Weight Loss Surgery

acorsaut89
acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
edited November 19 in Health and Weight Loss
So this morning, I went to my doctor for a regular female checkup and it turned into something completely different. I live in Ontario, Canada, for reference. He mentioned to me that the Ontario government has a completely free bariatric surgery program for people who qualify (specific age, weight and height along with additional health issues). It's totally free - the closest program is about an hour away from me . .. so completely doable, and not a huge deal.

I am still very hesitant. I said yes, refer me to the program so I can go through some information sessions and get some more information but I'm really hesitant. My biggest was 350 lbs, my lowest was 250lbs but I've creeped back up for about 275 lately (my own fault). I feel like this is a copout and I'm saying well I can't do this myself, and I totally ate myself to 275lbs and I've been slacking so here, government fix this problem.

I know people have had fantastic results, and I'm only 28 so he really thinks I'm a great candidate for the program because it will add a whole lot more quality of life for me but I'm just hesitant. Any advice or information or experiences did you have? I know I'll have to give up certain foods and I will struggle with that, for a while I'm sure, but being only 28 is it worth it? Does it really add that much more to your life?

Any information you have would be greatly appreciated . . . I'm a little scared and I've never had surgery so I guess this whole thing is just really scary for me. Also a little scary that I'm a candidate for this when I've worked so hard to lose the weight I have . . . I am not degrading anyone's weight but I just never thought I was "big enough" for the surgery you know?
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Replies

  • BarneyRubbleMD
    BarneyRubbleMD Posts: 1,092 Member
    There is a fairly active Group on here that participates in this topic. Just search for the group and join.

    Gastric ByPass/VSG/LapBand

  • garber6th
    garber6th Posts: 1,890 Member
    Definitely ask your questions in the WLS group, people on the general boards are not as informed and also tend to be judgmental about WLS. I am almost 4 years out from surgery so if you have any questions please feel free to ask, I will be brutally honest.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/637-gastric-bypass-vsg-lapband
  • Old_Cat_Lady
    Old_Cat_Lady Posts: 1,193 Member
    edited June 2017
    There is another group 100+ without surgery. In case you decide not to have it.http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/3322-100-pounds-with-no-surgery
    I have an inlaw that had it years ago. She re-gained some weight back. She still has to struggle.
  • evilpoptart63
    evilpoptart63 Posts: 397 Member
    My mom had the lab band and it fused to her stomach and the tissues went neurotic. She went into septic shock and had to have emergency surgery to take it out. I think surgery would be a great option for extreme cases when people are too big to get moving and their weight is an immediate threat to their lives. There are definite risks associated with it though and surgery doesn't address the psychological aspect of WHY you are overweight. Id you dont get that under control its very possible to gain the weight back. Judging by your picture, you seem like an able body person who could lose weight with willpower and I have a feeling your weight isn't an immediate threat to your health. Is it more for aesthetic reasons? Could you possibly give yourself a year of counting calories and working out and reevaluate then if you even want it?
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    edited June 2017
    It is definitely NOT for aesthetic reasons as I'm looking at a lot of saggy skin should this work and that surgery is not covered.

    This was brought up since I've been trying to lose since 2013 - and I have, from 350 to (now) 275 - and I've stalled out. This was not something I approached him about, he brought it up. It's about getting me to a weight I can maintain - this program comes with social workers, dietitians, psychologists, surgeons, etc. It's not just here's the surgery and away you go . . . there's a lengthy process before they do it, and years (10) of support after I have it.

    Also, this is NOT the lap band . . . this is bypass or VSG (I think it's called - the sleeve).

