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Gastric Bypass Surgery

Maxxy
0 Recommendations

I had gastric bypass surgery back in December 2008. I loss 30 pound in one post op month. Unfortunately, I hit a major plateau and the weight loss stopped!

I believe I reached a physiologic setpoint, because I had lost lots of weight in the past, but could not maintain it. I kept regaining each time. Hence, I decided to pursue gastric bypass surgery.

Two weeks ago, I revisited my 10-day pre-operative diet and started powerwalking 30 minutes a day. That was exactly what I needed as I lost 5 pounds which was successful in breaking through the weight loss plateau!!

I know that excess weight simply falls off many people who go through gastric bypass, but that was not true in my situation. I had to work it big time!! But, I guess overall, I am glad as a healthy - lifelong lifestyle is being reinforced. Now, I could not have lost any weight prior to gastric bypass, because I was ALWAYS hungry and eating a lot. But not these days.

I remember a few years ago, a well known celebrity had gastric bypass, but stated she loss weight through portion control and pilates. She was not telling the truth according to many. Her weight simply melted off!! However look at me, I actually have to diet and exercise to lose weight and I am telling the truth!

I just found it interesting that there seems to be to ways to lose weight following gastric bypass surgery... sit back passively and watch the pounds come off or follow a diet plan and exercise (my situation).

I would love to chat with others who had gastric bypass surgery.

Explore topics in this discussion:

Exercise Surgery Pain Falls Bypass surgery Gastric bypass surgery Diabetes Stress

17 replies

KactusKarla

Hi Maxxy!
I too had the gastric bypass surgery on Dec. 2, 2008. I have to say the I am able to lose weight rather easily as long as I follow the prescribed nutritional plan. I did have one complication of the surgery. I developed a hemitoma under one of my incisons. I was checked regularly for the first few weeks until it dissipated. Other than that, I am doing very well. I have lost 57lbs. since the day of my surgery. I try to walk at least 3/4 of a mile every day until my stamina is built up. I am progressively getting healthier and healthier!

I will never regret my decision to get the bypass. When I went in for surgery I was 418lbs. At my last weigh in, I was 363lbs. I hope talking with others keeps your spirits up! You can do it! Congratulations are in order for making that first HUGE step toward getting healthy! Good luck! Keep it up! smile!:)

Peaches3us

I just wanted to say thank you. I had GP on January 26th, 2009. My weight loss is very slow and I am recovering from three open wounds. After looking at so many pictures of skin hanging and flabby arms, I decided it is time to get off the couch and start exercising now. Even though I am limited, because I am still sore, I do a CD that has a one mile walk and lite Yoga (standing). I read so many stories, where peoples weight just fell off, well before surgery I was 287 and with optifast I went down to 263, the day of surgery. That was over a month 1/2. Now my body after surgery seems to be sleeping. I am 254-255, and the scale is not moving. I am never hungry and I had to put up a schedule to remember to drink my fluids. I have however improved in blood pressure, now normal and blood sugar levels have gone from 200+ down 106. I was taking 11 meds, now on 3. Thank God !! Because the weight is falling off slowly, I'm not sure I'm doing something wrong, or is it because my body is still healing. I know it will happen, it has too, because I am not eating anything like I useto. I guess I have to have patience and not look at so many pictures of other people. Thanks again, I got a good feeling reading your posting, like I could relate. I am off my butt and plan to continue with exercising, and finding new ways to make it fun.

Peaches3us

Hi KK ( If you don't mind ) (smile)

Wonderful news to see that others like my self are on the road to good health and a new life. This keeps me encouraged.

KactusKarla

Hi peaches!

What a cute name! lol! Sure you can call me KK if you like....it's a lot easier than spelling it all out...or Karla is fine as well! You know alot of times our weight stays stable but our inches start to drop...it's kind of weird but it seems that is how our weight loss seems to trend towards....at least from what I have seen of myself and my Mother!
smile:}

I find that when I go and boost up my daily activities that I feel so much better! It just makes the whole thing seem a lot more tolerable.... Well, to tell you the truth I really enjoy the walking...it gives me time to contemplate life and become closer to my newly...smaller body...no matter how slow or fast I lose the lbs.

It took me a long time to put the weight on so what is going to make me feel it will just melt off?...all things desireable take effort....at least those worth having...weight loss is the same...I believe!

I am very proud of ALL our efforts and do wish the best for all of us on our life long endeavors to become healthier!
Kudos~!
Karla aka KK ha ha!

