Diet and Exercise vs. Surgery. Thoughts?

blu143

I have several friends/family who have had weight loss surgery and continually go one and on about how well they've done. You know, constant FB updates etc. I personally lost my weight without surgery.

I was wondering everyone's thoughts on this issue. Before you start blasting me (or each other) please note that this is intended to be a poll on what people think of weight loss surgery. Does surgery allow bragging rights?

Furthermore, I'm not putting down surgery as a viable medical alternative for those who may need it. Personally, I think it's over prescribed by the medical community/Insurance companies. However, thats my PERSONAL opinion, and I don't think less of anyone who may have that surgery.

Anyway, now that we've gotten that out of the way. Tell me what you think.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

I think weight loss surgery is a cop-out for individuals who still have mobility and the means to exercise/diet the weight off. I surely wouldn't brag if my success was a byproduct of a medical advancement (as opposed to my own willpower, hard work, and determination). That's just me. Sorry if I've offended anyone who has had surgery.

LorinaLynn

For those who need it, it's literally a lifesaver. But they have to be willing to put in just as much work as anyone losing weight through more traditional means, because that's the only way to get good, long lasting results.

I don't understand the medical science behind it, but it seems there's some people who just don't process food in a normal way and for those people, this is the ONLY thing that's worked. That it's not just the simple matter of eating less and having a smaller stomach, but shortening the digestive process.

ptjolsen

I think weight loss surgery is a cop-out for individuals who still have mobility and the means to exercise/diet the weight off. I surely wouldn't brag if my success was a byproduct of a medical advancement (as opposed to my own willpower, hard work, and determination). That's just me. Sorry if I've offended anyone who has had surgery.

^ Couldn't have said it better myself! KUDOS

mamagooskie

I think weight loss surgery is a cop-out for individuals who still have mobility and the means to exercise/diet the weight off. I surely wouldn't brag if my success was a byproduct of a medical advancement (as opposed to my own willpower, hard work, and determination). That's just me. Sorry if I've offended anyone who has had surgery.

I agree with this!!

ZillyPaul

If someone does not have the mental ability to save themselves, then surgery is probably the only option left for those people. We've no rite to judge anyone. No one is perfect.

ZillyPaul

btw, I am doing it naturally. its f'n HARD. But that doesnt make me better then anyone else.

cjc166

Diet is the best way. All the benefits, none of the side effects or medical expenses.

danasings

Everyone I know (all two of them) who have had the surgery have gained all of the weight (and, in one case, even more) back. IMO, it's a waste of money and dangerous to one's health if the person isn't willing to make the necessary mental and emotional changes. No surgery can do that part.

Edited to add: In some cases, it is medically necessary to save a person's life. Then I can see it as a viable option. But again, the person needs more than just surgery to correct the issues at hand. It's not just about being obese. No one just wakes up morbidly obese one day. Weight loss surgery candidates also need proper nutritional and psychological counseling.

schillewis

My problem with the surgery is it doesn't get to the root of why the person gained all that weight to begin with. I have two friends who have had gastic bypass and another who has a lap band.

All three lost a tremendous amount of weight...initially. But all three gained back their weight over time. Because their reasons for overeating never changed.

I don't necessarily think there's a "better" way to lose weight...everyone has their own journey to walk...but the only way to acheive lasting weight loss is to find out WHY we gained all that weight to begin with. If we don't permanently change those habits, the weight will slowly creep back on.

MTBrob

When I was bigger, I thought about having a consolation .. I even made the phone call just never went..

Instead I decided that I can get off my own *kitten* and begin learning and eating right.. The Results not only have transformed my body but also my mind, and that in my opinion is worth the time and effort....

Those who have yo yo before they decided to drop the cash and have the procedure just didn't want it bad enough in my opinion ..
That same old way of thinking will be there long after the surgery is done, and while I know there are exceptions, the 4 people who I know personally have rebounded back to their old ways..



So essentially they bought the ability to become obese again .. Its sad really..

I am sure many who have had the procedure have been able to keep it off, but I vaguely remember reading a article that said the numbers are climbing in those who had the surgery are becoming obese once again ...


Weight loss is a journey, and part of that journey is also changing your mind. With out changing your mind there can never be lasting change in your body ..

SoDamnHungry

I think that having weight loss surgery *sometimes* solves the problem of being overweight (because a lot of people gain it back), but it doesn't resolve the issues people have with eating healthy, being able to control their eating, and the emotional problems behind eating so much. It's forcing yourself to eat less, but with people who have exhausted their options, it's not the worst choice to make. That said, I support exercise and portion control over any surgery.

Lina4Lina

Well generally if someone has surgery, they are doing a forced diet and they often do exercise.

I had a close relative who had surgery and her diet was horrendous prior. I don't know her high weight but I know it was above 400 lbs. She lost weight initially but then started to gain it back when she got sick with an unrelated illness.

