Q: I am 45, Had gastric bypass 5 yrs ago. Can you have this done again or some other type?
i know this may sound a bit harsh, but considering it's a dangerous surgery - why go through it again if it didn't work?? It only works if you can disconnect from food as your "drug of choice' and that often means years of therapy, setting up a strong boundry system, commiting to daily exercise and recoginizing that even with the surgery - you have a lot of personal responsibility to keep the weight loss off and prevent the gastric pouch from stretching. I have heard some people repeat the surgery - with the same dismal results the second time around - becuase they can't "fight the food battle." it's also quite costly and insurance will never cover it a second time.
I would recommend geting long term help from a therapist who works with these issues and spend the money on a trainer and dietician, who along with the therapist can hopefully help you to resolve your lifestyle issues.
Dear Danielle:
If you read all my blogs on a regular basis I do not think you would have made that assessment. My role as a health professiona "is to offer the most objective information I can" when posed with a health question. The statistics are not on the side of anyone who undergoes bypass a second time because at the core of "success" is everthing you do to support the success of the surgery, namely, lifestyle modification.
I clearly indicate that as the basis for my response. If you cannot modify your lifestyle habits, long term, than the surgery will simply not work. and the surgery has significant risks. So I clearly indicated that this person would be best served by getting help from a team of professionals who can help to modify lifestyle behaviors, and get those changes in place for some time, before considering the surgery a second time.
I did not use any offensive adjectives, I did not insinuate weakness or any judgement of the individual who wrote to me. I constantly emphasize that obesity is indeed a "disease" and not a "willpower issue."
Again, a second surgery is not recommended by any surgeons or obesity health professionals unless there has been some dramatic change in the person's lifestyle modification abilities. It's simply not worth the costs or the risks.
Actually I had the surgery six yrs ago and I also want to have it again. I lost 120 lbs and i have gained 10 lbs back. the reason i want it again is that i am 60 yrs old and i did not lose as much as i wanted to lose. after 6 yrs my stomach does not fill up as quickly or as much as it did for the first 5 yrs. I would like to have it again to get rid of the other 50 lbs (which is now 60lbs with the amt i have gained back) i did not lose the first time. So there is more than one reason to ask if the surgery can be done twice.
dear cd
May I suggest a TREADMILL...10 pounds vs a TREADMILL...hmmm, I give it TWO months and that is the SLACKER approach! :)
You've got THAT right!!
I think YOU need to re-read your response to the first question proposed. You clearly answered the question with a question. That, in my opinion, is not only insensitive but uninformed as to the answer. You could have given her a simple "yes", then voiced your thoughts on her weight problems. The way you answered her was more that of a want-to-be psychologist than that of a "health expert". I do not read your blogs at all, and from what I've just read, I'm glad I have not wasted my time. Praying for all of those who struggle with weight and body issues. Get an informed opinion from a physician, then make your decision, that is my medical opinion as a registered nurse.
WOW!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE some of these responses to your (I think...HONEST) answer!!! I had gastric bypass and went from 510 lbs to 151 lbs and now am back up to 245 lbs!! I was looking for another surgery myself to help me again. YOU are truly an inspiration!!! These people are ANGRY because they want the EASY way out! I was doing the same thing. BUT, when I read your response, it hit home...DUH, it all boils down to diet and exercise and we truly DO NEED to find out WHY we eat!!! It's not rocket science, but is the hardest thing in the world to do when you love to eat! I LOVE TO EAT! YOU opened my eyes again that I CAN do this...I need to stop being lazy and just do it! I need a therapist to help me figure out WHY I eat. I apologize for THESE people who are just lashing out at you when they should be lashing out at themselves! PEOPLE: She was NOT trying to be harsh, just HONEST! WAKE UP! THANK you, healthy gal!!! I APPRECIATE YOU! AND, you have helped ME!!! I am ONE person and that's all it takes to start!!!!
You are a true representation of the person out there struggling with a love of food - difficulty stopping when you've had enough or saying "no" to reasonable portions - coping with treatment that promises much but can't deliver if other coping habits are not in place - but you also are "honest enough" to recognize some of the challenges that rest on your personal choices.
Yes- it is hard to stick to exercise day after day and modify food choices and eat with portion control and avoid temptation and on and on. I write about this subject because from age 16 when I lost almost 55 pounds, I have continued to face each day - and I admit - it does not get easier. But keeping the habits in place, with a support system is doable. Some if not many people do need therapy to identify why they eat or to simply create behaviors and skill sets that can defy your weight and behavior tendencies.
I also acknowledge that some people do gain weight more easily - but for that matter - some people are smarter than others who study more, some people are wealthier than others who work longer hours, and some people will carry excess weight and not develop serious diabetes or heart disease - but others will. That is life in all its reality. When I wanted to do better on my SATs - I studied day after day and "worked my study program" - despite the temptation to go to a movie, or go shopping or just hang with friends. I fight food temptations every day, I wake up with the determination to do some form of exercise daily and I strive to make choices that potentiate my health. Denial and excuses will not get you thinner or healthier - and seeking help is not being weak. My role as a health professional is to state facts and despite the causes of your personal battle with weight - much of the solution will depend on your commitment to making sustained change - even with bariatric surgery.
Tamme - thanks for your honesty. I will be cheering for you as you plot a new journey!!
I WON'T HAVE BYPASS SURGERY BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR, WATCH WHAT YOU EAT, EXERCISE, ETC. IF YOU JUST DO THIS YOU WILL LOOSE THE WEIGHT WITHOUT THE SURGERY. MAY TAKE LONGER BUT YOU WILL BE HEALTHIER FOR IT. I THINK BYPASS SURGERY IS JUST GIVING A PERSON ANOTHER LIFE THREATENING CONDITION WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS TO BEGIN WITH. I SAY NO TO ANY BYPASS SURGERY.
