Those Who Have Had Success

All, My name is Scott, and I am posting to try and learn more about the process and procedure of gastric bypass surgery. I have a very close friend whom I have known many years and is very dear to me, and no matter what I do to try and support her, she insists that she will not find true happiness in herself or the perfect soulmate until after she finds a method of losing a significant amount of weight. She is a significantly overweight female with a wonderful personality about her, though her self esteem is very much affected by her weight. I have encouraged her over the years to go with me to the gym daily, and she even joined Curves and was going for quite some time on her own, though much of this only seems to remove a few pounds here and there, and not the overall portion she really wants. She is very much interested in exploring surgical options. I am very new to this, but really want to understand support her. For those of you out there who have had surgery or immense success in losing the weight you wanted, what can I do to help her? Thank you!

Hi Scott, This site is great for finding information. You've come to the right place. I had my surgery (RNY-gastric bypass) this July. I've lost 33 pounds in about 7 weeks. I'd be glad to answer any questions you or your friend might have. As for helping your friend, it sounds like you are already off to a good start. The best thing you can do for her is to be there for her and support her. She is lucky to have such a great friend. ~Daniela

Scott, Your friend is very lucky to have someone like you. Many times friends and family do know know what is to be to the point of considering surgical options. This is not an easy way out. I had one minor complication while I was in the hospital but I have been the picture of perfect health since I came home. I really feel this surgery has saved my life and really improved the quality of my life. I hated walking into a public area knowing people were looking at me because of my size. Now I walk into a public place with my head held high and great confidence. If I want, I can blend right in and not be noticed or I can stand out and be proud. I have always been shy so this is new to me, but I enjoy it. I think the support of my husband and children (and reluctant support from my parents - but they tried hard to put on a happy face for me) helped me in this process. This decision is not for everyone but if your friend does select this option, be a support to her and watch her transform before your very eyes. Good luck!

Hi Scott Everyone should have a great friend like you to go through this process with. Your friend is lucky to have you to support her and to learn about this process with her. I recommend having her visit this site...check out as many profiles as you can...I got a lot of knowledge reading what other people had been through. Also, get a copy of Barbara Thompson's book about WLS. It was like a bible to me pre-op and I have loaned mine out to someone else to read before their surgery. I am happy to say that I am now 7 months post-op and feeling incredible. I'm down 70 pounds since surgery and 120 from my heaviest over a year ago. I feel and look like a whole different person. Check out my profile for pictures if you want. If you or your friend have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. I'm happy to share. Judy