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Bariatric Surgery/weight loss after surgery

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Expert: - 7/16/2009


Question
i had my bypass 5 months ago and i have only lost 2 stone i exercise now and eat sensibly but i don't think it has worked as i think i can eat more than i should be able too i was quite ill after the operation due to a blockage from day one and i was constantly sick for 5 days do you think this may have stretched it as i never feel full and i am unable to be sick now

Answer
Hi Michelle,

First of all, congratulations on losing the 2 stone; you should acknowledge that you have made progress towards living a healthy life.  

To answer your concerns -

It is not possible for me to guess what caused the five day sickness period following your surgery - it could have been caused by anything.  But it should have been pointed out to you that the surgery is not a solution to the amount you eat.  It's just a tool to help you.  Reducing the size of your stomach is only designed to help you feel satisfied (or full) after eating less.  It is still up to YOU to eat less; you shouldn't just keep eating until you feel full under the assumption that the size of your new pouch will stop you.  

At this point, you should consult your doctor for what steps to take from here on.  

But please understand that gastric bypass is just a tool - it won't MAKE you eat less in order to lose weight.  Gastric Bypass is not the SOLUTION to your problem, but it will HELP you to lose weight if you follow your doctor's directions.  Please see your doctor, tell him exactly what you have told me and then PLEASE follow whatever directions you are given.  And please update me on your progress - I am very interested in your progress.

Your friend,
Steve

Bariatric Surgery

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Steven West

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I can answer any and all questions from the perspective of a weight loss surgery patient. I have had Gastric Bypass Surgery - Roux-en-Y - and can answer questions from the perspective of one who has experienced the pain and suffering of murderous obesity. I have mustered the courage to open myself to the opportunity to live life again! Let me help you get there, too! Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone, but for those who fit some specific criteria, it is a viable option. With the rise in obesity in America, there are suddenly weight loss surgery centers springing up on every street corner, it seems. Choosing to have weight loss surgery is a major decision in your life, and choosing the right center can mean the difference between weight loss success and failure. There are three main types of weight loss surgery being performed today at most all surgical weight loss clinics: the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the small intestine; the Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, which is similar to the first surgery, but is done laparoscopically, so it reduces the size of the incision, and reduces the pain and recovery time of the surgery, and the LAP-BAND surgery, which is a band fastened around the stomach to create a small pouch. Weight Loss surgery is not for everyone who is obese. In most cases, candidates must be at least 100 pounds overweight. Surgery should be the last resort, rather than a quick-fix. Surgery is a long-term answer to managing your weight, and you need to be aware it will change your life.

Experience

I am a post operative patient of Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass, RNY). I am interested in providing coaching for pre-operative and post-operative patients.

Organizations
Member of obesityhelp.com.

Publications
Profiled in Obesity Help Magazine.

Education/Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. I am an engineer working for Computer Sciences Corporation in the Washington, D.C. area.

Awards and Honors
I am a retired veteran with over twenty years of U.S. Naval Service.

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