Would getting bariatric surgery done be committing the sin of vanity?

[fatchsr]

Most health insurance will pay for the lap band or the gastric bypass if your doctor says you need it and you can only qualify if you are 35 or over in your BMI (body mass index). I would recommend that a person seeking bariatric surgery look for a “Bariatric Surgical Center of Excellence”. In other words, you would want someone who specializes in this type of surgery.

I had lapband, my BMI was 50 when I had surgery (lap band) I have lost 55 lbs. since Sept of 2008. My friend has gastric by pass last July of 09 and has lost over 100.

Yes, lapband is safer. It is done lapriscopicly. You have 5 small holes in your belly and one of them will be the “port” where you get your “fill” to tighten the band. You cannot leave the office until you are able to drink a half glass of water easily.

I also know that Medicare will also pay for it. The insurance companies look at it this way, “we pay 15K now or 500K for quad heart bypass”. As for sagging skin with lapband, very minimal. I go to the gym and work out. Because the weight comes off slowly …the sagging skin has a bit of snap left in it. I am 52…someone who is 30 yrs younger will fare better.

You will have a change in your diet. Bread of any kind will be impossible to eat…donuts, anything heavy cake like will “pack” up inside your new pouch and back up your esophagus. Trust me, you will know when you are full and you will stop eating. Forget soda or anything carbonated…rice is also a “packer”. There are things I do miss eating…but I sure don’t miss that 55 lbs. My knees don’t hurt, I can get down on the floor and get up again without 10 men and boy helping me up. I breathe better. My clothes are falling off and loose. It is a good feeling. I am not tired, and winded, and blah.

I will note: some insurance companies will not go with lapband if your BMI is over 53. In that case, if you want it, you will have to go on the Adkins Diet to get the BMI down and they will pay for it. Otherwise they will only approve gastric bypass.

There are many steps you have to go through first. You have to have your primary care doctor sign off on it. You then have to have blood tests, ultrasound of your belly area, a psych visit, a chest xray, obgyn visit, and a test where they stick a tube down your throat (I forgot the name of the test). If you have a hernia and it is “inoperable”, a good bariatric surgeon will not do a lapband, they will suggest gastric bypass.

Lapband is reversible. Gastric bypass is not. Either surgery you will have to take bariatric vitamins for the rest of your life. No big deal they taste like sweet tarts.

Either surgery is a “tool” for use in weight loss. If you don’t follow the guidelines and “stuff” yourself, it will not work. It takes me close to a full hour to eat. Also, you get a card from your doctor to present to restaurants that you had bariatric surgery and need to eat off the “child’s menu”. Alot of restaurants are very understanding and will comply.

You don’t have life a fat life anymore. It is not vanity. It is life saving when all other methods have failed. I still can eat a cheeseburger only I ask for it with no bun. I eat “flat” crust pizza and can only eat one slice.

Holly, if this is what you want to do…go to your primary care doctor and ask him for a referral.

Hi Holly, I’m looking into the Gasteric Bypass Surgery, right now, last summer I was at my highest weight 351lbs, I’m several issues associated with my weight, sleep apnea, GERD, Joint Pain…etc, but the reason I’m choosing the GBS, is it’s the oldest technique used it’s been around since 1968, and it’s been heavily used. this surgical procedure helps with all of my issues,and it also seems to have an effect on diabetes patients. I’m scared to do the surgery, one of my biggest fears is the same one you questioned, is it a sin, am i lacking in my faith, since my body is rented, it’s just a vessel and it’s my temple to God. but I’ve consulted with my church and priest and as many people have said in this forum, as long as it’s not for selfish reasons and it’s going to help you live a longer and more vibrant life, then you should go for it. I’m currently waiting to hear back from my surgeon to see if my insurance has approved me for surgery, and also praying that God will give me the courage to schedule a date for the surgery, and show up for it. hope all is going well with you and God Bless whichever decisions you make.

 

[puzzleannie]

H would getting bariatric surgery done in my case be committing the sin of vanity?

in the first place vanity is not a sin
in the second place if your doctor says the surgery will help your health issues and you pass the criteria and can pay for it, it can be an absolute moral good.

it is not necessarily vain to undertake an approved medical procedure even if it has positive effects on your appearance

it is not necessarily vain to drive an expensive car. There are all kinds of valid reasons to choose a car–safety, reliability, performance, job requirements etc. Even if your sole reason for buying that car is your self-image, that still is not a sin.

A person may be motivated to undertake cosmetic surgery for a variety of good reasons, and improving appearance can be one of them. That may or not be vanity depending on their inward disposition, but even if it is, it is not a sin.

