Yes, it is dangerous. That's why it is done as a last resort, when the perceived benefits outweigh the risks. This is determined on a case-by-case basis between a doctor and a patient. It is improper for you to offer a blanket recommendation to everybody not to get the surgery, and to imply that doctors who recommend it don't have brains.

Please don't but into all the horror stories people circulate about this surgery. Yes, it should be approached carefully - it is major surgery. However, I had it done 14 months ago. I met my goal weight last month. The worst pain felt like doing too many sit ups! I no longer have sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, restless leg syndrome, asthma, gastric reflux and my cholesteral is almost normal. I see it as a fair trade off. And I'd do it again tomorrow if I had too!

And all the concern about having the support of another.

To bad this same logic isn't applied to someone getting an abortion, they might spare the child's life if they had a support network.

Leo~ Where is your medical degree from? It is absolutely outrageous for you to make this kind of blanket statement. What are you basing this on? What statistics do you have? What personal experience do you have with gaining/losing weight? I spent over 15 years as a distance runner, I was in great shape, had a very high metabolism and very low BMI. Then I broke my back, spent 6 months in a wheel chair, learned to walk again, had 3 additional surgeries including rods inserted into my spine. Had a 3rd child. I have severe nerve damage that causes me to be on a variety of medications and scar tissue that presses on my sciatic nerve root. I worked with a nutritionist and dietician and ate very little and nothing that wasnt healthy. My weight climbed to 230lbs. I began to fall frequently due to the pressure and damage to my nerves. My doctor (neurologist and surgeon) recommended gastric bypass surgery to break the cycle with the medication and drop the weight quickly. My alternative was returning to a wheel chair so that I didnt break something serious in a fall. 7 months later, I am down 87lbs. I am off all but one of medications and I havent had a fall in 6 months. Although I had some complications from the surgery and a difficult recovery, I do not EVER regret my decision to do this. This surgery has allowed me to continue working and living my life.

Who are you to make that kind of decision for anyone else??

sorry but the 'majority' of people who have this are just lazy, the main thing this surgery does is make your stomach smaller so you eat less, how about you save the money and eat less on your own and exercise a bit?? all those people who say 'i cant lose weight' what a load of bs, as soon as the surgery stops you stuffing you face suddenly you can lose weight, so just stop stuffing your face and you'd probably lose weight anyway.

most annoying thing is this surgery is always offered to those 500lbs + people on those shows half ton teen/dad/mom etc, its always done on the tax payer dime, these people need to just stop gorging.

home, you don't know what you are talking about. Did you not read the posts above yours that spoke of medical conditions that exacerbated their weight gain? Yes, some people are overweight because of their personal habits, but no one would choose to undergo a dangerous surgery if losing weight was as simple as you claim for everyone. As for your assumption that "this surgery is always offered to those 500lbs+" and "its always done on the tax payer dime" that is simply not true. I know several people who have had this done, and NOT ONE of them has had it done "on the taxpayer dime" and not one weighed anywhere near 500 lbs. Some paid for their surgery out of pocket, and for some their insurance (that they had paid for) covered some of the bill and they paid the rest. And no, before more assumptions are made, I have not had this surgery, but I am intelligent enough to know that the same choices do not work for everyone.

Hometowngirl you seem to have certain biases regarding overweight people, they are fat, lazy, and on welfare (your taxpayer comment). The 500lb people you refer to must be all you see when you enjoy your day watching Jerry Springer.

I've known people who have had gastric bypass surgery and some of the most insensitive comments come from people who have no idea or clue about why they are having the surgery. Probably the most stupid comment is that"gastric bypass patients don't want to work at losing weight. they are doing it the easy way." I think if you asked most overweight people they would say they were on a dozen different diets, weight loss plans, and joined a gym on several different occasions and for various reasons they were not sucessful.

Shame for you judging anyone when you have no clue.

I commend you for your exercise regimen. As a physician, I have encouraged patients in your situation to keep up the good work. Remember, the main goal of weight loss is increased quality of life, and reduced morbidity and mortality. If you ever get discouraged about the weight not coming off, take heart in the fact that the amount of exercise you do is very beneficial. And, if surgery is in your future, know that you will be most successful if pre-op you already have a strict diet and exercise regimen (patients that use surgery as a crutch almost always fail). Best wishes!

The surgery is no guarantee that a person will not regain weight. This is something that you physicians, NU Wildcat Fan, ought to mention right off the bat. It is very possible for someone who has had WLS to manage to overeat and regain weight. Then not only do they have to lose weight yes again, but they have already had the "last resort" medical procedure!

