Anyone consider or have had surgery?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2004
Anyone consider or have had surgery?
35
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 1:16pm
I know people have different views on weight loss surgery, but I was just wondering if anyone has done it or is considering it?
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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2004
Mon, 01-03-2005 - 11:55pm
COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I had it since Dec 2003, I just have to be careful on staying healthy. I am trying real hard to lose weight, Less Sugar and Starch, and more walking. Its hard but I am trying.
I love the pictures they are so cute.
I have 3 children, 18,17 and 15 2 girls and one boy.
I have a Daycare, but since my illness, I have been cutting back. I will like to get back to my normal routine and I know that losing weight will help.
Thats why I am here, for all the support and ideas.
Have a great night everyone and take care
Helen
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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2004
Tue, 01-04-2005 - 12:43pm
I have considered it, and I had it. On January 5th 2004, I had my Gastric by-pass. It has not been a year yet, but I am pleased. I have losed 105lbs and counting.As far as which surgery is the best, any time you go into surgery it is a risk, the band , the new pouch, all are risky. Your chances are better with the full gastric bypass, because you can still eat what you normally would eat but not as much, were as when you have the other, you would have to to start off with puree foods, onces at a time, and then build up to solid foods by the 6 month mark. Me myself, I had complications, had to go back into surgery 2 days later, but the doctor, could not find anything. I had spit up a large blood clot,blood pressure drop, and I was in ICU for 2 days, but what keep me was my relationship with my Savior. He was there each and every day. I have 40 lbs to go, and my doctor will do my breast reductions and lift and tummy tuck. For me it was worth it, I no longer have high blood sugars, I can breath, Iwork out every day. 3 day I do water arobics. But if you are thinking about having the surgery, keep this in mind,make sure it is soley your decision, And also realize that the surgery is just a tool to get you going on the right track. You will only loss so much, so you have to eat right and you have to work out. It is a must. And keep a diary, chart you results, how many calories you burn, and it keeps you going. Good luck .And for those who said God was not in the plan, if he wanted you to make you a new pouch, and all that. Well God works through his doctors, he guides their hands,coupled with your belief in Him, you can't go wrong.
Take care and may God bless you, and keep you while YOU make your decision.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
Wed, 01-05-2005 - 8:37pm

This is DEFINATELY something I am doing for myself. I have been overweight all my life, and when I hit 30, realized that no matter how healthy I may feel, it is not good for me. There is a long list of relatives on both sides of my family with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and stroke. I'm still in the research stage now, and am building up the courage to ask my doctor to make the referral for me.
While I am concerned about complications, My biggest worry, as vain as it may be, is the extra skin I will have after. One relative that had the surgery walked religiously for two hours every day after her surgery and hardly has any extra skin, only from her underarms. I'm a bit worried about how my boobs will look and feel. The same relative said that hers look and feel like half filled sand bags!


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-2003
Thu, 01-06-2005 - 9:42am

Oh yeah, I've thought of it.

But I still have hope. I occasionally have an epiphany: I realize that I MUST work out most days of the week and be vigilent about what I eat. This works fine until something screws up in my life (child doing poorly in school, issues in my marriage, other random issues)and I allow it to derail me.

But if at first you don't succeed.....

So I keep trying. I DO know that if I get to where I start having major health problems, that I will get the surgery.

Deb 270/228/145ish  (updated 4/19/04. Next weigh-in: 6/1/04)

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-01-2005
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 11:01am
Krissy, your note is so uplifting. I am seriously considering this surgery, too, after a life long struggle with my weight going up and down - mostly up. At this point there are several critical health issues, not the least of which is my knees are giving out. My brother had the surgery just over a year ago and has lost 150 pounds. He is doing great and never looks back. Honestly, beyond the risk of the surgery itself, one of my biggest concerns is that this is not a God honoring thing to do. It seems like I am saying His design is NOT for me - and I'm looking for something better. Then, I agree with what someone said about how He has gifted doctors with so many life changing procedures. I don't think twice about someone getting a cleft palate fixed - or anything else that is disfiguring - so why does this seem so different? Because our society tells us all the time, Oh, just DO IT! and we who have struggled long and hard with this know it is just not that simple. I would LOVE to hear from someone who has had the surgery and kept the weight off or from anyone who has lost 100 pounds or more and kept it off - the natural way.
Love to all of you,
Kendel
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2004
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 11:16am

I know several people who have had the sugery. Some are happy with the results and others have gained weight back.


