Replies to 'Pros and Cons of Gastric Bypass Surgery'

I had the surgery in May of 1996. My beginning weight was 454 pounds and I rapidly lost down to 200 pounds. I went from a size 32 to a size 12-14, and probably could have worn a size 10 if I had had the money to have cosmetic surgery to remove the excess skin. I actually kept the weight off for about three years, and then I started gaining weight again. This was very frustrating because I knew what I was eating, (about 700 calories per day) and I felt I did not eat enough to be gaining this much weight again. It was like a nightmare! By the time I had figured out what was happening I had gained about 130 pounds back. I have since started loosing again, though this time it is much slower. I tell everyone who is considering gastric bypass that it is NOT for everyone.  I would never have made it this far if not for the help of my gastroenterologist, whom I trust completely. My advice to people who have had the surgery would be to keep track of the weight loss/gain and don't let it get out of hand. It is much easier to loose 5 pounds than 50. And to those who are considering having this procedure done, check out all your options. There are new procedures that are being studied that are not as life altering.  Gastric bypass has so many side effects and complications that if they can be avoided, they should at all costs.