Why is surgery considered so wrong???

spfldpam

Congrats and GREAT post! I had sleeve surgery June 11, 2012. I lost 47 pre op between 2/1/12-6/11/12 and have lost 44 pounds post op in 14 weeks. I, like you, have struggled all my life with obesity. I weighed over 11 pounds when I was born! I was a member of Weight Watchers before age 10. I have never, ever been the correct weight for my height EVER.
Weight Loss Surgery isn't the easy way out as many think. It is tough! It's a tool in my toolbox along with exercise, portion control, eating the right foods and getting enough protein in daily to succeed and loosing the weight and then keeping it off!
Thanks again for this great post!

secretlobster

Your post made me realize that after over 2 years on MFP I've never once seen anyone "slam" people who have undergone surgery for weight loss, but I've seen countless exclamations of support.

Do you guys just make up stuff to get upset about, or am I blind?

kenny_johnson

Because it's dangerous and unnecessary for 90% of overweight and obese people. The vast majority of people could lose the weight through natural means without putting their health (or life!) at risk.

And it doesn't train people how to ate properly. I know someone who lost quite a bit with a surgery -- but after a bad breakup, gained all the weight back. Several contestants on the Biggest Loser had had weight loss surgery and gained the weight back.

There's been numerous cases of people dying from complications. In fact there is a company in Los Angeles that is currently being sued for malpractice due to how many botched procedures they've had.

Is it always a bad idea? No. I think there are rare occasions where people may need it. For everyone else, a sensible change in lifestyle could accomplish the same, if not more.

spfldpam

People see weight loss surgery as wrong because it's basically handing over the responisbility of how much you eat to something else. You can't eat a lot, not because you choose not, but because you have a smaller stomach.
A lot of people, including myself have been obese, morbidly obese, and lost the weight by sheer grit and determination. Also by doing a hell of a lot of research, reading books, experimenting with different foods and methods, talking to people who have lost the weight. My mothers best friend was 28 stone, she is now 10 stone. Not because she had weight loss surgery, but because she decided enough was enough and chose to not eat bad foods anymore. She is incredible and a weight loss hero.

I spent £3,000 training to become a hypnotherapist...in order to cure my depression, find out how to be a better person and explore the reasons behind my compulsive and obsessive over eating.

By getting sugery, you are fixing your body, not your head, which is where overeating and obesity comes from. You still have the urges to eat junk food.

IMOH, if every person had explored every possible way to gain a healthy relationship with food and exercise before getting the surgery. Then no surgeries would happen.

I think people, especially in the UK, are unhappy about weight loss surgeries, is because the funding for these operations comes out of the taxpayers pocket.

Yes, people still have issues with "head hunger" but a good bariatric program will screen for this. I had to get "team approval" from my bariatric program before they would say I could have sleeve surgery. I had to see a physcologist, a nutritionist and a physical therapist. They all three had to sign off/agree I was ready for surgery. If one doesn't agree than you have to do more work. Also after surgery you still see these same people 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and then yearly post op or more often if you need to.
I have tried every diet there is with no success. Yes, I would loose weight but then never reach my goal and then start eating bad again.
I know surgery isn't for everyone but for some it is the only way to get to healthy weight.

AnitaRC

Hi Jennie - my mom used to say that if you expect everyone to agree with your choices you could not live an authentic live and after all it would be a waste of time. Many doctors agree that surgery is an excellent tool for some - three of my family members have had surgery. Sometimes explaining yourself to others opens the gates to criticism. I think that you made a courageous choice for yourself and can move confidently in your journey towards health. At the end of the day no one is walking in our own shoes and each of us leads a very personal life. It is wonderful to be able to live in a country that allows its citizens to have choices - The best to you.
PS - Lincoln used said that he did not explain himself to his enemies.

DexterDarko

I feel that if I change who I am on the outside the natural way, then I'd have to change who I am on the inside. The long road ahead of me is going to benefit me far more then calling a magical fairy to put me under surgery, I'll still be the same insecure and depressed person.

