Why do people consider weight loss surgery cheating?

Deipneus

Sorry about the rant....I guess I'm just in need of some support or validation of my new journey.

I'm remarkably free of that particular malady. I don't give a damn whatever anyone else thinks. Okay, maybe close friends and family a little bit.

lizbeth926

That's harsh to say don't you think???? Let me tell you something.... I support her decision if that's what she chooses to do. I myself am a gastric band patient for last 8 years. Prior to that, I spent YEARS attempting to lose weight by trying all diets, excercise, gyms, nutritionists, countless dr's appointments to no avail. I would lose 10-15 and gain it back and them some.

Dr's finally discovered I had a thyroid problem that impacted my body's ability to lose weight. After surgery, I moved to have the gastric band because I had developed secondary symptoms due to being overweight. And NO, I wasn't overweight all of my life, ate unhealthy, or was lazy. I spent 8 years in the military and was fit and trim.

Before you judge someone as being lazy and cheating, consider what other issues they could be having that's attributing to their weight issue.

Shame on you.

dicegame04

I don't think it is "cheating," per say, but I know sooo many people who are having it done, rather than changing their bad habits. It does upset me when people say there isn't "anything" easy about it! Completely wrong! If wasn't easier, then so many people would not be having it and losing weight at super speed. Of course it's not easy, no weight loss is, but it is DEFINITELY easier than doing it without surgery. I am [or was ] an obsese woman who has had to work SUPER hard to lose what I have. I work out 3-4 times a week-intensely, changed my diet to mostly low carbs, and it's HARD!!! In about 6 months, I've lost about 45 pounds. With WLS 45 pounds comes off in a month...how is that not easier?? No matter what, losing weight is an AMAZING thing, just be honest and take accountabilty that it is NOT the same as doing it without surgery.

ichoose2believe

All I can say is you have to do whats best for you and not look to others for validation. If you truly believe its whats best for you in the long run then it shouldn't matter what other people think.

dandelyon

My mom had WLS 4 years ago. She didn't lose the astounding amount that a lot of people do, but she was one who barely qualified for the surgery. Like so many, she gained a lot of the weight back. She also has new and interesting digestive problems. I occasionally ask her if it was worth it. She says yes, because she is off her diabetic meds and her blood sugar has stayed in a healthy range. She had been visiting a nutritionist for years (still does), did Weight Watchers, did TOPS, did the gym, took us on ridiculously long walks in our strollers... but the weight kept coming back. The important thing (as a daughter) is that my mom have as many years on this earth as possible and I do think that WLS, which has kept her diabetes at bay, is going to have that effect.

1stday13

I am scheduled to have a gastric bypass on May 24th. I have family and friends making snide comments about my decision. And I keep reading online posts about how weight loss surgery is so horrible because it is cheating.

I have followed a doctor supervised diet and exercise regiment for over a year. My PCOS is making it impossible for me to lose weight. I've seen and endocrinologist and several other specialists and all are agreeing that it is a good idea if I have weight loss surgery because it will change my hormone composition.

I see weight loss surgery as a tool...you still have to follow a strict diet and exercise program if you are going to be healthy. You have to be extremely diligent in taking your supplements and protein intake. You can never eat sugary or fatty foods again. It's not as easy as people think.

Sorry about the rant....I guess I'm just in need of some support or validation of my new journey.

^^^^^ That you are right on^^^ I opted not to do it. But you have my total support! It is not "cheating" You have to go through the same thing we are all going through. Add me as a friend if you wish. I will support you! Check out the groups on here too. There is one that has had the surgery, It might be a good group for you

REDI4CHANGE60

Don't worry about other people and their uneducated opinions! Have the WLS, lose the weight, do what you need to to live and LIVE happily ever after. I had RNY gastric bypass WLS in 2001 and gained back part of my weight, which I have lost again, plus more weight, and I am now smaller than I have been since I was in my early 20's. PLUS I am still losing and I can finally see my goal is just over the horizon! So exciting!! I never thought it would happen!! Do you know why??? Because I still have the WLS TOOL in my tummy to assist me! Would I ever wish it away or reverse it if I could?? NO FREAKIN WAY! I don't know which surgery you are having, but I wish I had made better use of mine when I first had the surgery - in RNY you also have the malabsorptive component that will lessen with time - so work it hard the first year. Get your head in the right place, because this is truly a lifelong decision (unless you have a band or sleeve that can be reversed if necessary - God only knows why you would want to outside of complications). Maybe the people who are critical of you are jealous?? They can't get the surgery?? Again ... don't worry about them. Do this for you. There is NO shame in taking advantage of a TOOL available to you that could save your life if you use it correctly. Stepping down from my soapbox now.