    While my weight is not an immediate threat, true, going from 350 to 250 (at my lowest) is 100lbs of weight loss so I'd say the will power is there but the weight I am at is a long-term threat and I'm a high risk for diabetes as I was pre-diabetic previously (at 350lbs) and at 250lbs it's still a huge amount of damage to my knees and joints - it's just not a healthy weight. I am able bodied but I've given it 3 years now and I am still struggling. I know it's always a struggle - I get that - and maintenance is always going to be hard but if I can get to maintenance then figure how to maintain, half the battle is there. I come from a family that has struggled with weight for years, this weight and continuing to stay at a reasonable weight will be a struggle forever.
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
    edited June 2017
    I'd have to ask, what else was discussed in this conversation? Just because you qualify, doesn't mean you need it or that it would be the best option. I qualified for it at my highest weight, and it was suggested to me, but I clearly didn't need it since I've lost over 100 lbs on my own by using MFP and walking, and I'm just a few lbs away from healthy BMI and have graduated from walking to running. WLS could be the best thing you could do for yourself, or it could be the worst. Definitely a double-edged sword.

    ETA: just saw your last reply. WLS could be for you, but as long as you understand that the struggle doesn't end with the surgery, and you're willing to make a life-long commitment, it could be worth looking into.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    Well he's been my doctor for years, so he saw me at my biggest and then when I started losing he has seen me progress but he noticed over my last couple visits the loss has stalled. It's about improving my quality of life as I age since I am only 28, and it will only continue to get worse. I have done some of the loss on my own, but I am stalling.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited June 2017
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  • Sheisinlove109
    Sheisinlove109 Posts: 516 Member
    Everyone is different, it may be the option for you...definitely do your research. I have friends that have done the various surgeries and I feel like they all have come out with bigger/different problems. Food allergies being a big one, serious food allergies.

    My thoughts: get to a counselor. Try to figure out and work through why you are eating the way you are and working on tackling that problem.

    Also, get back with the nutritionist. Make a conscious decision to be determined and build a major support/accountability network. Cook right, eat right (most of the time).

    Gym: get there, get moving and make it count. I started going to the gym at 354lbs. I think most days people thought...omg! That big girl is going to fly off that thing and die! I worked at it so hard and just didn't care. I came out red faced, sopping sweat, and so dang tired. At 6.5 miles a day on that thing...no one was laughing a month later. All the Barbies and Kens couldn't keep up.

    Stay hydrated and get sleep...good sleep.

    It's all a mind game for me. I don't have cheat days, I eat within my calories. If I want a cupcake, spinach and chicken for dinner it is.

    No one can chose what is right for you but I am happily here you support you in any road you chose and would be more than happy to chat in detail if you'd like to message/friend me.
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    My mom is in the same program. The orientation will give you all the information you'll need about the program, how it works and how the process goes. It's two hours long and full of a lot of information (I went with her for support). There are a lot of appointments before you even get to surgery and you will be shown all the options available. Ultimately though it will be your decision whether you go with the sleeve or the bypass or end up successfully doing it through diet. Or change your mind.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    sunsweet77 wrote: »
    Everyone is different, it may be the option for you...definitely do your research. I have friends that have done the various surgeries and I feel like they all have come out with bigger/different problems. Food allergies being a big one, serious food allergies.

    My thoughts: get to a counselor. Try to figure out and work through why you are eating the way you are and working on tackling that problem.

    Also, get back with the nutritionist. Make a conscious decision to be determined and build a major support/accountability network. Cook right, eat right (most of the time).

    Gym: get there, get moving and make it count. I started going to the gym at 354lbs. I think most days people thought...omg! That big girl is going to fly off that thing and die! I worked at it so hard and just didn't care. I came out red faced, sopping sweat, and so dang tired. At 6.5 miles a day on that thing...no one was laughing a month later. All the Barbies and Kens couldn't keep up.

    Stay hydrated and get sleep...good sleep.

    It's all a mind game for me. I don't have cheat days, I eat within my calories. If I want a cupcake, spinach and chicken for dinner it is.

    No one can chose what is right for you but I am happily here you support you in any road you chose and would be more than happy to chat in detail if you'd like to message/friend me.

