Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I was also one of those people who thought WLS (and diet pills) were easy ways out. I am curious though about your comment regarding caffeine. My understanding was that once the stomach is healed post surgery that caffeine can be reintroduced to the diet.
Because of the connection with ulcer formation, many doctors strongly recommend against reintroducing caffeine---ever. Some are okay with caffeine, but recommend against coffee (caffeinated or decaf), because it's acidic--and the particular acids may be more related to ulcers than caffeine. And still others don't think it's a huge concern, and are okay with reintroducing caffeine, whether in coffee form or not.

Edited by BetsyB

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks. I was aware of the risk while healing, but both nutritionist and surgeon have suggested that it's allowed in moderation after three months post-surgery.

Because of the connection with ulcer formation...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was saying that to demonstrate that lots of people undergo surgical/medical procedures to improve their lives. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. That includes breast augmentation/lifts, botox, etc. The irony is that the people who partake in these improvements will sit back and judge someone who gets a Lap-Band®. It is sheer hypocrisy.

So it is ok to be rude about their surgeries when you don't want them to be about yours? That sounds just as hypocritical to me. And judmental to boot.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nobody has ever told me I took the 'easy way out', but if they did, I'd correct them and tell them I took the 'only way out'. Like you, I've done WW several times and lost 50+ at least three of those times, maintained for awhile, but always gained back due to hunger. I've tried just about every diet out there, but it all comes back to hunger. I can lose the weight, but not the hunger. And, if you are hungry all the time, you'll eventually have to satisfy that hunger. We're biologically driven to do that. So, it becomes impossible to maintain the weightloss.

I was afraid that the band may not fix the hunger either, but I took a chance w/it because my mom has it and told me it fixed her hunger. And, by golly, it works. I'm losing weight and I'm not hungry. And, I feel like I can do anything if I just don't have to be hungry. Its awesome. If the 'hard way' means being hungry all the time and gaining back the weight every other year, then forget it. That's no way to live. They can call it the 'easy way', but really its the 'only way' for many of us to attain permanent weightloss.

Edited by adagray

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did take the easy way out. This journey has been very easy so far and I hope it stays that way. The hardest thing about it has been the blow to my bank account as I was self-pay. I could care less if someone thinks I took "the easy way" as if that were a bad thing. I am down 85 pounds and that is what really matters to me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well...out of those people, who are dieting and doing WW, taking the "hard" way - 95% of them will gain their weight back!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

With WLS, you can't have caffeine or carbonation, you have to sip Water so slowly sometimes it feels like an IV drip in your mouth, you have to deal with needles in your stomach every 6 weeks or so. That is NOT the easy way out.

I have never been told I can't have caffeine. I don't drink coffee but I do drink tea which still has some in though not as much.

My Dr allows carbonation so long as it doesn't cause me any discomfort. I have never been big on carbonated drinks but I have one occasionally - with no problems.

I have never had to sip Water that slowly.

To me it has been an easier way out.

The first part of the process is hard - preop diet, liquid diet,mushy diet etc but it was a lot easier than a normal diet as it was always finite. there was an end in sight.

Since then it has been relatively easy. My band makes me eat less and stops me being hungry all the time .

But there are parts of being banded which are hard. I have always been a fast eater and slowing down sufficiently has been hard.Getting something stuck and the resulting pain and discomfort is also no joyride.

But it is so worth it.

To sum up it is far easier to lose weight than with any diet I have ever done before - but it comes with its own set of "disadvantages". I am more than happy to accept the package that lapbanding is.

For some reason many people think we should suffer and struggle and always take the hard way out. Why?????

But are those people any different to the ones that think that unless you have a BMI of over 40 you are not fat enough to have lapband surgery? And there are lots that believe that!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well...out of those people, who are dieting and doing WW, taking the "hard" way - 95% of them will gain their weight back!

I was always one of that 95% who gained back weight after programs and diets. The sad thing is I would always gain back at least 105-110% of the weight I had taken off!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So it is ok to be rude about their surgeries when you don't want them to be about yours? That sounds just as hypocritical to me. And judmental to boot.

Are you blind, Missy? I said in my quote that there is nothing wrong with those surgeries. If I need a boob job one day, I won't hesitate to get one. When it comes to wrinkles, I'm genetically blessed, so I probably won't need botox.

Relax, and put your energies somewhere productive. :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is a typical response. I chose not to tell anyone in my family I had the surgery...because I know that would be the reaction I got. DON'T listen to them. I was banded 4 months ago and still don't have restriction...but I have managed to lose 47 pounds in the last 4 months because I eat good and exercise. It's all what you put into it. Don't let others discourage you!!!! You are doing this for you! Good Luck with your surgery! You will do great :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the same experience at work the other day! I was talking to a "friend" of mine... who probably has as much weight to lose as I do. She was saying how she lost 13 lbs in TWELVE weeks on WW. I've done that... and gained it all back with a couple of bad weekends. So, she started talking about another person we work with, who had gastric bypass. She thought she had the lap band. She was saying how she thinks she's a cheater, and how she's not even happy for her, and how she hopes her "band bursts".

I was standing there, nodding, not saying anything. She has no idea I'm having surgery (tomorrow!). She started getting really emotionally charged when talking about how it's cheating and how she looked into it because her husband wanted it, and how it's totally ridiculous. It blew my mind, because she is in the same boat I am in. She really really needs to lose weight. It was weird how bitter she was about our co-worker.

This is exactly why I only told my parents and two close friends who I KNEW would not judge me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the same experience at work the other day! I was talking to a "friend" of mine... who probably has as much weight to lose as I do. She was saying how she lost 13 lbs in TWELVE weeks on WW. I've done that... and gained it all back with a couple of bad weekends. So, she started talking about another person we work with, who had gastric bypass. She thought she had the LAP-BAND®. She was saying how she thinks she's a cheater, and how she's not even happy for her, and how she hopes her "band bursts".

It seems the saying is very true.

"JEALOUSY MAKES YOU NASTY"

Edited by elcee
spelling

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Are you blind, Missy? I said in my quote that there is nothing wrong with those surgeries. If I need a boob job one day, I won't hesitate to get one. When it comes to wrinkles, I'm genetically blessed, so I probably won't need botox.

Relax, and put your energies somewhere productive. :thumbup:

Very nicely put!

After I read Missy's very rude replies, I was thinking of posting something less polite....you inspire me :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

lol, not blind. I just don't see the difference between one rude remark and another. Pure and simple.

I see my choice as the easy way. Sorry. I am not offended by others seeing and saying the same thing. Why would I be? I have about a 30% better chance than my sweet friend who is on the same journey without the band.

Looking for excuses to be offended is the waste of time in my opinion. Putting the focus on the outside world reather than focussing on myself and my journey would be a waste of time, and counterproductive.

Where that is considered rude, is also beyond me. Rude is making comments about others where they cannot defend themselves.

Ironically, she had fake boobs, her hair was dyed, and she had enough Botox in her face to paralyze a horse. What a hypocrite... :thumbup:

Edited by MissyMS

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is why my friends and family don't know. I think this is pretty hard. I've done weight watchers and been able to eat everything in moderation. These days I can't eat many of the foods that I love. No more bread, no more eggs, no more red meat....What is easy about that?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×