I had gastric bypass on 10.29.07. Since then I have lost 100lbs. I have the hardest time getting in my protein drinks. All my friends say I look great and that they don't recognize me. I have a hard time believing that.

I had my gastric bypass on 08/29/02 and I lost 200 pounds. It is slow but it is sure. However, the only drawback I have so far is, I am not working now and I do not have insurance to remove all the flabs that I have hanging and that is becoming a health hazard for me.

On 12/29/92 I had my gastric bypass surgery. I had been over-weight for years and the previous July (of 1992) my older brother, who was 41 years old had died of a massive heartattack. When I went back to his funeral everyone thought I was my brothers twin because we were both so overweight. I came home so upset about the remarks, I spoke to my husband about this. Then one afternoon we have a show here in Washington State called Northwest Afternoon. They had the leading surgeon for this procedure on the show a few days later. I called the doctor's office and scheduled an appointment for the free seminar and went. I have never looked back because it was the greatest decision I've ever made for myself. Just shy of the first year anniversary after the surgery I had lost 200 lbs. I thank God everyday that I made the decision to go through the surgery because I was determined that there was no way I was going to die by the time I was 41 because of my weight. Some folks have said that it was the lazy persons way of getting rid of the weight but those of you that have done it know better. It is extremely difficult and when I had mine it was still in it's early stages of the procedure being done so I suffered through a whole lot of pain.
I want to congratulate each and everyone of those out there who have had this surgery to better their lives and their health. Because no matter what you chose to do something so you would be healthier and live longer.

I had the gastric bypass done 23yrs ago...........and honestly I still have a hard time believing that I am skinny

On Oct 4, 2005, I underwent gastric bypass surgery. Since I have lost over 250 lbs. Last June I underwent the excess skin removal on my stomach and arms. All my friends and family completely supported me through this and were extremely happy about the weight loss. Even though both my parents are overweight, they were very supportive through the entire process. Last august I made another major change in my life when I relocated from Michigan to Indianapolis, In. I still maintain relationships with my close friends from Michigan and they hae stayed very supportive. I am very happy with my life as it is, the surgery has given a much better outlook on life. Not only did it make me physically healthier, it made me mentally healthier as well.

Thank you Thank you Thank you lil' RR!!! I thought it was just me!! I feel I've lost ALL my friends , along with my weight (100+lbs.) and hair!!! I live in a "rural" community..so the only people I see now are at the post office or pharmacy!!...It is such a RELIEF to know that I'm not alone in feeling like I've lost my friends!!!
I hope to return to college and pursue an additional degree in the fall. Hope to make friends there.
God Bless You Rachael Ray for All your great 'Family' recipies, and the caring way you put out your show..YOU ROCK!

I know a person that had this surgery and I DON'T recommend it to anyone! She was someone I had admired for her self confidence and her beauty. She was a bigger built woman but she always wore clothing and makeup that flattered her. She was never one that I would have considered fat. I looked up to her and now this surgery has totally changed her, and not for the better. Yes, she did lose weight but it has caused some mental issues that have ruined her career and a lot of friendships. She is not the person I knew at all. I am NOT a small person but I would rather be happy and have a normal life then face the changes that have made her who she is today. I think the doctors should research more into those individuals habits and lifestyles before they agree to operate. To see if there are other options that maybe that person hasn't tried or stuck to well enough first. Also they only recommend people to go through therapy before the surgery and I feel that they should have to commit to continue it for at least the next two years after the surgery. That is a lot of change for anyone's mind and body to accept that quickly. Thank you

To "ronpeg";
You know this is a matter of your mind!!..EVERY DAY..go into the bathroom ..may want to lock the door 1st. Stand naked in front of your mirror...carress your face arms ect. and TELL yourself that you ARE SPECTACULAR start @ 5 minutes...Just think of the bravery it took for us to undergo the surgery!!!...2% failure rate...but we did it for ourselves and families!!!!!.....And it is not just "a diet" it is a life style change!!...
Friends come and go ..TRUE friends stand by your side!!..but even those friends are now suddenly "not available"...
I'll check this message board or write to me at hapetersen@hotmail.com...Do you know of any tonic for regrowing my hair?..

I guess it depends on the gastric bypass you have. I have researched weight loss surgery for 2 years. The one I have chosen to have (which is cheaper than them all because the dr cares enough to keep the cost down), has a support group from all over the world includeing some separate groups in diffrent cities. I have friends that have had this particular procedure done and we all support each other. The online group supports everyone whether you have had the prodcedure done or not. THATS WHAT PEOPLE DO. If you lose weight true friends support you whether you are losing weight or not or how you choose to lose your weight. A mother should support her child NO MATTER WHAT. The mother on todays show was wrong.
So, do your research and make the choice that is best for you.

To everyone that lost weight:

CONGRATULATIONS!

Whether through bypass surgery or not, it is a life milestone to do it, nearly impossible for some!

I was lucky enough to have lost 60 lbs at one time and I know how hard it was.

So, congrats again all!

Dave

I had gastric bypass in March of 06 and it saved my life...I have lost 209lbs and I am very proud of myself...It's a tool I struggle everyday I have to watch what I eat and it's not easy..I had a very supportive family and that is a big key to success..

I am a very obese women who admire anyone who can have this surgery done it takes alot of strength to go thru something like this i wasnt heavy till i got pregnant at 16 , and its been the hardest thing in my life to lose weight but now at the age of 35 iam ready and have finally gotten the courage to do something bout it i go the end of july to finally set the date for my surgery and iam scared out of my mind, but its my choice to have this done so i can live to see my kids and my future grandchildren grow into adults , since beginin the process ive been able to lose on my own 49 lbs but its a long process and i have friends who are for and against this surgery but i figure its my choice , so to all who have lost and are stilll losing congratulations,

My prayers are with you tammynb3 for a successful surgery and a successful weight loss campaign!

Dave

--- Edited by batsondg at 2008-06-25 01:52:10 ---