Weight loss surgery or NO?
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I would not gain weight to get a weight loss surgery- doing so may actually disqualify you for the surgery. Additionally any surgery has risks, weight loss and lipo included. And if you don't change your eating habits afterwards, it won't help. You say you are a yo-yo dieter, what exactly did you mean by that? You do extreme diets, lose the weight then go back to eating how you did before and gain it all back? If so, this surgery will just be one more yo-yo. After WLS, your whole diet need to change. And if it doesn't, you can seriously damage yourself, as well as not lose weight.
Before doing an unnecessary, possible dangerous surgery, commit to making lifestyle changes- 5 fruits and veggies a day, staying in your calorie limit, and exercising three times a week. If all of that does not help, and you track honestly and faithfully, then talk to your doctor about surgery.1 -
When I hit 340+ pounds, with a goal weight of 180, I considered WLS. My wife had it, but she has some nasty side effects and scares. I saw how much pain she was in, how much she got sick, how much she suffered, so I decided it just lose it on my own. I've been fat my entire life, I had a huge journey ahead of me.
I joined this site and ate the recommended amount of calories. In less than 9 months I hit my goal weight. It's easy to lose weight, but mentally it's one of the hardest things you will do. There are so many temptations, holiday's, birthdays, anniversaries, friends inviting you out. There are so many ways to slip and just give up.
I committed to a week. I figured if I could make it a week I could make it two. By the time I knew it, it had been a month and I lost 22 pounds that month. That gave me the motivation to keep going. By then my body had become accustomed to the lower amount of calories. My cravings went away and I was super excited.
WLS is a tool and a life long commitment. You don't have surgery then eat whatever and lose weight. You have to be on a strict diet for the rest of your life. You have to take supplements forever, see your WLS doctors forever, have blood tests, see a dietitian. To me, that sounds more awful than just sucking it up and doing it yourself.
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My husband had the lap band installed about 4 years ago. It is not a panacea. He lost just over 100 lbs and then as things settled, he regained a few. The lap band restricts the amount of food you can eat, definitely, and he can no longer eat the quantities he once did. Oftentimes after a meal he will vomit it up because he ate too fast, or because something plugged the opening. Unfortunately, he still hasn't learned that proper eating is crucial. Some foods (like Nachos) he can still eat a huge amount of. Also, chocolate chip cookies seem to slide through quite easily as does ice cream. Because of these things, he has regained probably a third of what he originally lost. He's still a lot healthier than he was, but he still has to be quite careful or he will be back where he was. He knows this, but he struggles to control his intake. I know at least 3 others that have the same sorts of issues. It's a temporary solution to a life long problem. As a means of improving the health of the morbidly obese, I think it's great. I think it should be offered under all medical insurance. But it's not a cure. It's another tool. I believe it has gained my husband a few years of quality life, but it's not going to solve all the problems.6
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Well here's what your in for if you decide WLS:
You eat even way less than you eat now.
Any food you think you can scarf on, will violently cause a physical reaction.
You can't eat certain foods even if you love them.
You are on a regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements.
You LOSE muscle fast (since fast loss happens and you aren't supposed to do intense exercise).
You MAY substitute food for another "go to". Many who've had WLS and not solved their eating issue substitute smoking, alcohol, gambling etc. to resolve their habitual behavior of excess.
You MAY regain the weight because you can't stop thinking about food and eat even if it hurts. And if you regain, you'll look worse than previously.
Having worked with several clients who were obese (and my success rate wasn't 100% with all of them), the ones that I did do work with who lost a lot on their own, were pretty weak (muscle loss). And building them up caused some weight gain and that played havok in their thought process.
The thing is, you're going to have to learn how to eat less BY FORCE rather than by decision. It's not difficult, it's just takes a commitment on your part.
So which sounds more appealing to commit to?
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As several people have already said, surgery is just another tool in your toolbox, NOT A MAGIC CURE. I've seen several people in my life get the surgery, only to have continued to eat as much as they could (rather than change their lifestyle) and stretched out their stomach after 10+ years and now even heavier than they ever were. Not to mention the side effects for the rest of your life.
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You have never learned the right way to lose weight and keep it off, which is why you will continue to yo-yo. WLS is not going to fix that lack of knowledge.5
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I have been struggling with my weight for years. I am a yo yo dieter. In order for insurance to cover my weight loss surgery, I need to gain 25 pounds. Should I do this? Has anyone had the sugery done? What are the pros and cons? I am capable of losing weight. I have lost 80 pounds in 2010 only to gain it back. It just seems like the older I get, the harder it is to lose.
Sounds like a horrible idea to me, no idea of your current health situation but what if those 25lbs put to much stress on your heart that's probably already being overworked...Just start working out and eating right, also ask your doctor what he/she thinks of your idea.2 -
Have a friend. She had the surgery- did really well but it was NOT easy having to be forced to change lifelong habits. Actually, painful a lot of the time. She never got to a normal weight however.
Now Im watching her creep right back up there just a few years later
This is a big deal. Its not like lipo when you come out smaller. You still have to put in the work and eat less...forever.