 

[runwaymodel]

flyingfish:

I don’t know, vanity is a beautiful woman having plastic surgery to remove some wrinkles from her face.

If someone weighs 300 pounds, wanting to look normal is not vanity, just like someone who has lost their limbs but wants a fake arm to look normal is not vain

I was very hesitant to even post anything at all because I know I will probably receive some negative comments, but I’m really just curious…
Someone who lost their limbs had no control over how that happened so comparing that to an overweight person who does have control on how they eat thus wanting surgery is not a good example.
How is a beautiful women getting plastic surgery vanity but an overweight person getting surgery not? I live in LA where surgery is very common and it seems normal for people to judge them. An overweight adult was not born that way–yes, I am aware some will say genes will play a part and to a point it does, but a person must take some sort of responsibility. Many people lose weight via strict diet and exercise. Obviously this is much harder than surgery, but it is the healthier way of the 2 because it is completely natural and no need to open up your body.
People who get nose jobs say it is better for their health because now they can breath better but we all know its just an excuse. I’m not judging anyone who gets surgery because everyone has their reasons, but there seems to be a double standard.

To the OP, good for you for attempting to lose the unhealthy weight and simply because I stated the above does not mean I do not approve. Just curiosity. It can seem very bias to me at times.

 

[kozlosap]

Hi Holly, I’m looking into the Gasteric Bypass Surgery, right now, last summer I was at my highest weight 351lbs, I’m several issues associated with my weight, sleep apnea, GERD, Joint Pain…etc, but the reason I’m choosing the GBS, is it’s the oldest technique used it’s been around since 1968, and it’s been heavily used. this surgical procedure helps with all of my issues,and it also seems to have an effect on diabetes patients. I’m scared to do the surgery, one of my biggest fears is the same one you questioned, is it a sin, am i lacking in my faith, since my body is rented, it’s just a vessel and it’s my temple to God. but I’ve consulted with my church and priest and as many people have said in this forum, as long as it’s not for selfish reasons and it’s going to help you live a longer and more vibrant life, then you should go for it. I’m currently waiting to hear back from my surgeon to see if my insurance has approved me for surgery, and also praying that God will give me the courage to schedule a date for the surgery, and show up for it. hope all is going well with you and God Bless whichever decisions you make.

Good Morning! In 2008 I weighed 270 and had developed high blood pressure. In addition I had received 12 epidural injections for degenerative disc disease. My insurance approved me in less than two weeks and two months later I had the lap gastric bypass (only 5 incisions). I now weigh 155 pounds and have never felt better or been able to move around as much. I had no complications at all from the surgery. I had just turned 55 when it was completed. Please do yourself a favor and talk with a surgeon (Board Certified Bariatric) who will explain everything to you. I believe that this surgery is a life-saver for many obese people. God Bless!

 

[mdrummer5]

An overweight adult was not born that way–yes, I am aware some will say genes will play a part and to a point it does, but a person must take some sort of responsibility. Many people lose weight via strict diet and exercise. Obviously this is much harder than surgery, but it is the healthier way of the 2 because it is completely natural and no need to open up your body.

You were expecting negative comments but I couldn’t agree more.

If it’s a sin for a person to get a face lift to get rid of wrinkles, then yes… it’s a sin for someone to get weight loss surgery IF they are perfectly capable of losing the weight naturally.

Whether or not the person is truly capable is something only they know… personally, I believe the percentage of people who are TRULY incapable of losing weight without surgery is very small. Most simply have one of two issues. They either don’t have the willpower to resist that overly large portion of food or that extra piece of cake, or they simply don’t exercise enough and most of those have the same excuse “I don’t have time” which in most cases is a complete load of bull.

Please understand that I do not claim to know anyone’s personal situation and I have personally struggled with my weight in the past which is why I’m so blunt and what some may perceive as rude in my thoughts on this, I did it the right way and still struggle to maintain and I know plenty of others who’ve done the same so I have a very hard time buying into “I can’t lose weight” when the reality is more “I choose not to do what is necessary to lose weight”

 

[puzzleannie]

You were expecting negative comments but I couldn’t agree more.

If it’s a sin for a person to get a face lift to get rid of wrinkles, then yes… it’s a sin for someone to get weight loss surgery IF they are perfectly capable of losing the weight naturally.

"

before even initiating such discussion which as you wisely realize may quickly turn acrimonious, why not first provide proof that such procedures are sinful. Since there is no such Catholic teaching, that should be hard to do.

