I am so fed up with the shows on TV. Taunting me(I'll speak for myself) with hopes and dreams of a new life with surgery and exercises. However after being intrigued for an hour on how much happier that person is there is no information on how we can get the same help. Gastric bypass surgery is no mystery and any seriously overweight person already knows the procedures and risks involved. What I want to know and I'm sure many others is how do we get the help.

I am 31 years old, mother. My last known weight is 605. I have been home bound for over 2 years now. I was told I need to lose 30 lbs and become more mobile in order to have to surgery. My insurance company needs 6 months documented information. If I am at home how do I get it. How can I get out and exercise and I don't have required access to get to a pool or gym(if they even have equipment big enough). Yeah Yeah I know every little movement count. Please believe i try and its not working by myself. I ask constantly over and over again for help and doctors stand around with their head up their butts. If i get down to a managable size then they will help. HECK!!! If I could lose weight and get mobile again by myself what do I need them for after I did all the hard work. Im not looking for miracles just answers. Thats what the show should focus on . The struggles mentally and physically a person goes through before the surgery(if they make it that far). I've seen shows on TlC with people bigger than me having the surgery and then they role the credits at the end; where the real useful information

Hi Kita, I know this can be very frustrating. I too would like to start the process for weightloss surgery. There is a very helpful web site called obesityhelp.com. Go to there and you will find alot of valuable information. I have read about people getting approved for surgery because they hired a lawyer because they didnt want to go through that 6 month bull S and they weighed half of your weight. You should not have to be put on that 6 mo bs diet only for documentation, that is the insurance stall tatic for you to change your mind. I know what I'm telling you...go to that site you will find people who were just like you and were successfull in getting the surgery!!! Good luck and dont give up it will save your life!!!

Thank you for the information. I have been too that site as well. Far as "I" have researched on that site the only people in my weight category are asking the same questions I am. I've used the referral for doctors in my area and contacted a few. I get the response that i am too big for surgery. I need to lose the weight. I'll ask about aqua therapy i can go too...and the I don't knows start happening. Maybe I live in the wrong state for help. Im willing to go anywhere but I'm not even getting the referral to go.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:
Thank you for the information. I have been too that site as well. Far as "I" have researched on that site the only people in my weight category are asking the same questions I am. I've used the referral for doctors in my area and contacted a few. I get the response that i am too big for surgery. I need to lose the weight. I'll ask about aqua therapy i can go too...and the I don't knows start happening. Maybe I live in the wrong state for help. Im willing to go anywhere but I'm not even getting the referral to go.

Hi my name is Angie---I'm 543 lbs and no one in my area does the surgery on people over 450 but I have found a place in another state that does patients up to 800 lbs. I am going to make the 10 hour trip there to have the surgery---if I may ask where are you and what insurance do you have---you can contact me on yahoo messenger @ heylookitsangie let's chat

Knowledge is power. If this show saves the life of one person it is worth it.

I had weight loss surgery 9 months ago and have lost 50% of my excess body weight. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. The surgery that I had is called a duodenal switch. The duodenal switch restricts the amount of food eaten and limits the amount of food absorbed by the body. I have had no problem with the surgery. The main thing to remember is that surgery is a tool and you need to follow the rules to be successful.

My doctor, Dr. John Husted operates on Super Super Mobidly Obese people that is people with a BMI greater than 60. But as with any surgery you need to go through a series of tests to make sure you are a candiate for surgery. Check out his web site at www.lapsf.com

Good luck to all of you that are considering having weight loss surgery.

Stacy

Do we need another gastric bypass show? Absolutely. But, it's time we had one that went beyond the drama of the surgery and resulting before and after pictures. The numbers of people having this surgery are growing, but so many of those people are getting little or inaccurate information about what happens after surgery. It's no wonder that people think it's the easy way out because that's all they see. "Look, that person had surgery and look how great they look a year later!"

That said, I also don't think their job is to give you all the answers. While any additional information they provide is useful, it's YOUR job if YOU want it bad enough to find answers to your questions. It may not be easy to find, but it IS out there. It's about taking responsibility for your health and your future and not relying on a television program to hand it to you.