If people can follow the post-op food restriction, why can't they begin there to lose weight?

JayEll - Those are fighting accusatory words. You are pretty insulting, shooting down my productive supportive comment to blueingoregon. Obviously patients are counselled extensively more than I'll write in a brief newsvine post. A long process is required before such surgeries are even approved by ins companies. And the average post-op pt DOES regain some weight - after a nadir of about 35-40% wt loss, wt is regained and the pt stabilizes out at about 25 wt loss (for Roux-en-Y; roughly 5-10% less wt loss for lap band), give or take depending on compliance and individual patient medical issues.

My apologies--I should have hit reply in the box above or below. Your positive encouragement is noted.

Thank you Wildcat fan for what you do! And yes, there is always the possibility of regaining the weight, that is why education is so important! Our program here is amazing. I was screened extensively. I jumped through more hoops and hurdles for this surgery then I did when I joined the Army! I went through many many hours of education, physical tests and screenings, working with the dietician and nutritionist to see if I could lose by less invasive methods as well as a psych eval. The key to success with weight loss surgery is not in the loosing, it is in remembering it is only a tool. The surgery is not the solution, changing your lifestyle is the solution. That is what alot of people dont understand.This is not the "easy way out" as I have been told over and over again. This requires you to change the rest of your life. I knew that at the outset because my doc and bariatric team made sure I was well educated prior to being approved for the surgery.

ok so on the show half ton teen the teen is lazy and stuffing his face and claiming he needs the surgery to save his life, ok so a doctor agrees it, then after the surgery he's eating small portions of healthy food and exercising and claims the surgery saved his life, umm no you were eating small healthy portions and exercising, if you got up and done that earlier you wouldnt have needed the surgery

all these people having this surgery miraculously seem to be able to follow a restircted healthy small portioned diet and exercise after the surgery so how come cant do it before the surgery?? its willpower, im not saying its easy, heck ive struggled but its possible for anyone, you just need to do it.

Your statements are just not based in reality. Did you know that only 5% of the morbidly obese who attempt to lose weight through diet and exercise are able to maintain their weight loss? the other 95% have yo-yoed around, losing 40lbs here, regaining 60lbs there. Unfortunately, there is much more at play in weight loss than willpower. There are genetics, medical conditions, and things like depression (only exacerbated by the weight gain) that make it nearly impossible for some to lose and maintain.

This surgery does more than force you to eat less. Post-op, most are not able to eat things that are high in sugar or fat due to "dumping." There is also malabsorption that aids in calorie reduction for about the first 18 months. This surgery is a TOOL to jumpstart and give a person the aid they need to get on the right track.

You say "heck I've struggled"? Haven't we all....but did you struggle to lose 100lbs to save your life, or a mere 15 so you could look nice in your swimsuit this summer? I ask because it's a huge difference. As to your stating that these overweight people are lazy....you are playing into a stereotype that may be true in some cases, but in most is not. For the woman you speak of in the TV show, put yourself in her position for a minute...you don't know how "lazy" she was prior to gaining weight. Try carrying around 400 extra lbs and see how "lazy" you become. It's likely she was not physically able to do much more than walk down the block. How depressed would you become? It's a vicious cycle that starts with a few pounds and quickly becomes a medical emergency. It can happen to anyone, even you with your willpower.

I guess it's just one of those things that unless you've been through it, you will likely never understand, yet you feel free to pass judgment. I pray you and all others who are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle never find yourself in the position to chose life or the weight loss surgery process, because it is not easy and not fun.

Peace and love to all.

Again, if people can modify their lifestyle after the surgery, why not have them modify it before and lose weight that way? It doesn't make sense to say "only after lifestyle changes fail" when the eating regimen after surgery is MORE restrictive than a simple weight loss program.

JayEll - There is such a thing as point of diminishing returns even in the most highly compliant patient. To understand this concept, you need to understand "set points" and "asymptotes" and "feedback loops." Go get your medical education, then come back and comment.

And please note that my job as a Family Practice doc is to help patients from even needing to see the surgeon. Preventive medicine includes discussions on diet and exercise. (Too bad we are not paid for our time doing this.)

Using big words to intimidate, NU? I'd guess maybe you're still in school? I do happen to know the meaning of those terms, thanks. My original question still stands. Seems to me that the biggest difference between a patient who fails to keep weight off before surgery, and one who fails to keep weight off after surgery, is that in the middle they underwent an invasive procedure that carries risks, not only at the time but for years afterward, and spent a lot of money to have it done. So, asymptotic curve or not, someone made some bucks along the way, did they not?

