Question:
does stomach stapling help you lose weight?

i want to get an Rny but my other half doesnt want me to ( because of long term effects to the body), i am 5'9 and weight 307 pounds I have gained more since I had my gall bladder out, I am desperate to lose weight I hate feeling this way, and I have tried everything to lose weight.    — Michelle M. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
Michelle, this is a pretty general question covering many areas (lack of emotional support at home; average weight loss; what are the different types of surgeries etc.). I think a good place for you to start is in our database- looking up the individual topics. If you and hopefully your spouse can start reading through past postings- I am sure you will find many repsonses to your questions.
   — Karen R.

December 4, 2002
Michelle, There are several kinds of weight loss surgery...Stomach Stapling is the old term. They do way more than staple off your stomach. There is the RNY, the create a new stomach and re-route your intestines. There is also the LAPBAND, which is a ring they place around the stomach. Does the surgery work...Yes....to different degrees....with the RNY most surgeons say that 90% of the people will lose 50-75% if there excess weight....the surgery is actually considered a success when you lose 50%, With the LAPBAND it is about 50% of people will lose 30-50% of the excess weight. I can only tell you about my experience. I am also 5'9 and weighed 310 the morning of my surgery. It is 6 1/2 months later and I am down 105 pounds. I feel better than I have in 18 years. I have not been sick 1 day since surgery. I am doing everything my doctor tells me to do. The key is research !!!! Read everything you can get your hands on. Go to the yahoo (or any other) search and type in Weight loss surgery or gastric bypass or lapband. You can read from months. Good Luck.
   — Sharon H.

December 4, 2002
Ditto on what Sharon said. Do your research THOROUGHLY!! This isn't something you just 'decide' you want to do and jump into it. It is a life long change you have to be willing to do and FULLY understand going in. Now as for your other half. This isn't his decision WHATSOEVER! Its your body and your choice. Why would he want to see you miserable and die a slow death over the years? Why would he not want to see you happy and living life to the fullest? You may find out that alot of people don't agree with what you want to do and will try to talk you out of it. What is your other half basing his feelings on? Things he has 'heard' from other people. I can't tell you how many stories we have all heard about "a friend of a friend of mine died from that". When? 20 years ago? The surgery has vastly improved over the years and the stats are very good. Have your sig. other do the research with you. But, remember, the decision is ultimately yours and nobody elses. I'm sure he will change his mind once the weight is dropping off!
   — Kris T.

December 4, 2002
Does a bear poop in the woods?
   — Scott L.