1stday13

My mom had WLS 4 years ago. She didn't lose the astounding amount that a lot of people do, but she was one who barely qualified for the surgery. Like so many, she gained a lot of the weight back. She also has new and interesting digestive problems. I occasionally ask her if it was worth it. She says yes, because she is off her diabetic meds and her blood sugar has stayed in a healthy range. She had been visiting a nutritionist for years (still does), did Weight Watchers, did TOPS, did the gym, took us on ridiculously long walks in our strollers... but the weight kept coming back. The important thing (as a daughter) is that my mom have as many years on this earth as possible and I do think that WLS, which has kept her diabetes at bay, is going to have that effect.

Good for you supporting your Mom

fit4lifeUcan2

I see weight loss surgery as a tool...you still have to follow a strict diet and exercise program if you are going to be healthy. You have to be extremely diligent in taking your supplements and protein intake. You can never eat sugary or fatty foods again. It's not as easy as people think.

So you're saying that you need to be disciplined with your eating after the surgery? If you can pull that off, then why not start now, and avoid the surgery altogether? See the problem?

Exactly! If you can diet before the surgery and you're able to get some weight off in order to get the surgery in the first place why not continue on and do it without the surgery? I know of 3 women who had it done. One put all of the weight back on and then some. The other 2 are not doing all that well either. They're all putting it back. Every time I see them they look bigger and bigger. They all had to lose weight before getting the surgery. Once they had it they had problems eating. Scar tissue built up around the connection area for lack of a better term. WHen the food tries to pass by that scar tissue they would have extreme pain and vomit. They had to go back in for more surgeries. They went through infections and other problems. ALL of that just to put it all back PLUS. So if you can lose the weight before the surgery you've proven already that you can do it. You just don't want to continue to do it is how a lot of people see it. Yes me included especially when I see my 3 friends.

Edited to add that I don't see it as cheating. I just think that you have to keep doing the dieting and exercising and use it as a tool. Don't get lazy and think that you can do whatever you want and eat whatever you want because you had this done and now it doesn't matter.

GamerLady

I don't have a problem with people that have surgery, but I think it's people like one of my husband's friend that bothers people most about it. He had it done, then bragged about all the weight he had lost to women he worked with, never mentioning the surgery, then after all that money and all that weight, slowly started to gain the weight back, now back to where he was when he started the surgery in weight. In other words, it's lazy people that probably bother people most about the surgery.

buildingdreams

I am working on not looking at it as cheating but to get in better health, less weight easier to execise for the morbidly but alot of those doing it look at it as a quick fix, dont exercise ( My close friends) and once they get where they want to be at they cheat. most of the people I know have gained it all back. If they make it a lifetime change then i commend them...

Shetchncn1

The only person(s) you need to be listening to is you and your doctors. You have a special situation - a medical reason that is beyond your control. It 's not like you haven't been trying under doctor's supervision. A person that does not have any medical conditions to hold them back that are not trying at all want to get the by pass surgery so they don't have to try as hard well then yeah they are taking a short cut - and a freaking expensive one at that so not my life not my biz.

Just make sure you take care of yourself. You only have one you

Shetchncn1

I don't have a problem with people that have surgery, but I think it's people like one of my husband's friend that bothers people most about it. He had it done, then bragged about all the weight he had lost to women he worked with, never mentioning the surgery, then after all that money and all that weight, slowly started to gain the weight back, now back to where he was when he started the surgery in weight. In other words, it's lazy people that probably bother people most about the surgery.

Yeah- like that!

mandyabraio

I have to say there are a lot of ignorant people out there when it comes to WLS. GET EDUCATED ON IT PEOPLE!!! The pre surgery liquid diet is to shrink your liver so the surgery will go better for the surgeon and the patient!! Just because WLS is not for you doesn't mean you should bash those who have had it! I had it in Novemeber 2012 because of illness I couldn't lose weight on my own, this surgery has literally saved my life!!!!

tinak33

Just to add a little more information to my original post...

I had 2 VERY complicated pregnancies that forced me to be on bed rest throughout most of them and then being deathly sick after delivery thus forcing me to be inactive for another several months. I have had 4 abdominal surgeries where I have been cut from the bellybutton down totally wrecking my abdominal muscles which will eventually have to be surgically repaired. In the past 4...almost 5 years I have spent a combined total of 20 months confined to bed. It SUCKS!!! Try not gaining weight when you cant move.

I LOVE playing sports, weightlifting, swimming, walking, doing mud runs, taking Zumba 3 times a week...I am VERY active. I generally eat between 1200 and 1800 calories a day...obviously there are times such as holidays or the occasional vacation where you eat crappy and drink alcohol.

