Hello,

I was sleeved 7 weeks ago and have been losing slowly but steadily. I have read several topics that say the further out one is from their surgery -- the more difficult it is to stick to it. That the newness wears off and after awhile you are just left with old ingrained habits that get more difficult to manage as time goes on.

This is very scarey to me. I had thought that the physical restriction of having the small stomach would insure long-term sucess. But I read many others where this is not the case. Will power is still required. I have lost 40 pounds but have always had terrible will-power. This surgery was/is my last hope. I was over 300 pounds. My cardiologist said I was a heart-attack waiting to happen. I could not make it up a flight of stairs.

Does it always get harder the further out you are from your surgery?

Blessings,

WeeWers

I'm sure, prior toWLS, you were aware that the sleeve doesn't cure obesity and as many have said, it's a tool that is to be used to assist you in losing weight.

Look, everyone says it is a tool and tools fix things not people. People are intricate which requires mental capacity to achieve goals. I am saying this because I know me and I know that there will be some struggle. I am hoping that my smaller pouch will keep my overeater within in check, but I also hope that I will make smarter choices since I can only eat smaller amounts. I have been told by my nutritionist and by my psychologist that I can make a visit with them when things get tough. It's a doctor's visit that's worth the co-pay. Good luck to you on your journey!

You may be stronger than you think. Keep a positive attitude. You can do this.

As previously stated, stay strong and positive!! And use a psychologist and/or doctor when needed.

My Surgeon's office has a monthly support group and at Monday's meeting, my surgeon talked specifically about how regardless of the tool you choose, the mental battle and the patient's willingness to commit to a healthy lifestyle is OVER half the battle. He said you can get lap band, RNY, the sleeve... and they'll all help you to lose weight, but it's up to YOU to continue the weight loss long term. I already know that I'm going to struggle, but dammit, I didn't get this surgery done just to give up before I am really even getting started.

You can do it!

Sorry to be a downer but YES it does get harder down the line for just about everyone. But you're already sleeved, yes? So too late to take it back now. I am 5 months out and 70 lbs down. Could I have done that without the sleeve? I sincerely doubt it. I made the right choice for myself and I suspect you did too.

During this "honeymoon" phase take advantage of the restriction, but also work on changing your eating habits. Not being able to eat too much in one sitting is half the battle, being able to abstain from eating smaller amounts all day is the other half, and for many, the much harder half. I fight every day to prevent myself from snacking. Thankfully I don't sit down at a meal and eat 1000 calories in a single sitting anymore. I am very grateful for that.

The good news is that if you put the necessary effort and compliance into your diet and routine, you will reach your goal. The sleeve absolutely can help you do that, but it won't get you there for you. You CAN do this

Most people lose less than 100%. I believe most surgeons declare surgery a success if you lose 65-70% of your excess weight. And as time goes by, you can eat more and a wider variety of foods.

It's crucial to use this time to learn new habits of eating and coping. Find the low cal nutritious foods you enjoy. Discover an exercise you like. Mine is walking outdoors. Find activities other than eating that sooth you. Use a therapist to work on eating issues you can't conquer on your own. You are worth it. The surgery is the first step, you must choose to take the next steps to be successful.

Lynda