Weight Gain

I guess I'll just jump in with a straight to the point question. Have any of y'all gained back all or most of the weight you lost with WLS or do you know of anyone who has? Do you think this is a big fear for most WLS patients? Kallen

Hi Kallen, I had surgery 6 weeks ago. I know someone at work who had surgery a few years ago and is gaining the weight back. I see her eating donuts and stuff at work. I have a fear of becoming out of control . I think to myself if it happened in the past, why would the surgery stop it from happening? it scares me. There was a lady on Dr phil who gained it all back and wanted to have the surgery again. Where do you stand? Lizz

Hi Lizz. I am 8 weeks post-op and have lost 40 lbs. Like most people I went into this full of confidence but somewhere along the line, I have lost alot of that confidence. Like you, I wonder if this is something I can do for the rest of my life. I saw a video of Carnie Wilson a few weeks ago and she had regained so much weight. I was shocked and discouraged. If someone with her money who can hire chefs, assistants, etc. can't keep it off what chance do others have. I have been trying not to let myself get into this negative mentality but it isn't easy, not to mention that my weight loss in the last 4 weeks has come to a crawl. Kallen

Kallen, it's always a fear, and most will gain some weight back, but some do gain most or all of their weight back. This is something we have to work at the rest of our lives. If two years from now your diet consists of doughnuts and ice cream, you will gain your weight back. good luck.

Hi All, I had surgery in 1999. Open RNY in Jacksonville. My highest weight was 374. I have lost a total of 194 pounds. After all this time I have gained back a total of 22 pounds. I was a size 28/30 and am now a size 16. All of my numbers, blood presuure, cholesterol etc, are PERFECT!! and bad arthritis pain are gone now. I have never been this healthy in my life. I am now 36.When I had the surgery I felt as though it was my last chance but I did not REALLY believe it would work. Well it did...When I gained back the 1st pound I totally freaked out! But I have come to realize that I will never be a size 4 and thats OK! I am a happy healthy attractive size 16...and the keyword in all that is healthy. It is so true that this surgery is just a tool...but it has worked for me. I saw the pics of Carnie Wilson, and I have to say that even though she has gained some weight back, I am sure she is, just as I am, so much happier even still. I would much rather be a size 16 then a size 28. Will you gain weight back, probably. But with bypass you can manage it alot better. Dont freak out like me when you gain a pound. It's ok...My weight fluxuates about 10 pounds and thats ok. I am healthy and if I think about it there was a time when I would have given my right arm to be the size I am today. We are not all supposed to be the same size. Be happy and healthy!! Donna

Thanks Donna, Yours is definitely a sucess story. Actually in your picture you look much smaller than a 16. Kallen

I'm 7 months post op and at goal. I'm still losing and yet I know that if I let my guard down and revert to old eating habits all these months would mean nothing. WLS is a tool -- it still requires changing old habits. luvitsunnyv

my mom is 15 years post op and shes gained back 20 lbs. she eats and drinks what she wants basically.

That is REALLY encouraging! Kallen

Hi I had my surgery 3 years ago. I lost 120lbs and have gained 12lbs. since my surgery. I fight depression due to other medical reasons, but the fear of gaining is always on my mind.I do not eat a lot of food but I eat the wrong food. For some reason I turned into a sugar freak. I am always eating candy. I think it is cause of the medication that leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth and it drives me crazy. When the scale tips upwards I watch what I eat, but it is a constant battle. I still have 60lbs to lose and I really need to get bqck on the program. Sometimes I think I am just in a self destruck mode. I sure could use suggestions from people to get me back on the right track.