I had the roux en y gastric bypass surgery March 1992- 22 years ago. At that time nothing was done laparoscopically so I had a vertical incision from the top of my rib cage to my belly button. At the time of the surgery I weighed 310 lbs and was classified as morbidly obese. Over the first year I successfully lost 160 lbs. I began an excercise regime, walking only until I lost 50 lbs. I kept a personal trainer for almost 6 years toning and firming. Because I was relatively young when I had the surgery, I did not require skin removal. 6 years ago, I survived cancer, and have since then gained 50 lbs back. I firmly believe it is due to genetically modified wheat in breads and most foods. I have begun a wheat free diet and have quickly shed 20 of the 50 lbs in only 6 weeks.
I someone asked me if I would choose the gastric bypass today if I was 300 lbs. It is not a quick fix. It is a change if life. To this day I do not drink any fruit juices due to the high fructrose/sucrose -dumping syndrom. I do not eat ice cream, pies, cakes, etc becasue I get sick from the high concentration of sugar. I still limit my red meats due to the long time it takes to process in my smaller stomach. I do not drink any alcohol or carbonated beverages. The gastric pybas improved the quality of my life, I was able to enjoy my family and daughter when she was young. Prior to the surgery I could not walk up a flight of stair with out being winded. So YES I would do it again.
Weight loss surgery is a personal decision. It is not a quick fix and requires much work to maintain the weight loss. Once it is off...yes you can stretch your new pouch out, and yes you can gain back the weight.
