Gastric Bypass!!!!!

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · May 17, 2005

Theres a bunch of people on these boards who have had one...also many threads. You could try doing a search.

prmenrs, RN · May 17, 2005

I was very seriously considering this. My doc recommended a diet based on HMR [health management resources] shakes. I call it the diet from H---. But it's been very effective for me, I started it Mar 2nd, and, as of last week (10 weeks), I've lost 34#s (I need to lose ~ 150#). It is VERY strict: you must stay on their program, no cheating, 2000 cals of exercise/week, weekly class, mid-week reporting; if you're medically supervised, you see an MD 1x/wk and get labs drawn q 2wks.

It is expensive and not covered be insurance. I ought to do great on taxes next year.

My triglycerides went from 150 (on medication) to

Google "Health Management Resources" or pm me for the website of the place I go to.

I'm not trying to drum up business; this is by no means easy. But I think it is really better than being re-plumbed, w/potential short and long-term complications and possibly death.

RENAISSANCE RN · May 17, 2005

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Tweety, BSN, RN · May 17, 2005

As a last resort, after trying everything else, I've seen it effective on a few people. One coworker had it done last year and is doing fabulously. Another had it done five years ago, and now is slowly gaining the weight back, which is sad. A good friend had it done and he had a large pleural effusion requiring a chest tube post op, but has since lost a ton of weight and very happy. He's slowly putting on weight I've noticed. The key is a lifetime of healthy eating and therapy/support because some people who are compulsive issues have other issues besides obesity.

The risk of post-op complications is apparently very high, which is why I say trying everything else first.

LydiaNN · May 17, 2005

A co-worker of mine had it last year. So far, so good.

KrisRNwannabe · May 17, 2005

I am having the Lap-band procedure in August. try http://www.obesityhelp.com or http://www.delphiforums.com they both have forums where your friend can meet other people. obesity help.com also has reviews on many hospitals. it is a difficult decision to make and sometimes hard for other people to understand the decision. these websites have people that have gone through it

pebbles, BSN, RN · May 17, 2005

The risk of post-op complications is apparently very high, which is why I say trying everything else first.

Agreed. A co-worker of mine had it done, had multiple complications, and was in hospital for three months, off work for more than a year. She is now clinically underweight because of poor absorbtion, and gets IM iron dextran shots twice a week due to poor absorbtion also. She feels okay, but is now worried about her health for different reasons than before.

Check out and try all your other options before you get this surgery done!

Stitchie · May 17, 2005

I had one in march and I haven't had a problem. PM me if you want to know more.

Teri -- what was your experience like? I am 5'4", 195-ish and would like to lose about 50lbs. It's something I've considered for years (maybe the lap-band?) and my doc would rather see me do weight watcherss as he says 50lbs just isn't enough to justify the risk. I'm 40, very muscular, which is why he does not really care about my BMI. It's BP, AiC, etc, that concerns him.

Any input you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

prmenrs, RN · May 17, 2005

You have to have a certain BMI to qualify to get the proceedure. Try visiting the websites Kris mentioned. They might help.

susannyc · May 17, 2005

I had a DS in October 2001. Smartest thing I've ever done. Minimal problems, currently looking into reconstructive surgery to remove excess skin. PM me anytime for more info. And, as a previous poster stated, http://www.obesityhelp.com and http://www.duodenalswitch.com are excellent resources.

RENAISSANCE RN · May 18, 2005

Teri -- what was your experience like? I am 5'4", 195-ish and would like to lose about 50lbs. It's something I've considered for years (maybe the lap-band?) and my doc would rather see me do weight watcherss as he says 50lbs just isn't enough to justify the risk. I'm 40, very muscular, which is why he does not really care about my BMI. It's BP, AiC, etc, that concerns him.
Any input you have would be appreciated. Thanks.

I would listen to your MD. For me it was a last resort.... And it is so hard.... I do believe you need to qualify and not a lot of insurances will pay for lap band.. Unless you want it out of pocket... I would never encourage anyone or discourage anyone.... After all I have no idea of where you are coming from personally...