Why do people consider weight loss surgery cheating?

kamakazeekim · May 2013

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.

j_ringsaker · May 2013

I only think it's cheating when people hoop and holler about how great it is that they lost a big chunk of weight without acknowleging the surgery being the main reason. Similar to me taking credit for walking 37 miles into work when I drove a car. I know people I work with that have lost 150 lbs after surgery, but act like they did it on a treadmill.

Own it. If it's part of your process at getting healthy, then who cares what they think.

MyOwnSunshine · May 2013

Oh, FFS! Do we really need another WLS-bashing thread?

Next thread, please...

Snatched614 · May 2013

I agree with J-ringsaker if that is what you choose to do then so be it. Just be honest when telling your story...

ItsCasey · May 2013

I don't think there is anything about weight-loss surgery that is easy.

But I do think there is something to be said for learning how to make necessary lifestyle changes. Surgery doesn't change your habits. I know MANY people who have had one form of bariatric surgery or another, and I can only say that ONE of them has kept the weight off. Some of the others tried for a while, but eventually they all thought of their smaller stomachs as a safety net, and I firmly believe it is because they never learned how to eat properly or maintain an active lifestyle before they went under the knife. They had surgery, the weight fell off with little effort on their part, and they weren't equipped to maintain that loss.

I'm not trying to discourage you. You may very well have a great handle on your diet and exercise habits. But to be perfectly honest, if you are looking for reassurance or confirmation that you're doing the right thing from strangers on the Internet, I'm not sure you're in the right mental state for a surgery of this magnitude.

Afura · May 2013

I see it as cheating IF a person has no interest in eating healthy, and taking care of themselves with exercise, and they want to just loose weight. IE. An acquaintance had a lap band installed, but continued to eat all manner of garbage (chips, soda, pizza, take out, etc), and never exercised. Really? Ugh. Way to keep up with that attempt to get healthy.

It's like the shake machines of old, you're supposed to just stand there and it falls off. That's not all that's involved with weight loss surgeries, don't take the shortcut. In your case, it's a smart and sensible move after having fairly well exhausted all other means. Best of luck to you!

kenzietate · May 2013

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!

belleparis · May 2013

I think it's because there is a perception that surgery is not has hard as the traditional method (eating better/working out). I personally view it as cheating for myself. I can't talk about others, but I can say that for me surgery would be cheating because I am young and "healthy". What I have to do is workout, lower portions, eat healthier and I will lose weight so if I did the surgery it'd just be faster. If surgery is the method for you, go for it. You and you alone can know if this is the best for your body.

Good luck

brower47 · May 2013

I don't think there is anything wrong with the surgery.

BUT (and yes, I know what using but here means)

I'm disappointed that too many doctors recommend it to patients that SHOULD NOT get it. I have only one case and it hits close to home. My niece, she weighed 280 lbs and was 20 years old when the doctor recommended it. She jumped on it, got the surgery and now, three years later, is gaining the 100 lbs she lost back! She was not ready (mentally) to employ the lifestyle change needed to be successful after the surgery and any idiot who spent five minutes talking to her would have been able to see it.

So for those that get it and then keep the weight off... there's nothing wrong with it.

In cases like my niece... grrr.

confetti_blind · May 2013

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.

I don't understand how weight loss surgery will achieve something which strength of mind cannot achieve? What has this to do with PCOS? I don't understand this at all.

You can eat less using willpower. Or you can eat less because it is not physically possible for you to eat any more.

Clearly the former is more worthy of respect, surely?

Afura · May 2013

PCOS makes it more difficult for the body to use the hormone insulin, which normally helps convert sugars and starches from foods into energy. This condition -- called insulin resistance -- can cause insulin and sugar -- glucose -- to build up in the bloodstream.
http://women.webmd.com/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-and-weight-gain

rowanwood · May 2013

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.

I have an honest question. How does making your stomach smaller change your hormones? Shouldn't you have hormone therapy to change your hormone levels?

msleanlegs · May 2013

I had to look up that part about weight loss surgery affecting hormones. From what I read, sounds like the surgery really does help. I always thought the only benefit of WLS was how it physically made it harder to binge.

Did your doctors make any other recommendations for helping your hormones out? Just curious, because if there's anything the average dieter should be doing to boost beneficial hormones, I'm all ears.

onwarddownward · May 2013

Here is what I have against it.

