Diet and Exercise vs. Surgery. Thoughts?

Personally, I see no bragging rights in losing weight. We gained the weight and all we're doing is setting is straight again.

Losing weight and keeping it off for a long period of time. Now THAT comes with bragging rights.

(Someone very close to me had a gastric bypass and went from 280lbs to 112lbs and has kept it off. They have never bragged, never boasted, they just get on with life. They lost 100lbs 3 times before gaining back and having the bypass out of desperation. Some people have judged them but it has given them the life they always wanted and they have shown no sign of regaining - even when pregnant she gained less than 10lbs).

I have the Lap Band and I have lost 100 lbs. Before I had the Lap Band I struggled so much, I would lose 50 lbs and gain it all back within like 2 months. I struggled all my life with my weight. This has been the only thing that has helped me. No it does not work on its own, you still have to exercize and watch what yo eat, but it sure is easier than doing it on your own if you are like me. But even if you get the surgery you still have to want to lose weight in your head, because I have alot of friends that have had it and some do not do good at all, cause like anything else you learn how to cheat it. But Ive had it for 5 years and I do not regret getting it.

I think surgery should be a very last resort.

I'm in the uk so any weight loss surgery would either be paid for privately or done on the NHS as health insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery over here. Instead of just paying for surgery I think people/the NHS should use the money to pay for a dietician and personal trainer instead. Try eating better and exercising. Then if after say 1-2 years that person still can't lose enough weight with those resources they should be able to have the surgery. I bet the percentage going on to have surgery if that was the case would be low.

Like many have said the surgery doesn't address the habits of over eating. Until they can fix someone mentally at the same time as physically I think I would try and avoid surgery at all costs.

My 2 cents: I've seen too many people in my traversing through life who have had the surgery and gained back most if not all the weight within a few years. And, the person in my office had to have a 2nd bariatric procedure because the first one created all sorts of complications. At one point, she was pretty critical. I don't know. I think I'm glad it's available for those who need it to get to a healthier weight. But, it seems much too extreme for my sensibilities. I'd rather run my booty off than go under the knife.

beautifully said. I have family that has had it and it is so good to see the results. And like your wife they have their life back and have resolved many health issues.

I have a dear friend who had surgery in June. She attended a party at my house shortly afterwards. After surveying the buffet, she looked at me and said "the people in my support group lied to me-they said I would lose the "want" to eat". She is younger than I, and has bad knees. Hers was a last ditch effort-both for weight loss, and to save her knees. She has lost 40 pounds, but is dealing with the aftermath of her surgery-and I fear has NOT really dealt with what we all know is such a huge part of our journey-being in the right place mentally.

I am on the path...but it took me a VERY long time to get here. I cannot judge-only go my own way.....

I'm in the uk so any weight loss surgery would either be paid for privately or done on the NHS as health insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery over here. Instead of just paying for surgery I think people/the NHS should use the money to pay for a dietician and personal trainer instead. Try eating better and exercising. Then if after say 1-2 years that person still can't lose enough weight with those resources they should be able to have the surgery. I bet the percentage going on to have surgery if that was the case would be low.

As far as I'm aware, that is how one of our big HMO providers in the US handles the surgery (Kaiser Permanente). You have to see a nutritionist, go to classes, get access to exercise classes, have a psychiatric review and then after a couple years, you are scheduled for surgery. I think most insurances require a number of steps and it can take people a year or 2 to have the surgery. I've also heard that many surgeons require a certain percentage of weight to be lost before the surgery.

The only reason I know this is because they offer the same for people who aren't interested in surgery but are obese. I took nutritional classes/exercise classes with people who were going for the surgery.

I am a nurse and I have seen the miracles that have happened in people's lives because of weightloss surgery. I believe in it when someone is morbidly obese and needs to loose 100lbs or more. And in the end, life is too short...do whatever you think is right for you. Those who put down this kind of surgery are usually the ones that are just a few pounds overweight and think that everyone is the same and obese people are lazy. That is not so, specially when other conditions and even drugs like hormones and prednisone make you gain weight like it or not. Right now the lapband or the stapling of the stomach are minimally invasive, done outpatient and they work just as well but as any kind of surgery the person has to really be committed to follow the guidelines the professionals give him/her to make such surgeries a success.

Ok, personally these kinds of forums get offensive/defensive.

I had a gastric bypass in 2009. Through having the surgery i lost 114lbs. i gained 37 lbs back due to pregnancy in 2011. I now am down 17lbs of those 37lbs and the only thing surgery is helping me with now is eating less than what i used to be able to. I used to go to subway and eat a footlong and still be hungry. Now if I go i can barely finish a 6" sub or salad. From surgery I was able to become pregnant and have my first child after a years of infertility. I work my *kitten* off now in order to shed the remaining excess pounds left on my body. I have about 80lbs left till im at a normal weight. I work out at least three times a week, i am involved in other activities, I play with my kids (two step and one biological) and not get tired, and i continue to get better and eat better and live better. I would not be were I am at today if i didn't have the surgery - i am more active because of weighing less, I am in better health (no prediabities, no high blood pressure, no high cholestoral, no joint pain - esp from my ACL replacement, not back pain, etc).