    Nutritionist: I see her once every 6 - 8 weeks. I'm there

    Gym: I'm there 4 - 5 (sometimes 6 days a week) I'm there

    Stay hydrated: about 3L of water/day . . . enough for me, I'm doing it.

    Sleep: in bed at 10, up at 6. That's 8 hours every night.

    I've done all these things; I've lost 100 lbs on my own but it's just stalling at this point. Yes I could cut more calories, potentially, who knows? I'm not saying nothing is working - cutting more calories would work probably. I don't know . . . I'm doing them, I also have been slacking lately . . . I know that. I've been doing this these things and while some people fall into the "this is the lazy way to do it for people who lack discipline" camp (I used to, too) this is now a real possibility for someone who has already lost 100lbs on my own. I must have done something right to have that kind of loss, no?
  • Wtn_Gurl
    Wtn_Gurl Posts: 396 Member
    Even if you have weight loss surgery, you still MUST eat a particular way or else you will get complications. you have to change your eating and the things that cause you to overeat, with or without surgery.
  • YaYasMom12
    YaYasMom12 Posts: 6 Member
    I had it 14ish years ago. I was ALWAYS hungry. i mean seriously. I could go out to dinner, appetizers, main course, dessert, and 2 hours later I'm in the fridge hungry. Not head hungry, but real hunger. I NEVER understood full, and stuffed was not in my vocabulary. Post surgery, I get full. i get hungry. i eat too much I puke. It isn't the end all be all, or I wouldn't be here. You can out eat your surgery, whichever one it is. If I eat like *kitten*, I feel like *kitten*. If I eat healthy, and I exercise, I can lose weight still, without feeling like I'm starving. pre surgery, 1200 calories felt like a death sentence. I can live on that now. Sometimes i don't WANT to but i can with the right choices. I could never lose more than 30lbs on my own. I had blood clots, and was miserable. i was 30. i have saggy skin, i have a big scar, but i'm way healthier than I was. Would I do it again? Yes. I'd just make sure that I reminded my 37 year old self that I should pay attention to the scale and not get in denial about eating my way through a *kitten* relationship.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    Wtn_Gurl wrote: »
    Even if you have weight loss surgery, you still MUST eat a particular way or else you will get complications. you have to change your eating and the things that cause you to overeat, with or without surgery.

    Yes I understand that. Sorry but I get what this means for me, and if you notice I said I'm hesitant about it . . . I understand this is such a scary thing and it doesn't mean it's going to work. I'm not jumping up and down and saying "Do it tomorrow". If I didn't understand the commitment/decision I was making do you think I'd be as hesitant about it as I am?
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    Will say this, if you go through the program they'll have you see all sorts of people from a dietician to a psychiatrist/psychologist (I forget which one) and will have all sorts of tests done first. To see where you're at.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
    Will say this, if you go through the program they'll have you see all sorts of people from a dietician to a psychiatrist/psychologist (I forget which one) and will have all sorts of tests done first. To see where you're at.

    Yeh I read about that on the website which I think is really great - I mean if they're investing this much into your health they want to make sure you're ready for what it means for you. Some people ( potentially me included) might think they're ready and can handle it but they can't and it was a waste of time for everyone.
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    Yeh I read about that on the website which I think is really great - I mean if they're investing this much into your health they want to make sure you're ready for what it means for you. Some people ( potentially me included) might think they're ready and can handle it but they can't and it was a waste of time for everyone.

    I think also because it's a government funded program, they want to make sure you're going to stick with it. The orientation really gives you a good idea whether it's something you want to proceed with or not. They even gave you an idea of how much you'd be spending to prep for surgery, which was also helpful.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    edited June 2017
    MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    Yeh I read about that on the website which I think is really great - I mean if they're investing this much into your health they want to make sure you're ready for what it means for you. Some people ( potentially me included) might think they're ready and can handle it but they can't and it was a waste of time for everyone.

    I think also because it's a government funded program, they want to make sure you're going to stick with it. The orientation really gives you a good idea whether it's something you want to proceed with or not. They even gave you an idea of how much you'd be spending to prep for surgery, which was also helpful.

