Gastric Bypass

Razzmatazz13 · 03-04-2009, 10:56 AM

My mom and Meme (grandmother) are both in the process of getting gastric bypass. Not because of their obesity, but because they are both diabetics who are now starting to lose feeling in their extremities, having kidney damage, and all the other fun things that go along with diabetes. There's research that shows that gastric bypass slows/stops the progression of diabetes afterward, and it also provides a very controlled lifestyle with regards to eating/drinking so that's good for the diabetes even if it doesn't go away. (No I can't link to that information, it's what I've heard from my mom/meme/the doctors as I go through this whole process along with them.)

The fact that this process can take up to a year where they have weekly sessions about the surgery and lifestyle after surgery and risks that go along with it, along with several doctor visits a month, and have had to go through therapy sessions to make sure they don't have "food issues" instead of an actual problem is enough for me to agree that this is a course that they have to take.

My meme is going in for surgery on the 9th, monday morning. I just was hoping for some good vibes from the cellar, to help her (and me) as she goes through it. My mom isn't due until july...at which point I'll probably be asking you again.

Thanks for being such wonderful people, and giving me a place to share my worries.

Sheldonrs · 03-04-2009, 11:25 AM

I think it was "20/20" or one of those news shows that did a story on this. Most of the people who had diabetes before the procedure no longer had it afterwards. In some case, it was only a few days before it was completely cured.

Pie · 03-04-2009, 11:27 AM

I'm considering a lap-band procedure, myself. Same issues, less advanced.

ETA, best wishes to your mother and grandmother!

glatt · 03-04-2009, 11:28 AM

I'm sending good vibes your way.

I don't know a lot about gastric bypass surgery, but I know enough to know that it's a significant procedure. It sounds like it's necessary in this instance, and it's for the best that they are going through with it. Hopefully, in a year or two, they will be really happy with the improvements it has given them.

limey · 03-04-2009, 11:30 AM

Good Cellar vibes heading your way to you and your family folks!

classicman · 03-04-2009, 11:38 AM

Good vibes being sent your way....

jinx · 03-04-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheldonrs

I think it was "20/20" or one of those news shows that did a story on this. Most of the people who had diabetes before the procedure no longer had it afterwards. In some case, it was only a few days before it was completely cured.

I saw something like that too... no longer diabetic by the time they were released from the hospital. Good luck to your family Razz.

Trilby · 03-04-2009, 12:16 PM

all the best to you and yours, Razz!

lumberjim · 03-04-2009, 12:24 PM

they discussed it in 'Super Size Me'

wolf · 03-04-2009, 12:45 PM

Good luck to your family Razz.

For me, I don't think gastric bypass is a good idea, even if I would be considered a good candidate for it.

Being forced not to eat and learning not to have an adversarial relationship with food are two different things.

I can almost understand how Type II diabetics might benefit because of the more rigid control of food intake and increased frequency of eating, but really don't get how that might apply to Type I.

We used to talk about the procedure with one of the docs at work. He said there were problems with the procedure of folks who had it just up and dying a couple of years post surgery.

Too freaking scary for me.

I'm the kind of person that tries to put off necessary surgery ... I won't be standing in line for anything elective.

Sundae · 03-04-2009, 01:42 PM

Good luck to you family Razz.
If it's part of a well supported and ongoing procedure I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh the detriments.

Obviously with all the advice they have been given, your Mum and Nan know what to expect and how their eating patterns will also change afterwards. As long as they are aware of these and accept them, you will probably find that this time next year they are feeling better than they have for over a decade.

Any operation necessitating general anaesthetic is not without risk, but this is now well established surgery and the risk is obviously deemed far less than the risk of allowing their current situation to continue.

Personally, I'd like to try a gastric balloon rather than a band, but I don't think either would work well for me. So I'm just doing it the old fashioned way

Then again, I'm only 36, I don't have diabetes and I'm not yet in a condition where I can't exercise, so I know this is the best thing for me.

