Gastric Bypass - San Jose, CA

Hi K....YES YES I would do it again in a heart beat and I wish I had done it earlier in life. I have never felt so alive and full of energy.

Hi K.,

I would really think about this before you do it. I have had four clients that have had it done and have had major complications. They are all not on a solid diet and it’s been well over a year. They can't eat more that a hand full of food at a clip and has no energy and one is now anemic.

Here is the other thing you have to look at when you are dealing with a weight issue. Are you doing this for a quick fix because you are frustrated? If so what can happen is you will gain the weight back. First and foremost you have to learn to eat the right foods and what to eat for your body. If you are an emotional eater then you need to figure out what in your head causes it. I know I have been there. I fought my weight all my life. It took a big reality check to get my on the right track.

If you find that the surgery is the only way then really research the doctor. How many have they done? What do they do for follow up? Do they have a nutritionist or a dietician on staff that you get to use? You may also want to consider something easier on the system such as the band procedure. The odds of complications on the surgery are 1 in 4.

If you would like my help or if you would like to discuss this further, give me a call.

Good luck with your decision. I hope it all works out.

L. C
Personal Nutritionist
###-###-####

Hello K.,
My name is J.. I noticed there is another J. that has responded. My nick name is Sunshine... I like either.

About 4 1/2 years ago, I weighted over 350 pounds. I was declined twice for Gastric Bypass surgery. I started Weight Watchers, awesome by the way, and a great place to start. Even with GBS, you still have to learn how to eat healthy. The surgery is a "tool", not a cure, and there are many risks. I found that I could "cheat" way too much on Weight Watchers, now granted, I was extremely motivated. (Well, most of the time.) I actually developed my own way of "getting to know food". I created a spreadsheet and calculated all of the nutritional values everyday, of EVERYTHING I put into my mouth. I lost 120 pounds, then I applied for GBS again, I still had 100 to lose. REALLY!~!! On Sept. 30 2005, I had the surgery. I have since lost around 80 pounds. I am now around 160 pounds, and 20 of that is extra skin, etc.. that the plastic surgeon says he will take off.

Trust me, I'd do it again in a second, no questions asked. However, I have had friends that have had complications, and one of my friends actually passed away. Be careful who does your surgery, and be prepared.

What I mean by being prepared, is start now losing weight like you mean it. You will thank yourself in the long run. Exercise as much as you can, in baby steps. Don't start, all motivated, and do too much. You'll get discouraged, or hurt. Start small, even if it's just tying your shoes and walking to the door. I remember when I called my husband when I thought I was going to die, and I had only walked half way around the block, which was only 1/3 of a mile to begin with. Now, I can walk 5 miles is under 50 minutes. But remember, it's taken me over 4 years to get here. Learn portion control, now. It takes a couple of weeks for your brain to get the connection that you are not starving. Exercise during this time a lot, it will help. Also, teach yourself nutritional values. Concentrate on Protein (60 grams a day), calories (under 1500), carbs (I stay under 150 while I'm focused), and fat (between 20 and 30 grams. 30 being a bad day). Stick with grilled foods, steamed vegi's. No "white" food- rice, potatoes, bread, pasta- These are high carb foods, and are hard to tolerate for a while after GBS. After surgery, you may be able to eat them after a while, but for most people, it's difficult. In small amounts it's alright. Most of the time, I just chose not too. Also, ditch the sodas now... you shouldn't have them after surgery, or at all for that matter. Even diet. The sodium is high,(makes you retain water), and sodas cause ulsers and other stomach related issues. Switch to water. Other suggestions, Crystal Light, Minute Maid Light, flavored water (watch the nutritional values, check the label. Sometimes there is sugar added), my downfall... COFFEE. Some people who have had surgery can't take the coffee... I have no issues, either that, or I have trained my tummy to deal with it.

Check out these websites... www.obesityhelp.com (help with obesity questions like gastric bypass- or the lap band) www.calorieking.com (get nearly all nutritional values) www.dottiesweightlosszone.com (recipes and information)

I went through Scripps Weight Loss Clinic in LaJolla. Dr. Matthew Brunson was my surgeon, and Dr. Michael Lee is my Doctor. I trust them both with my life, and the life's of my family. Phone number is ###-###-####.

