Question:
Weight Watchers or gastric bypass surgery???

I was so excited when I found out in the beginning of July that my insurance company would cover WLS. So now my insurance company has approved for me to have the surgery, however, on May 30 of this year I started Weight Watcher's and so far it is working. I have lost 13 pounds. I feel I am at a crossroads, if I go through with the surgery I will lose the weight but could have major complications... If I stick with weight watcher's I might not lose 140 pounds and even if I do I don't know if I can keep the weight off. What would other's do in this situation. (my family is supportive however all of them wish I would not do the surgery. I am 24 and have a husband and 2 year old daughter that I want to be healthy for so that I may be involved in their lives with them. No matter what losing the weight is the only option!!!) Basically I wonder if any who have had the surgery believe it would have been better for them if they could have lost the weight without the surgery? Thank you, much love and respect, Melinda — Melinda D. (posted on July 20, 2002)

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July 20, 2002
I am a lifetime diet failure:( For ME, WLS is way easier than dieting. According to barb thompsons book dieters will loose only 5% of what they are overweight by and keep it off. With drugs like meredia that % lost is only increased to 10%. Less than 1% of MOs who need to loose 100 pounds or more get and keep the weight off.. Be prepared for failure. take your family to a suport group meeting or take a long term post op to dinner. See how they eat small quanties of good food? Hear their stories! Your family will support you after this. It will help you decide. WLS was the BEST decision I EVER made. My wife Jen is doing so well too! Down under 200 ost 93 pounds since December 10. POST OP IS THE PLACE TO BE...
— bob-haller

July 20, 2002
Hello Melinda! For me personally, WLS was the last option after I had tried all the diets, fad and otherwise. There was just a point sometime in the past 25 years when my body said 'enough of this crap, no matter what you do you are not going to be able to maintain ANY significant weight loss'. I bought into that and for years fought to be accepted and loved at close to 400 pounds.. which was fine until the health problems started encroaching. I used to say I wish I'd done this years ago (I am just about 7 weeks post op BPD with NO DS), but I have to admit now that I'm glad I waited.. I know now that medicine has indeed advanced enough to make this a safe procedure.. well, as safe as ANY major sugery can be. There are variables, you may have complications, you may not. Indeed it sounds like you are at a crossroads. I wish you the very best no matter what your decision, and invite you to email me if I can be of any assistance in answering questions. God bless you.. ~Peace
— Joscelin

July 20, 2002
i wish you the best of luck in your decision that you make i can tell you for me personally im glad i chose wls all has went well thus far and im so happy with my decision im now down 110lbs since feb 8 02 i had done ww twice jenny craig twice and i worked with a buddy she is a dietician i got weight off all these times but only temporarily to gain back triple the amount and i can say i never lost 100 or more on any plan or diet ive ever been on i knew in my heart this was really my only chance at being successful good luck to you !!!
— carrie M.

July 20, 2002
Hello there! I wish you luck with your decision. But I can tell you, personally, Weight Watchers was one of many attempts on my list of diet attempts. This surgery is a God sent. I had the surgery on April 29, 2002 and have lost 53 pounds. I never would have done that with Weight Watchers in that amount of time. The problem I had with programs like that is that I have no will power, so the premise of the program may be successful, but if you cheat here and there (and I always did) you fail or gain back weight. I don't have that option with this surgery and I am leading a very normal life with no problems! (knock on wood) Feel free to email me if you have and questions and GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION.
— stacey L.

July 20, 2002
Like the others have stated, it has to be your choice !! For me, WLS was the last resort, as I have dieted for 15 years and the only thing in the long run that they accomplished, was made me gain weight. I am not saying that they are some people who do lose and keep off the weight by diets (but I believe it is only about 3 - 5 % of the people who try - whereas with WLS after a 14 year study 90% of the people had maintained their weight loss compared to only 1% of the dieters.) Again, the choice must be yours! You have to be ready to accept the risk, (remember this is a risky operations as is any operation for overweight people). Good Luck, Sharon -52 pounds in 10 weeks
— Sharon H.

