From371to184's Journal, 09 October 2017

Yes 

WOW! 

Sadly, yes... 

God gave us the size of our organs for a reason.I'm appalled that medicine can do these surgeries with no long term research. did the do research? 

So very very sad. 

There are a lot of people on this web site who have suffered from obesity and related illnesses for many years and found help they needed from bariatric surgeons. Sometimes they're shy about speaking up here because they're concerned about being judged. They need support just as much as the rest of us because weight loss surgery isn't terribly effective over the long term without accompanying life changes. What might be sad for some of you might be a desperately needed and carefully considered lifeline for others. Some of the members I've seen celebrated here for their losses were assisted by weight loss surgery, which was a part of their successful process. The path to better health is not the same for everyone, even if the end goal is one we all share.  

@kpwcalories - completely agree with you; my point (albeit missed) was that (as a society) aren't we an impatient bunch... not hit against WLS itself, but I felt as if the advertisement was encouraging a 'thoughtlessness' regarding a medical procedure, that's all. 

@kpwcalories - When you say bariatric surgery is that where they tie off part of the stomach or when they stick that rod through someone many, many times to literally cut the body fat out of the body? I've seen the latter (on Television) and it looks barbaric. And very painful. 

Does that come with a lacrosse stick, or with a basketball, or do you get a choice? 

I have two friends who got the surgery. Both had hormonal issues and diabetes. Those issues actually cleared up after the surgery. However these are also the two most determined and loving people I know. They say be ready for it to change your life if you go the surgery route. It's not for everyone psychologically. 

@musiclady781 - I know there was a study (out there) that said the removal of the first several inches of our small intestines (just below the stomach) could hamper the absorption of "sugars", thus eliminating diabetes in some patients WITHOUT going through gastric banding and some forms of WLS. FYI only. 

I'm speechless. I think that I'll just stick with the keto diet. I'm certain that I won't be absorbing any sugar if I'm not eating or drinking any. 

I've had the surgery, being in the same boat as Musiclady781's friends. Its really no picnic and I wouldn't encourage ANYONE to have it unless their doctor feels it's necessary. It's a tool to aid in weight loss and after that first year it's a fight to maintain those eating habits, so I still struggle but I have to tell you that my diabetes was gone by the time I got to the recovery room! Unfortunately, the flip side of not absorbing "sugars" is that nutrient and vitamin absorption are also impaired in some people. There really is no magic to a healthy weight except a lot of hard work and perseverance.  

Yes. This type of surgery is one they are pushing before weight loss and health. Seen it fail too many times and have know many who die within 3 years of the surgery due to malnutrition. Had close friend die 7 months after the surgery due to not being able to intake enough essential minerals. Died after potassium fell too low stopping her heart while she slept on night. Left behind a precious 5 year old daughter she had recently adopted from Guatemala.  

So does the FDA get $$ for appoving unproven procedures? Surgeons sure do. My do recommended it because I needed knee surgery. I went to Lindora Clinic and lost quickly. Their program has you eatin 6 times a day with protein plus fruits and veggies spead over breakfast, lunch and dinner. I checked calories on line and I averaged about 800-1000 a day. I'm sorry that those who chose or will choose surgery sometimes fail to get encouragement with their choices. I still don't understand how the procedure can be so available without long terms studies. 

I've known people who've had the surgery, gone to Mexico from Canada for it. This is simply my opinion if you agree with it or not, I've always had rollercoaster weight and know it takes work, dedication and will power to lose weight and just as much dedication to keeping it off. The people I know that have had this procedure all say the same thing, "I tried everything! And nothing works!" When essentially they have never taken any long or short term actions to any of my knowledge but constantly chase that miracle pill that does not exist and look for ways out of any effort. In extreme cases of life or death I can understand the risk/reward. Here's to everyone working hard at reaching your goals, it's not easy but it's worth it.  

@ruthe1213 All medical procedures, products, medicines, etc have to go through a testing phase. The doctors and investing companies are the ones providing the research information. Many have been caught fudging the numbers to ensure approval of medical research that would in effect cause them to reap millions of $$$. It is not always about the patient. Many times it is all about the $$$. The FDA Is Failing Miserably Due To Corruption https://youtu.be/MakEZ5tllCU  

War on Health - Gary Null's documentary exposing the FDA https://www.youtube.com/h0CQrL5nzwo 

I'm glad to know there are others out there who question the medical profession.