But, I'm not saying it's wrong to go into surgery, I am saying that's how I feel about it personally related to me. Anybody else can do what they want but I would never do it.

Katydone

Good work...my dil had that surgery. She went from 286 down to 130 and has maintained this weight for 2 years. Her husband is stationed in Alaska.

gailashton

No judgment here. It's whatever works for you. The key is not losing it, it's keeping it off and the only way to do that no matter what you do is with lifestyle change with a healthy diet (portion control) and exercise. Good luck to you! Keep up the good work.

delilah47

I don't think bariatric surgery is wrong if you are in imminent danger of a serious health problem. But... during the time of weight loss, I believe a person should learn to cook healthy and change their lifestyle dramatically. Otherwise, a person could find themselves back to square-one easily.

Hayleighs_mom

I don't know about everyone else, but I think it depends on why the person gets surgery. Of course the point of surgery is to loose weight. But the person has to be ready to do the lifestyle change. Like you said, you can still eat rubbish if you want to. But that isnt the point of the surgery. I know people who have done surgery so they could drop the weight but they still eat crappy food. And then they get mad at people who say that they took the easy way out. In my opinion, they did. But there is a HUGE difference between doing it for personal reasons vs. medical reasons

ashlbubba

One of my friend's had surgery in May- at that same time another friend (whose not all that large) was also taking nutrition classes towards WLS... both of these friends were encouraging me to have surgery done.... Here in the states most insurance companies force you to take 6- months of nutrition classes before qualitifing for surgery..when I looked at the numbers I thought to myself-- I can go through 6 months of classes and Dr. visits and then put myself through a surgerical procedure to lose this weight... but in 6 months I could shed most of that weight naturally and have much more confidence and self worth knowing that I did it and didn't have to alter my insides to get to my goal. (For me, personally) Currently friend #1 is down 90 lbs and extremely happy... friend #2 is on MFP with me and we're both happily losing together!!!

WLS is for some people- but this is why it's not for me!! For some people (like friend #1) WLS seems like the only option to get the huge amount of weight off. For other people, like myself, WLS is absolutely not the right way to go-- and I don't really want to be too involved with it seeing 8-10 lb loses a week when I'm losing that in a month. It's a motivational thing.

In the end we need to get this extra weight off our bodies.... and someday (not too far away from today) we'll ALL be happy with our bathroom scales!!!! Our journey's will just be different.

blueroses_78

most people have no clue how much work it really is. I think a lot of them see people like us (WLS recipients) losing the weight that they can't seem to lose, so they get jealous and say, "oh, you're doing it WRONG" or "You're CHEATING."

WLS is a tool- we still have to deal with the mental issues and the emotional issues. We still have to eat properly, and we still have to exercise. I'm 14 months post op from lap banding, and I am VERY happy and very confident in my ability to continue on this path. It's not been easy, that's for sure.

I also feel a bit of an outcast here, because a lot of people have seen my loss, and they immediately ask me how I did it, and when I tell them lap banding, they get all miffed and don't want to talk to me. Sorry, buddy. I didn't do this for YOU - I did this for ME. I tried and failed all those other ways (WW, highly restrictive calories, working out all the time) and they didn't help. Nothing worked for me. I had to tell my WLSurgeon about EVERYTHING I had tried. I had to see a psychiatrist. I had to (and STILL DO) speak to a dietitian.


