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Original poster

Gastric bypass on the cheap...

135 replies

hungryhippo90 · 26/12/2016 15:29

Posting here for traffic. After a particular shit time, I'm sat with a pen and paper, writing out goals for next year. So I've a few things to look towards in the coming year.

The biggest thing that would make me happiest is having a gastric bypass. I have always had issues with food. As a child I couldn't stop myself. I reached the age of 13-14 and started using anorexic techniques to not eat or severely restrict my diet

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 26/12/2016 16:30

Sadly I do think it is possible because of your history with food. I'm a binger too so I do understand.

Have you ever tried using my fitness pal to track your eating?

sonlypuppyfat · 26/12/2016 16:30

True story my friends DH had a gastric band fitted on the cheap in France, when he came home he collapsed because no liquid was getting through so in ended up in hospital here, it was a complete nightmare

MagicChicken · 26/12/2016 16:30

Have you approached your GP about being referred for a GB on the NHS? I wouldn't try to talk you out of wanting a GP, but I would say think very carefully about all the pitfalls of going abroad to get it done cheaply.

If you do it, make sure you do your due diligence very thoroughly indeed.

OnMyWhistle · 26/12/2016 16:30

My step mum had a gastric bypass several years ago. She is one of the most unhealthy people I know. Yes she is a normal weight now but she cannot get enough nutrients from the tiny amount of food she eats to keep healthy. I feel for you OP but I would look into other avenues first.

OnMyWhistle · 26/12/2016 16:33

I would second what Hopelessly said - at my gym there is a brilliant female PT who has specialist training in obesity. It's a small, supportive local gym, not a chain. If you could find someone like that it would be so much better for you.

miserywithmincepies · 26/12/2016 16:35

People are confusing bands and bypasses. Bands generally don't work but bypasses do. And emotional issues are neither here nor there. Op wants to lose weight; the bypass will help her do that.

YANBU.

MagicChicken · 26/12/2016 16:36

You say she is a 'normal' weight now, after having the bypass several years ago OnMyWhistle is she actually thin and bordering on underweight?

Because I find it bizarre that someone could be eating tiny amounts of food for years to the point where they struggle to get the right nutrients and yet still only have achieved 'normal' weight compared to having faded away altogether.

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 26/12/2016 16:37

I had a sleeve and it changed my life. I wanted the bypass but when they opened me up to operate I had a massive hernia and they couldn't safely bypass, so did the sleeve instead. I have lost 10st and feel so much happier and healthier.

The NHS did mine but it took 5 years to be approved. I wasn't diabetic but the comorbidity they found for me was sleep apnoea.

Idefix · 26/12/2016 16:37

Op where I am this is not a quick fix but with a bmi of 50 plus you would qualify. However you would be expected to undergo a period of clinical care under a dietician preparing you for the operation and life afterwards.

It is not a magic wand but can if you are successful be hugely beneficial. With this kind of bmi you are unlikely to make the changes through diet and exercise alone.

It is really positive that you are using cbt workbooks i hope these help you.
I totally get the chicken and egg thing about depression and obesity, I have no answers for this.

itsbetterthanabox · 26/12/2016 16:38

The gastric band is for life. It's not removed. It just has the option to be reversible if needed.
Personally I think the band would be much safer and you still lose a lot of weight it just takes slightly longer.
I haven't had one but was offered the band by a neurologist on the NHS. Then you see the people who actually provide them and they told me I'm too light for a band so don't qualify... I'm was much heavier than you at that point.

itsbetterthanabox · 26/12/2016 16:40

The exercise and CBT tips I'm sure are very well meaning from normal weight people but they clearly don't work.
If they did they'd be offered on the NHS and we'd have far less obese people if it were that easy.

WorraLiberty · 26/12/2016 16:40

And emotional issues are neither here nor there.

Don't be ridiculous.

Even the OP has said she's working on the larger/deeper issues.

miserywithmincepies · 26/12/2016 16:41

Worra

If you wanted to give up smoking the key objective is to give up smoking.

Same here.

OnMyWhistle · 26/12/2016 16:43

Magic well my step mum is 5'8 and weighs between 8 1/2 and 9 stone. She can only eat a few mouthfuls at each meal. Her hair and teeth are falling out - I think because her vitamin levels are so low. I don't think she keeps on top of her vitamin supplements like she is supposed to though. She does not look a well lady.

WorraLiberty · 26/12/2016 16:43

The exercise and CBT tips I'm sure are very well meaning from normal weight people but they clearly don't work.
If they did they'd be offered on the NHS and we'd have far less obese people if it were that easy.

