Think Twice! Really Think Hard - Surgery - General Discussions

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Joined:	8 January 2006
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Hi all,

I know I am new here but I did have to put in my family's story on this forum. If you are considering looking into stomach stapeling really think long and hard.

My dad has this done 16 years ago. Before he had the surgery he was the most kindest man you could ever meet. The one who gave bear hugs, the one who always stopped on the side of the road to help a stranger and the most postive person you could ever meet.

Topping at 396 pounds, the doctors told him if he did not have the surgery he would not see his 40th birthday. At the time he was 36 and my mom was pregant with with a baby that took them 10 years to conceive. He thought this was his only option.

He had the surgery and came out with a chemical imbalance. He started loosing weight way to fast! My dad forgot who I was and did not know who my mother was. He mentally shut down from this. He had to learn to walk again, learn how to use a spoon again, and how to do simple things we take for granted. My dad was like a toddler learning how to do things for himself. He even had to learn how to use the bathroom again.

He had no idea who he was or about anything that surrounded him. He completely lost his mind! To this day, he still gets confused about certain things because his mind has not completely returned. He couldn't even help with the baby he so much wanted before. He has become a grouch. The chemical imbalance change his whole outlook on life and instead of being the most loveable person he has become the one you can't stand to be around.

Within 1 year my dad went from 396 pounds to 95 pounds. His surgery was botched and in turned botched his life. He would get sick if things were not chewed up very fine and used to constantly throw up after every meal. Even now he occasionally gets sick after eating.

Did the weight loss stay off? NO he his now at 260 pounds.

I have heard many stories where there surgeries was a huge mistake. I am overweight myself and I am here because I don't want to have to take the same road my dad did. I do not want to end up like that and I do not want to put my kids through that.

If you are seriously wanting surgery, look into the lap band. I have heard it is a much more safer alternative and it can be undone when needed.

Sorry for such a long post but maybe this will make someone think twice about a stomach stapeling.

18WheelsRolling

Hiba
New Member

Joined:	28 March 2006
Location:	Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Posts:	40

18WheelsRolling wrote: If you are considering looking into stomach stapeling really think long and hard.

Do they even do stomach stapling anymore? I ask because there have been many studies done showing that long term it doesn't work, that's why they've started going gastric bypass and also the stomach bands. But I could be wrong, it's not like I've done any research on it.

soontobeme
Distinguished Member

Joined:	1 April 2006
Location:	North Central, Wisconsin USA
Posts:	384

Hi, Gastric bypass and stomach stapling is almost the same thing, in the past they just stapled the stomach and didn't do much with the bypass, now in the gastric bypass they staple the stomach and then bypass some of the small intestine by removing it and attaching it to the stomach, I think, now that I typed it out, it looks incorrect, but you can go to:

cosmeticsurgery.com/research/cosmetic-surgery/Gastric-Bypass/

and it goes into all the details.

Judy:) :rose:

-- Post edited to comply with Posting Guidelines (please read)

Also please note that the Tutorial on this website gives an introduction to surgery:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/faqs_surgery.html

deb85653
New Member

Joined:	24 May 2006
Location:	Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts:	1

:(Sorry to hear about your dad, but not everone goes through that. I had the surgery and I have lost 200 pounds, and would like to lose more. It has been almost 3 years now. It was the best thing I have ever done.:D

tebrown_lv
New Member

Joined:	6 July 2006
Location:	Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Posts:	4

18WheelsRolling wrote:
Within 1 year my dad went from 396 pounds to 95 pounds. His surgery was botched and in turned botched his life. He would get sick if things were not chewed up very fine and used to constantly throw up after every meal. Even now he occasionally gets sick after eating.

Did the weight loss stay off? NO he his now at 260 pounds.

I have heard many stories where there surgeries was a huge mistake. I am overweight myself and I am here because I don't want to have to take the same road my dad did. I do not want to end up like that and I do not want to put my kids through that.

If you are seriously wanting surgery, look into the lap band. I have heard it is a much more safer alternative and it can be undone when needed.

Sorry for such a long post but maybe this will make someone think twice about a stomach stapeling.

18WheelsRollingDear 18Wheels,

Hi, I'm new here, but wanted to put in my insight on this as well. About 15 years ago, my sister, also had her stomach stapled. She did not follow the guidelines and meal planning the doctors suggested to her and then she 'popped' her staples, and regained her weight.