July 20, 2002
I guess a question you should ask yourself is - Have I gone on a diet before and lost weight only to put it all back on and then some??? Almost every person's answer would be "yes". At 24, I wish I could have had this surgery. I feel my life would be MUCH different now at age 39. Only you can decide what you want to do. Are you sure your not just getting scared and having second thoughts? That's VERY common after you've been approved for surgery. It happens ALL the time. Whatever your decision is, you should think how is this going to effect me for the rest of my life. One thing to consider, if you decide to not go through with the surgery, due to insurance changes, etc. you may never get another chance to have this surgery. I'm really not trying to sway you one way or the other, but this surgery has been a lifesaver for me and a whole new lease on life. I've been on every diet known to man and have always lost weight only to regain it with another 20 added on. I would hate to see you make a decision that could cost you this new lease on life too.
— Patty H.

July 20, 2002
I did WW's 3-4 times. Each time I lost 12-15 pounds in the first two weeks. I never could lose beyond that. Personally I found WW's to be "TO HIGH CARBOHYDRATES" for me. But carbs send me on an eating binge. If they say to have one slice of toast, I could'nt stop at any less than four! But not everyone is sensitives to carbs like I am. Plus it was to low fat, in my opinion. However you say it's working for you. I'm going to go against the trend (like when don't I- lol) and suggest that you consider staying with it. I have had 14 surgeries in my life (only one WLS) and "once your body is altered, it's altered"! (I've been butchered badly by some of the surgeries, although my WLS is just fine). I'm a firm believer in not having WLS unless there is no other way. For me, it was the only option left. For you, WW's "may" be the answer. WLS is such a radical thing to put your body through IF it is'nt nessecary. However if your insurance company has approved it, who knows how long that option may be open? Anyway, this is such a ordel to go through (WLS) and a "life time commitment". Life time commitment sounds easy "to read" but there is no backing out once your body is changed. (I look at some of the scars I have (not WLS) and to think I will have them to my grave and there's not a damned thing I can do to change it (thanks to a unskilled but BOARD CERTIFIED surgeon). There have been some real horror stories on WLS. Not many when you add all of us who are happy with it. BUT SURGERY DOES'NT ALWAYS TURN OUT THE WAY WE HOPE. My other surgeries are a real slap in the face, when I think of a lifetime of the mess I have to live with. I am so "greatful" that I got a "good surgeon for WLS" and that for the most part things have gone pretty well. I just hate for anyone to go through WLS (or ANY surgery) if there is a chance it is'nt nessesary. If possible, give the WW's alittle time. If you think the insurance company will back out, then you may be wise to go WLS. I hope for the very best for you in your decision!
— Danmark

July 20, 2002
Melinda, it is not our job to convince you to have the surgery. Our job is to support you in YOUR decision. We're here for you, regardless. If you are young, and this is your first diet attemtp..why not give it a try...maybe for you it will work. You can set your date ahead for the surgery, if your insurance company says its okay, wait a few months then decide...with most of us though, that are overweight..(100 lbs or more expecially) we find that when we "diet" its a life long thing, when we slip back we gain the weight and bring friend!!!! This surgery helps you get 60 lbs off almost without a breath!!! Then, you still have to stay on a "food plan" Its not like dieting...not to me anyhow, bec if your stomach stays pretty small, you WONT EAT too much, its those who abuse and stretch the pouch that can gain the weight back. I think you need to do some more research, wait awhile, then decide. Good luck Jacki
— Jackiis

July 20, 2002
Don't want to scare you, but the percentage of people who lose 20+ lbs. and keep it off in the long term is about 5%. Those who are morbidly obese and lose 100+ lbs. and keep it off for the long term ... well, it's almost unheard of. It's like less than 1%. I'm sure you're a great person, but are you willing to take that kind of odds on your health? I finally just had to admit that I had to do something drastic or this weight would kill me.
— Terissa R.

July 20, 2002
If I could have lost and maintaned weight loss using a program that was nutritionally sound I would have in a second. I'm sure if they worked for me I would never get surgery. WLS is the last resort!!! I think if we analyze the situation we'd all agree. That said I have gained and lost 100s of pounds before surgery. To date this is the most successful I have ever been. Please think long and hard about your descision. For me I would do it again in a heartbeat, Good Luck
— Robert L.

July 20, 2002
If I had a dime for all of the times I lost many, many pounds on Weight Watchers, (and always gained it back, plus more), I could have paid for my WLS in dimes!
— Cathy J.

