Advice / Help & Support

[binkytinks]

Hi All,

I have been reading a lot of the diaries on this site and I would like to say what a great inspiration you all are! With great results too!!

Basically I am looking for some advice.. Have been overweight mainly in the last 7-8 years, have tried EVERY diet going.. Loosing some then putting back on and then loosing 6 stone with LL then regained +2 stone. I am now at the point where I am considering WLS mainly the bypass route. I am willing to pay for the surgery myself however I don't know where to start....

A little about me - currently at 21st 10lb and I am 5'6 and a moderate smoker/ drinker am I a candidate for the bypass? How do I go about doing it?

I am thinking that I need more help then just dieting alone as I am not getting anywhere.. I know it will be hard work to loose the weight even with WLS but I guess it may be easier to maintain once I have reached target?

I have read various things about dumping.. And people only living off 'shakes' which puts me off..

I guess any help or wisdom that people could pass on would be very much appreciated!!


Looking forward to hearing from you and sharing experiences, I would like to keep posting and will keep you updated with my journey.

Binkytinks x

 

[rob.74]

Hi binky .... I haven't got a lot of time at the moment to reply but just wanted to tell you I have seen your message and will try to give some advice in a bit not that I know much at the moment getting a bypass in 2 days but will help with what I can a bit later on ...


I know it all feels overwhelming at the mo just keep researching for the time being


Rob

 

[chrisa]

HI Binky, well after always being overweight as a child, yet always being active, ven my working life have always had an active job role. My 2 kids are now in mid 20's and are both left home now. My hubby and I have been married 29 yrs this year I am 48. I had my bypass in Aug 11. NHS at Sunderland Royal - North east. I weighed in at 24st 11. It took almost 2 yrs to get to the op point. But it came around had it done and have enjoyed most of the ride I have dumped occasionally but not a lot. I do experience some crampy pains from time to time but swear by buscopan as it was prescribed by my doctor and is most effective. The journey is a rollercoaster of emotions and you need to decide this is for you there is no turning back and reversal for most surgeons is not an option only in the most severe case when patients are very unwell. I take regular vitamins and iron for life now and my bloods have been fine. My weight loss stopped around 18 months post op and I have regained some which is common I did go down to just over 14 but it struggled there I stayed at 14st 13 for a good while then it shot up around a stone so I seem to have plateaud there. I used to be a size 32-34. My top is an 18 but my bottom is mainly a 20 some reall y tight stuff may be 22. But I don't buy tight stuff. I manage ok. I worry about gaining weight it is my worst fear. There are some lovely people on here. I HAVE never lived in shakes only good wholesome food. I eat fresh fruit n veg every day but then I always did. My portion sizes have really changed and I still eat from a small plate. I still have good restriction but still can be naughty at times. I don't drink a lot these days as I could drink anyone under the table before but now I find I can get drunk very quick I DONT LIKE THE OUT OF CONTROL FEELING I REALLY DON'T. BEST OF LUCK WITH WHAT YOU CHOSE TO DO. There are lots of providers out there don your research 1st though as I have met people who feel there is little aftercare or none at all if you should have any problems xx

 

[Yvessa]

First of all you will need to give smoking up preop. In terms of whether you're a candidate for bypass, that depends more on your BMI than your actual weight; at your weight I would probably have considered the sleeve a better option unless you have acid reflux. The only person who can really advise you on that would be a surgeon, so I recommend looking around for some free consultations and speaking to a couple of surgeons.

The first six months are very hard work; you will be tired from low energy intake and it is a very big learning curve. It does get easier, but you need to aware that you need to change your lifestyle as well as having the operation as you can easily go back the other way.

Hope that helps?

 

[rob.74]

First of all you will need to give smoking up preop. In terms of whether you're a candidate for bypass, that depends more on your BMI than your actual weight; at your weight I would probably have considered the sleeve a better option unless you have acid reflux. The only person who can really advise you on that would be a surgeon, so I recommend looking around for some free consultations and speaking to a couple of surgeons. The first six months are very hard work; you will be tired from low energy intake and it is a very big learning curve. It does get easier, but you need to aware that you need to change your lifestyle as well as having the operation as you can easily go back the other way. Hope that helps?

Basically what Yvessa said but also if you have diabetes could sway you towards bypass but read then read some more ask questions And keep dreaming

 

[GeMzY]

Yo are the same weight & height as I started my journey, I was sleeved last week on the NHS, time delay depends on your area, mine was 7 months from initial GP referral to op (would've been 6 but was cancelled last month - no beds)

If its something you really want & know you can work with it properly then time/money will be bottom of your worries.

I was also a smoker & was advised to give up for 6 weeks before op, I stopped smoking on 29th January (4 months now) & haven't looked back, the money saved from smoking will be my new wardrobe fund.

Do all your research, maybe ask your GP too, look into the local NHS options... good luck with your journey!

 

[binkytinks]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies, I lost the post and have only just managed to find it..

I think my BMI is around 47, which does put me as morbidly obese.

I have severe psoriasis and PCOS but not diabetic... Yet.

 

[binkytinks]

First of all you will need to give smoking up preop. In terms of whether you're a candidate for bypass, that depends more on your BMI than your actual weight; at your weight I would probably have considered the sleeve a better option unless you have acid reflux. The only person who can really advise you on that would be a surgeon, so I recommend looking around for some free consultations and speaking to a couple of surgeons. The first six months are very hard work; you will be tired from low energy intake and it is a very big learning curve. It does get easier, but you need to aware that you need to change your lifestyle as well as having the operation as you can easily go back the other way. Hope that helps?

Hi yve- why might you think the sleeve could be a better option? I don't have acid reflux.?

 

[Yvessa]

As your weight is quite low compared to what mine was I think the sleeve would offer decent weightloss without the risk of malabsorption. Whereas I started with a huge bmi for me the bypass was the only option.

 

[binkytinks]

Ahh ok.. I definitely need to do more research!! I'm thinking i need to loose around 10 stone.. Which seems a massive amount and I guess the higher percent of loosing body fat from bypass attracted me!

 

[binkytinks]

After a lot of research, reading and a consultation I have now decided on the sleeve!

I am planning on getting the surgery for around the beginning of sept.

I'm worried about recovery as I really can't take more than 3 weeks off.. I don't get paid sick pay so am worried about being off for ages and not being able to pay bills etc.

I also getting nervous about the actual operation and how I'm going to mentally prepare myself.

Will continue to read your journeys as I find it very useful to read through everyone's good, bad and ugly experiences!

Binks x