Maxxy

Hi KK,
Thank you so very much for replying with your encouraging words of support. Things are going well for me as I successfully surpassed that 1st plateau! I continued with my diet and exercise plan! My clothing is very loose, response from others is great. I am so happy to be healthier!!
Maxxy

Maxxy

Hi Peaches,
I find it so interesting that some of us lose weight slowly after surgery. You said something significant - that you are never hungry. That is extremely important and that is why you WILL surpass your 1st plateau! Just make sure you maintain the recommended protein intake and you will do well. I had to make sure I did a 30 minute walk most days of the week. That is how I overcame my first plateau.
Hang in there Peaches!!

SequoiaHealth

Hi Maxxy:
I work with severely obese clients (50 pounds plus overweight) on a daily basis. These clients have either had gastric bypass or lap-band surgery.

First slow weight loss is a good thing for many health reasons. If you plateau then it is a good indication that your surgical support program is out of balance. We have actually found 8 factors that are important post surgically.

second, your surgery is a form of calorie restriction much like a diet. Calorie restriction without exercise (weight training is the best) will have you losing 25% of your weight as muscle. Not a good idea to lose muscle mass because it puts your bones at risk for loss of calcium and suppresses your metabolism. Focus your exercise time to challenging weights.

Third, balanced eating is the only sustainable way to achieve long-term healthy weight loss. Anything less and you will end up on the weight loss weight gain cycle shared by 95% of dieters and surgical patients. We now know that this cyclic weight loss and gain is very bad for your health. Plain and simple, eat balanced meals and it will help how you feel greatly.

Finally, in my facility, we have determined that stress and emotions are the primary reasons most people overeat in the first place. Unless you can stop using food to effect mood and reduce stress, the overeating will come back once you get bored with your current routine. I see it all the time. Unfortunately, surgery does not positively affect your brain chemistry. You will need to work on that separately.

My advice is exercise for your health, eat a balanced diet and stop the overeating cycle by reducing your stress and you will be well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Hope this helps,

Woody McMahon
Reston/Herndon Support Group Leader

Maxxy

Hi Woody!
Since my post, I have gone on to break through that plateau. I have been exercising for 30 minutes on weekdays. My exercise routines have been the treadmill (2.5 mph) and WATP- 2 Mile Intense DVD.
Thank you so much for your detailed and very interesting post!
Maxxy

ashtin1812

Hello,
My name is Liz. I am scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery on 11/2/2009. Will someone tell me what to expect? I've read all the books and clinical information but I want to hear from someone who has actually gone through it. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks!
Liz

Maxxy

Liz, my GP surgery was very positive. I had a pretty detailed pre-op workup. My procedure was minimally laproscopic... only 4 small incisions & 1 drainage tube. I had a pain control pump, but not much discomfort postop. I was up out of bed in less than 24 hours. I was walking the hall in 24 hours. I tolerated fluids and pureed diet without any problems. I had surgery on a Monday and was discharged on Thursday.
Follow the preop instructions and keep us posted.
I have lost about 100 pounds, went from 3X to large tops and I am now a size 12.

Best wishes!
Maxxy

ashtin1812

Hi Maxxi,
Thanks for responding and congratulations! Would you mind sharing your starting weight? How long did it take to lose 100 pounds? How soon were you able to excercize? Did you have any complications? Thanks again Maxxi!
Liz

ashtin1812

Hi Maxxi,
Thanks for responding and congratulations! How long did it take for you to lose 100 pounds?

hardBODmiranda

Does gastric bypass really work?

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" Dream! Believe! Get Results! - http://bit.ly/48bj8y"

ginnie63

i had gastric bupass on oct.14,2009. i have loss 28lbs. and off of my diabetes medication. it feels good to feel good again. i would have it done again. i hope i can keep losing weight good and easy.

Maxxy

Gastric bypass surgery worked for me. I have lost about 100 pounds in one year.
Maxxy

Maxxy

It will soon be one year since my gastric bypass surgery. I will be at my goal weight soon. I now have to focus on maintenance. Staying at my goal weight.
Maxxy

justme1963

I had my GB one month ago. I lost 12 pounds the first 1 1/2 weeks and then 3 pounds the following week. Since then NOTHING. I am so angry and so frustrated. I am not cheating. I am drinking the protein shakes and eatting soft protein meals. All I hear is that "It will come". When does it come? I am so frustrated with this and wish I Never did it.

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