Tell me again why I should NOT have gastric bypass surgery
SaraJanePOWER
Posts: 88 Member
Its been something that I keep coming back to when I fail to do well with changing my behaviors in relation to food and losing weight.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.
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Replies
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having wls is a decision that you need to make for yourself. Do the research, see if it is right for you. Talk with your PCP. Maybe even go and listion to a few informational sessions about wls (these are usually free and don't cost you a dime to listion just your time) You can really learn a lot of information about wls and weather or not it is for you
If you chose to go with this option, please seek a place that is a center of excellence.
Of course there are many reasons that individuals will give you on here to not have surgery including....
wls is an easy way out
people gain the wt back
it is about life changes not dieting and if you don't make life changes then surgery won't help either.
however they may not understand the process of wls....
there are many steps both clinic may require (ie: psy eval; dietian; exercise specialist etc) and insurance generally has requirements too, (unless you have promedica they don't have as many requirements or if you are paying cash pay then just clinics requirements)0 -
Its been something that I keep coming back to when I fail to do well with changing my behaviors in relation to food and losing weight.
But I am healthy - no co-morbidities Yet. My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.
why? cause it's up to you and no one should be making that decision for you...
that's why.0 -
oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.0
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oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.
Ok Dear so here's the deal. I'm 27. I have tried to lose weight on and off since I was 12. I never did it. I'd do it for a week, two weeks and fall of the band wagon because I wasn't ready. Not ready to commit, not ready to face the reasons why I was eating like crazy just NOT ready. You have to be ready. Weight loss surgery won't change your readiness.
I do NOT believe that weight loss surgery is an easy way out. I believe it's a way to attempt to take charge of your health. It will not solve your weight problems but its a very good aide. One of my good friends got LapBand and she has to monitor everything she eats. She can still gain weight if she eats poorly. My ex mother and father in law got gastric bipass, have lost an incredible amount of weight and if they have a bad week they gain. There IS NO easy way out.
If you don't want the surgery than don't get it. If you want to try diet and exercise then do it but really DO IT. Don't not get the surgery and die from a heart attack in 10 years because you did nothing. Whatever decision you choose will be good for you and your health in the long run. You've got this but unfortunately motivation has to come from within. Support? We've got that. Motivation? That's all you.0 -
I wrote what I did because of the way I have seen people treat others who are thinking of wls....statements like wls is not a solution but an easy way out....most people don't succeed with it ect.
I do not believe this way. In fact the research that I have read shows that 95% of people fail with just diet and exercise alone in the long term where as those who have had wls depending on the type only 30% fail...........hmm stats seem better for the wls people than non..............
Of course there are some one here who will state and have seen them state that because of will power people have failed that is why the rate is so high, however if you are a person who is morbidly obese or even larger with medical conditions like PCOS thyroid genetics hormone imbalances these can all be obstacles. I listioned to more than one place on wls and learned how individuals who have gastric bypass or vsg actually have their hormones change which aid in the help of losing weight.
just some things to ponder0 -
Threeohtwo. thanks for being sensible for me... I appreciate the encouragement and the reality check.0
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I wrote what I did because of the way I have seen people treat others who are thinking of wls....statements like wls is not a solution but an easy way out....most people don't succeed with it ect.
I do not believe this way. In fact the research that I have read shows that 95% of people fail with just diet and exercise alone in the long term where as those who have had wls depending on the type only 30% fail...........hmm stats seem better for the wls people than non..............
Of course there are some one here who will state and have seen them state that because of will power people have failed that is why the rate is so high, however if you are a person who is morbidly obese or even larger with medical conditions like PCOS thyroid genetics hormone imbalances these can all be obstacles. I listioned to more than one place on wls and learned how individuals who have gastric bypass or vsg actually have their hormones change which aid in the help of losing weight.
just some things to ponder
I didn't think you were anything but kind! I was just speaking from experience with WLS from my friends and family. It isn't as easy or "effortless" as many people think!0 -
Only you can make that decision.
There are those who go ahead with the surgery who gain the weight back and there are those who are able to make the adjustment at that time to a healthy lifestyle. There are also those - like my friend MissDimpley here on MFP ( http://www.myfitnesspal.com/missdimpley ) who has lost 170 lbs through diet and exercise - who have been able to make the change and just go with it.
Regardless, though, to be successful you do have to make the changes... surgery or no surgery.0 -
oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.