 

[mdrummer5]

before even initiating such discussion which as you wisely realize may quickly turn acrimonious, why not first provide proof that such procedures are sinful. Since there is no such Catholic teaching, that should be hard to do.

I apologize if my wording was such that it seemed I made such a claim. I see your point however I do not claim that either is, I’m simply pointing out that you can’t say that one is without implying that other such surgeries are also or at the very least can be.

The weight loss one in particular is tricky because yes it can be a solution to health problems. But it can also be a point of vanity and depending on how it’s viewed and all the specifics of the individual situation it could be a matter of sloth or gluttony for a person who either eats too much or who is too lazy exercise (or both) and lose the weight naturally. Again I’m not claiming to know anyone’s specific situation just agreeing with runway that there does seem to be a double standard.

 

[puzzleannie]

where is the problem in saying" I am going to undertake a surgery that will improve my appearance, and if incidentally it cures a lot of health problems, that is great". Will someone please show me the evil here because I am not getting it.

 

[valentino]

Hi everyone. Within a year or two, I will most likely be getting bariatric surgery done. Well, I am doing this for two reasons. One, because I want to be healthier and two, because I want to look better. So, I ask, would getting bariatric surgery done in my case be committing the sin of vanity?

I’m not sure if its a sin.Would you consider getting surgery for hairlip vanity? There’s different ways to look at it.I had hair replacement surgery.I wanted to look better.My excuse was I lost my hair because I wasn’t raised right and therefore led a unhealthy life and the resultant stress caused it.Why not get something back that was stolen.6 months later I didn’t care if I had had it done or not.I was sorry actually in some ways.I could have spent the money for a better cause.As to you,How over weight are you?Is it death threatening?Does it affect your job situation?Is your self esteem ruined?How much of effort have you put in to lose and have you prayed enough?

 

[mdrummer5]

where is the problem in saying" I am going to undertake a surgery that will improve my appearance, and if incidentally it cures a lot of health problems, that is great". Will someone please show me the evil here because I am not getting it.

I’m personally not saying it is… my question is to those that think getting a face lift is but weight loss surgery isn’t… why not?

Ok so vanity is a sin… well the sloth and/or gluttony that lead to someone needing a weight loss surgery is a sin as well is it not?

 

[runwaymodel]

where is the problem in saying" I am going to undertake a surgery that will improve my appearance, and if incidentally it cures a lot of health problems, that is great". Will someone please show me the evil here because I am not getting it.

Like I mentioned, I am not judging anyone either way because I can see both sides. There is just a double standard when someone gets surgery to lose weight and they claim its for health reasons (and this can be valid), when a strict diet and exercise can get the same results only it is much more difficult to do, and the results often are not as quick but at least it is done naturally instead of opening up the human body. Shortcuts are always easier but they are not always the best solution.
Like I said in my last comment, people get nose jobs all the time and the person getting the rhinoplasty says it is for health reasons–so they can breath better. Again, this can be valid but a lot of people view it as an excuse.

Again, I really don’t mean to be rude or upset anyone. But the overweight person ended up that way for a reason. Whether lack of exercise or overeating, and very possibly some genetics played a part in that. It is the individuals responsibility to prevent themselves from getting into a situation where surgery is required.

I am not against surgery, but I am against this sort of bias. One surgery is ok but others aren’t. Who is to say?

 

[BrendaSeelbach]

Again, I really don’t mean to be rude or upset anyone. But the overweight person ended up that way for a reason. Whether lack of exercise or overeating, and very possibly some genetics played a part in that. It is the individuals responsibility to prevent themselves from getting into a situation where surgery is required.

Not to be confrontational or cause an argument but I wonder if you would take this position with someone who got cancer after years of smoking and wanted to have cancer treatment for it. Is it possible to get to the point after years of struggling with weight issues, even though you are eating 1000 cals a day for years, have hormones and genetics working against you, and your health is now such that you can’t exercise effectively…not to say that you are not responsible (at least in part) for the condition you are in - that you should not seek medical care for a very serious medical condition you have. I am a weight loss surgery patient who has succeeded. I am now 16 months post op, I would do it again and I want to help those who are facing this issue. I know many Catholic women who struggle greatly with their weight and I really don’t think you can boil it all down to eating less and exercising more. Obesity is a very complicated medical issue and one sadly, where bias and discrimination are still alive and well.

I hope people will learn to deal with their obesity and seek medical help.
Wishing you all the best
Brenda

 

[mdrummer5]

I really don’t think you can boil it all down to eating less and exercising more.