I agree with you and maybe I worded it wrong but what I was wanting is what you stated.. The show needs to focus on getting to that point before surgery and after. Helping bring those answers out there so its not hard to find. If I can't get the answers from a physician then just where am I to get them from. I have spoken with medicare customer service; therapist in my area; and doctors and nurses asking for places a woman of my size can get the physical help I need to "prepare" me for surgery. I get no helpful responses. I see it all the time on tlc, discovery; even Oprah, where people are put in facilities for the morbid obese; where they have aquatic therapy pools, people prepare meals for them, and have the surgery larger than me. I just don't feel I need to spread myself over the tv screens to get the help and boost their ratings. None of them show how to contact these places to get the help

I agree totally that people need to be informed of the possible problems that can occur when you have weight loss surgery. Check with your local hospital and newspaper to see if there are any weight loss surgery support groups in your area. Support groups are a great source of information. This is people that have been there and done that. You will be able to hear their stories and learn from their experiences. Go on-line to www.obesityhelp.com there is a wealth of information at that web-site. Most people that have had surgery are more than willing to share their experiences.

Stacy

Hi Kita,
I have been through R&Y Gastric Bypass, as well as my mother, and her best friend. My Grandmother had "old school" stapling back before Bypass came along. My Aunt was in the same position you are in. No insurance, over 600 pounds, no help, and required to lose before surgery. She lost as much as she could, but opted to have a less extensive surgery. She wanted to be safe. Have you thought about that option?

Hi Jenn....Hi Kita....My name is Melynda.....I am Jenn's aunt.....when I finally decided to do something I was at 725....the highwst I had ever been....believe it or not I found my wonderful, blunt to the point of rudeness doctor and a public tv show about the slastic band and stomach stapling. I had ro everything i had no insurance....but i worked hard....i was lucky enought that my parents loaned me the money....but i digress.

I was told that by my doctor that he never did patients over 500 lbs. But he liked my attitude and decided to go for it. Now this whold time i could still move around somewhat. But the only reason for that was the water-aerobics classes at our local YMCA. I tried to go at least 3 times a week. And i loved it. So you might want to check and see in your area. After the surgery i had a hard time. Not physically but metally. Telling myself that there where just things i could not have anymore. I thnk that is the hardest part. And actually seeing the new you insted of the one you hated to watch getting dressed or anything else. I had no complications what so ever with the surgery. I had in Oct of 04.....I am at a plato right now and playing between 400 and 45o...which is to be expected ecause i lost so much so fast. he one thing i have learned mostly is keep your head up no matter what. I have my good and bad days just like everyone else. But you have to be true to you....there are two saying i live by now....Never live a day with regrets and never live a day without finding and saying something good about yourself and others. If you just want to talk or vent of anything wlse just give me a holler....hang tight hun cause ya never know what tomorrow brings

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,

Kita, this is mary jo (psychotherpist for the show). If you go to the resources on-line you will meet our whole team at Methodist(where the show takes place). I think the dieticians there would help you at least lose enough so you could move and perhaps go on to get the bypass. Good luck to you! We are all here, want to help, keep taking steps forward. Don't let yourself get into a downward spiral where you begin to feel sorry for yourself. I can tell by your messages you are a strong woman. Mjo

The reason I feel we need another Bypass show is to show what really goes on. If people dont have a tool to watch or learn from they go in blind. I have reasearched this surgery for almost 7 years now. Watching shows like this help me learn even more. I will be having my life saving surgery in September. It all starts at your family Drs office. I can assure you of that. Pick up the phone and make the call or see if you can have someone come to your house and help you. I would call a Baratric Center and tell them your situation and let them help you.

I appreciate everyone's response. I am trying my hardest to get things done. Finding help for a person my size is a well kept secret. I have been to my doctors; had a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I have referral for a cardiaologist an aqautic therapist. The surgeon said he will not do the surgery til I lost the weight. Well if I could do it alone why exactly do I need the surgery? The bariatric transportation will only send my by strectcher. However these dr offices are not equipped to handle a stretcher. So I'm stuck with no answers from anyone. That is my dilemma. I'm here in this state with no support from my husband., My family is all on the east coast. I have secluded myself from any friends I thought I had. All I want to do is learn how to eat right, get in a pool so I can exercise without feeling like my limbs are going to break. If having the surgery will improve my life than Im willing to have it;however I am desperate to try it with just diet and exercise. Has anyone heard about the new alli pill?