You CAN do this without surgery. If its not life or death (you mentioned you are in good health) then why risk your life by getting surgery? Its SURgery, you can DIE. With the money you would use for the surgery get yourself a personal trainer, or frequent visits to the dietician, or one of the other countless tools you can use.0 -
truddy, thanks it seem syou understand this more than most. thanks for your input and ponderable thoughts. I am feeling better understood. Thanks for your clarifications.0
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I wrote what I did because of the way I have seen people treat others who are thinking of wls....statements like wls is not a solution but an easy way out....most people don't succeed with it ect.
I do not believe this way. In fact the research that I have read shows that 95% of people fail with just diet and exercise alone in the long term where as those who have had wls depending on the type only 30% fail...........hmm stats seem better for the wls people than non..............
Of course there are some one here who will state and have seen them state that because of will power people have failed that is why the rate is so high, however if you are a person who is morbidly obese or even larger with medical conditions like PCOS thyroid genetics hormone imbalances these can all be obstacles. I listioned to more than one place on wls and learned how individuals who have gastric bypass or vsg actually have their hormones change which aid in the help of losing weight.
just some things to ponder
I didn't think you were anything but kind! I was just speaking from experience with WLS from my friends and family. It isn't as easy or "effortless" as many people think!
Thanks, I think we were typing at the same time I just took a little longer to post trying to figure out what i was going to say... as far as experience...I am currently seeking wls and have all my preop done just waiting on insurance etc.0 -
I wrote what I did because of the way I have seen people treat others who are thinking of wls....statements like wls is not a solution but an easy way out....most people don't succeed with it ect.
I do not believe this way. In fact the research that I have read shows that 95% of people fail with just diet and exercise alone in the long term where as those who have had wls depending on the type only 30% fail...........hmm stats seem better for the wls people than non..............
Of course there are some one here who will state and have seen them state that because of will power people have failed that is why the rate is so high, however if you are a person who is morbidly obese or even larger with medical conditions like PCOS thyroid genetics hormone imbalances these can all be obstacles. I listioned to more than one place on wls and learned how individuals who have gastric bypass or vsg actually have their hormones change which aid in the help of losing weight.
just some things to ponder
I didn't think you were anything but kind! I was just speaking from experience with WLS from my friends and family. It isn't as easy or "effortless" as many people think!
Thanks, I think we were typing at the same time I just took a little longer to post trying to figure out what i was going to say... as far as experience...I am currently seeking wls and have all my preop done just waiting on insurance etc.
Good luck~ everyone I know has had GREAT success!0 -
oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.
You CAN do this without surgery. If its not life or death (you mentioned you are in good health) then why risk your life by getting surgery? Its SURgery, you can DIE. With the money you would use for the surgery get yourself a personal trainer, or frequent visits to the dietician, or one of the other countless tools you can use.
most who have surgery do not have the funds for the items that you are talking about or have tried those ave. and did not work. However, wls is usually covered by insurance including medicare, and medicaid. But what they don't cover is dietitian visits when for the purpose of weight loss without surgery or personal trainers......I wish they did I have learned so much from them, that I would not have known other wise.0 -
You really do need to do your research and decide for yourself. I had bypass surgery about seven years ago. It was not the tool I thought it would be. I did lose about seventy pounds but had to work at it very hard. I gained some back, but not all thankfully. I am now eating healthy and feeling better than ever. There are some side effects to surgery that are not fun. I am not sure if I could go back if I would make the same decision. I strongly suggest whatever you decide you work hard to lose weight. I did not and have lots of health related issues because of it. If you are interested in more info send me a friend request and I would be glad to share more. Good luck with whatever you decide.0
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You have got to make the decision for yourself, but as a person that had a gastric bypass 11 years ago at 315 pounds, lost down to 198 pounds, then gained back to 250 pounds, now back to 199 pounds ... with fluctuations in weight over several years ... I would definitely do it again. The problem was not the surgery, it was in my HEAD ... you have got to have your mindset right going into the surgery for it to be successful, or later on (as I am at the point now) to be able to use it correctly. I will ALWAYS have this little tool in my tummy that assists me, when I choose to use it properly ... but that decision is in my hands. WLS is not the easy way out ... no matter which surgery you choose, there are issues ... but it's a tool in an arsenal to get this weight off. 11 years later I am using it again to reach my goal ... this time my mindset is right and my tool is here to help me get there. Don't let ANYONE make you feel bad for choosing to do something to help you get healthier ... it's just a tool, YOU are responsible for working it. It's not 'cheating', but who cares if it were anyway?!?! Whatever it takes to get to a healthy, normal weight and life is worth it!0
