RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery?

RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (Full Version)

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amativedame -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:18:09 PM)
Yeah, as I said... its really preliminary studies. Its also somewhat hard to apply them now because it started over 10 years ago, before the lap band craze started. It will be many many decades before we know the true effects of this kind of surgery... because it is fairly new. Obviously those who have other health issues like diabeties and high blood pressure would also be looking at a grim future. ... but for those who are doing it to loose weight because they haven't had sucess with dieting and aren't in that kind of boat, its a pretty serious thing to undertake. The whole media attention to this kind of thing seriously bothers me... because as you mentioned it does give off the idea that its an easy fix. Sadly its a solution with a lot of problems thats not right for everyone. I went to a support group meeting for people who've done the bypass surgery with my mother. One hour with those women and finding out what they've been through showed me how serious and dangerous it can be. Sadly this is something I think a lot of people never realize. edited to add: I can dig up the study if anyone wants to read it. Just message me on the other side with an email address and I can send it as an attachment.

LuckyAlbatross -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:21:40 PM)
If someone has a chronic condition with severely lowers their quality of health and life expectancy and there was a secure procedure to relieve that, why wouldn't it be done? Add on the social stigma and shame of being fat and it becomes a mental and emotional health issue also. As someone who has really struggled with being fat since I was 11, with horrible genetics, slow metabolism and only getting older, I'm all for unnatural yet healthy long term solutions. And of course diet and exercise are important for us all, but that really is NOT the whole picture for people. I'm much more supportive of people who chronically have problems and take this step versus people who just let themselves get fat and say it's a good thing.

TracyTaken -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:24:22 PM)
My sister had it done in November. She was diabetic, had asthma, had very high blood pressure and kept blowing out her knees because they couldn't take the weight etc. She'd also had two strokes (she's 53) and slept with a concentrator. It really didn't matter whether it was some weakness on her part or something physical. She was going to die if she didn't get some weight off. She's doing well and off all the meds for blood sugar, blood pressure and asthma.

MzMia -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:25:00 PM)
I do agree LA, for many there is no real other solution. Especially for the morbid obese. With over 50% of all Americans being overweight, this is an issue almost everyone has to struggle with. I agree amativedame, many people have no idea how severe the complications are. Isn't it odd, they don't share that with us on most of these t.v. shows?

FangsNfeet -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:33:45 PM)
I agree 150%. No argument from me. We do our best, try what we can, and hopefully find what's going to work even if it comes down to a last resort. Like a said, I'm all for last resorts and surgery when all else has failed.

EvilGenie -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:43:56 PM)
NO the majority of ''those people'' do not stop trying. It simply does not work for them. I know of 2 people who have had such surgeries in order to save their lives. I have also seen all of these people whom I have had contact with struggle for years upon years with very restrictive diet and excercise plans to no avail. There is a great deal more medically to being that obese than most are aware of. This was back when low carb didn't exist. Yes, the stomach can be re-stretched and the weight can come back. So, in the end it still is a matter of eating small amounts of nutritious foods, a diet. They tend to be more successful after surgery usually as when so big they had lost all hope and will. I have also known people who have had surgery recently and you've no idea what they go through after. One man who I grew up next door to was not able to eat a solid food, even baby food for over a year. He should have been able to earlier though became extremely ill when he tried. He became rail thin and had several hospitalizations over a 2 year period after surgery. There is pain, digestive issues and eating issues that these people go through. Some die. Eating something with a sesame seed on it can send one into the hospital as happened to a woman my mother worked with as it became lodged. Others find the same issues. These who are 500 pounds and over have reached a point, usually years earlier, when they could no longer move and at that point family enablers with the best intentions continue to over feed them, give them whatever they want to eat out of misguided love and care. I have cared for folks after these surgeries and they go through hell for a long time to come. Their stories are usually told from a year after the surgery along with the beginning of how obese they were. A few follow from day one straight through but not as often. An easy or quick fix? No fricking way! I truly wish that my weight came from eating and I could go on a diet or have surgery and make it gone. I cannot do that as my weight is controlled by a different mechanism than eating. No, not thyroid or anything that can be fixed to any degree as that. This is genetic. I am extremely active and when I do eat it is healthy food I rarely eat and need reminders to eat so I tell people I am the only fat anorexic you'll ever meet. [:D] I would suggest that along with watching these surgery shows that anyone bone up on the scientific knowledge of obesity. New research appears daily and we know a great deal more about it now than we used to. Some surprising facts have been found in the past couple of years; fascinating. **edited to add: A close female friend of mine had the new lap band done and became so ill coupled with a roaring infection that nearly killed her. She had to have it removed.