Now, I would do it again tonight if I had to, but this needs to be a personal decision. Only you can make it. I was prepared to die. I left my family letters (my hubby of 18 years and my 16 year old daughter). My husband said the first thing I said when I woke up after surgery was "I'm alive, and now I'm going to be thin." Obviously, I was very concerned. Here is my email, for any questions... ____@____.com... Good luck!!! J.

I read about a new alternative to gastric bypass surgery. It seems to be less invasive all around AND it’s reversible. Instead of cutting out most of your stomach to create a smaller stomach, a small silicone ring is placed around the stomach to create the smaller digestive space. The ring can be inserted laparoscopicly which means less damage to your body, and can be taken out if something goes wrong.

http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/index.html

I know that if I were to consider a surgery to help me lose weight, I’d want the one that could be reversed in case of complications. Also, after a few years you will have learned a new way of eating and could get the band out and try and keep it up all on your own.

I have not had this surgery but know it is serious. My siter's mother in law had it and had all kinds of complications. She was unable to stick to the guidelines which put her in a dangerous life threatening situation health wise. I think Ophrah had an episode pro/con about this and you may be able to do a search on her website. I know it is a serious operation that usually requires some psycological preparation. If you are interested in a healthy safe effective way to loose weight you can call me at ###-###-####. I am using a fabulous system that has worked for me and many people I know. My friend that I got started on this program lost 50 lbs recently and she told me this week that she was supposed to give a talk to 90 people at work and her slip fell off! She couldn't believe it, grabbed it and ran to the bathroom. She was laughing so hard someone followed her in and thought she was crying. Needless to say that person is now going to try this system too. The side benefit is you lose weight but you also feel great, most people feel more energy etc. Many people have lost over 100 lbs safely and effectively. YOu can also email if you are interested at ____@____.com. Whatever your decision I wish you well! D.

I had Gastric bypass 12/08/05
thru out my life the most I ever weighed was 310lbs & let me tell you that was no picnic, I had diabetes, arthritis horrible acute(always there) back pain, migraines low blood sugar & it even caused my mentruation to go sooooo out of whack I had to have a hysterectomy.
Would I do it again. IN A HEART BEAT WITH OUT GIVING IT A SECOND THOUGHT. I am now at 154lbs with out having the excess skin removed. which is a good 20 atleast. My diabetes is gone, my back pain is now chronic (comes & goes) my arthritis is the better the only down size is my knees are worse but I can live with that because I know it's from sooo much damag from the weight I can actually play w/ my kid, sit in a plastic chair with out breaking it. I can walk @ the swap meet for hours with out having to sit every 5 mintues.
basically I can live life to the fullest. Granted it cost me my marriage but I have now found a new man who loves me no matter what & actually cares about my kid & shows her she is a part of OUR lives not just mine. I have never been happier. & My kid well heck she has a mom now. So yeah I would do it again with out giving it a second thought.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me ____@____.com :-)
Her's some pics for you to see.
http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f349/prcanmita/?sc=6
The last one was taken in AUg 2006 pic # 104

Hi
My name is K., I had the bypass almost 3 yrs ago this May. I like you had all these non serious issues that brought me to the bypass like you I had also tired my hardest to lose the weight and nothing worked and I mean I spent hours sweating like a pig at the gym and I'd lose 11 lbs in a YEAR and then gain it all back in a month and more.. It was depressing!!

I had small kids at the time too and it CAN BE DONE as long as you got some support. Recovery time depends on the person. I had my surgery the same time as another man and 12 hours after surgery I was walking the hospital floors, while he wouldn't move. He spent a week in bed and wouldn't move.. I said F**K That! I'm gonna get up and move my butt, I was doing my therapy and everything the nurses needed me to do, they say the sooner you're up and walking and moving around the sooner you'll feel better.And they're right! I was in the hospital about 3 or 4 days,While he spent almost 2 weeks there unwilling to move. The weekend I got out of the hospital I threw a Memorial Day BBQ to show everyone I was doing FINE!

Its all a mind game...

Now I couldn't pick up a gallon of milk for about 2 weeks But I would use small cans of veggies to excersize with. By a month out I was walking around and feeling OK, not great but OK. I only felt weak when walking for too long, but I have very week bones to this day so I still use a cane at times.

