Weight gain - questions for those who are farther out

 but for everyone it works for a certain period of time then they must start gaining back.

 

I disagree with this statement...."MUST" isn't a given.  We have MANY long-term post-ops that haven't gained!  Why, staying on top of the weight, when we see a few lbs creep up we adjust.  That's the KEY IMO.

Thank you for the clarification.  I think what I meant to say was there is a point where its not the surgery its the person. ..does that make sense?

I would say for me after the two year mark. I started going back to old habits. Going to parties and drinking a lot. Stopped exercising and just had fun. I was down to a size 6 and now i am back up to a 12 / 14. I need to get back to basics and i have only myself to blame.

Hey, it is great to see you here again!!

Martha

My experience:

6 months before surgery I started exercising regularly.  It hurt like hell, and I spent many days crying on the treadmill but I was determined to change my life in preparation for the surgery.  Could I lose it on my own?  NO.  Metabolically, I was dead.  Just about everything I ate stayed with me.  My doctor said my body had become quite efficient at holding on to calories.  And, to add fuel to that fire, I had an insatiable appetite.  I was hungry ALL THE TIME, with the physical churning of my stomach gnawing at me all day long.

I looked at RNY as a "quick start" to a new lifestyle, but a temporary aid in weight loss.  I knew (from research) that the weight loss benefits of the surgery were relatively short term.....that only major PERMANENT lifestyle changes would keep the weight off.  I had over 150 lbs to lose....by all statistics, I was at best only going to keep some of it off.  I decided to be an exception, and prove that I could change.

After 13 months, I hit goal.  During that time, I continued to exercise regularly, build muscle, and change my eating habits.  So, by the time most of the weight loss benefits of the surgery wore off, I was "retrained".  Now, don't get me wrong.  I AM NOT PERFECT, AND AM NOT A POSTER CHILD FOR HOW TO DO THIS BY THE BOOK. I still eat fudge, cookies, pies, cakes, carbs.....B U T....on a very limited basis, and I make sure I put in extra miles of running to combat the extra calories.  My daily life is a caloric bank account.  I have to manage the deposits and withdrawals to ensure that what I eat is burned off....otherwise, I'll gain a few.  I also DO NOT ever stop wearing my jeans.  If they get uncomfortable, I KNOW that I better tighten up and watch my intake. 

It is all about choices and self monitoring.  The other day, I wanted a piece of Danish we had leftover from a party....instead, I grabbed a bowl of leftover salad out of the fridge and ate that.  It satisfied my real hunger, and was a way better choice in the long run. 

I'm 3.5 years out now, and just went thru my 4th holiday season with no weight gain....and I did have extras, but I also kept up with my exercise program to stave off the gain.

Please do not go down the WLS surgery road until you've determined it truly is the solution to your obesity.  It takes much commitment and sacrifice, and requires lifelong changes for success, and you have to be emotionally, mentally, physically and financially ready for it.  I am so glad I did it, and wish I'd done it 10 years sooner.

We are here if you have any questions, and I wish you the best on your journey to wellness.

I have considered the Emotional and physical and whole body approach.  I am curious about the Financial you mentioned.  Obviously even with insurance there is out of pocket cost but what would you consider the on-going costs related to surgery?  I am getting so much information here I hope you don't mind the follow-up questions.

I know this wasn't addressed to me, but I would like to chime in ...

One of the greatest gifts my surgeon gave to me, which so many don't seem to get, is he asked me to sign a statement acknowledging the financial aspect of having this surgery!

It detailed the cost of the increased quality of food that I would need to eat - good quality protein foods etc.   Going to good restaurants for meals out rather than fast food restaurants - I may be a cheap date in terms of my wine consumption but I am definitely NOT in terms of what I consider a good meal!!!!!

The increased cost of clothing - because believe me, we all spend a TON on clothes once we are slim!

The cost of plastic surgery - insurance companies typically DON'T cover the cost of getting a tummy tuck, your boobs and arms done, the thight or face lift you might want etc ...

The cost of vitamins that you will have to take for the rest of your life.   The co-pays for the iron infusions if your insurance doesn't cover them fully etc...

I often read on here that people are struggling with finding the money for their protein powder, vitamins etc or they are still wearing pants 3 sizes too big and it's as if this is all a revelation for them!!!

I'm sure others can come up with other costs ...

So....other Kim......were we typing the same thing at the same time!!??? 

You are spot on friend!

If we both typed it, then it MUST be true LOL!!!  

In addition to the costs Kim outlined (and even if you are not someone who buys a lot of clothes, the cost of replacing your ENTIRE wardrobe -- casual, business, and fancy attire, plus underwear, sleepwear, outerwear and, in many cases, shoes  -- is significant), I also find that (some years at least) that my out of pocket cost of additional lab work has been significant.  Insurance pays the vast majority of mine (I pay 15-20% of the allowed amount), but the cost of a full set of labs once a year is high, and the Vit D test is billed at almost $300 (and the first year I had to have it done three times because my level was so low), so for someone who has to pay out of pocket for the vitamin lab work or who pays more than just a small amount for labs, the cost can be significant.

Also, the fees for office visits if you have a problem several months or years down the road... and out of pocket expenses for additional surgeries (hernia repair, gallbladder removal, adhesion problems, bowel obstruction, etc.) have to be paid.

Lora