Food addiction / Complications from surgery?

[TheNewRyan]

Hey guys and gals, I have been reading everyone's posts and doing my research on gastric sleeve for a couple months now. And I ran into a couple things that I could see as potential problems. I wanted to see if I could get other sleevers perspectives on this. First off, the mental addiction to food. I am an emotional eater, happy, sad, bored or otherwise I reward with food. It is a terrible habit that I formed when I was young. I have been over weight for 24 years and have been on just about every diet out there. The most weight I have ever successfully lost was 50 pounds and of course like most people over a period of time gained it back plus some. I have about 150 pounds to loose now and know that I really do need the help.

So my concerns, I have been trying to diet like being on the sleeve for about a month now. Been cutting down my portions, chewing (first time I ever had done that, lol), not drinking before / after meals 30min, and walking 3 miles 3 times per week. I also have a pretty active job so I am on my feet moving around most of the day. But FOOD keeps sneaking back into my life! Granted I don't eat as much as I used to, but when I try to eat healthy for long periods of time I find myself always sneaking back to food that is high in sugar, fat, calories, etc. I just am not sure about the mental battle that I know I am going to face after surgery. And that scares me, a lot. I so desperately just want to be "normal". To fly on airplanes without worrying about a seat belt extender, be able to go to Universal Studios without worrying about trying (and failing) the test seats on the roller coasters. To be able to buy normal clothes. Not to mention all the health benefits.. bleh, Is it better to leap and just deal with the mental struggles after the fact???

Okay, last concern.. long term consequences from surgery. I am pretty much over the initial complications. I figure if I am going to die from surgery I can't stop that from happening. I wouldn't even have to get the surgery, I could just be walking down the road and some doctor on the way to preform a gastric sleeve surgery could run me over. So I am comfortable with my chances there. But what is going to happen 5 months, 5 years, 10 years down the line? What are the consequences for having the surgery?

I know that this surgery is new and there is not enough research yet on the long term effects, but I found some stuff in my research that scares me a lot as well. Specifically the nutrition deficiency that could lead to neuropathy. I have seen a couple cases of gastric sleeve patients with nerve damage due to nutritional deficiencies. I am sure this is probably rare, but one lady was saying she was even taking her vitamins and still ended up having nerve damage that put her in a wheel chair??

It won't let me post the links because I haven't made 15 posts yet, but just google "neuropathy gastric sleeve" Some scary stuff. Check out the link called "Peripheral Neuropathy - POST-Operation Gastric Sleeve Surgery", "WLS and neuropathy" and "Gastric Sleeve, Roux-en-Y and Nerve Damage | WLS Support"

Can this be controlled with the vitamins you take? I noticed some people said they where taking vitamins and this still happened! I couldn't even imagine not being able to walk.

BUT everyone that I have seen on here and other forums and YouTube said that they have not regretted having surgery and it has changed their life for the better in so many ways! I know the weight will kill me in the end, so I guess the trade off makes sense.. some possible complications versus definite long term complications due to morbid obesity. I am not on any medications nor have I ever been. I have only been to the hospital a handful of times and have only had one surgery. So I am not really comfortable with all of this.

Anyway, just nervous, I am trying to get myself scheduled for mid November so that I can get the needed downtime for some recovery before going back to work. I have been steadily loosing weight from 347 down to 325 and trying to create better eating habits before surgery, but again some mental problems there. Tell me I am worrying for nothing, tell me stop worrying and go have your stomach removed kid! Just tell me something.

Thanks for letting me vent!
Ryan.

[curlyme]

After surgery your appetite and cravings(even your taste buds are off) are curbed greatly....mostly head hunger happening....you gotta find NEW ways to distract yourself after surgery...

Going to support group with other sleeve people helps alot too...

I dont regret it at all...my diabetes is better and I was on THREE meds for diabetes pre surgery and now I am just ONE med...it's been worth it to me...I've had NO complications and I followed the pre op diet and had no complications during surgery..my incisions are now closed...Im living a normal life now...it's just that NOW I cannot binge on food because Im not always hungry all the time....now I dont feel hungry at all...I eat for nutritions sake

[ltlsqueak]

Welcome! Great questions. I too hope to have my surgery in November. There is a waiting list and I'm going through the approval process. Wish I could help you with your questions, but I did want to wish you well.

