Question:
Has anyone had WLS that used to binge and then purge?
If so, did you tell your surgeon before surgey? Was your surgery considered successful? Are you losing weight now in a manner that is satisfactory to your doctor? — [Anonymous] (posted on September 20, 2001)
September 20, 2001
Hi... I would not tell either.... When i had surgery 7 weeks ago I have
been lossing at good speeds... Even if I tried to throw up I could'nt Even
if I'm sick I can only dry heave... nothing comes up any more.. But I'm
glad I cant ...I go to therapy weekly and need all the support I can get...
If you do binge and purge go to a therapist and get help now... it will
help in the long run...
— [Anonymous]
September 20, 2001
It is detremental to YOUR health not to tell your doctor and not to seek
counceling before this surgery. This eating disorder is precisely why
almost all insurances and/or drs require a psych eval. There is a reason
they don't do this surgery on people with certain types of eating disorder.
— paula B.
September 20, 2001
You really do need to seek counseling. This surgery will help you lose
weight but will NOT keep you from the psychological reasons behind bingeing
and purging. In fact, while you may not be able to binge the same way
anymore, you could still be one of those that don't dump, end up eating
something you feel you shouldn't, then purging. Still not good or healthy.
I know it is hard. My best friend was bulemic for a long time. You get
to that point in your life where you would do anything to lose weight and
be "normal". And now you see surgery as a foolproof solution.
Please think about getting some counseling prior to seeing a surgeon. You
will need to attack what's attacking you. Then you can feel as if you are
going into this process free and clear. The surgery is here for you and it
isn't going anywhere. Take the time to sit and think about it then get the
help you need. Good luck & God Bless.
— Kimberly L.
September 20, 2001
I was bulimic for 20 years before WLS because I was unable to eat normal
amounts of food and keep the weight off. My metabolism was so slow that I
gained weight unless I left the table hungry. I had to starve to stay thin.
So in order to eat to the point of satiety, I would then vomit so I
wouldn't gain weight. The miracle of WLS is that it provides complete
satiety with small amounts of food--problem solved. No need to vomit
because you're not hungry and you're not constantly fighting the urge to
eat. Total and complete freedom from food. The hunger drive is greatly
reduced and I don't think about food constantly.
My advice--Don't TELL! The WLS will most likely cure you of this disorder.
It did for me.
P.S. I had the duodenal switch instead of the RNY. The miracle of this
surgery is that you will never gain weight back because of the
malabsorption factor. Check it out on http://www.duodenalswitch.com
— [Anonymous]
September 20, 2001
I wouldn't tell - it will probably result in your being denied WLS. If
you're actively bingeing and purging, you should not have WLS. However, if
it is in your past, I wouldn't tell the surgeon. If the problem begins to
recur, run - do not walk - to your own therapist.
— [Anonymous]
September 20, 2001
If I were you, I would be totally honest and tell. I did, and it had
absolutely no impact on whether or not I was approved. BUT, my episode of
bulemia was at the age of 20-21, and only lasted for about 3-5 months, and
I sought out counseling on my own at the end of that time, and have not
been tempeted to binge and purge since then. My therapst did talk about the
episode in her letter and reassured the insurance company that I had
resolved this eating disorder, and she felt comfortable in supporting me
for this surgery. My psych. said the same. I really believe it is best to
be honest, because otherwise, it will haunt you... I know it would me!!
Good luck whichever way you go! Let me know what you do and how it ends up,
okay?? Hugs and Good luck!!
— Sharon H.
February 18, 2002
I used to do it too. I started after the birth of my son when I had gained
65 pounds. I did it for 17 years and hated myself for it, more so because
I wasn't able to vomit up enough to keep the weigh off so I was a obese,
bulemic person who hated herself. When I had to do my phyic evaluation for
the surgery I had to convince the doctor that I was recovered from it and
wouldn't be bothered by the vomiting with the surgery. I made it clear
that under no circumstance would I ever make myself go down to that level
again and he approved me.
— [Anonymous]
February 18, 2002
I wanted to comment to the person who said that you can't gain weight back
after a duodenal switch due to the malabsorbtion factor...according to my
surgeon you can still gain weight if you eat an excessive ammount of
calories. Despite the fact the you don't absorb all the calories from the
food you eat..you still can absorb more than you need...especially if you
binge or eat calorie dense foods. After the first few months your body
gets more efficient at absorbing food despite the shortened digestive
tractand your metabolism has slowed, and at this point many people
temporarily plateau and a few begin to regain weight. No surgery is a
green light to eat whatever you want...you still need to limit calories.
— Melody S.
February 18, 2002
I have to comment on the people telling this lovely person not to tell the
doctor. I realize that "if" she tells, she may not get to have
the surgery. Don't you think that there is a good reason for that??? The
doctors have a protocol for just this reason. They are trying to eliminate
the possible people who might have problems. Those who might not be
successful or...those who might hurt themselves by having this surgery.
Folks, I realize that you are all very "pro" surgery and that's
great but, there really are some people who are not suited for it. Let the
doctors themselves decide whether this nice person can benefit but at least
have her tell the doctor so he can make an informed apprisal. Could it be
possible that she might have an obsessive/compulsive disorder manifesting
itself in the bulemia? If so, this won't disappear with surgery and may be
made worse because she will have to substitute "something" for
the food that she was used to eating. I'm no doctor but I sincerely think
you need to be honest with the doctor who will be doing your surgery.
— Barbara H.
February 18, 2002
I find it interesting that the people who say don't tell are the ones who
also chose to be anonymous. Keeping this a secret is a very bad idea. If
you 'used to' binge and purge and have not done so for a good period of
time, it is unlikely that you will not be able to have surgery. If you are
still actively bulemic, wait until you have gotten into recovery before you
even think about it. A good eating disorders therapist is probably a very
good idea in either case, just to make sure that you really have 'put it
behind you' and/or to deal with whatever of those issues come up as you
begin to lose weight. Good luck and feel free to email me if you wish.
— garw
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