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Honest opinions on weight loss surgery
Jetrail
Posts: 209 Member
in Debate Club
Hi , i was looking for some honest opinions on weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeves etc. While it's great people are bettering their health do you feel the person who makes hard lifestyle changes and loses the weight on their own works harder ? Is it wrong to feel that way? . I guess to me when you decide to change your lifestyle and really grind for what you want health wise it seems slot harder vs losing weight with surgical help, maybe I'm wrong but I'd like some opinions, like I said it's still grwat when anyone betters their lifestyle
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Replies
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Even if it was the case that someone who lost weight without surgery was "working harder," is there inherent virtue in choosing a more difficult way to do something?
I work harder when I wash the dishes by hand than when I use the dishwasher, but I have no moral qualms about using the dishwasher. I work harder when I do my taxes by hand than when I use tax prep software, but I don't feel bad about taking advantage of the software.
Let's say it is easier to lose weight with surgery. Does that tell us anything meaningful? I'm not sure that it does.68 -
My opinion is WLS isn't for me. I didn't go that route, but I'm not going to put down anyone who did have it. Some can lose weight without surgery and some can't. Both routes are their own kind of hard.29
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I feel like this is akin to asking which is harder - natural childbirth or c-section. To be honest, they both sort of suck.
Saying someone who has had WLS doesn't have to put in the work is a bit insulting (and I haven't had WLS). It's a tool, one that comes with its own set of challenges and pitfalls. Also a highly personal choice to make, and not for me to judge.54 -
There's another thread in here touching the same subject.
I think it's a very personal choice. My opinion is that the person needs to do the right thing for them.
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10661273/more-people-need-to-get-educated-on-weight-loss-surgery/p114 -
People who have WLS still need to recover from surgery and then watch what they eat (both quantity and certain food types, based on what I've heard friends who have had WLS say) in order to lose and exercise to be fit. Having surgery doesn't guarantee long term success and doesn't necessarily make things easier than not having it. Overall, I don't see a reason to compare the two.15
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My aunt and cousin both had WLS.
One lost weight but then gained it back
One didn't lose a thing.
I dont think its a miracle cure. You still have to work for it.36 -
People get their egos too tied up in this. I don't see the merit in trying to do things the hard way. You don't get a gold star sticker for doing more work to achieve the same ends.
That being said, weight loss surgery is significantly more risky and expensive than more conventional means of weight loss. It's hardly the easy way out -- if anything I feel like losing weight the conventional low-n-slow method is pretty darn easy, way easier than recovering from surgery. And if surgery actually was easier, then I'd recommend more people to do it, because the point isn't to prove something about yourself, it's to lose weight and be healthier.28 -
Hi , i was looking for some honest opinions on weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeves etc. While it's great people are bettering their health do you feel the person who makes hard lifestyle changes and loses the weight on their own works harder ? Is it wrong to feel that way? . I guess to me when you decide to change your lifestyle and really grind for what you want health wise it seems slot harder vs losing weight with surgical help, maybe I'm wrong but I'd like some opinions, like I said it's still grwat when anyone betters their lifestyle
I think I know what you mean...they got there the same way we all did and are just taking an easier way out than others who choose no surgery
I have a friend who chose surgery and she was the first to say...it was laziness and overdoing of her crack (carb) and now after the surgery...she still says she is dealing w the same thing - her laziness and overdoing it w her carbs. so.
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I honestly don't understand why anyone would choose to go that route unless they are literally bed-bound from their weight. You still have to diet to make it work and the side effects sound very unpleasant. I kind of think it gets sold as 'the magic bullet solution that really works!' which is obviously not true. But luckily, no one has to ask me what I think to get weight loss surgery so if people want to spend their money and time doing that and it works for them, great.10
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The people I know who have had the surgery both had serious, even life-threatening, complications. One was able to lose weight after and the other lost but gained it back. Neither lost enough weight to be normal weight. So surgery is definitely not a magic bullet.
