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Author: kimikay
Date: 02-21-03 18:22
Hi. First time here, liking it already. Here's the nutshell: Had 2 kids in 2 years, I'm 38, 5'7" and I'm probably 275. Had real problems with my pregnancy, delivered August 2002. Had tubes tied in November, then had holiday eating to contend with, so lack of exercise plus fatty foods--bad news. Then, in January, started having gall bladder problems, and had my gall bladder out last week (Feb. 5th). So once again, in a lot of pain, can't do very much so far. Chasing around a 2 year old and hoisting a 6 month old I feel DOES qualify as exercise! However, upon my 2 weeks check with the surgeon, he handed me pamphlets on bariatric surgery to do the Al Roker thing. He feels I'm too close to the edge weight wise, and age wise, and I should consider this surgery for my health. I have not had many health problems directly related to my weight, although lately my blood pressure has been elevated, which is a first for me. No diabetes, my cholesterol and other labs look great, and no joint pains. I felt a little like I was being "sold" this surgery, rather than having him refer me to my primary care for discussion on weight loss. I'd like to hear what others think--is this surgery, which is so readily available now, and covered by my insurance, the way to go? Would exercise and diet first to see if I need go that far be the way to go? I've looked up several dieting tip web sites, all of which won't help me if I'm nursing (still, planning to nurse another 6 months). It IS remarkably hard to diet while nursing. For me, at least. I get ravenously hungry in relation to my child's appetite, and trying to stick to low fat this and no sugar that is pretty darn hard. The problem too, is that since the doctor said all this, I'm bingeing in a bad way. Emotionally, I feel put down, but I know too he's right. Thanks for listening. Again, Great Site!
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Author: Freddie
Date: 02-22-03 04:08
Well, here's my 2 cents' worth. I feel that any kind of invasive procedure (of which surgery tops the list), should be your very last resort. Many women lose some weight naturally while nursing, so you may drop some pounds yet. After that, I would give myself a good 6 months to see if I could improve my fitness and lose some weight by adopting good eating and fitness habits. It seems that your doctor has not even given you the option of doing it yourself - shame on him!
Plus, don't you think you've been through enough changes physically in the last 6 months, without adding to your burden? Tell the doc to back off.
Like I said, just my opinion.
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Author: patce
Date: 02-22-03 05:09
Hi,Kim...I agree with the 1st poster's advice.For what it's worth...I'd find another Dr.Don't let anyone tell you the surgery doesn't bring it's own set of problems.Could you set your mind to not gaining anymore while nursing?Maybe read what diet books,info on lineyou can find...just think it thru & eventually find what sounds like it would fit your lifestyle.You have time to get in the right mind set...& you have to decide you're ready to lose weight ...before it will happen.All the talk,posts & info will do nothing...untill you make up your mind to lose.No one can do it for you....it has to come from inside.I think that deceision is 1/2 the battle.
Baby steps are the way to start...if not to lose...to not gain more.Put the kids in stroller & push it around the block...next wk...try 2 blocks.Make it part of your day...kids will love it & every step adds up.Try not adding to your food intake...maybe eating as much as you need...but not bingeing & try to cut back on the stuff you can do without.The easiest way for me...is to cut out...what I don't really care for.I'm not a sweet freak,...so that was 1st to go.A friend did nothing but stop snacking & lost weight.Just little steps....a smaller bowl of cereal....bigger bowl of salad-soup & veggies.Try a bit smaller portions when you can....less butter,sugar foods & sodas.If you need a sweet....have a candy bar & enjoy it...but have it as your sweet/dessert for that day.Some ppl graze on sweets all day long. Bad for your health & you need good health to raise your babies.
I'm older than you...by far & tho your blood work is good now...take it from me.Eventually...it will catch up with you.The knees will go...you'll be limping,the cholesterol will soar...kidney stones appear & then diabetes will rule your life. When diabetes appears.....you have no choice/no excuses left....it's get rid of the weight ,take care of yourself...or live a short life.You have so much going for you...young with.2 babies.Living your life....raising your kids should be the most important thing ......let food take a back seat.Hope this helps in some way.Patce
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Author: Shari
Date: 02-22-03 06:11
I so much agree with Freddie and patce - don't do it, not just yet. Give yourself six months to one year to prove to yourself and your doctor you can do it on your own. I think a good sensible eating plan and exercise is SO MUCH better than surgery!
I see a dietician FREE through my insurance company. Contact your medical insurance company to see if they offer the same services.
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Author: glunky
Date: 02-22-03 07:09
I'm actually somewhat surprised that your doctor handed you the pamphlets rather than first talking to you about your eating and exercise habits and discussing weight loss programs with you. That's really disappointing.
I read a few articles in medical journals on this when in college (so, about three years ago) and the general concensus was that it was a procedure to be considered with a person severely obese (i.e. 350lbs or so), having health problems and who has not had success with dieting. A nursing mother who is a good deal below 300lbs and who hasn't really even had the chance to work on it herself just doesn't fit this description. (It was for a bioethics course, I might even have the paper somewhere)
275 lbs seems surprisingly low to me to require such an inolved, complicated procedure, especially given the willingness to try alternative methods.
Hang in there. We are all here to suppoirt and help you through whatever you chose :-)
-n
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Author: Heather
Date: 02-22-03 10:35
I agree with everyone's posts above. I'm a medical transcriptionist, so on the occasion, I type about such. Generally, if the patient has tried dieting and exercise and other alternatives and has no success despite great effort, THEN the surgery is recommended. I think you're right, it's almost as if the surgery was "sold" to you. The surgery is dangerous and I think with the two kids and a good eating plan, you can take the weight off without going under the knife. I think the bad thing is that it's winter, so braving the elements isn't always convenient with two small kids. Believe me, I understand that completely!! Once spring is here, take the kids outside and PLAY, PLAY, PLAY!! :O)
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Author: Candace
Date: 02-22-03 11:10
Like everyone else said, I would make that my very last resort. I have a friend who had that procedure last year. He is a single guy with no kids and no real stresses, and probably weighed close to 400 pounds. He was excited about having the operation, and he has definitely lost weight, but it is REALLY hard for him. He feels sick a lot, has sporadic low energy, he's usually sort of unhappy, and says all the time that he wishes he had tried to do it naturally. When he eats, he can only take a few bites and then he feels kind of nauseated. I see how hard his life has become, and I can't imagine trying to do that while raising two small children. You can do it without surgery. 275 isn't really that heavy. You could be 175 in a year, easily, and once you develop a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to maintain it and continue to lose weight and feel good. Talk to a different doctor!
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Author: ontheway
Date: 02-27-03 14:41
In my opinion, bariatric surgery is DANGEROUS! Too many people die from it every year...you have two little children who count on you to be here!
I started out my food program at 319...a year later I'm 275, at 5'9".
Slow....but that's what I wanted, because I'm in this for the long haul.
I don't want hanging skin and I don't want to regain the weight.....that happens when you lose it too fast.
I stay motivated by talking to others in the same boat on the internet.
Who cares how long it takes? When you look back on it later, it won't matter if it took you one year or three years....the important thing is that it comes off....THE RIGHT WAY!
I would like to see that doctor's face when you show him that you don't need him, you can do it on your own! PROVE HIM WRONG!
BTW....breastfeeding uses calories and helps your uterus get back in shape. You'll be fine!!
We can both easily make it into ONEderland!!! It takes patience and perserverance......
What does that doctor know, anyway?? LOL!
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