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Post by SockMonkey on Jul 2, 2017 20:19:27 GMT
So what is the dummies guide for this? where can I research to find out about the different surgeries and is there a certain kind of doctor I would look for? Go to any message board, gastric bypass, vsg and etc. Doctors in your area search weight loss surgeon's. I would actually not go directly to a surgeon. First of all, insurance may not allow you to do that and still have the surgery covered. Secondly, surgeons just want to cut. You should work with a bariatric doctor and your primary care first. Surgery is not for everyone. There is a lot to consider.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jul 2, 2017 20:27:02 GMT
Thank you everyone..you've gave me a lot to think about. I'm glad the bypass people posted with their experiences, I kinda ruled that out because I thought it was a much riskier surgery from what I've read, but I'm glad there is some positive outcomes so it may be something to consider as well. Please do your research. It IS a major surgery that carries risk. There is a mortality rate of 1-2%. There are risks of complications, including bleeding and GERD. You will experience what is called "dumping syndrome" if you eat foods that are high in sugar or fat. You need to look all that up. There will be some foods that you will not be able to tolerate anymore. You will totally need to change your eating habits, especially portion size. That said, it can be life saving and life changing. However, it is not without its risks and requires a great deal of education and work. Our hospital did informational classes and holds weekly support groups. Anyone was welcome to attend, even if they were just starting the process or doing research. It is worth finding out if there are any classes/groups offered by your healthcare providers, as you will be able to listen to the stories and tips of others and also ask questions.
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Post by burningfeather on Jul 2, 2017 20:33:52 GMT
Get at least 2 consultations with bariatric surgeons before you decide. There's a big difference. Some will explain all your choices in depth and decide with you what is best for your situation. Others will push you into the surgery they want.
I'm not saying that a sleeve is a bad option. In many ways, it's the best for a lot of people. Surgery time is less, hospital stay is less, you can eat a larger amount of food, there isn't the same dumping issue that can happen with RNY, weight loss is generally comparable (slightly less), the effect on diabetes is somewhat less, but still significantly higher than oral meds/insulin. However, if there is any chance that you have a problem with reflux, it may not be the best choice for you. And what I've found out is that there are doctors out there whose practice focuses on volume, so they recommend sleeve no matter what the best choice for you is. I'm sorry to say that, but one surgeon pushed me hard towards the sleeve and refuted every single thing I've seen on line, what my PCP recommended/said, and what my gastroenterologist recommended for my specific issues. The first surgeon went over every surgery (sleeve, RNY, and duodenal switch; not too many doctors do Lapband anymore) and gave me the stats in all areas (weight loss, pros and cons, etc.) for each. And then recommended the surgery he thought was best for me and gave me the reasons why.
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Post by burningfeather on Jul 2, 2017 20:36:38 GMT
Thank you everyone..you've gave me a lot to think about. I'm glad the bypass people posted with their experiences, I kinda ruled that out because I thought it was a much riskier surgery from what I've read, but I'm glad there is some positive outcomes so it may be something to consider as well. Please do your research. It IS a major surgery that carries risk. There is a mortality rate of 1-2%. There are risks of complications, including bleeding and GERD. You will experience what is called "dumping syndrome" if you eat foods that are high in sugar or fat. You need to look all that up. There will be some foods that you will not be able to tolerate anymore. You will totally need to change your eating habits, especially portion size. That said, it can be life saving and life changing. However, it is not without its risks and requires a great deal of education and work. Our hospital did informational classes and holds weekly support groups. Anyone was welcome to attend, even if they were just starting the process or doing research. It is worth finding out if there are any classes/groups offered by your healthcare providers, as you will be able to listen to the stories and tips of others and also ask questions. In addition, transfer addiction is a big issue. Especially drinking. The absorption makes you feel the effects with very little alcohol and 1 in 5 bariatric patients becomes addicted to alcohol.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,517
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 2, 2017 21:53:19 GMT
Why is lap band falling out of favor? And I have not heard of transfer addiction, but it makes perfect sense. Hmmm.
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Post by burningfeather on Jul 2, 2017 22:00:31 GMT
Why is lap band falling out of favor? And I have not heard of transfer addiction, but it makes perfect sense. Hmmm. For one, the weight loss is only about 30% of excess weight, which is way lower than other options. If I'm not mistaken, I believe that Lapband was actually meant to be temporary. I've seen a ton of revisions of Lapband to either sleeve or RNY. I'm not exactly sure why, but I haven't seen anyone on any of the support groups that I'm in getting a band placed and the two doctors that are my top choice don't even offer it. Maybe someone else knows more but basically the success rate is low and the failure rate is high. There is something new that is an inflatable and temporary balloon, but I haven't researched it because neither it nor the band are appropriate for the results that I need as a diabetic.
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Post by burningfeather on Aug 31, 2017 21:07:03 GMT
I'm updating for anyone interested. I had my RNY gastric bypass on Monday 8/28. I was up and walking that evening and released on Tuesday evening. Today (Thursday) I saw my general MD and was removed from all of my blood pressure and diabetes medications (I was at max dosage of metformin and also Actos and still had morning fasting numbers in the high 200s). As of today my blood sugar and blood pressure are considered normal and all related drugs were pulled.
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,635
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Aug 31, 2017 21:23:19 GMT
I'm updating for anyone interested. I had my RNY gastric bypass on Monday 8/28. I was up and walking that evening and released on Tuesday evening. Today (Thursday) I saw my general MD and was removed from all of my blood pressure and diabetes medications (I was at max dosage of metformin and also Actos and still had morning fasting numbers in the high 200s). As of today my blood sugar and blood pressure are considered normal and all related drugs were pulled. Wow, that's amazing! What a fantastic outcome. 👍🏼
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Post by Restless Spirit on Aug 31, 2017 22:52:51 GMT
I'm updating for anyone interested. I had my RNY gastric bypass on Monday 8/28. I was up and walking that evening and released on Tuesday evening. Today (Thursday) I saw my general MD and was removed from all of my blood pressure and diabetes medications (I was at max dosage of metformin and also Actos and still had morning fasting numbers in the high 200s). As of today my blood sugar and blood pressure are considered normal and all related drugs were pulled. How exciting! Would you mind keeping us posted on how you are doing? It's not something I ever envision doing due to the cost and my age, but as a diabetic, I am extremely interested in any medical advances that help other diabetics. Congrats and best wishes.
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