What If I Had Gastic Bypass?

dreamon · Nov 16, 2003

"The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a short, simple, successful and inexpensive laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery. The operation usually takes only 30 min. and hospitalization is less than 24 hours. The Mini Gastric Bypass is low risk has good durable long term weight loss, has minimal pain and can be easily reversed or revised. People from all across America are coming to North Carolina for the MGB."

That is the one I want-just for a few weeks to get me down to about 135 pounds I guess. I am young and healthy-I doubt my recovery time will be long at all.

I would also like to know about this. I tried to get some information from my doctor- but he said no one will do this procedure on someone who is only 160 pounds. I know there are 2 different kinds of bypass surgery right?

nialloh, RN · Nov 16, 2003

All I have heard about gastric Bypass is all bad. We had one on our unit post bypass 2-3 months go to the ICU with complacations, and have heard of many more with problems.

Don't do it for cosmetic reasons, It is not worth all the hell you will put yourself through.

LilRedRN1973 · Nov 16, 2003

I do not mean this to be rude or offensive, but I can not believe that someone who only weighs 160 lbs is even THINKING about having any kind of weight loss surgery! I am 152 at 5'1" and know that if I were to just watch what I eat and go the gym on a regular basis, I would drop 25 lbs like that. I would never think of having surgery to control something that I should be able to do without going under the knife. May I ask why you are even thinking of doing this???

debralynn · Nov 16, 2003

Am I wanting to do this for cosmetic reasons? Sure! I mean, I am over 100 lbs overweight. I have high blood pressure; acid reflux, depression, and we all know this weight isn't good for my heart. I am newly divorced( a little over 2 yrs now), and lets be honest. My playing field is greatly limited looking like this. Plus there are several things I would like to do that I know my weight will keep me from it! Not only will it help me feel better about my self, I will hopefully be a little healthier too.

I know there are risks, but do you think my weight is a risk too? And is my unhealthy lifestyle now a bigger risk than gastric bypass?

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Nov 16, 2003

Originally posted by debralynn
Am I wanting to do this for cosmetic reasons? Sure! I mean, I am over 100 lbs overweight. I have high blood pressure; acid reflux, depression, and we all know this weight isn't good for my heart. I am newly divorced( a little over 2 yrs now), and lets be honest. My playing field is greatly limited looking like this. Plus there are several things I would like to do that I know my weight will keep me from it! Not only will it help me feel better about my self, I will hopefully be a little healthier too.
I know there are risks, but do you think my weight is a risk too? And is my unhealthy lifestyle now a bigger risk than gastric bypass?

If you are seriously thinking about having gastric bypass surgery, first of all, your referring dr. is going to have to document well that you have failed at structured attempts to lose weight (i.e.: physician-supervised diets, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, etc). Secondly, you will have to have a complete physical, documenting that you are morbidly obese, with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of greater than 40, and the comorbidities you state are secondary to your obesity. He/She also has to document that you have a normally functioning thyroid and that you will be able to survive the surgery. Thirdly, you are going to have to be evaluated by a psychologist/psychiatrist, who will make sure that you are going to be able to withstand mentally the lifestyle changes that come with this surgery.

And, lastly, be sure that the surgeon you are referred to is a Board-Certified Bariatric Surgeon. Good luck!

:)

nursefiggy · Nov 16, 2003

I considered the surgery as well. My insurance wouldn't pay. Now I am happy I didn't have it! I am having great success on Atkins. My husband,father, mother, and two sisters have all had the surgery.

My husband is still 20lbs overweight and food gets hung in his esophogus all the time. It is very painful when this happens. He also has a terrible problem with gas. It can be quite embarrassing. His BMs are different also. He is so embarrasses if he has to use the bathroom out because of the overpowering foul smell that will permeate the building. Alos, he has to take B12 shots as well as a multivitamin and Calcium with vitamin D. He has other problems such as these strage "attacks" that we can't find the reason for. He will become very shaky, sweaty and his heart will race and he will become very weak. It is not hypoglycemia or a heart problem.

So you should definately do your research and talk to some people that have had this surgery for at least 2 yrs. There are permanent changes that you have to be prepared to deal with. All in all, my husband said he would do it again in a minute. My two sisters are still 100lbs overweight.

nursefiggy · Nov 16, 2003

try obesityhelp.com for tons of info and a message board

sjoe · Nov 16, 2003

"So you should definately do your research and talk to some people that have had this surgery for at least 2 yrs. There are permanent changes that you have to be prepared to deal with."

These permanent changes include a VERY SUBSTANTIAL change in the way and the quantity that you eat--which if you would do before the surgery, would usually eliminate the need for the surgery in the first place. Not to mention having to deal permanently with diarrhea, etc. Those people who do not make these substantial changes in their diets manage to regain any weight lost AND have significant and daily discomfort and pain.

Do a LOT of research first (any responsible MD will require you to do it anyway).

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Nov 16, 2003

At the hospital where I work we have 2 surgeons that perform these surgeries...and they have a mandated psych evaluation before and you have to attend so many support group sessions before they will even consider it. You also meet with a nutritionist for so many sessions to go over the diet for after. The one thing that you have to do with these docs is drink ensure for 6 weeks after so that the surgical line isn't disrupted at all. But in the end, it is only a decision you can make.

I work with 3 people that have had it...2 have had wonderful results and the third has been sick ever since.

And to the gal that is 160...no surgeon is going to touch you and if one agreed, well I would be really leery of him!

Figgynurse..is your DH dumping? That is what happens to the one girl I work with and she has the exact same symptoms.

nurse2btracy · Nov 16, 2003

Debralynn

I had gastric bypass in January 2002. I did have a couple of minor complications mainly due to my not drinking enough. I would definitely have the surgery again. I have lost about 100 lbs so far with another 30-40 to go. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Tracy

Katnip, RN · Nov 16, 2003

We have two bypass surgeons at our hospital. They, too require a psych eval. There are also weight and height criteria, as well ask health risk criteria that need to be met before having the surgery. Losing 30 punds does not fit that criteria. No responsible surgeon would perform such a high-risk procedure for that.

We have several patients each week in our IMCU after bypass, mainly because the people tend to have sleep apnea. Several of our nurses have had the surgery as well, none regret it. However, everyone recovered differently, and dumping is a common problem.

As SJoe said, You must be diligent for the rest of your life about sticking to lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise will alway be key to any method of weight loss, whether it's Atkins or surgery.