Double Checking.. - ThinnerTimes

piNkcHica · 03-03-2005, 08:39 PM

As you all know, I am looking into getting GPS. My first orientation and consult is March 8th at Louisville Bariatric. Anyway, I've been doing endless research & searching around for more information, etc. I found this article online that scared me pretty bad. I'm trying to find it right now, but basically, it is written by a man who knew a lady that had the surgery or something, & she died. He's also informing people that GPS is a fad that regular people are following behind celebrities. He also says something about neurological disorders that could develop later down the line.

I know there are good/bad sides to all surgeries, but naturally, I am concerned with both sides. I am just trying to make sure I am well aware of what I am getting into. So, if anyone could help me with the problems they have had due to the surgery, preferably someone at least 3+ years post-op, I would really appreciate it.

piNkcHica · 03-03-2005, 08:40 PM

Here's the article:

Quote:

A Word To The Wise,

If you have any thought of having Bariatric aka: Gastric Bypass Surgery please try to research ALL the complications that you are NOT informed of. Per my neurologist who made my diagnosis, "It is a shame that very little information has come out in regard to neurological disorders that are being seen from complications of this surgical process. Body fluids and your electrolytes are being turned upside down and if they are not watched correctly, it is only natural that there will be problems." Go to Google and look up Central Pontine Myelinolysis. (CPM) This does not mean the surgery is bad. It does help many. Just remember one thing. If your not one of the celeb's that has had it, do you really think you will get the same care. If you have morbid obesity and its life threatening thats one thing. If your not, you better think twice ! God Bless...

PS. Please, this is not venting my friends, its reality.

10-21-04

NOTE: FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO STILL HAVE NOT MADE THEIR FINAL

DECISION TO HAVE THE SURGERY AND THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THE

PROCEDURE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING UNKNOWN COMPLICATIONS, MAYBE

THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE BARIATRIC SURGERY (GASTRIC BYPASS)

WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER COMPLICATION FORUM.

I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH B/T's NUMBERS BUT HAVING OVER 2400 VIEWS IN

90 DAYS SHOULD HAVE SOME MEANING I WOULD SUSPECT.

PS. THE NEWEST DEFINITION ON MY PERSONAL DEMYELINATING DISORDER

CPM HAS NOW STATED MALNUTRITION AS ITS MAIN CAUSE.

FYI: When time permits, please see my last posting < DON"T SAY: I didn't

tell you so as the Mayo Clinic and the A.M.A. got there calling.

Link

watergirl · 03-04-2005, 07:23 AM

You have to know ALL the possible complications and make YOUR decision based on what you find and what you have with your co-morbidities.

TabFox · 03-06-2005, 05:18 PM

Yes, there are risks to having this surgery, but in my opinion, the risks of being morbidly obese far outweigh these risks. Most doctors are well aware of the nutritional importance and set up strict guidelines so we can avoid the nutritional deficiencies. We take vitamins everyday, have our blood levels checked periodically, etc. Also, this surgery is not the only cause of nutritional deficiencies. Many people who are morbidly obese obviously eat very poorly (nutritional food) and suffer from deficiencies from that.
You're always going to hear about a brother's cousin's sister's nephew, coworkers aunt's grandfather twice removed who had the surgery and died. They often don't include that maybe the person had severe comorbidities before surgery, or maybe didn't follow the doctor's orders after surgery. It would be absolutely wonderful if we could lose all this weight without having to go through such drastic surgery, but if you've exhausted all other options and are ready to have a lifestyle change, then surgery is a great tool. Remember, it's only a tool, not a cure-all.

Good Luck!!

Tabitha
Open 5/26/04
321/186/???

HapBird · 03-06-2005, 08:35 PM

There's a lot of nay-sayers out there who want to puncture the bubble of popularity of gastric bypass surgery. Certainly it's true that this is not a cosmetic operation - it's major internal surgery, and as such, has risks just like any other surgery.

But you don't find too many people advising against brain surgery - or heart surgery - or kidney surgery - or whatever.

People who don't get it that gastric bypass is a surgery to CURE A DISEASE, not some fad, are the ones who post stuff like this. The "news" media have also done a pretty good job at scare stories, by digging up a few unfortunate stories of people who had major problems from it, or died. Yes, this happens. But the "news" media like to make it into a big scare story, because that's what sells their "news" - and attracts sponsors for them. They make money by scaring people.

