Sister is having gastric bypass surgery as we speak!?

Question

My sister has always been heavier than I am (right now, I weigh 214lbs and she was always about 20lbs more than I). Well this afternoon she is having gastric bypass surgery. I would probably have it done as well, but we dont have any health insurance where she does. I have three questions, 1. Has anyone heard of any surgeries of this type going wrong? 2. How many people who have this surgery gain the weight back? And 3. Should I be feeling guilty because she will probably end up being smaller than I? Just a note, I do think I am because today I started a diet of 2 cans of slim fast a day, in between snack of grapes, drinking only water and will have a sensible meal (2/3 smaller portions). In your opinions, do you think I can make this work just as well as she can. What do you all think of my plan, will it work?

Answer 1

i know of two people who has had this done. my sister is having complications right now. she had to have her gallbladder removed and fluid in her intestines.. shes also having alot of pain drs are thinking about reversing it. i honestly believe gastric bypass should be for people who are morbidly obese(that pretty much cant walk) i think they would benefit a lot more from it.

my friend who also had it done a few years ago never changed her eating habits and DID gain weight back.. shes not as heavy as she was but she looks like she gained about 50lbs back. my sister also doesnt follow the strict diet either so i can bet once she hits her plateau she will gain again.

sure it normal to be a little jealous its human nature, i think what your doing right now is the best way to get things done. add walking to that and youll be on your way to weight loss.. even if its a mile around your neighborhood it all adds up!if you can help it (and not having insurance maybe a blessing in disguise) loose weight this way. when you loose it by your hard work youll be so damn proud of yourself and people will be wanting to hear your boast about your accomplishments!!


**just wanted to add by dieting and exercising yourself (if) you will have less loose skin if any with the bypass its a guaranteed you will have a second surgery to take it off which is cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

Answer 2

1. Yes, death or serious injury occurs in about 5% of surgeries. 2. A study just came out that after the 2nd year 65% of the people put weight, more than 30lbs back on. 3. I absolutely believe that you can accomplish the same effect as your sisters' surgery and keep it off by changing your eating and exercising habits. Don't concern yourself with her losing more or less, be supportive of her, make sure she is being healthy and try to exercise with her to help both of you. The surgery is permanent forever, and isnt' considered a healthy option. you are not morbidly obese, so you can definitely slim down with work and get the results you are wanting. Just now it takes time and won't always be easy, but you can get there.

Answer 3

Gastric Bypass surgery is effective for people who will stick to the proper diet after the surgery. And yes it can be a dangerous surgery. I also hope they are smart enough to take out your sisters gall bladder and they have done a sleep study on her to see if she also has sleep apnea. She is also going to have to under go life style changes after surgery or she will just put the weight back on. Your sister is going to lose weight quicker than you do. Why jealous? should she lose weight be glad for her and also supportive. You are taking the harder road, and PS grapes are a great healthy snack BUT not when you are trying to lose weight, they are full of sugar. If you can get health care insurance you may want to investigate lap banding instead of full gastric bypass, it is much safer.

Answer 4

Any surgury can have complications, but with this type the % are small. My sister in law had it done approx 3 years ago, without difficulty and she is very pleased with the results and is now a size 6 and holding steady. Gastric bypass "forces" people to eat less by making their digestive tract smaller- but if you diet and exercize you can accomplish the same goal and change your lifestype by force of habit. I went from 330 to 148 pounds the "natuaral way"- surgury scares me! I did gain 50 pounds and am losing it again, but will never be any where near 330 ever again. So yes, YOU CAN DO IT! Good luck.

Answer 5

Gastric bypass is for people who think they cannot lose weight by themselves. The risks have come down to about 1% of all surgeries done in the US. If you stick to the slim fast diet, you'll lose some weight. For a long term commitment to lose, go to Weight watchers meetings if you need emotional support.

Answer 6

1) There can be serious complications from this surgery, from busted stitches, internal bleeding, obstructed bowels, death, etc. No surgery is risk free.

2) Even with surgery, people gain weight back if they don't live the rest of their lives on a strict diet. This is only a temp. fix, unless you CHANGE your lifestyle, the weight will come back.

3) Don't feel guilty, this was her choice, she will have to learn that people will eat normally around her and she has to learn to adjust and not let it bother her.

As for your plan - if you stick to it, it will work.

Answer 7

Hopefully, your sister was informed of all the risks of bypall surgery. Mortality rates vary by institution and the underlying health of the patient. After surgery she must eat very small meals or else she will have great discomfort.
Eventually it is possible to eat more, and a few persons re-gain some of their previous weight.

If you can maintain your dietary regimen, you will also lose weight. Will power is key. Good luck.

Answer 8

You are wayyy better off than her if you dont get the surgery. Your weight is so low that I am surprised they even offer it given the problems associated with the surgery. Assuming there are no surgical problems, you have to understand people who have this surgery will have digestive problems for life. They will have to take supplements because they wont be able to get enough of certain nutrients. Isnt it just better to eat sensibly and get some exercise?

Answer 9

Slim fast is full of sugar.Please,all you have to do is eat healthy and incorporate exercise into your daily life.Just a simple thing like walking will do wonders.And yes,people have gained weight after this surgery .Its like anything else you do to lose weight,you have to add exercise,not just focus on the food.Please believe me,i quit smoking and lost weight just by walking every day.

Answer 10

that is a really good idea.