SHAME on you!!! This journey is ABOUT YOU! Not everyone trying to be THIN! I AM in your place, so I do understand! STOP playing the blame game and get back on track. Healthy Gal's response was RIGHT ON and NOT harsh! THIS WAS MY wake-up call! I was looking for the same thing as you were! NOT anymore! SHE is right...deal with WHAT is making us eat! That is the only way you will be successful!
THANK YOU, Healthy GAL!!!!
Dear Danielle, I am 13 years post op. I truely understand how you feel. I did very well until about 2 1/2 to 3 years ago. I had a partial hysterectomy in 2006. I started going through menopause around 2009 .I have gained about 35 to 40 pounds with all the changes I am going through. I would love to have something done to help me keep this weight off! I am going back to the Dr who performed my surgery in two weeks! I am praying that Health Gal is wrong about ins. I don't understand how people can judge others without walking in thier shoes....WE all fall short in one area or another . I'm Thankful mine is not in compassion. May God Bless You and open the right doors for you...... Tammie
Hi Tammie, I can certainly relate to your story. I am 11 years post op. Now at the age of 47, I'm going through menopause and weight gain. For 10 years, my weight had stay between 140 -150lbs. In 1 year, I managed to gain 30 lbs. due to menopause. Now I'm up to 177lbs. I have tried to get this weight off. It seems like it will not stop. I'm curious to know what your dctor will tell you when you see him in a couple of weeks.
Hi,
I am also curious to know what your doctor says. I'm almost 49 now. This peri-menopausal stuff is for the birds. The not sleeping is the worst. I'm doing the portion control, the 5 - small meals and daily exercise. Shoot, I'm doing Insanity modified - I weigh 213 and working to get to 155. I just knew I would have lost 10 lbs by now. I will however stick with it then move on to Zumba and back to Insanity after 60-days. I'm sharing to say that our situation may be more than exercise and diet. I have been working out for the past 38 days and have lost 2 lbs. I understand your struggle being 6-years post op myself.
Let's all work together by sharing what we're doing. Between all of us we should figure out what works. After reading your post I've decided to look for a bariatric doctor to consult with. I really think my regular doc doesn't know how to help me.
Hi Tammie, I can certainly relate to your story. I am 11 years post op. Now at the age of 47, I'm going through menopause and weight gain. For 10 years, my weight had stay between 140 -150lbs. In 1 year, I managed to gain 30 lbs. due to menopause. Now I'm up to 177lbs. I have tried to get this weight off. It seems like it will not stop. I'm curious to know what your dctor will tell you when you see him in a couple of weeks.
It's just plain dangerous. If you are a candidate for gastric bypass, you need help with your head. Food is a drug just like alcohol and other narcotics. Rehab is NOT the same as having your stomach surgically cut out. I go to OA because of my eating disorder (bulimia and bingeing). NO amount of surgery can cure what ails me unless I had a segment of my life that was traumatic removed from my memory.
I would NEVER EVER suggest this surgery to anyone. It's dangerous and does NOT solve the eating issue. I personally know people who have 'eaten' their way through the surgery. One woman I know lost 200 lbs and within a few years gained it all back and just had the surgery done a 2nd time. The doctor is highly irresponsible for having done that 2x to her. Shame on him!!!!
It's just plain dangerous. If you are a candidate for gastric bypass, you need help with your head. Food is a drug just like alcohol and other narcotics. Rehab is NOT the same as having your stomach surgically cut out. I go to OA because of my eating disorder (bulimia and bingeing). NO amount of surgery can cure what ails me unless I had a segment of my life that was traumatic removed from my memory.
I would NEVER EVER suggest this surgery to anyone. It's dangerous and does NOT solve the eating issue. I personally know people who have 'eaten' their way through the surgery. One woman I know lost 200 lbs and within a few years gained it all back and just had the surgery done a 2nd time. The doctor is highly irresponsible for having done that 2x to her. Shame on him!!!!
Weight loss surgery generally is not indicated for someone with bulimia or other eating disorders until psycholigical counseling has brought the ED into stability. Additionally OA can be a great tool before and after weight loss surgery to address the psychological issues that drove the person to eat herself into obesity.
Weight loss surgery saved my life. It was the catalyst for change, and the linchpin in my weight loss success. It was not a cure-all.
I highly recommend OA as part of a comprehensive aftercare program to help the bariatric patient maintain a life of obesity disease management, along with proper diet and exercise. I, too, was bulimic and it would be great if the surgery removed that part of us that signals us to binge and purge.
OA deals with compulsive overeating. Not all OA groups are supportive of WLS patients. Nor are all able to support someone in recovery from bulimia. So be sure to find a few groups in your area that are right for your personal situation.
Best,
MBL
I think it insensitive and somewhat stuck up, to give an answer different to the question asked. Why is it, people feel it necessary to make a judgment based on their own view instead of LISTENING to what the person asking a direct question? Answer the question asked then plug in any opinion that expresses your own opinion. God bless you and I hope you find the answer you are seeking and the answer that is best for YOU. I too will pray for you
.
The exact same thing has happened to me. I am 5 years out and have regained 45 pounds and am miserable. I take all my supplements but continue to have horrendous leg cramps at night. I eat Junk food that is easy to get down because it hurts so bad to eat regular food.