Having the surgery is not easy and those who have made the decision to have should not be judged. They have made a decision to improve the quality of their life by what means necessary to them. I feel that I made the right decision for me. I personally don't care what others have to say about being for it or against it. I did it for me, not for others. It was not easy, is not easy, and never will be easy. The weight may come off easily the first few months because you barely eat, but after the 'honeymoon phase' you have to work just like any one else out there to keep the weight off and continue to lose.

However, I will agree that there are some people out there who have the surgery who have nevered tried to lose weight ever, and gain all the weight plus some back, but thats their choice for their body. No one should judge them or their decisions.

Are all of you who are against weight loss surgery against plastic surgery too?

I can respect your choice, and would never bash someone, I more would like to see those that opt for the surgery to have a ligetiment reason, I'm not saying you didn't because I don't know your whole sotry, but a lot of people I feel take it thinking it is the easier way, not realizing they need to develope healthy eating habits, and workout routines just like anyone else. Far to many people fall back into the same bad habits, except this time they do not have that way out.

Personally I think that if you have health issues and no other options, are so obese that you can't move then it is a viable option. I work in the medical profession and the problem I see is that people are getting this surgery now who only have 50 pounds or more to lose, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. If you are willing to change your honestly change your lifestyle, i.e. dietary habits and exercise and you really want the surgery then by all means go ahead. However, I have seen people have the surgery and end up going right back to where they were or even worse off. It is not a quick fix for sure and there are other complications that come along with it. Whatever your choice, it's your choice and no one elses. Good luck in whatever you decide and I hope you achieve your goals.

First, the surgery doesn't fail, the patient does. If you aren't willing or able to make the required changes, it won't do you any good. Surgery is a tool, not a cure.

http://rainhoward.blogspot.com/2012/08/why-im-opting-for-bariatric-surgery.html

If you don't care for surgery that obviously is your personal choice, but it gives you no right what so ever to ridicule someone who does. Nor does it make you in any way better than that person.

Nicely said!! Judgement needs to be set aside in all aspects.

I think that for some people, surgery IS an "easy way out". Other people need immediate help getting to where they can be active and eat in a healthy manner.

Here's my story:

At age 32 I weighed 265 lbs. I had tried every diet program from Jenny Craig to Weight watchers to shakes. All of them led to some weight loss, but over time the weight came back and I ended up weighing more and more. I started having health problems - diabetes, asthma, high cholesterol - and was taking a medication for each of these things in addition to anti-depression meds becuase I was depressed. When I talked to my Doctor about weight loss, he recommended diet and exercise changes. After several months of trying to make changes in my life I returned to the Doctor and we had a LONG discussion about what I was going through and what my options really were as far as surgery vs. "doing it on my own". I was enrolled (through my Kaiser Permante insurance) in a weight loss program designed to get a person ready for weight loss surgery. If I was successful with this program I could be eligible for surgery.

To qualify for the surgery I had to lose 10% of my body weight and attend 6 months of weekly 4 hour classes on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and informational seminars on what the long and short term effects of a weight loss surgery would be.

I was the lowest weight person in the class and everyone kept telling me "You're not that fat. You don't need surgery." I came to the weekly sessions and did everything I was supposed to because I wanted to be healthy. Part of the requirement of the program was to keep a food log - I did it. Another part was to exercise in some way during each week - I did. 6 months later the program ended. I had lost 30+ lbs and although I was eligible for surgery right away, I decided that I would wait and see if I could maintain the weight loss. As per the program rules I had one year to opt in for a surgery (bypass, sleeve, or band) and if I chose not to at that point I would have to do the program again to be eligible.

Fast forward to a year later. I had managed to keep off 5 lbs of the original 30+ I had lost. I visited my Doctor again and after increasing several medications because my medical issues were worse, not better, he finally agreed that surgery *might* be a good option for me.

I chose the gastric sleeve surgery and it was a very short wait to get that done. I spent about 4 days in the hospital post surgery and then was sent home. The first month post surgery was horrible. I was tired, the things I could drink (no eating yet) were nasty tasting and I had to drink them constantly to get enough nutrition in my body to function even partly normally. On top of this I was walking at least 2 miles a day. People who didn't know I had had surgery would ask me if I was "feeling okay" becuase I looked sick all the time. I was losing weight, so none of my clothes fit and I knew I would lose more very soon so no sense in buying anything just yet. Total weight loss this month- about 15 lbs.

Month two progressed to blended foods (milkshake thickness of soups and mashed potato consistency foods), which still tasted nasty but in a different way than the liquid diet did. I was still taking ALL my original medications plus a grip of liquid vitamins/supplements. I'd lost a bunch of weight so I finally had to buy some new pants. Still going for my daily walks. Total weigh tloss this month - about 20 lbs. My Doctor takes me off the diabetes medications becuase my blood sugar is already at a normal level.

