Hi all, I have a question, hope someone knows the answer - ThinnerTimes

pattyjo627 · 02-25-2005, 10:02 AM

I found this forum this morning while searching for some information about gastric by-pass surgery. I am quite impressed with all that I have read so far, and I know there is tremendous value in seeking support from others who KNOW what you are going through.

I have decided that this is the only answer for me, and am about to vigorously pursue it. Now, I am not totally ignorant of all that is involved, as my older son had the procedure done two years ago and has done amazingly well. I have fought this battle with weight my entire life, and never conquered it. I am 53 now. When I was 22, I had an intestinal by-pass operation, and actually did pretty well for a number of years. The only problem I had, which is I believe common to many who have had a large rapid weight loss, was gall bladder attacks. Six years after my surgery, I had to have that removed. Other than that, my blood work has always been fine.

But I never have been able to successfully conquer the emotional eating problems that created the problem in the first place.. I also discovered, to my great disappointment, that after a number of years, that my ability to gain weight as before has returned. I am now at about the same weight I was when I had my original surgery. I got to the point where I just gave up, inside myself. Then came my son's fabulous results with his surgery. Hope has revived, and I see a possible way out for me.

My question, which I hope someone knows the answer to, is pretty simple. Maybe one of the members of this group knows the answer. If not, I will find out I am certain, when I see my doctor next month. Will the fact that I have already had the intestinal by-pass surgery prevent a surgeon from performing a gastric by-pass on me? Has anyone here been in the same situation?

I have already been told by my rheumatologist that I would be a prime candidate for this procedure, and am certain my family doc will concur and refer me on to a surgeon. I was just wondering in advance if most surgeons might recommend a reversal of the intestinal by-pass before continuing on with this new surgery. That would complicate things a whole bunch for me.

Anyway, I am happy to have found you all, and look forward to a lot more information gathering here, as well as reading about the experiences you all have gone through.

pattyjo

Dara · 02-25-2005, 11:14 AM

Patty Jo:

Welcome! I wish I had an answer to your question about the intestinal bypass reversal, but I don't know.

I understand, however, that weight-loss surgeries have come a long way since they were first introduced to the public. Hopefully, your previous surgery will not prevent you from having GBS. Good luck with your quest. Please feel free to post here. Everyone is welcome.

watergirl · 02-26-2005, 10:19 AM

Welcome to the forum. I wish you much luck in your journey and hope you find the answers you are looking for.

cedesigns · 02-27-2005, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pattyjo627

But I never have been able to successfully conquer the emotional eating problems that created the problem in the first place.. I also discovered, to my great disappointment, that after a number of years, that my ability to gain weight as before has returned. I am now at about the same weight I was when I had my original surgery. I got to the point where I just gave up, inside myself. pattyjo

Welcome to our forum, and congratulations on your sons success. Watching your child on the road to a successfull future and health is so rewarding and motivating.

One thing most of us have all had to learn is the GBS doesnt make you mentally well. It makes you physically healthier, you have to work on the mental stuff. A lot of us are emotional eaters, or have other underlying mental health issues that cause us to be overeaters, drinkers, moody. Dealing with the emotional stuff is something you have to make a committment to yourself to deal with as well. Many on this forum get psycological/psyshicatric help before, during and after the surgery. To help learn how to deal with the emotional issues to support the changes in the physical body. If you decide to go through with this, talk to your GBS doctor. Most doctors will not do the surgery unless you have seen a psych.
Another common issue that seems to be co-morbid with overeating disorders are depression and bipolar. If you are depressed, or you suffer from chemical mood disorder, you may not be in control of what you are doing. There are a lot of people who suffer from depression who have so much self loathing, and struggle so much with themselves, and don't realize that they might need medication to help. These are chemical issues, they can be helped. And it has nothing to do with self control.

Hang in there, and good luck with your decision, but also think about the fact that you may need to address the emotional issue along with the physical changes. Making your stomache smaller will not help if you need emotional help. It just makes you a thinner person with the same issues~

JohnsWife4Life · 02-27-2005, 07:59 PM

I can't give an answer to your question, but I can wish you well, and good luck on this journey.

Hugs,

Traci

pattyjo627 · 02-28-2005, 07:17 AM

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your kind words. You are correct, of course. I have been diagnosed with depression issues in the past, but never followed through with chemical treatment, for various reasons. My weight is just the phyical manifestation of of other, deeper problems. Believe me, if I am allowed to go on to this surgery, I WILL be tackling the root cause. I view this as my last chance, and I won't throw it away.

As for my son Jon, he is such an inspiration to me. He is doing so well these days, and seems to have left the past in the past. Where it belongs.

I will be a frequent visitor to this board for information and encouragement. We have all been in the same boat, and we know how it feels. These issues are difficult, if not impossible, to discuss with people who have not "lived" it.

pattyjo