Is having surgery to lose weight hard work?

People who have bypass or lap band surgery have to work just as hard to lose weight. Especially with the lap band. It's a tool. It will help you lose weight, but if the person doesn't change their eating and exercising habits, it won't do anything. Like someone mentioned, it is possible to eat around the restrictions of the lap band. Going through surgery and overhauling your entire lifestyle isn't "the easy way out". If someone took the steps to lose weight, get themselves healthy and change their life for the better, does it really matter which tools they used to do it? Applaud their effort and hard work, don't belittle them because you don't agree with their method.

Amen Sister!

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its absolutely not a cure for being overweight, but it gives lots of people the HOPE they need to take the next steps if they are obese, going to the gym probably isnt something they are comfortable with. Diet does NOT work for everyone, epecially if they have been dieting their entire lives and have screwed up their metabolism. I think its great that it really can give people a second chance to learn their bodies and what it will take to stay thinner. Of course they still have to workout and learn the rules of eating for their bodies but if they don't sure it will come back.
And yes there are a TON of pre-op appointments, requirements and work. That sometimes 20 pounds people have to lose is usually in the 2 weeks up to surgery through no carb liquid diet. I think most people make it through that 2 weeks and whatever weight they lose ONLY because its the very last step before they get their chance.

I've never done it, but from watching documentaries, it looks harder to me. Much more painful and complicated, especially because you still have to battle all of the emotions associated with weight loss and such a drastic change.

Many of the pre-surgery requirements are to insure that the patient can survive surgery, is mentally stable & won't transfer addictive behaviors expressed by overeating to other substances after surgery (ie alcohol, tobacco, drugs). Additionally, the pre-surgery requirements are designed to help patients start getting into a mindset that will help them make life-long lifestyle changes. Finally, they are also designed to assess whether the patients are willing and able to follow those changes. Most of these requirements are instituted by the insurance companies ... because they don't want to pay for an expensive surgery for no reason.

For me, the surgery (gastric sleeve bypass) is a tool. I am 47, I have lost significant weight on Atkins, Weight Watchers, & other programs, but have had trouble maintaining that weight loss & have gained it back time and again. The reduced volume of my stomach is one way to help me focus on portion size. I had the surgery in July 2011 so I'm still in the first year of losing weight. Because, at this point, the weight loss is fairly quick & not as difficult, I'm able to work on the "head" stuff ... the emotional cravings, correcting bad habits and learning new coping skills. I worry about the potential for gaining the weight back in the future, so I'm working really hard now to instill good habits, good thinking, and correcting emotional issues.

Some people have problems after surgery, some people don't. I had an excellent experience ... I healed quickly, the early pain that is expected after any surgery was manageable & resolved in a reasonable time frame.

It's not a "magic bullet" cure, but for people with co-morbidities, with a declining quality of life, with a history of problems losing weight & maintaining weight loss through "traditional" routes, it is a very viable option and often a necessary one.

It's not a cop-out; I still have to make significant changes in my diet and my activity level. But it helps get the weight off during the first year so you can make significant progress in your physical & mental health. I have come down from a high of 381 pounds to my current weight, 239 pounds. The changes I've experienced have been profound in ways I can't even begin to describe, & they cover all aspects of my lifestyle. I'm eating better, I'm exercising more, my mental attitude towards food is shifting in healthier directions, and I am motivated to continue making those changes.

The hard part of weight loss surgery is not in the first year, but in the years that come later when you have to maintain your success.

It's different from 'traditional' weight loss, and you have to be committed to making substantial changes, just like you do with 'traditional' weight loss.

For those thinking about it, there are different surgeries -- talk with your doctor extensively about what will work best for you. There are also a wide range of programs; some require long runs of liquid diets before & after surgery, some do not. Pre-op requirements (length of time, amount of weight loss, psychological & group support meetings, etc.) vary both with the program you go through & with your insurance. Most programs have free informational seminars ... check out several if you aren't sure what you want.

And best of luck to everybody who is working on getting healthier, no matter what route you take.

My opinion; it's a cop-out, an easier way out. No different than someone taking steroids to gain muscle. Not to mention the potential life altering complications of surgery even death.

Thanks for the uneducated, judgemental opinion. Those of us who have used surgery did not cop out of anything. I exercise and eat well and chose surgery to help with that journey. People--educated and smart people-- choose surgery to lose weight for reasons you clearly have put zero thought into.

As for me, I saved my life, lost 125 pounds, have kept it off for over a year and a half and am training for a half marathon. I have no regrets and would do it all over again. Why I needed to lose 125 pounds is a whole other story and I've taken care of that situation too.

I know a few people who have had it done and about half have been successful at keeping it off. However, the amount of food eaten at a time is very limited plus they take mega doses of vitamins. My one friend has to spread her vitamins because her new "pouch" isn't big enough to handle all of them at a time. One of the unsuccessful ones did not gain her weight back by poor eating habits, she just could not stay away from the booze. She was so sick at first and now it is all back because of the drinking. How sad. It is also a big lifestyle change.

I know a few people who have had it done and about half have been successful at keeping it off. However, the amount of food eaten at a time is very limited plus they take mega doses of vitamins. My one friend has to spread her vitamins because her new "pouch" isn't big enough to handle all of them at a time. One of the unsuccessful ones did not gain her weight back by poor eating habits, she just could not stay away from the booze. She was so sick at first and now it is all back because of the drinking. How sad. It is also a big lifestyle change.

Your 50% statistic is about right. The "mega doses of vitamins" not as accurate. I take a daily multivitamin (something most ppl could realize benefit) and a tiny pink B12. Just had my annual visit to my physician and my labs are 100% perfect! I also enjoy a glass (or two) of wine occasionally. With everything, moderation is key.

I dont think anyone has really answered the OP.........I have read through it all and I guess I still want to know......It seems like with surgery and non-surgery you have to monitor what you eat and work out........Then I ask again.......What is the added benefit of the surgery. For all of the people in here that have had it done what did the surgery do for you that you could not have physically done without the surgery. Not trying to offend just really trying to understand the reasons for taking this risk.

Friend of mine had a gastric band fitted. She lost a ton of weight very quickly. At first. It was very hard for her to keep solid food down, and she had an essentially liquid diet, sooo she started to eat icecream, etc, etc... the band eventually expands and she gained a lot. She also didn't learn a THING about discipline or self-control. On the NHS you have to prove that you really want to change your life by losing a certain amount of weight before the band is fitted. My friend had it done privately and is still struggling 4 years later. It certainly wasn't easy, but neither was it effective in the long term.