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

Is weight loss surgery for me?



Recommended Posts

I've exercised periodically throughout my life and never lost weight. I haven't tried very many diets -- just cutting back on what I eat and eating healthier. I did try Weight Watchers twice. No matter how I eat, I can't keep off the excess weight.

I'm wondering if I'm taking the easy way out by wanting surgery. It won't be easy, actually, because I'll still need to change what I eat and exercise. However, won't surgery be a tool in helping me lose and keep off the weight?

I feel kind of weak and pathetic because I haven't had enough willpower to lose and keep off weight. Will people think this if they learn I had surgery?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

almost five years out here. It is NOT the easy way out. The first few months aren't too, too difficult because most people lose their hunger for a few months, but for most of us, hunger eventually comes roaring back - and then things get a lot more challenging. And maintaining your weight loss is TOUGH - as tough as it was before surgery. It's just a tool that works as a strong tail wind to help you to drop a lot of weight quickly. But once you're there, it's a lot of work to keep it off.

if you don't want people to know you had the surgery, then don't tell them. They have no right to know your medical history. I hardly told anyone - just my family and my close friends.

and willpower is a myth. You are constantly fighting biology when you're trying to lose weight. Your hormones - your gut bacteria - everything is working against you. Only 5% of people manage to do it because you are fighting your body every step of the way. Luckily, surgery resets a lot of that, so it won't be as much of a struggle to lose it. It does make things easier - at least for losing it (as I mentioned, maintenance is really tough - I work at it ALL THE TIME). But even with losing, it takes work on your part, too. You have to be very committed to your program.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WLS is an amazing tool to reset your metabolism, tame the hunger hormones, forcibly restrict the volume you eat, and help you feel full with very little food. People lose a lot of weight, quickly. But like the previous poster said, it is only a tool and you must put in the hard work of changing your lifestyle and eating habits. But the surgery helps you do that if you are motivated. Someone can certainly gain every pound back if they do not change their habits and mind set. For me, I AM NEVER GOING BACK! I have a whole new life now and I wouldn't risk it for anything.

PS: I didn't tell anyone except my immediate family. I did not even tell my parents. I am just too vulnerable emotionally and I feel like people would be judging me for "taking the easy way out." My medical history is no one else's business.

Edited by AZhiker

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, imaginegirl said:

I've exercised periodically throughout my life and never lost weight. I haven't tried very many diets -- just cutting back on what I eat and eating healthier. I did try Weight Watchers twice. No matter how I eat, I can't keep off the excess weight.

I'm wondering if I'm taking the easy way out by wanting surgery. It won't be easy, actually, because I'll still need to change what I eat and exercise. However, won't surgery be a tool in helping me lose and keep off the weight?

I feel kind of weak and pathetic because I haven't had enough willpower to lose and keep off weight. Will people think this if they learn I had surgery?

If you choose the bypass or DS it will redirect your intestines and reset and change your metabolism its not just about the volume of food.

There's a ton of research about the metabolic changes..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, imaginegirl said:

however, won't surgery be a tool in helping me lose and keep off the weight?

You nailed it ............ It is a tool and you have to have the whole workshop in order. It is not easy at all. Nobody here is going to say, wow i just got the surgery and still ate like the fat obese animal i was and the weight just fell off. However if you use this tool right it will be the best decision you ever made.

The issue is not the volume of food. For example i ate 3 Cookies yesterday, PreOp i would have eaten the whole bag, I run on about 800 calories a day, Pre op It would be safe to assume i was 3000 plus a day. All the surgery will do is enable you to follow a set of guidelines that will get you healthy and fit,

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

almost five years out here. It is NOT the easy way out. The first few months aren't too, too difficult because most people lose their hunger for a few months, but for most of us, hunger eventually comes roaring back - and then things get a lot more challenging. And maintaining your weight loss is TOUGH - as tough as it was before surgery. It's just a tool that works as a strong tail wind to help you to drop a lot of weight quickly. But once you're there, it's a lot of work to keep it off.

if you don't want people to know you had the surgery, then don't tell them. They have no right to know your medical history. I hardly told anyone - just my family and my close friends.

and willpower is a myth. You are constantly fighting biology when you're trying to lose weight. Your hormones - your gut bacteria - everything is working against you. Only 5% of people manage to do it because you are fighting your body every step of the way. Luckily, surgery resets a lot of that, so it won't be as much of a struggle to lose it. It does make things easier - at least for losing it (as I mentioned, maintenance is really tough - I work at it ALL THE TIME). But even with losing, it takes work on your part, too. You have to be very committed to your program.

