Curious -- could you have done it without Weight Loss Surgery?

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Nope, nope, nope, couldn't do it on my own. I went on Weight Watchers for one year, loved the program and the weekly support meetings, but my body just wouldn't cooperate and I only lost 12 lbs in a whole year. And I fought for those 12 lbs ! So, WLS ( lap band ) was a great choice for me. It gave me my life back and I couldn't be happier ! Yes, I have to be a more careful eater than a non banded person but if thats the only downside, I'll take it ! No regrets !

[Cupcake 801]

I agree with the above statements it is normal to have second thoughts but as you stated you have lost weight in the past and have regain it back or more like the most of us , this WLS was a no brainier for me my health was taking a toll I was limited on what I could do because I was always so tired , my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner . I am only 7 months post opt and my life has already change, and I'm working toward my goal I'm healthy and happy and enjoying life again good luck ,

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I couldn't do it. I used to be able to lose when I was younger, but never could keep it off. As I hit my 40s, I was unable to lose even a few pounds. I was hungry all the time, and dieting was miserable and totally non-productive for me. I really struggled with the decision to have the sleeve, thinking there was something wrong with me and it wouldn't work. I was really miserable at my highest weight, which I maintained for years.

Once I had the surgery, I finally understood. For me, surgery gave me a fighting chance at weight loss and health. Compared to what it was like before, this is so much easier. At two years post op, the sleeve helps, but it's me doing the work. However, I learned a lot about my body and what it takes for me to lose. I know I have to eat about 900 calories a day to lose. That explains why it would take months to lose 10 pounds on weight watchers. Even if I had known, I wouldn't have been able to do that before surgery. Now I can maintain on around 1200-1300, which is "diet" for most people.

So, only you will know it it's right for you. For me it was, but you need to decide if the risk is worth the benefit. Good luck.

[swimbikerun 1,039]

Nope.

[samuelsmom 670]

I have always been overweight and have tried numerous weight loss plans. Back in the middle of 2013 I was having terrible knee pain and decided to get injections. I also started to eat healthy, keep a weight diary, exercise, etc. After one year, I realized I had lost (and gained) the same 15 pounds! At that moment I realized that it was time to consider WLS. That was in July of 2014. I called for an appointment and had the sleeve on November 19th. At 51 pounds down now, I know it was the right decision for me. I am very glad though, that I took that year. I think I needed that evidence right in my face to understand that I needed to go down this road.

Is WLS for you? Maybe! If you do very well pre-op and are able to lose and feel that you can keep the weight off than you can always choose not to have the surgery. Good Luck.

[Vikingsfan8178 62]

Thanks for all of the responses.

I met with the nutrition person and the surgeon this morning. Everything went very well and I was very impressed with the surgeon.

Now I just have to make up my mind or better yet, convince myself, whether or not I need a WLS for me to lose the weight and keep it off long term.

Can I get there with cutting calories, exercising, and sheer will-power? If I were a betting man, I would say no and I usually never bet against myself.

On the other hand, do I really want to have 80% of my stomach removed?

Edited January 7, 2015 by Vikingsfan8178

[swimbikerun 1,039]

Nope, studies have shown, forget it, the only way it gets off and stays off is with wls. Yeah, you won't miss it. Do you want 80% of stomach gone and your life back, doing all sorts of things that you didn't before, feel healthier, better, or do you want 80% of a gut? Does 80% of your gut matter to you compared to your life after?

Or RNY, doesn't matter.

[scstxrn 213]

The only time I miss the rest of my stomach is when I want to binge. Sleevie does not tolerate binging... Which is how she is helping me continue the downward trend.

[ANuMe2014 44]

Yes, I could and have done it before my buddy (sleeve) many, MANY times in my life. Problem for me was keeping it off. Loose 25... Gain 40! Loose 50...Gain 70! The cycle kept repeating itself until my PCP told me I was not only morbidly obese but, borderline diabetic. MAJOR wake up call... Still struggling with what to consume at times but, my buddy keeps me on track! Glad to have her as a constant in my life!

Thrilled to be just OVER weight and looking forward to being inducted in the NORMAL weight range!

