Question:
I've lost only 25 lbs. in 2 years. Frustrated and am such a failure in others eyes.
I've lost 25 lbs. in 2 years. On surgery day I was 255 and today I am 230. I cry often about this because it is embarrassing when other people at the school I work have lost weight down to size 8 and below with this surgery. I look and feel like a failure!!! It is easy for people to assume that it is my fault and that I eat too much. Why can everyone else only eat such a small amount and be satisfied. So easy for them........why and is there anyone else that has this same problem?? Know of a doctor that will help with Revision? — Diane S. (posted on August 26, 2005)
August 26, 2005
Have you had any follow up care? did you lose and then gain? I would hope
that your surgeon would have some ideas. Unless you've been blatantly
non-complient, you definitely should have lost weight in a 2 yr. period .
Get thee some medical and nutritional advice!
— jerseyjuji
August 26, 2005
Tell us about what you ate and did not eat, how your eating and water
patterns were. How much can you eat over how much time? Then, when do you
feel hunger again? (not when could you eat again, but when do you feel you
must?) Have you had a scope or anything like that?
— vitalady
August 26, 2005
you poor thing what a disaster that is how much are you eating and have you
had any follow up care that wo;uld be my main concern check into it take
care
— ROSEMARY A.
August 26, 2005
YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR AND GET A REVISIONS, THAT IS JUST CRAZY, YOU
NEED HELP, SOMETHING IS NOT WORKING, MAYBE YOU STRETCH IT, STILL FROM THE
TIME AFTER 6-7 MONTHS AND YOU DIDN'T LOSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WEIGHT, YOU
SHOULD WENT BACK TO YOUR DOCTOR, EXPLAIN TO HIM OR HER, AND GET A
REVISIONS, I HAD REVISIONS, BUT I HAD LOSE ABOUT 95PDS, THEN i GOT PREGRANT
AND GAIN BACK ABOUT 50 PDS, DO NOT GIVE UP SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE, AND YOU ARE
NOT A FAILURE, YOU ARE VICTIM OF OBESITY DISEASE, YOU WILL LOSE THE WEIGHT,
WRITE TO ME i FEEL YOUR PAIN, i HAVE FELT THAT WAY, STAY STRONG, AND GET ON
THE BALL.
— DIXIEANN F.
August 26, 2005
i know exactly how you feel I feel like such a failure also I've only lost
sixty pounds and no matter how I try not to eat stuff not good for me and
to exercise and I still can't get a pound off, you might need to get your
hormones checked because it could be your thyroid. I'm so ashamed of
myself I just relocated about three months ago and I don't even tell people
that I had the surgery because my results are not good enough for me to be
proud. Try to go back to less calories and go back to only consuming 2 to
4 ounces each meal if that does not work call your doctor and see about
getting your blood work checked.
— shalonda C.
August 27, 2005
Diane, Check out the MMPC Center For Health Excellence in Grand Rapids.
They are just up the street from Dr. Scholtens office. They do revisions.
They are very helpful and concerned and have a good reputation. Check out:
http://tinyurl.com/8fpvb. This discusses revision surgeries. You can also
check the Surgeon profiles on OH: Dr. Paul Kemmeter, Dr. Randal Baker and
Dr. James Foote.
— Chip Locke
August 27, 2005
At my lowest I was down to about 210 but then I had gained and leveled off
at 230 for a very long time. This morning I had 2 peices of toast and some
coffee. I do feel like I need a snack between meals so I am not only
eating 3 meals a day, but I understand that a lot of people after surgery
need to eat more often. It seems to be an "urgency" (when I feel
hungry, I feel grumpy till I get something in my tummy) when I am hungry
unlike before surgery. I did have a scope and the technician that did it
said everything looks like what it should after bariatric surgery. The
doctor never called me back so I have a call into them and awaiting the
answer. I am embarrassed because I think they didnt find anything obvious.
Could my surgeon have not taken enough intestine? Does one surgeon for
example stretch it then measure and another measure it as it is at rest?
(the more they take...the more malabsorption)I can't see the other
questions asked from you as I am typing this so I will sign off of this
lenghty explanation lol and see if I need to write more.
— Diane S.
August 27, 2005
I went to my 6 month checkup at Scholten's office. Of course I was
embarrassed because of not losing much. He told me to drink only protein
shakes for 2 weeks then start back on the diet as if I just had surgery
which is then adding jello, pudding, then slowly adding those foods all
over again slowly. Anyone would lose weight with that diet as I did lose a
few more. It is when I try to get back on regular foods that my weight
went back to the comfortable 230 where it has plateued now for a very long
time. Is it expected of everyone else that has had this surgery and need
to lose more that you need to drink only protein shakes for 2 weeks and go
way back to liquid foods...jello, pudding etc. and then slowly add foods
again for a few weeks at each step like you just had surgery? I personally
find it rediculous that my body should have to go through that when
everyone else can get on with a normal life of eating small portions and
feel full and still lose weight. Just out of curiosity I just went to the
kitchen and did the "cottage cheese test" That is where you see
how big your pouch is by seeing how much cottage cheese your pouch holds.
