Question:
What is the average of those who gain weight back?
After reading so much not-so-good comments lately, I am starting to worry. I am very aware of the possible complications and I have excepted that. My concern is that it seems <b>a lot</b> of post-ops are hitting 6 month (or longer) plateaus and those who are gaining weight back. I don't want to go through all of this if there is a possibility (and it's oviously somewhat high) I could gain back- especially so soon. Don't get me wrong- I know about stretching the pouch and such. I am talking about those who can eat whatever they want and not dump. My question is- those who are able to eat 10oz. or more at a sitting, are their pouches stretched? Can you eat that much and it not be stretched? I am having lap RNY on Sept. 17th and for the first time, I am really having reservations. I will begin exercising as soon as I can and plan to follow my doctor's orders to a "T". Please, someone, anyone, give me hope here!!! I now weight around 315lbs. (5'5) and would really like to get down to around 160/170lbs.... — karmiausnic (posted on September 5, 2002)
September 4, 2002
The figure that I have seen quoted in the various WLS books that I have
bought is 10%. In other words, if you lose 150 pounds from the surgery,
you can expect to put 15 back on. Of course, YMMV (your mileage may
vary)....
— John Rushton
September 4, 2002
I'm only about ten weeks post op... but I have to say this, people gain
weight back, people keep it all off.. or gain it all back and everything in
between. I've read all the things you've read. I spent two months
researching and another 2.5 months pouring over everything on this site
before I had my surgery. One thing I know for sure -- whatever happens,
short of a medical complication -- is within your power. If you don't
exercise and don't develop good habits where food is concerned in the
beginning... you might not keep your weight off. This surgery is not
magic, but rather another tool like WW, Jenny Craig and Slim Fast... we've
used them all. This tool seems to work much better than others, but its
only a part of the whole equation. Surgery+better eating+exercise=longer
healthier life -- being thinner. Good luck, I have all the same fears... I
worry.
— Lisa C.
September 4, 2002
I hate to say it, but I know several people who have had WLS.... like 10+
years ago. (I know the one lady had RNY of some sort) and "ALL"
of the people I know gained most, all or more weight back. So I went into
WLS knowing that there are no XXX pounds lost forever! NOTHING IS
GUARANTEED. However I hope that once the pounds are gone (or as many as I
can lose) that I can use "common sence" and "restrant"
and keep them off. Don't know if it will work, but diets before WLS did'nt
work so what do I have to lose by WLS? Hey, it's a shot and the best odds
I've had so far to STAY A LOSER! ;)
— Danmark
September 5, 2002
I have lost and regained 100+ pounds several times in my "dieting
career." Normally, after losing a huge amount of weight, it was back
on within a year or two once I resumes "normal" eating. I had
the RNY 17 months ago and have lost 191 lbs. I no longer appear to be
losing weight, but I have at least stayed pretty much the same for the last
few months, and it doesn't appear that maintaining my loss is going to be a
huge battle like it used to be. I weigh myself about once a week. If I'm
up a pound or two, I immediately take action to lose it again (before it
gets out of control!). With the appetite suppressing tool of the RNY,
"dieting" is much simpler. I would like to take off 25 more
lbs., but my primary aim is to maintain the weight I've lost and to
continue my healthier lifestyle. Don't worry about the statistics ... how
well this surgery works for you is totally up to you, and you can be as
successful or unsuccessful as you decide to be.
— Terissa R.
September 5, 2002
My surgeon & my nutritionist say you really can't compare the gastric
bypass (RNY) with the stomach staplings that were done 10+ years ago - or
even 5 years ago. The technique is being refined all of the time.
<p>
Yes, it is possible if you engage in grazing, to put on all of the weight.
But, frankly, people that are doing that have an eating disorder that no
WLS is ever going to cure. If you use the WLS as it is designed - a tool -
and modify your eating habits and your lifestyle during that "window
of opportunity", then you will be one of the majority that loses the
weight and keeps it off. If you try to sabotage your surgery by engaging
in the wrong eating habits, then you will be one of the ones to regain a
significant amount of your weight loss.
— John Rushton
September 5, 2002
I started to have second thoughts about the same time you did. But, as my
surgery got closer I knew it was the right choice for me. My surgeon
described WLS as a "second chance". Only you can control how it
turns out. Follow your doctors orders, take care of yourself, and don't
give up!! I am only 1 month post op today and feel FANTASTIC!! Good Luck
on your journey! Open RNY 8/5/02 -30lbs
— Jean T.
September 5, 2002
Hi Karen,
Iam almost 8 months out. My starting weight was 308 lbs, and am 5'5 in
height. Currently I am tipping the scales at 200 lbs.
I have gained and lost at least 200 lbs in my lifetime so far, and I WILL
NOT LET MYSELF get over the 200 lb mark ever again. WLS literally saved my
life, and thank GOD its out there.
I have never dumped, and yes I have gained a pound or two esp. during my
menstrual cycle, however its just water weight and it comes off within a
week. I have also hit many platues, and just when I start to lose hope, I
drop off another few pounds.
Please don't be afraid, because it does work !!
You just have to learn to rethink your eating habits post-op. Best Wishes
— Sherry S.
September 5, 2002
I started out at 260 and lost 135 pounds (down to 125) in the first year. I
stayed at that weight for a year, and then put 10-15 pounds back on very
suddenly last fall. I have since taken off all but 5 of those, so I'm 130.
That is fine with me. I'm 5'8" tall so 130 is still a 6. Since my
original goal was 150, this small regain is no big deal. My surgeon says
many people who reach goal actually go below where they need to be,bounce
back a little and then level out. I exercise, get plenty of water, and take
in about 100 grams of protein a day (I use protein supplements.) Good luck
to you! Ann RNY 9/10/99 260/130
— [Deactivated Member]
September 5, 2002
My surgeon said that 10% of RNY patients gain the weight back (some or all
i guess) and 50% of lap-band patients do the same. They say it is up to you
to not gain your weight back and follow the main rules to not do so: drink
your water, exercise, dont drink during meals, and eat until comfortably
full and eat protein first, then veggies, then carbs, and carbs and fat
should only be 10% of your diet. Goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
September 6, 2002
Karen, have you looked into the Duodenal Switch procedure? The chance of
gaining weight back is very low compared to RNY. Also, remember that WLS
is a TOOL, not a solution. You will still have to learn to eat right and
exercise to be 100% successful. Good luck.
— Brenda L.
September 6, 2002
RNY has an 85% success 15% fail rate. The odds are in your favor. Having
said that, can you still fail this..YEP. You will be among the 15% if you
do not follow the instructions of your doctor. You start off with a 1-2 oz
pouch at the beginning and over the first 12 months your pouch should end
up around 8 oz in size for the rest of your life. If you overeat or drink
carbonated beverages you can stretch your pouch. But here's the thing.
Why would someone consider going under the knife if they are not going to
follow the rules? I'm only 3 months post op and down 56 lbs which I am
very happy about but I have to make sure I do my part--protein first,
water, vitamins and exercise. But to me it is very much worth it. Good
luck and God Bless.
— Bambi C.
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