girlygurl -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:53:44 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia Is this the NEW easy way out? Most of the people I see on these shows waiting for surgery, have given up on dieting, exercising, etc. They appear to be sitting, eating and and waiting for the surgery. Is Obesity/Gastric/Lap Band Surgery, American's new weight loss treatment? I went to a seminar last week which addressed the topics in your post. Is it an easy way out? No. If one is approved for one of these surgeries they have to go through a battery of tests. Physical, mental, you name it you have to be tested before they'll give the final OK. That does not mean insurance is going to cover it either. They were handing out loan pamphlets like water! Apparently insurance companies don't look at preventative care as a good thing, for that matter, even a valid discussion. I totally get when people think this is the "easy way out" and for some, possibly me included thought it was an easy way, but after the seminar I have a new view on the process. The medical group that does these types of surgeries require months of pre operative appointments, with dietitians, therapists, various medical professionals, and the patient is required to be on an exercise plan. Not only does one have to prove they should have a surgery done, they also have to prove themselves post op. Years of post op appointment, which don't include the appointments one would have to adjust the lapband. I had this conversation with my 24-year-old son the other day. He is of the opinion that "a person got themselves into this "mess" (obesity) they should get themselves out." Well, he and I chose to agree that we disagree on the subject and left it at that after a heated discussion. Not everyone sits on their ass all day eating bon bons "wishing" the pounds away... some actually have medical issues that are life threatening and could benefit from such surgeries. I haven't ruled the lapband out yet, but I certainly am in the stages of reevaluating myself and what I truly want for myself. Am I just a lazy bitch that wants to be a skinny lazy bitch? ummmm no! I guess this comes down to... walk a mile in my shoes and then we'll talk. girly

MzMia -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:57:51 PM)
After reading some articles, and this thread, I understand that it is NOT an easy way out. I am wondering then, WHY the proliferation of these t.v. shows, that are so one sided? They mention the risks of surgery, but they are lost on most of us. when you see how happy the people are afterwards. I have heard of the risks before, but I have rarely seen a television show dedicated to the RISKS of these surgeries.

philosophy -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 9:59:44 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia I am wondering then, WHY the proliferation of these t.v. shows, that are so one sided? .....the answer to your question may be found by a survey of the advertisers who buy space on those shows.

girlygurl -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:00:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia I am wondering then, WHY the proliferation of these t.v. shows, that are so one sided? Cause it makes for good TV Mia. [;)] girly

MzMia -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:02:12 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: girlygurl quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia I am wondering then, WHY the proliferation of these t.v. shows, that are so one sided? Cause it makes for good TV Mia. [;)] girly I agree with both Philosophy and Girlygurl, which means as usual, they are doing a BIG dis-service to many people.

EvilGenie -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:04:34 PM)
Exactly girly! Entertainment value.

philosophy -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:05:16 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MzMia I agree with both Philosophy and Girlygurl, which means as usual, they are doing a BIG dis-service to many people. ...oh we're not that bad.....[:D]

Kalista07 -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:05:48 PM)
i'm trying to post this as rationally and calmly as i can....However, here's my question...If so many insurance companies who are obvious proponates of these procedures are on board with this then why will those same insurance companies not pay for memberships to weight watchers or gyms?

philosophy -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:07:25 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Kalista07 i'm trying to post this as rationally and calmly as i can....However, here's my question...If so many insurance companies who are obvious proponates of these procedures are on board with this then why will those same insurance companies not pay for memberships to weight watchers or gyms? ...damn good point.....what's the old saying? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?