    Is that the 5 day liquid diet thing I read about prior to surgery (if you get that far)?

    And yeh, that's what I'm saying . . . you aren't paying for it so why should they invest $25K + into you if you aren't going to get maximum benefit out of it?
  • garber6th
    garber6th Posts: 1,890 Member
    I had a 6 month waiting period before I was even going to be given a date for surgery. During that time, I had to show that I could stick with the program by losing a certain amount of weight, I saw the psychologist, had sleep tests, lots of lab work and check-ins with my surgeon, met with the dietitian, I had to attend support groups... I also saw a therapist on my own for a year before making the decision. I knew that I had to address certain issues if I was going to be successful at maintaining my loss. I think having your head in the right place is one of the most important things, also understanding that surgery is a tool, and it's not going to work long term if you don't use it properly. Many people think surgery in and of itself is a solution and it isn't. That's why so many people fail. Do your research, take your time, and make your decision based on what YOU want to do, not what your doctor wants you to do. If you don't have surgery now, you know it can be an option in the future, if you choose.

    Also, it seems almost every surgical group is a little different as far as surgery prep, etc. I know some people who had to be on liquids a week prior, but my surgeon didn't require that. Everyone seems to recover differently too. I didn't have any issues or take any pain meds after I got home from the hospital, and I was up and walking around in the hospital within hours of my surgery. So, not everyone has a horror story about surgery!
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    Wtn_Gurl wrote: »
    Even if you have weight loss surgery, you still MUST eat a particular way or else you will get complications. you have to change your eating and the things that cause you to overeat, with or without surgery.

    Yes I understand that. Sorry but I get what this means for me, and if you notice I said I'm hesitant about it . . . I understand this is such a scary thing and it doesn't mean it's going to work. I'm not jumping up and down and saying "Do it tomorrow". If I didn't understand the commitment/decision I was making do you think I'd be as hesitant about it as I am?

    Go to the first couple meetings and see what they say. The programs in Canada do tend to be fairly holistic (I am not versed in the US programs, but do know that going to Mexico for medical tourism fan end badly). I've seen many people not really taking in all the rest of the information, they are solely focused on the weight loss. Those who absorb the information and really work with it seem to have better outcomes. Check into alternatives. Can you follow the preop diet for a while, to see if that will help get things moving again? (Something to ask them about, they will need to monitor you, if you do this)

    I can tell you are struggling with this decision. Be wary of not getting a balanced look at everything. Best of luck. Updates would be awesome!
  • bmeadows380
    bmeadows380 Posts: 2,981 Member
    I agree with Cheryl - WLS is a very, very personal decision, and a very serious one - the sleeve and bypass are irreversible, and as in all surgeries, there are serious potential side effects. I know several folks who have done it and succeeded; I have met several folks who did it and wished they hadn't.

    My sister in law had it done last summer. Yes, she's lots a in incredible amount of weight, but she isn't changing her lifestyle, she isn't learning to eat differently, and she's having a lot of difficulty because of it. I won't be surprised if she's one of the ones who gains the weight back in 5 years.

    My brother is going through the pre-process now to have it done. He has dieted off and on for years, looses weight, then gains it back. He has made the decision to have the surgery because he believes it will force him to stick to a diet and not slack off. He can be very disciplined and unlike his wife, he's strictly following the pre-surgery regime, which includes diet and exercise. I think he has enough drive to be one of the successful cases.

    Me? I've looked into it, have had it suggested to me, and after researching the surgery, the side effects, and the good and bad long term effects, I've decided its not for me. I have grave concerns about the process and about the long term outlook. I'm also concerned at how quick doctors are to suggest it these days. I'm not against the surgery all together, because I know that for some people, its the last resort and the only option; I just think that the decision to have it done should be based on realty and valid health reasons (and not vanity, like my sister in law).

