I need to start by saying, I need opinions, just be nice about them. :) Thanks. So anyway, my WL surgeon said yesterday that he thinks I hit a brick wall with my sleeve. I have not been in a losing weight phase for months and this early out that is not normal. The upper GI said I do have that weird ball of scar tissue that grew on top of my sleeve but the contrast stuff I drank shows it is not large enough to make that big of a difference as far as the restriction goes. My sleeve itself looks fine, not irregularities, dilations, nothing. Both dr.s can't understand why I have no restriction when my sleeve is the same size it was right after surgery. Basically, because it's unexplained they have no advice other than to revise to the bypass. Here's the thing... I didn't choose the bypass in the first place because of the malabsorbtion issues. I have a lot of medications that I have to take for the rest of my life and that will be a problem. On the other hand, I suffer so much with the PCOS and the bypass can cure it in 97% of people. I am really not sure what to do. I just started with my personal trainer and I want to see where that takes me, but I also want to lose more weight for less pain for my back and hips and to get rid of the PCOS. Because I only have 10% of my stomach, I don't get to eat as many calories as "normal" people do. If I go over 1200 calories per day, I will gain weight so "dieting" for me is really hard because I have to eat around 800 calories per day in order to lose and with NO restriction, I am STARVING all the time. I am so sad about this because the sleeve is the perfect answer for this if it worked for me. I feel like I have failed. I was afraid of this.
BUT, my sleeve HAS DELIVERED ME from my former self. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. Remember, I was so deserapte to walk and be able to do things with my family. Now, there is pretty much no limit to the things I can do. For that, I am so grateful and even if I knew I would never go farther than I am now, it was worth it. Had I known about the PCOS cure with the bypass I may have gotten it in the first place, but thats neither here nor there. With all these body issues, I just keep telling myself that only I am in control of how STRONG I can be. The sleeve, or my messed up body can mess with my weight, my PCOS, etc., but it can't stop me from going to the gym. It doesn't keep me from trying to become as strong as possible. I am going to focus on that for right now. My questions is, do you or someone you know have the bypass? How is it going for them? What do you think I should do? Thank you.
** I just want to add, thank you all for your support about everything! I was so uplifted by all the encouragement about the gym and everything. I really appreciate those who care.**
18 comments:
I don't have any experience either. Just wanted to tell you I am sorry You are having to make this decision. I would worry about the malabsorbtion portion because of your medications. And you have come so far. If you read over this past years post they are so happy. You are a strong woman. Take care and good luck.
Hi, I have just found your blog :)
I wish that I had some words of wisdom for you...
I congratulate you for getting in the swing of things on the exercise front. In my opinion, exercise is the secret to sucess with ANY WLS.
HUGS
Lisa, I had bypass surgery in 2003. I'm not sure all of what meds you take, but I have heart issues. I take a beta blocker, other heart meds and a blood thinner. I took these meds before the surgery and my drs. carefully monitored the levels after surgery and of course still do regularly for the blood thinner. I have never had any problems with them. Discuss your fears with your drs, but they must think it's worth it for you or they wouldn't give the surgery as an option for you.
I don't have any experience, all I can say is that you've come really far and I'm sure whatever decision you make will be the correct one for you.
Hang in there :)
eat the 1200 and give the exercise time to do it's work..it will boost your metabolism..you are a different person..maybe you could leave the sleeve in and go from there. What do you think? Give it a month...don't eat more..and see what happens.
You know you can pick my brain anytime you want about bypass :)
I have no experience with either procedure and am by no means a medical professional HOWEVER... I have not known a single person who has had the bypass that has been able to avoid side effects. I would be concerned about someone like yourself with many health issues that you might be in a six of one, half a dozen of the other type situation. Praying for wisdom for you!
I'm sorry, honey. I know that this is pretty frustrating. But you are doing SO well. Know that I support you whatever you decide.
