Bariatric surgery or lose weight without it?

The fact is that only 5% can keep the weight off after losing it on their own.
Many people including myself have had a life long struggle with weight management.
If the Bariatric program you are considering is not qualified or is in Mexico please think again.
Many surgeons are no longer performing lap band surgery.
There are professional certification programs for Bariatric medical centers, Google it and then find a good one.
Do your research of the programs in your area. Attend an introductory class and learn about it.
There is life-long follow ups to these programs. This is NOT the easy way out.
If you don't do exactly what they tell you to do your chances of success are greatly reduced.
WLS is another tool and it can be very effective.
I have been a part of the HealthEast Bariatric program in St. Paul, Minnesota since February, 2013.
Check out their website and learn more about it.
Good luck.

I know several people that have had both, the Gastric bypass and the lapband , one person almost died from the gastric surgery and now he has gained almost all his weight back. A friend of mine had the lap band surgery and she hasn't lost anything.
I thought about having the Lap band before I started my journey in March of last year and Thank God I didn't go thru with it. By watching your calorie intake and exercising You can lose the weight. I'm living proof of it!! I have lost 130 so far, with another 50-60 lbs to go. It is possible to do on your own. smile:

gracekelli wrote: »

I am so happy for the folks that have bariatric surgery and don't have complications. I don't think surgery is a "quick fix" at all. I see what people go through...to say nothing of the heroic people I have met in the classes and support groups.
That being said I have also seen SO many people who were either not ready or are too unbalanced to have this surgery be cleared by psych for surgery. It's true nobody in their "right mind" would opt for this procedure without serious consideration, but let me tell you, I see people who are not in their right mind having bariatric procedures. I haven't ruled out the sleeve...I just want to see what will happen trying it on my own. Plus, I'm not gonna lie...I need at least a half cup of coffee most mornings and at least one diet dr pepper a day. I quit smoking over a year ago...I should be able to quit eating crap too.

Bariatric surgery is an intensely personal decision that affects how you will live the rest of your life. My husband, who had never struggled with weight, said I should try the post-op diet beforehand and I'd lose the weight. A few WLS people in here have pointed out that there's that intense hunger working against you, and "it's just self control" is NOT an accurate understanding. Physically changing how much until you're full helps--but does not cure--that. There are psychological issues of sabotaging oneself too, but the surgery can also be a "last ray of hope" for people who've been overweight/obese their ENTIRE lives, so it can have some psychological benefits.

I'm 7 months post-op (traditional bypass), and it's the best decision I've ever made relating to my health. It's not an easy path, and psychological issues can undermine the success.

If you feel like you still can do it by working out, surgery isn't for you. Surgery is for people like me-- people who've done so many diets and lifestyle revisions over the decades but none of them last more than 6 months--and now there are co-morbidities. I looked at the statistics for my age group of people who'd been overweight since X and considered the statistics on likelihood of losing the weight. I also looked at the long-term problems obesity causes. I hit both a new weight high and was diagnosed with high blood pressure (plus other co-morbids) and I just knew I needed another tool.

Surgery is a tool that has risks and potential benefits. It's not for everyone, but for people who are honest with themselves and only get the surgery if it is the best rational decision in their situations, it can make us feel alive again. I feel like I have my life back.