    But like I told my brother - its his body and his decision, and I'm not going to fight him or ridicule him for it. We all have to walk our own paths. So I would highly encourage you to do your research. Look for success and failure stories, try to weed through the hype, go to the information sessions, and think long and hard about it. Talk to folks who've had it done - and look for the long-termers, the ones who had it done several years ago, not the folks who've done it recently. The recent ones are still riding the initial weight loss wave and haven't hit the reality of life after the surgery yet. The ones who did it a few years back will be able to give you a much more realistic picture of the pros and cons and what to expect. Of course, the recent ones can give you a good idea of what the recovery is like, too.

    In any case, don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision either way; make up your own mind. You are the one who has to live with it one way or the other.
  • nevadavis1
    nevadavis1 Posts: 331 Member
    bmeadows380 wrote: »
    I have grave concerns about the process and about the long term outlook. I'm also concerned at how quick doctors are to suggest it these days. I'm not against the surgery all together, because I know that for some people, its the last resort and the only option.

    This is just how I feel. Right now my friend is starting the pre-surgery program and really he is not so heavy considering--but they are pushing him to do it at a lower BMI because he also has sleep apnea. But a lot of his over-eating recently is because he is so tired and uses junk food as a "pick me up." They suggested surgery right off the bat to him and said "it's the only thing that works." I want to ask him to seriously consider because it cannot be reversed (sleeve) and he doesn't have THAT much weight to lose. I mean, I think if he lost just 50 lbs he'd be doing a lot better. But I don't know how to bring it up because he seems so convinced by the doctor.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    bmeadows380 wrote: »
    I agree with Cheryl - WLS is a very, very personal decision, and a very serious one - the sleeve and bypass are irreversible, and as in all surgeries, there are serious potential side effects. I know several folks who have done it and succeeded; I have met several folks who did it and wished they hadn't.

    My sister in law had it done last summer. Yes, she's lots a in incredible amount of weight, but she isn't changing her lifestyle, she isn't learning to eat differently, and she's having a lot of difficulty because of it. I won't be surprised if she's one of the ones who gains the weight back in 5 years.

    My brother is going through the pre-process now to have it done. He has dieted off and on for years, looses weight, then gains it back. He has made the decision to have the surgery because he believes it will force him to stick to a diet and not slack off. He can be very disciplined and unlike his wife, he's strictly following the pre-surgery regime, which includes diet and exercise. I think he has enough drive to be one of the successful cases.

    Me? I've looked into it, have had it suggested to me, and after researching the surgery, the side effects, and the good and bad long term effects, I've decided its not for me. I have grave concerns about the process and about the long term outlook. I'm also concerned at how quick doctors are to suggest it these days. I'm not against the surgery all together, because I know that for some people, its the last resort and the only option; I just think that the decision to have it done should be based on realty and valid health reasons (and not vanity, like my sister in law).

    But like I told my brother - its his body and his decision, and I'm not going to fight him or ridicule him for it. We all have to walk our own paths. So I would highly encourage you to do your research. Look for success and failure stories, try to weed through the hype, go to the information sessions, and think long and hard about it. Talk to folks who've had it done - and look for the long-termers, the ones who had it done several years ago, not the folks who've done it recently. The recent ones are still riding the initial weight loss wave and haven't hit the reality of life after the surgery yet. The ones who did it a few years back will be able to give you a much more realistic picture of the pros and cons and what to expect. Of course, the recent ones can give you a good idea of what the recovery is like, too.

    In any case, don't let anyone pressure you into making a decision either way; make up your own mind. You are the one who has to live with it one way or the other.

    This is where I'm struggling: yes I've made enough changes in my life to lose as much as I have, but what if I can't make more? Failure for this scares the crap out of me. This, for me, would be the final thing . . . I don't see it as the end, but more of a high-speed launch into the challenge I ultimately planned to face: maintenance. But what if I can't? What if I fail?