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:
I am trying my hardest to get things done. Finding help for a person my size is a well kept secret.

Try harder. You have internet access and you're using it to moan about the very show(s) that provide you all the tools you need to accomplish what you're having trouble doing yourself.

More than likely you're tethered to the TV and the computer and just because you can't see a key episode or find a critical URL your associating this to a reason you can't get started on the task at hand - which is getting active.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:I have been to my doctors; had a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I have referral for a cardiaologist an aqautic therapist. The surgeon said he will not do the surgery til I lost the weight. Well if I could do it alone why exactly do I need the surgery?

But you will have to 'do it alone' at some point. These 'shows' all show one common thing, reduced intake, increased activity. Pure and simple. The few successes on these shows are those who do it and yes, they have to do it for a very long time.

No one ever 'needs' the surgery, it's just an option and certainly a speed-course for the uninitiated. You will still have to eat smartly and administer exercise anyway so why take the risk ??

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:The bariatric transportation will only send my by strectcher. However these dr offices are not equipped to handle a stretcher.

Then you're in the wrong place. You see how silly that looks to go to a specialized doctor that can't accommodate you ?? That's like going to a dentist with no chair or drill ** HINT: You're watching TV shows that can accommodate you...

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375: So I'm stuck with no answers from anyone.

You had a lot of good answers so far.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:That is my dilemma.

Your 'dilemma' is fixing your calorie intake vs. calories burned. You can fix this dilemma starting today without anything on this list of why you can'ts.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:I'm here in this state with no support from my husband., My family is all on the east coast. I have secluded myself from any friends I thought I had.

*sigh* Excuses - all of them. I understand the seclusion. I did it too when I was morbidly obese but nearly 200 (lost) lbs later, I don't 'hide from the world' anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375: All I want to do is learn how to eat right.

At age 31, you should already know how to eat right, like so many of us, it's the consistency and patience you need to learn - check that, you need to master.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375: If having the surgery will improve my life than Im willing to have it;however I am desperate to try it with just diet and exercise.

Opt for the diet and exercise. You'll have to do it anyway (to be successful). No need to add additional health risk to an already unhealthy situation.

quote:

Originally posted by kita9375:Has anyone heard about the new alli pill?

You don't need it. You have the internet, educate yourself into a good menu and light exercise plan.

605 isn't the end of the world, it's just the beginning of your journey.

WOW...I read this thread name and was going to come in here with both guns drawn.....Now that I see what you are actually saying, I have to reiterate what I was going to say.....I am so grateful for this new BIG MEDICINE show...I am scheduled for my RNY on July 30....I had to jump through hoops...not only for insurance...but for the surgeon himself...yes, I could've gone to another surgeon who didn't require all of the testing...but having gone through it, I am glad to know that I have a good heart, my lungs are strong enough to carry me through the surgery, I am not insane (I have it in writing from the psych) AND I know what is required of me when it comes to nutrition before AND after the surgery.........I am so grateful for this show because my 87 year old mother AND my 40 year old husband are not too internet savvy~ no matter what information I can give them, be it pamphlets, books or the doctors presentation...it pales in comparison to seeing the surgery done on tv....this show has put my family at ease....to see exactly how it is done...and the benefits of the surgery...

Now it comes to your dilemma...well the previous poster I see believes in "tough love"...I do believe that we can all benefit from tough love from time to time (being a mother of 4 children ages 7 to 18)....I think you need the love .... and a deep breath....and lets take it one step at a time......You obviously have seen the two shows that have aired....Allen did not need aqua therapy...although it would've been a great option for him.....you can learn from him and grab a couple of filled water bottles and try lifting them for exercise....do some 'range of motion' exercises....go to his trainers website which is posted in Allen's thread........I know you must have somebody shopping for you/preparing your meals...make better choices....you know you have to give up sugar...especially AFTER the surgery....do it now.....give up carbonated drinks NOW if you drink them.....go online and find a balanced diet...cook without oil,etc.........when it comes down to it...fat gene or no fat gene.....it is calories consumed versus calories burned......Yes, I realize what you are saying..."IF I could lose the weight on my own, then I wouldn't need the surgery"...but every pound that you lose BEFORE the surgery...is one less pound that you have to worry about AFTER the surgery..............
I welcome your comments on my post..and would also be willing to help research with you...if you like.....my email address is LAURASWEIGHTLOSSJOURNEY@YAHOO.COM

Wow! There is a big difference between tough love and harshness. Issues with weight are much more complicated than a simple "eat less" statement or "move some" message can solve. Losing weight is a very difficult task, and it takes a concerted effort on the part of the obese person, their physician and the people in their life. Surgery is NOT easy, and it is a life-long process to get the weight off and keep it off. What people with obesity problems need is understanding, support and guidance, not the prejudice that says, "Push away from the table and you'll be just fine."