The fact that you typed gain 25lbs so you can have weight loss surgery that will be covered by insurance is bad enough. But then you follow it up with you know you are capable of losing weight and have done it before?
Reading that prompts the question of, so what makes you think life after surgery will keep you successful- long term?
And what differs from applying those things to today as opposed to opting major surgery?
Edit: To expand on Ninerbuff- many people to take up a habit to replace the eating. For my friend it was smoking and more drinking. Not exactly a trade UP. Just something to consider. I think you are more capable than you think- most of us are. Tighten up those tennis shoes, walk and log your food!!3 -
im trying so hard to maintain my blood sugars and weight loss since july 16 ive reduced over 113 units of insulin drop per day compared to 3oo daily. but im on a list for bariatric surgury now for health problems is there any positive feed back about this surgury.0
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I know several people that have had WLS. The majority of them are larger now than they were before the WLS. Yes, it worked wonders for a while and they did lose the weight, but over time they were able to eat more and more... and they did. The months after surgery were often miserable for them as they would get sick so easily. My cousin had complications from the surgery itself and was in the hospital for a few weeks afterwards.
The ones that I know that it has worked for still don't eat normally, they bring their own food to dinner parties, they are going to meetings years past the time of surgery. I know I have read testimonials of people on here who it has worked much better for, but my experiences with people that have had it makes me extremely leery of it.1 -
If you are already 25lb "too light" for WLS then you are on the right track - keep reducing through logging, good food choices and exercise! You've done it on WW - but put it back. This is because the levels they set are not sustainable long-term (seriously, any recipe suggesting splitting 150g of pasta between 4 people....!!). However, you can use MFP to control a more gradual weight loss which will help you maintain a healthier weight, and which will also help resolve some of your other health issues. I've lost weight and kept (most of) it off for the longest ever by weighing, logging and exercise - I log every morning and then if I want to exceed my calories I make a choice - swap something for something else, or do more exercise to "pay" for it. Its being aware of what food "costs" in calorie terms which helps me make the right choices. I still have days I go over, and I'm currently getting back to pre-vacation weight (oops!). Yes it is harder the older you are - I am 51 and started this three years ago as I was going up a dress size each decade and didn't want my son to be embarrassed by me at his graduation. You know you can do this, but you have to WANT to do it and that is a decision only you can take. There are lots of people here to support you losing the weight in a way which reduces your health risk!1
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it seems that ive followed so many weight programs but at presents following this diabetic 1200 cal my weight seem like its holding as my blood sugars are getting inprove and need a boost to exercise. any suggestion0
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WLS surgery is only a tool that should be used in situations where you have medical issues affecting your life and need to lose the weight NOW. My mom had such issues (congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes) and had to lose the weight fast before she ended up getting worse. It has been a long road this past year since she got the surgery and she has lost almost 140 lbs, BUT it has not been without side effects. She has had issues this past year with malnutrition and dehydration. She is still trying to see what foods she can have and learnings how much is ok. Her typical breakfast is one scrambled egg wth a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Lunch is some plain tuna over lettuce. Dinner is often a very small piece of chicken. Other things she eats is mashed potatoes, yogurt, cheese, etc. She is not allowed soda at all, no caffeine, no white breads or pastas. Sugars are iffy, she can handle a small amount of some sugar, but just her eating part of a plum a while back made her sick and throw up. Her health has improved and that I am thankful for, but it will be a life long task for her to get down to a healthy weight and be able to maintain it. She'll never be able to have a cheat day out with family, she can't enjoy foods at birthday parties...
It is not a quick fix by any means. My mom has had to work so hard to get where she is at now. If you are not willing to make a complete change of your eating habits now, how do you plan to do that after surgery. If you don't change your eating now, you'll gain back all the weight lost from surgery.5 -
AlvinaHayman wrote: »im trying so hard to maintain my blood sugars and weight loss since july 16 ive reduced over 113 units of insulin drop per day compared to 3oo daily. but im on a list for bariatric surgury now for health problems is there any positive feed back about this surgury.
You might want to start another thread, or look for a support group for diabetics on MFP. For someone who may actually need weight loss surgery, the responses might come off as hateful towards the idea of it. The OP's situation is very different from yours and warrants a completely different response.5 -
Don't do it. This is coming from someone who is preparing to have the surgery around the first of December. I've chosen gastric sleeve surgery over gastric bypass, as it's a simpler and less risky surgery. I'm doing this with the knowledge that I will never drink a soft drink or beer again. I will never drink through a straw again. My food choices will be extremely limited, no sugar and very low fat and low carb. I will have issues with loose skin. I am required to lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery. I had to have a psychiatric evaluation and I am required to meet with a nutritionist for three months. Some insurances require much more. To qualify, I had to have either a BMI of 40 or 35 with at least two serious complications of being obese. I have sleep apnea, elevated liver enzymes and a fatty liver, and high cholesterol. The point I'm trying to make is that weight loss surgery is serious, can have some nasty complications, and should be a last resort. If you have to gain weight, especially as much as 25 pounds, weight loss surgery is not a viable option for you. If your weight loss isn't happening with proper nutrition and exercise, you do need to see your doctor, but not a surgeon.8
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AlvinaHayman wrote: »im trying so hard to maintain my blood sugars and weight loss since july 16 ive reduced over 113 units of insulin drop per day compared to 3oo daily. but im on a list for bariatric surgury now for health problems is there any positive feed back about this surgury.
