The Other Side of Gastric Bypass
I am receiving many emails from readers pointing me to websites with negative comments about this surgery and real life stories of procedures gone bad.
Of course there is a risk in this operation, just like with any procedure. But you have to see the whole picture before you consider it as risky. One of the most famous "gone bad" cases, is that from Dave Weindel, so widely publicized and featured on CBS The Early Show.
Now, what you have to consider in this case is that his operation was performed in 1998, more than 8 years ago where experience and technology was a factor. A recent study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 1 in 50 people die within one month of having gastric bypass surgery, and that figure jumps nearly five-fold if the surgeon is inexperienced. You want to know as much information about the surgeon's background as you can. Anyone who evades your question, get up and walk out.
I HAD BYPASS SURGERY ABOUT 1 1/2 YEARS AGO, I ONLY LOST ABOUT 65 POUNDS I STARTED EATING FOODS EARLYER THAN I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE. I HAVE TRIED MANY DIETS TO LOOSE THE REMAINDER OF THE WEIGHT BUT ONLY LOST ABOUT 5 POUNDS. I SPOKE TO MY DOCTOR AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO GO BACK AND REDUE THE SURGERY BUT I AM SCARED. I THOUGHT ABOUT TAKING DIET PILLS BUT DON'T KNOW THE SIDE EFFECTS.IM LOST AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Posted by: VERONICA | November 06, 2006 at 08:03 PM
My daughter Dawn had bypass surgery 8years ago.At the time of surgery she weighed 250.She now weighs 97 pounds,and has been in the hospital for a year.She is suffering from severe malnutrition.Doctors have attempted to put in a feeding tube 3times,and have failed.She has a pic line but is constantly getting infections which she can't fight because her spleen was nicked during her surgery so it was removed.She is forbidded to eat solid food,she can have onlyhave a few ice chips.Her doctor has told her that she may never be able to eat food again.The doctor that is treating her now is not the doctor who did the botched job.Dawn is 39years old and the single mother of two daughters. Dawn is severly depressed. In this last year we have almost lost her 5 times. I don't see my daughter ever being able to live a normal life.It's very unlikely that she will ever be able to care for her children the way a mother does.I WOULD LOVE TO FIND A DOCTOR WHO IS A SPECALIST, TOP NOTCH SPECALIST TO HOPEFULLY HELP HER.
Posted by: dawn colby | May 03, 2008 at 05:19 AM
I have been thinking of the same thing.Is it possiable? I also only lost 65.
Posted by: carolyn | May 14, 2008 at 04:27 PM
dear dawn,
I am in the same shape you are in. The same thing has happened to me, only I did have 3 feeding tubes but they all came out. Now I have gastroperesis and my stomache has closed up all but a pin hole that only liquids will go down. I have been trying desperately to find someone to help me I have plenty of insurance to pay for the help if only I could just find the help that I need.
always here.cynthia
Posted by: cynthia greene | February 23, 2009 at 02:51 AM
Dr. Carson Liu helped me, he has extensive knoweldge. He is in Los Angeles. He is kind and compassionate. MY surgery was so mangled and botched it was crazy. I fought to get to him and he is a blessing. I highly reccomend this Bariatric surgeon with all my heart. I hope this comment finds it's way to you.
Posted by: Michele Young | June 24, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Although rare, my father died on Feb. 8th 2011, a month after gastric bypass.
Posted by: Marta | February 10, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Hi my name is Yadi I'm 27 years old and I had gastric bypass on the 9 of November of 2011. I have done really well and so far I haven't had any complications. I was at 275lb now I'm at 221lb I follow every instruction drink all my vitamins my protein and everything else.I had a good doctor top of the line Dr.Sosa he is really good and has more than experience.Hes patients have done really well and he has an excellent background.It is very important to have a doctor that has a good experience and knows what he is doing. I'm really happy that I made this decision and I know that with this surgery you never know what's going to happen next.The scary part is that one day you're good and the next you're worst. I can only say to those that have had a bad experience that I'm really sorry we do this hoping to have a better life and sometimes what we get in return is something completely different. I hope that I can live a healthier life and I pray for those in seek of help that they do find a good doctor that can help.
Posted by: Yadi | December 31, 2011 at 02:23 AM