[*Amy*]

All your questions are good ones.... I have spoke to a family memember who has studied bariatric surgery and does WLS surgery. He has mentioned that we can actually live with out our stomach which I though was very interesting within it self...He has mentioned that the sleeve has the less health issues incomparision to other options. However, I am curious to find out about the nueropathy? because that sounds very scary... and I have never heard about that... Your post has me very intrigued in wanting to do some more reserach about this surgery. I too plan to schedule my surgery by or before November and I may come back to respond with a more focus answer sometime this week after I call the expert in my family. Thank you for the food for thought!!!

[revewp]

Ryan,

First off let me say... CONGRATS ON THE LOSS OF 20+ LBS. That is not a small fete, and I want to let you know that you are on the right path to a healthier you. I applaud you as well for doing the necessary research, and exploring both the +/- of having any wls.

Now let me state this up front so that you won't think that you are talking to a Sleeve Veteran, I am just 5 days out from surgery, but I can tell you this, I have not regretted it from the time I decided almost a year ago, up until now.

I too was a pretty big guy, actually I started off maxing at 400lbs, and like you I had tried every diet, shake, workout, and still eventually would gain the 10, 20, 30+ lbs I lost right back.

I finally went into my doctor and said, what do I need to do to have the surgery. I got connected with a weight management specialist, and began pretty much on the same journey that you are on now. I cut my calories down initially to 1800 for a few months then to 1400, plus a protein shake meal plan, with phentermine. I was doing well, dropping pounds pretty rapidly. Then the doctor told me, I had to exercise. That is the one thing I didn't want to do, but the very thing that best got me prepped for this surgery. I began to do a workout regimen that had cardio, LOT'S OF CRUNCHES, and some resistance training.

I say all that to say this, those months of preparation helped me to adjust my mental ADDICTION to food, from over consumption all the time, to moderate consumption just some of the times. I learned how to work some cheat foods into my week, and how to not let the cheats get me off my schedule. Plus, when I got to my 2 week liquid diet before surgery, I wasn't starving, cuz I had adjusted my habits months prior slowly but surely. I didn't fall off and go splurge, I did have a few cheats, like a slice of homemade poundcake, ok actually 2, but I drank so much water, and liquids to make up for it, it never threw me into a splurge mode.

So I say what you are doing to prep yourself physically, is vital to your mental approach as well.

As far as the possible side affects, I cannot begin to answer all of those questions, because I am again a newbie myself. I do know this, I am and have been for months taking a liquid vitamin, on top of chewables, plus focusing strongly on making the new vitamin regimen a part of my life. I don't leave home without my backpack with a couple of waters, shakes, shake cups, and vitamins. the other thing is to also try and meet as much of the protein allotment per day as possible. I pretty much know what is gonna get me to my protein place, which is 98 grams per day. (myfitnesspal is a great tool to start using to help keep track of this and all vitamin intake).

I believe this, change starts with 1 step, and by posting in this forum, and doing your research, and having your concerns, and not being afraid to ask for help before you take this leap, you Ryan, have taken a HUMUNGOUS step.

Keep up the good work, and hopefully something I shared was and will be helpful in your decision and prep.

Blessings,

EWP

[Msvetrn]

Have FAITH and just DO IT! Everyone's experience post op is different - from food addictions, temptations to complications...nobody can predict how YOU or your body will handle things. You will find your way!

