Do you know people who have had bariatric surgery and they are still big years out? I've got friends on both sides, ones who have lost a tremendous amount of weight and ones who lost a little and have gained back. I am worried I will fail, my dad failed but I believe he failed because he didn't change his diet. His doctor told him he could eat the same just less, which is not true. I am fully aware that its a lifestyle change! Did these friends just not change their eating habits or is it genetics? I just don't want to fail, I would be devastated. I know every one is different and I believe you get what you put into it. I'm 2 weeks from surgery day and I guess my nerves are getting to me.

This is definitely a real concern and something some people don't think about. Honestly, I only really know two people out of about 5-6 who have kept their weight off years later. The lifestyle change has to be a lifetime commitment. I do wonder if some of it is genetics. I have never asked them about it though since it's such a sensitive topic.

I had my surgery last week and met several companions for others having weight loss surgery at the same time. Two had had the sleeve (one was 5 years out) and they both looked fantastic. However, I also met a few others who were still clearly obese. Only one was upfront with me, and she admitted that after having bypass, she lost a ton of weight, but then went back to her old eating habits, just less because of the restriction. But she still gained a lot of weight back. It's posible that the others were still on their weight loss journey, but I didn't want to pry. Anyway, as others have mentioned, I think success clearly lies in making a lifetime commitment, and not seeing the surgery as only a quick way to lose weight.

I definitely agree with it being a lifetime commitment. I also didn't ask any questions as to why they didn't lose and keep it off. I am totally committed to changing my eating habits, my husband and my family are committed to changing their eating habits too. Since I am the one who grocery shops and does 99% of the cooking they really don't have a choice, lol! I won't fail, that's all I keep telling myself. My son overheard a family member (this is also the family member who had it done and didn't change their diet at all, needless to say gained almost all of it back) say I wouldn't be able to do it, but I tell you what CHALLENGE me and I will succeed just to prove them wrong. Best motivation I've ever had.