Some people go into it without the right mindset. They know how to eat right, but they choose not to. They do the Pre-OP diet and excel because it's required. Then, after the surgery and the big weight loss, after real life sets in, they learn how to work the system.

Slowly consume high calorie liquids (I.E. Milkshakes). Eat slow. Eat all the time. Stay off your feet. Vomit a lot. Shovel the food in the tube in tiny bits with lots of time in between. Eat your favorites, just alter how fast you put them in the pouch.

It is an eating disorder which is surgically implanted.

Now, that being said, and although I don't personally know anyone who has kept the weight off long-term (but I do know two who have died and one who has had to have repeated surgeries from her band slipping due to vomiting), I am sure that it works for some people.

I wouldn't do it because I know that I would just "work the system" and lose the ability to intake the calories that I need throughout the day. I would be risking my health for a work around.

I wish you the best. I really do, but be sure that you get your mindset straight before you go into that OR.

I think that historians are going to look at this current trend of weight loss surgery as some of the worst quackery since blood-letting.

I'd rather have Cousin Eddie's plastic plate implanted in my head.

sunshinestater · May 2013

I respect each person's right to make his or her decision on the healthier living journey, but I'd never choose surgery for myself. It's not that I consider it cheating, but even with surgical intervention, you still have to make some major lifestyle changes to maintain your weight loss. If you have to alter your lifestyle and eating habits anyway, why not do so without getting an invasive medical procedure? I get that you can lose the weight faster with surgery, but faster isn't always better when you consider the long term effects. And surgery still has the potential to fail just like a non-surgical plan, so I don't see any compelling superior payoff when weighed against the risks.

I often wonder whether people who are literally starving to death in Ethiopia can conceive of people actually surgically altering their stomach to force themselves to eat less.

ironanimal · May 2013

I think most consider it cheating because it is too readily prescribed versus a Dr. or someone else telling the general patient to get off their *kitten* and eat less.

In exceptional circumstances I don't see a problem with it. I know a brother and sister that both had it done because they are utterly clueless about food, nutrition and exercise though, and that grates on me.

TheCaren · May 2013

Losing weight to protect your health is just what it is. However you do it. With weight loss surgery you still have to restrict your eating. You still have to (or should be) exercising. So I don't consider it "cheating".

Link in with a WLS support group in your area when you have your surgery. Be around uplifting people who get what you're going through. I've watched a couple friends go through that process and it's no walk in the park. It's no "easy way out". That's for sure. But worth it in the end.

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

markpmc · May 2013

I wouldn't say that it's cheating, but ....

It's just a medical replacement for willpower and discipline IMO.

ShannonMpls · May 2013

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.

caspergirl7 · May 2013

I always had that mindset until I recently saw what my friend had to go through to prep for the surgery & what she had to give up eating/drinking for the rest of her life. It's a rough process!! I no longer consider it a cheat or easy way out!!!

Ashley_Panda · May 2013

Here is what I have against it.

Some people go into it without the right mindset. They know how to eat right, but they choose not to. They do the Pre-OP diet and excel because it's required. Then, after the surgery and the big weight loss, after real life sets in, they learn how to work the system.

Slowly consume high calorie liquids (I.E. Milkshakes). Eat slow. Eat all the time. Stay off your feet. Vomit a lot. Shovel the food in the tube in tiny bits with lots of time in between. Eat your favorites, just alter how fast you put them in the pouch.

It is an eating disorder which is surgically implanted.

Now, that being said, and although I don't personally know anyone who has kept the weight off long-term (but I do know two who have died and one who has had to have repeated surgeries from her band slipping due to vomiting), I am sure that it works for some people.

I wouldn't do it because I know that I would just "work the system" and lose the ability to intake the calories that I need throughout the day. I would be risking my health for a work around.

I wish you the best. I really do, but be sure that you get your mindset straight before you go into that OR.

I think that historians are going to look at this current trend of weight loss surgery as some of the worst quackery since blood-letting.

I'd rather have Cousin Eddie's plastic plate implanted in my head.

This.This.This.This.

Been there, done that.
Seriously was nicknamed lap-bandulemic with how much puking you go through. I couldn't keep down WATER or my own spit most days even with the damn thing empty.

dlpool · May 2013

If it's working for you, don't let others discourage you. Just keep doing the things you need to do to be successful.