About two years ago, she went for the Gastric Bypass surgery. This time, through doctor-monitoring her every step in the process, she has succeed to lose over 150# in two years. Yes, a person should think long, and hard before having any elective surgery. I have thought about having the surgery now for over two years (since my sister and her two daughters have had it, and have lost most of their weight - one has lost about 200#, the other 100#). Many times I have tried calorie-restrictive diets, had small successes, and failed at most types of 'eating right foods' diets, mostly due to other health problems, and not being able to exercise, and being on oxygen.

Many people I have known have had success in using surgery as a "tool" to help them finally lose the pounds that were killing them.

"The surgery is a tool built into the intestinal tract. It allows you to regain control of your weight by eliminating hunger. It makes eating less pleasurable. It builds in a behavior modification mechanism that limits food intake and encourages healthy food choices. Control is returned to you through the choices you make when you eat. Once you change your diet and begin to lose weight rapidly, you're motivated by the weight loss itself, and the improvements it makes in your life. You establish your goal weight. "

Yes, there are risks to every surgery. I feel I am willing to take those risks and have this surgery, before the risks of the diseases I suffer with, 'kill' me ... literally.

There are many different weight loss surgeries out there, and many doctors & surgeons who specialize in bariatric surgery. I don't know where you are from, but if you are curious about having surgery, there should be a local bariatric center who would offer seminars to show you the procedures they perform, and allow you to ask questions and seek the answers both you and your father may be looking for.

I agree, the surgery can (and may) cause, nutritional imbalances .. that's why with the surgeons help and with nutritional supplementation, and other aspects, people can overcome the other 'health' problems. If there is a health problem, going right away back to the doctor, can help alleviate the pain, and suffering a person might be having.

The surgical weight loss center I'll be using not only does the surgery, but also follows up with the patient, in both office visits, support groups with other surgery patients, also they are available on call 24 hours a day if any of their patients require medical treatment.

15 years is a long time and many advances in medicine and bariatric surgery have been made since then.

From what I have read, the Lap Band surgery :

"This operation, in a variety of forms, has been performed for since 1978. It is, by design, a purely restrictive operation. In addition, when optimally adjusted, it has been demonstrated to permanently reduce percieved hunger. It is the only obesity operation to date that has been demonstrated to produce this effect on most patients. In recent years, there have been two major modifications of the original operation. The first is the ability of the Surgeon to alter the size of the outlet of the stomach pouch created by the Gastric Banding. The second major change is the development of instrumentation and capability of Surgeons to perform this operation laparoscopically, the same way that most gall bladder surgery is now performed. This produces smaller scars, less pain following surgery, and a shorter hospital stay.

There have been over 180,000 patients that have received the Band worldwide. A great advantage to the Band is the absolute need for follow-up, and frequent evaluations for adjustment of the Band. The Band is most effective in those who use its adjutability. It is the only operation for obesity that is adjustable and totally reversible. In reports of Bariatric procedures in the U.S, follow-up falls off as low as 20% at 5 years for many Surgeons. "
I am planning on having another type of surgery called the Roux Y Gastric Bypass. When success is defined as "the most weight loss, kept off for the longest period of time," the Roux-Y Gastric Bypass is among the operations that fulfill this goal without producing major malnutrition.

"For years it has been known that people who lose weight by restricting their diet undergo a significant reduction in their basal metabolic rate. Their body fights to keep from losing more weight. There is evidence that patients who undergo Gastric Bypass do not exhibit this major reduction in basal metabolism. It is as if their body does not recognize that they are losing weight. This removes one of the major barriers to weight loss associated with restriction of dietary intake.

"Gastric Bypass patients also exhibit a significant reduction in Ghrelin hormone, a hormone associated with hunger and weight gain. This hormone is elevated in people on a diet. This surgery is done by the minimally invasive, Laparoscopic approach, and it has become the favored weight management operation in the U.S."

In Conclusion, I agree with you that people who are considering having any weight loss surgery should consider the consequences. Yes, there are risks. But do these risks overwhelm, the risk of dying young, being overweight (more than 100# overweight), having diabetes ... and its complications, heart attacks, stroke, joint disease, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and social/economic/psychological problems of being fat? I don't think so.