You and they will be in my thoughts. Keep us updated.

Razzmatazz13 · 03-04-2009, 03:18 PM

Both of them have done every diet/exercise program in the history of ever (well, maybe not tapeworms) and have failed. Both have done every diabetic food plan/group/whatever, and failed. They can't keep their sugars under control...their bodies just don't work right, and they're beginning to lose control of important stuff because of it (my mom is facing kidney failure, her eyes are starting to worsen very quickly, and she's losing feeling in her feet.) I was very worried about them taking this route at the beginning, but having gone through some of the meetings/doctor appointments, and having read the info and research that my mom went through, I think it's the best choice for her long-term. It will be very hard, but since she's already beginning to live and eat the way she will have to after the surgery is done (keep in mind, she's not having hers until july) I think she'll be able to do this successfully, it's not an "elective" surgery for them.

PS I'm not trying to pick on/shame anyone who's commented...just trying to clarify our situation, because I know I was the most skeptical of anyone when they started discussing this idea. It is a dangerous surgery that is usually only mentioned for dire situations on the news and stuff.

And thank you all for your well wishes

Sheldonrs · 03-04-2009, 03:18 PM

My sister had the lap band procedure a little over a year ago. So far, she's lost over 100Lbs and she gets around a lot easier. She has about 80Lbs to go to get to her suggested weight but the changes are great. Other than the fact that the loose skin makes her look like a Shar Pei in a bathing suit.

monster · 03-04-2009, 03:22 PM

so they'll need nursing at the same time? Does this all fall on you, or will there be others about to help?

Razzmatazz13 · 03-04-2009, 03:45 PM

There's plenty of others around, the tough part will be my useless stepdad really being the only one around 24/7 for my mom. I might move back in for a while, we'll see how it goes.

03-04-2009, 10:56 AM	#1
Razzmatazz13 Vicariously, I live... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,221	Gastric Bypass My mom and Meme (grandmother) are both in the process of getting gastric bypass. Not because of their obesity, but because they are both diabetics who are now starting to lose feeling in their extremities, having kidney damage, and all the other fun things that go along with diabetes. There's research that shows that gastric bypass slows/stops the progression of diabetes afterward, and it also provides a very controlled lifestyle with regards to eating/drinking so that's good for the diabetes even if it doesn't go away. (No I can't link to that information, it's what I've heard from my mom/meme/the doctors as I go through this whole process along with them.) The fact that this process can take up to a year where they have weekly sessions about the surgery and lifestyle after surgery and risks that go along with it, along with several doctor visits a month, and have had to go through therapy sessions to make sure they don't have "food issues" instead of an actual problem is enough for me to agree that this is a course that they have to take. My meme is going in for surgery on the 9th, monday morning. I just was hoping for some good vibes from the cellar, to help her (and me) as she goes through it. My mom isn't due until july...at which point I'll probably be asking you again. Thanks for being such wonderful people, and giving me a place to share my worries. __________________ I have some people I need to have smoted. ~ SteveDallas

03-04-2009, 11:25 AM	#2
Sheldonrs Master Dwellar Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,412	I think it was "20/20" or one of those news shows that did a story on this. Most of the people who had diabetes before the procedure no longer had it afterwards. In some case, it was only a few days before it was completely cured. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and the world laughs AT you.

03-04-2009, 11:27 AM	#3
Pie Gone and done Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 4,808	I'm considering a lap-band procedure, myself. Same issues, less advanced. ETA, best wishes to your mother and grandmother! __________________ per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not. Last edited by Pie; 03-04-2009 at 12:52 PM. Reason: D'oh!