OP - I totally get ya

Diggy2011

I wouldn't judge you but I have changed my opinion after watching the horizon programmes they were very informative and well worth watching so I think unless anybody has lived your life then they wouldn't understand best of luck for the futre x

jennis70

It appears you have tried hard conventionally and you still needed help. You made a good choice. I have seen successes and failures with surgery. It appears you are committed to it's success. If you feel you can't share enough on the community site, maybe you can befriend a group of folks who can share privately with you. I certainly do not condemn surgery. I would support the individual if they have chosen to have surgery. My biggest concerns with bariatric surgery are the types that you can't reverse. Taking away parts of our bodies that cannot be recovered if it doesn't work. Yet, there have been some successes for people who have had this type of surgery so I would say it is my own hangup over it. My daughter has a good friend who had bariatric surgery. Her friend encouraged my daughter to have it done. I encouraged her to come to "My Fitness Pal". She chose my advice and in a month has lost 12 pounds. One of the biggest misconceptions that I see with surgery is that a person can go on living the way he use to and not change. I have seen another friend have this surgery and gain a great deal of the weight back because of failure to continue to eat properly. Please continue on your quest for a healthier life. I applaud you. Seeing my friend go through the surgery was a difficult process. Not an easy decision but one that is a good tool when nothing else is working for you. Don't ever give up. When any of us give up remember to return the next morning to start all over again. If we fail today remember tomorrow. Don't let the unhealthy beast win. "My Fitness Pal" is the army who is battling the beast. We will win. Stay with us and fight with us. We need your success too. It encourages the troops.

jynxxxed

The main reason that so many people look down on it is because in MOST cases it is not /necessary/. It is something that people typically use to force themselves to eat less instead of just doing it on their own without the crutch.

Getting this surgery you should know that people will cast judgement on you (as with any decision you make in life), so I never understand why people who got WLS are so confused why people see them differently than if they had done it on your own.

Unless you had medical issues and this was literally your ONLY option then many will disagree with your decision. WLS is not the only way.

mommycline

You got to do what is right for you and don't listen to all the @Holes out there. NO one has the right to judge another person till they have walked in their shoes. NO ONE!

tornadoladi

I agree no one should judge you until they have walked in your shoes. But unfortunately that is the way of our society. Just like i get judge by people for using handicap. I don't look handicap but not all people look it.

I did surgery to help my handicap with my lungs and it is working. We all must do what we need to do for what is right for us.

Libb3C

I think what many people here are missing with the "Lose it the old fashioned way" tone is that many of us HAVE lost it that way, and gained it back, lost it again that way, gained more back, etc. I think you would be hard pressed to find many people who have had weight loss surgery that haven't tried, had some success, many failures.

I had the sleeve 13.5 months ago. I watch what I eat, I take my vitamins, I exercise EVERY day. This is a tool, just like MFP - just like Weight Watchers. I have to work these tools for the rest of my life to maintain my loss. I see a dietician regularly, I have taken many classes on nutrition, I have labs drawn frequently, I attend support group as well as Weight Watchers weekly, I seek out support here on MFP. These are all tools I have in my tool box.

Guess what? I used to be one of you who believed it was the easy way out. Ha. So not true. As the saying goes, walk in my shoes for a few days.

SHBoss1673

I think what many people here are missing with the "Lose it the old fashioned way" tone is that many of us HAVE lost it that way, and gained it back, lost it again that way, gained more back, etc. I think you would be hard pressed to find many people who have had weight loss surgery that haven't tried, had some success, many failures.

I had the sleeve 13.5 months ago. I watch what I eat, I take my vitamins, I exercise EVERY day. This is a tool, just like MFP - just like Weight Watchers. I have to work these tools for the rest of my life to maintain my loss. I see a dietician regularly, I have taken many classes on nutrition, I have labs drawn frequently, I attend support group as well as Weight Watchers weekly, I seek out support here on MFP. These are all tools I have in my tool box.

Guess what? I used to be one of you who believed it was the easy way out. Ha. So not true. As the saying goes, walk in my shoes for a few days.

I don't think a single person on here has said it's the easy way out. Everyone agrees it's a difficult path. Most of us are against it when unnecessary because of the dangers involved with it and the rate of failure. The only people mentioning it as an easy way our are the people that are for it.

kenny_johnson

I think what many people here are missing with the "Lose it the old fashioned way" tone is that many of us HAVE lost it that way, and gained it back, lost it again that way, gained more back, etc. I think you would be hard pressed to find many people who have had weight loss surgery that haven't tried, had some success, many failures.

