating the AMOUNT of food that I do. I can easily sit back and eat 1 lb of grapes....I can't do that anymore.
For a year I drank protine shakes medical supervised. Ran everyday and worked with a trainer 2 days a week. I lost 7 lbs... Now tell me that I have no tried every other possiblility
I've looked into it myself! But my FI went apeshit. So that got ruled out. My mom and two aunts had the surgery. My mom lost 80lbs, but still is "chubby" but it solved MANY of her health issues (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc) we were lucky enough to also find out that my mother's cararded artery(spelling?) was 80% clogged! She was a walking heart attack! Her mother died in her early 50s due to heart disease. My mom is now at a plateau in losing weight and its now time to start "working out", instead of it continuing to melt off, as it seemed it was doing before.
Now my 2 Aunts; who I am not blood related, they are my step dad's sisters. Oldest had it done first; she lost A LOT OF WEIGHT and looks/feels & is doing fantastic; only complication was that she came out with a severe shellfish allergy. She has maintained her weight loss. Younger Aunt had the surgery not too long ago, and honestly doesnt look like she's lost more than 15lbs. She still eats like a big girl and has not controlled or followed the dietary advice they have given. I pray nothing bad happens to her but HELLO she's the prime example of a woman relying on this surgery to "fix it all."
I also had a friend that got the LapBand and 5 years down the line her body started rejecting the materials used inside her body. AHH! She had to have it removed, and luckily is doing well and maintaining her weight loss! =)
In my opinion, having wanted the Gastric Bypass and/or LapBand so bad and doing so much research, I think you need to be MENTALLY prepared. I am a FIRM believer in eating being a mental thing. You need to TEACH, CONVINCE and TELL yourself when to eat, when to stop and how limit yourself. You seem like your at the point of "ready" but please do ALL the research you can before jumping into this! Also if you are borderline (as I was at the time) you can wear ankle weights, to help your weight go up since most programs make you lose 10-20% of your body weight before allowing the surgery to take place.
Best of Luck!!! xo **And I dont mean to scare you or push you away from this choice, I just had examples I wanted to share with you! Seeing these examples first hand made me give "DIY Dieting" one more shot and I really have done great just following a Hi-Protein, Low-Carb diet; and I also have PCOS; as a PP mentioned to have your Dr. check for!
@CupCakeMeg: Thank you for your stories! and the ankle bands are a great idea concidering I really dont want to TRY to gain another 5 pounds. Im glad to hear your doing well with your weight loss! How long and how much have you lost if you dont mind me asking?
I have lost about 30lbs since Feb. 2011 with the help of portion control! I always drink a bottle of water (or as much as I can) before any meal; and did I mention I HATE water lol. I always eat 1 salad a day, limit my red meats and thanks to our Watson (our 3yr old Schnoodle we adopted in March 2011) he's kept me very active and motivated! I havent tried my gown on again since late Feb, but I swear that dress has been my motivation as well as our Infertility struggles due to my PCOS! Another tip: I eat off smaller plates, like the side or salad plate that comes in your china, or if its a normal plate, I mentally divide it in half. Remember to reward yourself for your staying committed to your diet/plan; have "fun size" or mini versions of your favorite chocolate/snack/candy and allow yourself to have 1 or 2! I honestly started "tasting" things differently, getting full faster, being content, saving money. Your going to find things in your life changing as a whole, not just your weight. And honestly the ultimate reward for this dieting is how I feel better about myself and I'm more confident! QUICK SIDE STORY: We just went to Dland this past Saturday and I for the first time in YEARSSSSS had NO issue getting on ANY ride! It was the best feeling EVER!
Dont lose sight of your goal my dear! Stay Strong!! xo PM me if you ever need encouragement!
@Jenbee, I can definitely understand how you feel about the weight loss. I too have been battling with weight all of my life. I am probably heavier than you and I have decided to get back on the grind for my wedding. If anything, try start with a water aerobics class, its low impact and not bad on the joints but it does wonders. I am doing it 4 times a week and the days that the gym isnt open I get on my wii and either dance or use the sports. I am exhausted when I get home and crawl up to the beg but I definitely feel the difference.
I had the lapband...and it was the best thing I've ever done! I've never been happier in my life! I'd love to chat with fellow bees who have done it or are thinking about it!
@clover32512 sorry to hear you had so many issues with your band! I had Lapband done in May 2010 and haven't had any issues. I love it!!