Personally I would be willing to endure a lot of dieting and exercise before I would resort to suffering through surgery, especially after seeing how rough it was, but that's me. I don't understand the mindset of wanting the surgery, but I understand enough to know that different people are different. It's none of my business whether other people are lazy or work hard to lose weight. I just hope that they do whatever leads to the best outcome for them.9 -
I think that if you have the money to get one and feel that you could then maintain afterwards then go for it! Some people choose to exercise and diet over a period of time and some people have surgery. Your end goals are similar so it doesn’t and shouldn’t matter how you reach it2
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If you've known someone who had weight loss surgery, you would know it's not an easy way out. Yes you lose weight quickly, but that's more because it limits the amount of food you can eat in one sitting, and in the case of gastric bypass (vs the sleeve gastrectomy), limits the calories/nutrients absorbed by the intestines. It can cause a lot of discomfort and illness if you try and continue the same lifestyle as before the surgery.
My mother had gastric bypass 15 years ago before it was more of a laparoscopic procedure, so she has a scar down the front of her stomach. I remember vividly the times where she would be out with us and almost pass out because she needed to eat something, and times where she was so sick because she ate something that, all of sudden, did not agree with her stomach (known as dumping syndrome). It was several years before she knew how her body would react to certain foods, and she's been able to maintain most of her weight loss by keeping an eye on what she eats (I believe her lowest was in the 120s, but that was actually too low for her, and she's more comfortable in the low 140 range).
I have a friend who went through gastric sleeve, and he has not been so successful. He lost a lot of weight and looked really great when he got to his goal, but he went back to poor eating habits and has gained most of what he lost. It's not an issue with the type of surgery, but the fact that my friend did not adhere to a diet that would keep his weight in check. In his own words, "I like great food and I don't want to deprive myself".
I am not eligible for WLS (5'2, 90lbs overweight, no weight related health issues), but if I met the requirements I would definitely pursue it. Not because it's an easy way out but because it would be a tool to help curb the issue I have with eating (I'm a volume eater and enjoy larger meals, so making it harder for me to eat larger meals would be ideal). It's a tool that is great for some, and not helpful for others. It's not going to make your cravings go away, so an emotional eater may have a harder time unless they change their relationship with food. Same with a grazer who likes to eat a lot of smaller meals.9 -
There are several variables that must be considered prior to any surgical intervention, which is applied simply "Does the reward outweigh the risk?"
Weight management is an output of behavior. Behavior is not altered by surgical intervention alone. If you do not address the underlying behavior you cannot hope to change the output. As this is an undeniable truth can you tell anyone that surgical intervention is necessary? I could see in those extreme cases where weight itself carries an unacceptable risk of death or serious injury, but in other cases...the risk as I see it is certainly not worth any potential reward.10 -
Not everyone does it because they think It's an easy way out or because they are lazy. It's not an easy way out. They need to still do the work. And in some cases need to live with permanent changes in the way their body works (malnourishment and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a real possibility). Sometimes depression has made the required effort appear hopeless. You just don't know unless you've been in their shoes.happytree923 wrote: »I honestly don't understand why anyone would choose to go that route unless they are literally bed-bound from their weight. You still have to diet to make it work and the side effects sound very unpleasant. I kind of think it gets sold as 'the magic bullet solution that really works!' which is obviously not true. But luckily, no one has to ask me what I think to get weight loss surgery so if people want to spend their money and time doing that and it works for them, great.
I was talking with someone who had the surgery followed by life threatening and permanently damaging complications. She had the surgery following a health scare and was genuinely scared for her life.3 -
There's nothing easy about WLS. I lost my cousin months after her WLS, young children, husband left behind. There is no moral high ground with weight loss. Obesity and the fix, whether it be through dieting or WLS is not easy. I have searched high and low for the permanent WIN.
I hold these things to be self-evident. Pain is the precursor to change.
No one wants to be treated like an option B. We all want to be a stronger version of ourselves. Never run back to what broke you. For me, that would be dieting. A perpetual diet and eating it all back will break you. Never let an old flame burn you twice. That goes for relationships with people and diets.
Whatever you do treat everyone with dignity. We have all suffered the slings and arrows of bullies because of something. Dignity is everything. It's classy. Afford that to everyone who's here fighting for their health or trying to pick up the pieces of their life. Dieting sux. Anyone tries to knock you back out of the saddle while you're tooling along there's plenty of others to help you get back up on your feet.
Anyone calls you names while you're on your way, let them eat your dust. You will not be deterred.15 -
I think WLS can be good for some people but I think it could be avoidable fir some if they were given more support, direction and help.
