1st post

[DaronB 103]

Hopefully this in the right spot, if not, I certainly apologize in advance!

I'm 27yrs old, male, and currently weigh 262lbs. I'm considering gastric bypass surgery, but don't really have a solid support group around me as some of the people closest to me are against the idea. But facts are facts. I'm 100+ pounds overweight. I take medicine for hypertension. My cholesterol is high (has been for years, but no meds). And according to realize.com, my BMI is 40. I also have a major family history of diabetes and heart trouble. In the past 5 years, I've attempted several kinds of diets: Herbalife, Body By Vi, Advocare, Soloslim, HCG Injections, and traditional diet and exercise. All of which have yielded failure. I'm the heaviest I've ever been and want to put a stop to this before it gets too far out of hand.

Again, I apologize if this isn't the right place for this topic, but I'm just looking for thoughts and opinions as to if gastric bypass would be right for me?

[SugarFreeMe 293]

Welcome. As far a support, this is the place. Sounds to me like you've done some research. Have you had a conversation with your PCP about surgery. He/she can recommend a good surgeon in your area who specialized in bariatrics, they will also have to give medical clearance after you've done all your pre-requisites. Gastric Bypass is what I'll be having due to my medical history. RNY is good for obese people with conditions such as Diabetes, HPB and high cholesterol, all of which I have. According to research I should be off meds shortly after surgery - looking forward to that. Good luck to you, ask all the questions you have, the people here are awesome and very supportive.

[DaronB 103]

I'm yet to talk to my PCP. I want to schedule to talk with him, but I'm a little nervous he'll try to talk me out of it and won't refer me. I've only been going to him for a year so I'm concerned he'll think I'm crazy.

[janieitstime 25]

Welcome welcome welcome..... Like sugarfree stated you are in the right place. This the best support system you can have. Talk with a Dr. and see what they recommend. My family wasn't supportive at first because I am a very healthy at the time 335lb woman and they thought I would be ok. Of course their all skinny, LOL. I had to sit them all down and explain my struggle and why I truly chose this. Just a suggestion and I wish you many blessings on whatever you chose!!!

[DaronB 103]

Thanks, Janie and SugarFree! I most definitely want to talk to my doctor and get his opinion. I'm wondering, do doctors/surgeons tend to work with what you desire or more of what they recommend or a little of both? I mean, I want to have it done, especially for preventive measures, but, they may not see it that way? Make sense?

[janieitstime 25]

Makes a lot of sense!! If you are seriously considering it; go for it! Just research a bariatric doctor in your area and they will give you the best advise.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

Many doctors (and more all of the time) are very supportive of bariatric surgery for their patients who qualify. Particularly PCP's that have patients that have had bariatric surgery and so have seen the truly remarkable results that are possible. But there are still some doctors who are not up-to-date on the surgeries and others (unfortunately) who are simply biased against obese patients. You can read stories of all three "types" right here on the forum.

You're on the right track. Discuss it with your PCP. Tell him/her why you think it would be the right choice for you and listen to their response and their reasoning for being for or against. Doing your own research is also extremely important. There is a lot of great information online including this forum. There is also a lot of misinformation online so choose your sources carefully. Harvard Public Health, mayo Clinics, WebMD, National Institutes of Health, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Institute of Medicine, the food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization are all excellent sources of information and there are many more.

RnY and vertical sleeve are the most effective treatments known to medical science for obesity, type 2 diabetes and more than 30 comorbidities associated with obesity. Your PCP and/or your surgeon may recommend one surgery over another based on your medical history and your current medical status. If there is no compelling reason favoring one over the other, your surgeon may leave the choice up to you (mine did). Both surgeries are safe and effective and...

You're gonna love the new you!!

[DaronB 103]

Thanks so much for your informative response, DLCoggin. I also checked out your weight figures and it gives me hope that you and I are statistically similar.