I had the sleeve 13.5 months ago. I watch what I eat, I take my vitamins, I exercise EVERY day. This is a tool, just like MFP - just like Weight Watchers. I have to work these tools for the rest of my life to maintain my loss. I see a dietician regularly, I have taken many classes on nutrition, I have labs drawn frequently, I attend support group as well as Weight Watchers weekly, I seek out support here on MFP. These are all tools I have in my tool box.

Guess what? I used to be one of you who believed it was the easy way out. Ha. So not true. As the saying goes, walk in my shoes for a few days.

But I think what's lost by some is that pretty much every overweight and obese person has tried to lose weight in the past and failed or gained it back, etc. I've been overweight since I was a pre-teen (with a small amount of time being a skinny teenager) and obese or morbidly obese for almost my entire adult life. I've failed at several diets. I've lost and gained back (plus some).

But I would still not do surgery. For one, I know people who've "failed" at weight loss surgery. So there's no guarantee of success but lots of added risks. But most importantly, I'm determined that this time I can keep it off. Partially because I'm not dieting this time. I'm not doing atkins, or south beach, or whatever. I'm simply eating less and exercising more. Something I'd be asked to do with surgery anyway. So why would I possibly put myself into situation that could kill me or seriously damage my body when I have a less risky alternative?

RobinvdM

I disagree. Surgery to control weight is not wrong. It is remarkably brave, and scary and it changes your food life forever in a non reversible way. I commend you for doing what you needed to do to get ahold of your life before it slipped through your fingers. My BFF has the GB and she is a completely different woman, it has been so successful for her. But there are so many limitations, as you have yourself, that makes it a difficult decision to commit to. Good for you changing your life around

trekkietaz

congrats on your sucess now i did my the hard way watching my calories and 3 days at the gym I loss a total of 107lbs so i too have been sucessful

crazyellybean

I understand what you're saying about surgery and it's not considered so wrong...it's just not always the right answer. As you said you can still eat the wrong things. Some people think once they have surgery their problems are over and the weight will just fall off. It takes dedication to lose the weight either way. Some lose easier than others and some like me just doesn't feel the need to have surgery. I really considered it but decided that I needed to be in the right frame of mind and dedication. I can do it without surgery. Good luck with your progress.

Agree!!

You have to work just as hard with surgery as you would if you didn't, so why not give a good go before hand. Many people think it's the easy way out and it's not!! Its just as hard.. the thing about surgery is you have to make informed decisions about it and realize that it's a way of life as well.. if you can't stick to it before surgery chances are you won't after.

ixap

Oh my goodness surgery is not for everyone, but then neither is Paelo, IF or heavy lifting but somehow surgery gets the worse press.

I don't know; I see plenty of hate (and support) for all of the above along with support (and hate) for surgery. I think we are each most sensitive to criticism of the approach we personally use, so the negativity stands out.

All I ask is that people try to think of the emotional, mental and physical state of a person considering surgery and try not to judge.

here here! always a good thing to aim for.

vintagesquirrel

Surgery isn't for everyone. It isn't wrong in any way, and may in many cases save peoples lives. Surgery, as it happens, was for me... and it was by no means easy.

My roommate who wants to lose about 100lbs or so, is doing it the elbow grease way and still seeing results.

Who are we to say what is right and wrong? I did all the research and prepwork, met numerous times with my surgeon and passed all the tests. I also suffered hideous complications, but I was willing to take that risk to get my health back under control.

Libb3C

I was shocked to learn that those who lose weight the traditional way, you know, "on their own?" Failure rate is 95% - but with surgery is 15-20% failure. I've been the 95% and working to stay out of the 15-20%.

gerbies

I was shocked to learn that those who lose weight the traditional way, you know, "on their own?" Failure rate is 95% - but with surgery is 15-20% failure. I've been the 95% and working to stay out of the 15-20%.