The doctor explained to me that the WLS will change the way my body uses sugars and starches. We tried metformin and not only did it not work it made me insanely sick...I had a hard time keeping any food down....(birth control does that to me too)

I am obsessive about things...today I counted out every single peanut I ate for breakfast (30.) I'm at little to no risk of being the person who continues to eat a ton and be lazy, using the surgery as a crutch.

My body needs a jump start and a way to block insulin. That's why it was recommended.

Feel like this needed to be reposted.
Obviously you exercise and watch your calorie intake.

This is clearly a tool.

If you and the doctors have been over your situation and this is the best approach, I wish you the best of luck. :flowerforyou:

You said in your original post that you have seen several doctors. So it's not like you went to one and decided to go with the first suggestion of surgery. You went to multiple.
And it sounds like after this surgery you will have to have another one for your abdominal muscles to be repaired...

Sounds stressful. If this surgery will help you move more, and help you get back on the healthy active path, then go for it.

Lupercalia

As someone who suffers from PCOS . . . . your PCOS is not making it "IMPOSSIBLE" for you to lose weight- it is making it harder and a longer process, but not impossible

For the sake of the conversation I am curious how you manage your PCOS and weight loss. My initial thought is through hormone therapy. Is that correct?

Actually no. The best way to manage PCOS is to lose weight and manage the blood sugar naturally. But most doctors, including endocrinologists who are supposed to know this stuff don't always tell you that. For me, they put me on birth control and metformin to help. But all the BC did was make me have periods without actually ovulating (so not a legitimate period) and throw my hormones more out of wack. I am currently (through my own research) trying to get off of BC and managing my PCOS naturally using diet and exercise.

I also wanted to point out that every woman with PCOS is completely different. While some symptoms are pretty much universal, each woman's body chemistry and diet requirements are different. Just because one woman lost 100 lbs by restricting carbs and exercising 7 days a week doesn't mean that another woman will. PCOS is the perfect example of how every person in the world is different. The OP seems to have done everything the doctors recommended for her for a year with no progress. If this is the option they are now suggesting then this is the one she should do if she wants. Every person's path is different. Judging another person for a choice is not going to help you or them. So just offer advice without malice. When you have walked perfectly in her shoes and lived her life from beginning to end then you have the right to judge. Until then, opinions only.

YES, all of this.

I have PCOS and am insulin resistant. Like the OP, I had a terrible time with Metformin and didn't want to be on BC pills long term, as I really don't like the idea of taking hormones when I've got hormonal issues. I weighed 265 at my highest weight, so WLS could have been an option for me if I wanted it. My doctors never suggested it, but they also didn't tell me how to actually get my body to cooperate and lose some weight without being on Metformin.

So no, it's not impossible to lose weight with PCOS and insulin resistance, but it sure can be extremely difficult, especially if you haven't been really controlling your sugars, carbs, and protein intake. A lot of women with PCOS also have issues with gluten. I think there's a higher incidence of Celiac Disease amongst us, but there are also a whole lot of us who are not dealing with full-blown Celiac, but have some degree of gluten intolerance. That can also make weight loss and general health a bit more complicated for us to attain.

I had to sort all this stuff out myself, by just reading and reading, demanding a few tests from my doctors, and experimenting on myself to figure out what would work for me. I still don't have all the answers, but I did find out a few things that helped me to finally lose weight.

I have to exercise a bit more than the average person, and I also have to control my diet to a greater degree. I can't be one of those IIFYM pop tarts and ice cream sandwich people if I want to be well. Yes, this is sad! :sad:

I'm not interested in judging the OP for her decision to have WLS. I don't know what her situation is like apart from the brief posts she's made here, but I'm imagining it must be rather dire for her to want to undergo WLS.

OP, I hope you'll be well. Best wishes. :flowerforyou:

grim_traveller

There appears to be an immediate correlation for WLS and remission in Type 2 Diabetes. The last thing I read about it was that "it needed more research". It appears to happen immediately after WLS, even before the patient has lost weight.

One sad thing about this thread is getting such blatant evidence of how judgmental and hurtful some people can be.

I wish the OP the best of luck.

It sure does. I was off of diabetes medication three days after surgery. I'm off of all other medication as well. The diabetes issue is likely hormonal, but scientists still don't know for sure. The other major hormonal change is the loss of appetite and food cravings. That change does come back after the first six months or so, which is why some people regain, but the diabetes does not return.

