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Questions about Post-Weight Loss Surgery and other conditions
Question: Seeking Advice and Experiences Post-Weight Loss Surgery
Hello everyone,
I’m a 45-year-old considering weight loss surgery, specifically a Mini Gastric Bypass, as suggested by some doctors. I’d appreciate hearing your experiences and advice, especially about life after surgery, managing complications, and emotional well-being.
Here’s a bit about my situation:
I have Type 2 Diabetes (Hba1c 8.5%) and Hypertension.
My BMI is 44, and I also deal with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, GERD, and IBS.
Recently, I’ve been struggling with severe sciatica pain, though all my other labs (RFTs, LFTs) are normal. I’m on oral medications and occasionally experience sinus rhythm issues with APCs.
I’m nervous about potential post-surgery complications like worsened GERD or difficulty adapting emotionally and physically. For those who’ve had similar surgeries, how did you manage these challenges? What helped you adjust to the changes?
Looking forward to your insights. Your stories and advice would mean a lot to me as I navigate this decision. Thank you!
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HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.
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@maskhan, good and important questions to ask. When living with multiple chronic conditions, you and your team need to consider how treatment for one condition may affect another condition. Some of the co-conditions you list may be helped with weight-loss surgery. Weight-loss surgery helps you lose weight and lowers your risk of medical problems brought on by obesity, including hypertension and type 2 diabetes and others.
You can learn more in this article from Mayo Clinic
- Thinking about weight-loss surgery? 4 things to consider https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/thinking-about-weight-loss-surgery
It's also good that you're thinking about the emotional impacts. You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- New to bariatric surgery: Advice to mentally & physically prepare https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-the-group-2/
If you make the decision to have bariatric surgery, be sure to ask which medical professionals will be included on your team to help you succeed. Typically your team will include mental health guidance. At Mayo Clinic for example, once you've made a decision, your weight management team includes a dietitian, and behavioral health and exercise physiology professionals to support you through this life change.
@maskhan, have you talked with a specialist about gastric bypass surgery and whether it might be a good fit for you?
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2 ReactionsHey there. I have not had bariatric surgery, but was wondering if other options were presented to you, such as injectable medications that promote substantial weight loss? I haven’t taken them either. Just curious as to how they come into play when considering options.
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1 ReactionColleen Young, Connect Director (@colleenyoung):
Thank you, Colleen, for your thoughtful and detailed response. Your insights about the benefits of weight-loss surgery for managing multiple chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and hypertension are very encouraging. I also appreciate the resources you shared, particularly the Mayo Clinic articles on considerations for bariatric surgery and preparing mentally and physically for this major life change. They provide a lot of clarity.
As for life post-surgery, I’ve learned that while many people experience significant improvements in their health, there can be challenges like nausea, vomiting, and the need to take multivitamins and supplements for life to ensure proper nutrition. Adjusting to these changes can be tough, but having a dedicated healthcare team, including mental health professionals, dietitians, and exercise specialists, as you mentioned, seems essential for a smooth transition.
I haven’t yet made a final decision, but I am consulting with specialists to thoroughly evaluate my options and readiness. Thank you again for your kind support and for pointing me toward such valuable guidance.
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2 ReactionsCelia16 (@celia16):
Hi Celia, thank you for your thoughtful question! Yes, I’ve discussed other options, including injectable medications that promote weight loss, with my healthcare providers. While these medications can be effective, they may not always address some of the complications I’m facing, like GERD, severe sciatica, and my mental health concerns. Bariatric surgery was suggested because of its potential to provide more comprehensive benefits for my particular situation, including better management of Type 2 Diabetes and hypertension.
Post-surgery life does come with adjustments, such as managing potential side effects like nausea or vomiting and committing to lifelong use of multivitamins and supplements to avoid deficiencies. It’s a significant decision, and I’m carefully weighing all options with my medical team.
Thank you again for sharing your curiosity—it’s helpful to consider every perspective as I navigate this journey. Your support means a lot!
I’ve actually used a well-known injectable medication for Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss for 18 months, but sadly, it didn’t produce any results and caused multiple complications. This experience has pushed me to explore bariatric surgery as a potentially better option for my health challenges.
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3 ReactionsIt sounds like you are fully weighing your options. Best wishes as you continue your journey. I’ll look forward to reading about your journey, if you post around here.
Do you mind saying what got you motivated to explore options? Was it just from a doctor? Something you read?