You hit the nail on the head. Great post.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The above posters have beautifully provided insight into how amazing WLS is as a tool (so I will not address that idea)

However I am interested in your statement about taking the easy way out (presumably versus working harder). There seems to be an obsession in our society with the concept of hard work reaping greater rewards / working harder is better.

I cannot help but wonder where that viewpoint originated since most advancements in humanity were based on technological advancements (working smarter) making life easier.

Linked is a Medium article i enjoyed that addresses this idea and can be applied to many aspects of life including WLS.

https://medium.com/@tomnew/nothing-is-impossible-if-you-work-hard-enough-bullshit-4fdf4d83937d

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, imaginegirl said:

I've exercised periodically throughout my life and never lost weight. I haven't tried very many diets -- just cutting back on what I eat and eating healthier. I did try Weight Watchers twice. No matter how I eat, I can't keep off the excess weight.

I'm wondering if I'm taking the easy way out by wanting surgery. It won't be easy, actually, because I'll still need to change what I eat and exercise. However, won't surgery be a tool in helping me lose and keep off the weight?

I feel kind of weak and pathetic because I haven't had enough willpower to lose and keep off weight. Will people think this if they learn I had surgery?

Please, please, please read "The Obesity Code" by Jason Fung. It will help you understand why you are overweight and why you can't lose it and keep it off. It is not your fault at this point - you are fighting your biology. Yes, yo-yo dieting can really screw things up by lowering your set point, and hijacking the stomach-brain hormones. We do that to ourselves in our desperate attempts to lose weight. Dr. Fung's book will release you from the guilt and help you understand what is really going on. If you COULD have done in on your own, you WOULD have by now. WLS gives you a metabolic "reset" and a jump start.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

and willpower is a myth. You are constantly fighting biology when you're trying to lose weight. Your hormones - your gut bacteria - everything is working against you. Only 5% of people manage to do it because you are fighting your body every step of the way. Luckily, surgery resets a lot of that, so it won't be as much of a struggle to lose it. It does make things easier - at least for losing it (as I mentioned, maintenance is really tough - I work at it ALL THE TIME). But even with losing, it takes work on your part, too. You have to be very committed to your program.

I've tried losing weight by willpower, and you're right, it doesn't work long-term. I'm glad the surgery makes losing weight and maintenance a little easier. I'm willing to exercise and eat better. My sister and mom have had the band surgery, and I've seen what they've had to do to keep off the weight. I think I'm ready to do that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, AZhiker said:

Please, please, please read "The Obesity Code" by Jason Fung. It will help you understand why you are overweight and why you can't lose it and keep it off. It is not your fault at this point - you are fighting your biology. Yes, yo-yo dieting can really screw things up by lowering your set point, and hijacking the stomach-brain hormones. We do that to ourselves in our desperate attempts to lose weight. Dr. Fung's book will release you from the guilt and help you understand what is really going on. If you COULD have done in on your own, you WOULD have by now. WLS gives you a metabolic "reset" and a jump start.

That book sounds fascinating. I'll read it tonight. I sure am ready to be released of the guilt. I feel so guilty for not being able to keep off the weight. I'm ready to have a new tool to help me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

I cannot help but wonder where that viewpoint originated since most advancements in humanity were based on technological advancements (working smarter) making life easier.

Linked is a Medium article i enjoyed that addresses this idea and can be applied to many aspects of life including WLS.

https://medium.com/@tomnew/nothing-is-impossible-if-you-work-hard-enough-bullshit-4fdf4d83937d

Some people with no biology working against them can lose weight easily and keep it off. I think the "easy" belief came from people like that. Anyway, I don't plan to tell coworkers and most friends. I'll just tell them I did a lot of hard work and started eating less and exercising.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, imaginegirl said:

Some people with no biology working against them can lose weight easily and keep it off. I think the "easy" belief came from people like that. Anyway, I don't plan to tell coworkers and most friends. I'll just tell them I did a lot of hard work and started eating less and exercising.

When people ask me how I lost the weight, I tell them, "This is what I am doing........" and proceed to tell them about my eating and exercise programs. I put it in the present tense. Or I say, "Most people regain all the weight they lose, so why don't we wait a year and you can ask me again, if I am still thin."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It sounds like the main reason to have WLS is to lose a lot of weight upfront. I'll still have to fight against biology to keep the weight off. Is that true?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

32 minutes ago, imaginegirl said:

It sounds like the main reason to have WLS is to lose a lot of weight upfront. I'll still have to fight against biology to keep the weight off. Is that true?

yes - main reason is to drop a ton of weight very quickly.

you will be fighting against biology to keep the weight off eventually, but it won't be quite as difficult as it was pre-surgery, because you'll be trying to defend a much lower set point than you were before.

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • 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

    ×