Gastric bypass surgery

Nurses General Nursing

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I was just wondering if any of you have had or know of someone who has had a gastric bypass surgery. I am contemplating having this surgery, at the recommendation of my physician, and am trying to find out as much as possible before I say yes or no. The internet is full of information, but I was hoping to hear first hand from someone here if they have gone through the procedure.

Any information will be greatly appreciated. :)

My sister had it done over a year ago.......had always been a big girl (runs in the family)...but let herself get up over 450lbs. and she was only 32 yrs old.

she thought about the surgery for along time and the docter in our area that does it makes you go through a lot before he will do it.

It has been over a year and she has lost 220lbs!!!..no complications....she feels so much better.

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Specializes in SICU.

The only person I know that had it done was a nursing supervisor at a hospital my husband worked at. She was in ICU for about 3 months and died a horrific death.

PLEASE check it out and make sure it's worth the risks.

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Gastric bypass has the potential for huge complications in years to come. In many cases the duodenum expands to become a new stomach. Many many people experience complications so many years after surgery that they initially fail to make the connection. Gastric bypass should only be done as a last resort. It involves lifestyle changes every bit as radical as staying on a strict diet. It is certainly not the "easy fix" to obesity that many people think it is. I am disapointed that so many posts have been in favor of it.

If you are obese, there are obviously behaviors you are practicing that will not go away just because you have your anatomy altered. You need to look long and hard at this. Why can't you lose weight without surgery? The only way you can carry over 100 pounds of extra weight is by consuming too many calories and leading a sedentery lifetstyle. The majority of people who undergo this very radical surgery continue in the same unhealthy patterns, risking their very lives. Many gain back the weight within a year, and consume even more calories than they did before. Please seek other options first, and truly commit to a lifestyle change.

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Thank you to all who responded to my original post. It is great to hear the good and bad of this procedure. I am researching as much as I can, and will also go to support group meetings before I even schedule the surgery to meet with people who have gone through it. I will keep you all updated as soon as I make my decision, either way....

Victoria.... I have health issues that have prevented me from losing weight (horrible accident years ago with multiple fractures and now the after effects of pain, etc). I do not choose to be 100+ pounds over my ideal weight...and I did not do it intentionally. I consume far less food than most people I know who have normal metabolisms. My doctor has watched me yo-yo over the past 15 years and I now have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ...and he feels that if I don't get this weight off I will die before I reach 50. I have tried every traditional means of weight loss, but nothing has had a lasting effect for me. I don't think any morbidly obese person WANTS to be obese.....and I'm not looking for an easy fix...I am looking for another chance at life.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.
Originally posted by Marianne518

Thank you to all who responded to my original post. It is great to hear the good and bad of this procedure. I am researching as much as I can, and will also go to support group meetings before I even schedule the surgery to meet with people who have gone through it. I will keep you all updated as soon as I make my decision, either way....

Victoria.... I have health issues that have prevented me from losing weight (horrible accident years ago with multiple fractures and now the after effects of pain, etc). I do not choose to be 100+ pounds over my ideal weight...and I did not do it intentionally. I consume far less food than most people I know who have normal metabolisms. My doctor has watched me yo-yo over the past 15 years and I now have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ...and he feels that if I don't get this weight off I will die before I reach 50. I have tried every traditional means of weight loss, but nothing has had a lasting effect for me. I don't think any morbidly obese person WANTS to be obese.....and I'm not looking for an easy fix...I am looking for another chance at life.

Sounds like you are putting alot of thought and research into this, keep up with the research and the support groups. Be absolutely sure of what you are embarking on and all the pros and cons. Good luck in what you decide, and feel free to turn to us for support! :)

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I have looked at gastric bypass surgery and know a few people who have had it. One woman lost over 200 lbs. after her surgery but is slowly gaining alot of weight back.

Just last week I saw a nurse that I used to work with. She came in to "show off" her new figure after gastric surgery. I have to say she looked terrible. Has lost over 150lbs but has alot of hanging skin (expected) and now has to wear a wig due to hair loss. She said the Doc said she will probebly never be able to grow her hair back. After I thought about it- the other lady I know that had the surgery is also VERY thin on top.

Another fellow nurse had it done many years ago and has to give herself an enema every night and has such horrific gas that she will not spend the night at a hotel with anyone else when going to seminars, etc. She is also gaining back alot of weight.

My sister is thinking of having the surgery and I hope she doesn't do it. I will be supportive for her whatever her decision is...but I think the negative outcomes outweigh the positive. It is really all about changing your lifestyle and eating habits....trust me....been there!

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I work a med-surg floor where we care for patients who have had either open or lap gastric bypass. I've seen some great outcomes... and some horrible ones as well, I won't go into details, unless you choose to PM me. Suffice to say, the best outcomes start with psychological counseling to prepare the patient well in advance of the surgery (and I'm talking at least months in advance). The initial restrictions on diet (30 cc at a time) and the imperative need to ambulate, use your incentive spirometer, etc, are paramount to aiding in not only a succesful recovery, but also to continue healthy behaviors long after one is discharged.

Good luck to you... my prayers go out to you at this time of great decisions.

Lori:)

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Years ago while doing EMT training we had to transport a patient who just had a gastric bypass done. We had to take her to UCLA. All I knew was that her surgery didn't go well (I try to avoid going under the knife at all costs) and they had to do a tracheosotomy on her. I was the lucky one to do the suctioning and she was my first real patient contact (I was young). I know she ended up in ICU. What the exact complications were I don't know. I noticed this person wasn't even that large. I'm thinking it was only done for cosmetic purposes....but I can't say for sure.

I agree it should only be done as a life saving procedure.

A famous gastric bypass. So far this person is very happy and looks darn good.

http://www.spotlighthealth.com/morbid_obesity/mo/mo.htm

this is kinda cool too. :)

http://adoctorinyourhouse.com/

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