Is having surgery to lose weight hard work?

mSquared77

I dont think anyone has really answered the OP.........I have read through it all and I guess I still want to know......It seems like with surgery and non-surgery you have to monitor what you eat and work out........Then I ask again.......What is the added benefit of the surgery. For all of the people in here that have had it done what did the surgery do for you that you could not have physically done without the surgery. Not trying to offend just really trying to understand the reasons for taking this risk.

Those that qualify for this surgery get to a point where “normal weight/activity” just seems out of reach. I felt like I was always on a diet and would lose 50-70lbs, but still be morbidly obese - talk about discouraging. I always told myself that if I could get to a “normal” weight, I could maintain the loss and stay healthy.

All people who are morbidly obese aren’t just fat and lazy and have no regard for what he/she is eating. Everyone has to deal with his/her own reasons, or triggers for getting to that point. It was my own responsibility for being at that point in my health, and finding the right solution to address the problem. The “added benefit for the surgery” is the restricted intake that you don’t have. By limiting the amount of food that someone can humanly consume (at least early on) the result will be weight loss. Simple as that. I don’t feel that physically or emotionally I could have ever lost 150 pounds on my own. The surgery provided the added benefit of restriction for me.

I think I adequately answered both of your questions. Thanks, for the opportunity.

frogmama

I had lab band surgery June 2009. After 2 years, I was almost to my goal. I have now lost 77pounds and weigh 128 pounds. I feel better than I have felt in the last 25 years. I go to the gym 5-7 days a week and have been counting my calories on MFP for one and a half years. Previous to surgery, I had gone to WW and lost 55 pounds but gained it back. Continuing to go to WW did not help to lose it. I also am on medication for a thyroid problem. What did surgery do for me? It initially limited the amount of food that I could physically eat. It gave me a jump start at losing weight. I needed this to build my confidence. After losing 30 pounds I pretty much plateaued. However, after having gone through surgery, I was determined to lose the weight. I upped the exercise and started counting calories. Slowly the weight started coming off again. As I lost more weight, I also found that I liked myself more. I had more self confidence and this gave me the encouragement that I needed to reach my goal. Many weeks would go by and I would lose .2 or .4 pounds, which can be discouraging when you see other people losing 2 pounds a week. Each person is so different, and we may need to take a different path to reach our goal. Surgery made it "easier" for me to lose weight than without it, but not necessarily easier than what others may have to do.

downhomechik

My opinion; it's a cop-out, an easier way out. No different than someone taking steroids to gain muscle. Not to mention the potential life altering complications of surgery even death.

If you haven't walked a mile in someone's shoes..... You have no idea what you are talking about.

I agree! It is a personal, individual choice. Everyone has different medical conditions that may or may not merit needing this tool to help them. Skinny people who have never had weight issues look at overweight people and think we just eat too much and we are lazy. Aren't we doing the very same thing if we say bariatric surgery is a cop-out?

chachadiva150

Your 50% statistic is about right.

That's so interesting. I think more people should know that when considering their options.

70davis

bump

mSquared77

Your 50% statistic is about right.

That's so interesting. I think more people should know that when considering their options.

This was first-hand according to the center that I go to. I asked this question at my annual follow-up just last week. They have done more than 2,000 procedures. Not sure what the "national average" is, but this proves that not everyone is cut-out, or up for the lifetime commitment this solution can provide.

larsmac83

For some people, gastric bypass or lap band isn't really a choice, it's a procedure that MUST be performed to save a life, just like a heart bypass or something similar. I personally haven't considered it yet, because I want to exhaust all options first, but I have known people with diabetes, high blood pressure, even severe arthritis in their knees who have had this surgery and been successful. Yes, it is hard. It requires the exact same mind-set and lifestyle changes that 'traditional' diets do, but this is typically a surgery for people who have tried all those and still can't lose. My friend's mother had such severe arthritis in her knees that the surgery was suggested to her by her doctor. She had never considered it, because she didn't want to be seen as lazy and not willing to do the work it took to get the weight off, but she had been trying to lose weight for years. Now, with the surgery, she is MUCH better off with a good bit of weight lost. She hasn't gained any back, and she isn't a rail, either. She chose to stop losing at a certain point, because she just wanted to get to a healthy weight that wasn't detrimental to her health. She pays strict attention to food and exercise, and it's becasue this surgery enabled her to do what she wasn't able to do without help before.

