Is it right for me?

[DaronB 103]

Hopefully this the correct forum.

I'm a 27 year old male and currently weigh 262lbs. I'm considering gastric bypass surgery but I'm on the fence about it because I don't know if it's right for me. Also, I don't have that great of a support system as many of the closest people to me think I'm silly for even considering it. But I have my reasoning:

- I'm 100+ pounds overweight.

- I take medicine for high blood pressure.

- My cholesterol is high (has been for years, but no meds).

- According to realize.com, my BMI is 40.

- 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 seen little to no success. In fact, I'm the heaviest I've ever been. I 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? I guess because my weight is only in the 260s (compared to where it could be), I'm a little uneasy as to if it would be or not.

[bloreorbust 286]

Well, if you're thinking your weight isn't high enough to consider it, I can tell you there are smaller folks that go for it. With the other health concerns you're beginning to have, and your weight, yes this surgery could help you.

Now "right" I think is relative to your expectations and what you want to get out of the surgery if you have it. Personally, I'm 28 and much larger than you, and I saw the writing on the wall for my future and it wasn't good. I also was really struggling to do the physical things I liked and even basic stuff I needed. So I decided surgery was what would give me the tools I needed to get my life back and enjoy more of it. You have to decide what you want, and what you think the best way to get there is. Read as much as you can about surgery options and try visiting a surgery seminar at a hospital in your area.

[DaronB 103]

What I consider "right" is do I have reason to have the surgery. My desire is to get to the weight that is right for my age and height and get my overall health in check. I've been experiencing wheezing/shortness of breath, fatigue, knee and back pain, and just a "blah" physical feeling. I want to look/feel better and slimmer but also achieve better health.

[Mlssrodd1521 9]

The main thing you need to do is research. Super important. You need to read up on everything you can to better understand what you will be getting into. You have to make sure its the best decision for you. It seems from what you wrote you have tried other outlets to lose weight to no avail. I've been there and totally understand. I had some health issues. I was pre-diabetic. My legs, feet and back were always hurting because they couldn't support my weight. I was depressed because I didn't feel good about how I looked. You must also understand that having the surgery is not an easy task. Yes you will lose weight but ultimately you must do your part with dieting and exercise otherwise you end up right back where you are. The surgery is not only a physical one it is a mental one. The surgery is a tool to help you succeed, its up to you to use it correctly. Its not easy. When I had the surgery I was about 260 pounds and I am not 10 months post op and have lost 90 pounds. For me it was a great decision...my health has gotten so much better. Its not an over night fix. Its a life style change and like anything else there will be ups and downs along the way.

[DaronB 103]

Definitely not afraid of diet and exercise. My weakness is hunger and staying full longer, which is big reason I'm considering surgery.

[Bronco0605 135]

I had surgery almost three months ago. I still get hungry often but I am full with much less than before. I have lost 32 pounds since surgery 11/19/13. I have lost 75 pounds overall.

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I'd say you are an ideal candidate but would echo what other members have said - do the research. There is a lot of excellent information online but there is also a lot of misinformation so choose your sources carefully. Harvard Public Health, mayo, WebMD, National Institutes of Health, Institute of Medicine and American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - all excellent sources and there are many more.

You will read it again and again - the surgery is a tool but the key to success is lifestyle changes. The surgery does not make the journey "easy" but it does make it "easier" and that makes all the difference in the world!

You're gonna love the new you!!

[1020 0]

Cannot decide to do sleeve or bypass. How do I decide? I am 5' and am about 100lb's over weight.

[enjoyinglife 313]

The surgery will only do so much. The rest is up to you. I have co-workers who have had WLS and have regained most of their weight back. One of them was looking for a "quick fix." It doesn't sound like that is what you are looking for. I hope you find what you are looking for. Best of luck!

[canadianchick 30]

1020 I am 5'1" and was 100 lbs over weight too, I had a Vsg done Jan 21, 2013 but I've just had the revision to a bypass dine on Feb 12, 2014. I only lost about 45 lbs even though I followed the program to the letter. If I were you I would research the sleeve and bypass to see what you think will work for you long term. PS: the bypass hurts less if you do it first (speaking from experience) good luck. Let me know what you decide.

[DaronB 103]

DLCoggin, I thought I responded to your post. Evidently I didn't and I apologize! Thanks so much for your insight.

Again, I'm really considering calling my PCP and scheduling a consult with him, but, I'm just nervous about it. Not sure why. I guess because, again, I don't have a great group of support around me. Family and friends keep giving me all kinds of reasons and scare tactics to keep me from doing it and I guess I'm scared my PCP will too. But at the end of the day, the thought still lingers in my mind. Especially when I lay in bed at night and give out just from rolling over from one side to the other. I hate the way I look...I hate the way I feel and it's frustrating when hunger gets in the way of my attempts at doing right lol.

Edited February 15, 2014 by DaronB

[Dee_1111 317]

It is a LIFE TIME..the rest of your life..till you reach old age and beyond. Are you mentally ready at your age for that kind of responsibility.

I went threw this together with 2 out of my 3 daughters . We're all 4 years out..my 28 yr old daughter is a envelope pusher as is my 34 yr old. They have a tendency to stay focused only when their weight skyrockets. They, unlike me, can eat just about anything. I ask them if they've vitamined today, sometimes they do, sometimes they foget, or were to busy to get them in, they'll do it later..I see them eating things I would NEVER consider, like 'Sides' at restaurants..mayo, etc..lts not all bad, but their so young I understand wanting to try new carb filled foods or old foods. They say things like "I just took a couple of small bites MOM,".Just saying. LIFE TIME COMMITMENT!!

[Dee_1111 317]

Their gonna kill me if they read this...lolol...Im called the "food nazi' around my house

[DaronB 103]

Very excited to say that I've been in contact with Bariatric Specialists of North Carolina and am very excited about what possibly lies ahead!

[Dorian 683]

Family and friends cannot make the decision for you. Although you may value their opinions, it is ultimately your body, health, and decision. My mom once said " whatever you do, please don't have gastric bypass". I was terrified to tell her when I had the surgery scheduled but now she sees it was a great thing for me. I agree with everyone; do your research. I would say that it would be a wise decision for you even though your weight isn't horrible. You have the family history and a few other issues that would improve from surgery. Do what YOU feel is right for YOU! Best of luck to you. Any questions; please ask. This is an awesome support group!

Edited February 25, 2014 by Dorian