Angela/Pretty in Orange
First, I want to say you have been doing a GREAT job!! I know this must be so frustrating but definitely keep looking forward. Getting in to the exercise on a regular basis will allow you to add a few more calories in to help with the hunger. Also, making sure you eat protein and fiber rich foods will help you feel fuller longer. And last, don't count out the bypass. I haven't been through it myself and absolutely can't imagine having to do another surgery but I have seen the amazing progress you have made and really do feel that you wouldn't regret having the bypass if it comes to that. I do know people who have had bypass and say it's the best decision they have ever made. Yes, some of their habits had to be altered, like the added supplements, but nothing that is insurmountable or so life altering that it makes the surgery regrettable. More than anything, keep up the awesome work and continue to remind yourself how far you have come and the bright future you have ahead.
My friend had the bypass 10 years ago, she went from 320 pounds to 175, and has been at that weight for a long time, she is happy and healthy. I say you should look at the pro's and the con's, if it can cure your pcos, it might be worth it? Good Luck to you, that's a huge decision to make, but you need to listen to your gut and do what you think is best for you. :)
Talk to your doctor. See what he/she says about the meds you take, and whether or not they will be effected. Maybe you'll just need a new dose. Maybe absorption of that won't be so bad. Absorption takes place in different areas for different substances/ nutrients.
Heather says she doesn't know anyone with bypass who hasn't had side effects. I suggest you go to BTV.com (Bariatirc TV) and join the forums. You'll hear the pros and cons, and hear from people who DON'T have side effects as well as those who do.
My own post surgery issues have to do with blood sugar, because it was NOT high going in. And while Heather doesn't know anyone who "has been able to avoid the side effects", I don't PERSONALLY know anyone who has "side effects", although I do read about it from people online.
This is my own personal opinion, but I have found that I stall way too much on 1000, 1200, 1400 calories a day. I am doing around 800 and so far this month I've lost -7lbs. But I do NOT have hunger, not sure if I could handle the 800 on hunger. Did you always have hunger? And if the answer is no, then when did it return? I'm 15 months post-op and still losing. Was it fast and furious? No. But I'm still losing and that is all that matters to me. I guess if it were me I would keep working your sleeve and do the 800. How long does 2-3oz of dense protein last you (hunger-wise?) Maybe if you can time your meals well, it could calm the hunger and keep you around the 800 calorie range. Best of luck with your decision, this stuff is hard!
I have no advice to give really, just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you! You have lost a lot of weight, and I know you will continue to lose. Don't give up!
Good luck!!
And just curious
what is a day in the life of eating for ya? :) yes I nosy
I really don't know what to say, sorry. I hope you have some wise advice to figure it out. ((( hugs )))
Dawn
Hi Lisa, it is hard for anyone to stay under 1200 calories and I have no experience with that but two things come to mind as a place to start.
1 - sometimes its more about WHAT you're eating than how much. Maybe try to start switching out some high sodium or processed foods for more natural ones.. fruits, veggies, lean chicken/turkey.
2 - Lots and lots of water!
3 - Sugars can be keeping you from losing weight as well, try to keep as much sugars to fruits vs. processed sugars.
None of these suggestions are easy but you've come so far to stop now and worked too hard not to keep trying!
I just found your blog and have to say, I would support your decision either way. Only you can make it for you!!
My experience with WLS is my SIL who did it a few years ago. Her first year she dropped a ton, but this last year she has gained some back.. She used to go to the gym and stick to her food restrictions, but she hasn't this year. She has had no medical complications whatsoever and she is a diabetic and I think has high BP.
About you being hungry... I've no idea what actual foods you are eating, but I have found that when I eat nutrient rich or nutrient dense foods (veggies fruits) then my hunger is a lot more manageable. I usually eat up to 800-1000 calories per day... the vast majority is from greens- blended kale or spinach, steamers. I got my info from Joel Fuhrman's website and books... maybe worth a shot?
Talk to your doctor about the med absorbtion but also talk to your WLS about "bypass lite" - I had an RNY 10 years ago and opted for that. I've only got 24" of my intestines bypassed and I can eat a "normal" amout of food so my stomach capacity is bigger than a normal RNY. I have EXCELLENT vitamin and mineral levels with no supplements. My iron right now is a little low but I also gave birth 6 months ago and am breastfeeding. I am taking supplements for the iron but have never taken any other supplements. I eat healthy and get all my vit/min that way. Please feel free to ask me questions, I'm an open book!
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