In the case of many of these people, they may have been overeating for years, due to depression, or boredom and their health is in danger. Sometimes, they may be unable to exercise due to heart conditions and excess weight causing strain to their bones and ligaments. Due to the overeating, their stomachs have become enlarged and they require large portions in order to feel satisfied because their body has gotten used to it. With this surgery, their stomach is greatly reduced to the point that a few small bites will fill them up. Of course they can gain weight if they make the wrong choices of the few small bites to eat. This isn't a magical surgery that guarantees you can eat fries, cakes and other fattening items daily, it's a surgery that allows people to eat healthier and in smaller, more normal quantities. Then, they can eventually exercise and improve their health. This is the motivation and help many people need in order to turn their life around and be able to go to the gym without feeling like an outcast. I have heard of the lap band, which they say is less dangerous than the bariatric surgery but I am not sure of how it works.

Jay~ I am insulted by your post. I did all of the things prior to my surgery that I am doing now. I ate small portions of ONLY healthy food. I was on a strict diet set up by a dietician and nutritionist. I was not sedentary (although I am limited to what I can do because of the titanium rods in my spine and the severe nerve damage) and kept active being the mother of 6 children. My weight gain was caused in large part by medication and having had a c-section with my youngest child followed by 2 additional surgeries. If diet and exercise had fixed it, i would have never been overweight to begin with.

Wow mother of six, well that's one physical activity you participate in. Stop making excuses and get to the gym

In answer to Jay, would that it was that simple. Depending upon which surgery someone has, it alters everything in your body. The bypass surgery is a malabsorption surgery, you just don't absorb the calories so you lose weight. The band surgery ties your stomach off so that only a small portion is left and it is satisfied with just a small amount of food. The "feel full" part of the stomach is at the very top, hence you eat to fill up your stomach to feel full. So if only that part of the stomach is left, what you eat is what makes you feel full and satisfied.

I only wish it was so simple to be thin like all the thin people think it is. If it were that simple don't you think everyone would be thin?

Jusus~ Nothing better to do then follow me to another discussion? Just to let you know, the six kids I raise are mine and my husbands. I gave birth to 3 of them but raise them all. You are an uneducated, arrogant, moron that can not discuss an issue without resorting to personal insults. What have you contributed to society? What have you ever done in your life that gives you the authority to pass judgement on me? Go back to your mothers basement and leave me alone!

Will you come with me if I bring Twinkies,

Thank you for providing me with some amusement this afternoon. I do not place my selfworth in what a troll on this board says to irritate me. Have a nice afternoon..

Ju- it's obvious you have no life experiences.. everything is not solved in a single sentence - as an adolescent would think..

PWiggins, I'm not familiar with that technique. It does sound helpful if it prevents the malabsorption. And, it is great that it has worked so well for your husband.

as long as you paid for it i guess it doesnt matter that you chose this, i guess the thing that bothers me most is the majority of these surgeries are paid for by the taxpayer since people claim obesity is a disability, i say as long as you pay you have it but if you want the taxpayer to pay then get off your lazy butt and diet and exercise like the rest of us

Hometowngirl?????? Obesity is a disability???? Can you provide factual data? How about reports or articles on where you obtain your inaccurate information. Do you have statistics from Medicaid, Medicare or other gov't insurance that says most people having these surgeries are disabled or getting public financing.

Info I have states very few doctors who do gastric bypass even accept Medicare or Medicaid as the reimbursement rate is very low.

I think it depends on the person's willingness to make lifestyle changes after the surgery. My coworker lost 170 lbs. after this surgery. He stopped eating the deep fried turkeys for Xmas and Thanksgiving and substituted them with roast turkey, he has also stopped eating pizza, ice cream and processed foods. Everything he eats is made fresh, either at home or at the local market. His snacks consist of yogurt, celery, carrots and fat-free ranch dressing for the veggies rather than M&M's or pastries that my other coworkers are gulping down when they get hungry. He had this surgery 3 years ago and is weighing even less now than he did after surgery because he stuck to the plan and has strong willpower. He walks for 45 minutes everyday. He is down to a size 38 waist from a 52. The problem is many people keep eating junk food or they think they can get away with small portions of junk food since their stomachs can only hold small amounts of food, and that's why they regain the weight, or they refuse to exercise.