[roundisashape 712]

Not a chance! I was fat my whole life. By the time I was ready for surgery, I was at a point where being so fat for so long made it nearly impossible to exercise and I was always hungry. There needed to be some sort of intervention!

[Fatdiva14 47]

@@Vikingsfan8178

I have tried every weight loss program that you can think of; including WW, succeeded in losing about 12-15 lbs, and once I lost focused, would regain the weight double what I lost. Maintaining weight loss has always been the culprit, not loosing the weight. I am very happy that you posted this question because it proves that we are all human and second guessing is normal. I thought this question several times a day before actually making the call to meet with the physician.

The merry go round of weight loss gets tiring, especially when you realize that your best efforts are wasteful when you regain the weight. The weight has really affected my physical frame. My body is screaming...and not to mention its going crazy from the diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea that I've acquired during this tumultuous love/hate relationship with my weight.

Just as others have replied, I am in total agreement that the sleeve is a tool in ensuring that you achieve your weight loss goals, reminding you of your limitations and helping us all reach the maximum result that we strive to achieve.

[Bobby46 327]

Yep, sure could have lost the weight without surgery. Did it, actually. I lost over 70lbs 3 times in my life. Diet pills, Weight Watchers, and Medifast. I have been "dieting" for about 35yrs. I have done just about every diet and exercise plan out there! I have lost some every single time I tried. And I always gained it back plus more every single time.

But...I learned a lot over the years. I learned a lot about food choices, body image, mindless eating, emotional eating, exercise. I could write a freaking book! There is so much info roaming through my brain I could be a nutritionist, a psychologist, an aerobics instructor and the next biggest diet book author out there! If I wasn't on a diet I was researching one! I thought about dieting every day of my life!

I know what to do to get the weight off (see the above) but I have never ever figured out how to maintain that weight loss long term! I NEED this surgery to give me a shot at keeping it off!

Now that the surgery has been done I am so flipping relieved! I don't obsess over food. I plan it, eat it and get on with my day. The size of my stomach limits the amount I can eat so I make better choices so that I feel good and my body functions well. This has been the best thing I have ever done for myself!! THE BEST!! It will take me a year or more to get where I want to be weight wise. I am counting on the sleeve to help me stop the weight from coming back. If I stay vigilant and focused I will succeed ....NO DOUBT!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

don't think I will beat this without a tool like weight loss surgery.

@@Vikingsfan8178

hmmmm i think you've answered your own question

looks like your main issue is being a little scared/nervous

these emotions are soooo common

you want to believe you can lose this weight on your own

i'm sure you can, we all have - over and over and over and.............

as all above "smart cookies" said

its the maintaining of the weight loss that sooooo hard/impossible

my doc removed 80-85% of my "big" tummy

why would you, me, or anyone miss it???

that big stomach of mine was able to hold sooooo many goodies, pizzza, ice cream etc etc.

quick recap concerning the above 40 posts and more in the future

most/all of us have successfully lost "the" weight

its maintaining the weight loss that is soooooo hard/impossible

one of the main complaints we have is we regret not having surgery earlier

don't come to a hasty decision

think, research, read this board

"we" can't tell you what to do

just giving you good advice

i will admit to being biased

i had the sleeve 3 years ago

reached -105 lbs at goal as the one year mark was approaching

these past two years and counting, i have/and will continue at goal

good for you knowing that having surgery is not a miracle pill

you have plenty of rules to follow for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer life

truth is all the rules you will be required to follow

are rules that "normal" people should follow too

whatever you decide

good luck to you

happy new year

kathy

Edited January 7, 2015 by proudgrammy

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Vikingsfan, ooooorrrrrrr , instead of having 80 % of your stomach removed, you might want to look at the Lap band. Way less invasive, reversible mif needed, quick recovery time. I love my band, no regrets !

[Sharpie 3,306]

like everyone else I have lost hundreds of pounds. but, gained it back and then some. at 5' nothing I was 200 lbs of bad health. diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol were fast becoming worse and I had to do something before I lost my health and mobility. luckily my primary care dr. agreed with me and referred me to my lapband surgeon. I have no regrets and even though it is not always easy to follow the rules it is still the best thing I have ever done. I would do it over again only sooner.