The few people I know that have gained weight back never changed their mindset. They felt they will have it done, their bodies will do the work for them and they can go back to their old ways. A girl I know from get togethers here in the BBW community had it done, she weighed over 450#s. She lost 200#s and is once again 400#s she allowed herself to eat what she wanted and felt horrible while doing so.


For myself, I thought about it heavily before I started to loose weight this time. I said I am going to try this ONE more time and if I can't than I am going to have it done. Well that was in April and here I am today. I have a long ways to go, but I am glad I gave it one more shot. This way, I know what it really took to get myself to the point of ground zero and having to rebuild my thoughts about food and my body.


This is all mental for me. I had to make choices. Would I rather go out nd have a big mac and fries than a boca burger and carrots? Yes. Could I eat both in one sitting? Yes. Will I? No.


I had to change. For my health and most of all for my mental well being. It's not easy, it never is to admit you have an addiction or a problem regaining control.


I know I have to eat right, makde decent choices and that I will probably have to work out for the rest of my life to maintain my weight in a healthy range. Some days that seems like a total bummer to be quite honest. But others I strap on the gym shoes, turn on the tunes and job my butt off at the gym, knowing I may feel better for it.


Last night I went to the mall. I went into the Limited. A store I have never been able to shop in. I tried on a size 12 pair of pants. Zipped them up and sat down in them before I even looked in the mirror, I almost cried, they fit. I have not been in a size 12 since jr. high school. I called a few of my g/f's elated ! Now they are snug, and I might not normally wear something so form fitting, but its my b-day and a celebration of a new me, and one that is still going to change so I am going to workout this week like a crazy person and slide them on next Saturday night knowing I worked for them.


293.5/192/145

~~ JODI ~~


HOOK EM HORNS!


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 11:48am

God wants you to be healthy and happy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
Sat, 01-08-2005 - 4:05pm
It is very honorable that you are so concerned about God's opinion. Try to think of the surgery another way...like surgery to repair an injured knee, or to remove a malignant mole. I may not be absolutely necessary, but is intended to make our lives better. God has a part in those procedures too. God does not judge, and if He knows that this would make you happier and healthier, I'd be willing to bet that he would commend you at the pearly gates! Being healthier and happier not only helps you, but it helps you help others. Best wishes!
Avatar for tpixie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 10:00pm
I am a bit late on this discussion. I usually just lurk about anyway. However, I am having the lapband done in April. I am finishing my pre-op testing this week (gallbladder ultrasound) and I have my visit with the dietician this week also. I have already completed 90% of the tests required and met with the medical director, the screening nurse, and the psychologist- my first appointment was only Jan. 3, so I am moving right along. I am waiting until April because I teach and we have an April vacation. I looked into 4 different EXCELLENT programs and went to all of the information sessions I could in order to make my decision. It is important to look into the programs in your area and compare them. But essentially my choice was made by the surgeon. He was the one that really made it click in me and say "Yup, this is the guy I want poking around in me" *lol* I don't care how pretty the offices are or how nice the receptionists are (which fortunately come with my program too), its the guy doing the surgery that I care about. His credentials, his experience, his honesty, his willingness to talk to you, and that internal comfort level you have with him. The lap-band is SOOO much safer than bypass. It has it's own set of risks, but none of which even come close to bypass risks. Also, it is reversible and adjustable which also makes it more "liveable" than bypass in my opinion.
I looked into this for a long time before making the decision to do it. It is almost like the moment I decided to do it I got a better outlook on life. I am now optimistic and motivated like never before. The surgery is not a fix to the problem, but it the most powerful tool available to combat it. It's like any other tool, if you do what you're supposed to, it can produce results. If you abuse it, it won't.
Hope this helps.
Kris
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2004
Sun, 01-16-2005 - 11:47pm
The lapband is also what I am considering.
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