Weight loss surgery- costs and other things one should know

How's your blood sugar been since you've been on it? My highest A1C was 6.3 in January. But in June and then September it was 6.0. I know I can continue to make better dietary choices that should help some.

I should add I'm curious because of my own health issues I'm trying to get under control. And my doctor is still quite bent on weight loss meds but I'm quite hesitant.

One of my good friends had it done back in 2013. She looked great after about a year from surgery. Now, I think she has gained it all back, if not more. It really is a lifelong commitment. Just like anything. Because of her, I wouldn't do it. I am very bad about food. I know I wouldn't be able to commit to eating that way for the rest of my life. But I know some people can do it.

Really think on it. I hope you find someone who has a had great success with it and can give you excellent tips.

I had gastric bypass over 20 years ago; yes, my insurance paid since the state I was living in (Maryland) passed a law to make it mandatory IF the patient met certain criteria. I Initially lost over 100 pounds; but I currently maintain at about a 75 pound weight loss with little/no effort. My eating looks like a 'normal' person, but I still eat less than I could pre-surgery. 

I feel like this decision was one of the best I've ever made; despite having two 'complications' (small bowel obstruction and rare hernia), I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to. 

I was about to say the same thing.  The first 2 months at the lower dose did nothing for me but when I got to the highest dose, my appetite disappeared and I lost the 30 lbs I needed to quickly.  So far, I've kept it off after stopping the Tirzepatide.

To answer your original question...I had Gastric Bypass in 2010 and lost 155 lbs. I had kept it all off until last winter when I had to go on steroids for a while and gained 30 lbs quickly that I couldn't get off no matter what. You have to be committed to life long changes in order for the surgery to be a long term success. There were certain foods that I had to give up for many years, like steak. It would get stuck no matter how small the pieces were or how much I chewed.  When food gets stuck for me, it immediately wants to come back up.  I had to get used to throwing up A LOT.  It was not a pleasant experience but it did train me to stick to very small portions and I continue that even now. I know that is what has been key for my success.  

Insurance did pay for mine after 8 months of going through their hoops. I had to have 2 or more comorbidities (I had 3). I had to see a therapist and a nutritionist for 3 months each. There was another requirement but I can't remember exactly what that was. I'm sure all of that has changed since then.

Everyone's experience with weight loss surgery is different. The side effects are different, the amount or types of food varies greatly. Please keep that in mind if you decide you want to go this route.  Honestly, I'd give the meds at least 6 months on the highest dose before even considering surgery.  It was not a cake walk at all, but I absolutely would do it all again in a heartbeat because I did make life long changes that help me control my weight still to this day (except for darn steriods).

Feel free to message me if you have questions. 

I had a gastric bypass way back in 2006 ... the dark ages!    

I barely qualified ... 5'2" and 220 lbs ... I lost about 100 lbs in the first six months because I couldn't keep anything down ... it was not fun!

I had almost no education about my surgery other than what I found online ... it really was a learning process for me ...

As the years went by my weight went up and down ... the lowest I was at was an unhealthy 107 lbs (don't recommend) and a size 0 ... 

Now, all these years later, I weigh about 150 lbs ... more than I would like but less than I started out at ... the fact that I have never exercised and that I don't really restrict my diet other than I avoid most sugary foods probably contributes ... I drink far too many calories as well ...

I eat very small meals ... I am a grazer ... I love food but when I go out I take 75% of it home ...

I have trouble eating enough protein because I just don't eat enough of it ... I am not vegetarian but my diet would tell you otherwise ... not good for someone who has had this surgery ...

Would I do it again?  Yes.

My insurance won’t cover weight loss surgery at all. When I talked to my dr at the weight loss center they said the out of pocket cost was $28K.

In order to get weight loss surgery here in BC you have to prove you are ready to stick to the program and not eat the way you did. You need to lose about 20 initial pounds to show commitment. My friend is the show dog of the surgeon who does the surgery and he was 400# and now is around 175 and needs to gain. He was a true success story. I absolutely want that for you. He is 6’4” tall and is too skinny. If you could lose 60 you might be happy without needing surgery. My goal is to lose 50. I am working at it but it’s slow. I am not trying to discourage you because my friend looks and feels great.

I've been on Ozempic and then Wegovy for nearly a year. I was 5'4" (maybe 5'3 1/2") and started at 265.5 with a goal to get down to 160. The weight hasn't just melted off for me like it has for some people, but I am down to 227. I was diagnosed with insulin resistance, my fasting blood sugar has always been over 100 for the past 10-15 years (usually around 120). I obviously was prediabetic and if I had done my bloodwork like I was supposed to the last time I had been at the doctor I think I would have fallen into the diabetic range. (My last A1c was 5.7 several years ago.) I only told a few family members I was on this, because of the controversy. And this past month several friends have finally recognized the changes, and have asked me how much weight I have lost. Also, the last couple fasting blood glucose readings have been 96 and 96. I was on 2 blood pressure meds and early on I was able to reduce the largest dose by half, probably need to eliminate that drug completely at this point but it helps with my vestibular migraines. I can be so much more active now. I feel this drug is life changing, and I hope to be on it forever. And a year later, I'm kinda glad the weight is coming off slower than expected. It helps with sagging skin and probably helps with the mental aspect of getting thinner as well. If it takes me 2 1/2 years to get to goal weight I'm fine with that. It took me a lot longer to get that fat. There are also so many health benefits there are discovering about GLP1 meds...lower risk of heart attacks, helps with addiction issues, helps stave off alzheimers.

And I agree, you are just on the starting dose. Give the meds a chance at full strength before you make any decisions.

I also know a few people who have had WLS and have had complications. Those who have not had complications have gained the weight back. I'm in a few GlP1 FB groups and there are several people on there who have had WLS and gained the weight back and now are trying GLP1 meds.

Whatever route you choose I hope you find success and feel like you've made the right choice in the end. Here's hoping for a healthier, slimmer future for both of us!

This is so true. There is no magic pill (or shot) or surgery. You have to put in the work. I have a co-worker who had the surgery. It was really tough on her, but she did lose 100lbs in the process. However, because she slid back to old eating habits and doesn't exercise, she has gained some back over the past year. As opposed to the people I know on a GLP-1 medication that have changed their lifestyle and way of eating, and have had success keeping the weight off. I think this is where the GlP-1 medications have the advantage. If you stay on it, you will have lasting help with your food portion control. I know if I were facing the 2 options, I would pick the shot for that reason.

Don't be scared off by the "I heard of a person who had a bad experience with surgery" stories ...

Do your research ...

Be educated on the surgery you want ...

Be realistic about what it entails ...


Like I said earlier, I don't exercise because I don't like it ... simple as that ... I still lost weight and have managed to keep 70 lbs off ... would it be more if I exercised?  Probably.

I also consume more calories than I should through liquids ... I could lose weight if I stopped that ... it's a choice I make ...


My gastric bypass has been one of the best decisions I have ever made ... I will stand behind that!