[RoDean]

Ryan I am one week post op today. I had my surgery in Tijuana with Dr. Mario Almanza. So far everything has gone off without a hitch. My own Doctor saw me the day we got back from Mexico and said how impressed she was with the actual surgery and incisions that I had received. I don't know about the nerve thing to which you refer, but that seems to be one or two cases you have read about versus the 100's of positive outcomes you read about on here. It is a whole new life and your life will be emotional and messy, just like before, the difference is now you have a tool to help you know when to put on the brakes. Oh you can binge, from what I hear the suffering you will have from doing that even once will keep you from ever making that mistake again!! This is what I know, before this surgery, I was living to eat, now I am eating to live, like a normal person, like a skinny person, enough to sustain health and vitality and quality of life, not so much I am headed to an early grave. Good luck my friend, now shut up and go have your stomach removed!!

[luke]

You should speak to your doctor regarding neuropathy. The topic is controversial. It's caused by long-term nutrient deficiency, all the vitamins that our nerves depend on. Prevention is very dependent on YOU taking all your supplements reliably. It also depends on which WLS you undergo. Gastric Bypass has a much greater impact on absorption.

Talk to you doc, but also TAKE YOUR SUPPLEMENTS.

[cowgirljane]

You are researching well and asking the right questions.

Go into this with your eyes wide open - there ARE risks. Bad things sometimes happen! My advice is to educate yourself, discuss with your surgeon, feel confident in your surgeon (or pick a different one!) and then follow the instructions best you can.

I lost 150# and have been maintaining since Feb 2013. My life is transformed. I just had blood work a few weeks ago, my nutrional profile is AMAZING. My blood pressure is perfect, my cholestrol is unreal healthy levels, my blood sugar is ideal - you name it, it is all good. I have been vit D deficient for years, no amount of supplements fixed that, and now I am a little above normal even! For many of us, the sleeve gave us the gift of not just a better looking and feeling body, but also much better overall health.

[yankegal]

I just finished reading your post, I had surgery 2 yrs ago come Aug 8th, I can say that things are much different then before surgery. I had a lot of health issues and that was the reason for my surgery. I did have some neuropathy in my legs, and since surgery is mostly gone, I also was and sometime still am an emotional eater. but after the surgery you are not going to want to eat, trust me! but once you get use to eating smaller amounts it gets easier. You will always need to monitor what you eat, this surgery is a tool not a quick fix as some think it is. You need to know that if you are serious about weight loss and have the surgery you will need to make changes in your habits, your dr should have you see a therapist and go to some support meetings, there you will see others that have conquered the same hurdles as most of us have. I can say that I have had no real problems or complications from this surgery, it has however helped me to live a more normal life with less health issues, my diabetes, bp, gout, thyroid, sleep apnea is all good I have to still take bp meds, and diabetes meds but no more insulin YEAH!!! But I have to watch cause I do love my sweets! I do have them on occasion but always in smaller amounts. There are days when I still can't eat much and then there are days that I can eat a lot! but again portion control and what you eat is very important. I try to always get in my proteins, veggies, fruits then starch or carbs. but usually after eating my meat and veggies I can't eat anything else. We all worry about the what if's. But you need to think positive! you are already on the road to change! your diet and you are loosing weight already, I worried right up to the day of surgery!!! This site is wonderful for questions and answers, there are alot of people on this site that will help, and support you in any way that you need. just ask!! Good luck to you! Oh by the way just so you know I have maintained my weight now and it is two years next week!!! YEAH! I feel better now then I have in a very long time. the only change I would make...... I should have done it sooner!!!! best wishes to you!!!

[Little Verbena]

I haven't done as much research on the neuropathy issue since I was under the impression it was mostly a full gastric bypass issue. I think there is something about a B12 deficiency that may be the cause.

[efh56]

