Stapled stomach

I was a member here a few years ago, but got away from it because everyone was trying to talk me into having more surgery. I thought I'd check back and see if things were any different.

I had an old-fashioned stomach stapling 20 years ago (vertical banded gastroplasty).  Back then, the only procedures that were being done were the stapling and the bypass.  When I had my surgery done at the University of Iowa, they were doing research on the lap banding, but I didn't participate in the study.  I initially lost about 50 pounds, but never could get below 250.  And I quickly gained that back.  Now, I actually weight a little more than I did when I first had the surgery.

Over the years, I've tried about everything I can think of to lose weight.  I've found that the surgery actually works against me rather than for me.  I still have the severe dietary limitations that I had originally.  I can only eat very small portions of food at a time.  If I try to eat more, I quite literally have to make myself throw up because it just won't go through, and clogs up the system.  So, when I tried programs like Jenny Craig or Weigh****chers, i couldn't eat all the food they wanted me to.  And yet  I didn't lose weight.  Go figure.

I did read some research that said people who have had this procedure done do, in the long term, have difficulty digesting high-fiber foods and usually do better with processed foods, which explains why they often regain their weight.  I have recently been working with a dietician, who suggested I try a 1200-calorie diet, in six small meals or even more, basically eating a little bit throughout the day as I am able.  Even then, I have trouble sometimes getting in everything I'm supposed to eat and still stick to things that are healthy.  I'm starting my second week, we'll see how it goes. 

Has anyone else had this kind of experience?  I'm not able, at this time, to consider having more surgery, so I'm kinda stuck with the stomach I have.  I did have a total hysterectomy last year, and my surgeon took a look around.  He told me the staples are still there, but there's so much tissue grown around them that removing them at this point would require extremely dangerous surgery that he didn't recommend unless it was an emergency (like a herniation).  To tell the truth, I wish I had never had the surgery done in the first place.

Jami

Wow! 55 views and no responses.  I must have everyone stumped.  Now I don't feel quite so alone.

I don't know much about the stomach stapling, but I just wanted to say that I hope you find some solution.  I am really sorry for your situation.  

I'm guessing your only option (if you are physically able) is to exercise a bunch too so you can burn more calories and build some muscle.  I hate that you can't consider a newer surgery-we've certainly learned a lot over the past 20+ years.  Best wishes to you.

Thanks, but exercise isn't a problem for me.  I walk sometimes 3 to 4 miles a day at work.  And it's not my anatomy that needs to change.  It's my metabolism that doesn't seem to respond the way anyone thinks it should.  I swear.  I could be a good research subject for someone.  The harder I try to lose weight the fatter(and sicker) I get.

Welcome to the curse of slow metabolism. I have the pleasure of having an abnormally long intestine and my body creates too much insulin. So it takes my body longer to process food even on a low calorie diet and intense exercise or with the metabolism booster pills. I had a doctor tell me that I would have been great during a famine as my body stores a reserve of nutrients. This is why I am honestly considering the gastric sleeve so that hopefully I can process my food and actually feel full on smaller portions.

Good luck on your journey and I am sorry that you are going through a rough patch.

I am still at goal 12 years out and I think I know why. My husband teases me that all I do is eat. I eat every couple hours. I eat smart , learned to not have 'bad' food in the house . RNY isn't brain surgery. If bad food was in my house chances are I would eat it. So I don't bring it home. I also exercise a lot!!! I love to ride bike and swim. I am now 65 and not sure this would work for others but eating small amounts frequently and exercise works for me

Sorry you are dealing with that.  I had RNY and unless I am careful what and how much I eat - I can gain weight very fast. 

I am not sure what your are eating. I can eat 1000 cal and gain weight or eat 1500 cal and lose it. It is what I eat. Starchy carbs and sugars even in small qty make me gain. But limit that and increase fat - and I am not only not hungry but I also lose weight. 

There are not "healthy starchy carbs" for me.   Not all calories are the same.  

Thanks for the input.  But whereas your stomach has been bypassed, my stomach is still very much in the loop.  It's just a lot smaller.  (About 1/2 cup in size.)  And I have as much of a problem with what I'm able to digest.  For instance, when I try to eat more protein, they quite literally sit there and won't go down.  Not to mention the chest pains. But even before my surgery I had trouble digesting unprocessed meat.

Well., then making sure your proteins are moist, and more of "ground up consistency" may be, IMO, your best bet. Also replacing some of the meals with more liquids - like protein shakes and such may be an option. 

You not planning to have another surgery - so adjusting what you eat may be your best option.  

I had weeks and months when I could not eat dense foods without being in pain (hernia), but I was able to get enough proteins, and fats and limit carbs. Gaining weight was not an option for me... 

Only can decide what and how much are you willing to do lose the weight.

BTW: I do understand limitation.   I had to learn to work with mine.. (I have gluten,soy and dairy intolerance. ) plus I deal with Severe RH, so most starchy carbs are out... Add IBS-C symptoms and need to eliminate more foods from my diet so I can limit the gas and the pain associated with that.  It is not easy, but I am learning how to eat healthy, low carb, high protein, moderate fat diet.