I know of a few people who were going to do WLS but when they started the diet they would need to follow afterwards, they had success without the surgery. I think some people don't understand how to lose weight or what weight loss tools and diets are out there. With help, they may be able to avoid invasive surgery.6 -
I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.3 -
bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
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bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.7 -
janejellyroll wrote: »bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.
while that may be true...when you are going under the knife at phenomenal expense and becoming a high pay out for the insurance company ...you would want the COSTLY PROCEDURE to be viable and it does not sound like it actually is.
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janejellyroll wrote: »bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.
^ This... if I've learned anything (debatable) from my weight loss adventure, it's that maintenance is the hardest part. I have all the respect in the world for anybody that can pull it off - regardless of the path they take to get there.12 -
janejellyroll wrote: »bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.
while that may be true...when you are going under the knife at phenomenal expense and becoming a high pay out for the insurance company ...you would want the COSTLY PROCEDURE to be viable and it does not sound like it actually is.
What is the source of that 5% figure? The statistics I'm seeing online seem to indicate that it is more successful than that.4 -
janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.
while that may be true...when you are going under the knife at phenomenal expense and becoming a high pay out for the insurance company ...you would want the COSTLY PROCEDURE to be viable and it does not sound like it actually is.
What is the source of that 5% figure? The statistics I'm seeing online seem to indicate that it is more successful than that.
My 600lb life website. Dr Now.
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janejellyroll wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bennettinfinity wrote: »I'm not opposed to the concept, and I know surgery candidates often have to demonstrate some level of non-surgical weight loss as part of the program.
That said, I only know two people that have had WLS and both of them re-gained the weight - so, it's not a miracle cure and there still needs to be the same level of discipline to maintain results as those that lose weight without surgery.
I thought I read that less than 5% keep the weight off...seems like a failing procedure to me.
Statistics are terrible for sustaining any weight loss long term, including that accomplished without WLS.
while that may be true...when you are going under the knife at phenomenal expense and becoming a high pay out for the insurance company ...you would want the COSTLY PROCEDURE to be viable and it does not sound like it actually is.
What is the source of that 5% figure? The statistics I'm seeing online seem to indicate that it is more successful than that.
My 600lb life website. Dr Now.
The TLC website? I just checked it out and I don't see any statistics about weight loss surgery there.1 -
People get their egos too tied up in this. I don't see the merit in trying to do things the hard way. You don't get a gold star sticker for doing more work to achieve the same ends.
That being said, weight loss surgery is significantly more risky and expensive than more conventional means of weight loss. It's hardly the easy way out -- if anything I feel like losing weight the conventional low-n-slow method is pretty darn easy, way easier than recovering from surgery. And if surgery actually was easier, then I'd recommend more people to do it, because the point isn't to prove something about yourself, it's to lose weight and be healthier.
I don’t understand why surgery is considered ‘the easy way’ in the first place... I’ve never been big enough to be a candidate but I can’t imagine finding a surgeon, doing all the preparation, getting a risky surgery, going through a painful recovery, risking complications, and after all that STILL having to count calories and use good portion control to get results. It doesn’t change what you need to do in the end, and you have way less flexibility on how you want to ‘spend’ your calories (no more big meals after fasting all day).
If you need vomiting and stomach pain to stop you from eating, you probably need a counselor as well.16 -
anyone that I know that has had any type of weight loss surgery has went through hell one way or another. one thing was the very low calorie diets you have to do for several months after the surgery because your stomach cant handle big amounts of food, some have issues with being able to absord certain vitamins,some have issues with not being able to digest certain food,
one kept having complications from the surgery and died,she was in and out of the hospital over the course of a year the first 3 months she had an issue where a hole opened up in her stomach and she went into sepsis,she was in a medically induced coma for 3 months because she was so bad off they didnt think she would make it. she tried losing on her own and for some reason just couldnt do it.,my hubbys friends has lost a lot of weight but hes not having an easy time.
he isnt losing weight again and hes trying to be more active,but its still not easy he was over 500lbs.(closer to 300 now). in my opinion its harder having the surgery because you are more liable to have issues with things and your health. losing weight withou surgery can have a big impact on health but I think,its more positive impacts and less complications can arise. not saying its the case.most of us work hard to lose weight,but I think those who dont have the surgery dont have to face all the issues those with the surgery do.