Those of you who say it's a cop out must not have ever been morbidly obese. It's a serious health issue, and though I'm currently choosing a different way, I support ANYONE who wants to lose weight for their health in any way they deem necessary.

Arthemise1

I had LapBand surgery. I did well and lost 50 pounds. Then we went on vacation, and I ate junk food again. Two years after surgery, I haven't been able to lose any more weight (but MFP is helping!). I still have to diet, and sweets are my downfall. But here's the biggest advantage so far -- I can't REGAIN the weight. Even when I pig out, I can't eat that much, so I haven't regained any weight. Though my lack of getting to my goal is depressing, I think the LapBand is worth it. I'd be even more depressed if I had gained back that 50 pounds. It's a tool, not a crutch.

I have been trying to lose weight my whole life, and nothing has done it. I was desperate, and surgery was my only option. Anyone who has not walked in my shoes has no way of knowing what I've been through. Someone who says "If I can do it, anyone can" has just NO clue. Every body is different.

kyt1206

Understand this:

A BMI of 40 will get you on the surgery table. Any lower and the risk is too great for the reward.

There is a studied MORTALITY rate of 0.5% within 6 months of surgery in 2005-2006. This means in every 1000 people who get the surgery, 5 are guaranteed to DIE. Or, 1 in 200. This may be less or more depending on the current medical research and post-op procedures. You *are* cutting into your body.

The long term rate of MORTALITY (basically due to continued morbid obesity) is REDUCED by 40% in patients who go through the procedure.

This is a last-step drastic measure. In medical school, all my professor tell me that surgery (esp the surgeons) is the last resort. When chemicals, physical therapy fails left and right, this is the LAST RESORT. So until you feel like you're there, DON'T go there.

livinginwoods

Some need to have it and some want to have it. My mom had lap band and my friend has Gastric. Both are successful but it is a struggle. I am bigger than both of them were but want to do it on my own because I want the pride to say that I did it without and surgery or diet pills. It CAN be done. It may take longer but I will get there and be in better health in the long run because of it.

livinginwoods

I hope you don't use this as an excuse to pig out. If you do you have not learned anything.

I had LapBand surgery. I did well and lost 50 pounds. Then we went on vacation, and I ate junk food again. Two years after surgery, I haven't been able to lose any more weight (but MFP is helping!). I still have to diet, and sweets are my downfall. But here's the biggest advantage so far -- I can't REGAIN the weight. Even when I pig out, I can't eat that much, so I haven't regained any weight. Though my lack of getting to my goal is depressing, I think the LapBand is worth it. I'd be even more depressed if I had gained back that 50 pounds. It's a tool, not a crutch.

I have been trying to lose weight my whole life, and nothing has done it. I was desperate, and surgery was my only option. Anyone who has not walked in my shoes has no way of knowing what I've been through. Someone who says "If I can do it, anyone can" has just NO clue. Every body is different.

abberbabber

I dont think anyone has really answered the OP.........I have read through it all and I guess I still want to know......It seems like with surgery and non-surgery you have to monitor what you eat and work out........Then I ask again.......What is the added benefit of the surgery. For all of the people in here that have had it done what did the surgery do for you that you could not have physically done without the surgery. Not trying to offend just really trying to understand the reasons for taking this risk.

I obviously can't answer for everyone, but for me it helps me feel like I'm not starving. I had gotten to a point where no matter what "diet" or "lifestyle change" I tried to implement I was just hungry and miserable all the time. Now, while I still have to work hard (watch what I eat, exercise, etc), I'm not nearly as miserable.

lorikneff

i've know a couple of people that done it and they did it to save their life...it's not easy. all your meds, foods and anything you need to digest has to be liquid for a while...big adjustment.

