"The Beth project", shocking before-and-after photos of a woman's gastric bypass surgery.

[marylander1940]

When embarking on a weight-loss goal, many men and women opt to snap before-and-after photos to help maintain motivation, document progress and share the journey with others.

 

But before undergoing one gastric bypass surgery, Canadian woman decided to imbue that task with a heavy dose of style, fun and humor.

 

In "The Beth Project," photographer Blake Morrow documented his longtime friend, Beth Beard, in a creative series of photos taken in the weeks before she went under the knife and then, again, two years later after she had shed 150 pounds. Superimposing her new physique in the latter images onto the former images, the clever collection captures Beard's dramatic transformation and is now inspiring others on their own journeys.

 

https://gma.yahoo.com/weight-loss-photos-contrast-womans-body-old-174506591--abc-news-lifestyle.html

 

 

http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2015-05/6/17/enhanced/webdr07/enhanced-buzz-wide-3452-1430946791-25.jpg

 

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507125637-08-beth-project-050715-super-169.jpg

[marylander1940]

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507125754-09-beth-project-050715-super-169.jpg

 

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507125851-10-beth-project-super-169.jpg

 

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507124641-02-beth-project-super-169.jpg

[marylander1940]

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507124937-04-beth-project-super-169.jpg

 

 

 

Finally Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

 

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150507125121-05-beth-project-super-169.jpg

[OneFinger]

What wonderful pictures!! Gastric bypass surgery is often viewed as an "easy" or "lazy" way to drop pounds. But, I known a couple of people who have had the surgery. For them, after years of unsuccessful diets, they've got their life back. It was their lifesaver and they no longer are diabetic.

 

Certainly not an option that shouldn't be done without careful consideration. But, sometimes, it seems to be the best choice.

[marylander1940]

What wonderful pictures!! Gastric bypass surgery is often viewed as an "easy" or "lazy" way to drop pounds. But, I known a couple of people who have had the surgery. For them, after years of unsuccessful diets, they've got their life back. It was their lifesaver and they no longer are diabetic.

 

Certainly not an option that shouldn't be done without careful consideration. But, sometimes, it seems to be the best choice.

 

Like Governor Christie.

 

http://media.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/photo/2012/05/obama-chris-christiejpg-fb811b3c3f4092c9.jpg

[OneFinger]

I believe Gov Christie did the lap band surgery rather than gastric bypass. IMO that was a major mistake. He is so obese that lap band is like putting a band aid on a laceration that requires sutures.

 

But, on a more personal note, I think it's a blessing to nation if he doesn't drop the weight and dies at a very early age.

[+ FreshFluff]

Beth looks radiantly happy. I'm glad the worked out so well for her.

 

On the downside, the six-month mortality rate from gastric bypass is 0.5%. People say that's lower than the same-age death rate from obesity itself. But how can you compare a six-month mortality rate to a longer term mortality rate?

 

I read a heartbreaking blog post from a man whose wife died after having GB surgery. (I tried to find it but couldn't.) She had already made the decision when she met him, though he tried to dissuade her. Her dream, he wrote, was to fall in love and have a family, and she said it wasn't possible while she was heavier.

 

I sometimes marvel at how cruel life can be.

[wisconsinguy]

I had Gastric Bypass in the early 80's when it started to really take off. I had reached 303lbs. I had to be weighed on the hospital laundry scale. The surgery produces what is referred to as a "pouch." Holds about 2 to 3 ounces to begin with. Mostly liquids, applesauce, pudding. Less than a year, I fell to 119 lbs. I was wearing boys sizes. I was running for hours. I was encouraged to bring it up a "bit." I held it at to about 130 for years. But, during that time I had GI bleed. Which required OR. Continued slow gastric bleeds. I needed the procedure to be reversed. Blood counts back to normal in about three weeks. I still would recommend. Different parts of our gut digests and synthesize vitamins/ minerals at different points. At times, I wonder if that were the reason for the development of pre mature osteoarthritis ?

In the seventies, they were doing a procedure that removed quite a bit of the small bowel. All of the patients developed almost intractable diarrhea.

Many died of the result of the diarrhea. Organ failure, liver problems. severe metabolic issues. Many had it reversed. I wonder if that person had one of those first procedures?

[+ FreshFluff]

WG, for people like you who do get through the procedure without major complications, GB is a God send. I had no idea that it was even available in the early 80s.

 

The person in the blog post had the procedure done a few years ago. According to the husband, they had gone to the ER a few days before, since she was complaining of a severe headache. As it turned out, one of the stitches (?) had burst after she at some collard greens. Her husband said she had not overeaten.

[wisconsinguy]

WG, for people like you who do get through the procedure without major complications, GB is a God send. I had no idea that it was even available in the early 80s.

 

The person in the blog post had the procedure done a few years ago. According to the husband, they had gone to the ER a few days before, since she was complaining of a severe headache. As it turned out, one of the stitches (?) had burst after she at some collard greens. Her husband said she had not overeaten.

The two don't seem to go together. Two many unanswered questions. Was she seen in the ER, went home, admitted. The bowel is usually clamped, not stiched. Sounds like a brain bleed. Not enough info.

WG, for people like you who do get through the procedure without major complications, GB is a God send. I had no idea that it was even available in the early 80s.

 

The person in the blog post had the procedure done a few years ago. According to the husband, they had gone to the ER a few days before, since she was complaining of a severe headache. As it turned out, one of the stitches (?) had burst after she at some collard greens. Her husband said she had not overeaten.

[anotherjohnindupont]

I had Gastric Bypass in the early 80's when it started to really take off. I had reached 303lbs. I had to be weighed on the hospital laundry scale. The surgery produces what is referred to as a "pouch." Holds about 2 to 3 ounces to begin with. Mostly liquids, applesauce, pudding. Less than a year, I fell to 119 lbs. I was wearing boys sizes. I was running for hours. I was encouraged to bring it up a "bit." I held it at to about 130 for years. But, during that time I had GI bleed. Which required OR. Continued slow gastric bleeds. I needed the procedure to be reversed. Blood counts back to normal in about three weeks. I still would recommend. Different parts of our gut digests and synthesize vitamins/ minerals at different points. At times, I wonder if that were the reason for the development of pre mature osteoarthritis ?

In the seventies, they were doing a procedure that removed quite a bit of the small bowel. All of the patients developed almost intractable diarrhea.

Many died of the result of the diarrhea. Organ failure, liver problems. severe metabolic issues. Many had it reversed. I wonder if that person had one of those first procedures?

 

Thank you for sharing such a personal story!

[wisconsinguy]

Thank you for sharing such a personal story!

No problem. That's why we are here!