These hormonal changes occur with gastric bypass, not the band. It's one of many reasons why I would never recommend the band to anyone.

desiv2

I don't think it's cheating, but I do think it should be a last resort. Only because you still have to eat better and exercise if you want to keep the weight loss up, so trying to do it without surgery seems more logical. Then you have the pain, time, money and risks involved with surgery. I know two people who died from getting the lapband, but that being said I would and do support any of my friends who choose WLS because it is not easy. It just isn't for me, and many MFPers (including myself) are proof that it can be done without the surgery.

1stday13

As someone who suffers from PCOS as well I know what you are going through while trying to lose weight! I only have like 60lbs to lose so I am not in quite the same position as you but from someone who has spent years trying to lose weight "the real way" and having no success despite working 15 times harder than anyone I know, I understand the decision! Plus the quicker the weight comes off the less dangerous the PCOS is for you. PCOS is no joke and the only way to control it is to lose weight and sometimes the only way to lose weight is through surgery. So I wish you luck and I hope that it goes well for you! Just remember...view the "diet" as a lifestyle change to be a functioning female. I am still struggling to do this but when I can manage it makes saying no to processed carbs and sugar a heck of alot easier!

Enlighten me... What is PCOS??

1stday13

You asked a loaded question, and some of the 'holier than thou' crowd decreed from their high throne the fallacy of your choices.

1: Do not worry about the opinions and judgements of others. They damn sure dont care about yours. There is only one real opinion that matters and thats the bella in the mirror. You do whats right for you.

2: Its better to have WLS surgery and gain your health back than to continue to remain unhealthy with a foot in the grave. Its not about which tool you use to get healthy, its about getting healthy. If you need to use this tool, then by god use it.

To the anoited posters out there, go have a smoothie and shut the *&^% up.

Ciao, Madcow

Love this guy!

^^^^^ That^^^^^^ & you are my friend Sweetie !!

1stday13

I don't think it's cheating, but I do think it should be a last resort. Only because you still have to eat better and exercise if you want to keep the weight loss up, so trying to do it without surgery seems more logical. Then you have the pain, time, money and risks involved with surgery. I know two people who died from getting the lapband, but that being said I would and do support any of my friends who choose WLS because it is not easy. It just isn't for me, and many MFPers (including myself) are proof that it can be done without the surgery.

Yes you are kiddo!!! I am proud to call you my friend :flowerforyou:

CorvusCorax77

I am not reading anything but the title.

Let's just say I have a lot more respect for people who do it through their own sweat and hard work.

That being said, sometimes you got a medical condition or something in which case, I don't care.

Wait, I don't care anyways.

kamakazeekim

As someone who suffers from PCOS as well I know what you are going through while trying to lose weight! I only have like 60lbs to lose so I am not in quite the same position as you but from someone who has spent years trying to lose weight "the real way" and having no success despite working 15 times harder than anyone I know, I understand the decision! Plus the quicker the weight comes off the less dangerous the PCOS is for you. PCOS is no joke and the only way to control it is to lose weight and sometimes the only way to lose weight is through surgery. So I wish you luck and I hope that it goes well for you! Just remember...view the "diet" as a lifestyle change to be a functioning female. I am still struggling to do this but when I can manage it makes saying no to processed carbs and sugar a heck of alot easier!

Enlighten me... What is PCOS??

"PCOS is an endocrine disease that affects my hormones. It is similar to diabetes, except that diabetics don't have enough insulin in their body. The insulin bonds with sugar to make energy, so you have to have insulin to live. For us with PCOS, we are insulin resistant. We make PLENTY of insulin, but our insulin receptors don't work, so the sugar doesn't recognize them and just keeps on moving in our blood stream. This unfortunately means that all the sugar/carbs that I eat never produce any energy, and instead go directly to fat." As far as the fertility aspect goes, my body produces WAY too much estrogen, which then converts to testosterone and causes me to have more body hair,irregular periods, and mood swings. I produce eggs every month like a normal fertile woman, but they never get released from my ovaries so they can travel to my uterus. Instead, they just build up month after month and the clusters of unreleased fertile eggs are called cysts. I was lucky...I've had two precious babies...nearly killed me...I'm essentially allergic to being pregnant but they were worth every second of misery!

1stday13

Its the cowards way out
when we are out here working our *kitten* off cuz we gotta lose weight- the real way

Two of my most inspiring MFP friends had weight loss surgery. I did not. They have both lost about the same amount of weight as I have.

The ONLY difference between us is that they had the surgery and I didn't. All three of us log food religiously. All three of us workout all the time. All three of us have made lifelong changes in our approach to food and fitness. All three of us have to approach every challenge with willpower and hard work. All three of us are at risk of regaining weight if we fail to retain our new habits - in fact, studies show that of the three of us, I am the most likely to fail.

