Question posed to me from doctor

[healthierme317 0]

After years of yo -yoing since being a teen and many years of research and deliberation I have decided to have gastric bypass surgery. I was questioned on why I think surgery will be more successful than other weight control measures I have tried. Was wondering if anyone else was asked this and what was your answer. I answered now in my 40's and having tried everything under the sun, I find it harder to lose weight the older I get, I have severe joint pain which inhibits the kind of exercise I used to do to help me lose weight and feel that the surgery will help with the initial losing some weight so that the sleep apnea and blood pressure issue start to get better so I can work up to doing more exercise to help with joint pain etc. Not sure if they are looking for a certain answer and this decision was not made lightly. What do y'all think

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[Shrinkinqtpi 202]

This is a complex question. My comorbidity that is most concerning is lung inflammation resulting from asthma and allergies. Seasonally, I get bronchitis which leads to walking pneumonia. I am working in concert with an allergist and bariatric surgeon to get control of this co morbidity. Seems like an off-task answer...? Not with the rest. Each year I lose between 30 and 60 pounds when I'm not sick due to metabolic changes, Water loss, and a regained ability to breathe with ease. Bariatric surgery will help me when well to reduce inflammation and maximize my health for those seasons most affecting overall health. I've lost weight successfully before and bariatric surgery may be my key to preventing walking pneumonia from reoccurring by increasing the weight lost I off-seasons. I'll do anything (allergy shots & gastric bypass) to not feel like death is around the next seasonal corner. Sad I waited until this point.

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Edited July 9, 2016 by Shrinkinqtpi

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@healthierme317

Why yes, I have been asked that question. It is usually asked by people that really don't understand that obesity is a disease. Yes, that includes doctors and nurses.

When you are younger it is a lot easier to yo yo diet. You lose a bunch of weight and then gain it back along with a few extra pounds. Then you figure well, it wasn't that hard to lose it I can do it again anytime. You do that basically your whole younger life.

Then as you hit your late 30's, 40' and 50's you notice that it gets easier to gain the weight and much harder to lose it, in fact for me it became nearly impossible. That's when I started researching and talking with Bariatric specialists who confirmed it was not my imagination, that is exactly how a metabolic disease works.

Why will Bariatric surgery work this time? Well first it is a tool that will make it possible for you to lose the weight. ALL OF IT if you so choose. More importantly it will help you to keep it of long term.

If executed correctly you actually learn new habits and learn to eat healthy. I actually love the way I eat now. I crave quality Proteins, healthy veggies and love love love fresh fruit. Before I had surgery, I craved sweets, Pasta, rice, bread....fast food, junk food.

Occasionally I have a craving (tonight it is donuts, ugh) but I have learned how to substitute my sweet addition through fruit. So tonight I will have half a grilled peach with a ricotta, cinnamon mixture and a tiny drizzle of honey if I so choose.

I really do not crave the other stuff...none of it.

Anyway, that is how I always answer that question. It is about keeping the weight off long term and it is a proven fact that some WLS actually help you to do that.

[James Marusek 5,244]

It sounds like you answered the question correctly and honestly.

My primary care physician when I told him I would like to pursue weight loss surgery was somewhat against this. I am from a small town and some of his patients tried this type of procedures in the past and with ran into problems or failed. So I can understand his reluctance. I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass surgery. He commented on my last visit that he was pleased with the surgery I had and that I was one of the individual that in his opinion succeeded.

[generator77 24]

I have found finding a PCP that understands gastric bypass and is supportive of it is key. I have contemplated this surgery for many years but had never had a PCP who thought it was a good idea until I moved to my current location. When I moved here I found a good and supportive doctor who had experience with other bariatric patients and has been very supportive of my goals. It is so great not to have to try and justify my choice with her. She worked with me on my six month diet and has cheered me on. She said at my last appointment how excited she is to see my progress during our next visit and I feel like I have an encouraging ally in this fight.

There are many doctors with their own idea about obesity and that still think it's only about eating too much.

If I were you I would find some people in your area support group community and ask some of them about their PCPs that might be a little more knowledgable and helpful then your current one. It's made all the difference for me in this process.