Times when Gastric Bypass Surgery is an Option

We all know it is better to eat a healthy diet and exercise to keep our bodies looking and running good. However, there are those who let themselves get so overweight that they are having serious health issues, some of them life threatening. In this instance, it is time to talk to a doctor about the possibility of bypass surgery. Here is a good article on the requirements that must be met to have the surgery if anyone has an interest.

About 20 years ago at a weekend church retreat, I met a priest who had had gastric bypass surgery and lost a lot of weight.

I was on the kitchen committee for the retreat, and as I result, I was informed of the man's dietary restrictions.

The thing that sticks with me all this time later is that while he HAD lost over 100 pounds, the foods he was able to eat seemed so limited. And I was concerned for their nutritional value.

I was left with the impression that while this surgery works, it is life altering, and probably not something I would find satisfying. It's certainly still controversial in my mind.

Anne

I feel the same way, Anne, and have nothing but sympathies for folks who feel they may have reached the end of the road. I do know several folks who have had successful surgeries; in their case, whatever they are restricted to is secondary to the fact that their lives were in danger. There's nothing easy about this.

On a different note, a woman in my office has lost a tremendous amount of weight -- 100-150 pounds -- by adopting a serious exercise plan and learning to eat differently. She even participates in half-marathons! She's going to have body surgery next week to remove a great deal of excess skin. She's both excited and kind of afraid; this is a big emotional journey. I'm so proud of her!

That's a wonderful story, Ellemm,

I also had a friend, years ago, who lost about 100 pounds. She and I used to work out together at the gym, and I remember seeing all the excess skin she still had, after she lost the weight. She looked great once she got her clothes on, but the stretched skin was not shrinking, even though she was still in her 20s at the time, and her skin ought to have been more elastic -- or so I thought.

So I am glad to know that it is now possible to have that body surgery you write of. I am sure my old friend would have felt better about her loss if she'd had that option.

Glad you are so proud of her! She deserves it.

Anne