I have lots of questions - ThinnerTimes

bigdog · 08-31-2005, 05:36 PM

I have been battling the over weight problem for over 20 years. About a year ago was having great success with weight watcher. Then was in a motorcycle accident which lay me up for about a month. Couldn't work so just when back to my old eating habits? My doctor has told me several times he would support me doing the Bypass surgery. My concern is that I have heard so many bad things about this surgery.

I would like to here if there is anything positive about getting this done? Is there anyone out there that is going on ten years of success with this surgery? I am close to fifty have nine kids and would like to be there to see my grand babies. Is there lot of risk for me? I have two weeks of vacation scheduled for the end of the year and have been thinking of going under the knife. Please if you have had this procedure done tell me what to expect?

katlover66 · 08-31-2005, 05:40 PM

Here's the positive- I had this surgery 11/25/03 I have lost 160 lbs. I am almost at goal. I have not had to take medication for my cholesterol in 22 months. I have not had to use my asthma inhaler but 2 x's and I can exercise without losing my breat. I can run up the stairs, chase my daughter, fit in airplane seats. I can eat almost anything within moderation. I avoid too much sugar and no fried foods.
Yes there are possible complications with GBPS, don't let anyone tell you different. I have been fortunate as to not experience any side effects.\
Good Luck in your search!

HeatherT · 08-31-2005, 06:07 PM

you have to also remember that 10 years of doing the surgery has really helped lower the problems and complications and if you get a good Dr. he know s what he is doing because hes done a LOT probably...so ask around for a good experienced Dr in your area....ask them how many surgeries hes done and the complicatins his patients have had....but I'd say the last 10 years have given people experience and the new Dr.s are getting better trained on doing the procedure....

veroniquetalk · 08-31-2005, 06:49 PM

My sister first had GPS surgery over 20 years ago. She totally turned her health around. She just recently had to have some corrections done but is doing great.

Alleusion · 08-31-2005, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veroniquetalk

My sister first had GPS surgery over 20 years ago. She totally turned her health around. She just recently had to have some corrections done but is doing great.

Same with my mother. She was once around 400 and she's held a weight between 170-190 for the past 20 years. If you follow your eating rules, exercise and basically play it safe, you'll find that you're going to add many more years to your life that being MO would take away.

pambragg · 09-01-2005, 06:56 AM

What you can expect is a whole new, healthy life. I am almost 14 months out and am down 161 pounds. I can do things now that would have never been possible. I won't blow smoke up your butt, this does have it's risks. I do things with my little granddaughters that I never thought I could. You need to weigh (pardon the pun) the pros & cons. As with any other procedure this does carry some risks. But I would rather have died trying (and I was well on my way) than to have died from my weight and co-morbidities. I wish you peace as you decide what to do.

Lynne J · 09-01-2005, 07:30 AM

Everyone is so right. I am a year out (yesterday!!), have lost a little over 90#'s. I am not at where I was hoping to be at this time, because I am fighting a very hard battle with severe depression. But I am SO much healthier then I was. Would I do it again? IN A HEARTBEAT! Find a good doctor and ask tons of questions! Good luch on your journey, it's the ride of a lifetime!!

dkessell · 09-01-2005, 12:34 PM

On the positive you can do things that you have not done in years, like run after the kids and catch them, ride a bike without your knees hitting your stomach. And other...

I am 45 years old had the surgery in Feb of 05. I have been one of the lucky ones and have no problems to talk of.

I look forward to seeing my youngest dauther grow up, something I was starting to doubt being as I weighted 360 pounds.

The surgery has changed eveything I am health, and will be around for many more years now so I will see grandchildern from my youngest.

The positives out weigh the negatives if you ask me. My weight was going to kill me someday. The only question is when. Now I know that I have added so many years to my life that I will be around for a long time.

sUzYzPLaCe · 09-01-2005, 12:42 PM

You did not mention how much you weigh now bigdog. But like any surgery there are always risks. I personally had to weigh the risk of dying from a heart attack, or stroke, or diabetes complication (as my grandmother had) or having the surgery and dying if it was suppose to be that way. That was my thinking .. I was gonna die if I did nothing... so all I can say is two months post op and almost fifty pounds gone I would have it done again if I had to.
With nine kids do them a favor and have the surgery so you can see them grow up and see your grandchildren.

Suzy

roachome · 09-01-2005, 01:23 PM

WELL MOST HAVE ALREADY TOLD YOU WHAT TO EXPECT. I AM ALSO A MAN, I HAD THIS PROCEDURE IN MAY, I'VE LOST 114 LBS TO DATE. what a difference, i have no idea how large you are, i know I STARTED AT 486 AND I CAN NOW RIDE MY HORSES, 4 WHEELERS, PLAY WITH MY KIDS, SCUBA DIVE AGAIN, THE BEST PART IS THAT I CAN WIPE MY BUTT WITHOUT A STRUGGLE, (SORRY FOR THE GRAPHIC). I SAY WHAT DOWN SIDES. YOU MUST RISK YOURSELVE IN EVERYTHING TO GET AHEAD OR ACCOMPLISH YOUR DESIRED GOAL. IF I WOULD HAVE NOT DONE THIS, I WOULD BE ON MY WAY TO AN EARLY DEATH. LIFE IS GOOD, IT IS NOT EASY AND THERE IS A TON OF WORK AHEAD OF ME. BUT THE RESULTS ELIMINATE ENY RISKS.