I could finish almost all of a measured "cup" in 40 seconds. My
pouch size is correct so that is ruled out then right? What about the
length of the intestine taken then? Like I said before........could
different doctors stretch when measuring and some measure while the
intestine is at rest? That could amount up to a lot of inches difference
in the measuring. I have a co worker that had Scholtens other doctor in
his office. She has plateued to about 210 but had lost all the way from
300.
— Diane S.
August 27, 2005
Hi Everyone,
I am glad to find others on here with similar problems. And to the person
who posted the question--- I am typing this now and don't see your name; I
am sorry that you are struggling so much. Keep in touch with me, I have
been going through a very rough time as well. My weight loss slowed down
last September. I had my surgery on 2/14/2003. I was 352 pre-op. I got
down to 256 lbs. last Sept, and then as of this past May, and currently, I
have gained weight, and I am about 272-273. If anything, I am eating less
than I was last September. I just got out (2 mths. ago) of an awful
relationship with a guy who emotionally abused me. Since I broke up with
him, the weight seems to be coming off a little bit. I will gain a pound,
lose, gain, lose. It's a vicious cycle. I am also on meds for depression
and anxiety. Last Dec. 2004, I had so many med changes in that month due to
alot of problems. My surgeon ordered; a few mths ago, an upper GI and
small bowel series. All results are normal. I go to see my surgeon on Sept.
6th. My mom and her friend are going with me for emotional support. My
mom's friend had gained 30 lbs. from her lowest weight when she was near
her goal, and then she had a revision and lost 70. I don't know why it's
been so rough for me to lose this weight. I know I can do things better and
improve; like exercising more. My appetite is way bigger than it was right
after the surgery. So, as we all say the "Honeymoon Period" is
over. :O( And, more and more I am hearing about surgeons not taking off
enough intestine. Maybe this is in my case. Since the surgery, I got rid of
sleep apnea, rid of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and feel better.
But, I still have about one more "person" I want to lose. I want
get down to 200 lbs. and then I will throw a party!!!! I had the pleasure
of meeting Carnie Wilson last Oct. 2004 here in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. She
was a guest speaker for Holy Cross Hospital Bariatric program. She is such
a doll!!! She was very inspiring to speak with. I have read both of her
books. I highly recommend them to anyone. Anyway, I am also embarrassed
that I haven't lost weight quick enough. But I have done research and found
from friends', and others, etc. it seems as if those who lose the weight
QUICKER, have had major complications. I know it's not right to compare
myself to anyone else, but I am ashamed of myself, and this is one of the
reasons why I have been avoiding this website because I have not had good
progress so far. My mom is supportive, but often, my dad puts me down and
tells me that I'm not LOSING QUICK ENOUGH AND by now, I should have lost
alot more. I guess my expectations of this weight loss were way too high.
I thought that since I started off at a very heavy weight of 352, that I
would have lost my weight alot quicker. Boy, was I WRONG!!! My therapist,
supportive family, my mom; etc. Many people tell me that it's better that I
am losing the weight slower; etc. I am on Humana Gold Classic-- a Medicare
Supplement, and I am entitled to a free gym membership; there a few in the
area. It is not far from me, but I have been procrastinating about going. I
am ashamed to be in a bathingsuit, and I love aqua aerobics, and to swim.
As far as my eating habits, I admit, I DO INDULGE SOMETIMES; IN CHIPS,
FAT-FREE-SALT-FREE PRETZELS; ETC. A couple years ago, like 6-8 mths. after
the surgery, I tested the waters even more and ate chocolate and ice cream
alot. Anyway, I want to make penpals on this site who are also struggling,
and those who aren't. I live in South Florida, and am 33 yrs. old. My
email address is [email protected]. If you email me, please put on
the RE:, that you are emailing me from the WLS site. Good Luck to anyone.
All suggestions and support are needed. Pre-op before I even had the Lap
RNY, I was between 400-410 lbs. I lost some weight on my own, and then the
day of surgery was 352 lbs. Now I am about 272-273.
Bonnie R.- Ft. Lauderdale.
— Bonnie R.
August 27, 2005
Hi Again,
Sorry for the long post just before this, but this is my first time on this
website in a long time, and I was hesitant to come back on here because I
feel like a failure. But, now I feel it's really time to face the music and
start to correspond regularly with those of you who wish to, and can relate
to what I'm going to as far as only having lost 80 lbs. in 2 1/2 yrs. I can
think of that in a positive way also, if I didn't have the surgery, I would
have gained the weight. I am not posting on here to make excuses for
myself; I am just going through a very rough time. A few weeks ago I was
269 lbs, and then within a few days, I was back up a few. I am getting sick
of this. I should just throw out my scale!!! My surgeon is nice, but I
wish he were more understanding as to what I am going through. I don't have
that "FULL" feeling anymore like I used to. I always try and eat
my protein first. I drink sugar-free crystal light all the time. It's also
caffeine free. I asked my surgeon and their office if I can use that as
toward my water liquid for the day, and they said yes. Any decaffeinated
beverage counts toward fluid. This is what I've been told. I know the
whole thing on the diet soda and weight gain. I hardly drink diet soda,---
soda period; I hear it can cause the bloat and weight gain. All in all, I
feel like a failure. I am on disability for depression, anxiety, and a back
problem, but work part time. I still feel like a failure that nothing I do
is good enough. I certainly wish my father would be more understanding
emotionally. My mom is more emotionally understanding than he is. Neither
of them have gone through the WLS, and they don't need to. Anyone who
thinks that the LAP RNY surgery is so easy, think again!!! It takes work. I
thought my weight would just slide right off. At the beginning it certainly
did. The first 6 mths. seemed like the best. I was flying high! Well,
enough for my posts for now. If anyone is looking for new friends' in the
South Fl.-Ft. Lauderdale area, please email me. Please email me even if you
aren't in my area and we can be in correspondence.