I am willing to endure through the endless testing of my heart, lungs, stomach and intestines, and then being put under, and having a "tool" for weight loss done to be able to live a normal life, lose the weight (I'm over 250# overweight), and live a long, healthy, happy life with my husband and family, and not dying before I'm 44 years old. (I'm 43 now).

(Quoted portions are from my surgeon's literature on their procedures).

Thank you,Tracey Brown
Las Vegas, NV

forever trying
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Joined:	6 April 2007
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Posts:	3

Hi 18 wheelsrollin & everyone else, Well your correct about stomach stapeling, it's NOT the answer. I had it done 16 years ago also & it certainly was hard work, as you said you couldn't eat without being sick after almost every meal & the pains that were left in my stomach were just unbearable. I did lose alot of weight & did look great. I lost around the 9 stone mark & thought well it doesn't matter as it's worth it all this pain, but you know what it was not worth it in the end as to this day I still can't eat meat & many other things such as rice or pasta as they all fall heavy on me & still find I bring up any of the mentioned foods. It's a true nightmare still & what's worse I have gained all that weight all over again. I just keep trying with diet after diet after diet but still to no avail, I have been married for 11 years & we have 3 children & must admit they all love me for whom I am not my size. My only discomfort of the weight is how much more luck can I have? I don't have high blood pressure & my colestrol is at 3.9 & no diabetis, how much longer can my luck hold out is my question. I am now looking into a lap band & I'm just researching on the net as my first stop, I also have had two friends whom have had it done and they have been impressed with it, so I think why not get in & check it all out. I'll let you know what pans out.

Synicalchick
Distinguished Member

Joined:	9 January 2006
Location:	Scottsville, Kentucky USA
Posts:	689

I am very sorry about your expereince. If you have any questions about the lap band please let me know. I am 5 weeks post op now and it's the best thing I have ever done.

hugs,

Tracy

jillybean720
Senior Member

Joined:	22 August 2006
Location:	Alexandria, Virginia USA
Posts:	232

There are big risks associated with ANY surgery--you just have to weight the risks/potential benefits between your current condition and the surgery.

I wouldn't directly compare the stomach stapling surgery of 16 years ago to present procedures. Weight loss surgeries have come a LONG way in recent years, and there are many different potential procedures now, not just 1.

Any good doctor will sit down and go over the risks of any surgery with you before you decide. If your doctor does NOT do this, seek a new doctor.

forever trying
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Joined:	6 April 2007
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Posts:	3

Hi Trac, Well it sounds like your happy with your decission. I love to hear a story like that, I'm sure this is going to be something that I will be going with myself. Do you find it hard to deal with portion control from the begining? I am asuming that it would be very much like my first surgery about a teaspoon full of food came out on the first night & I'm sure I could only eat half of the vitamized food. I live in Australia & we don't always move that quickly on alot of things but I do know that our Dr's are certainly up there with the best of them so from that point I have no fear of the surgery, but am a little curious. Are you under a general whilst in surgery or is it like a block? Even though I know of a couple of friends that have had this procedure done I really haven't asked that question. In your 5 weeks have you had anything that you have found terribly difficult about your surgery? Were you out of action for long? Looking forward to hearing from you again Trac or anyone who can help me out on my few questions. Have an enjoyable Easter break everyone & stay safe. :smile:

Synicalchick
Distinguished Member

Joined:	9 January 2006
Location:	Scottsville, Kentucky USA
Posts:	689

I only missed four days of work, then the following week, if I was tired, I went home.

I don't really know how similar ours would be since you have already had the other procedure done. With the band we don't have dumping syndrome. It is a tool that works with real food. If you eat/drink mushies or high calorie liquids, you can gain with it.

try lapbandtalk.com and you will find many many answers to your queries I think

T

forever trying
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Joined:	6 April 2007
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Hey what a great site you put me on to, Thanks heaps trac. gotta go as I have some more serious reading to do. :cool:

Tasha19
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Joined:	17 December 2008
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Posts:	2

This is definitely a sad story and I hope that doctor is no longer in practice. However, this was 16 years ago when the surgery was new. And, just a personal observation, there are very few males that weight over 400 lbs that do live past 40.

