Anyone else just hear that NPR piece?
I'll post a link when they add it to the Morning Edition site. I listened with dread.
It was about a woman who was several years out from a sleeve who began gaining weight because, according to the speakers, her body went back to its old ways. More hunger, etc. They basically said there is a new revision surgery that makes the sleeve small again if it stretches.
Listening to that made me irrationally angry. For one, they threw out stats about people regaining after surgery (ammunition for the "concern trolls"). Two, it was a vague story that didn't explain the surgeries very well, the necessary life changes like diet, etc.
And finally, it scared me, because we can all fall victim to the fear mongering of "the news." So, I sit here with the negative thoughts running through my head...what of I get heavy again...everyone will say "see? The "easy" way didn't work"...
I need to stop listening to the radio.
I saw the article on yahoo home page this morning -
Don't let the negative thoughts in .. she failed her surgery, the surgery didn't fail her. The stomach doesn't stretch out on it's own.. it's from people eating around the procedure. She herself admitted that she thought she was "cured" and she could eat anything she wanted. Such a shame she wasn't better educated. I am thankful I found this site and grateful to the vets who stick around guiding us in the right direction.
Personally, I like when people share their regain stories. It reminds me that we CAN gain it all back and keeps me diligent.
I do not like it when people do not accept responsibility. I know there are rare cases when something does attribute to the gain, but I believe 99% of the time it comes down to calories in, calories out.
Laura in Texas
53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)
RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis
brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco
"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."
It's sad that she didn't take her surgery for what it is a tool it's not a cure all it still takes work and dedication. I've had days where I feel like I failed my surgery, but then I get back on track and realize I need to strengthen mind and willpower. 4 months post op and down 55 pounds since the day of surgeons visit!!
I think this woman was several years out from her surgery. That was my fear - I'm doing great RIGHT NOW. Just like you. But what about 5 years from now? That's what this piece was focused on.
I'm not saying you or I will fail on this journey. Just that the patient used for the story was a long-timer.