has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

my friend is considering it and wanted to get as much info as possible before making her decision ... mostly about the post-procedure things such as how badly it hurts (she was told she'd be sore for a week or two), and if she'd be able to go to work a few days afterwards? Are you happy you got the surgery? would you do it again?

She is considering getting the gastric band ... but nothing's definite yet. Any and all info would be appreciated!

Thanks

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

7 of my friends/family memebers have had the gastric bypass and it was extremely effective. They definitely suffered for a couple weeks afterwards and I do recommend that your friend makes sure she lives her the life the way the Doctor instructs with the proper vitamins, portions, etc.

I knew 3 people who got the band and it didn't do much.

She should consult with Doctors to get all the medical information and aftercare, etc.

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

My best friend did the band. She went this route because she felt long term it would be better with weight loss. She was out of work for about six weeks. Every month for about a year she went to the doctor to get the band adjusted. She looks awesome, lost over 150 pounds so far.

The way she described this procedure vs. bypass was that this way was better for constantly losing weight. She might have lost more in the beginning with the bypass but the band makes you full quicker since it tightens your stomach, so it has helped her lose weight every month. I've known a few people who have gotten the bypass and gained it all right back....so sad.

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

I know someone who had it and it was quite a painful experience for her for weeks after the surgery. The hardest part is adjusting your habits after and knowing your new stomach's limits. Getting sick after eating was very routine early on. It was very effective, she lost over 100 lbs, however, her new stomach did stretch as she tested her limits as time went on and she went on to gain about 50 lbs back.... so I guess some old habits die hard and even though it can be a very successful surgery, it's not a miracle worker. At least from her experience, there really has to be a commitment to a healthier lifestye, otherwise everything that the person has gone through with surgery can be seemingly for nothing.

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

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Posted by CarolAnn721

She should consult with Doctors to get all the medical information and aftercare, etc.

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yes, of course she will (she started to already) ... she just wanted some 'real person' experience about how badly it hurts & if it's uncomfortable and whatnot


thanks for the replies so far - i will share them with her later

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

I had a friend who had his stomach stapled. So the procedure is not the same - I don't know if the pain level would be the same at all.

But I do know that your friend would probably benefit from therapy. It's a LOT of weight to shed in a fairly short period of time, and all sorts of body image issues come into place. The person I knew who had it did NOT follow through on the therapy like he should have, and he went through some major issues in regard to self-image, self-confidence, etc., and ended up putting a bit of weight back on because he turned to food for comfort...and with his procedure, he risks having the staples pop internally from not following the eating habits he should have developed.

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

make sure she does her research on her doctors!!!!!! My surgeon was amazing-- he saved my life. But my gastro was terrible.

I underwent lap band surgery-- unfortunately-- the gastro i saw did not note how badly ulcerated my stomach was and it was never written in his clearance. When my surgeon went to slip the band on it actually perforated my entire stomach. So i had to have emergency stomach repair and due to that i'm unable to have either surgery now. Luckily.... with the stomach repair, a changed diet, and exercise I've been able to take a lot of the weight off.

If she needs any doctor reccomendations she can email me-- i'd be happy to help

Re: has anyone had gastric bypass surgery?

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Posted by kris_gets_hitched

I had a friend who had his stomach stapled. So the procedure is not the same - I don't know if the pain level would be the same at all.

But I do know that your friend would probably benefit from therapy. It's a LOT of weight to shed in a fairly short period of time, and all sorts of body image issues come into place. The person I knew who had it did NOT follow through on the therapy like he should have, and he went through some major issues in regard to self-image, self-confidence, etc., and ended up putting a bit of weight back on because he turned to food for comfort...and with his procedure, he risks having the staples pop internally from not following the eating habits he should have developed.

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I also second the therapy-- i saw a therapist whoi specialized in eating disorders... both before and after. he is great and is centrally located on the island