Beware Gastric Bypass with stapeling!

Tesslynn · Nov 17, 2003

Cannoli, stupid and idoit I was referring to your statements, blaming nursing for my weight problem yes your point. I get the impression you are the type of person that has to always be right. I did not get into another thread on the same subject because you were in it. I would think that all the messages people have written to you would give you some insight that you are the only one that believes in your narrow stand. I am in threads for information and to help others with my experience, you talk from neither. Shame on you. Anyone interested in information about surgery feel free to write and I will answer anything I can but, I refuse to bat words back and forth with someone that refuses to acknowledge any other opinions that helps knowone

cannoli · Nov 17, 2003

If you go back to that other thread, I posted once, very briefly.

If you read it clearly you can see that others advocate diet and exercise as well, I was not the only one, and I am not the only one that believes that, as you say.

Also, most if not all, of the posts in that thread were against gastric bypass surgery.

Crawsu · Nov 17, 2003

Ah yes,,,

Simply a question of calories in and out, the body is an accurate checkbook, more in...you have a surplus...less out... added pounds. Sounds so simple, so elementary...

However, for those of us who have struggled with our weight, it never seems quite that simple. We struggle. we diet. we lose and gain, our self eteem somehow tied to our weight and atrractiveness. Alot of this is societal expectations of beauty etc... there are actually fit,fat people. Bariatric surgery is a LAST resort. I'm afraid that hospitals are now promoting it as the newest moneymaker. So many repurcussions, and do they really address the problem?

We are nurses... don't we all know and aknowledge that every illness has multiple causes and solutions? Esspecially something as complex as obesity. Anyone read about the studies on gastric hormones that actually stimulate the appetite after weight loss?

Plus the fact that healthy food costs more per pound than fatty unhealthy easier alternatives? Do you ever see any tv commercials promoting healthy, fresh foods? Gee...guess fake fatty food is more profitable.

Obesity is epidemic in the US, you can't subject people to 24 hr fatty food ads and expect them to make good choices.

Plus the little modern conveniences we have added to our lives subtract calories. Example: /we didn't used to have automatic channel changers, garage door openers, etc..not a lot of calories expended, but it doesn't take a lot to add pounds over ayears time. ! oreo cookie a day adds 1 lb. per year.

I know people that have had this surgery with great success. however, it seems so extreme. I feel it should be used in only the most desperate cases.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Nov 17, 2003

Very well put crawsu.

And Cannoli,

I agree that as a general rule of thumb that is the basic way to lose weight. I know, I'm an old hand at it. Did Weight Watchers for so many years I literally know their points program, their skinny soup, etc, and by the way, I'm still eating it because it is YUMMY. And if only I had one nickel for every mile I have walked. I would at least be able to purchase a fully equipped luxury automobile.

However, I now weigh the most I have ever weighed in my life unfortunately. Since 2001, I have gone from 153 to around 300 lbs, because I'm unable to walk anymore, medication side effects have created cravings in me that I never had before, etc. So, since I am unable to walk anymore, and am still eating a healthy diet, that includes fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains with the occasional treat Much of which my caregiver buys for me, what do you suggest I do?

knapejc · Nov 19, 2003

As a nurse who has struggled with overweight since childhood, I know the heartache that drives people to want this surgery. Weight is the last of the legal prejudices. I know that there is no one out there overweight who is not also desperate to be thinner. Knowledge of the risks is important, but doesn't solve the problem. No thin person will ever truly understand what morbid obesity means in terms of helplessness and hopelessness, no matter how well it is covered up. Still, I can tell you that with the proper treatment for the disease (NOT a quick surgery fix!), there is hope. This includes careful support for the nutritional, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of the disease. Such treatment is hard to find, but does exist. A good place to start is with a group like Overeaters Anonymous (not a commercial support group) and a good session with a knowledgeable dietician. It also includes support from a trainer or other exercise professional who understands the pain and limitations of exercise for the obese. The disease is still poorly understood. Current research says the stomach stapling may only work by stimulating particular GI hormones . . . a device similar to a heart pacer is being tried some places. When we learn more, we can help more. A low-carb, low-fat diet and a ton of support helped me improve heart and lung function, physical mobility, and my diabetic glucose control, as well as take off a serious number of pounds. As healthcare professionals we understand the risks, but often do not provide the support. Obesity may be the biggest threat to health in coming generations. It's time we educate ourselves and prepare to really help.

mimslaru · Nov 19, 2003

There are carbohydrate controlled nutrition plans that are safe for Diabetics. Perhaps a consult with a savy nutritionist would help. The least invasive first should be an option.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Nov 19, 2003

You, my friend, sound like a well-educated lady. Thank you for your post. And as far as Overeaters Anonymous goes though. Years ago I went to one of those meetings, and the leader of the group was very heavy, and in self-denial. How sad.

She told us that she had been to a department store earlier in the wee, and tried a size 16 dress, and it fit her beautifully. The poor woman at the time looked like she was in a size 2X at least.

And I can speak from that experience, that one can easily get discouraged from attending any other meetings. We at the time were only looking for weight control, and didn't really have that many pounds to lose. People do not realize how much of an impact they can have on others, whether good or bad.