Hi Sherri, Do you take magnesium citrate? I take it in powdered form mixed with water (tastes fine and is inexensive and most importantly works well). It took about a month of taking it daily to see results but I do not have leg cramps anymore. I have been on it for years. Magnesium is one of the trace minerals that gastric bypass patients can become deficient in. You can read more about Trace Minerals Deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery here: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/149977/trace-deficiency I hope this helps! MBL
Hi Tammy,
Yes,you can have another surgery that I am looking into for myself as well. It is a type of revision and it's call a duodenal switch. Good luck!
Deidre 
Hi,
Just wondering if the RNY procedure can be done again 5 years after the first one.
Thanxs,
Zip...
I am quoting the following from an authoritative source (credit at end) since it is a clinical discussion and I am not a clinician.
"Conversion from Gastric Bypass to Duodenal Switch is the most definitive revision procedure for inadequate weight loss or weight regain after Gastric Bypass. This approach addresses the issues of metabolic failure and maladaptive eating as causes of failure. This conversion may be done laparoscopically in many cases. A potential concern with this procedure is proper stomach function after surgery." - Dr. John Husted
I can tell you that my research has shown that many surgeons will not do DS over gastric bypass. It is a more complicated surgery and the risks are significantly increased as compared to having either the DS or GPB alone. This is not to be taken lightly. You cannot keep whittling away your body and changing your anatomy without seriously considering these risks. A good surgeon will examine closely your specific health challenges when assessing your candidacy for this surgery, particularly why you have had weight regain.
Your first step in assessing why you have regained weight after Gastric Bypass is to look carefully at your food consumption. The best way to analyze your food is to create a detailed food diary. There are many free online tools for doing this that will do all of the calculations for you. I use FitDay.com. While we may think we have a good idea of our food consumption, people are generally shocked at how many calories they consume on a daily basis. Also, what are you doing for exercise? This is a key component of achieving long-term weight-loss.
Get really honest with yourself. If you are not eating and exercising how you should, getting back on track is your first step.
Believe me, I hate that I tightly manage what I eat and that I exercise 6x/week and I am still overweight. But I look back at photos of myself before surgery and think about how my life was back then - how I felt mentally and physicially, what I did with my free time and all the things that I missed out on in life for DECADES - and I am so grateful that I am no longer obese. I am no longer that person.
I feel the same way, I had gastric bypass 7 years ago and still overweight but in far better shape mentally and physcially then ever before I have been there and done it but i never want to return to 311 pounds i will probably kill myself
Just a mom,
I was able to gain much better control of managing my weight, and lose additional weight, by eliminating grains from my diet -- even without exercising. You can read articles and testimonials on the Web if you Google "Paleo Diet" or "Primal Blueprint Diet" or "SCD Diets" or "GAPS Diet." There are many disease conditions that benefit from eating grain-free, and people experience renewed vitality and health. You can read about my experience with the Primal Blueprint beginning with this sharepost.
I'd like to have my excess skin removed, too. I have not done so primarily because of the cost and the time and hassel to get insurance to cover it. I intend to make this a priority in the next 9-mos.
There are doctor discussion guides on the web that may help you in speaking with your PCP about removing excess skin. Try a Google search for "doctor discussion guide for __________."
-MBL
hi just a mom
HealthGal,
For me, the uncontrolled hunger and emotional eating that I had before WLS were largely brought under control by the surgery -- thank G_d. They were not eliminated, though, and I do need to be careful not to fall back into that pattern of eating/living/coping. What's more, I need to be mindful of what and how much I eat, making sure to take my vitamins, drink the recommended amount of water, eat the recommended amount of protein, elimiante grains. I eat very, very healthy, whereas once I lived on processed food. This has not been an overnight change for me, but rather I have learned so much over time and refined my program as a result. It is amazing to me, actually it is disgusting to me, what I used to put into my body. Without the weight loss surgery, I never would have changed that. WLS is not a magic bullet, but it was the catalyst for a new way of living, a new life, for me. MBL
Clearly you like other patients benefit from this tool in the arsenal of "obesity treatment options." As you point out - it is NOT a magic bullet but rather needs other behavioral changes and even development of simple willpower. Despite all the changes you make habit wise and in spite of commiting to keeping a "diet-style environment" at home and outside the home, every day you and other people who "keep weight off' have to harness willpower.
I do believe many people have a better chance of success with bariatric surgery if they keep a support system in place and work on "keeping habits" in place. Just having the surgery without these modifications and commitments does not have a good track record for success.
Congrats on staying the course.
Deidre, Thank You so much for that helpful info! Good luck to you as well and God Bless!
Hi, I also had a bypass 4 years ago and am starting to put the weight back on. I am no where near to where I was(410lbs), but it is scaring me. I recently heard of a procedure that is called R.O.S.E. I am not sure what it entails surgically, but it sounded like it was just a stitch or two to retighten where the pouch may be stretching. I am waiting to hear from a surgeon in my area, as we have moved and I am no longer near my surgeon. Good Luck!! Sue
SUE,
What did you find out about R.O.S.E. I tried to look it up on the internet but could not find anything about it, I had my surgery in 2004 and have gained back alamost half of the weight I lost, I need help. Thanks.
ROSE Procedure - Gastric Bypass Revision
Tuesday November 30, 2010
The ROSE procedure is a safer, incisionless revision that reduces the stomach volume and stoma diameter in order to increase restriction and encourage weight loss in gastric bypass patients.
ROSE, which stands for Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal, is a new, safer, incisionless, gastric bypass revision. It is not a primary method of weight loss surgery, but a follow-up procedure that is specifically designed for gastric bypass patients with weight regain.
The ROSE procedure is indicated for gastric bypass patients who were initially successful in losing the excess weight but are now regaining some of the lost weight because the stomach and stoma have stretched out and no longer effectively control hunger and food intake.
