Personally I think this is a last resort option and it's mainly for people who need a physical means of self control. I know a person who chose to have gastric bypass (it was actually the less invasive lap band version, I think) and another person who in the same timeframe switched to a very healthy diet which focused on vegetables, no (or very limited processed foods), reduced sugar intake, and less meat (with much protein from vegetable sources). It turned out that over the long term (like 2-4 years), the person who switched to the healthy diet (lifelong eating healthy) lost more weight. The person who had the surgery lives a life of getting sick whenever she doesn't eat the way the surgery enforces. I believe her weight loss leveled out at about 80 lbs whereas the other person lost about 110 lbs. Obviously both struggle to keep it off. The person who had the surgery has in a way, a forced bulimia which sounds very unhealthy to me (she literally gets sick if she eats the wrong things or too much, and is sick quite often.) If you know much about this surgery, you know that you can only eat very very small meals and you get sick of you eat too much or the wrong things. It's a tough way of life so you have to really need it in order to get it. I would try to seriously motivate myself to learn a new lifestyle of healthy eating before I go this route. I think the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to learn to eat healthy and live healthy. More veggies, less meat, no processed foods, no (or limited sugar), and good exercise. This option is for people who need something drastic because absolutely nothing else has worked.

viewpoints09

Saint Louis, MO

I had RNY 10 months ago today and have lost over 100 lbs. Having gastric bypass was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself and for my family. I was so big before that I couldn't even sit in a resturant booth and now I can! The morning of my surgery I weighed 337 lbs and I didn't have a life. Now I am a new person.

grussell31

Pikeville, KY

Four years ago, I changed my life for the better. I had gastric bypass surgery when my weight hit 300 pounds. I had tried every diet on the planet and nothing seemed to work for me. My cardiologist was concerned and finally told me he felt the bypass surgery was the only option left, since nothing else worked for me. At the time, I was taking 10 different medications for my heart, after having 3 heart attacks and 5 cardiac bypasses within 3 days. My family doctor had recommended a doctor near here who specialized in gastric bypass surgery only....not a general surgeon who also does the surgery. I made the appointment to see him and after undergoing tests to determine if I could undergo it plus a mental evaluation, I was accepted and had the surgery. I was sent home with very detailed instructions on what I could eat for the first 3 months. It was kind of rough at first, because all of my food had to be very soft (jello, pudding, applesauce, etc) or ground up. I chose to eat mostly babyfood since it was easier for me. No raw veggies or fruits were allowed until my stomach healed. After the first 3 months, I could eat what I could tolerate, which turned out to be everything....just not much of it. I go out to eat often and the waitresses who know me just automatically bring me  "to go" box since they know I eat only half of the meal. I lost most of the weight in the first 6 months but continued to lose for the first year. I'm down to about 150 pounds now....from a size 28-30 to a 12. I have so much more energy and feel so good. I didn't realize how bad I felt until I felt better:-) I am only taking 1 pill for my heart now and I don't have acid reflux any more. I look and feel great:-)

Krazylady

Pontiac, IL

I am so happy I had this surgery. I would recommend it to anyone looking to lose wt. I must say its not a QUICK fix. And you must do some life changing eating habits. I can tolerate sweets which I really wish I couldn't but I do try to watch the sweets I do eat. I am over 6 yrs out and I had a baby 3 yrs after I had my surg. And like everyone else baby wt is a struggle. Both were worth it!!!

n2ativ2

New Braunfels, TX

I had gastric bypass a month ago and I must say it is not the easy way out. It takes total concentration on yourself to be able to get the required liquids and proteins in each day. I am sure once I get further out it will become more easy. But right now, it isn't easy at all. I spent last night in the local ER due to dehydration. I spend the holidays worrying about everybody else and forgot about what my main focus was...To get my liquids in(64 oz a day). I have lost 54 pounds so far. I don't regret my decision at all. I just wanted to express to anyone that is contemplating it, think long and hard about it.

LauraPartinWeaver

Portland, IN

I had a roux-n-y gastric bypass surgery four years ago and while it has been a bit of a bumpy road, it was definitely worthwhile. I have lost 180 pounds, reversed my diabetes and high blood pressure, eliminated what was constant and severe back pain, improved my appearance, and had a baby. Gastric bypass surgery is not for everyone, is not cosmetic surgery, and should only be used in extreme cases. I was morbidly obese for my entire life despite trying every diet on the planet, and surgery did help me tremendously. I did not take to the procedure as well as most patients; although my surgery went fine with no complications, I was sick and throwing up almost constantly for the first six months or so. Although that has improved vastly, I still have a sensitive stomach and throw up a few times a month. The surgery is not a magic potion; now that I am 4 years out I can eat quite a bit more than at the beginning, and I can tolerate sugar without getting sick, so I have to be very careful about what I eat and could easily regain weight. My weight does fluctuate by 10-20 pounds. I am definitely an emotional eater, and the surgery does not help with that: my emotions are still here and still tempt me to eat. However, gastric bypass has been a wonderful tool and has changed my life completely. I am much healthier and happier. I recommend it to anyone who was in my situation. Make sure you find a reputable surgeon and center; I could not have done it without my center's support groups, nutritionist, and education.

libraryminx

Mundelein, IL

I had my RNY Gastric Bypass done 3 months ago and I have lost 60 pounds so far. I am able to walk, run, take out the trash, even walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. I still have 50 pounds to go but this is the best thing I have ever done. It not only saved my life but gave it back to me. I am able to live again! No problems or complications so far. 

lilangel311

Drexel Hill, PA

I personally have not had this surgery.  However, I do know some people that have had this kind of surgery.  One woman that I know that had this surgery has had her life turned completely upside down as a result of this medical procedure.   To begin with, she was not given a specific list of any fruits, vegetables, or meats that she could or couldn't eat.  It was a very slow, painful process of trial and error.  Before the surgery, my friend could eat a salad whenever she wanted.  Now, she can't eat a salad.  Eating this gives her extreme constipation and then gas.   My friend can eat chicken, beef, or soy.  She can't eat fish.  Eating this causes extreme pain in her stomach.   Additionally, if you get this surgery, the size of your stomach will be smaller as a direct result of this medical procedure.  However, any person that elects  to have this procedure, should be aware that is isn't covered by many insurance policies. And, sometimes, the complications from the medical procedure itself could result in the patient dying.

jayyaj

Linden, NJ

I had gastric bypass surgery 6 years ago and I have been sick ever since. According to another surgeon my surgery was not done correctly, but due to my age and health, it would be too risky to do it again. I have been throwing up nearly everyday for six years now. About the only time I can keep any  food down is first thing in the morning; I can no longer eat steak for anything that is not easy to digest. I never eat dinner; My meals consist mainly of bread. I became anemic two years ago and have to have two blood transfusions since then; I have to have my blood count monitored every few months;. One of the most disappointing things about the surgery is that I never feel full--I am always hungry, but can seldom find anything to satisfy my cravings;  I would not do it again.  I have friends who have had it done and have not had any problems. They had their surgery by another doctor than I did; Anyone thinking of this surgery needs to be very familiar with it and pick a doctor that has a great reputation for this;  I wish I had not been so impatient to have my done and had done more research into the procedure and the doctor;    

midgette

Littleton, NC

I had this done last october and i have lost 111 lbs and it was the best thing i could have ever done.  I had tried everything out there and lost weight on stuff but down the road it would come back but since i have had this i dont have the though over eating all the time. 

shelenebaker

Seymour, TN