However, the surgery has changed drastically over the years. I had a lap band surgery whcih is definitely a safe option, but I did consider gastric bypass where they do staple your stomach. There are many surgeons that do as many as 15 or more of these surgeries per week!

There is an anecdote for every type of surgery out there. Tara Reid had horrible plastic surgery and now everyone thinks plastic surgery doesn't work. But that just isn't true.

Just my two cents. The surgery did save my life and it cured type 2 diabetes. Which many people don't realize that the surgery does! My doc said over 90% of his patients who had type 2 diabetes, including myself, are cured almost immediately after surgery.

Tasha

Bobby_M
New Member

Joined:	10 March 2009
Location:	USA
Posts:	3

Sad story... I too am wary of surgery but I opted for a gastric balloon which is an endoscopic and completely reversible procedure. I'm amazed that the gastric balloon is practically unknown in the states. I'm from New York I live down in Colombia and here everything is more affordable and they like to stay at the forefront of weight-loss surgeries. I haven't had any complications with my gastric balloon and I've lost about 120 lbs so far. Is there any reason you can tell me why only the bypass is famous in America?

kakki
Distinguished Member

Joined:	26 December 2007
Location:	Essex , Vermont USA
Posts:	193

There are 3 types of surgery that can be done. Two of them you all mention here, the other is similar to a gastric bypass/roux en y(same thing) but more work required and used for extremely obese people and not done very commonly(is my take). As everyone said all surgery minor or major is a risk and must be looked it as such. 1- A gastric bypass/roux en y(old stomach stapling) in basic layman terms is that they staple a cup size amount of your stomach at the top, cut your small intestine and reroute it to the new stomach pouch. Once this is done, its not reversible. If there are issues, problems, they can use different pieces and move them on the pouch but you can never put the intestine back to the original spot. I have looked into this myself but personally can't make a decision to do it, to me the risks far outway the pro's. As most of us know people with issues, I've know a few who have passed due to complications, some were friends and some were my patients that I got the surgery approved for them. 2- Lap banding the way I refer to in layman terms is that they put a belt on your stomach, same size as above(about a cup) and tighten just like your belt for your pants. It can be tightened or loosened as needed. Difference with this one is that depending on where you live and surgeons around you, they might not do a lap band on someone with a BMI of 50 or greater, that takes more training and longer equipment. This is the one I've looked into doing, our surgeon at my hospital when I first looked at it wouldnt do any BMI over 50 cause he didnt have the equipment or the XP in that. Which surgery someone chooses is personal choice, just make sure you do your research and remember some of them are for life and cannot be changed once you had it.

Karels.le
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Joined:	16 April 2009
Location:	Tacoma, Washington USA
Posts:	158

I just tried to find information on surgeries relating to chemical imbalances in the brain. The only thing I can think of is that the nutrient intake was too low and that could lead to.. being tired and weak. In children it can cause brain damage I know that...

I suppose if you did not get the right amount of nutrients the body would be unable to produce the right amount of chemicals...?

I have this thing if I eat too little I get headaches and get all grumpy. My friend's mom too. We're not diabetic and so no one really knows what's going on!

So! Another idea... My friend's dad was like the man's man. Happy, always popping off stupid jokes and spending time with his kids and friends. Then one year began to act very strange He put on massive amounts of weight. This continued until around the age of 40 - 45. He would forget things if you talked to him. He would sleep more sort of act sluggish. He hardly joked or spent time with the family and friends anymore.

They soon found out he had a bi-polar/manic depressive problem. The family business began to fall apart and the family bonds began to dissolve. Then he became severely depressed and starting doing drugs and drinking a lot. (which was very unlike him) And then his wife divorced him because she just couldn't bear it anymore. Soon after he stopped the drugs and cut back on his drinking but still acted very strange even with medications for his imbalance.

As far as I know he never had a surgery but he was very overweight. When he did the drugs he began to lose weight fast but soon after stopping he put it back on. When he began his medications for the imbalance he lost some weight but not all of it. He began going to church and exercising to get into better shape but to this day he is still a bit heavier than he was before his personality changed.

I'm just wondering if the surgery was the cause of the imbalance or was it two different events that came about together at nearly the same time to look like one cause?