I think the reason I do not have hyperglycemia, is due to the miles I have walked in the past. I so miss that. I do try here at home though. I have gone from not being able to even stand without getting breathless, to being able to walk to the bathroom and back. And that's with a severe case of footdrop of my right foot, which at times becomes so painful, I can't step on it. Its cause was from when I had the steroid induced myopathy.

Of course, that's on the days when my COPD isn't in exacerbation, which does often happen. Then I wind up getting so winded I have to increase my oxygen, and lay down with my head elevated.

knapejc · Nov 19, 2003

My own experience with OA has been interesting. You are right in saying that many folks can be found there who are in self-denial, or depressed, or in many ways still suffering from the variety of symptoms of this disease. It took me almost TWO YEARS in OA to learn that it's about more than just weight control and to be willing to work the program in all of its aspects. Meanwhile, I learned a great deal about dealing with folks that are suffering, and how my own attitude could affect others in ways both good and bad. Once I began working the program in earnest, very good things began to happen for me. With the help of others I was able to stick to a real food plan, to improve relationships with others in my life, to discover a peace of mind that had disappeared as pounds kept piling on. I will say that some individual meetings are better than others . . . I have found stagnant groups as well as dynamic ones, and that can be a real downer. My home group always ends their meetings with a line that says "Take what you like and leave the rest." That was an important lesson for me to learn. And it has made me more willing to judge myself less harshly, while accepting others at whatever stage they currently are. And in addition to all the good things that have happened in my own life, it has made me a better nurse. It's not a prescription for everybody, but it sure helped me and I had several HUNDRED pounds to lose!

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Nov 19, 2003

Wonderful message knapejc. I'm very happy for you. As far as having a low opinion of myself, I used to have, but after going through some very needed counseling, where incidentally I found my soulmate in my therapist, even though I no longer see her, and with my one-on-one connection with God when I had my out-of-body experience, I can honestly say I no longer have fear or anxiety, nor am I unhappy or lonely. All those negative things have been replaced with love, joy, awesome peace of mind, and yes, happiness, even though I live alone. I have truly been transformed, and no longer look to the physical but instead to the spiritual.

In fact, I have even written a book, and now have an online ministry. I do not, nor do I tolerate feeling sorry for oneself. Those things are why people fail. They give up, and give in. And there is no need for that at all. Instead I now walk the talk.

tennurse267 · Nov 19, 2003

I haven't read all the way through all the posts yet but was infuriated to see so many negative replies such as "why doens't he just exercise" to "I think it's the easy way out". How many of you who write this stuff are morbidly over weight? Does the word "morbid" have any meaning to anyone? I am a nurse...315 lbs with several co-morbidities. Exercise is almost intolerable to me. Walking for more than a few minutes leaves me out of breath and not able to respond well to any emergency situations. I don't fly because the seats pinch my legs and make it very uncomfortable. I don't like to go out in public because I have negative self image problems brought on by crap like "if you'd just back up from the table" remarks. I have exercised, been on Fen-Phen, WeightWatchers, Jenny Craig...everything, and nothing works for a long period of time. Gastric By-pass has shown to be the most effective method for long term sustained weight loss in morbidly obese people. LONG TERM, SUSTAINED!!! Conventional weight loss methods work when you only have a small portion to lose but when you need to drop over 150 lbs, well, just think about your struggles with 15 lbs. Any whom ever has the notion that surgery and all the changes that comes with it is the "easy way out" has a screw loose. This is a last resort for most people who know, without help, they will be dead or dependant on family to care for them soon. My first appt with my surgeon is Dec 9th. Are there dangers involved with the operation? Sure. But they are minimal compared to the life I'm faced with and a premature death. Sorry to rant but this really chaps my butt when I hear people say that. Society has compassion for the smokers and alcoholics, drug addicts and sex addicts...but fat people are in open season for ridicule and judgement. And thats just my 2 cents worth.

JockRN · Nov 19, 2003

Originally posted by Todd SPN
I know this is considered a high risk surgery. I have never had any exposure to people who have had it performed. I don't want to change the direction of this thread, but would like input from those of you with some knowledge. I have a 50 y/o male relative, type I diabetic, who is considering this surgery. He is a little over 100lbs overweight, watches his diet, physical activity is minimal. Does he sound like a good candidate and how much does the diabetes figure into the risk?

Scott,

I am an RN who works at a facility where we perform "gastric bypass surgery." We perform laparoscopic Roux-en-Y procedures. We have performed over 300 procedures in the past 2 years with a VERY low incidence of complications. Yes, it is a high risk surgery and the patients should be carefully screened and selected. We are blessed to have a very skilled surgeon and a highly motivated nursing staff. Unfortunately, not all "programs" are set up the way we are.

Jock

mother/babyRN, RN · Nov 20, 2003

I know this is both scary and concerning but people die with some surgeries occasionally...With EVERY surgery....All the time....If you add up all the gastric bypass surgeries and then add in the amount of unfortunate deaths, I don't think it is way out of the ballpark since the majority of people who opt for the surgery aren't always in the best of health...When they start reporting the amount of deaths associated with say, cardiac surgery, or any other kind, then I might be more leary....Investigation is certainly warranted but I don't think placing the entire genre of gastric surgery on the chopping block will do anyone any favors....There are risks to every surgery, aren't there?