Bypass & eatting disorders......

Hi, Im new here. But not to RNY. I had it done 11 months ago and since then I have developed and eatting disorder......bulimia. I didnt find any forums on OH that covers this. So I started my own on yahoo in hopes of getting support from others suffering this same problem. If you wanna join, feel free. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ana_mia_bypass/ thanks, mia

Kudos to you for starting this up. I have a friend who is over 5 years out who switches between bulimia and anexoria. When I first went to my surgeon in Sept of 05 I researched on the internet and found nothing linking EDs to WLS. When I had my pre-op visit in June of 06 my surgeon gave me a paper and on the list of possible side effects of WLS was EDs. I think they are finally starting to look into this. Its my hope that they start looking at people harder pre-op and give more post-op support instead of leaving it up to people on their own. Good luck to you!

hello, I am new here but I am preparing to have surgery (vsg/w/ds )most likely in june.  25 yrs ago I had a stomach stapling.....I lost 200 lbs..did great but puked for years! I mean like 7 years...at least once a day.usually more. I kept my weight off for 17 years for the most part. but yes , I truely bellieve it is a major concern. I know another gal that had it done about 15 years ago and she still throws up. I remember eating not liking the full feeling so I would go throw up. back then there wasnt that much said about bulimia....and most people thought anorexia and bulimia were one in the same. I was once hospitalised with"anorexia" about 8 months after surgery..... my father  had a stapling 30 years ago and he still throws up after a big meal if he is over full. I actually remember my surgeon tell me " If you feel too fulll go in the bathroom and stick your finger down your throat or you will ruin your surgery. So it became habit I think. I think it is alot more common than people think. good for you starting a group!

Good for you for reaching out! It is something most folks hide, which is why there aren't more statistics or physicians who address this. My sis had WLS almost 2yrs ago and developed bulimia. None of us are entirely sure if she had it before the WLS or if it came after as she's not telling. She is in counseling with a nutritionist and a therapist both. As far as causes...I don't think the WLS is the cause, I suspect most folks have issues deeper than that, but then I'm not a professional. It is sooo important for you to seek professional help. Your very life depends on it, and the lives of those who love you! I am in the pre-op stages of this, and that is one of he things I asked my center's folks about- the stats on EDs and WLS. They said they are just seeing it come to light now. Because patients come back for their appointments when they are doing well, they tend to se and record the data about all the success stories. If folks are struggling, sadly, they often don't want anyone to know and don't seek help. Please please do. Best wishes on your quest!

I know quite a few Bandsters call their Bands, surgically induced bulimia.  My guess is that it's much more common than many will admit.  Have you considered OA? (Overeaters Anonymous)  They have meetings online as well.  I know many people with ED have found help there.

I'm not sure that WLS contributes to eating disorders, but I do that many people who end up having it have had some form of disordered  eating, usually binge eating disorders...I know that I did prior top surgery and I have to catch myself when I start eating in a disordered fashion....It seems that despite very successful weight loss after Open RNY 4 years ago, that when I am under stress, or suffering from bouts of anxiety and depression, that I return to binge eating... I can't physically binge the way I did in the past, but I am aware when I have been grazing all day, and its not about hunger, but loneliness, sadness or some other need to fill myself up....Sometimes I feel a return to OA meetings is something I should consider, but I have a really hard time with OA in the first place, I don't want to reach out and call people or have them call me...but I know that this way helps a lot of people..... I do know that I am scared of ending up one of those people who gains back weight, because I had such a hard time with my original surgery that I would never want to submit to a revision....though I strongly support anyone else who takes this route.