    There was someone who said only about 4% of people who are obese or morbidly obese can keep weight off long term on their own. . . that's really scary for me. Really scary.
  • acorsaut89
    acorsaut89 Posts: 1,147 Member
    nevadavis1 wrote: »
    bmeadows380 wrote: »
    I have grave concerns about the process and about the long term outlook. I'm also concerned at how quick doctors are to suggest it these days. I'm not against the surgery all together, because I know that for some people, its the last resort and the only option.

    This is just how I feel. Right now my friend is starting the pre-surgery program and really he is not so heavy considering--but they are pushing him to do it at a lower BMI because he also has sleep apnea. But a lot of his over-eating recently is because he is so tired and uses junk food as a "pick me up." They suggested surgery right off the bat to him and said "it's the only thing that works." I want to ask him to seriously consider because it cannot be reversed (sleeve) and he doesn't have THAT much weight to lose. I mean, I think if he lost just 50 lbs he'd be doing a lot better. But I don't know how to bring it up because he seems so convinced by the doctor.

    This was my argument . . . I am only at 275 . . . when I always thought this program was reserved for people who were 400, 500+ lbs and needed this to help them get to a point where they could move/start to be healthier.

    I didn't think I was big enough for this . . . at all. I'm sure there's some kind of kick back for referring me, but he was able to give me links to various studies done about this surgery (good and bad). I plan to read them later tonight when I have time.
  • amyepdx
    amyepdx Posts: 750 Member
    I started at 267 and thought about WLS for about 5 minutes. What stuck with me was this - you have to change how you eat FOREVER either way. The surgery will somewhat influence yours decisions (making you too full or sick when you eat or drink certain things) but you can always override them. My cousin had it and not only did she never get down to her goal weight, she's gained back everything she lost plus motr. Meanwhile, I've lost 97 lbs in 2 years. I know that sounds like a long time at your age, but in the scheme of things, it's not.

    You are saying that at only 28 you should take this chance now, but I think it's the opposite. You are so young and the prospect of living 60 years with the consequences of surgically altering your body is what I'd be concerned about.

    I'm actually kind of shocked that WLS is recommended for people with only 100 lbs to lose. You've lost weight before and you can totally do it again with the help of great tools like MFP!

    I hope you don't feel this was critical of your exploration. I'm just so amazed and what MFP has done for me and also sad seeing how my cousin has struggled.

    Good look in whatever you decide and keep us posted.
  • cheryldumais
    cheryldumais Posts: 1,907 Member
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    bmeadows380 wrote: »
    I agree with Cheryl - WLS is a very, very personal decision, and a very serious one - the sleeve and bypass are irreversible, and as in all surgeries, there are serious potential side effects. I know several folks who have done it and succeeded; I have met several folks who did it and wished they hadn't.

    This is where I'm struggling: yes I've made enough changes in my life to lose as much as I have, but what if I can't make more? Failure for this scares the crap out of me. This, for me, would be the final thing . . . I don't see it as the end, but more of a high-speed launch into the challenge I ultimately planned to face: maintenance. But what if I can't? What if I fail?

    There was someone who said only about 4% of people who are obese or morbidly obese can keep weight off long term on their own. . . that's really scary for me. Really scary.

    Just wanted to mention that I too hit a plateau that lasted three and a half months. I thought I would never lose any more. I am finally losing again. I don't know why our bodies do that but you may just be stuck for a bit. Not trying to discourage you if the surgery is really what you want but you have mentioned not being able to lose any more on your own and wanted to encourage you that you may just have to be patient. BTW the way I got it going again was to go to maintenance calories for a week then back down. I am losing slower now but I am losing. I had been dieting for a year when I stalled.
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    This is where I'm struggling: yes I've made enough changes in my life to lose as much as I have, but what if I can't make more? Failure for this scares the crap out of me. This, for me, would be the final thing . . . I don't see it as the end, but more of a high-speed launch into the challenge I ultimately planned to face: maintenance. But what if I can't? What if I fail?