only one of them has gained it most of it back and stopped losing only because she thought it would be a quick fix.she obviously didnt listen when they told her she would have to still watch what she ate. most doctors will still make you lose so much weight on your own before you have the surgery especially if you are severely obese,because of safety issues due to the anesthesia.4 -
I don’t have any opinion. Someone getting weight loss surgery doesn’t affect me at all. Life isn’t a competition on who works harder at something. This discussion somewhat reminds me of people thinking moms who have c sections are taking the easy way out. To me that is hilarious. I don’t know that I would ever consider surgery to be an easy way out18
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I don’t have any opinion. Someone getting weight loss surgery doesn’t affect me at all. Life isn’t a competition on who works harder at something. This discussion somewhat reminds me of people thinking moms who have c sections are taking the easy way out. To me that is hilarious. I don’t know that I would ever consider surgery to be an easy way out
I don't know if this is the primary issue, but I agree with your point - the path to success is irrelevant. As lame as virtue signaling is someone claiming moral superiority over this has to be the lamest of the lame. Changing behavior is incredibly difficult and the chances of success diminish overtime. This isn't only true for weight management, but for all behavior.
Surgery is never an easy path, but unfortunately this is not reflected in the marketing of surgical intervention around weight loss and all aesthetic medicine. This is my primary concern as the adverse events are dramatically under-reported.12 -
I don’t have any opinion. Someone getting weight loss surgery doesn’t affect me at all. Life isn’t a competition on who works harder at something. This discussion somewhat reminds me of people thinking moms who have c sections are taking the easy way out. To me that is hilarious. I don’t know that I would ever consider surgery to be an easy way out
I don't know if this is the primary issue, but I agree with your point - the path to success is irrelevant. As lame as virtue signaling is someone claiming moral superiority over this has to be the lamest of the lame. Changing behavior is incredibly difficult and the chances of success diminish overtime. This isn't only true for weight management, but for all behavior.
Surgery is never an easy path, but unfortunately this is not reflected in the marketing of surgical intervention around weight loss and all aesthetic medicine. This is my primary concern as the adverse events are dramatically under-reported.
Yeah, my main concerns around weight loss surgery are around the ethics/transparency of those who stand to financially benefit from it. That is, are doctors and clinics being honest and forthright about the challenges of WLS, the overall success rate, the potential adverse consequences? Are they seeking to expand, for financial benefits, into populations that don't benefit as clearly from it (those who are "just overweight," for example, as opposed to those who are obese)?
Whether the people who are having surgery are choosing the "easy way out" is irrelevant to me.11 -
rheddmobile wrote: »The people I know who have had the surgery both had serious, even life-threatening, complications. One was able to lose weight after and the other lost but gained it back. Neither lost enough weight to be normal weight. So surgery is definitely not a magic bullet.
Personally I would be willing to endure a lot of dieting and exercise before I would resort to suffering through surgery, especially after seeing how rough it was, but that's me. I don't understand the mindset of wanting the surgery, but I understand enough to know that different people are different. It's none of my business whether other people are lazy or work hard to lose weight. I just hope that they do whatever leads to the best outcome for them.
^^^^^ This exactly. I've had several close friends and family members who opted for WLS with less than ideal outcomes. One of my closest girlfriends has had nothing but complications - two additional surgeries to repair esophageal issues, plus gall bladder removal. Not sure the last was related but after two years she is still struggling with digestive problems, constant nausea and frequent diarrhea. My sister-in-law lost 130 pounds and now can't seem to stop losing. She hasn't figured out how to get enough nutrition, the medical follow-up is abysmal, and she appears to be wasting away. Her son, who also had the gastric bypass, is doing great, but he is 25 years younger so the age may be a factor. My SIL paid for it all out of her own pocket and it was over $30,000. She freely admits she just didn't want to do the hard work to do it on her own. Everyone is complaining about loose skin. Not that loose skin isn't a problem with any large weight loss, but the rapid loss seems to come part and parcel with a lot of it.
While it is not my business, these are people I care very much about and I hate to see them struggling. My advice for anyone considering it is to think long and hard about what comes afterwards before you make a decision that may affect you for a lifetime (and not always in a good way).11
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