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Diet & Weight Loss Forums > General Discussions > Surgery > I've had Gastric Bypass surgery and I'm STILL on a diet. |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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Hi gang, About 2 and 1/2 years ago I had surgey, I weighed 270 when I went it...I got down to 180 and then I held for a good while...soon...it began to go back up..I'm now 207 and trying to get it back on track. Please don't fool yourself that weightloss surgery is the panacea to all your ills. I have had big problems afterwards. The reasons I gave for getting the surgery were my arhritis in my kness and feet...now they are killing me from putting back on weight. Sleep apnea...still have it, but not AS bad. They told that the reflux prblem would be healed...it isn't. In fact it's still VERY bad. I have vomiting problems. When you have this surgery, most of the breaking down of foods goes on in the chewing process rather in the stomach as with normal individuals. If I munch ona bunch of baby carrots, (good for me) I did throw them up yesterday...they just didn't break down and I ate a salad on top of it...BAM...got sick. Sometimes it lasts for days...It's not fun..it's embarassing. I am over 200 pounds and I am offically mal nutritioned and anemic at times...I can not hang on to nutrients like a normal indiviual...it's a big problem. I had to be rushed to the ER cause I passed out twice at a friends house. Potassium dropping...sounds like silly stuff, but it'll but you in the hospital...they treated like a cardio event, cause it mimics it. SCARY stuff kids. You might have your tummy reduced, but it stretches out too...oh yeah...EASY...I feel like the elastic lady at times...I wonder HOW in the heck can I eat that...other times..I can not. It's easy in the beginning, the tender lil tummy can't take much more than protein shakes and you're lucky if you get down scrambled eggs. But, make sure you pay attention to this... they don't do brain surgery...you will gain it back if you don't make changes that last for a lifetime, FOR REAL...and the side effects are sadly underplayed to the consumer...you could have even more serious complications...I did..I had to have my gall bladder removed because of a herniation from the surgery, it popped out my side like a lil balloon. Fun stuff. I tell you, as glad as I was to loose the initial weight, I wish I hadn't done it...I wish I'd tried JUST once more to lose it right....but I acted deperately. I can't UNDO it...it's done...and I'm still NOT SKINNY gang. It's athe luck of the drawl...I have a grilfriend that did it and she lost a lot more...but her side effects problems were horrible...we went through it together and I know her story well. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me and ask questions...but know I'm back in the same boat you are..and with more health problems NOW than I did then. Consider it well....ask the people that have had it. You'll get contrasting opinions. |
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Peter Founder, caloriesperhour.com 
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The one thing I never understood about the surgery is that following it you have to eat a very restricted diet. If you could do that, you wouldn't need the surgery? Except one explanation I've read is that you HAVE to restrict your eating because if you don't it will make you sick. I guess this is what you have demonstrated. Thanks for sharing. Peter  |
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fantasia31 Senior Member 
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My mom had that surgery done. It was successful for her, but it is not so for everyone. Now she wants me to have the surgery. That really bothers me because even though I could have the surgery, it would not make sense to. I have no severe health issues that might warrant it. Why would she want me to do such a risky thing? I told her that I am going to restrict my calories, and if after a year or two, I am not losing weight I will have surgery. Otherwise NO! Obviously, restricting my calories is paying off. I have lost 16 lbs so far (in 5 weeks). I am in this for the long haul, and saying NO to surgery. It just seemed too good to be true. I was also none too keen on altering my body that way. I already watch my potassium closely, I can't imagine how tough it is to maintain it without the absorption. To me, the surgery seemed the same as starving yourself. Thank you for sharing. So few people actually talk about the surgery afterwards, especially if it was a bad experience. Good luck on your journey! Keep us all posted. Last edited on 13 October 2005 07:59 pm by fantasia31 |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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Peter..good question...I guess failings in the past didn't allow for a postive mindset on that issue. Bad cycle I was in... I didn't think I had it in me to stop myself. I wanted my body to "reject" the food, cause I didn't feel I had the power. The MEDIA pushed it as the big thing to make it "all ok". Carnie Wilson and all that stuff...made me believe that it was for me. I sold myself short there, as most of us do. We've all been told what "Losers" we are, how we have no will power by our doctors....I began to believe it. I do have that in me when I focus, and journaling hleps me do that. I would recommend it highly to all of us. I was telling myself I just couldn't do it anymore...it's a lot of negative "self talk"...I'd say. There are times i feel like I have mutilated myself....I wish I had that to do over again...I honestly do. |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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Consider it long an hard my friend....you're smart to not go headlong into this. I did ton's of research too. I looked all over the net...the positive seemed to outweight the bad to me...I found ALL KINDS of support. However, no one stepped up and said...hey..think about it, it might not a bea cool for you...this is what happened to me. I wish they had...I might have reconsidered. And of course, we all think...oh, that can't happen to me....well, SURE IT CAN! It did. I'm not sure my complications are done either...that's hard to think about. I still have problems and will most likely always have issues...but I will have the healthiest bosy I can manage now...calorie restriction is the ONLY way to go...watch your sugar, that sets you up to want more. Watch the white carbs...I try to stay away from them as a matter of course, only occasionally as a treat. You know...it sounds cliche to say to eat more veggies and fruit, but in fact it works! It fills you up and gives tons's of nutrients. Thanks...I appreciate the support very much.  |