Arthemise1

I hope you don't use this as an excuse to pig out. If you do you have not learned anything.

Is that what you take away from what I wrote? Don't you think I would stop pigging out if I could? What an insensitive thing to say.

purpleipod

Yes, it's just a slightly different form of hard work. Surgery isn't an easy way out.

servilia

I'm sure it's hard work - in which case, why bother with the dangerous surgery? Why not go through the hard work to lose weight without the added factor of this dangerous, expensive (?) procedure?

Tana_Q

Yes, having surgery to lose weight is hard work IMO. I just had my Sleeve surgery a month ago and it has changed my life already. I have to think completely differently about food and amounts. I actually have to remember to eat! The part of stomach removed during sleeve surgery is the producer of Ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Now that it is gone I am rarely ever hungry and have NO cravings for anything.

I was 330 lbs when I started this journey. I looked and felt terrible. I actually KNOW how to lose weight, it's the maintenance that gets me. The Sleeve is great for both weight loss and maintenance. I've lost 100 lbs in the past and gained it plus another 60 back. I felt like I needed this surgery to save my life,

I've also found that most naysayers have no clue about what the surgery entails or what aftercare is like. It's fine to have an opinion but please educate yourself before you trash something!

IrishFanVSG

I dont think anyone has really answered the OP.........I have read through it all and I guess I still want to know......It seems like with surgery and non-surgery you have to monitor what you eat and work out........Then I ask again.......What is the added benefit of the surgery. For all of the people in here that have had it done what did the surgery do for you that you could not have physically done without the surgery. Not trying to offend just really trying to understand the reasons for taking this risk.

I had VSG. I had dieted for years. One thing I have found that it has done for me is that I eat and am satisfied. On diets I was always hungry and felt deprived. I eat the least amount of food I ever have but don't feel like I am on a diet. I track my food, eat good food, and don't drink pop. I can exercise now and feel good after. I pay close attention to nutrition now because I have to. I tried. Many many times. I guess I didn't do it right because I always regained the weight. In some people's eyes I still did it wrong because I chose surgery. It's given me more discipline because I can't do something's and I know it. People have chose to dye their hair, get fake nails, and tan in a booth. We get one go around in life. I chose VSG. I got tired of banging my head against the wall always getting the same results. Now it's like I've moved to a completely different place and had to learn street smarts all over again when it comes to eating and living. I've lost 100 pounds. I've had to learn how to eat again and be part of this new club. I've had to change how I shop too. All my stores that I used to go to no longer have clothes for me. When you're heavy for so long, it's not just about the food after surgery.

kissinitallgdbye

she said it was her lack and ability to exercise threw no fault of her own do you know how to read!!!!!!!

buckeye86

I'm close to a couple people who have had it. They both have digestive issues and one has had lots and lots of kidney stones because of it (Though losing 130 ish lbs was a wonderful thing for her). I'd much rather feel the muscle pain of working out than internal stuff that'd be going on. People also need to keep in mind that even though the weight will drop off quickly if they do what they're supposed to do, they can gain weight later just like if they lost weight the other way if they don't maintain by eating right and working out like the rest of us.

R2dragonVSG

I had VSG on march 28th, I feel the best now that I have had surgery, and now I'm preparing myself to return to work just 3 weeks out . I spent years thinking if I just watch what I eat and exercise more the weight will come off, that was not the case. I peaked at 374.8 lbs fine if your a pro football lineman and are 6'7" but on my 5'6" frame, not a good combo, it was to the point my knees and back were giving much more that occasional aches and pains. I fully recommend not only the VSG but I was required to diet 6 months before surgery. If your can stick with the 6 months program before then the next steps are I don't want to use the word easy, but it, it is. I am on a restricted diet of what I should eat as my stomach heals but it is all about protein, which is what you should be eating first regardless if you have had surgery or not. The mind set is the key you have to want to improve your health, I'm one of the " healthiest" people to go through our bariactric program, only because I got proactive to get ahead of the high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems that are coming if I didn't do anything. So get into a program that gives you plenty of information up front and ask questions, my wife and I have both had this surgery and are working forward to have a great long healthier life with our children, I just got back from a 2.25 mile walk that was not possible even two months ago. So you decide is it a cop-out .... I think not it is a tool to allow me to keep my health and enjoy my kids..