As I've said above, it can be positive, yes. It can drastically improve health and is a tool to get you where you need to be. Just be mindful that it also takes a lot of work and it's not easy.
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I'm 39, and had Gastric Bypass 5 months ago today. I'm 5'8'', and was 256 when I started.. so I was on the "smaller size" of someone who does this surgery.. But this is why I decided to do it. I have a metabolic syndrome called PCOS. It literally made it next to impossible for me to lose weight in my own. I would work out 4-5 days a week for 1-2 hours. I would eat low carb / high protein foods 6 out of 7 days a week. And after 6 months of that, I'd lost a whopping 2 lbs. it was beyond frustrating, and my OB & Surgeon both suggested Gastric Bypass because of its ability to help with insuline resistance (part of the PCOS nightmare).
I researched it, and went back & forth on it several times. 5 months out and I'm down 80lbs, and I have had zero complications. Am I happy I did it? Yes, but I literally tried everything else first.
Here is my typical day now:
Breakfast - premier Protien shake
Lunch - 2oz of cold shrimp, 1/3 c. cottage cheese
Dinner - 3oz pulled pork, 1oz green beans
Snack - Greek Yogurt or a Cheese Stick
Drink - 80oz water & 1 Atkins Protien Water
I aim for about 800 calories, 100 g of Protien and to stay under 30 carbs per day. I aim to run/walk 4-5 miles per day 4 days a week, and I'm now starting to add in weights.
My head still wants to eat ice cream, but my stomach will vomit it up in a hot second. I take 12 vitamins & pills per day to keep my levels where they need to be, and I get blood work drawn every 6 months for the next 2 years, then once a year for life. Any time I could have a bowel issue, gall stones, stricture, or worse.
At the end of the day, I'm doing the same things that my "thin" friends all do daily to stay thin. Eating small potions of healthy foods, exercising daily, etc. I just had to do the Bypass route because my body has PCOS / Insuline resistance and was not capable of doing it on its own.
If you can physically make these changes & lose weight without surgery, you are much better off! Gaining weight to lose weight means that right now, mentally you're not in the right place for this surgery, and you won't be successful long term. You still have to do all the same things with or without surgery. But you can start the exercise & healthy eating NOW and be down 60lbs or more in 6 months if you start today. If you go the surgery route, you have to gain 25, then go through 6+ months of appointments, approvals, tests, and a surgery that had many risk factors. Not the best plan IMO if you have another option - and it sounds like you do!
Hope this helps you & good luck with your weight loss.
Erin6 -
I have been struggling with my weight for years. I am a yo yo dieter. In order for insurance to cover my weight loss surgery, I need to gain 25 pounds. Should I do this? Has anyone had the sugery done? What are the pros and cons? I am capable of losing weight. I have lost 80 pounds in 2010 only to gain it back. It just seems like the older I get, the harder it is to lose.
So, you know how to lose weight, the issue is not getting complacent and putting it back on. As many have shared, WLS won't help with that.
How old are you? You look like you're in your 30s in your profile picture. Paging @middlehaitch who has successfully lost weight in her 60s.1 -
Con: You are just as likely to gain the weight back as every other person who has had this surgery.
Pro: Can't think of any.1 -
@jennyc777 ' I am capable of losing weight. I have lost 80 pounds in 2010 only to gain it back. It just seems like the older I get, the harder it is to lose.'
Do you know why you yoyo?
A good approach would be to look at what you did in 2010 that was successful and build on that losing the weight naturally.
There is absolutely no reason (if all and any medical problems are treated) for it to be harder to lose weight as we age.
Out metabolism starts slowing in our early 20's at a consistent rate, all other things being equal, of 50-100 cals every 10 years depending on height, weight, and gender.
(I lost 6 cals on my last birthday)
The majority of fat cells are also established in our bodies at this time (end of puberty).
What does affect our metabolism is the natural slowing of our lifestyle as we age, often leading to a lower LBM.
The above can be counteracted by increasing daily activity, exercise, including some type of resistance work.
Also, when one yoyo diets one loses muscle (if not actively working on preservation) every time one loses weight, and gains fat every time one put it on. This lowering of the muscle mass lowers ones metabolic rate slightly and can have an impact how many calories one can eat.
Resistance work of some type will help alleviate the problem by restoring muscle mass.
Think about...
Setting a goal that is manageable long term, and will help you modify your eating when you reach maintenance.
Eating food that you like in smaller quantities, along with accurate weighing and logging.
Moving more during the day, and and doing some structured exercise 30-60 min x 3-5 times a week.
Rationally sit and determine your goals and how you can achieve long term results.
WLS, should be an informed decision.
Cheers, h.5
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