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fantasia31 Senior Member
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I've already decided that it is a means of absolute last resort. I have to be 100% satisfied that I have done everything else I can do before I will even begin to consider such a thing. Since I am finding success in limiting calories and eating healthy foods, I think surgery is officially out! :D |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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Just keep at it kiddo! I'm happy you've seen that REALLY being on top of what you put in your mouth works. It seems stupidly simplistic but it seems to be the hardest thing to do sometimes...we try all these combinations, different regiemes...Atkin, south beach..all of them. What REALLY works is just keeping track of Calories and getting active. What do you do to get active?  |
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fantasia31 Senior Member
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Well so far, I have been walking about 30 minutes a day for five days a week. I know it's not that much, but my doctor tells me that exercise does not have to be complicated to work. I thought I'd start simple and see where that takes me :) I decided to tell him (my doctor) that I was working on this (more accountability) and I got a lot of support. I discussed my plan, and he seemed to think I was on the right track. So far so good. I've been treating my caloric limits like a bank balance. I don't spend more than I have in the bank. I plan my meals and I plan sometimes for a few decadent things. Nothing is totally off limits as long as I plan for it. I eat more fruits and vegetables and so far am not feeling deprived, tired or hungry. So I must be doing something right. My body feels better than it has in a long time! |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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That is exactly what I am doing and track I am taking! I'm treating it like a bank account....perfect analogy. If it's not in there, it doesn't get spent. I've only been doing it sold 5 days and I already feel better...lot's more fruit and veggies. I too have to keep the attitude that nothing is off base really as long as I plan for it. I've had Taco's from Taco bell....I've had icecream....so I'm not unhappy at all. ;) |
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fantasia31 Senior Member
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Great! Since we are doing the same things, we can take the journey together! It's always better with support, and I'm right there with ya ;) We can do this! |
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Akashawolfe1 New Member
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Absolutely!!!! I'd be honored. The more the merrier...anyone else wanna join us, feel free! You are a week ahead of me...but that's just fine. What is your best weapon? What works for you? I have my birthday and anniversary coming up next week....My man, Marty, is taking me out on Friday the 21st...so I have to make sure I don't go nuts that night...my birthday is Tuesday the 18th. We're going to Florida for Christmas, I'm meeting his Dad and Step-Mom for the first time and spending the holidays with them. IMPORTANT to look my best...I KNOW I can't lose oh...50 pounds before then...but maybe 20? That'd help! |
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RouxNYbut still trying to lose New Member 
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I had bariatric surgery in 99..Fobi pouch procedure..lost 210 pounds in 18 momths...have had some problems but nothing that has made me regret the surgery..my problem now is I still have about 30 pounds to lose and can't get rid of it..can't reduce my calories..I only take in about 1000 calories a day now..I work out for 20 to 30 minutes every day on a cardio glide ...but still weigh 170..I am only 5foot 4 inches..anyone know how to get rid of the last pounds after the window of weight loss from a bypass??? |
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nevd Distinguished Member 
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I plan my meals and I plan sometimes for a few decadent things. I think you're doing it right, fantasia31. Planning what you eat keeps things in perspective - and planning any 'lapses' makes them part of the plan, rather than a depression-inducing 'falling off the wagon'. Keep it up and good luck... NevD  |
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fantasia31 Senior Member
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Thanks NevD, you do seem rather knowledgeable, so I will take that as a compliment. I am doing very well so far. I have been on this plan for about two months and have lost 21 pounds, so I feel pretty good about it. My eating is more balanced than before, and I do sometimes plan for things like the occasional hamburger, or beer, but I keep to my calorie limits. For some reason this is what is working for me right now. This is a process, and while I am doing this I am trying to learn good healthy habits. I can't believe it but it's been TWO months since I had any chocolate, and better yet, I don't WANT any! I never thought I'd be saying that! My way of doing this was simple. Add more vegetables, and cut things that are high in calories, but low in satisfaction (i.e. eat higher density food). I cut things like butter, cream, salad dressing, croutons, cheese etc., and already that is a LOT of calories. Thanks for the feedback! Last edited on 10 November 2005 12:49 am by fantasia31 |
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stillsearching New Member
