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ByPass Surgert

What do you think? I know someone indirectly who has to lose 350 lbs. I think this surgery could kill him but being this overweight might do him in too. I told my friend to tell him about Peer Trainer. It is really helping me!

Fri. Sep 8, 5:36am

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You know, I'm actually on track for Bypass Surgery with over 150 pounds to lose. I've been doing PT for a year now, and it simply isn't enough. Of course, I also have Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypothyroid & PCOS to deal with, and your friend may have comorbidities that could be helped with bypass surgery. It IS an individual decision however, and while it may save a life, it has it's dangers too.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 11:39 AM

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It's not a solution for most

Like you say, if the weight is killing you, maybe it's worth it. But the reality is that its not the maguc bullet. It requires discipline and a whole change in lifestyle, just like dieting and eating more healthfully would. The bypass surgery probably forces the change more than any regular diet or exercise program would, but in the end, it still requires a lifestyle change and discipline. Those who can't do it end up dead or gaining the weight after a perios of time.

Eating smaller meals more often, making sure you are eating the right foods, taking supplements for the rest of your life, avoiding food with high sugar contect or empty calories, etc. These all require discipline.

I think it's pretty drastic except for those who are on their deathbed because of chronic morbid obesity.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 11:46 AM

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I've watched my friends dad struggle with the negative effects of the surgery all year. He was supposed to be in the hospital for 5 days post-op and instead was in the hospital for 6 WEEKS with compications. 3 of those weeks were in intensive care. Even now, 8 months later, he's still not back to normal. He has lost over 100+ but his quality of life is much worse than before the surgey. It doesn't seem worth it to me.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 11:55 AM

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My mother in law had the surgery almost 2 years ago and is doing fabulous. Lost over 100 pounds, eats right now, avoids sweets and exercises.
I agree with the above poster though, it has to be a lifestyle change and does take a lot of dedication. But with those things it can change your life.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 12:13 PM

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i equate this surgery for obese people with lobotamies for the mentally challenged. uncalled for and unwise.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 3:11 PM

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It's the old rock and hard place situation. Surgery should always be a last resort, but too many folks want to treat it like a make-me-better-pill. And then afterwards make no changes to ensure that they don't end up under the knife yet again for the same reason they did the first time. All the factors that lead the first surgery (stress, weight, poor nutrition, genetics, etc) are STILL there after surgery, so what makes anyone think that this is not just the beginning? Unless many of those factors (the ones that are within his power) change your friend could really be setting himself up for a lifetime of surgical procedures and prescriptions to keep his body functioning. Then the question should be asked, "If I change those factors now could my body put itself to rights?" I think that depends on how bad his current condition is and how dedicated he would be to making changes and following through. In his current condition making the changes necessary to get back to a better state of health might be damaging or even fatal.

Are there times when surgery is the only avenue left? Absolutely. Can surgery drastically improve the quality of life? I'm living proof of that. Is this one of those cases? Only your friend and his health care provider can really decide that. I wish him well.

Friday, September 08, 2006, 8:13 PM

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Just wanted to say that I saw my friends dad this weekend. He's lost 200lbs now but is so weak he can't even lift up his 2 year old grandson...doesn't seem worth it to me...

Tuesday, September 19, 2006, 2:03 PM

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i know a couple of people who have had to have this surgery-one is doing great-no complications and has no problem eating the miniscule meals their body allows now. the other person has lost plenty of weight-but has been in and out of the hospital w/ many, many complications from the surgery. she has a really difficult time holding down any amount of food-she constantly feels as though she may throw up-as gastric bypass limits the amount of food one can take, people who have this surgery have to take many supplements to get all the vit/minerals their body needs to function. this poor woman is having trouble even doing that.

i say if it's a life or death thing-do the surgery. if not-if you are quite large, and still have some mobility as well as general health-see a nutritionist and work with your doctor to take weight off sensibly. someone earlier said that PT is not enough or that little changes aren't enough. aren't enough to do what? you may lose the weight very slowly-but at least you will have a comfortable life/body in the end.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006, 2:22 PM

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2 of my colleagues at work had the surgery--
The unfortunate thing is that some people used to snicker at them when they were obese, and now make comments that they are "too thin".

On the other hand, they both found that it was a way for them to control their weight-- and they both added exercise and proper eating to their recovery.

The downfall is that if they accidentally overeat, or overindulge (such as in sugar or alcohol), it makes them severely ill. That is one side effect that is not great...
On the other hand, they both are now much healthier in their weights and they are far more conscientious about what goes into their mouths or their bodies... My 1 friend did tell me, however, that she had to get over her "mental" self-image--even though she's lost the weight, she is a very tall woman and she still has a poor self-image--she's working on that aspect though-- learning to accept compliments without downplaying them....

It's not for everyone-- there was a City council woman locally who died from the surgery, so your friend should weigh all of the options... I would say that your friend should try working on their weight outside of surgery because it's not going to "cure" their problems overnight.

Thursday, September 21, 2006, 12:08 AM

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To the Person who has 150 to go: How has the last month gone for you?

Saturday, October 21, 2006, 3:34 PM

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I have a question, how long has weight loss surgery been around? Do we know lifetime effects of surgery or is this new in the last 20 years?

Friday, October 27, 2006, 11:10 AM

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