Pixi_Rex · May 2013

I only think it's cheating when people hoop and holler about how great it is that they lost a big chunk of weight without acknowleging the surgery being the main reason. Similar to me taking credit for walking 37 miles into work when I drove a car. I know people I work with that have lost 150 lbs after surgery, but act like they did it on a treadmill.

Own it. If it's part of your process at getting healthy, then who cares what they think.

Erm... you do know that WLS is only a catalyst right? YOu know that even after the surgery they have to work hard, and eat properly or they can undo everything they have done right?

I have a friend who has had WLS, she has had amazing results, but I also know she works her *kitten* off (literally) to maintain what she has lost and she worked her *kitten* off to lose that weight. WLS is NOT a fix, it is a tool, one that if used properly is a wonderful tool, they still have to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes a good diet and exercise to get to the goal they want.

OP ignore everyone and their remarks, do what YOU need to do for YOU and no one else.

ThisIsMe_sbd · May 2013

I have a lap band. If I go out for dinner and only order a salad with chicken on it and someone says "Is that enough?" I say "yes, I have a lap band" I am 100% straight up with mine. I needed it - I could lose weight no prob with out it. But couldn't keep it off. It is just another tool to use during our weight loss journey.

taso42 · May 2013

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?

mamosh81 · May 2013

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.

I myself have pcos and struggle with dropping weight so i been thinking about this myself but i am scared of the loose skin you get from dropping so much weight so fast. But if you truely want it and work out and make the right food choices i am all for it. And wish you good luck! I do despise the ppl the get it done and then learn to cheat it and do nothing for a healthier life

Lulzaroonie · May 2013

I have PCOS, and I am stuck doing it the hard way. I know no-one is going to offer me surgery, because I am losing weight, albeit slowly.
I'm sorry if this isn't what you want to hear, but I would rather do it the hard way even if it takes another two years to lose this 60lbs left of the 90lb I had to lose.
I want that sense of accomplishment knowing I earned it with hard work.

Sepa · May 2013

I think people think it is cheating because willpower is not involved. My cousin got a gastric band put in about 16 months ago. She has lost 56lbs because she still eats crap, refuses to exercise and is just lazy. Also half of that weight was the pre op diet she was put on before. My sister (in the same year) joined MFP and lost 50lbs through diet and exercise. It took my sister longer to loose the weight but it has stayed off.

Basically, if you are getting this surgery, many people need to go on the pre op diet which they will loose weight on. The problem is, is that these people know its only a short time before they can eat crap again after their op so they stick to it for the month or so before hand. If you can loose weight for a weight loss surgery then you can loose weight without the surgery

bostonwolf · May 2013

At the end of the day, you still need to eat less and move more. Surgery can help with that, but people can and will gain weight after surgery (as the girl from Wilson Phillips did) if your thinking is that the surgery is all you need.

If there are underlying issues as to WHY you are using food as some kind of crutch, make sure you address those as well. All of it is part of the same goal: Losing weight and being healthier.

Good luck.

Velum_cado · May 2013

I don't view it as cheating, but I don't think it's a good idea. A lot (not all) of people who have it claim that they just can't lose weight with eating sensibly and exercising, but I don't think many of them have actually tried. When I was considering WLS, I honestly thought there was no other option, that I had "tried everything". But I couldn't afford it so I never went through with it. Shortly thereafter, my life circumstances changed and I was forced to give up fast food and eat sensibly and lo and behold I lost weight.

Everyone I know who has had gastric bypass has gained the weight back, and then some, or died of complications several years later.

I just don't think it's worth it. But that is only my opinion. My first rule of weight loss is to do what works for you, that you can sustain. You're the expert in your own life, not me, so if that means surgery for you, so be it. I'm just so thankful that I never went through with it.

meadow_sage · May 2013

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

I don't know about that. They doctor's all want me to do it but I refuse because I'd rather lose it naturally than face the risks of surgery. I don't think people realize how it will effect your life. It's no joke. Also, they too should be exercising after they heal. I think the problem is people treat it like it's a miracle and it's not. There is nothing different about doing with or without the surgery except that you are not hungry if you have the surgery and you can't eat as much as you used to. It's not cheating but it's not for me. Also, if you get it done and you don't exercise and don't follow the program, you are stupid.

Why do people consider weight loss surgery cheating?

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