@Jenbee: I know it can be incredibly hard and frustrating, sometimes it can be a total hormonal thing? Have you looked into getting your thyroid checked out? x
@Belle Italia:I have had everything checked out. one doctor talked about putting me on something to balance hormons anyways but that never happened. I dont sleep well and I am stressed so I know those things can make it harder but I am stressed because I always feel fat and uncomforatable... its never ending.
@amber.woulfe: how fast did you loose weight with the lap band? is the follow up hard to handle? how much did you loose?
@Jenbee: well as my mommy always says; "you're beautiful just the way you are!" Embrace it sweetie xxx
I had WLS on 3/10/10, I was banded with the Realize band. I can tell you from my experience - I was right at the weight limit as well. I am 5'2" tall and weighed 228 lbs when I weighed in for surgery pre-op. I have since lost appx 50 lbs, give or take a lb given the time of day I weigh in. There are many pros and cons to this - and any other surgery for that matter - but in the end - only you can make the decision.
For those that say over eating is the problem - that may be the truth for some or even a lot of people, but so is bad eating habits. For me - it was emotional eating combined with bad eating habits and horrible portion control. It's not always the best combination for WLS candidates to be in. This process is a tri-fold process.
Emotional - You need emotional support. Overeaters Anonymous is good - even if you don't overeat, you may eat for emotional reasons. Surround yourself with love and support. Regardless if it's a diet or wls, you're going to need help. Not the "You cant eat that" type of help, but the kind that will change their eating habits for the better instead of shoveling McD's in your face or those that tell you that you can't change.
Exercise - You have to move. You may lose weight here and there but in order to lose it and keep it off - movement is your friend.
Eating habits - Change what you eat, how much you eat and why you eat. If you are banded or have other WLS, you are constricted to the portions and types of foods that you can eat. I personally cant eat breads, which pisses me off daily, but its for my own good. I can easily get a Caramel Moolatte from DQ down, but I make the choice not to so that I don't end up gaining weight back. If I want something sweet - it's better for me to grab a high protein snack instead.
All in all - you have to be the one to make the decision, and you will be the one that lives with it over and beyond anyone else. PM me if you need to talk or have any questions that I might be able to answer or help you find answers about.
* BTW - have you had your thyroid, hormone and fasting blood sugar levels tested? Sometimes our weight loss isnt in necessarily the portions of what we eat but specifically how our bodies process what we shove in it. I'd make sure I had a complete physical before I made any decisions on surgery.
I have PCOS, which is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and I'm insulin resistant. My testosterone levels are higher than women my age, and sugar levels stay pretty much unaffected by food. My body is shaped like an upside down triangle/ apple, meaning I carry the bulk of my weight between my shoulders and hips. I take Metformin daily, even after having surgery, and it helps my insulin resistance, which otherwise, no matter the portion, I'd have issues with. Foods with high glycemic indices wreak havoc on my body, and have to be controlled.
I didnt mention that in the above post, but wanted to make sure I pointed it out as it has been a huge part of my weight loss struggle. A lot of people have this and it's overlooked often by people just assuming they cant lose weight because they eat too much so after months and years of the struggle they are stuck.
I hope this is of some help - and again - if you want to talk more - PM me. =)
Thank you girls, I feel like im on information over load and I really would like to NOT go witht he WLS. Im going to see my doctor one more time and see if there is anything else he can do.
Jenbee - I wouldnt rule it out for NEVER having it, but I think you're doing the right thing by looking at all of your options. WLS is a huge LIFESTYLE change, not just eating habits change. IF you decide to look into WLS again - Id check all of the options out there, banding, bypass, and sleeve. If one thing works for one person, it may not work for you or vice versa.. Hang in there!!
Just wanted to say that I have PCOS as well, and I take Metformin to help but I haven't noticed that it has done anything. I too am considering the lap band.
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| Lyndzo | 46 |
| funkymunky85 | 26 |
| AshleyR83 | 24 |
| rebwana | 24 |
| mypinkshoes | 23 |
| his chippymunk | 23 |
| Ms. Salamander | 23 |
| Brielle | 22 |
| beargoose | 22 |
| kat2014 | 22 |
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| FutureMrsSpencer | 5 |
 dkeller30 |
2 |
| Snow00774 | 2 |
| smiles4jo | 2 |
| Lyndzo | 2 |
| rubybride718 | 2 |
| mrsmegb | 2 |
| Miss Root | 1 |
| allihappy | 1 |
| red_pepper_gal | 1 |