kryssabelle

"My opinion; it's a cop-out, an easier way out. No different than someone taking steroids to gain muscle. Not to mention the potential life altering complications of surgery even death. "

Would you feel the same about quitting cigarettes cold turkey vs gum/patches/medication etc? Lung cancer (plus all the rest) kills. So does obesity.

We're not talking vanity kilos here. My crunch time came when I realised that "at least she didn't take the easy way out" on my tombstone would do jack to comfort my children when I was finally done eating myself to death. I was sleeved a couple of months ago.

Sure I've lost weight before... And regained it with interest. Over 25 years of dieting and I've only not been obese for maybe three years in total of that. As a PP said, the decrease to my risk of dying from obesity related illness (not to mention morbidity) well and truly trumps the risk that surgery posed. That said, I have been lucky and free from complications. Plus, as my surgeon and dietician pointed out, there's emerging research about neuropeptides etc our bodies start to produce in a bid to get our weight back up following dieting and weight loss. Evolution hasn't cottoned on yet that weight loss to an obese person is a good thing, not a bad one!

I'm done with being ashamed of having had surgery. The whole freaking world could see my weight and how huge I was, I'm not going to be ashamed of doing something about it.

*off soapbox now*

Sorry to venture off topic, OP.

texasmom2011

Everyones opinions are different. I had the VSG, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, done on December 19, 2011. It was painful the first few days, then the adjustment to the way of eating, the portion sizes and just getting the mindset, "when i eat, I need to eat protein items". Basically the same as when you are dieting but the new sleeve keeps the portions to a minimum. I had started with a goal of 74 lbs to lose, I am currently at a loss of 53 lbs and feeling great. It is a new way of life, a new way of thinking and a new way of eating. I myself would do it again and have had no major issues with my new sleeve. Some may say its the "easier" way, but then, they havent been in my shoes or know what its all about. Again, everyone has different opinions and mine is that if you have tried all the other options and/or have health issues, I fully recommend the VSG.

Exactly!!! I had the VSG 7-11-11. I've lost 64 lbs. It's still hard with surgery. Your body still has stalls. This is only a tool. And its the hardest thing I've ever done. But after all "diets" failed me, this was the last resort. I would do it again in a heart beat.

texasmom2011

I don't understand the comment so many make..."I want to do this on my own". (losing weight). Well I don't know about anyone else that has had surgery, but NO ONE is losing the weight for me. I'm doing it on MY own. I just have a smaller stomach, thats all. I eat right, and exercise just like anyone that has NOT had surgery.

I wanted to lose weight on my own also...and guess what? I AM!!!!!

slsherwood51

My opinion; it's a cop-out, an easier way out. No different than someone taking steroids to gain muscle. Not to mention the potential life altering complications of surgery even death.

The risk of death is definitely a cop out. I'm so glad you pointed that out (Please note my sarcasm button is turned on here.)

Erihppas

Everyone I know that has had the surgery look like they unfortunately haven't had anything done.They are all flabby and all say that after they've lost their weight, they started slowly but surely gaining it all back. I do believe the surgery can help you lose the weight, but after a certain point, you have to have the motivation to change your lifestyle.