Its a big chance you're taking but you know what, I would do it again in a heart beat. Because I want to be around to see my kids grow old and my grandkids. And I wanted to avoid my families claim to fame with diabetes..They all seem to have it but They're also all over weight. I said NOT ME!!

Now I walk everywhere, I run, I swim, I wear nice clothes. And my kids don't talk about how fat I am anymore. I still have to get rid of the excess skin but that will come with more time and money. If it doesn't happen then I'm fine with it, no one sees me nakid by me and my man..haha

You have to watch what you eat, some things you'll never eat again and somethings will be like old times..
I eat normally.. Its a matter of how you teach your body to eat. I have a friend who did it the same time I did and she's unwilling to eat more than babyfood after 3 years that's not heathly, me on the other hand, girl I had to big bowls of spagetti and meatballs just for lunch today.. We both weigh the same but she looks sickly and her blood work is all messed up while I'm doing just fine...

It takes time and patience to be able to eat a regular meal again, took me almost a year before I could eat a whole plate of food. sometimes there are days where I can't get half a plate down per meal. But that's just your tummy telling you what it can and can't handle that day.

everyone's different..

Just get all the Info possible, go to all the meetings required and check into your doctors background. And don't forget to put your faith in God. That he'll see you through this. Its all you can do.

If you need more info on everything I went thru, I'm more than willing to talk to you about it, I've got no shame in telling you I've actually defecated myself as a result of this surgery it does happen, to everyone, they're just unwilling to admit it.. hehe..I've got stories to tell..

____@____.com

Hugs and good luck
K.

K. -

I had gastric bypass surgery in Aug of 2005. My kids were 6 and almost 1 yrs old. I have lost 100 pounds of the 150 that i needed to lose. The last 50 are really hard for me to lose and sometimes i fear that I will never reach my goal. You asked if I would do it again.... well, that is a tough question. You have to realize that there are lots of risks and potential complications that come from such a major surgery. I remember being in your shoes, debating wether i should have surgery or not, hearing everyone's stories, and already having my mind made up no matter what I was told. I have had complications that are still not figured out and i live in chronic pain as a result of it. I had my gallbladder removed at the same time since they saw that I had some stones forming, which would only increase with the sudden weight loss. Now i am having what they think might be a stone stuck in my bile duct and i will be going in for my 3rd surgery since the original gastric bypass in 2005. I haven't lost all the weight and i do deal with the debilitating pain, but i have gained a lot from the surgery as well. I have gained the ability to play with my kids, walk to the park without stopping 2 or 3 times and sweating like a hog. I have gained a better sense of self, and a better sex life with my loving supportive husband. I have had to deal with some 'head' issues as I call them, and continue to discover what caused me to reach my all time high of 330 in the first place. Each person varies so greatly in their experience that I feel it is hard for anyone else to really give their opinion on wether it should be done or not. My mom, dad, older sister, and aunt all had the surgery as well, with varying outcomes. My friend also had it and has dealt severly with other addiction problems now that she doesnt have food to turn to. If you would like more info or just want to ask quesitons I dont mind telling you my experiences. ____@____.com is my email address. Best of luck in making your decision. Make sure you weigh out all the pros and cons and then go forward with confidence.

J. :)

It has been 12 years since I had the GB surgery, so I'm sure there are even more cutting edge techniques. Would I do it again? YES. I've maintained my weight between 125 to 143 pounds for the last 12 years, size 28XXX to a size 4-6... The only side effect that I have dealt with is osteoporosis, which may or may not have anything to do with the surgery. My overall health has improved in every area.... I feel great, and have been grateful to see life without all the burdens of weight as an issue.
Be prepared though, husbands sometimes don't make it... many women who have had the surgery report that in a few years their husbands sabotage and do not support the new woman they are married to, jealousy and mistrust creeps in where before many heavy women put up with whatever to keep their man.... that leaves and men find they can't treat or put them down any longer. Make sure your husband is supportive and recognizes that these are side effects to their wife's new body and self esteem.
I've been using glyconutrients for the past year, and that has been helping me reverse my osteoporosis and improved my skin's elasticity and firmness. Some women have to have subsequent surgeries to remove skin aprons or "redundant" skin... but in the long run, if you maintain your weight, it won't matter. Beware, some women don't change their behavior s of eating, so they gain it all back again. Good luck