I don't blame people that consider surgery. I'm personally scared of surgery but I won't say I haven't thought about it. I've struggled all my life with losing this weight and until my early 30s, 300 lbs was my lowest adult weight. I know at least the most common surgery allows your body to absorb less calories which means you can eat slightly more and maintain/lose weight. I think if you've been dieting for 20+ years, you might think of it as a last ditch effort and decide to go for it.

I think though that I can get to a happier weight on my own and I don't have any medical issues related to my weight. I also would be ok with a higher than normal goal weight.

CorinneSharpe

Surgery is by no means an easy way out. Yes. I had it. I'm not lazy, was never lazy (overweight - heck yes i was!!)... some people really do need this TOOL!! After the initial weight loss, for some, this TOOL doesn't give them an advantage anymore... in fact it causes so many other issues that i don't recommend it unless there is NO other way! However, to bad mouth it is really... horrible. Sorry!

iAMsmiling

My wife had gastric bypass 2 years ago at age 48.
She's down 100 lbs. Her asthma is gone. Her back issues are gone. Her feet issues are gone. She's a regular gym goer now.
She wen't from napping as her favorite part of camping to backpacking for 3 days on the Appalachian trail.

She exercised, dieted and fought her way through a lifetime of obesity. In the end, it was winning and it was killing her.
Now I get to have my wife in to my old age and my kids get to have a mother that doesn't have to go to bed each evening after work because she's too sick/tired to be a mother.

Second best decision she ever made...after marrying me, of course.

If you're in your 20s and think it's a cop out, I suggest you give it another couple of decades.

cherbapp

I did both.

I say surgery is the wrong way.

I was overweight since I was 18...at 29 and 323 pounds I had gastric bypass. Out-ate it. Seriously never learned a thing...lost 109 pounds because I couldn't eat...and when I could eat a Big Mac again, I was proud!?!?!

Finally after gaining back 55 and sitting there for a few years...last summer I decided to fix me. I have spent the last year changing my diet and exercising and now I love biking, hiking and doing everything! The 68 pounds in my ticker...those are lost from hard work and I am proud of them. The surgery makes me mad...and I only share this part because I hate to see people go through it when they gotta have the determination and willpower and self control to keep it off...so if you have that...you can lose it yourself in the first place!

Plus I have chronic anemia and other deficiencies from the surgery that I am constantly battling. Never woulda had to do it. But I never honestly tried.

Edited to add...my husband got on board and hit his goal last fall of 40 pounds loss...my oldest daughter and parents also joined in and are all now at healthy weights.

ChgingMe

I think weight loss surgery is a cop-out for individuals who still have mobility and the means to exercise/diet the weight off. I surely wouldn't brag if my success was a byproduct of a medical advancement (as opposed to my own willpower, hard work, and determination). That's just me. Sorry if I've offended anyone who has had surgery.

I totally agree. Such a cop out. Had a friend considering surgery last year. Posted on FB and because of all the negative feedback about it she decided to do it the old fashion way. To date she has lost 100 pounds by diet and exercise alone. And she raves about her results... I think its insane to try for a quick fix. Not to mention all the loose skin one then has to deal with because they can't exercise and lost too quickly. Sorry if it offends.

CorinneSharpe

Thank you!! And... in your 20s, it can be necessary!

ChgingMe

If someone does not have the mental ability to save themselves, then surgery is probably the only option left for those people. We've no rite to judge anyone. No one is perfect.

I disagree with this because if the reasons why one over eats is not addressed then all the shriking of the stomach in the world is not going to stop the overeating. Many gain most if not all the weight back because they don't deal with the reason why they overeat. And the ones who fail will tell you that. No one is judging them. Just saying the surgery doesn't always work

ChgingMe

Everyone I know (all two of them) who have had the surgery have gained all of the weight (and, in one case, even more) back. IMO, it's a waste of money and dangerous to one's health if the person isn't willing to make the necessary mental and emotional changes. No surgery can do that part.

Edited to add: In some cases, it is medically necessary to save a person's life. Then I can see it as a viable option. But again, the person needs more than just surgery to correct the issues at hand. It's not just about being obese. No one just wakes up morbidly obese one day. Weight loss surgery candidates also need proper nutritional and psychological counseling.

KUDOS!!:drinker:

magerum

You still have to control your diet (there are a lot of completely off limit foods forever) and exercise before and after the surgery. I really don't get it. I've seen several people get various surgeries. Some haven't lost a single pound and some have lost a few, others lost a lot but then packed it right back on. Waste of time, money, and health risks. IMO.

blu143

Stirring the pot a little.

My cousin had the surgery, lost a ton of weight, and posted his before and after pics. immediately, the "Congrats", "Well Done" and "Great Work" comments started rolling in.

Congrats and Great Work for what?!?!? Going to your doctor and letting him force you into losing weight because you couldn't do it yourself? Granted, he needed to lose the weight, and he looks great now. But now he's like a recovering drug addict with his constant updates about eating right.

I'm thinking: "Who are you to preach about weight loss?"