I suppose we would need to define success. I define success as being and staying within 5% of goal...I do not believe WLS has a 80-85% success rate of making goal and maintaining. The "traditional" eat less, move more approach also does not have a high hit/goal success, but it's not much lower/higher than WLS (based on my recent reading).

I applaud anyone (regardless of what path they take....WLS, Weight Watchers, MFP, Paleo, Atkins) who is able to regain health by eating well and moving more. The reality is that morbid obesity (which you generally must be to "qualify" for WLS) is NOT caused by having an extra helping of mashed potatoes and/or a couple cookies on occasion. MORBID obesity (and I've been in that club...now I'm simply "obese") is caused by the abuse of food due to psychological issues. The "counseling" and evaluations required by WLS really do not dig into these issues the way a year or two of strong cognitive therapy would. I'm quite familar with the evaluation process for WLS and it's not that rigid. The only "rigid" part is the sheer number of steps required to go through, but by no means is the process of evaluation of those who are emotionally "ready" strenuous; if it was, very few would be approved for surgery.

My last comment is that, remember: WLS facilities/centers are "for profit" organizations. They will do what's required to a) help their patients get approved by insurance in order to complete a surgery and build their business and b) avoid loss suits. That's it.

Let's just be honest...it's not this caring, cognitive-repairing solution. After completing a checklist of tasks (lose x% of weight, meet with a slightly trained evaluator to ensure someone is not nuts, etc.), and a person meets the insurance requirements (e.g., high BMI and metabolic disorder issues), a person will receive an often, irreversible physical change to their body to help with limiting their food intake. Let's not call it something it's not.

People on the boards may also make comments because there seems to be a sort of "soliciting sympathy" for everything a person goes through to get and make it through surgery. While I have empathy for someone who is in pain, WLS is elective surgery and I liken it to giving sympathy to someone complaining about what they went through after having liposuction, having a tummy tuck, or someone who complains about an injury because they went from zero exercise to running 5 miles a day. These are all personal choices.

spfldpam

All bariatric programs are different. I must say the one I am part of is a caring one. Yes they are for profit but aren't Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, workout gyms, workout dvds and so on?!?! The weight loss industry is huge!

I beg to differ about the cognitive therapy aspect of some bariatric programs also. Mine does use this and uses a book by Judith Beck called The Beck Diet Solution and Weight Loss Workbook for people that need that extra help. I bought the books on my own cause I wanted to suceed in the program.

As I said before, my bariatric program has a team approach and you have to met team approval before they will even consider you for a surgery date. If you don't follow the program pre op you won't be getting a surgery date from them. You have to see a psych, nutritionist and physical therapist monthly and then they decide if you are ready for surgery. You have to cut out all caffine, all carbonated beverages, quit smoking if you smoke and no drinking of alcohol. This goes for pre op and post op for the rest of your life. It takes 6 months to 2 years to get a surgery date and meet team approval. They ask questions when you first start with the program asking why do you want surgery? What diets have you tried in the past? Ask you weight at age 10, 20, 30, 40 and so on.....

Surgery isn't for everyone. I can only speak for the bariatric program I use and they do weed out the ones that won't be successful. They track their success/failure rates too. As Libb3C stated, 95% of people will gain back the weight they loose by dieting or traditional methods if they are obese. With WLS the rate is only 15% to 20% of failure.

I have lost and gain and lost and gained all my life. At age 48 with bad knees, left knee is bone on bone and needs to be replace but I am too young the knee dr said, feet hurting I decide WLS was the way to go for me. I have been obese all my life. I was successful before surgery and lost 47 pounds from Feb till June of this year and did have the thought that "yes, I don't need surgery I am doing good so far" but then reality clicked in with me. Yes I've lost that much but will I continue to my goal without the tool of my sleeve? Probably not so I did have the sleeve surgery.
The surgeries have come along way. Yes they can be dangerous but any type of surgery you have can be. Surgery shouldn't be taken lightly either. It is life changing event and your life won't be the same again. As far as vitamin defencies, with the gastic sleeve there is less chance with that than RNY since it is basically a restrictive procedure vs. the RNY that is restrictive and absorption both.