Hi K.! I too have thought about this myself. I have even looked into lapband, which is a little less tramatic to your body. But, I have known 2 people personally who have died from the Gastric Bypass surgery. I have also met & known several who have had it and are doing great! It would have to be something that you should weigh both pros & cons...my daughters grandmother had it done & she lost a LOT of weight, her hair & she looked very unhealthy for about a year...but, now she looks good...she put some of the weight back on a couple of years later, but lost it again due to her will power. For me...although the thought of losing it so quickly sounded nice, it wasn't worth the possible illness that could come with it...the hair loss, health issues, extreme excess of skin or possible death! I figured that if I truly wanted to lose the weight, that I needed to do it the healthy way. Again...this would have to be your individual decision based on your individual circumstances & health. Good luck & take care!

Hi K.,

I had the gastric bypass done 8 years ago. This was back when they had to make about an 8 inch incision in your abdomen, you had to spend a week in the hospital and the recovery took 4-6 weeks. I would still do it again in a heartbeat. I lost 130 pounds initially and then went on to have 3 kids. I have gained back some weight (about 30 pounds)but after having 3 kids I think it's pretty common. After the surgery I ended up working for the surgeon's that performed my surgery and counseled a lot of patients on the surgery. I would say about 90% of them would do it again. Even patients who have dealt with complications would do it again. A lot of doctors who perform the surgery have informational meetings that you can attend to get more info. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them for you. Good Luck.

N. (____@____.com)

Hi:-)
I have not had the surgery myself but my sister in law had it done almost 2 years ago. I am not sure exactly how much she has lost but she looks great and feels so much better. The bad foods that are high in sugar make her feel sick, which makes making smart choices way easier. I know that she would do it again, but for anyone considering the surgery, you need to be mentally prepared for all the changes that will happen.

My SIL had it and she lost alot of weight...some of it too fast to be healthy. She recently had a baby and now is having bad postpartum...not related necessarily. She still has all the same drama, emotional issues and low self esteem issues as she did before except now she's married again with her 4th kid. After the delivery of her baby, she started bleeding..rectally and vaginally to the point of needing a blood transfusion. They still don't know the cause of it. It's not an ulcer and basically, they just don't know. She passed out in her house and was flowing blood. I think she'd do it all over again but the down sides are she was malnutritioned because of the small amounts of food she could take in and the sugar dumping issues at first were hard to adjust to. It's a dramatic choice so it's good you're not taking it lightly and doing some research. I heard wonderful things about Carnie Wilson's book on it. Oh and also, there was a recent show on Oprah about how those who have had it are easily susceptible to being addicts...alcohol, pills, etc. One "over" behavior replaced by another sort of thing. It was really interesting.

Anyway, hope this helps.

I have not had this surgery myself, but my mom had it about 6 years ago. She had great success with it, but she has to take vitamins, calcium, and protein drinks everyday or else her hair can fall out, weaker bones and teeth, etc.....and now due to the surgery she is lactose intolerant so she has to drink the lactose free milk, and she cannot have ice cream and other things she loves.
On the other hand, my very good friend had the same surgery about 4 years ago. She did lose a tremendous amount of weight but her body cannot absorb B12 anymore. B12 is essential to your body, now that she lacks it she has been hallucinating. She can't even work anymore, she is so sick. She tries to eat but pukes everytime, she can't keep even water down. She has to drive across town every day to get B12 shots from the doctor and they hope that after a year or so of that, that her body will start absorbing it on it's own and they can wean her off of the shots; but there's no way to tell yet. I'm afraid she may have to be hospitalized soon just to keep her alive; and she's a single mother of 3 kids, ages 7 to 13.....

I would only think it's a good idea for someone to have this surgery if 1. there's a health risk of being over weight
2. nothing else works to lose weight
3. you have enough money to afford all the vitamins, proteins, calciums, and other supplements you will need to take every day to stay alive.
4. you are really dedicated to sticking to the doctor recommendations. Several ladies at my moms work had the same surgery also, and most of them gained all the weight back because they went back to their old eating habits. And they wonder why.......
2 of them became very sick because they were not taking all of the supplements and good foods they were supposed to.

Hi K.,

I havent had the surgery myself, but I have been considering it. My fiance had it done about a year ago and lost all his extra weight. His father and step mother also had it done. All 3 recommend it. My future brother in law is going to have it done also. I suggest attending a seminar, you can review all the information and ask questions. There is a great doctor that holds one at St Bernadine's hospital in San Bernardino. Hope it all works out well.

