OT Bariatric Surgery

[Hose_Head]

Is there anyone on this forum who has had, or is going to have bariatric surgery? I would appreciate any information on the process that's involved. In particular, I have questions about:

- preparation and tests needed before surgery is done
- experiences with the surgery and post op period. Pain, complications, that sort of thing
- success or not in losing weight. How much lost over how long a period
- are you able maintain your target weight?
- has the surgery improved your SA, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, etc ?
- what dietary and/or lifestyle changes are mandated with this surgery?
- would you do it again?

I would appreciate any web links that people can share.

Thanks!

Edited to correct dumb spelling mistakes!

[ozij]

You may want to try one of the sites mentioned in this google search:
Bariatric surgery

[jweeks]

Is there anyone on this forum who has had, or is going to have baryatric surgery? I would appreciate any information on the process that's involved.

Hi,

I am in that pipeline right now. My insurance company requires a 6 month medically supervised diet program before they will approve the surgery. I am in my 2nd month of that. I am in this program due to a lung issue (my diaphragm is not functioning), and my lung doctor tells me that I should do everything possible to lose weight in this program without doing the surgery. After going through the education process, I am sold on that idea--I don't want to do the surgery unless I have no other option.

-john-

[Hose_Head]

You may want to try one of the site mentioned in htis google search:
Bariatric surgery

It was due to an inability to get answers through a google search to the questions that I am asking what I posted in this forum. I'm not looking for the medical or clinical explanations. What I'm interested in is the personal viewpoint of those who have experienced it. I'm also interested in finding out what the steps are leading up to, during and after the procedures.

jweeks has already posted about the need for a 6 month supervised diet. (thank you for the post) I'd like to know what other steps are involved. I've read about a need for other tests (including sleep tests, colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc), etc etc. I'd like to know more.

[Slartybartfast]

Since you're up Canadia-way, you might give some thought to the bariatric balloon, rather than the Lap Band or more invasive surgery. The balloon appears to be approved everywhere except the U.S. at present. I'd far rather have a sturgeon inflate a balloon in my stomach, then withdraw it 6 months later than stick a knife in me.

http://www.upgradeyourbody.com/biotech- ... tails.html

Last I heard, it was approved in Australia, Canadia, Mexico and Europe. But for some reason the FDA still hasn't cleared it in the US.

[ozij]

Whe I first saw the subject heading it was spelled "Baryatric". Glad to see you got my hint.

[Slartybartfast]

Isn't English wonderful? So many ways to spell words!

[Hose_Head]

Whe I first saw the subject heading it was spelled "Baryatric". Glad to see you got my hint.

I'm always willing to learn from those who have something to teach. Correction noted and made (re-read my first post).

Thanks!

[sleepycarol]

A friend of mine underwent gastric bypass a year ago. He lost well over 100 pounds.

He had to undergo several tests -- but I can't remember which ones. He had trouble getting the insurance to pay for it -- but the doctor finally was able to get the insurance to pay due to other comorbid health issues.
I know he had to have a liquid diet for a few weeks prior to the surgery and then following the surgery another few weeks. He said this was difficult since he could haven't any type of soft or solid food. Said it took him several months to where he could eat alot of foods and there are still some that he can not tolerate. He exercises regularly and says that he still has to make sure he doesn't over eat as the pouch can be stretched out and it is possible to regain weight.

Have you tried having a consult with a doctor that deals with this type of surgery?

[lbw]

I have been waiting for my referral to Humber Regional for evaluation for the bypass. It takes a yr to get in. Still waiting for the call ( been waiting since Aug) Apparently once the referral goes in it goes to the ministry for approval then you get your appointment. Ottawa is a 2yr wait. Lap band is not covered by OHIP and cost about @10 000? It is not reccommended if you have lots to lose. There is at least one on this site that has undergone surgery. It is a life changing surgery but I believe it is worth it. I believe Humber will also offer lap band. Get your referral in.

[BlackSpinner]

I have been waiting for my referral to Humber Regional for evaluation for the bypass. It takes a yr to get in. Still waiting for the call ( been waiting since Aug) Apparently once the referral goes in it goes to the ministry for approval then you get your appointment. Ottawa is a 2yr wait. Lap band is not covered by OHIP and cost about @10 000? It is not reccommended if you have lots to lose. There is at least one on this site that has undergone surgery. It is a life changing surgery but I believe it is worth it. I believe Humber will also offer lap band. Get your referral in.

My brother in law got it done through their insurance in Detroit. They are in Petawawa. All of the non surgical stuff was handled in Ontario, I believe through Ottawa. They had good insurance through her military coverage.

[sharppointy1]

I haven't had the surgery, but have learned something interesting about side effects of gastric bypass/lap band.
I work as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital. We have a disproportionate number of women admitted with depression in the years following their gastric bypass surgery.
It seems that for some people their eating serves an emotional purpose. After the surgery, when they can no longer eat to change how they feel, they begin to have psychiatric problems. In addition to depression we see addiction problems too.
Something to consider if you need/want to lose weight.
I need to lose 50 popunds, and have just started Weight Watchers. Knowing what I know about depression following bariatric surgery I would not have the surgery.

[Hose_Head]

I haven't had the surgery, but have learned something interesting about side effects of gastric bypass/lap band.
I work as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital. We have a disproportionate number of women admitted with depression in the years following their gastric bypass surgery.
It seems that for some people their eating serves an emotional purpose. After the surgery, when they can no longer eat to change how they feel, they begin to have psychiatric problems. In addition to depression we see addiction problems too.
Something to consider if you need/want to lose weight.
I need to lose 50 popunds, and have just started Weight Watchers. Knowing what I know about depression following bariatric surgery I would not have the surgery.

Interesting point about emotional eating, and depression following the surgery. I suspect that emotional eating is a major cause of obesity. It makes me wonder why so many people go through with this. It is my understanding that at least in Ontario, you have to have psychiatric evaluation prior to the surgery.

Thanks for posting.

[2ndGenCPAPgal]

I have several friends who have had the surgery. A few have lost a lot and have kept it off, others haven't been as successful. One very common issue I hear, however, is ongoing, serious nutrient deficiencies. Even with supplements they struggle to get what their bodies need.

For me however, I know surgery isn't the answer even though I have 100+ to loose. I know my digestive system isn't what's broken. As was alluded to above, I know my issue is a little further north.

[DreamLady]

H_H, I can recommend obesityhelp dot com to learn everything you want to know about WLS (weight loss surgery). They talk openly there about all aspects of obesity, including emotional eating, the different types of surgery, and give reviews of surgeons and centers. Any GOOD bariatric surgeon requires psychiatric evaluation early on. Candidates also attend various classes and support groups leading up to surgery and support/classes are available after surgery as well. There you learn nutrition, supplementation, exercise, cooking, etc.

Everything I've read indicates that the quality of your surgeon/center has a direct bearing on long-term results, as does a person's willingness to commit and comply for life (much like cpap therapy). They make it VERY clear that WLS is a TOOL, not a cure. Long-term side effects can be dealt with the same way; commitment and compliance. More than half the folks who reach their goal weight are able to ditch their machine. Of those who still have apnea, more than half are able to reduce their pressure.

To me, the most interesting thing is that you will be hard pressed to find ANYONE on that site who says they wish they hadn't done it. Even those unlucky enough (and there are a few) who had complications say they would do it again in a heartbeat. Many paid for their surgery out of pocket.