July 20, 2002
Melinda, I agree it has to be your decision. I was a WW member for about 5 months and did very well at the beginning. Well, I got off for awhile thinking I could do it on my own, I failed at it, I gained 10 pounds back in 3 months. I am 1 month post op, my BMI 42.7, I would have the surgery all over again. I feel wonderful!! According to my surgeon 90% of diets fail. I do believe WW works for those who make it a complete lifestyle change. I know WLS is "lifestyle change" but for me since I can't over eat and eat bad foods, it is not as easy to cheat. Good luck to you in whatever you decide! God Bless
— stacjean

July 20, 2002
A deciding moment for me was when I asked my PCP how many patients of his had ever lost 100 pounds or more and kept it off... His response, NONE! I said ever? He said NEVER. You might ask your PCP the same question while your deciding... Then pick a surgeon with lots of LAP experience and get ready for the time of your life. That loss was FUN! My friends shocked looks were GREAT! Buying clothes at regular stores is AWESOME! Fitting into booths, being off all my pills, and being physically able to do stuff. Watching my wife last night trying on clothes and walking quickly thru the mall:) I had to walk fast to keep up. She to avoid the place, too much walking. Jen was in heels! She wouldnt consider wearing them at all pre op, she is down 90 pounds but still has a way to go. I reemarked bout her fast pace... SHE SAID IF i WASNT IN THESE SHOES YOU WOULD REALLY SEE ME BOOGIE:) You topo can join the happier healthier side of life. Last year at this time I was begining my 2 days of clear liquids before surgery:( It was scary but worth it!!!
— bob-haller

July 21, 2002
Melinda--I've tried everything to lose my weight and though some things worked for a while--I would start old habits and regain the weight and then some. I knew in my heart that WLS was my only REAL chance to get my life back and I've taken it. I had lap rny on 6/4/02 and am down 39lbs in 6 weeks. My "pouch" is the tool that I've been given and the rest is up to me. I'll be frank--without my 1-2 oz pouch I'm not sure I have the discipline to not overeat. So to me its the one tool I've been lacking and I'm using it to the fullest. I'm starting not to feel better when before I was miserable all the time and in constant pain with my back--its starting to alleviate and hopefully by the end of this journey the back pain will be a memory. I cant tell you what to do but you are young and you have a little girl that I'm sure you want to be able to raise and be a part of her activities. This surgery has an 85% success rate if you do what your told you will win the battle. But on the down side--its not one of those "ok I'll lose the weight and then when I'm at goal I'll have a whole pizza" kind of deals. Your pouch will start at 1-2 oz for 3-4 months---then expand to 3-4 oz over the next few months...then it will stretch to 5-6 oz and after the last few months towards goal it will expand to 7-8 oz and remain at 8oz (unless you abuse it) for the rest of your life. This is a lot to think about but if I were 25 again I know what my decision would be--I've lost over 12 years being stuck in the personal prison and now I'm about to be paroled!!!!! Good luck to you in whatever your decision is--May God Bless you and your family. Bambi :o)
— Bambi C.

July 21, 2002
my journey with this surgery and lifestyle has been an exception to most, so please understand i am not trying to discourage this surgery, but to inform. i had my surgery in august 2001. i have lost 128lbs so far. i am healthy and can eat most foods without dumping. but, i almost died,was in a coma for 3 weeks, the hospital for 3 months and had to learn to walk again. i have several friends at work who are now with WW and they are doing great. and even with my extreme weight loss, i wish i had tried WW before i resorted to surgery. good luck in your decision.(p.s. i had no other comorbities other than weight and started out at 322lbs age 31 RNY-lap.)
— Jessica O.

July 21, 2002
I totally understand your question! I have been on WW 3 times and I'm a year younger than you. All 3 times I've lost a lot of weight but failed and gained back more weight than I lost. I go into more detail on my profile. I'm still pre-op but I'm leaning towards surgery because I have so much weight to lose (As you'll see my BMI is over 60). I really don't think I can do it without sugery. Plus I have an eating disorder...counting calories, fat, points, etc really frustrates me. I know I'm not a "normal" eater but I just don't feel that "counting" is how normal people eat. I was really dissapointed in myself the last time I failed at WW cause the program is so realistic. However, so many people fail at it and opt for surgery so I know I'm not the only one.I feel surgery is the best option for me cause I can eat and I'll feel full by eating just a little. I never have that feeling. I just want to "stop the insanity"...lol. I know we are both young but I know I'll be in terrible shape in 10 years if I keep living the way I do. Like you I'm trying to lose the required 10-15 lbs most hospitals require before surgery, plus I want to lose some excess weight so I can start excersizing again. I've been on Slim Fast for a month and I've lost about 10 lbs. I know the shakes/food aren't great but I eat whatever I want for dinner. Compared to what I eat when I'm binging has made a big difference. I'm also in an eating disorders group with my therapist which has helped alot too. Good luck in whatever you choose and feel free to E-mail me since we're both about the same age!
— mzcath