We all lost weight "the real way." We all worked our *kitten* off.

THANK YOU! From those of us who have had WLS and follow the rules!

I have lost 125 pounds and kept it off for 2 years (and counting). I log my food everyday, exercise and continue to attend all recommended appointments by my physicians.

To those of you that think I took the easy way out... F YOU! I have never done anything that was so difficult in my whole life! WLS changes your life completely. I eat on a schedule, have to take vitamins, and I don't really get "cheat days", unless I want to spend the day vomiting.

It's a push in the right direction that some of us need. When you get to a certain weight, you begin to feel hopeless and that the end result seems unattainable. Not everyone is born with amazing will power. Simple as that. Some people just need the extra help.

YAY!!! for you (honestly) You are the most direct & honest person I have seen on this thread!! Thank You !!!

I_Will_End_You

I am not reading anything but the title.

Let's just say I have a lot more respect for people who do it through their own sweat and hard work.

That being said, sometimes you got a medical condition or something in which case, I don't care.

Wait, I don't care anyways.

^ What she said.

MorgueBabe

I am not reading anything but the title.

Let's just say I have a lot more respect for people who do it through their own sweat and hard work.

That being said, sometimes you got a medical condition or something in which case, I don't care.

Wait, I don't care anyways.

Since you asked.
Unless you have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to do to old way, (i.e sweat and hard work), it's cheating.
Just like I think extensions are cheating. I grew my hair to my knees.... and everyone was always like "OOOO are these extensions?" >_<

MayaSPapaya

I highly respect anyone who has lost a huge amount of wait by eating right and excercising. That's the way I started, and the way I'll continue as its working.
However, there are some people who have tried everything, INCLUDING eating right and excercising and they're not losing weight, and their weight is so high that they have a million things wrong and could die.
I think those people deserve to have surgery and I don't consider it a cheat, as long as they remain responsible after it.
The only people I consider it to be a cheat for is those who could easily lose weight by cutting the amount of junk and acutually excercising. To wake up one morning and say "Wow, i'm fat. But I don't wait to start eat all healthy and excercising-I'll just get surgery". , that would be a cheat.

AmyRN2009

Well said Jim, many cowards do hide behind a computer!

Its the cowards way out
when we are out here working our *kitten* off cuz we gotta lose weight- the real way

And here we go with the ignorance. Its a freaking tool lady. Just like your treadmill, elliptical, MFP. Use it correctly or fail! And its easy to judge when your hiding behind a computer.

Siege_Tank

Enlighten me... What is PCOS??

Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is an endocrine disorder in women. While some women can have Cysts on their ovaries, not every woman with PCOS have them.

The principal features are anovulation, resulting in irregular menstruation, amenorrhea (absence of a period), ovulation-related infertility, and polycystic ovaries; excessive amounts or effects of androgenic (masculinizing) hormones, resulting in acne and hirsutism(excessive hairiness in women); and insulin resistance, often associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly among affected women.

Where PCOS is associated with overweight or obesity, successful weight loss is the most effective method of restoring normal ovulation/menstruation, but many women find it very difficult to achieve and sustain significant weight loss. Low-carbohydrate diets and sustained regular exercise may help.

Missjulesdid

I want to know who made the rules about what is cheating and what is not.. When I became obese, I was never given a rulebook for losing weight so how can I possibly be cheating???

For me, I had the VSG surgery. I actually lost 70 pound prior to surgery but the thought of continuing like this basically miserably hungry for the rest of my life was more than I could bear so I had the surgery to reduce the size of my stomach and make it easier to stick the amount of calories my body needs.

I still have to log my food every day and track my calories and macro nutrients.. I still have to exercise. But the weight loss surgery is DEFINITELY make it easier to control my portion sizes.. I still have to eat the "right things".. I mean if I wanted to, I could down about an extra 2,000 calories of pure junk foods, which I'm sure is how some people fail with their weight loss surgeries. Really all the weight loss surgery has done for me is given me a little boost so that I am not miserable when eating small portion sizes.

Is it less difficult for me to eat controlled portions and stay within my calorie limits after the surgery ABSOLUTELY. Is it "EASY" HECK NO!.. it's just a bit less hard! If it was easy, I wouldn't be on MFP every day maintaining my accountability!

Also, nearly everyone who has WLS will lose some weight, But those who use a program like MFP, and EXERCISE daily are usually the ones who lose the most weight and keep it off. The WLS helps us, but it sure as heck doesn't lose the weight for us.. at least that's not how it works for me!