Gastric bypass vs Mounjaro injections

[fatnurseandmum]

Hello.
been on MN forever, NC for this.
I have done lots and lots of research and have found that I can have a gastric bypass for 3K.
My question is really do I go ahead and book it or shall I try Mounjaro first? I don't want to throw good money after bad so to speak!
What happens if you come off the injections? Does all the weight go back on?

For context, I'm 33, 5ft 2 and BMI of about 38. I have my physical appearance and have struggled with my weight since a teen.

Echoing what @soupfiend has said... it can be really tricky post op to get the nutrients you need, particularly when restriction (stomach space) is at its maximum and you can't eat very much at all... That's why it's also important for anyone who has weightloss surgery to have regular (3 monthly ideally) blood checks, take vitamins and also have b12 injections if needed. It's not something I knew much about before having the surgery myself and losing my hair in the first 9 months was really difficult for me.

I did have my surgery abroad, and have friends who have done too, with no complications... but if I could have afforded to have it in the UK, I would have done. That said, the care I had abroad was second to none... but travelling after the surgery was nerve wracking to say the least.

I think it depends on just how much excess weight you wish to lose to feel happier in your own body.

I had a gastric sleeve and it has been life changing, though not without its struggles.

also it is also normal for there to be some regain, even after surgery.

My partner is having his gastric bypass in two weeks time through Vitality insurance. I think it is bloody amazing! I wish I had more patience and waited instead of forking out 8k for a sleeve.

Thank you all so much for your wise words of wisdom.
To be clear, I'm very aware there is no magic bullet to solving this, a lot of the work starts and ends with me.
I think I am now considering a sleeve rather than bypass.
How long should I give the jabs do you think to really have an effect?
I will have to go abroad if I'm ever to afford it, nurses wages are abysmal but that's another thread! I'm not unaware of the risks and if I go abroad I will stay extra time to ensure my recovery and of course get insurance.

Also to add, I am not and would never consider a gastric band.
They're very old fashioned now I think!

Have you looked in to Vitality? You pay monthly premiums and then after you’ve had the plan for a year you can opt for bariatric surgery and only pay 25%

my DP is paying £2900 for a bypass through them.

I would try to injections first - although you are looking at £200pcm/2.5K over a year, I have genuinely saved that on the food/alcohol that I do not eat now. Ie. Financially it is a net even cost. If you have the £3k to pay for the bypass now, you should still have it all in 3-6m if you decide MJ is not for you.

I’ve worked my way through Ozempic, Wegovy and am now on MJ (as each became available.) I have not been without medication since I started last year, but am 5st lighter. I’m a size 12/5ft 5 and, acc to my BMI still have 1.5st to go. It’s been revelatory because for years I thought I had a psychological/emotional issue with food - but if this was the case, I’d still over-eat and obsess about it on the medication (which people who’ve had the gastric sleeve still do). Yet, from the first injection that all stopped.

I now know that there is clearly some underlying biological/hormone issue that creates the feeling of craving that was driving my eating - and the emotional rollercoaster of eating-gaining/dieting-losing and the feelings of shame each time were organic.

So, I’d honestly recommend trying injectables for a 3m period and if you don’t have the same sort of experience many of us have, the gastric option will still be there. If it works, you’ve got £3k for new clothes and lovely holiday next year.

I’d go for the more perm solution if I had my way.

In November I’ll be approaching 2 years on the injections, I could technically argue a break during last year should allow longer.

Not convinced any of the brands have longevity. I started on Saxenda, done Victoza, then Trulicity and now MJ. I don’t like how it is touted oh just stop eating and people seem to get a high about this, that to me is eating disorder territory but then so to is the crock of bmi. Short v’s tall people.

I’ve kept weight off but I think the being active everyday has something to do with it.
Summer 2022 I was bottom bracket of 19 stone but this summer I’m the top bracket of 15 stone and maintained this since March. I’m pretty impressed this is even with peri.

PLEASE be careful 3K really doesn't sound right at all ,like the other commenter says here in the UK £12-14.000 is nearer the cost for a proper reputable surgeon.I.know a woman who was VERY large ( I am sadly now myself through chronic illness & thyroid tumour and I'm starting Monjouro through my Endocrinologist consultant because my non functioning thyroid has put me in hospital 5 times this year with seizures ) the lady I know went to Turkey and only spent about £3 K and has lost 9 stone in a year..I'll be honest though she didn't even stay in hospital overnight they put her in a hotel ..PLEASE be careful ! X