Gastric Bypass.... yes or no???

LoriAlabamaRN · Oct 24, 2005

Well, I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly in my career... I do know a coupla nurses who had it done, lost weight down to healthy sizes, and loved it. I've also worked with a nurse who had it done, lost a lot of weight in her torso but still has a gigantic butt and legs (hard to describe, you'd have to see her.) I also worked with a nurse who was a size 26 before she had the surgery... she couldn't stop losing weight and had to go on disability as a size 2 (at 5'11) and has to have vitamin shots every week, they tried to reverse the surgery but it didn't work. I even took care of a 32-yr old who had a massive abdominal infection that had put her in a coma for 4 months and resulted in a permanent colostomy.

Personally, I am overweight, and although the thought of instant gratification is tempting, I would not be able to take the risk. I've lost 32 pounds in the last two months simply by cutting back on sugar, white flour, and fats but not really depriving myself. I'd rather do it that way.

Be healthy!

Lori

papawjohn · Oct 24, 2005

Hey Alichael

I don't wanna put myself too far forward into a personal decision. But I've taken care of several 'rou-n-Y' and 'gastric bypass' patients having had this type of surgery for weight loss. From my point of view it's a terrible bargain to go through what these poor souls go through, and risk what they risk, for the purpose of lossing weight. It's a high risk operation for those who are seriously obese and the recovery is very difficult. There are too many simpler ways to be less obese.

That's what I'd advise anyone in my family.

Papaw John

alichael · Oct 24, 2005

Thanks for the advice to you both. I have tried hard and often to loose weight. I have tried everything from jenny craig, weight watches to the fruit diet, Atkins diet, nothing works. I have polycystic ovaries also which makes it a little harder. My main reason to loose weight is not for the look, but for health, and to see my children grow! At this rate, I will be dead before they are in there 20's!

Thanks

papawjohn · Oct 24, 2005

Hey Alichael

Of course I/we never thought you would do something so dramatic for simple vanity. You have a very serious health problem or you wouldn't be thinking of such a surgery. My advise is the same--the difficulty and the risks make this a bad bargain.

Best of luck to ya

Papaw John

LoriAlabamaRN · Oct 24, 2005

I totally agree with Papawjohn, it can cause a LOT more serious complications. Not to mention the dumping syndrome, cramping, etc that will be a factor the rest of your life.

I have heard a lot of people say that dieting just does not work for them, or that its not what they eat, its their metabolism, etc... but with a gastric bypass essentially the change will be in how much you eat! And you can reduce your intake/improve your eating habits on your own. Personally, I was on steroids for over a year due to fracturing my back and I gained well over a hundred pounds. But even though the steroids make it more difficult to lose the weight, it is still beginning to come off simply by being more active and watching what I eat. Simple things like snacking on celery dipped in salsa, not eating carbs with proteins, walking extra laps through my facility. Don't give up and permanently change your digestive system. If you don't mind me asking, how overweight are we talking about? And what health problems are you having as a result? I don't mean for you to give your actual weight, just an idea of how much you want/need to lose.

Lori

sasha1224 · Oct 24, 2005

I had the RNY gastric bypass done in 2000 and did well with no real complications. However, do not think that this will cure obesity permanently. I am one of those unlucky ones that started gaining weight back after several years. My doctor said he expected it. That it was not uncommon! You have to be very diligent for life. It is not a license to eat what you want. Now, according to the doctor and the dietician, in order for me to lose the added weight, I have to diet like everyone else, and the weight will not come off quickly like it did before, it will be slow like someone who has not had a bypass. You might want to visit the association for morbid obesity website where many have had the procedure and see how people have done. They talk about the procedure as well as the doctors, insurance problems, complications, etc. Good luck in your decision. :wink2:

Gompers, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2005

Thanks for the advice to you both. I have tried hard and often to loose weight. I have tried everything from jenny craig, weight watches to the fruit diet, Atkins diet, nothing works. I have polycystic ovaries also which makes it a little harder. My main reason to loose weight is not for the look, but for health, and to see my children grow! At this rate, I will be dead before they are in there 20's!
Thanks

Have you seen a reproductive endocrinologist about your PCOS? Even if you're done having children, they're the best ones to go to because they deal with PCOS on a daily basis and are the most up-to-date on the new treatments out there. Most PCOS patients are started on Glucophage (metformin) with is actually a diabetic drug. It helps regulate glucose metabolism and helps your body manage insulin properly. Many patients lose weight with this because it helps regulate their metabolism.

From what I understand, the reason it is so hard for us PCOS girls to lose weight is because our bodies produce too much insulin - so we crave sugar to help balance that, and if we don't eat that sugar, our bodies just go right ahead make sugar anyway, so that we don't go hypoglycemic. Either way, we're absorbing a whole lot more sugar than most people, and extra sugar means extra calories.

Anyways, if you haven't seen an endocrinologist, try that first before moving onto surgical methods. Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2005

The latest studies out this past week show that 40% of gastric bypass patients are readmitted into the hospital within 2 years for complications. That isn't good odds. I would seriously weight the risks and benefits, and make sure you go to a reputable doctor who has done the procedure many times with success.

I had a good friend that had it done, and was readmitted a couple of months later with a large plural effusion, needed a chest tube. But has been doing well since then with greater than 100 lb. weight loss. He has no regrets.

I recently took care of a patient who was readmitted with dehydration and urosepsis.

Good luck. I know it's not a decision you come to lightly, and it sounds like you've been on a roller coaster ride.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 24, 2005

So much depends on your surgeon. Ensure that you research this A LOT! I am currently doing clinical time with a surgical practice and they do a lot of gastric bypasses. There are two types - diversionary which is the Roux-en-Y and restrictive which is the lap-band. Both have plusses and minuses and it is not something to rush into. Good luck with whatever you choose.

alichael · Oct 25, 2005

Hi, thanks for all the comments. Gompers, I am already on Metformin, and it's not helping so far! I excercise regularly but find it more difficult due to all the weight i carry. I also work 4 days a week on a very busy orthopaedic ward! So its not like I sit in an office! I also have looked at our Doctors in New Zealand and have done a lot of looking into it here, and He seems to be the best (and of course the furtherest away!!) .

For those who wanted to know the amount of weight I have got to loose it is about 60 - 70 kg (unsure in pounds, sorry).

Cheers all

:roll

RENAISSANCE RN · Oct 25, 2005

I had this done.. PM me if you want....