Why is the ROSE procedure performed?
The purpose of the ROSE procedure is to reduce the size of the stomach and stoma to recreate the restriction of the original gastric bypass.
Most gastric bypass patients are able to lose a significant amount of excess weight following surgery and keep it off long-term. While slight weight regain after the first 18 to 24 months is common, some patients gain back more weight than desired.
In many cases of failed gastric bypass, weight regain is due to the stomach pouch and stomach outlet (stoma) stretching out over time. Stretching often occurs from poor portion control. When the stomach and stoma become enlarged, they no longer effectively restrict food intake or reduce hunger sensations.
How is the ROSE procedure performed?
The ROSE procedure is performed endoscopically and does not require external cuts or incisions.
With endoscopic procedures, such as the ROSE, the doctor operates via a natural body opening using small, flexible surgical tools. To reach the surgical area, a special FDA-approved medical device is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach pouch. The tool gathers together sections of stomach tissue to create a pleat which is then sutured together. With this process, the stomach volume and stoma diameter can be reduced to increase restriction and encourage weight loss.
Patients will be put under general anesthesia. It takes about one hour to complete the operation, which is often performed on an out-patient basis. Most patients will feel little or no discomfort.
I hope you find this helpfull i got this on the net i jast pluged in worsd R. O. S. E. medical prosedure and got lots of info , im looking in to geting it done to following a 5 yeat aniversery and some waight gain
Thank you for the information about R.O.S.E. I too have regained about half of what I took off almost 7 years ago. I seem to go up and down about 30 pounds, but even with the 30 pounds, I still need to lose in total about 70.
The problem now is to find a doctor who will perform this type of surgery on me. One doctor who does gastric surgery and has performed it on my husband said for me to go back to the doctor who originally did mine. That is not an option because I now live in another state and it is not feasible for me.
Do you know any doctors who perform this surgery in the Pocono area of Pennsylvania, or how I can find one?
Thanks
Hello,
I also had my surgery in 2004 and I too have gained back some weight. I did talk to a bariatric surgeon regarding the rose procedure... he said it is still new and to wait another year or two since they are working out the "bugs" or "problems" with the instruments and the "tacking stitches" arent holding. but also with the rose procedure I was also told that the insurance companies are not paying for it yet either.
Please don't do any more to your body, you just need to watch what you are eating, I had a by pass in "88" I am now 68 and I wish I had never had it done.
I have had a lot of problem, most because I did not watch what I eat. They should do this with counciling before, we have emotional issure that is why we over eat that needs to addressed first.
hi Sue
IM 46 AND HAD THIS PROCEDURE TWICE ALREADY, I GUESS IT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERON HOW OFTEN THIS SHOULD BE REPEATED FOR PEACE OF MIND, I AGREE ITS NOT A FUN PROCEDURE BUT I FEEL A NECESSERY ONE TO HAVE DONE, IM SURE YOUR DOCTOR MUST HAVE FELT THE SAME WAY.
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST........
ELIZABETH
I had gastric bypass in 2001. I was keeping if off with controlled eating and exercise. I was in an auto accident that prohibited me from doing the exercises for almost 2 years. I have gained about 50 pounds back and it is depressing. I asked my surgeon about having it redone and he told me it was a very, very risky procedure and he would rather I did not do this. He referred me to a nutritionist and I am starting back into exercise slowly. I am not saying to not do it, but please check and double check about the procedure, because the 2nd time around your life is more at risk than the first time. Good luck with whatever you choose!!
Deb
hi justdeb
I have known someone who had it done twice but the real problem is what you are eating. And how much. Counselling might help but I think the best thing is to go to
a weight support group such as Weight Watchers or Tops. You lose the weight on your own and it is more apt to stay off.
I gotta ask why did you have the surgery in the first place. Didn't you go to your support groups, didn't you learn anything at all from it, from what you read, from what the dietitian instructed you on. If you failed at it the first time what makes you think the second time around is going to work. It's all about change, changing what you eat, portion control, exercise and support. I've just started going thru the process to ready myself for the surgery and got the thumbs up from the Psychologist which is great. I see the dietitian again in about 4 weeks and hopefully after that they give me the list of the doctor's so I can choose whom I'd like to have do my surgery. Due to my insurance I can only have the Bypass and I'm totally okay with that. I currently don't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease or many other diseases that go along with obesity and I want to keep it that way. I'm just 45 years old and want to be around to see my children reach their goals, start families and etc. When I went to my first support group there was a gentleman there and he was still going to the support group and he'd had his bypass done over 10 years ago. Get out the bible (as they call it) they gave you and start reading it again, get back to your support group. When I go out with my fiance or my kids to eat I'm getting a salad as my meal when I can, I've given up soda for good. Like someone else stated there is no guarantee the second time around will be successful either. Good luck either way and don't give up.
I think your response seems a little bit harsh, and perhaps naive. I had the surgery about 7 years ago, and lost 180 lbs. I've since gained back about 30, and I fluctuate up and down a bit. Yes, I did change my eating habits considerably, but it's not as simple as eliminating sodas and malts.
Much of it also depends on the surgery. My surgeon refused to take a portion of my colon. Many of the people that reached their goal weight and keep it off, were lucky enough to have that done.
Many of us became obese due to medications. I have bipolar disorder, and the medicines I take cause weight gain. I also tend to revert back to old habits when I am in long term deep depression. It's not that I didn't learn my lesson. There are just many contributing factors.
I am currently approximately 100 lbs. overweight, and would like to be able to lose that. But when I diet, I still yo-yo, just like before... which as a candidate for weight loss surgery I would imagine you're familiar with.