Hot in Miami that's exactly correct. If you don't finally take advantage of the radical idea of the surgery you will gain it back. It's a major kick in the pants to get it right, once and for all.

maybe if your friend had just done that in the 1st place he wouldnt have had to have surgery
i have a friend in work who has had the surgery, she lost 100lbs but has totally stopped losing weight because eventually your stomach starts to stretch again and she can eat a little bit more, shes getting fatter again but she wanted that quick fix instead of being willing to make a lifestyle change, same as my military friend, wanted a quick fix instead of even trying to lose weight, in fact she gained 20lbs to qualift for the surgery, on the taxpayers dime of course and of course she didnt want to give up any foods and within a year she has hardly lost anything cause she cant put the pizza etc down. or you can just look at the several contestents on biggest loser including Ron who had surgery which didnt work

funny how the biggest loser and any other weight loss show out there always deals with people who say 'diets dont work', 'i cant lose weight' 'ive been fat my whole life' and yet diet and exercise always does seem to work?

I understand how let down and angry you must be. I have alot of food I can not tollerate and may never be able to. It sounds like your surgeon did not have a good program set up and I am sorry for that. i would suggest that you look into your community and see if you can find a support group. Most hospitals have them now. There are also some great online support groups. I would also follow up with your doctor on some of the health issues. I too have severe arthritis in my neck back and hips, but I try to not let it stop me from "living". My hair falls out, but alot of that has stopped with some increase to my supplements and they are starting me on biotin. I have adjusted my diet and most of my protein comes from skim milk right now because of not being able to eat some foods. The key for me is eating something every 3 hours and trying to walk every day. Even though it hurts, I feel worse when i dont. Good luck and I hope you are able to find some relief.

Sorry but in this case you are wrong. This may have been the situation for you, but is not the case for many others!

proud army wife, sorry but reading your situation you sound like you may have personally had a case for surgery with your nerve damage,wheelchair use, meds etc etc but the vast majority of people are just lazy, sorry its true, im not judging everyone but its like with obese people in general, there are some that are fat because of medical conditions and medication etc but the majorty are fat because they eat to much and do no exercise.

I do tend to agree with you that MANY overweight people are that way because of lifestyle choices. I just tend to get a bit angry when it comes out as an all or nothing scenario. Believe me, I can not stand to see people whine about being obese while stuffing potato chips in their mouths. Most people can change their health by eating correctly and doing any amount of exercise. It makes me sad to see so many people in this situation. That is probably why I get so defensive when I am lumped in with those that are lazy and do nothing to help themselves.

The more of these I read the angrier I get!! Are you a doctor?? Personal trainer? Dietician? Do your research before you speak in such an uneducated way!!!!

No, we doctors do not "always" push drugs and surgery. The medications used for weight loss are of marginal benefit and safety, and the surgery with all its pre-op and post-op requirements (not to mention risks) is a pain in the butt and doctor visits are poorly reimbursed (especially if HMO insurance) from my primary care standpoint. Diet and exercise counselling are also not reimbursed, yet we preach it to patients - those that take personal responsibility for their health have the best outcomes.

this by far is the STUPIDEST post I have seen on here yet! yes there are people out there that fall into this category but I am not one of them. I was a distance runner for 15 years. i ran while pregnant with each of my first 2 children. I worked out religiously and cooked and ate ONLY healthy foods. After breaking my back and having rods put in, 6 months in a wheel chair a third child and 3 additional surgeries I started gaining weight. I had severe nerve damage to my sciatic nerve necessitating medications that caused weight gain. I was unable to run, lift weights or work out. Walking more than 1/4 mile resulted in swelling at my nerve root that caused me to loose the use of my leg and fall. I am a veteran, a working mother of 6, an active duty army wife (which means single mom alot fo the time). I volunteer with 3 different service organizations and manage a youth wrestling team. I also coach baseball and serve on the youth football league board. So I am not lazy, depressed, watching tv or sitting on my couch. I do not blame others for my weight, I blamed what caused it. I am now down 87lbs and off all but one of my medications. i am able to walk without falling and am getting stronger and healthier by the day. I am surrounded by healthy motivated people and have never made an excuse for any thing.

What have you done in your life to be in a position to pass judgement on others? Who do you think you are? What have you had to overcome to be healthy or to be able to lead a normal productive life? Do not dare to judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

Proud army wife, quit bashing other people's opinions. You situation may be unique but it certainly does not apply to the majority of adults and children who are obese in this country. People always look for a "quick fix" to lose weight when the easiest solutions are eat healthy and exercise! Sadly, people are so plugged in to technology for entertainment that many have lost sight of all the fun they could be having with family and friends doing something healthy ie walking, riding bikes, explore a hiking trail, etc etc.