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The way I see it is weight loss with or without surgery is 90% mental. If your head is not in the right place with or without surgery the weight loss battle, as I like to call it, will be a problem. For me if my head is not in the right frame of mind I will eat out of boredom, depression, loneliness, etc. I was 420 pounds when I started this "battle" and it has been over 4 years and have lost 150+pounds and I still have almost 100 pounds to lose. But I will get there!!! Whatever YOU choose to do make sure it's the right decision for you!!! I wish you the very best!!! : )0
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Wow. I am humbled and thankfull for all of your input. Congratulations to those of you who have found success in the process. You are an inspiration to me and I hope like everything that one day I will be able to be in your shoes helping some sappy girl with her lack motivation crap. I love the idea of Weight loss as a skill. something you practice and learn along the way.. Thanks for sharing that insight with me. This place is awesome and I am glad I checked in with you all tonight.0
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Sometimes people ask me "What did you do to lose your weight?" My reply is, "I didn't quit." There is no secret, just patience, and learning from your mistakes, take your time. Weight loss is a skill, the more you practice it the better you get. So put your time in and practice a lot so you get good.
^ THIS!!!
WLS is a tool, not a cure. In the end, you are still going to have to reteach yourself how to live and eat to maintain this for life. Start setting some small weekly goals of making better choices. These goals should not be "lose 10 lbs this week" but rather "go for a walk at least 3 times this week" or "eat 1-2 servings of fruit every day and cut back the cake portion by 50% this week." These goals should be 100% achievable with a little discipline and hard work. Start tracking everything you're eating here and use the free tools MFP gives you.
The keys to making this work are never giving up on yourself despite having setbacks and realizing that it's about changing how you live, not demonizing food or making yourself miserable.
Don't give up just yet!
Here's a little motivation for you:
Ed lost 311 lbs by eating well and working hard!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/eddavenport
Here's his blog page writeup of his story: http://www.gettingfit4life.com/transformation-pictures-by-year/2012-reaching-my-goals/
Read through some of the Success Stories here too. There are some absolutely incredible people here who have been right where you are and found incredible success.0 -
haha and ED eat's pizza,drinks soda and doesn't get emo.
He's amazing in every way. Great role model here.0 -
My only problem... BMI of 56... yikes.
I'm surprised you are not more motivated to change, BMI of 56 puts you in the super obese category. thats above morbidly obese, there is not a higher category than super obese.
if you don't make a change soon this is what you have to look forward to:
Type 2 diabetes, Heart disease, Gallbladder disease, Hypertension, Reproductive abnormalities, Insulin resistance, Osteoarthritis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Breathlessness, Gout, Impaired fertility, Sleep apnoea, Several of the common cancers, Low back pain, High cholesterol, lymphadima, Anaesthetic complications.
your weight is going to kill you unless you change. you are fighting for a longer life. I'm not trying to be rude or attack you, this is just the facts, but I don't quite get why that doesn't motivate you to change.
in terms of the surgery, if you dont change your habits it will all be for nothing anyway. it would be better to go without it but in the end the main thing is DO SOMETHING NOW.
you don't have any of the above conditions yet.
you're healthy now and can still turn things around, but once you cross the line into serious health problems, its too late.
see the link below for what could be you're future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ulp6iPqBA
sorry if you or anyone is offended by this, I'm just trying to tell it straight.0 -
I'm a little over three months post-op and I am doing amazing. BUT...
1.The surgery was my last resort after trying unsuccessfully for years to get my eating and weight under control to know avail.
2. I spent almost two years in the gym 5-6 days a week BEFORE my surgery to make sure I could make the necessary changes in my fitness routine.
3. Had several health issues that were getting worse and wanted them handled before they got out of hand.
So having said the above and there are more reasons but I won't turn this into a novel (LOL) and meeting with an amazing team of health professionals I realized that the gastric bypass was the tool I needed to get control of things.
The key is this: surgery is an amazing tool but this is NOT an easy way to weight loss. True the weight comes off rapidly but it can go back on rapidly too if you aren't committed to the lifestyle changes!
