Weight Loss Surgery to Treat Diabetes

Are you obese? Have you ever had a serious health problem? How about any problem in your life that you have been unable to overcome in ways that seem to work for others?

What are you suggesting when you ask, "Isn't it time for our entire society to rethink how we live and focus on how we can prevent obesity in the first place?"

Will you please share more and especially elaborate on the final statement?

No, I am not obese. However, I look at surgery as something I reserve for patients as a last resort. I believe that as a society there is more we can do to prevent and help those people who are overweight or obese. I hate to think that surgery will become a first line treatment.

Hi Robin,hi ing

I have a very good friend that was obese.She was obese due to her lifestyle,too much food,no exercise.

And no will power!Thats not just my opinion,thats what she said because she knew it was true.

Nearly ten years ago she had the surgary to reduce her stomach.And her health has been horrible ever since.Since she couldnt eat but a bite or two at a time she wasnt getting proper nutrition .Her diabetes improved at first,that was the only improvement.She lost weight so fast that her skin just hung on her.Her hair thinned out to where she actually had bald spots.Her eyes sunk back into the sockets and her skin wrinkled from dryness.She had a heart attack and had to have triple bypass surgery.She was in a coma for three weeks afterwards and the doctors feared that she might not make it.

Now her stomach has stretched some and she can eat a normal full meal sometimes. She has gained some weight back,mostly in her stomach.

She is always depressed and says she wants to die.

She says there is no way she could ever date again even if she had the energy because of how her body looks.

Before this surgery she was a very pretty woman,overweight,but she had no problems getting dates.She was very outgoing and constantly having fun.And she had the prettiest hair and skin,I was jealous and told her so.I liked her a lot.We had been friends for over thirty years.

Now I dont really like her,I still love her but I dont like the woman she has become.All because she didnt like being fat and tried to take the easy way out.

I would advise anyone not to do it.Either stay big or get it off with nutrition and exercise.There is no easy way!

(Robin, I know this does not address your original post, but I have a burning desire to respond the the comments here. I do agree that there are multiple factors that contribute to the growing obesity we are seeing in the US and increasing across the world.)

I think we need to change how we look at obesity for the individual and see it as another addiction. The models that we use now to treat it are ineffective. It is, also, the hardest addiction to treat because you cannot go cold turkey and just stop eating. This is why the surgery alone does not work - previous eating patterns return and the intervention fails.

One article below is focused on health care providers. The other is a description of a program that uses the stages to help its' participants understand the process.

But as family and friends, we all need to understand the stages of change and the role personal motivation plays the process. There are always pros and cons to change that the individual must sort out to create the motivation it takes. That is different for everyone and has little to do with what society or loved ones think or do.

http://www.fitwoman.com/updates/update_insight2action.shtml

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/472502

Thanks for the article link

As I'm sitting here reading your post, I am also watching Oprah about the same subject.

Having had weight problems all my life, but not to the point of being obese, it's very easy for someone to suggest diet and exercise.

Some people are entirely too obese to exercise for fear of suffering a heart attack, while others seek food as a means of escape from problems.

My problem was the later. The moment I became frustrated or depressed, I ate.

Fortunately, when I got into my 30's I was able to control my weight and keep it down by dieting and exercising. And, as of recent, I lost 23lbs by doing the same to fit into an ungodly bridesmaid dress come April '08. I am now very happy with my weight.

Unfortunately, there are many who cannot do so. For those who cannot, lapband or bypass surgery is their only means of survival.

So, having had weight problems since I was a teen, I have empathy and sympathize with those who are unable to follow the same regimine.

hickchick46, I know that you were addressing Robin, but I have to throw in my two cents.

I'm obese 290#. I have been obese all my life...53yrs.

I will not run and do anything to lose weight, because I don't believe any of it. I also fear results like your friend had.

Fortunately I do NOT have diabetes or (high blood pressure.....and my 115# mother does.) Hmmm?

Years ago I met a woman who recognized me from retail. She weighed about 115# and was 5' if even that. I didn't recognize her. She said don't you remember me? I use to come in with my different raced spouse and I weighed 410#.

I almost fell on the floor....how could I have not remembered that? She must have been a ball!

Well still in my mind, I didn't believe in surgery and back then it was worse, if that is possible.

I didn't tell her my opinion, but she shared that she was going to commit suicide. So in her mind it was her last chance.

So for some people, and I can imagine a lot, it does work out for the better. But there are others that have transfered their addiction to drugs, alcohol, +/or sex. And then the ones like your friend that have a lot more medical problems. And then others that reveal their true personality...or so it seems.

But back to the article. Curing diabetes puts another plus on the positive side. But everyone +/- levels for making the choice of surgery are going to be different.