Good explanation!

Hi everyone, A friend of mine watched the Oprah Show yesterday. I did not see it, but my friend said she learned something very important from watching it. Apparently a woman who had Gastric Bypass Surgery was featured. She is a couple of years out from surgery. She told Oprah that for the first 4 months, the surgery was pretty much 100% of the work of losing weight. 4 months after the surgery it was only 40% surgery and 60% her own decisions. After a year out, it really is 100% her work that keeps her at the weight she is. As I am a little over a year out, I think I agree with her. At this point, it would be very easy for me to move back into old habits, or even make some new bad ones. I often long for the time when I wasn't hungry, and had to remind myself to eat. I have been visiting these boards more often than I ever had because I am scared to death. I remember very clearly that I have failed at every weight control program I have tried, and I hope this healthy fear will keep me straight. I also gain strength from all of you, from those that are 2+years out, and even those newbies that I can help. Thank you for always listening Terri 358/180 and holding

Great post. This site is my support group and I need posts like yours and others to remind me to stay the course. I wish I could have seen Tuesday's Oprah. On the one year anniversary of my surgery, I was 8 pounds short of my personal goal. Unlike others, I did not lose weight as fast and every pound I NOW lose, takes effort. For me, it takes, eating right, taking vitamins, drinking 40-60 oz of water AND EXERCISE. That's what it takes for me to lose the weight. It isn't easy. I share the healthy fear of gaining the weight back. I saw a friend who is two years out and has gained back about 30 pounds! I don't want that to be me. God help me. The surgery is an aid to weight loss, we have to do the work. Thanks for reminding us that the surgery has done it's thing.. I guess we need to continue to do ous. Renee' 334/228/170 This site is my support group... so

I agree with that woman. I am just over a year out and it has been hard work for me to lose weight since the 9 month post-op mark. I have to eat routinely. No sugar. All meals under 10 grams of fat. Lots of water. This routine no longer makes the weight "drop" off. I have to work harder on my exercise and I am slowed to only a few pounds a month. I still have 45 pounds to go, to reach my personal goal and I intend not to give up until I reach it. It takes commitment and it is not the "easy fix' that some folks often refer to it as. Happy New Year Karen G

Funny you should post this, I went for my one year check up today, and my surgeon said almost the same thing. That for 3 months, the surgery does the work, but after that, it's all up to us. BTW, you're doing great! Terry

Hi Terri, Thanks for an awesome post. I am now 14 1/2 months post op and I couldn't agree more! It is definetly work. It is a complete package...we have the tool now, and if we use it right it will work. If we abuse the tool or don't keep it maintained and neglect to use it properly, it will fail us...just like any other "tool"...use it or lose it. This truly is the best support group that I could ever attend...here on OH. It beats driving 78 miles one way for a 25-30 (sometimes 45-60) minute support group meeting once a month. And all that gas for a nearly 3 hour trip to wind up at a meeting that only lasts 25 minutes sometimes ??? Sure, it isn't as healthy physically...sitting here at this dang computer and in a chair for such long periods...I wish there was a new invention to do this while exercising or something...LOL....typing and being on line. Hmmmm, perhaps I should like to invent such a thingy for us new exercise nuts. LOL Yeah, I know they have that computer thingy that you can use a keyboard hooked up to your tv...but that would mean walking on a treadmill while online and typing....I am sure there are some out there that do that. I don't think I would personally get the physical results that I want to achieve if I personally were to exercise in that manner. Oh dear...how did I get off topic....that's me...sorry OH friends...I tend to get long winded. Shut me up pleazeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! But I would like to say just one more thing....(then I'll go...I promise...LOL)... I think that Surgeons should relay this info to us when we go for our very first consults. Not that it would make a difference either way of wanting to have the surgery...just so that we are even MORE informed right from the start. Okay...I'm done...thanks for listening...you guys ROCK! Audrey