Gastric Banding Sucks

Let me qualify that statement before I go any further. In 2001, I had a gastric bypass. That procedure involves stapling off most of the stomach pouch so that you end up with a stomach the size of a shot glass. You eat less food, suffer serious side effects when you eat greasy or sugary foods and thereby lose a lot of weight. With the help of a good diet and regular exercise, I lost 90 pounds. A couple friends of mine have since had the same procedure and lost a great deal of weight. None of us suffered from … Continue reading

Suicidal After Weight Loss Surgery?

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking: “Hey, you aren’t obese anymore, you’ve lost 100 pounds and all your health problems have cleared up. What have you got to be suicidal about?!” The University of Pittsburgh recently completed a study that showed that among people aged from 25 to 34 who had weight loss surgery, the suicide rate was considerably higher than that of the general population. Having had a gastric bypass in 2001, I’d like to address this from my own personal point of view. When you’ve been overweight all of your life, it becomes part of your identity. … Continue reading

Is Lap Band Surgery Safe?

In the past two years, we have been hearing about a new type of weight loss surgery called the “lap band”. For years, gastric bypass was the only surgery option that seemed to work. However, gastric bypass also comes with some high risks to infection, heavy scarring, and even death. Considered a highly invasive surgery, people who struggle with obesity have turned to gastric bypass trying to create a healthier life. Now, it appears the lap band system may be a better alternative, also successful but without as high as risks. The difference between the two surgeries is dramatic. For … Continue reading