I do my best to be diligent in my diet and exercise, but it hasn't finished the job. I also had no access to a dietician or psychologist specializing in such as I live in a rural area and my insurance would not cover it.
I would love to have a 2nd procedure to help get me closer to a healthy weight. And my heart goes out to people who, for whatever reason, were not able to lose or keep off the weight from their surgery
I TOTALLY AGREE WIT U ON THIS ONE
Well put... totally agree. Never try to assume a 'one size fits all' for anything in life. Especially if you haven't even gone through the procedure yet. It's amazing... people have more tolerance for relapse of drug and alcohol users.
I have had the surgery I think you are right on somethings but, I think what you said was a bit harsh. Right now you are in the Pre-Op stages getting you ready for the surgery, let's see what happens to you once you have had the surgery. I think your opinion will change once you have had your surgery and are on your own. My weight loss has been successful but, I have had some challenges thru my journey to weight loss and I do panic but, what they can change via surgery they can not chang you mentally, let's hope your insurance is still blessing you with psychologist visits after the surgery for some it does not cover at all so I think once you have had your surgery and the Insurance and the financial side of things start for you then we shall see what you opinion is.
I have followed all those rules and meeting and suport groups but have never went below my 150 goal. I have lost 120 and have been that way for years. I would do it again in a minute. Tell us how you are and how much weight you have gained in five years (humble voice) before you start saying what is not being done. For that matter, if support groups, eating healthy and excersie is working so well for you then why are you having it done in the fist place?
It may be time to go to weight watchers and learn how to eat.
I considered that surgery 4 years ago, but all surgery is a risk, so I went to weight watchers.
I have lost 120 lbs and need to lose about 20 more. I realized that I control my weight it did not control me.
Risky, I would say and wouldn't fix your obesity problem permanently. Every case is different and particular. The problem most Gastric Bypass patients encounter is a weight regain after a few years, mostly due to an enlargement of the stomach pouch.
Consider discussing your case with a Bariatric-Laparoscopic Surgeon... and maybe put a LAP-BAND in place.
Surgery is not a magic bullet for weight loss and there are risks to the procedures. Patients should be fully informed about the benefits, risks, and post-operative expectations and needs. In addition, patients will need nutritional counseling and may need behavioral modification, emotional support and an appropriate exercise program.
I totally agree with you on this, but some people with other medical issues such as diabetes,highblood pressure this is a cure if they can follow the plan, but you are correct there is alot of emotional & psychological issues involved with this surgery, some people who have never dieted or excerised before are having this surgery done and that is WRONG!!!, and then you have those who did follow a diet plan & exercised but still had the medical issues this surgery is for these types of folks, but there is a committment to it as well. Again this is a sensitive subject you don't tell an alcoholic oh just stop buying the drink or, better yet dont go to a bar there is more to being obese the some folks do not understand. But you did hit some points.
check out www.sergicalweightlossinstitute.com
i had the surgery 5 years ago so that i could have a double hip replacement as i could not walk much less exercise. i lost 163 pds and am now gaining it back. i got a blood clot when i had my hips done and due to so many precautions i cannot exercise much. i absolutely hate life and hate being fat. i feel as i failed again as usual. if i could have this done again it would be great i wish that they could make the stomach so small you couldnt eat anything. Pam
I am 53 and also had the surgery 5 years ago...some of the things they DON'T tell you is that you may not absorb iron, which I did not, so my red blood cells plummeted, which made me exhausted. (I have since found a liquid iron developed specifically for this procedure...energy level is coming up...check www.bariatricadvantage.com)
Another thing they don't tell you is that because you essentially "poop" out your weight, it can cause major anal fissures, etc. I developed these and had to have rectal surgery last June which knocked me back for a year....the pain is unbearable.
I too am starting to put weight back on....am trying very hard to eat right, excercise is kind of hard right now but go up and down stairs a lot.
I even had to go to rehab because I switched my drug of choice from food to alcohol, which can occur in 80 percent of DS patients, ANOTHER thing they didn't know about.
I am feeling like we were handed a bill of goods on this surgery..they didn't know much about it but went right ahead anyway....
I lost about 133 lbs, have so far gained about 30 lbs back.....
Don't hate life....you can find so much in your life that will help you....remember the serenity prayer..it works.
YOU HAVEN'T FAILED Remember that...you are a human being....if you can be good to yourself, honey, at least be fair, ok?
Mary
HI! I just want to say thank you because I had gastric bypass surgery on August 23,2010 and on December 14,2010 I had to have surgery to have a anal fissures removed. It,s the worst surgery I have ever encounter and am still having problems with my anal. I research trying to find out where do anal fissures come from. Am very greatful for the gastric bypass surgery because am down 69 pounds and i feel better. I've gained 3-5 pounds but am trying to keep the weight off. Thanks
Amen sister! That's exactly what I've gone through. No fissures
tho, I think. How can you tell? God Bless.
Amen sister! That's exactly what I've gone through. No fissures
tho, I think. How can you tell? God Bless.
Hi Pam
you know the first time you posted this i was going to go to your site (after i was done reading all the posts. Now that i've seen this posted a half dozen times i 1. don't believe you and 2. will NOT go to your site! way to OVER post!!
Hi,
I have had 3 Gastric Bypass surgeries in the past, but the revisions were to fix bowel incontintence problems I was having due to Duonal switch procedure which was not the right surgery for me. I did lose most of my weight, however I have regained about 60 pounds. I am still down about 100 pounds but afraid of regaining most of my wieght. I do not eat large amounts of food, but still I think I do eat too much and the wrong foods.