I was shocked to learn that those who lose weight the traditional way, you know, "on their own?" Failure rate is 95% - but with surgery is 15-20% failure. I've been the 95% and working to stay out of the 15-20%.

I suppose we would need to define success. I define success as being and staying within 5% of goal...I do not believe WLS has a 80-85% success rate of making goal and maintaining. The "traditional" eat less, move more approach also does not have a high hit/goal success, but it's not much lower/higher than WLS (based on my recent reading).

I applaud anyone (regardless of what path they take....WLS, Weight Watchers, MFP, Paleo, Atkins) who is able to regain health by eating well and moving more. The reality is that morbid obesity (which you generally must be to "qualify" for WLS) is NOT caused by having an extra helping of mashed potatoes and/or a couple cookies on occasion. MORBID obesity (and I've been in that club...now I'm simply "obese") is caused by the abuse of food due to psychological issues. The "counseling" and evaluations required by WLS really do not dig into these issues the way a year or two of strong cognitive therapy would. I'm quite familar with the evaluation process for WLS and it's not that rigid. The only "rigid" part is the sheer number of steps required to go through, but by no means is the process of evaluation of those who are emotionally "ready" strenuous; if it was, very few would be approved for surgery.

My last comment is that, remember: WLS facilities/centers are "for profit" organizations. They will do what's required to a) help their patients get approved by insurance in order to complete a surgery and build their business and b) avoid loss suits. That's it.

Let's just be honest...it's not this caring, cognitive-repairing solution. After completing a checklist of tasks (lose x% of weight, meet with a slightly trained evaluator to ensure someone is not nuts, etc.), and a person meets the insurance requirements (e.g., high BMI and metabolic disorder issues), a person will receive an often, irreversible physical change to their body to help with limiting their food intake. Let's not call it something it's not.

People on the boards may also make comments because there seems to be a sort of "soliciting sympathy" for everything a person goes through to get and make it through surgery. While I have empathy for someone who is in pain, WLS is elective surgery and I liken it to giving sympathy to someone complaining about what they went through after having liposuction, having a tummy tuck, or someone who complains about an injury because they went from zero exercise to running 5 miles a day. These are all personal choices.

Impy84

To answer the topic question alone. I won't say it's wrong, HOWEVER, if an associate of mine has had surgery and dares to try to compare how "hard" they've worked with my lifestyle change to accomplish similar results I will bite their forking head off and then spit it out sparing no unlady like adjectives in the process.

If u take a taxi to the finish line of the marathon and i walked/jogged to the finish line we are NOT in the same boat.

milf_n_cookies

I think anyone who would be down on you for doing what you need to save your own life is a jerk. Period.

I have PCOS, it is a metabolic disorder that causes me to gain weight easily and take it off SLOWLY. I tried everything, literally. Surgery changed my bodies chemical makeup and hormones which helped me to finally be able to control my weight. If you had cancer would you have surgery to remove it? Of course. My obesity was killing me just as surley as untreated cancer would have, so I let my doctor and nutritionist help me make an informed decision about changing my life.

I work hard every.single.day to maintain my weight, it takes just as much "grit and determination" as those who don't have surgery. I watch what I eat, make healthy choices and work my *kitten* off as a tri-athlete. My surgery helped me get started on the journey, but it was not the end of it or the only step I had to make in order to become a healthy, awesome and whole person.

I would do it again in a heartbeat, statistics are against those who have spent a lifetime being morbidly obese, the chances of losing all the weight and keeping it off without intervention of some sort is about 1% (and you can look that up, the statistics are there to back it up).

Do what you need to and let the haters hate, they don't matter anyway. It's like the people who comment on my race times who have never ran a mile in their iife, just let them talk and make themselves look ignorant.