Good Luck to all!
Bonnie R.- LAP RNY 2/14/2003. PRE-OP 352. HIGHEST WEIGHT BEFORE SURGERY
WAS BETWEEN 400-410. I LOST ALOT ON MY OWN BEFORE SURGERY. NOW I AM AM
WAIVERING IN THE LOW 270'S. LOWEST SINCE SURGERY WAS 256 LBS. LAST SEPT.
2004. I HOPE TO SEE THAT WEIGHT AGAIN VERY SOON!
— Bonnie R.
August 27, 2005
Exactly!!! I feel didnt come back on this website because of the
"failure" feeling and the jelousy I felt when I see and hear
about the people that are now down to size 8 or lower and are beautiful! I
am not a jelouse person I had higher hopes for being healthier and better
looking and more socially appealing physically. I have appreciated all the
wonderful help from all of you here and am going to look into the revision
aspect. What else can be done except drink protein shakes and nothing
else. That seemed to work but is so unrealistic to say I can do it for an
extended period of time.
— Diane S.
August 28, 2005
I am so sorry that these surgeons don't help more about this problem! What
is wrong with them. You are NOT FAILURES! Obviously, it is a more common
problem since I have read many postings about little weight loss. All
these surgeon's say is "go back to liquids and start the process
over"? What kind of quality life is that? Being on liquids is hard
and doesn't give much energy since you don't have protein shakes at first.
You can't drink protein shakes the rest of you life! Why have surgery
then, you could have just drank shakes for the rest of your life and
dropped weight that way. I am so sorry (I know it's not my fault but I
think this situation is so wrong!). You are all in my prayers that some
surgeon or professional helps you get the rest of your weight off. It
seems there needs to be tests done or revisions or something! God Bless
all of you.
— jstatkus
August 29, 2005
A revision is what you need, from the sounds of it. If you do, perhaps
researching the DS would be a good option. It has much better record for
amount lost and kept off!
Also, some counseling would be helpful if you are just plain out-eating
your surgery...did you RNY? My cousin did as well...Lost 135 pounds in 8
months...BUT she's already gained back at least 30.
Good luck,
Tonya
— T S.
August 29, 2005
I might add that regain or non-loss at the 2 yr point is not that unusual.
You might want to check out the Grads list, which has many, many who are
looking for or have already had revision to older surgeries and doing very
well. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
— vitalady
August 29, 2005
Not sure where you live, but the first thing is make sure you find a
surgeon that is well trained in revision. I had stomach stapleing in 1981.
I went from 275 to 139. But over the last 10 years gained back up to 360. I
had the gastric by-pass (laproscopicaly) done on June 13, 2005. I have lost
over 50 pounds so far. My surgeon is one of the best. He trained for 2
years in California with the man who prefected the laproscopic procedure.
So make sure you ask a lot of questions and don't just take the first one
that says he will do it. I like my doctor because this is all he does
(weight loss surgery). Like my doctor says, would you go to a heart surgeon
is he only did heart surgery part time.
— Patricia C.
August 30, 2005
Hi Diane,
You are not alone. I had a failed DS the first time around. I know of a
couple of patients of your surgeon that have had a failed wls and then had
revisions and gone on to loose more weight. (as did I with going to a
different surgeon). Please don't give up there is hope out there. I really
understand the pain and shame you feel as did I when I had a failed DS.
There is a Dr. Lutrzykowski in Michigan that is very experienced in
revisions and even repaired some your surgeons previous failed surgeries.
He Can be found at the the
http://www.duodenalswitch.com/surgeons/surgeons.html#mi. Best to you.
— Cassandra K
September 7, 2005
Have you had an REE and Body comp. See what your body is doing and try to
fix it. None of us are failures that are trying. We didn't get this way
overrnight and we are not going to get it fixed overnite, but if you feel
that something is not right, just remember that the sweekey (sorry about
the spelling) gets the grease. Raise the devil and get some answers. And
if it is a pyshch problem then deal with that too. Don't give up, I know
you haven't or you wouldn't be questioning the situation. Debbie
— imdebbie
September 7, 2005
I appreciate everyones help so much. I have become very determined now
that I know that I'm not the only rare one. It sounds like many are hushed
with embarrassment. Thanks again. Am doing calling and will get back with
you soon.
— Diane S.
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