I have tried to locate a doctor that will do another surgery for me, but to no avail. I have since moved from the state that I had the surgery in. Do you have any advice for me, I live in North East Pennsylvania?
I think that Gastric Bypass is wonderful and has changed many lives. My husband has had the surgery too and he has gone below the weight goal he had. He is quite thin now.
I too am trying to find out the answer to this. I am 52 years old. I had the gastric bypass surgery 32 years ago. It was just in the beginning stages of this surgery. I am going to have a consultation to see if i can have it again. I weigh 15 more now, than when i had the surgery.
Here is my experience with a second surgery, following weight regain after gastric bypass...
I had RNY gastric bypass in August 2003. A few years ago, I regained some weight, so I had a procedure called StomaPhyx. It is very much like the ROSE procedure but the ROSE procedure was developed after StomaPhyx.
I lost about 30lbs from StomaPhyx, which was terrific. I worked very hard with a nutritionist at my surgeon's office, following the surgery, to follow an eating plan and exercise program that worked for me. I also attended OverEaters Annonymous to address my psychological realtionship with food.
About a year later, I became completely exhausted for reasons unknown. None of my doctors have found a cause and to this day, two years now, I have problems with exhaustion. Anyway, the point is that I stopped exercising because I had no energy. And I slowly began not following the strict eating plan my nutritionist had put me on. The weight came back on. All 30lbs that I had lost.
I tell you all of this because I want you to be sure that you research the success rate of the ROSE procedure. StomaPhyx has a high failure rate. I knew this going in but I was committed to diet and exercise and working with a nutritionist and addressing my issues with food through OA... and yet I, too, failed. At least I was fortunate that my insurance company paid for the StomaPhyx procedure. Paying $16k out of pocket AND regaining the weight would have been awful.
Please tell the community what you have found out about the ROSE procedure. What is the long-term success rate? Is it covered by insurance? Many can benefit from your research. Thank you and good luck.
I too am a Gastric bypass patient 6yrs ago and I am starting to regain weight, I have gained 30lb. can you tell me where i can get more information on the ROSE or the StomaPhyx.
StomaphyX is performed using a device made by EndoGastric Solutions. If you go to their web site, you will be able to read about it. Also, you can read my shareposts about my experience with StomaphyX.
The R.O.S.E. (Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal) procedure is similar to StomaphyX. I was unable to find out who the manufacturer of the device is.
You can use Google to search for more information and visit YouTube to search for videos on the procedures.
Hi,
I have not researched the ROSE procedure totally; however, I did contact my surgeon again and had a consult with him. He sent me for a few tests to see if there is a physiological problem, or whether it was something else. After having an EGD, a colonoscopy as well as x-rays with contrast to view my pouch, I have found that all is well. My pouch is normal. I am going for thyroid tests as well. I do take medication and cannot exercise much because of injuries and arthritis, which may explain the added weight. I am supposed to consult a nutritionist also for 6 months. The only thing my surgeon is willing to do after all is said and done, is put a band on my pouch to restrict food intake. I do not know at this point if I am going to do that until I have exhausted nutrition counseling.
I must admit that my food choices are not always the best despite the fact that I do not consume a lot of food. With that said, I think I have to face the raw truth and buckle down and be accountable for what I put into my mouth. It’s not always how much, but WHAT goes in.
I wish you the best of luck.
Please read my post about the Pouch Rules for Dummies. I began following the rules recently and took off 10lbs pretty effortlessly.
Also, there are back on track programs for weight loss surgery patients offered by both by Colleen Cook and by Barbara Thompson that may provde helpful to you.
Good luck to you!
Thank you for the information. I am biting my tongue as to not be offended by the post title though. I am grateful for your mention of the authors, and what they have to offerl. I definitely have to check this out. I also looked into Tai Chi and want to pursue that too.
Yeah, the title is not my doing but rather the work of the author of the Pouch Rules for Dummies. I assume he was inspired by the book series. Who would ever think that a series title like that would take off!?!?!
Good luck!!!
Thanks for the reply. I'm glad that the book is doing well.
Barb D
Some of you guys comments are so harsh. I lost weight on weight watchers and gained it back. I tried all the diet fads, pills, and postions. I had the GBP 2009 and lost 200 pounds but I'm still concided obese weighing 249(was 449). People have a miss conception about it. They think the surgury is the easy way out. Now that I had it it's not the easy way out. I have to take meds and vitamins more now than I ever had. We need to look at eating in a different way. Drugs or alcohol can be left alone or not a nessecity but we need food to survive. I know people who had it twice and it worked for them and some it didn't work for. Find you a good surgeon and support team to work out what's best for you. Everyone is different. So I pray God will guide you to do what is best for you. Remeber everyone thinks the know best until it happens to them and it all a different ballgame. Good luck your prayer partner!
Well said prayer partner. Surgery is not the easy way out but for me I know it was the only solution. Never would I have lost this weight on my own or by following any other program before my surgery.
I have a blog here on HealthCentral in which I discuss all sorts of issues realted to obesity surgery / weight loss surgery. I welcome you to peruse some of the shareposts as they may be of interest to you. I'd love to hear your feedback on any of them. One in particular that you may be interested in is "The Tools I Use: Pouch Rules for Dummies." For me, going back to this way of eating many years after my surgery, as described in the pouch rules for dummies guide, allowed me to take off even more weight... nearly as much as I did with my stomaphyx revision surgery.
Good luck!