03-04-2009, 11:30 AM	#5
limey Encroaching on your decrees Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: An island within the south-west coast of Scotland Posts: 7,016	Good Cellar vibes heading your way to you and your family folks! __________________ Living it up on the edge ... of civilisation, within the southwest coast of

03-04-2009, 11:38 AM	#6
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	Good vibes being sent your way.... __________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

03-04-2009, 11:28 AM	#4
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	I'm sending good vibes your way. I don't know a lot about gastric bypass surgery, but I know enough to know that it's a significant procedure. It sounds like it's necessary in this instance, and it's for the best that they are going through with it. Hopefully, in a year or two, they will be really happy with the improvements it has given them.

03-04-2009, 12:16 PM	#8
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	all the best to you and yours, Razz! __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

03-04-2009, 12:24 PM	#9
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	they discussed it in 'Super Size Me' __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

03-04-2009, 12:45 PM	#10
wolf lobber of scimitars Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phila Burbs Posts: 20,774	Good luck to your family Razz. For me, I don't think gastric bypass is a good idea, even if I would be considered a good candidate for it. Being forced not to eat and learning not to have an adversarial relationship with food are two different things. I can almost understand how Type II diabetics might benefit because of the more rigid control of food intake and increased frequency of eating, but really don't get how that might apply to Type I. We used to talk about the procedure with one of the docs at work. He said there were problems with the procedure of folks who had it just up and dying a couple of years post surgery. Too freaking scary for me. I'm the kind of person that tries to put off necessary surgery ... I won't be standing in line for anything elective. __________________ wolf eht htiw og "Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." --G. Edward Griffin The Creature from Jekyll Island High Priestess of the Church of the Whale Penis

03-04-2009, 01:42 PM	#11
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	Good luck to you family Razz. If it's part of a well supported and ongoing procedure I'm sure the benefits will far outweigh the detriments. Obviously with all the advice they have been given, your Mum and Nan know what to expect and how their eating patterns will also change afterwards. As long as they are aware of these and accept them, you will probably find that this time next year they are feeling better than they have for over a decade. Any operation necessitating general anaesthetic is not without risk, but this is now well established surgery and the risk is obviously deemed far less than the risk of allowing their current situation to continue. Personally, I'd like to try a gastric balloon rather than a band, but I don't think either would work well for me. So I'm just doing it the old fashioned way Then again, I'm only 36, I don't have diabetes and I'm not yet in a condition where I can't exercise, so I know this is the best thing for me. You and they will be in my thoughts. Keep us updated. __________________ Life's hard you know, so strike a pose on a Cadillac

03-04-2009, 03:18 PM	#12
Razzmatazz13 Vicariously, I live... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,221	Both of them have done every diet/exercise program in the history of ever (well, maybe not tapeworms) and have failed. Both have done every diabetic food plan/group/whatever, and failed. They can't keep their sugars under control...their bodies just don't work right, and they're beginning to lose control of important stuff because of it (my mom is facing kidney failure, her eyes are starting to worsen very quickly, and she's losing feeling in her feet.) I was very worried about them taking this route at the beginning, but having gone through some of the meetings/doctor appointments, and having read the info and research that my mom went through, I think it's the best choice for her long-term. It will be very hard, but since she's already beginning to live and eat the way she will have to after the surgery is done (keep in mind, she's not having hers until july) I think she'll be able to do this successfully, it's not an "elective" surgery for them. PS I'm not trying to pick on/shame anyone who's commented...just trying to clarify our situation, because I know I was the most skeptical of anyone when they started discussing this idea. It is a dangerous surgery that is usually only mentioned for dire situations on the news and stuff. And thank you all for your well wishes __________________ I have some people I need to have smoted. ~ SteveDallas

03-04-2009, 03:22 PM	#14
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	so they'll need nursing at the same time? Does this all fall on you, or will there be others about to help? __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

03-04-2009, 03:45 PM	#15
Razzmatazz13 Vicariously, I live... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 1,221	There's plenty of others around, the tough part will be my useless stepdad really being the only one around 24/7 for my mom. I might move back in for a while, we'll see how it goes. __________________ I have some people I need to have smoted. ~ SteveDallas

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