Best of luck with your decision, don't take ti lightly!0 -
If you don't actually need surgery, why get it? I know someone who had some WLS and has to eat the tiniest amount of food in a day to keep the weight from coming back, it's beyond ridiculous.
Listen to the advice of others here, and stop giving up on yourself! You can have your cake and eat it too, just eat a little less of it when you do. Track your food religiously, and you can see what is going on. It's really easier done than said, I've found. I used to think it'd be so hard to count calories, watch what I eat, and work out, but after a while, it's fast and easy (the tracking part, at least).
You can do it - in fact, you will have to do it regardless of if you get WLS, so why not just truly commit and give it a real shot?
Look, I've purposely eaten 30 small bags of Lays Wavy Original potato chips (and a pizza) in the last 24 hours... Yet, I DON'T feel like a failure because of it. Chips happen. It won't derail me, and it won't undo all of my progress. Back on the horse tomorrow, no guilt.0 -
I am not offended at all- matter of fact I appreciate the reality check. I watched the vid and will continue with the others when I need a little tuff love0
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"Then "cake happens?" 2 Snickers bars are happening for me right now, so what?
Focus on calories, you're focusing on things that really don't matter. Weight loss is a psychological game. You get frustrated, upset, feel like a failure, you lose. Keep your head on straight. Pick your self up like nothing happens and continue. Many of us have tried to lose weight many times. We have failed many many times, yet eventually we learn from our mistakes, we learn what's works for us and we become successful.
Weight loss surgery won't work for you. You know why? It doesn't cure the true issue to weight loss/gain. It's psychological not physical. Lets say you get your surgery, and cake comes around, what will happen? You're going to magically pass it up? Doubt it. You'll eat it, probably feel worse, and start a downward spiral back to being over weight.
Focus on "IMPROVING" your diet, doesn't mean change it. Maybe eat 50% good, and 50% what you usually eat. Learn to cook things you like but a low calorie version. After you have your diet about 50% good, then eat good a bit more, maybe 60% and so on. This doesn't happen over night. Weight loss is about habits, it takes time forum habits.
Sometimes people ask me "What did you do to lose your weight?" My reply is, "I didn't quit." There is no secret, just patience, and learning from your mistakes, take your time. Weight loss is a skill, the more you practice it the better you get. So put your time in and practice a lot so you get good.
I second this.Ultimately it needs to be your own decision, but since you asked on a forum be prepared to get some feedback. Which I'm sure is what you wanted anyway. In my own opinion, I have seen so many people on this site lose massive amounts of weight on their own and you really CAN do it on your own, it'll just take discipline and hard work. Today I ate crappy food, everyone messes up, it's apart of trying to change your behavior. Just because I had one crappy day, or two in a row, doesn't mean I'm going to give up, doesn't mean that the 10-15 pounds I've lost mean nothing. You are human, you're going to mess up occasionally. But to just take that risk of surgery when you can by yourself change up your eating habits and light exercise starting out just seems that an needed risk to me. Hope you let us know what you decide on.0 -
I can tell that this is going to be a long 5.5 months(mayber more realistic to look at this as a lifetime change) of learning and making mistakes. I feel that It is important for me to continue on the process toward surgery because I will learn while I am doing it, but in my heart of hearts I just want to take responsibility and make the changes that I need to make. Learn what it is that I need to learn about my self and then hopefully I can make the decision that will support my intentions for a healthy life... At this moment knowing what I know about the surgery and what it does to the body with malabsorbtion and side affects. I want with all of my being to be successfull on my own with out the surgery. I know that I am not yet too far gone despite my BMI but there is no waiting anylonger this is my life here and like Ed said ... I choose it. Let me choose it continuously and be willing to forget about perfection when it comes to this process... I'll be perfect when I am dead and gone to Heaven. Here and now I have to get serious because I have a better life to live ... I am lucky to be where I am and have these choices.0
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For me- and this might not be the case for anyone else- I would only have wls if I really had an obstacle that would prevent me from losing the weight nataurally. My future FIL is about 500lbs and mobilty has become an issue. He can't exercise so I can understand that wls might be a good option for him or someone in his condition. His weight is life threatening and he's been in the hospital several times in the last year with issues that stem from his obesity.