Hi, you are not a failure but you will alays be a comulsive overeater and there is no CURE. I had the gastri bypass 12 years ago with a weight of 310. I lost 100 ounds in nine months but experienced anal fissures, tooth loss, explosive poop sessions, hair loss and anemia. I started to regain within 3 years and was up to 340 only this time had a host of health problems. At my wits end I slowly started to eat a plant based diet and walk one hour a day. When I started i could not even walk a blok without thinking I was going to have a stroke. Tonight as aI sit here and type this I just returned from my nightly 90 minute walk and I weigh 196. I have kept over 100 pounds off for five years by giving up wheat, dairy and meat aslthough I do eat fish and eggs 3-5 times a month. The majority of my diet consists of plants. I make a great vegie curry! I also eat walnuts and almonds in very limited amounts and somtimes dark choolate and peanutbutter. Frozen blueberries with stevia, powdered dark chocolate and a few almonds all stired up in almond milk has replaced my Ben and Jerys addiction.
I lost the weight over a four year period by changing what I eat. I am still a complulisive overeater but you cant get to 300 punds on a plant based diet. It just aint possible.
I am free and you can be too.
Operations and diets are not the ansewer. Turst me. Look into following a plant based diet and you will lose weight in a real and lasting manner.
God Bless you and best wishes.
Bravo, bravo for you, flabby!!! I had the surgery and just like you, I completely changed my way of eating afterwards. I eat whole foods, very little if any processed foods, I avoid grains, I eat only fish and fowl (no meat from animals with fur), and organic as much as possible. It really is a nice lifestyle!
When I realized what factory farming was all about, and how processed foods are actually toxic to our bodies, it was life changing. I applaud you for eating a mostly plant-based diet.
In one of my shareposts, I write about How America's Obesity Epidemic Began and discuss factory farming. It may interest you. I fyou care to check it out then please let me know what you think.
Congrats again on turning your health around. I am so proud of you!
Bravo, bravo for you, flabby!!! I had the surgery and just like you, I completely changed my way of eating afterwards. I eat whole foods, very little if any processed foods, I avoid grains, I eat only fish and fowl (no meat from animals with fur), and organic as much as possible. It really is a nice lifestyle!
When I realized what factory farming was all about, and how processed foods are actually toxic to our bodies, it was life changing. I applaud you for eating a mostly plant-based diet.
In one of my shareposts, I write about How America's Obesity Epidemic Began and discuss factory farming. It may interest you. I fyou care to check it out then please let me know what you think.
Congrats again on turning your health around. I am so proud of you!
I reply to you because you were the last post. I had been through 10 year's of what I will call a successfil RNY. I've had issues but the end result wa I lost 180 getting down to 120 lbs, perfect for my size, In the last 18 months I have gone though 2 emergency surgeries for perforated ulcers. My surgeon says I must endur yet another. Similar to the first, my stomach has expanded and the repaired "holes" have to be taken away. I'm scared. The first surgery was had because I wanted to and I complyed with every request because I wanted to lose the weight. I don't have the same goal now. I'm 5'3 130 lbs. I'm looking at 2 months of protien shakes, and who knows how many complications. Has anyone gone through this?
I had gastric bypass in Sept 1999 I was 340 but the smallest I ever got down to was 225 then i got pregnant and have had 2 kids . My husband passed away 3 years ago and I was up to 270 I lost weight down to 210 but now I'm dating and am back up to 260 i'm so tired of the roller coaster ride. I know that gastric bypass works but it doesnt fix the problem off me putting the food in my mouth and no excersise I've thought about the surgery again but I also know that i can lose it for myself its just the keeping it off I'm going to do the nutritionist thing and counseling and support groups like Weight watchers .
I have a blog here on HealthCentral in which I discuss all sorts of issues related to obesity surgery / weight loss surgery. I welcome you to peruse some of the shareposts as they may be of interest to you. One in particular that you may be interested in is "The Tools I Use: Pouch Rules for Dummies." For me, going back to this way of eating many years after my surgery, as described in the pouch rules for dummies guide, allowed me to take off even more weight... nearly as much as I did with my stomaphyx revision surgery. I am sure that it would help you, too!
Good luck!
I am 55, Had my stomach stapled over twenty years ago. I kept if off until the delivery of my daughter. It just started creeping back up slowly but surely. I too would like to have a revision. I had gone to a bariatric doctor who put a tube down my throat to see if anything could be done and his quick answer was "I don't see a problem". Period. I had my surgery done at UCSD and I lost really well. I'm no longer living in CA. Lost about 80 pounds and then I quit losing. So I started Weight Watchers and danced and exercised my brains off. I guess I just need to get back to doing that again but am still interested in the revision. I need to get some help since I've gained it all back. My knees are hurting, I have high blood pressure and run after children all day. I have had my pouch looked at twice with that bariam drink and never get the help I need. I've tried a shrink, dietician too. No help.
I had a revision surgery in 2008, after my gastric bypass in 2003. The surgeon did an endoscopy and said that my stoma was stretched. Later he did the StomaPhyx prodecure to tighten my stoma. You can read about it here: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/136760/bariatric-weight
R.O.S.E is a similar procedure for tightening the stoma. Other revision options include gastric band over gastric bypass and conversion to duodenal switch.
Many authorities say it is not the size of the stoma or pouch that causes weight loss but rather it is correctly using the pouch tool to maintain satiety that causes weight loss. Not all that long ago, I came upon the Pouch Rules for Dummies and lost a lot of weight effortlessly... weight that I was unable to lose with exercising. You can read about it here: http://search.healthcentral.com/query?utf8=%E2%9C%93&ver=obesity&ic=506010&q=pouch+rules+for+dummies Please read it. It could change your life.