There are some unscrupulous and poorly trained surgeons out there who are jumping on the bandwagon of gastric bypass, and some of them are incompetent. Anyone considering this surgery must research the track record of their prospective surgeon, and find out how competent he/she is, what percentage of their cases have resulted in death, and for those, why.

Also remember that the surgery is not a one-time life-time fix for eating disorders - you have to find ways to work on the behaviors that led to the obesity in the first place. The surgery gives you a wonderful TOOL along the way, but by itself, it won't guarantee permanent success.

And speaking of risk - balance the potential risk of the surgery against the risk of NOT having it. Also realize that a lot of things you do every day are risky - like driving a car, or crossing the street. People die every day from those activities also, but that doesn't stop us from doing them. Put the risk into perspective...

bridgetgirl · 03-07-2005, 11:07 AM

There are alot of people that go through this surgery thinking it the end all cure all... its thattype of mentality that can get you all screwed up. We the informed know, take your vitamins, protien and veggies first and get your labs drwan twice a year.

granite there are things that can happen to those of us who follow those rules, ie leg nueropathy, numbness in hands, etc. I think when it comes down to it, GBP patients need to have a nutritionist and someone with an awesome knowledge about vitamins to talk to. Here we have Tracy, even out own surgeons keep giving conflicting inforamtion about vitamin levels and supplements. So we have identified a problem.... whats the solution? My insurance covers GBP, reconstructive surgery but not visits with a nutritionist... totally bites. So here I am browsing the interent and listening to my well informed friends about what I should be doing..... OMG reminds me of how our children get info about sex.... browsing the web and asking their friends..... holy moly!

I think there is a definite need for nutrition counseling for at least twice a month for 5 years..... what are we to do?We need to be proactive instead of reactive when we are plagued with nuerologic problems....

Christina · 03-07-2005, 11:28 AM

All I can say is that when I went into this surgery I knew most of the risks, and benefits. I thought I had researched it to the fullest extent, however, I have come up with complications that I didn't know existed until after my Dr. put 2 & 2 together. As far as the neurological complications, well I have them. Do I suffer? Yeah sometimes. Is it worth it.. ABSOLUTELY!! I used to suffer from sleep apnea, asthma, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, stress incontenance, rheumatoid arthrits, and several other ailments. I now only suffer from a few small complications which are being corrected and/or treated.

I have posted religiously about the neurological complications I am having so that others after me will be informed. My problem was a deficiency in Vitamin B1 or Thiamine. I have corrected that problem now, but still suffer from what could be long term or permanent nerve damage. However, not knowing that that is the complete culprit I have an MRI scheduled for Saturday for my back as I did suffer a fracture a few years ago and that may be a contributing factor as well. I have nerve and muscle tests scheduled for later this month and will keep everyone informed as to the results. At this point my Neurologist was shocked and kind of dumbfounded as to why I have no ankle reflexes. That will be determined as well when they do the testing I suppose. I don't know if this has to do with the surgery or the nutritional imbalance I had for a while, but I will certainly let you all know.

I feel it is VERY important to let everyone know when you have a complication due to surgery. That way everyone is more informed as to what they may or may not expect. What made me decide to ask my Dr. about my legs? Well I noticed when I was shaving that my legs felt numb underneath but the skin was very sensitive.. it felt as if I were stabbing my skin and peeling it off. It hurt. So I did ask Kelly a few times and she said I may have a deficiency. At the time I didn't have insurance, so I kind of had to just supplement myself with Vitamins.. I was not told then to take B1. I wish I had been told that. Then as the months went by my symptoms got worse. When I would lay on the couch and put my legs on Stuart and he would put his hand on my legs I would get uneasy and have pain. Apparently I shutter at night while sleeping and move my legs constantly. Those are all signs of neuropathy. However, the Dr. is not 100 % convinced that is what is going on. He ordered a lot of tests and is doing that other testing in a couple of weeks. I am so not looking forward to the tests, but would love to hear the results. I guess I am still in that mind frame that I am fat and whatever ailments I have can be cured by losing weight. I feel as if a lot of Dr.s don't take you seriously when you are overweight. I realize I am no longer considered overweight (as of today that is

) But I am so thankful that even though I was nearly 300 lbs for so many years my PCP never took anything I went in for for grantid. He was always very thorough and crossed all his T's and dotted all of his I's.

Be your best advocate and you will not have so many problems I think. Had I had insurance in the beginning It would have been easier for me. However, if you have a little problem, no matter how minor you think it is.. bring it up.. let them know. That way you can start any treatment you need to and it will be a much more pleasant experience.