Month three you get to try nibbling different foods, but you don't ever "eat" becuase the amount of food you can put into your new "stomach" is so miniscule that you can't really call that eating. Many things that I used to enjoy upset my stomach terribly such as milk products and anything even slightly acidic. I finally am not feeling constantly tired and the daily walks increased to about 4 miles. Total weigh tloss this month - about 10 lbs. I am now off the cholesterol meidcations and my asthma problems are only present when I am exercising.

Not a lot different happens between months 3 to 6. The amount of food and types of food that I could eat have increased slightly, but I still have a very restricted diet to ensure I am getting enough protein for my body to function correctly. I continue daily walks. Total weight loss during this time - about 15 lbs. Month six you are supposed to have lost about 1/2 to 2/3 of the total weight you wanted to lose. No more medications prescribed. I am exercising 3 times a week and have a new wardrobe that fits pretty well.

Months 6 to one year. Restricted diet - no pasta, no bread, no rice, low fat, high protein foods only supplemented with vegetables and protein shakes. Exercise 3 times per week most weeks. I am now at 169 lbs. I feel good, I look good, things in my life are good. The amount of food I eat in a single sitting is about equal to half a sandwich but isn't enough to sustain me for more than about 4 hours so I eat every four hours still and even more frequently if i choose a food that is high in carbs becuase my body will use those up within a couple of hours and I will get shakey and nauseated if i don't put in protein.

Another year passes and things in my life aren't so great. My wife leaves and I have to work more and then start taking classes at the college. I don't have time for exercise and my food choices aren't always the best. My weight creeps up a bit, I struggle to eat better and it creeps down. I continue this cycle for the next two years and although I am eating less quantity and better quality foods than when I was at 265 lbs my weight is increasing becuase I am not exercising. I move houses, twice. I change jobs. I am back at 199 lbs and wondering if I am just meant to be fat. Time passes with me struggling at the 199 lb weight telling myself it's OK and not to worry I can lose it.

I met a new girl who also wanted to live healthier and we start using MFP to track food and exercise and to keep each other on track. We try new foods and exercise as often as possible. I have food restirctions (becuase of my surgery) and she has a number of food allergies so we tend to eat freshly prepared home cooked meals most of the time. I log faithfully and keep to my calorie and exercise goals (for the most part) from January to June of this year. During that time I lost 30 lbs and get back down to about 170. I'm comfortable at this weight and it's where I am today.

I dont feel that weight loss surgery was an "easy way out" because it changes your life in many wys forever. The first six month were atrocious and hard. It gets better over time, but you never get to be "normal" again after that type of surgery. I am still taking vitamin and iron supplements and will have to do so for the remainder of my life. I still eat about every 4 hours and keep track of how much protein I am eating so that I don't get the shakes and feel nauseated.

I might have been able to lose the total amount of wieght I lost through diet and exercise if I hadn't been so far overweight and had so many complications. I know it was a LOT easier to lose the most recent ~30 lbs than it was the frist 30+ I lost prior to surgery becuase I was able to exercise and didn't feel like I was starving myself.

Both ways of losing weight are hard both mentally and physically. Congratulate the people that are losing weight, regardless of whether it's through surgery or through simple diet and exercise. It takes determination and hard work no matter which option you choose.

My doctor has suggested the sugery and sent through all the paperwork to get it started. That was back in June. I am here because I don't want the surgery. It doesn't fix the problem, if you don't change your eating habits then the surgery will be a temporary fix because your lifestyle hasn't changed.
I have seen so many people get the surgery, lose a bunch of weight and then put it back on a couple years later because once everything healed they were able to start eating more and more of the wrong foods, and of course they didn't do any exercise because they were losing weight without it so why bother.
The weight loss surgery is a useful tool if you use it correctly, for the morbidly obese it may be the only way to get the ball rolling because mobility is limited when you are extrememly heavy.
For those here who were overweight because of inactivity and overeating.........Was it difficult to cut back on calories, to stop eating your favorite foods, and to start exercising more? Well imagine if you didn't have the will power to do it. The surgery can give some people the time they need to make those changes without feeling starved because it does cause you to feel full most of the time, but like I said, once it gets better, you have to be commited to the changes.
I don't think anyone has a right to throw stones in this case. Congratulations to those who have made the changes necessary without surgery but don't look down on those who cannot.

bump

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.

Same here. At least two guys from work have had surgery to lose weight and now they are bigger than ever. I'm a firm believer that you won't appreciate something that you didn't earn. And having surgery to lose weight is not earning it.

I know at least 6 of the ten people that work in my office that have gained every bit of the weight they lost "naturally" back plus pounds................

You can make the same arguement for both sides, just change the words..losing wieght is just a small part of the battle, keeping it off is the WAR...lets face it, if it were easy...we would all be at our goal weight...If you do not go into this fight with the right attitudes, support, tools, thought process, etc, then regardless of surgery or "natural" ways success is limited and short lived......