July 21, 2002
I have asked myself the same question. I did LA Weight Loss a couple summers ago. I was real gung ho at first and stuck to it to the tee, my efforts resulted in me being miserable because I could not have the food I wanted, I was eating the same thing every other day (talk about boring!!!) and I lost 8 pounds. I eventually learned that if I accommodated my emotional eating about 50% and stayed on their diet about 50% then I could maintain my weight and not loose or gain. Now it is two years later and I have gained back all that I managed to loose plus 45 pounds. I have reached a point where I feel as though I have hit ROCK BOTTOM. I am 32 years young 312 pounds with a BMI of 49.7 and I am desperate. ROCK BOTTOM means something different to everyone, but I have taken stock and realize that when I haven't seen the basement in months because I can't walk up and down the stairs without being breathless, I only wear slip on shoes because I can't put on lace up shoes, my sex life with my husband is dwindling to nothing and worse yet, I don't need sex anymnore as long as I have Breyers, I sweat profusely when doing nothing, I sweat getting dressed, my kids beg me to take them to the zoo and I can't go because of the physical activity, I am beginning to have problems with proper bathroom hygiene, and worse of all I avoid going anywhere with my kids and husband because I don't want to humilate them. To me this is ROCK BOTTOM and I have no other choice - no one can make that choice for you. My husband is a little irritated at me for wanting to do something so drastic, but I am confident that once it is all done and over with he will be as thankful for the lifestyle change as I will be. I wish you luck
— ymagill

July 21, 2002
Wow - what a response this one has brought. I agree that this has to be your decision and yours alone. You'll absolutely know when you've had enough. I too was a lifetime dieter and I could lose on just about everyone I went on...the problem was, I never choose one and stuck with it for the rest of my life and that's basically what all of us are going to have to do. Yo-yo dieting causes FAR more harm than good - your body and mind end up so confused it just packs on all the fat until you end up like I did..or worst. In September of 1995, I was right under 400 pounds - I lost on Phen/Fen and got down to about 250 - they took it off the market (I've had no problems, thank God) and I popped back up, over years, to 357 - that's where I started in April of this year when I had my Lap. RNY.. I don't know where I am now because I don't weigh but last I weighed in, I was over 60 lbs. - that was a month and a half ago. Do I recommend this surgery to just anyone? Absolutely not. If your health isn't at risk and if your not sure, don't do it because it's absolutely the hardest thing I've ever chose to do. Is it worth it to me? You bet - I'm gaining my life back with each passing day but I had no other choice. My health was failing in more ways than I can tell you and it was absolutely a life-threatening decision. Search your heart out, my friend - document all the things you have tried and weigh it out...if your blessed enough to be covered with insurance, take that into consideration - a job today might not be a job tomorrow with our changing economy and believe you me, that's an important factor. I dished out $30,000.00 cash for mine because insurance refused to pay, even with the medical conditions. Good luck to you, Melinda - I hope all falls into place for you...whichever way you choose.
— Lisa J.

July 21, 2002
I agree with the other posters. WLS has to be the last resort. If you feel that WW will work for you, go for it. If you know, deep down that this is just postponing the inevitable, then I would stay on the WLS journey. Good Luck with your decision!
— Rebecca P.

July 21, 2002
Hi Melinda, If Weight Watchers is working for you and you have any doubts about WLS, then don't have the surgery now. Maybe at this time in your life, it's not right. Many people have lost all the weight on WW and kept it off, and many have not. Not to offend anyone, but there are days (many) I wish I had been able to diet the weight off, or found a healthy of way or eating, that had worked longterm. WLS is something you want to research the Heck out of before you even go for a consult, and like I said before if you have any doubts, your best bet is to continue to research but attempt all else, until everything has failed you. Hopefully you will be successful at WW, I wish ou the best with whatever you choose.
— Carey N.

