Hi all. Here’s a question I haven’t been able to get a clear answer to...does surgery only restrict calories? If so, would I get the same result by cutting my calories to 750 and no carbs?

Or...is it that set point and metabolism are also reduced, making it easier to lose weight? I’m already at about 1200 calories per day and the scale won’t drop beyond 194. I’m 5’ 2”.

Thanks.

I've played that game before. And yes, you will lose, but your metabolic rate will seriously sink and you will hit a wall where it will be harder to lose.

I love this guy. Here are 2 YouTube's that discuss your question:

Depends on the surgery. Lap band and the new balloon are restrictive. Rny, sleeve, and DS are restrictive and malabsorbing.

Technically, none restrict calories. They restrict how much you can physically eat which reduces calories. Then some prevent absorption of some of those calories. So I could consume 1200 but I'm probably not getting all 1200.

IF you cut calories that low and manage to not binge after and took vitamins, I guess technically you could have the same results. The problem is that it isn't practical. I've tried doing that and ended up binging every single time.

From my understanding, set points can move with sustained weight loss or gain. This is why some body builders have trouble gaining.

SW: 366
CW: 329
GW1: 200
RNY Dec 18, 2017!

My theory...bariatric surgery works because of changes to the gut microbiota. In particular, it increases bacterial diversity.

Fat people have low microbial diversity in their gut. Low gut microbial diversity is associated with all sorts of illnesses. Surgery changes Ph and hormone levels that support more diversity. So does exercise, and a diet higher in soluble and nonsoluble fiber.

it is possible that in the future, rather than doing surgery, we'll be able to synthetically alter the gut microbiome and affect some of these changes. Time will tell. Lots of research needs to happen.

Changes in gut microbiota, hormones, diet and activity can all affect metabolic changes.

I think that restriction plays a big factor, too. When you fall off your diet, you do much less damage when your stomach, at capacity, holds a cup of indiscretions....rather than five cups worth. Say you go to a party and lose your mind...you might end up doing 800 calories worth of damage....rather than 3000 calories. That's a big difference over time.

Also for some of us the main reason for having surgery vs dieting alone was to reduce or eliminate comorbidites quickly before they killed us . If you don't have any and are on the fence give dieting a shot until it doesn't work anymore

Because you'll likely have to self pay according to your BMI without comorbidities.