If this isn't 'cosmetic' for you ... what have you gained?

A week ago, a local television station did a "You Decide" public opinion piece (see if at the bottom of the linked page) on weight loss surgery. The Louisiana Legislature is considering lifting a restriction that would allow state workers insured by the state plan to qualify for weight loss surgical procedures. I was both encouraged and disappointed in the piece. It does raise awareness that many see health savings in providing treatment for obesity-related conditions, but it also stung a little with the question: "Should your tax dollars be used to help people have what some consider cosmetic surgery?" But really folks, I guess we have fallen victim to our own weight loss PR. The victorious weight loss surgery picture shows one person and at least one other family member each in a leg of their "fat" pants ... or the skinny lady in the prized Size 6 jeans while donating the Size 26 jeans to cloth an entire village in some third world country. (Ok, you laugh, I did almost that ...) To the public, it may not only be about looking better and being thin, but it's also the infamous "EASY WAY OUT" ... yeah, how dare y'all want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness at all costs! So, family, I'm looking for some light at the end of our thick tunnels. I wasn't a big fan of weight loss surgery when I got my band 3.5 years ago. I was under 40 and my baby was under 2 -- it was just something I had to do to satisfy my doctor so I could address other problems. Now, nearly four years later, I'm thankful, but only half way home, at best. I'm much smaller, but the health issues that many of us face are still looming in my future and my child who means everything to me needs a 100 percent mommy for another couple of decades.  (Oh, did I mention I'm bandless and considering a revision? ... yeah, that might explain my concern.) You tell me, what have you gained from weight loss surgery totally dependant of the scale and mirror? Are you free of insulin injections, walking canes, wheel chairs and 10 daily medications? Or can you just walk across the parking lot to your job and take your children/grandchildren to the park. Tell me, if you don't mind, what have you gained?

I know longer suffer from GERD and am not taking any medications for it.  I feel I am no longer at risk for the heart disease but still am concerned about diabetes but not as much.  I have a very strong family history of diabetes both parents and grandfather.  Since getting my GERD under control (actually eleminated) it has helped me mentally, I seemed to be so sick and non functioning that it really played a big part in some of the depression that I was suffering from.  As in my appeal letter by having WLS it eleminated a lot of medical expenses.  Not only was I suffering from the GERD but urinary incontinence too.  I took the cost of all of my expenses and documented what was being spent on my issues. I also took the amount of the cost of having bladder surgery along with surgery for my heartburn, it was that bad.  It was by far much cheaper for them to cover the WLS versus what they were already paying out. I am proud to say I have only been to the doctor once, with an exception to my yearly physicalswith my internist, surgeon and GYN and that was due to dehydration.  It sure beats going in every other week and all the scopes that I kept having done for all the ulcers that I also had.  So by having WLS I am now so much more healthy and as a side benefit I look good too.

What have I gained..........don't ask me that!  I lost the pain in my knees that I have had for many, many years. Was told that I will need knee replacement soon. NO MORE PAIN IN THE KNEES....yea, ME! I have lost the GERD, totally. I no long take 2/ 20mgs of NEXIUM per day. I have lost the will of staying inside all day long, I have so much entergy can't do that any more.I finally made my  flower bed that is 60 feet long. All my family have given me plants to put in it to honor my son.  I have lost the ability of wanting something to put in my mouth all the time. NO Need for that either.  hugs,

I'm sitting home suffering from bronchitis and a nasty cold. But, Frances I love the way you write. And I did laugh about the third world country thingy. I'm not exactly giddy about my WLS. I feel ambivalent to say the least. I'm 3+ months out and I'm expecting the shoe to drop. An ulcer, bowels problems, etc. That isn't an attitude one needs to project. Especially, when the hubby (internist) really was against the surgery. He tell me of all the things that can go wrong. I was in the hospital overnight for dehydration. COST............$7200.00. BUMMER. That price also included a CT scan. My husband said he could have had the scan ran without going into the hospital. Well, I'm so nervous something else is going to happen and I'm going to hear all the crap from him. Anyway, what kind of revision are you comtemplating?? I know you must feel better since the band is gone. Jan

Oh, what did I gain. Well, besides being a nervous Nellie. I don't take any medications. However, I have replaced them with alot of vitamins...........ok by me. I hope to be down to my goal weight by Thanksgiving or before. J