Nobody has said it's 'easy' Confused

Or course losing weight isn't easy and anyone who assumes it will be, will be in for a shock.

And CBT is offered on the NHS for various people.

WorraLiberty · 26/12/2016 16:46

If you wanted to give up smoking the key objective is to give up smoking.

If there are deep seated reasons (other than purely nicotine addiction) for that person smoking, they'll give up smoking and probably swap one addiction for another.

Same as a lot of people give up drinking and end up smoking dope, or they give up smoking dope and end up drinking.

Just sticking a plaster over these things rarely works long term.

FabulouslyGlamourousFerret · 26/12/2016 16:48

@itsbetterthanabox
Was that due to IIH?

harderandharder2breathe · 26/12/2016 16:49

I suggest you spend th money on therapy for your issues around food? That's more likely to be a long term solution and has no physical risks

Ilove · 26/12/2016 16:50

I had a gastric bypass on Wednesday, on the NHS. Start weight/surgery weight of 21.11. I'm 5'6". Taken three years from GP visit to surgery via many different appointments and hoops to jump through. BMI of 52.

It is NOT the easy way out. It will NOT stop you making the wrong choices. You WILL have to have B12 injections and vitamins for life. You cannot absorb them from food any more.

I'm bruised, sore, missing my family Boxing Day get together as I cannot travel that far today. Can't walk very well or cough. On liquids only this week so my christmas dinner was a tablespoon of tomato soup and a tablespoon of gravy. I'm 47.

Best decision I EVER made. But believe me, if your head isn't straight first you'll sabotage this too - no they WILL NOT approve the surgery funding if they don't think you are up to it.

I'm in west Yorkshire tho I think the waiting time is about the same everywhere.

Good luck.

miserywithmincepies · 26/12/2016 16:51

If therapy worked we wouldn't have fat people's

Idefix · 26/12/2016 16:51

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg189/chapter/1-recommendations
1.10.07 is the section op that outlines that for those with a bmi of 50 but should be offered a surgical approach, other approaches are not deemed to be effective.

I think exercise and eating plans are great and work for many,many people but are not likely to be successful for op. Op has tried and they have not worked. Surgery may not be the answer for everyone but op this is an option that can be explored.

itsbetterthanabox · 26/12/2016 16:52

Ferret.
Yes IIH.

Murphysgirl · 26/12/2016 16:56

OP please don't do it. Yes, you may lose some weight but as it won't deal with your issues about food you are unlikely to get to the BMI you want to and you will never be able to eat normally again.

My morbidly obese friend had a bypass. She dropped several stone fairly quickly but for the last year or so she's hovered at around the 18st mark. She eats until she's sick and then forces more down herself. She liquidises chips so she can eat them and almost seems proud when she tells me how she's cheated the bypass. She's been hospitalised a couple of times as she was in pain after overeating. I'm terrified that she is going to cause herself some terrible, permanent damage.

Mouikey · 26/12/2016 17:00

Hi, I had a RNY or gastric bypass 7 years ago (at 33). It was one of the hardest decisions ever and incredibly scary. I had it on the NHS and my BMI fell just in the range that it was acceptable without comorbidities. My GP suggested it (all my diet efforts had been recorded) but I felt I had failed. I don't believe I would qualify now and the process is more rigourous and includes counselling (which is necessary imo).

In the first year I lost 8.5st it didn't make me happier but it certainly made me healthier. I also got a significant promotion at work - probably because I looked the part (in part!). I also got accepted on a travel exchange programme. So I guess you could say it facilitated happiness. Getting into a size 12 in topshop made me cry!

I have and alway will have a difficult relationship will food. In the past 7 years it's been tough - I can't always eat what I want, I suffer from dumping syndrome (which is horrid), take lots of bits and minerals each day and my hair constantly falls out.

I did put weight back on (4stone) but it is easier to lose it again (lost lots during pregnancy and plan to keep it off).

I can go out for food and often have child portions as it's cheaper and less wasteful.

Remember that the biggest issue generally is excess skin - so be mindful of that. I haven't had plastic surgery, but many say this is worse than the initial surgery. Oh, my mum also says all gastric bypass patients have a similar 'face' post weight loss!

Would I do it again? Absolutely yes. Single greatest piece of advice? Research, research, research. Look out WLS info on the web and Facebook it's an amazing resource. Oh - would I have the band? Absolutely not.

PacificDogwod · 26/12/2016 17:00

Don't even consider having it done on the cheap.

Do consider that you will never eat a normal meal again. Ever.

Address you issues with food - spend your money on some therapy.

Look up 'DietDoctor' and 'SugarAddiction'.

V best of luck Thanks