July 21, 2002
I DID stick to my last diet for 7 yrs. I weighed 30# more than I do now, on that only on the good days. However, even as deprived as I was, the weight STILL started to come back on, very slowly, but I could not staunch the flow of weight back. Even going without food at all for several days did not stop the regain. It was a very frightening time for me to watch it all come back, regardless of how careful I was being. I agree that you cannot do surgery on a whim. YOu have to be certain. I did not know that insurance was even an option, as I watched myself get sicker & sicker with each 10#. Imagine my suprise when I found out it MIGHT. However, mine did not. I had 11 long long moths, adding new meds each month, to watch myself die by the inch, before I found an insurance that would pay. By then, any doubts that MIGHT have been in there (I can't remember any) were surely gone. They day I got my approval, I was ready to jump on that table without further discussion. BUT I was 20 years older than you on that day.
— vitalady

July 21, 2002
And I meant to add to very carefully check the stats associated with the type of surgery you have chosen, and the method in which it is performed. If it is done in an old-fashioned way, you may be repeating it in 2 yrs. It's worth checking it with long term patients of your doc/clinic.
— vitalady

July 21, 2002
Melinda, don't have the surgery unless you are 100 percent ready for it. You don't say if Weight Watchers is your "first" diet and what your diet history is all about. Most of us have been on every diet out there over many years, lost successfully, and then put it all back on and then some. For most of us, the surgery is a "last resort" and thats what it should be for you too. I did Weight Watchers twice, lost 20-50 pounds and of course, regained it. A friend of mine who was very dedicated, lost 100+ on Weight Watchers a year ago, but unfortunately has regained at least 1/2 of it. But this time, with the WLS, I finally feel in control, that I won't regain the weight. Statistics are on my side this time.
— Cindy R.

July 22, 2002
Hi Melinda, I would go with the surgery. The reason why is that I tried WW (and other weight loss programs). They worked short term, but then I'd gain it back plus more. I had this surgery almost 6 months ago, down 66 lbs and feel great. I wish I had tried it YEARS ago, and hadn't gone the route of WW (or other). This isn't EASY, but it TEACHES you so much, about your eating habits, exercise, etc. I love the way I feel now, and if I hadn't had the surgery, in the first MONTH alone, I would have gone OFF the diet at least SIX times!! I vote surgery. Elayna
— [Deactivated Member]

July 22, 2002
Melinda - I don't think there's a person on this website that hasn't tried WW or some other structured diet in the past. I myself was such a great dieter that I went from 210 to 350 pounds on Weight Watchers. This is really a decision to be made when all else has failed. I believe that everyone here also wishes that they were able to do it without surgery. After having tried and failed so many times I had to do something different. I can honestly tell you that this surgery has saved my life - it offers hope to those without hope but it's not to be taken lightly. I'll only add that I wouldn't go back to the old me for any amount of money. Good luck to you. - Mike
— Michael N.

July 22, 2002
If I had listened to one family member, I would have been in Weight Watchers and all the problems of my life would have been resolved!! However, I know the truth that NO program is going to solve everything and that with the failures I have had in the past, WW wasn't the answer for me at this point in time. WLS isn't for everyone and that is fine, but if you are totally committed to losing the weight, living a healthier lifestyle and enjoying the SUCCESS of losing weight and more importantly KEEPING IT OFF, then WLS is your ultimate choice. Would I do it again - YES, YES, YES!! I wish I would have had this tool at age 24! You are so lucky!
— Sue H.

July 22, 2002
Belinda, I had failed at Weight Watchers, and all the other diets out there before I opted for WLS. If it's working for you, or you think it can work for you then keep with it. If all else fails, then WLS. You're right, this isn't something to be taken lightly. If you are one of the 3% that can succeed, then go for it! If not, WLS will still be here two years from now.
— Jeannet

July 26, 2002
I took was a a crossroads last year. I felt I had to give Weight Watchers one more chance and give it 100%. Well it did work and I lost 50 pounds and I felt great. I was woking out and everything. Then I had some female problems and had to begin some high doses of hormones. Well I had severe PMS and the diet went throught the roof. I use the drugs as an excuse to eat Dairy Queen. In the course of the next six months I gained back everything and then some. It was what I had to do...If I was not so obease, Weight Watchers would be an awesome program but the long term results for morbibly obese poeple are very low. So now I am planning on having wls and I know in my heart that I have tried. This is the last resort and I can't wait, Aug. 6 is my surgery date. good luck in whichever road you choose.
— Laura T.

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