New Weight Loss Surgery

LasVegasRN · Jul 14, 2002

My gosh, you guys brought tears to my eyes. :kiss It's all in the self-perception, isn't it? Believe it or not, I was up to 300 lbs when Emma was born 6 years ago. I lost 55 lbs and 3 sizes since that time. I just can't seem to go further. I want to lose another 70 lbs and I would be at, what I feel, would be my optimal weight. The Lap-Band seemed to be reasonable and much less risky than having my "plumbing" changed permanently. Plus, it is covered under my insurance. Also, being that we are self-insured and I work in utilization management, I know what I have to have done and what needs to be on the physicians report in order for the surgery to be approved for medical necessity.

But, like you said, Dr. Fisher may tell me I don't qualify. :sniff:

Wow, you guys are so supportive and wonderful. I'm glad I posted something this personal to get input.

zumalong · Jul 14, 2002

LasVegasRN--I agree with above posters--you are beautiful. I have worked with patients who were morbidly obese and had some of these procedures (but not this new one)--I had a student last year who had the gastric stapling done--she lost 80 pds in 6 months and could not stop losing. She developed heart disease, hypotension, hypoglycemia among other difficulties.

The fact that it is laproscopic makes it sound wonderful--but the main side effects are due to lack of food. The other problem that could occur is adhesions or even perforation of gastric body. These are scary in itself. The fact that not many physicians in this country have not done procedure would turn me off immediately. I want a surgeon who has done a procedure so many times he can sleep during it (hubby just had a hernia repair--I chose the best of the best at our hosp. to do it).

I would do more research about this--and look into complications that can occur. Take care. Cheryl:kiss

joannep · Jul 14, 2002

Hi, we've been doing these lap bandings in Australia for years. I am an OR nurse and have seen quite a few. I think they are safer, and above all the band can be removed if you change your mind, it's not quite so permanent as other surgery.

Joanne

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2002

I have a coworker who had stapling done too....many undesireable SE, the worst of which was explosive loose stools, causing incontinence at times! She has lost alot of weight, but I really don't think she'd do it again if she could start over.

jayna, RN · Jul 15, 2002

The last time I heard one of my colleague mentioned was one of the patients died from this weight loss surgery. Probably trying to scare the hell out me for suggesting this for weight loss.

:)

OzNurse69 · Jul 15, 2002

I can't believe the US is just now getting into Lap Banding - we have been doing them in QLD for at least 4 years now - one of the surgeons I work with practically does them in his sleep. Actually, I think he has spent some time in the US lecturing Drs over there about the procedure. Anyway, from my experience:

PROS: Laparoscopic surgery, quicker recovery, reversible, can have dramatic results.

CONS: Fluids only for 2 weeks, mushy diet for 2 months; limited amounts of food forever; as weight loss occurs band can slip and cause severe, life threatening vomiting leading to gastric rupture; have to be very strict about taking vitamin & mineral supplements forever as deficiences can cause permanent brain and tissue damage (which I have personally seen); if band has to be removed, weight is regained in 98% of cases; CAN'T EAT CHOCOLATE!!! (can't remember why, but this is what surgeon told us, and it stuck!); can't eat nuts, etc as they get stuck in the reduced opening. Other side effects too numerous to mention. Not trying to discourage you (well, actually I am!) but just do your research and be VERY, VERY CAREFUL.

LasVegasRN · Jul 15, 2002

Originally posted by OzNurse69
I can't believe the US is just now getting into Lap Banding - we have been doing them in QLD for at least 4 years now - one of the surgeons I work with practically does them in his sleep. Actually, I think he has spent some time in the US lecturing Drs over there about the procedure. Anyway, from my experience:
PROS: Laparoscopic surgery, quicker recovery, reversible, can have dramatic results.
CONS: Fluids only for 2 weeks, mushy diet for 2 months; limited amounts of food forever; as weight loss occurs band can slip and cause severe, life threatening vomiting leading to gastric rupture; have to be very strict about taking vitamin & mineral supplements forever as deficiences can cause permanent brain and tissue damage (which I have personally seen); if band has to be removed, weight is regained in 98% of cases; CAN'T EAT CHOCOLATE!!! (can't remember why, but this is what surgeon told us, and it stuck!); can't eat nuts, etc as they get stuck in the reduced opening. Other side effects too numerous to mention. Not trying to discourage you (well, actually I am!) but just do your research and be VERY, VERY CAREFUL.

Thank you. Um... the part about the chocolate and nuts... uh, maybe this wouldn't be a good idea. :chuckle

I was fine about eating small amounts for life, but no chocolate and nuts? Never, not at all? I don't want to look like Halle Berry THAT badly.. :lol2:

I love you all for being so kind and candid. The more I think about it, it's not worth risking my life for. I'm going to print this thread and read it every time I think I need to do something drastic and feel down about my big boobs and butt. Thanks, all. :kiss :)

nursejws · Jul 15, 2002

You know what...I just read a post on one of our local wls surgeons sites. There's this girl on there who had open rny, but the surgeon found cancer when he opened her up and aborted the rny. She has been following the post op diet since August 2001, and has lost 108lbs, 21lbs to go to reach her goal. Absolutely amazing!

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2002

I've read about the wls, too. But I'm a wuss. SOOO chicken. I saw about the post-op diet, and I thought, well, I'll just do that. Because obviously if they can do it, then you can survive on that amount of food.

But I was HUNGRY. I couldn't do it. I think weight watchers is the way for me to go. I just got an article about a friend of mine who has lost 100# on weight watchers. I've lost more weight that that on my own, but for some reason, well, I think for Lots of reasons, it's not working any more - I've gained almost 40# back in 2 years. Eeeeeeek :eek:

Love

Dennie

live4today, RN · Jul 15, 2002

Originally posted by LasVegasRN
............................I love you all for being so kind and candid. The more I think about it, it's not worth risking my life for. I'm going to print this thread and read it every time I think I need to do something drastic and feel down about my big boobs and butt. Thanks, all. :kiss :)

Now you're talking, LasVegasRN! That's my girl! :kiss Try Weight Watchers, and attend the meetings. Hire yourself a Personal Trainer with that money you'd spend on dangerous surgeries or drugs. Who knows.....you may luck out like Ricky Lake did, and marry your Personal Trainer! :chuckle :kiss

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 15, 2002

originally posted by lasvegasrn
i'm seriously considering having this done. seems to be much less risky than gastric bypass. hoping to get some input from my "family" here...

http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2002/apr-22-mon-2002/living/18541993.html

lasvagasrn, you look lovely as you are. i was glad to read you have changed your mind. as for that blind date, it is his lost, not yours! :)

kelligrl · Jul 15, 2002

Vegas, you look great!! No way could you be able to qualify!! And d**n woman--never feel bad about being stacked!! Seriously, before babies I was a size five. After babies, a size 13 and I swear I never got as much attention before!!:chuckle REAL men appreciate a REAL woman, bottom line. I read about the blind date guy, and I agree with Heather. Men that look for "trophy" women are feeling the need to compensate for something....:roll