As for me, I am able to exercise and I feel that has been the key for me. I am not just losing fat but gaining muscle and getting fit. I am doing things I never thought I could do. And I love my results. Thanks to lots of cardio as well as strength training I am losing without any loose skin so far. As I get closer to my goal skin might be an issue but since I'm losing it slowly and mostly through fitness, I expect it'll be better than losing too fast and without exercise. I also think I'll be more likely to keep it off. Instead of waiting until I'm thinner to start living the active lifestyle of a fit person, I've adopted that lifestyle now to achieve those results.0 -
Why? Because you don't need it. Stick to it, don't give up & be strong. You do NOT need it....nobody needs it. In fact that is a cheats way around it & you learn nothing from it.
I have 2 friends who had it done.... both still eat the same crap they did before.... one almost died having it done...the other throws up when he eats.
I've lost more weight & done it faster than they both have. In fact both stalled at a still large size & do not do any kind of exercise at all.
Getting it done will mean you eat less yes.... but you don't learn how to eat properly, and have no need to exercise. It's not a winning situation. Do it like everyone else should..... without surgery. Use your willpower..... everyone has enough to do it...some just choose to not listen to it.0 -
you need to change your behavior/mind set to loose weight old fashioned way like calorie deficit and exercise.. or surgery.. i had a friend who had gastric band with plication.. she was 50+ pounds more then me .. few mo back.. around the time i started mfp.. she was told she couldnt have sugars etc.. she was so sugar crazy that she went to take her vitamins (gummy chewables) and ATE THE WHOLE JAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 500 calories in gummy vitamins.. my God.. if that isnt lack of control! and this is AFTER a SURGERY... so it really does begin with the MIND.. and trickles down to the body.. i myself pray for strenth a lot and to go do God for emotional help NOT food.. an overwt body is a hurting soul/spirit.. how i see it.. and i know my body is a temple and i should treat it that way and not like a trash can!... there are many complications with surgery too..
so back tomy friend.. i started mfp around the same time she had surgery.. and i being 50 #'s less and NOT having my stomach SEWN in half and a also a band in it.. lost wt faster then her! yes.. she couldnt believe it.. she is struggling.. and the surgery also cost her 15 GRAND of her own $$ and she still isnt doing well.. shes fighting it... eating till her 'band' hurts.. and all of that.. its sad.. but i dont judge.. cuz i was debating gastric band/sleeve myself.. but man oh man i love food and i'd rather learn w/out surgery how to manage and willpower to do portions and keep loosin this weigh and inches and not go as extreme as surgery...0 -
oh you guys, Im sorry. I went about this the wrong way. The reason that I am even here is because I am seeing a Surgeon and as recommended following thru with my 6 mo. dietician visits befor surgery and I get so super motivated and think maybe just maybe I really can do this thing on my own with out the help of a surgical tool then all of a sudden my motivation wanes. Cake happens and I am lost in a downward spiral --- feeling a failure. That indeed I can not do this on my own. I think maybe I am better asking for help in staying motivated. ... I did not intend on offending anyone... I have already done the psyc. eval and the Dr. are all in approval of surgery for me - they say I am in a good place in my life to proceed..... really??? I think I am mess and rather week when it comes to my resolve.
Ok Dear so here's the deal. I'm 27. I have tried to lose weight on and off since I was 12. I never did it. I'd do it for a week, two weeks and fall of the band wagon because I wasn't ready. Not ready to commit, not ready to face the reasons why I was eating like crazy just NOT ready. You have to be ready. Weight loss surgery won't change your readiness.
I do NOT believe that weight loss surgery is an easy way out. I believe it's a way to attempt to take charge of your health. It will not solve your weight problems but its a very good aide. One of my good friends got LapBand and she has to monitor everything she eats. She can still gain weight if she eats poorly. My ex mother and father in law got gastric bipass, have lost an incredible amount of weight and if they have a bad week they gain. There IS NO easy way out.
If you don't want the surgery than don't get it. If you want to try diet and exercise then do it but really DO IT. Don't not get the surgery and die from a heart attack in 10 years because you did nothing. Whatever decision you choose will be good for you and your health in the long run. You've got this but unfortunately motivation has to come from within. Support? We've got that. Motivation? That's all you.
extremely well said!!!!0 -
I think surgery is the wrong answer for weight loss. I know a few people that had it and ALL gained it back except one. I think you need to train your mind and body to make healthy choices. What is the surgery going to do for you? You don't learn to change your eating habits so you gain it back.
I hope I did not offend anyone that had surgery and If I did I am sorry.0
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