MzMia -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:08:27 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Kalista07 i'm trying to post this as rationally and calmly as i can....However, here's my question...If so many insurance companies who are obvious proponates of these procedures are on board with this then why will those same insurance companies not pay for memberships to weight watchers or gyms? Great question! I have no answers, it is as if they only want to help you when you go further down the road. I think my insurance company gives a discount to certain programs, though.

MsCfromMelbourne -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:26:00 PM)
My brother is obese and I desprately wish he would have the lap band surgery, but he is too scared it might kill him. His heart could give out under anaestetic. He wasn't a fat kid. Quite the opposite - I was the tubby one of the two of us. But I have watched my weight like a hawk all my life and cut back whenever it went over 55 kg (boring!). He has eaten whatever he felt like (fun!). Now he is 40 with terrible sleep apnoea. His apnoea was so bad he was like a zombie and fell asleep at the wheel, nearly killing himself. It hard to eat well and exercise when you can hardly breathe or sleep. Now he sleeps with a breathing machine, but its up as high as medically possible. There's nowhere to go from here but the surgery. The doctors assess he will be dead by 50 due to the strain on his heart. And yet he cannot lose weight "the old fashioned way". Why? I don't think he is obese because he loves bacon sandwiches. He just feels constantly ravenously hungry. His relationship with food is complex and he has emotional problems. Will the lap band fix the personal problems that caused him to become (and stay) obese? No. But it could fix the apnoea and buy him time on the planet to work himself out. A lady I work with had the lap band done. It is adjustable and eventually removable. She still then had to diet to lose weight, but she said the torture of constant hunger on a "normal"diet was removed. The day she started dancing class was magical. She was over the moon. Finally slim enough (although still fat by most people's standards) to dance! Complications? One day she felt funny and suspected the band had moved up. She was feeling full too soon. The surgeon had to re-do the procedure and she was off work for 2 weeks (again). Otherwise she is fine and only wishes she had the surgery 10 or 20 years earlier.

EvilGenie -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:30:27 PM)
Some insurance companies will pay though there are only a few who do. Also many employers do things like this. Some companies offer extra long lunch times so that people can go out and walk or have small gyms. My company employes 4,000 people and offers free weight watchers and free membership to a local health club. I also worked for a company of about 300 and they also offered free weight watchers. I think in the end, it is going to have to fall to companies who in the long run will gain their money back with healthier employees. This country needs to think a bit more European regarding this issue. This is why most European companies and even Morocco offer 2 hour lunches and many head for the beach or mountains if neaarby, one day a week half day with full pay and when beginning a new job, starting with 5 weeks vacation time. It is a fact that well rested and healthier employees is a huge money saver.

girlygurl -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 10:58:20 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: EvilGenie Some insurance companies will pay though there are only a few who do. Also many employers do things like this. Some companies offer extra long lunch times so that people can go out and walk or have small gyms. My company employes 4,000 people and offers free weight watchers and free membership to a local health club. I also worked for a company of about 300 and they also offered free weight watchers. I think in the end, it is going to have to fall to companies who in the long run will gain their money back with healthier employees. This country needs to think a bit more European regarding this issue. This is why most European companies and even Morocco offer 2 hour lunches and many head for the beach or mountains if neaarby, one day a week half day with full pay and when beginning a new job, starting with 5 weeks vacation time. It is a fact that well rested and healthier employees is a huge money saver. I sooooooooooo agree with you EG!! If only! Healthy employees = less sick time [8D] girly

Feric -> RE: Thoughts on Obesity/Bariatric/Gastric ByPass Surgery? (2/6/2008 11:31:03 PM)
A woman of my acquaintance underwent gastric bypass surgery, with very favorable results. I last saw her about two years ago, and she had dropped about 90 lbs., and had become quite shapely! It does work for some people.

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