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Hello Folks: I had gb surgery nearly 4 years ago and went from 335 down to now 195. My surgeon told me I'd level out at 206. After struggling since I was 7 years old I reached a point of no return at the weight of 375 and knew when the scale couldn't tell me how much I weighed that it was time to do something...anything. I lost 40 # to be able to have the surgery in the first place. I was about 165# six months ago but stress and not working out as much as I should have allowed me to gain weight again. I'm falling back into old eating habits and I'm at my wits end trying to get into control. I'm petrified that I'm going to gain it all back and the then some is what scares me the most!!! It's all emotionally related. I know that. How many tranqs do I need to take to feel in control? I can now eat whatever I want but not alot at one time. You can defeat the purpose of the gbs simply by just eating all the time as I'm sure those who are in my shoes now know. I'd do it all again but the bottom line is the real reasons for my overeating haven't really ever been completely addressed. I'm trying despearaly to stay in control. DESPERATELY! Reality is now my never recovered alcoholic father is slowly trying to put himself into the grave and is pressing all the old buttoms and bringing all the demons out in me. I'm also in a job I absolutely hate and working for a man who minipulates me in ways I'll never understand. The job description isn't anywhere near what was described...I'm still looking as I know I should be. My husband is on workers comp and in constant pain and I'm struggling to keep us alive financially and personally. Enough said on all of that...the question is was it all worth it...I would have to say yes but the real reasons for overeating need to be addressed and I know they haven't. The reality is it's all emotional issues and the food is the comfort we all struggle to have. So where do I go from here. I'm reaching out to anyone who wants to and appreciate anything anyone has to offer publically or privately. Stay well. |
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fantasia31 Senior Member
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Wow... you do have a plate full of stress. All I can suggest is talking to your doctor. If you are not already, he or she may suggest an anti-depressant (assuming you are not completely opposed to them). I know that there are some people (like yourself) for whom the surgery is the only option. My mother also had this surgery, and tells me that she indeed does still have to watch what she eats. I eat when I feel out of control, so I know what you mean about the emotional eating. All you can do is try talking to someone about your feelings... maybe even join a support group. I have not joined a group myself, I deal with my emotional eating by working on changing my attitude about food. However, I do know that finding others having similar struggles is beneficial. I know as well as anyone how difficult this road is. If I could, I would offer more help, but being a layperson, all I can say is I'm here to listen if you need me. :) Welcome to the forum and good luck with your goals. :D |
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nevd Distinguished Member
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Hi stillsearching - I wouldn't even know where to begin addressing most of the problems you describe. I think you've made a very brave step by listing them on this forum... So far as gaining control over your food intake, I would suggest that you try to eat 6 times a day. That should stop you feeling hungry, at least. Try to eat in these percentages of your daily intake: 20 : 15 : 20 : 15 : 20 : 10. If nothing else, this should fire up your metabolism to burn fat. As well, try to keep the fat content (by calories) of your food below 20%. In order to do this, you need to read food labels and learn about what you eat. Note also that 1 gram of fat has 9 calories, whereas 1 gram of carbs or 1 gram of protein have 4 calories. That means fat grams have over twice the calories of carbs or protein. An easy way to achieve this is to keep your fat grams at 10% of your intake. That'll be a good start. If you can, get out for some good walks. It's not only good exercise, but helps clear the mind and 'unkink' things generally. Plus, it'll burn yet more fat. And... I'm sure everyone here will join me in wishing you 'good luck' with your efforts! NevD |
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fatchick8me New Member
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Hey there everyone - I'm new & have been reading the forums for a little while. My Gramma had GB & was sick for years afterwards. She did lose the weight, though. I was a child when she had the surgery & even at that age the effects of the surgery had an impact on me. I remember thinking how gross it was when she went in the bathroom (pardon the frankness) because it sounded like an explosion and smelled so bad. I'm sure there were other issues as well, but that's what made the biggest impression on me. I've considered checking into the surgery myself. I'm 36, 5' 7" & weigh 284. I am otherwise healthy, no diabetes (yet) or other health problems that I'm aware of. The other surgery I'm curious about is the "stomach stapling." That isn't the same as the GB, is it? I have a distant family member who recently had that done. I haven't seen her in person for about a year, so I'm not sure how much she's lost, but from pictures I've seen, it seems to be quite a bit. I"m wondering if there is anyone who has had experience with that?? |
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nevd Distinguished Member
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I've considered checking into the surgery myself. I'm 36, 5' 7" & weigh 284. If you don't mind my asking, fc8me, what have you tried so far? It's just that these invasive procedures sound so drastic, I feel they should be an absolute last resort... So I'd be interested to know how you arrived where you are now. NevD |
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Peter Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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My FAQ on the subject describes stomach stapling, and has a link for more detailed information: http://www.caloriesperhour.com/faqs_surgery.html Peter caloriesperhour.com eatwellandexercise.com |
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gemineyez New Member
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If you only have 30 pounds to go then I say GOOD GOING!!! Honestly, those last pounds are always the hardest TO take off, to do this you have to work harder than you normally would. Most people think that by lifting weights you increase only muscle but you actually trim yourself as well. Look at your problem areas and ask a fitness instructor to suggest what types of weight lifting excercises you need to tone and define. Sometimes it just takes an extra long time for your body to accept that your slimming out :) |
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