I'm not opposed to surgery if needed, and again, I'm not judging anyone who has had it. I agree with multiple points made here already. But it seems you don't have the same bragging rights and the "great work" comments are not earned.

Alright...take it away.

ChgingMe

Stirring the pot a little.

My cousin had the surgery, lost a ton of weight, and posted his before and after pics. immediately, the "Congrats", "Well Done" and "Great Work" comments started rolling in.

Congrats and Great Work for what?!?!? Going to your doctor and letting him force you into losing weight because you couldn't do it yourself? Granted, he needed to lose the weight, and he looks great now. But now he's like a recovering drug addict with his constant updates about eating right.

I'm thinking: "Who are you to preach about weight loss?"

I'm not opposed to surgery if needed, and again, I'm not judging anyone who has had it. I agree with multiple points made here already. But it seems you don't have the same bragging rights and the "great work" comments are not earned.

Alright...take it away.
[/quote

Yea what he said. :explode:

cherbapp

Stirring the pot a little.

My cousin had the surgery, lost a ton of weight, and posted his before and after pics. immediately, the "Congrats", "Well Done" and "Great Work" comments started rolling in.

Congrats and Great Work for what?!?!? Going to your doctor and letting him force you into losing weight because you couldn't do it yourself? Granted, he needed to lose the weight, and he looks great now. But now he's like a recovering drug addict with his constant updates about eating right.

I'm thinking: "Who are you to preach about weight loss?"

I'm not opposed to surgery if needed, and again, I'm not judging anyone who has had it. I agree with multiple points made here already. But it seems you don't have the same bragging rights and the "great work" comments are not earned.

Alright...take it away.

I totally agree...that's why my ticker and before/after photos are only from my high weight before I started MFP...the surgery loss was not through my effort. It was despite my lack of effort. Lol

leambi

Personally its got to be diet and exercise, yes surgery might work but the person isnt going to learn to eat better and exercise so whats to stop all that weight coming back on. Hard work and determination never killed anyone (well it probably has but oh well).

Bakkasan

The ones I find impressive are people who find a way to eat through their surgery and put back on 300lb.

Alex_is_Hawks

I have several friends/family who have had weight loss surgery and continually go one and on about how well they've done. You know, constant FB updates etc. I personally lost my weight without surgery.

I was wondering everyone's thoughts on this issue. Before you start blasting me (or each other) please note that this is intended to be a poll on what people think of weight loss surgery. Does surgery allow bragging rights?

Furthermore, I'm not putting down surgery as a viable medical alternative for those who may need it. Personally, I think it's over prescribed by the medical community/Insurance companies. However, thats my PERSONAL opinion, and I don't think less of anyone who may have that surgery.

Anyway, now that we've gotten that out of the way. Tell me what you think.

you've asked if people having surgery are "allowed" bragging rights..

honestly I think you've made your judgements pretty clear.

WhatDoesLisa

My sister had bypass surgery and she still struggles everyday. She was treated for binge eating disorder but never recovered. Instead she got a psychiatrist to write a letter saying that she was a candidate for bypass. She has lost 1/2 of her hair and takes supplements by the boat load. And her eating disorder is still there. She will go to the Cheesecake Factory and order 2 pieces of cheesecake and eat off of them all week.

I am trying to lose 50 lbs. through diet/exercise and I struggle everyday too. But, I believe that I will be successful. IMO, she just gave up and gave in.

berrythin79

I had gastric bypass just over a year ago and didn't use it as a cop-out in any way. I love to workout and do so almost daily. I had other issues and ended up on steroids and struggled to get the weight off. Before steriods I had lost 90+ pounds without any assistance just diet and exercise. After 3 years of struggling to get the weight back off I had the surgery.

I've shared with my doctor several times if I had to do it over again I wouldn't do the surgery. Believe me its no quick fix for some. I still have to work just as hard to loose weight with surgery due to meds. So I think it really depends on the person. I sit in support groups and see people who had surgery years ago and have yet to reach their goal weight due to lack of exercise and learning how to intake large amounts of sugar.

Once again it depends on the person in my opinion. The surgery is only going to help so much anyway. I don't brag because I've always been FINE!!! :-) big or smaller!!!

It_never_ends

My problem with the surgery is it doesn't get to the root of why the person gained all that weight to begin with. I have two friends who have had gastic bypass and another who has a lap band.

All three lost a tremendous amount of weight...initially. But all three gained back their weight over time. Because their reasons for overeating never changed.

I don't necessarily think there's a "better" way to lose weight...everyone has their own journey to walk...but the only way to acheive lasting weight loss is to find out WHY we gained all that weight to begin with. If we don't permanently change those habits, the weight will slowly creep back on.

This is why I'm against surgery personally. If you didn't eat right and exercise before the surgery why would you after? It's just a quick fix unless you change your lifestyle after. Some people are just plain lazy. NOT everyone who has the surgery is lazy but I know a few people who just continue to eat and lay around after they have had it. What's the point in that?

ZillyPaul

^absolutley agree that it doesnt always work. But like the fellows wife above, sometimes it is a life saver.