Question:
What should I do?

I am new to the possability of WLS. I am 27 and weigh 285 pounds. I need to lose weight but I'm not sure what to do. No matter what I try dieting has never worked. I don't understand all the different types of surgeries or the ramifications of the surgeries. I have read a lot on this board of people having to go back to have surgeries reversed and I don't understand why and there is lots of talk about people having multiple surgeries, why? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I need to do something before I get much older, I still want to get married and have children but I fear if I don't lose the weight I'll never have those things. I'm also tired of being sick and depressed all the time, what does everyone think?    — Sue J. (posted on June 17, 1999)

June 17, 1999
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I am having the gastric-bypass surgery tomorrow. I am 43 years old and also weight 285. I have been told by many people as well as my doctor that this surgery is alot like having your gallbladder removed, not very risky. I understand that I will only be able to eat 2 ounces of food at a time, and that for the first 4 to 6 weeks - liquids only. I understand your concern about wanting to marry and have a family, I married at the age of 24 and since then have gained 100 pounds. I suffered 7 miscarriages before giving birth to our daughter 14 years ago (she is our miracle). I truthfully recommend losing the weight BEFORE you marry or have children, because once you marry and have children you naturally gain weight (unfortunately), but I am not sure about having the gastric bypass BEFORE you have children..you should really ask a professional about it. As far as why so many people are having reversals and multiple surgeries, I understand the reason for reversals is mostly due to the fact that some people cannot handle only eating a small amount of food at a time, or cannot handle the liquid only for the first month or so. Some of them are very unhappy with the lack of food. In regards to the multiple surgeries, I have also been told that some people either break the staple line, or restretch the stomach so much that they end up gaining back the weight. But of course, these are only things that I have been told by not only my doctor but by many people in the chat room. I wish you good luck in your quest to know more about the surgeries (I understand that there are several types) but you might also want to contact Roseanne (you know the comedian-she has her own daytime talk show now) she had the Fobi Pouch procedure performed by Dr. Fobi, I understand that she is happy to answer letters that are sent to her regarding this. Anyway....GOOD LUCK.
   — Linda F.

June 17, 1999
Sue, After about three solid days on the net I found this site! It is WONDERFUL! www.clos.net check it out!
   — [Anonymous]

June 17, 1999
Sue ... I think that your looking in the right place. I am 36, I had the surgery when I was 35 ... about 16 months ago. I would do it again if necessary. I had the original gastric bypass in October of 97 and repair of incisional hernias w/ a tummy tuck about 8 weeks ago. I think that most of the postings that you see in regard to multiple surgeries or reversals are from the older surgeries. They have really made progress with the Fobi pouch, those horror stories of the surgeries of yester year, I believe, are gone forever! I think you should talk to your primary care physician, get a referral to an established surgeon who does WLS. Go and have a talk with them, can't hurt ... but will definitely help. Good Luck Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.

June 18, 1999
Yes! You're right! There are as many different types of srugeries as you have extra pounds. And then, that many more variations of each. I'd recommend that as you see people identify their surgeries, that you try to go to 2 of each and ask your questions. I'd be happy to answer how mine is different than many others and why I chose this one. I have a distal gastric bypass, Oct. 94. I weigh 112 and have for many years. I'm about as happy & healthy as I can be.
   — vitalady

June 18, 1999
I'm one of those revolutionaries who's going to say, YOU didn't fail at dieting. Dieting does NOT work. Obesity is a fatal, genetic, incurable disease. Go to the web site for the National INstitutes of Health and read what they say. Cancer has a 20% cure rate. Obesity has a 2%cure rate! Which would YOU rather have?! Yeah, I know. Me, too. It's much like diabetes. The failure is INSIDE, the smptoms are on the outside. No one understands it. Everyone knows ALL there is about it. Ask 'em, they'll tell you! And like diabetes, the will-power "cure" of "just don't eat sugar" is slightly less effective than "just don't EAT" for us. They just die sooner from bad advice. As to how you will be able to stay on a post-op plan? If you get the right surgery, you'll have some help avoiding milk and sugar by becoming ill with them. As to staying on track taking supplements, THAT might be the big question.
   — vitalady

June 18, 1999
I'm one of those revolutionaries who's going to say, YOU didn't fail at dieting. Dieting does NOT work. Obesity is a fatal, genetic, incurable disease. Go to the web site for the National INstitutes of Health and read what they say. Cancer has a 20% cure rate. Obesity has a 2%cure rate! Which would YOU rather have?! Yeah, I know. Me, too. It's much like diabetes. The failure is INSIDE, the smptoms are on the outside. No one understands it. Everyone knows ALL there is about it. Ask 'em, they'll tell you! And like diabetes, the will-power "cure" of "just don't eat sugar" is slightly less effective than "just don't EAT" for us. They just die sooner from bad advice. As to how you will be able to stay on a post-op plan? If you get the right surgery, you'll have some help avoiding milk and sugar by becoming ill with them. As to staying on track taking supplements, THAT might be the big question.
   — vitalady

June 18, 1999
Sue, You are not alone. The best thing you can do for yourself is to do lots and lots of reserch. Talk to your Dr. and make him tell you all he or she knows about the subject. Also use your computer and go to the libary. Books have pictures that can be worth millions. Once you've reserched it all it'll be time to make up your mind. Again use your Dr. and if he won't help you get another one. You have the right to make up your own mind and do what is best for your body and self. Good luck and please let us know what you decide. I think most of us who have locked on to this sight, will be here for a long time. We're all concerned.
   — Jo M.

June 18, 1999
Keep researching and the right path will present itself. You have to look at your future with obesity and all it's limitations. What will your quality of life be? How long do most obese people live? Like a lot of us, this surgery is our hope for a better life...
   — JAN C.

June 23, 1999
I think wls might just be the thing for you. I wish I had had this done when I was younger. I'm 55 now (six months post op) and I can't begin to tell you how very good my life is now compared with what I had before. I have energy, enthusiasm optimism. My antidepressant medication has been cut in half; my arthritic knees are almost pain free; my wardrobe is beginning to look like a woman's and not an ole drudge (no more baggy, raggy muumuu type dresses and tops). Keep researching and interview some doctors; don't believe the horror stories people will want to tell you. There are sometimes risks and complications but the risk of limiting your life with obesity is perhaps greater. Good luck Susan [email protected]
   — Susan C.

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