I'm considering every surgery option for my revision. I had only one choice four years ago, but I'm older and more open to addressing specific health concerns. This decision will have nothing to do with rate and success of weight loss, but on the long-term affects on my blood pressure and diabetes which are not being impacted enough with weight loss alone. My goal is being uber productive and healthy for my little girl who is only 5 years old right now. The thought of her growing up with a heavy mother doesn't bother me much. The thought of her growing up with a sick or dying mother breaks my heart. I need to wrap my head around these issues and my options with a good, caring internist. Keep the faith, Jan! Frances

What have I gained? Hmmm well considering I didn't have BP issues, Diabetes, or any other major health issues to lose... I'll tell you what I've gained.... I gained the ability to park in a parking lot and walk from the LAST space to the store... even at Wal-Mart....  I gained the ability to REACH to wipe my own arse. I gained the ability to work!! I was on the verge of losing my career due to physical inability to do the job. I gained the ability to have a normal life (doing housework and cooking after working) and therefore produce quality members of society, rather than hoodlums who are unsupervised due to mom's weakness. I gained the ability to teach my children healthy eating, and potentially decrease (even if only by a few people) the number of morbidly obese individuals in the state. I gained the interest in political activism to participate in the local community and support candidates who support healthcare reform in positive ways. I gained self respect. I gained self satisfaction. I gained the ability to improve my family's economy up to and including purchasing and retaining a home in the most drastic of times. I gained the ability to return to school and further my own education, contributing even more to the improvement of the economy. I gained the ability to participate in physical sports (swimming, kayaking, etc). I gained untold years on my life! I gained the strength to provide end of life care to patients and families who are suffering from these end stage terminal diseases. I gained the ability to DANCE with my daughter, instead of sitting down and clapping while SHE dances... the ability to inspire comes from example, not just words of encouragement. So yes, I have gained... a whole lot... in exchange for losing 150+ lbs.

Hi Frances, I've gained so much from my surgery.  To begin with, I'm off all medications, except my beta blocker for my heart, and my hormones.  Both of these will be with me forever I'm afraid.   I was on 7 prescription meds before surgery, and now down to 2.   I no longer have pain in my knees and back.   I can keep up with my DH on vacations.   I no longer sweat and get exhausted when I vacuum my house and can accomplish that in one try, not having to rest between rooms. I can park at the far end of the parking lot at WalMarts and walk into the store breathing normally. I could go on and on, but best of all, I can sit on the floor and play with the grandchildren when they come over to visit.  AND I can get up from the floor without any help!!!! I've become very comfortable explaining my VSG to others and why WLS was the right thing for me. Jo

Hi Francis,

I had my surgery in December of 2005.  I started at 255 and now weigh 150.  I was self-pay as my health insurance through my employer does not cover wls.  I don't regret it at all.  I certainly wish my insurance had covered the surgery but I'm still glad I had the surgery.  I'll be 60 in October and feel pretty darn good. 

What have I gained?  I am off all cholesterol, GERD, blood pressure and diabetes meds.  I feel better and more energetic, and am emotionally healthier than I have been in many years.  I had a couple of problems in the very beginning (ulcer related) but just had a scope done a couple of weeks ago and all is well.  I have lots of energy - do my yard work (which I absolutely love) and just keep going and going.  I do still have back and knee trouble but I beat myself up pretty badly with all the stuff I do, so I'm sure that's not going to get much better.

Oh, by the way, my grandchildren (now 15 and 11) are extremely happy that I had my surgery. They have been very proud of me.  My grandson, however, is a little disappointed becuase I no longer have SOFT shoulders for him to lean on. 

Anyway, best of luck in your decision-making process and in the future. 

Linda

 

 

 

I had the DS on november 5, 2007.  I am no longer diabetic, do not have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress incontinence, am off all prescription medications.  I am able to walk, dance and enjoy live.  I have lost 80 lbs thus far, but expect to loose more in the next 6 months.  So, the loss is no loos at all, it is all good.  Regina Oh, yea, I forgot to say.  I love my DS.  Went to Texas and saw my surgeon this past Tuesday, everything is good, and life is great, the greatest it has ever been for me.  My only regret is that I couldn't have this done 40 years ago.