Lastly, I just published a guide on HealthCentral to Living Life After Weight-Loss Surgery that is chockful of information you may find useful. You can read it here: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/149178/weight-surgery
I really hope that the information in these articles is helpful to you. I feel that weight loss surgery fails because the surgeons do not educate us on how to maintain our weight loss long-term. The surgery really is a tool that is to be included as part of a larger regimine. My surgeon told me, I do the surgery. The rest is up to you. Well, thankfully I have maintained my weight loss since 2003. Now I am on a mission to help others do the same.
Good luck to you! MBL
hi sheeba
Hi, I ha RNY 8 years ago at the weight of 360. At my 6 month checkup I lost 145 lbs & was EXTREMELY exhauste even though all my bloo work was normal. The next evening I was tol I was pregnant. 2 weeks later we foun out it was triplets. a week later one was not forming & we were having twins. Because I was only 6 months post op they were worrie about the nutrition of all 3 of us. My twins were perfectly healthy & will be 7 in March. Mom however has gaine back all but 60 lbs of what I lost. I ha two back surgeries in 2010 which limite exercise so 30 of it was gaine since then ue to restrictions on exercise. I still can't eat big portions but can eat more than 7 years ago. I am now looking into having some type of "fix" because I o have several health problems relate to weight. Gastric Sleeve, R.O.S.E, ban but no RNY.
So as you can tell over eating is not always the cause of weight gain post WLS.
Goo luck to all an Thx.
Crystal
PS. I just realize that the letter between c & e on my keyboar is not working...LOL
Hi Mom - I am so glad that your boys are healthy!!! I plan to write a sharepost on revision surgery options in the next month. Please stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, I will repost what I just posted to fatagain, above. I truly hope taht the following is helpful to you. I wish you success!
I had a revision surgery in 2008, after my gastric bypass in 2003. The surgeon did an endoscopy and said that my stoma was stretched. Later he did the StomaPhyx prodecure to tighten my stoma. You can read about it here: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/136760/bariatric-weight
R.O.S.E is a similar procedure for tightening the stoma. Other revision options include gastric band over gastric bypass and conversion to duodenal switch.
Many authorities say it is not the size of the stoma or pouch that causes weight loss but rather it is correctly using the pouch tool to maintain satiety that causes weight loss. Not all that long ago, I came upon the Pouch Rules for Dummies and lost a lot of weight effortlessly... weight that I was unable to lose with exercising. You can read about it here: http://search.healthcentral.com/query?utf8=%E2%9C%93&ver=obesity&ic=506010&q=pouch+rules+for+dummies Please read it. It could change your life.
Lastly, I just published a guide on HealthCentral to Living Life After Weight-Loss Surgery that is chockful of information you may find useful. You can read it here: http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/c/276918/149178/weight-surgery
I really hope that the information in these articles is helpful to you. I feel that weight loss surgery fails because the surgeons do not educate us on how to maintain our weight loss long-term. The surgery really is a tool that is to be included as part of a larger regimine. My surgeon told me, I do the surgery. The rest is up to you. Well, thankfully I have maintained my weight loss since 2003. Now I am on a mission to help others do the same.
Good luck to you! MBL
Hi. This is my first attempt at "blogging" so please forgive any breach of etiquette. I am 52. I was obese for most of my life--tried EVERY diet with no success. Finally in May 2007, at 5’7” and 379 lbs I had gastric bypass. My doctor said that I should weigh no more than 159 lbs so I had 220 excess pounds. However, he told me that typically patients only lose 80% of the excess weight (176 lbs) and, if I did that, he would consider it a major victory. It has been 5years and 2 months since my surgery. I lost 260 lbs (I weigh 119) and I have managed to keep it off. I long ago “out-ate” the surgery. If I want, I can easily eat a 12” sub, a bag of chips and a soda (I have done this in the past). But through prayer, I have found a lifestyle that works wonderfully. It promotes incredible health and well being. I work at McDonald’s and I am in a supervisory position over 7 restaurants and I am permitted to eat free. McDonald’s was my “drug” of choice when I was morbidly obese. I have dozens of customers who have seen my transformation and have prompted me to become a motivational speaker or writer to help others. It would be a dream to be able to quit my job and help others fulltime. My question: does anybody have any suggestions on how to go about making this a career? I do not have “Facebook / Twitter / etc.” but I am willing to learn. Thank you in advance for any suggestions!!!
Wow, what a great and inspirational journey that you have to share with others! Kudos for you wanting to help others who still struggle. Most of all, congratulations on taking control of your health and your life. This is not an easy thing to do and I am overjoyed for you!
As for how to blog, there are books on the market that can explain how to do this. Obviously you need good content, which is the story that you have to share, but you also need to understand social media, search engine optimization, and how patients engage online for health information. You may want to checkout the BlogHer Network for additional information. They have a conference coming up in the Fall and this would be a good place to start meeting other bloggers.
I hope this helps! Good luck! - MBL
Thank you so much for your encouragement. Some days it's still a real struggle. We are all in this big world together and we must lean on each other for commpassion and encouragement.
Thanks again!!
You are very welcomed!!! I wish continued good things for you!! MBL
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Dear Health Gal:
You will never understand until you are there! If someone goes to rehab, can they never go again because they have already been there once?
I am a gastric by-pass participant, and I fully understand the struggle you go through EVERYDAY! There are good days, and there are bad days. It also doesn't help that every thing you see today is all about the "thin". This subconsciencely tells the person they are fat EVERYTIME they look at TV etc.
I am sorry, but I found this post VERY INSENSITIVE!!!
As to the actual person that asked the question: I think you should do what you think is best for you...I will support you in my prayers...where ever you are. :-)
-Danielle