Maybe I’ve missed something. Isn’t the whole point of weight loss surgery that it essentially forces the patient to eat less? Most people who are obese have one issue, they over eat. All weight loss surgery does is prevent them from doing that right? In fact take the example you gave of the person who limited themselves to 1000 calories a day and had hormonal and genetic issues working against them. How does weight loss surgery change that? Presumably the hormonal and genetic issues would still be there so what else changes? Unless I’m mistaken (which could be the case) it’s just that they’re then eating less because the surgery has reduced their capacity for how much they can ingest.

So how does it not boil down to eating less and/or exercising more? I’m sure you feel much better now that you’ve lost however much weight you’ve lost, and I’m not passing judgment on you, you very well could be that person that truly needed it and I don’t know you to say otherwise. But I have yet to have anyone explain to me how any weight loss surgery is different from simply choosing to eat less. In fact let’s say there’s someone who weighs 1,000 lbs and is literally unable to exercise. If all weight loss surgery does is limit their capacity… how is that any different then them simply choosing to eat less? If I’m wrong on this point and it has some other effect other than that please let me know.

All that aside the question of the topic is whether or not getting the surgery is an act of vanity. I would only say that it can be and it’s God’s place to judge whether or not the patient in question is being vain in their desire for the surgery.

Please let me clarify I don’t see a problem with people getting it done at all. What I have a problem with is the large number of people who say they NEED it to lose weight. Some might need it… most just want it because ordering a grilled chicken breast and steamed vegetables instead of a cheeseburger and french fries is hard, getting up at 5:30 to go to the gym before work instead of sleeping until 7 is hard. If someone doesn’t have the will to do these things and says “I WANT to get weight loss surgery” I’m fine with it.

 

[perlamaria]

Hi NOW THAT YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT VANITY,I WANTED TO KNOW IF GETTING A FILLER FOR A WRINKLE COULD BE A SIN? I THINK IM ALWAYS HAD LOW SELF STEEM SO I DON’T EVEN KNOW IM DOING THIS.FOR EXAMPLE I GO OUT WITH A GUY AND FEEL THAT HE IS ONLY CONCENTRATING IN MY WRINKLE.

I SUFFERED FROM DEPRESION AND OCD BUT I THINK IM DOING THIS TO NOT FEEL REJECTED,I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT DONE I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF IS A MORTAL SIN

 

[BrendaSeelbach]

Maybe I’ve missed something. Isn’t the whole point of weight loss surgery that it essentially forces the patient to eat less? Most people who are obese have one issue, they over eat. All weight loss surgery does is prevent them from doing that right? In fact take the example you gave of the person who limited themselves to 1000 calories a day and had hormonal and genetic issues working against them. How does weight loss surgery change that? Presumably the hormonal and genetic issues would still be there so what else changes? Unless I’m mistaken (which could be the case) it’s just that they’re then eating less because the surgery has reduced their capacity for how much they can ingest.

Mdrummer5,
I think that if one were to study the effect of WLS on patients indepth, you will start to learn that is so much more than a surgery that restricts your intake (eating less) alone. Some surgeries, like the LAP band are restrictive only - therefore limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Some, like the surgery I had: Duodenal Switch, are restrictive and malabsorptive. When you actually make the stomach smaller in a gastric bypass you are causing the stomach to react differently. One of the differences is that the stomach no longer produces hormones that drive appetite like ghrelin. There is a lot of research on these gut hormones and how they drive appetite - and exponentially drive appetite a severely obese person.

I do believe in the premise that weight gain is a result of eating more energy than your body needs. Basically, too much food and not enough exercise. But with the other complications you mentioned, and ones you did not like our overly processed diets and impossibly complicated food decisions (like a chicken salad having 500 more calories than a BigMac and more fat too), our super busy, sedentary lifestyles…it compounds the situation.

There are lots of good books to read about diet, the food industry and WLS. Many of which cover the complexity of this issue. Remember, the surgery is a metabolic surgery. It flips a switch on your metabolism - it is not just limiting how much you eat. Many people who have debilitating diseases like diabetes come off all the medications within DAYS of WLS before having hardly any of their excess weight - that is the effect of the metabolic surgery.

Good Luck all.

 

[roggernrogger]

Bariatric Surgery is very useful to be fit and healthy. It lower the level of cholesterol, reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and many more. This surgery is not helpful to all people. Some did not get any benefit from this surgery. This surgery has many side effects and it might not suits your body then it will be more problematic. So take advice form bariatric surgeon and go for it.