    There was someone who said only about 4% of people who are obese or morbidly obese can keep weight off long term on their own. . . that's really scary for me. Really scary.

    I think you'll feel better once you start talking to the people overseeing the process. They were quite adamant at the orientation that ultimately you are the one who decides what to do in the end. They can advise you to the best of their respective abilities, but at the end of the day the choice is yours. There is definitely a lot of information to process.
  • bmeadows380
    bmeadows380 Posts: 2,981 Member
    acorsaut89 wrote: »
    This was my argument . . . I am only at 275 . . . when I always thought this program was reserved for people who were 400, 500+ lbs and needed this to help them get to a point where they could move/start to be healthier. I didn't think I was big enough for this . . . at all. I'm sure there's some kind of kick back for referring me, but he was able to give me links to various studies done about this surgery (good and bad). I plan to read them later tonight when I have time.

    The average is saying less than 5% keep it off, and that specialists are slowly starting to admit that bariatric surgery isn't the panacea they've been proclaiming it to be. And to make matters even more confusing, when you do a search on obese people keeping the weight off, you get opposing articles - one set says research has shown that the chances of losing weight and keeping it off for 5 years or more is 5%, and it gets worse the more obese you are, but then I see an article out of Copenhagen that claims that if the obese can get it off and keep it off for a year, they will have reset their bodies and will be able to hold it off.

    *shakes head* so very confusing!

    Anyway, I'm with you - bariatric surgery ought to be for the very obese, but they've been lowering the standards for quite some time now. right now, it's if your BMI is over 40 and you have 100 lbs+ extra weight, or your BMI is 35 and over and you have a co-morbidity such as diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.

    My argument, however, is that the BMI is fundamentally flawed. It's too generic in my opinion: so EVERY woman who is 37 years old and 5 ft 8 inches should weigh between 122 and 164 lbs? (my range). I think I'd rather focus on % body fat rather than a generic number on a chart. Especially since science shows that losing even 5% of your starting weight and keeping it off offers health improvements. AND they are also starting to discover that there are folks with a healthy BMI who have too much visceral fat around their organs, which is a health risk - so they look healthy, but they aren't.

    In other words, maybe we should focus on becoming healthy - exercising more, eating a healthier diet, and less on the actual number on a scale?
    amyepdx wrote: »
    You are saying that at only 28 you should take this chance now, but I think it's the opposite. You are so young and the prospect of living 60 years with the consequences of surgically altering your body is what I'd be concerned about.

    that's my concern for my brother. He's 32. I fear greatly on what the long term consequences are going to be. At the same time, the doctor is pushing for him to do it now, because they say the younger you are, the easier the surgery is on your body, the quicker you recover, and the fewer complications you can have. Also, they are pushing him to get fit as possible, to lift weights and focus on his core, as they tell him that will help speed up his recovery time, too.
    cheryldumais wrote: »
    Just wanted to mention that I too hit a plateau that lasted three and a half months. I thought I would never lose any more. I am finally losing again. I don't know why our bodies do that but you may just be stuck for a bit. Not trying to discourage you if the surgery is really what you want but you have mentioned not being able to lose any more on your own and wanted to encourage you that you may just have to be patient. BTW the way I got it going again was to go to maintenance calories for a week then back down. I am losing slower now but I am losing. I had been dieting for a year when I stalled.

    I'd say certainly go to the sessions and learn all about the surgery that you can. I can tell you that they will put you on a diet to try to help you lose weight before the surgery.

    and perhaps it is a plateau? Maybe you can change something up to get yourself started again - change a routine? Or perhaps, as the study in copenhagen suggests, maybe you can focus on maintaining where you are at for a year or two, give your body time to adjust and make that your new set point, and then start again? And in the meantime, focus on healthy exercise and diet? Perhaps you could try this for a couple of years and see where it takes you?

    In any case, whichever road you choose, I wish you the best of luck! Either way is not an easy path - and it does take a brave soul to try the surgery route!

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