PeekABooGirl

I had gastric bypass surgery in 97 and lost a125lbs. Most within the first 10-12months. Recovery was painful - but I've had more painful surgical recoveries. (Tummy tuck - OUCH!) The difficult part is adjusting to your new microscopic size belly. You WANT to eat (lets face it, most of us probably love food so having surgery doesn't take away that desire) but you CAN'T eat. So it can be very frustrating for a while. You learn really quickly to NOT overeat because if you do, you'll throw up. For the first month or so, I had to eat all soft mushy foods. Eventually you add normal things in to your diet.

I've had 2 babies since then and over the years have gained maybe about 15lbs back from my lowest weight. I never got super skinny (wasn't my goal to) but I was able to fit into size 12 and very happy with that. It worked for my frame. But now I'm trying to drop at least 25 lbs and it's a HUGE struggle. It's no easier at this point than it would be if I hadn't had the surgery. I'm able to eat normal amounts of food now....no longer eating child sized portions. It's just that your body digests it differently, having had your insides rearranged.

So is it easy to loose weight with weight loss surgery? Yes and no. The first 6 months are difficult b/c you're adjusting to so much. But you do drop a ton of weight. But later down the road, if you're not careful you can gain weight back and loosing can be just as hard. I have no regrets at all about my surgery.

julesga

Everyone I know that has had the surgery look like they unfortunately haven't had anything done.They are all flabby and all say that after they've lost their weight, they started slowly but surely gaining it all back. I do believe the surgery can help you lose the weight, but after a certain point, you have to have the motivation to change your lifestyle.

Anyone that has been obese for a period of time will have loose skin after the weight is lost - surgery or not. Age and genetics affect how the skin responds.

slsherwood51

I know several people who have had lap-band or bypass surgery and they say they have to work just as hard as someone who is changing their dieting habits and working out. Is this true? I am not saying that they don't but just wondering the point of the surgery?

I had vertical sleeve surgery last August, which is a different surgery than the two you mention above. It involves removing 80 percent of my stomach. While I was healing from my surgery, I was on a liquid diet for about a month and then mushies (soft foods) for another couple of weeks.

In the weeks before and after the surgery, I attended nutritional classes and spent time with a personal trainer. I learned how to eat right, and I learned about foods I had never even heard of before (protein shakes!). These classes helped me learn what I needed to know about nutrition and exercise. I had to re-evaluate and change my entire diet.

In addition to the changes in my diet, I began working out regularly. I now log everything I eat, how much I drink and the exercise I get. I had to change the way I eat, and I had to exercise more. The smaller stomach lets me feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food, which makes me more likely to stick to a reduced calorie diet. The six weeks it took me to recover -- when my diet was mostly liquid protein -- allowed me to have time to shift my way of thinking about my diet and exercise.

I am doing the same diet and exercise changes that others do. The weight doesn't just melt off.

Why did I do surgery? Losing weight is not just a matter of calories in/calories out. You can have a 3500 calorie deficit in your diet and NOT lose a pound of weight. There are other factors that go into losing weight, and genetics plays a big part of it. I was noticing that I was not losing weight despite efforts to do so. The surgery and the initial weight loss that accompanied it (25 pounds in the first month), helped me become successful with my weight loss. My second month, the weight loss wasn't as significant, but it was still a loss. Right now, I'm in a stall. I am eating right and exercising well, and I'm not seeing changes in weight on the scale, however, I am seeing changes in my body composition (more muscle and loss of inches overall).

There are studies out there that explain why obese people are less likely to maintain a weight loss. A recent article in The New York Times described it this way, "A full year after significant weight loss, these men and women remained in what could be described as a biologically altered state. Their still-plump bodies were acting as if they were starving and were working overtime to regain the pounds they lost. For instance, a gastric hormone called ghrelin, often dubbed the “hunger hormone,” was about 20 percent higher than at the start of the study."

My surgery removed the portion of my stomach that produces ghrelin, so I don't feel hunger. It means I can be satisfied when eating smaller portions. That isn't to say my body doesn't produce any ghrelin, but I don't get this increase that the study reports happens.

The link to the complete article I quote above is http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/magazine/tara-parker-pope-fat-trap.html?pagewanted=all