Surgery is not for everyone, but if it is appropriate for you, then by all means, you should pursue it...with your eyes wide open, knowing that the actual surgery is just the beginning of a life-long commitment to being healthy.

I agree with Laura that a great place to start is at www.fitandfunny.net, Allen's trainer's website. Obesityhelp.com is another good resource. Get educated about the options and make the decision that works for you.

I wish you good choices and good support!

Thank you all for your positive feedback. I guess I was having a bad day when I started this topic. the show actually hadn't aired when i started this thread. i had just the advertisement for it and was frustrated with my current situation. I have reinterated my way of thinking and hoping surgery will be an option in the future and not a neccesity. I focused too much on trying to get out of here to get my referral when in fact as stated before I need to change my lifestyle now otherwise I won't succeed with or without surgery. I have made many "lifestyle" attempts. Currently I'm working on the core plan through weight watchers. Its only been 4 days but i think the choice of foods i've been eating is an improvement. Plus the tools alone showing just how much I consume in a day on a reg basis (calories not food) is an eye opener. Anyone that knows me has said they don't understand why I;m not losing weight I hardly eat. I tried the Flex plan last week where u eat anything and just stay within the points. Well we had Dominos pizza one night I ate 2 slices of pizza and said that was it. I had 10 wings and ate the other 10 wings for dinner. That was 45 points just for the 20 wings. I didn't dare add nothing else; prob would have been over 100 just with breakfast, etc (If anyone not familiar with the Flex plan I was only alloted 34 pts a day)So I switxhed to Core cuz I was running out of pts half way through the day. All I have to do is give up the sodas; although majority is diet soda I'm starting to hear thats not good for me either.

I had my RNY a few months ago. I am considered a "light weight" ( a little over 100 lbs to loose). However, I understand what you are saying. I have tried many diets for 20+/- years and never was able to keep off the weight. You have all the resources you need. You have the internet and a chair. The internet for the info and the chair for the excersise. Since I had many back problems my dietician gave me the name of an excersise video for obese people. It is done sitting in a chair. Let me know if you want the info. As to where do you start, it really depends on the Dr. , as far as procedures go. It is really hard to know how to eat right. I have been told so many things not to eat by so many people. It was all misinformation. I suggest seeing a dietician/nutrisionist. If you cannot get out to see them there are other options. I thik someone from the show was even willing to help. If you have health insurance check with them. Some have over the phone programs where they will call you every week or so. Think of what you can do not what you can't. It is a heck of a lot easier to say than do, I understand. As far as Dr's go I live in CT and my Dr was Johnathan Arranow. He is excellent and so is all of his staff. Where ever you are I would suggest that you go to a "center of excellence", the outcomes of the operations have to meet a certain criteria also the Dr and hospital have to be able to accomidate obese patients.
You are starting at the right place with changing your life style. You are starting to learn how to eat. Diets don't work. You need to change your lifestyle and way of eating. Document as you go along with a food log and journal. You can see your progress and where you many hit rough patches. You may want to stop and think why you had those rough patches. It took a psychiatrist to point out that I am an emotional eater. I never would have thought that before. I usually only used to eat at night and that was a problem, my body didn't know the difference between starving and I don't want to eat. My body stored everything. It also takes the body time to adjust to different eating patterns.

Take care of yourself from the inside out you deserve it.

Hi Kita,

That is just insane. At 600 pounds, they should KNOW that you don't need diet and exericise--you need the SURGERY to HELP you diet and exercise!!! Indeed, you are housebound and in fact disabled by the obesity--so you need help ASAP! I'm so sorry, I would start with calling the doctor on the phone to see if there is any way he or she would be willing to make house calls until they get the documentation--just coming once a month for six months. Good luck to you!!!!