Question:
My sister has bulimia. Should she have this surgery?

My sister has been throwing up 10-20 times a day for the last 25 years. She weighs about 265, 5'4". I had Lap RNY and she is wanting to have it too. She is hoping it will cure her bulimia. I was hopeful until I just read another patient developed it after surgery. The whole reason she is having surgery is to help her get the bulimia under control. Please resond if you have any issues with bulimia.    — Perri T. (posted on April 7, 2001)

April 7, 2001
Having surgery is not going to get her bulimia under control. Infact it might exaserbate it. Bulimia is a control issue and needs psychiatric treatment.
   — [Anonymous]

April 7, 2001
Your sister needs to have her bulimia dealt with, first. Continuous vomiting, especially during the very early stages of WLS, is dangerous. Bulimia is a psychiatric disorder that cannot be cured through physical intervention. I hope she can find the help she needs, soon.
   — Suzanne B.

April 7, 2001
I was Bulimic for over 15 years....since my surgery I have tried to vomit a hand full of times and haven't been able to...this has cured my Bulimia.....By the way....In surgery they found precancerous tissues in my throut because of the years of Bulimia. This surgery has stopped what ultimatly would have been disasterous if my Bulimia had continued.(just another point of view)
   — [Anonymous]

April 21, 2001
There are 5 symptoms (I cant remember what they are) That help psychologists, diagnose "bulumia". At my pre op psych eval I learned that I had 4. ( I didnt make my self throw up) and they did the surgery. 15 months post op, 107 pounnds lighter and later I now have the fifth symptom. So in answer to your question. WLS will not "cure" Bulemia... atleast it didnt cure mine. Please email me.
   — Lady C.