Your absolutely right in that my situation is unique and does not apply to most people. I have nothing but respect for people that have a valid differing opinion. What makes me angry is the ignorant comments and insults about "quit stuffing your face" or "get your fat @$$ off the couch". It is funny that you can tell me to quit bashing others opinions when their remarks are insulting and inflammatory. I am perfectly willing to discuss this. I believe 100% that many people need to look at their lifestyle choices and fix what is wrong or missing in their lives, to work on a healthy diet and exercise program. I agree that you need to figure out what is important in your life, like your children and loved ones and find ways to be active and involved. It is the wording of these posts that I find insulting. As a woman that was doing all the right things and still weighed 230lbs prior to my surgery, how do you think it feels to have someone say "put down the fork and push awayy from the table"? So if I am harsh or bashing others opinions I appologize. But people should think of others situations prior to posting a comment full of insults.

sorry proud army wife but you must be able to see just by looking around you that the majority (not all) of obese people are fat because they do in fact stuff their face and do nothing, i can understand that, i became overweight by eating to much and not doing enough exercise, i have now joined weightwatchers and the weight is coming off through better food choices and exercising and this will work for most people, sorry but most people do have the surgery as a quick fix and thats what i ive seen with the 4 people i know in work who had it and the 2 on the military base i know of and its what you can see on any tv program about bariatric surgery, no one of them couldnt have lose weight if they got on the sofa and ate a normal diet.

Actually, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass often makes high-fat foods not as easily tolerated.

You should be ashamed of yourself Proud Army wife806568, While you live on a post with people who have to work hard for everything they have you take the short cut and have an operation to cure your problems, oh boo, go cry in your fritos. You even treat it like a lame excuse "My weight loss issues were curable" sure it was you needed to do some push aways, that's Push Your big Ass away from the table. I give it 3 seasons of Oprah, and you'll be a lard ass again.

I am not ashamed of myself for anything I have said or done. If you had read my earlier post you would see that I am a working mother of 6 children. I am also a veteran and am one of those people that works hard for everything I have. And i do not live on post I have a farm where I continue to work hard after working a full time (60+hours a week) job in Installation Management on base. I broke my back. Spent 6 months in a wheel chair, learned to walk again, had 3 subsequent surgeries. I was on multiple medications from steroids to anti seizure meds that made it impossible to loose weight even when following a very strict diet designed by the nutritionist and dietician that was under 1200 calories a day. I am a volunteer in my community, I coach baseball and manage a youth wrestling team. I work with surviving spouses of soldiers killed in the war and contribute every single day in a meaningful way even though my doctor has rated me at 70% disabled. I had surgery as my last option to ending up in a wheelchair again. Surgery is by no means a short cut or an easy way out. It is a change that will be with me everyday for the rest of my life. So tell me you uneducated, arrogant, moron...what have you done in your life that gives you the authority to pass judgement on me??

EXERCISE, LOL, you forgot EXERCISE, you do everything except, EXERCISE git off your big butt, and waddle around a little.

Oh..and my butt happens to be a size 6. I walk 5 miles a day and last saturday I walked over 25. I also coach baseball which is not exactly a sit down sport and ride my horses. So I dont think I will be taking fitness advise from you. Thanks anyway.

Well, good but your still ugly.

Jusus, you obviously have some serious issues that you should probably seek some therapy for.

Army wife, why are you arguing with this obvious retard?

Agree with your first two sentences. The most effective surgeries involve creating a malabsorption condition, which includes reducing absorption of vitamins and nutrients in addition to Calories. I'm not sure much post-op data on 10- and 20-year morbidity and mortality exists, let alone a randomized prospective study. Please provide me a link if you can (serious request for my knowledge). I think all we docs have are surrogate markers (and we just assume that bariatric surgery resulting in less HTN, DM, hypercholesterolemia, sleep apnea, etc. leads to better outcomes).

sorry, but the majority of people simply eat too much.

abqmalenurse1 - I am a nurse and I am disgusted by another nurse replying with such ignorance. One in three people in the US are overweight or obese - so no matter what unit you choose to work on you will care for obese patients, and I feel sorry for any who will be cared for by you. It is rare when a patient on our weight loss surgery unit can't cleanse themself after using the bathroom, so do some research before you throw out "facts". These patients are not okay with their situation and that is why they will endure scrutiny from you while they undergo a life-saving surgical procedure. The risk of bariatric surgery is on par with having your gall bladder removed. Bariatric surgery patients are more motivated than any other patient in the hospital and if you knew what you were talking about you would not make assumptions that these patients expect to lay back and be served hand and foot. You sound like many nurses I have worked with who want to sit at the desk and have an easy shift and not expect to lift a finger to help your patients. Don't apply for a job in my hospital!!