Ryan, I remember the first visit I had with the surgeon. His comment to me was, "You will never be hungry again." My immediate response was, "Hunger has never been my motivation to eat! I eat for many reasons...(like you) boredom, excitement, depression, reward, I just like the taste of food!" Then he said, "But the part of the stomach that is removed contains the 'hunger sensors'." I didn't really grasp that until after the surgery. As Curlyme stated earlier, sensations (post-surgery) are so very different. "Full" doesn't feel like my belly is going to burst...it's different...unexplainable. "Hungry" isn't a hunger pang...it's different. I haven't been HUNGRY (like I recognized before) a SINGLE TIME since surgery. If I'm busy (most days at work are busy), I have to remind myself to eat. Drinking enough fluid is problematic for me because I don't remember to drink throughout the day. Old habits: I find myself sitting in front of the TV and thinking, "I need to eat something...what shall it be?" (My list of foods that work for me - that don't make me feel nauseated - is quite limited BUT I'm VERY OK WITH THAT...LOVING food is what got me in this position.) I don't eat 3 meals a day. I eat when I think of it. And my favorite foods pre-surgery are not even CLOSE to my favorites anymore. I used to LOVE chicken...now, yuk! The sad part is chips and cookies are just as tasty as they were before so I have to stay completely away from them.

So, there are pluses and minuses to everything. I wouldn't go back for anything and I'm only 6 months removed from my "old life". BTW: I climbed a 50' climbing wall over the weekend and zip-lined to the bottom! If someone had told me 6 months ago I'd be doing that, I would have tried to WAKE THEM UP!...because surely they were dreaming. God is sooooo good!....ALL THE TIME!

[TheNewRyan]

Thank you guys so much for your support. Hearing from all of you has definitely made a difference and I am feeling a lot better about everything! You guys are very inspiring and I am looking forward to a whole new life! I know this is the right thing to do and I am ready to take on the challenge and over come the bonds of obesity. That being said.. I am late for my walk

Thanks again.. so much!!

[~Fawn]

ok, Hi...
I am a veteran of 8+ months...lol veteran!!! ha! Anyway, I will be the first to say this is no rosey path. Before surgery I could hardly walk, couldn't tie my own shoes...not from emotional eating but from simply eating. I put my self in the frame of mind as you have weeks, months before having the surgery...I did good. but you cannot now or later come down on yourself for splurging. That is not healthy. Now, it should be a struggle for you to have say 1/2 that cheese cake, where after it is done you wont have the problem stopping...or you'll throw it up then feel bad.

I struggled in the beginning to simply breath...yup, I died. a few time according to the medical chart "clinically dead". once back from that they had me in a coma, then after i finally woke, they sent me to rehab, until my lungs could work and my heart rate was down to 130 at rest. So yo ucan say i had the worst experience ever (outside a possible twist)...but I would never change it.

The emotional aspect to food will play on you...but your tummy will remind you. I go shopping I still walk down those danger isles at the store, knowing full well i cannot have any, and i am ok with looking. I still go out to dinner and encourage my friend...who ever i am with to enjoy such nummy desserts...knowing i can probably talk them in to letting me try 'a' bite...cuz thats about all i can eat after eating my meal!.

The slider foods...after getting the protein in, there really isn't room for them. But you could skip the protein meal, eat the slider, kick yourself later.. but thats where your head has to play a part.

now the part i really want to hit home to you... ready? your going to be shocked!!!!!

THIS SURGERY HAS TRULY BEEN AROUND 60+ YEARS!!!!
--incredible you say? no not really. This surgery was and is still used for ulcer patients. after years of watching there ulcer patients lose weight after their procedures, the doc had some studies done to see if this was a viable option to weight loss or bariatric surgery. with an astounding result from many studies, the surgery was approved (that was about 8ish years ago) then came trying to get the insurance to recognise this new surgery... most have now gotten on board and I think more will now that obesity is now technically declared a disease.

So is there a way to find out a 10 or 20 year outlook? sure! I can tell you my grandfather had this exact surgery in 1954 (he was a drinker) and he is still alive and kicking today, albeit--he is old. My original reason for this surgery was for peptic, bleeding ulcers I have had for years. there is a good prognosis for this surgery...

I hope this helps you.

[TheNewRyan]

Thanks Ellington for your response. You have no idea how much this has helped me to gain some perspective. I tend to be hard on myself and I don't look enough at the good I am doing. Your right, 20lbs is a big deal, and I am definitely going to take your advice and continue to prep through a healthy diet and exercise before surgery. It looks like your doing great and I wish you the best throughout your journey! And on that note.. I am seriously late for my walk. Thanks again!!