For the past 3 years I have been considering getting a Gastric By-pass. I was wondering if anyone here has had one or knows someone who has. I am currently 5'6 and 320lbs. I am pretty well proportionate. I have an Underactive Thyroid http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypothyroidism.htmand Polycystic Ovarian Disease http://www.wdxcyber.com/dxinf001.htm . These two things along with my severe depression for the past 10 years have made it incredibly difficult to loose a significant amount of weight. Any advice or stories would be greatly appreaciated. -Anatomy
Have you tried meds for the thyroid problem? A lot of doctors don't try different meds and different combos but you might need just a tweak in meds to help. None of us are doctors that I know of, so don't substitute any of this for medical advice. From the sounds of it you could be a candidate for the surgery. Do more research on your own. There are actually 2 different kinds, the one where they put like a band around the upper part of your stomach is reversible so that if you decide to have kids later or something they can remove it and put it back in. The other procedure is not reversible. And none of it is pretty. It is extremely painful, and pretty gross. And there is a super strict diet that you have to abide by or you will not even be able to function it will hurt so bad. Then there are the vitamins that you have to take as well because you won't be getting all of the nutrients you need at first. But you do meet the criteria. All I suggest is finding a good doctor. Even if it costs more. It is definitely worth it. A friend of mine went through it a little over a year ago. She is happy with the results but quite surprised to find that it was a lot of work and a lot of pain. And she still can't eat whatever she wants. Oh and it is not quick. She is still over 200lbs and it has been a year. They told her it would take her about 2.5 years to reach her goal weight of 170lbs. I do completely understand where you are coming from as there was a point where I was 5'10" and 365lbs. I know why you would consider doing this. I too have in the past considered things like liposuction or tummy tuck. But when it came down to it I decided (mostly because I'm poor) to go about it the old fashioned way and use a healthy balanced diet and exercise. I think that is the best way to lose weight, but not exactly the quick fix everyone is looking for.
I'm sure you've heard that having Polycystic Ovarian Disease makes it difficult to have children but I would just like to say that after 5 long years of trying, my best gf is finally going to have a baby.. Anyway, your doctor can give you meds for the underactive thyroid (i have an overactive thyroid myself).. There's also a procedure called LapBand which is totally reversible as gastric by-pass is not.. The band used is adjustable and placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a new smaller stomach pouch which can hold only a small amount of food.. If I was you I would read about it and see what you and the doctor thinks.. If you ever decide to have it removed your stomach will go back to its normal size.. After gastric by-pass the portion of your stomach removed is permanent.. Just my opinion..
man, you're 19! not to sound dogmatic, but DON'T DO IT, MAN! just don't...you're too young and a decision like this could become VERY regretful one day...just don't do it. i have underactive thyroid and i take a thyroid medication daily. i will have to take it every day for the rest of my life, but it's not hard to remember. and it's pretty affordable even without insurance. i just get my blood tested once a year to see the dose i am on is enough. my youngest sis has polycystic and has been able to successfully lose weight. maybe instead of looking toward a drastic and possibly irreversible surgery, look toward seeking some therapy for your depression, and changing your lifestyle to a helpful one, and seeking treatment for your pcos and your underactive thyroid. much love and good luck wishes are being sent your way
I have tremendous sympathy for you, I have struggled with my weight and those good old polycystic ovaries for twenty five years. The one thing I would say is that as far as I can see there is no such thing as a quick fix for this darn weight problem, the thing that I seem to have the most success with is a low glyceimic index diet ( you can look it up on the net it really seems relevant to people with insulin resistance, which is a lot of folk with PCOS), exercise ( I'm totally unsporty but I seem to have a body which totally craves exercise LOL) and being nice to myself, I'm only overweight it's not a sin, it's just something I need to solve to the best of my ability to live my life as fully as I want too. It's obviously your decision, but since you asked for advice I'd say go slowly with this one and do lots and lots of research. Oh and just to add a cheery note about the PCOS and infertility issue, I have three sons ....if you decide you would like to do some conventional healthy eating type dieting and would like a diet buddy, I'd always be willing. I lost a stone and a half last year, good but not good enough, I could do with loosing another four stone I reckon, so I could use some help as well