D.

I haven't had the surgery but am too interested in losing quite a bit of weight... But, have you ever considered the less drastic and less permanent lap band surgery... Maybe you should check it out.

Hi K.,

YES! I would certainly do it again. It has helped me so much with portion control, since I can't physically eat huge amounts. It also makes it impossible to eat a lot of sugar, if you do you feel sick. So if you're considering it let me just share my experience: I'd do it again in a heartbeat. But be ready, it does change your life.

Write anytime and good luck. (I've lost 90 lbs!).

V.

My mother had the surgery over 5 years ago. She looks wonderful and she's still kept the weight off all this time with no troubles. She stayed in bed the first couple days after surgery and slowly got back to work after a couple weeks. She says she doesn't regret it at all. She'd recommend it to anyone who's had trouble losing weight.

I have a co-worker who had it done and has lost quite a bit of weight but I am concerned because she can hardly drink much liquids. I am afraid she will become dehydrated, if she hasn't already. I have diabetes and high blood pressure so she has suggested that I have the surgery but I am concerned about it. I can see if you are unable to exercise then I would recommend it. But as long as you are at least able to walk, I feel that you should start walking more, drinking more water, and cut out as much sugar and starches and fats as possible out of your diet.

My uncle had very successful bypass surgery- He has lost over 150 pounds! He has to be very careful about his diet- if he eats too much he feels really sick. And he was really careful to follow all the dr's instructions. He had diabetes and high blood pressure, and both of those problems have been corrected since. He says he'd do it again in a heartbeat. Now he has the energy to chase after my kids! I think this surgery can be a very positive thing as long as you know that it doesn't fix everything, you still have to monitor what you eat and exercise to keep the weight off. I hope this helps you! Good Luck!

Dear K.,

If you have a son that is three and has ADHD, then you do not have the time to have a gastric bypass. It takes a lot of time for your own health and therapy and eating. I think that there probably is another way that is not so drastic. Ask your doctor. Hmm. One thing that your boys need to do, and that you will need to do is to get more exercise. The ADHD child needs it as much as you do. So try to integrate that into your days. Make it very very important, because, for one thing, it IS important for your health and your son's, also the two year old can walk a bit and ride a bit. He will love that too.

I know how you feel about wanting a bypass . and I know how hard it is to recover from it. You just don't have the time right now. Also, it is a bit dangerous, and you need to think about who is going to take care of your children in case something goes wrong. Surgery is a very serious decision/ You can find another way to make yourself healthy, you need to explore it. My girlfriend's daughter almost died when she had hers, and her recuperation was very, very long and tedious. Your sons don't need that, they need you.

I hope that you don't think that I am being mean, I am a 75 year old woman, and we don't fool around when it comes to telling people what we know. You will get the chance to be bossy too when you are 75, if you take care of yourself.

Ask your mother, or your sister, or sister in law. No matter what you decide to do, you need a support system that will give you good advice and help from whether you get the bypass or not. My sister and I talk things over a lot, and we don't necessarily do what the other one tells us to do, but we have a discussion that brings out the good and the bad of whatever it is we have to decide. There is an old saying, "Every Mother needs a Mother". Think about it.
Sincerely, C. N.

Hi! I had Gastric Bypass at age 30. I weighed 386. My son was 7 at the time. To be very honest, I have had several "unusual" complications, HOWEVER, I would do it ALL OVER AGAIN in a heartbeat! I was a size 36, now down to a size 8. It is not about weight anymore but healthy living. Who is your insurance company? How much research have you done and how committed are you to change what you are doing now since it is not working for you?

Best wishes!

K.,

If you are concerned about your older son (and I'm guessing you are since you put it in your info about yourself!), and you live in Las Vegas, you can have him evaluated, free of charge, through the school district. The folks you want to call: Child Find ###-###-####. If they determine he's eligible for services, they provide them free of charge and will even bus him back and forth to school. It is a great program. My son is mildly autistic and he gets 6 hours a day, 5 day a week of preschool through the Clark County School District and it is completely free of charge. The program he's in is fantastic. There are 3 kids in it with a teacher and 2 teacher's aids. It is far better than any private programs we looked at.

I know nothing about gastic bypass. :-) Good luck to you.

T.