Behavior modification may be the real key ...

Just about everyone we run into has a story of a friend, aunt, co-worker, etc... that had 'the surgery', lost the weight and gained it all back.

The good news is that statistically, after 10 years, 80 percent of patients maintain a weight loss the excess weight loss that they acheived with their WLS. However, 10 percent will experience a regain significant enough to no longer be considered successful (at least 60 percent of their excess weight) and another 10 percent will experience a regain of every single pound that they lost.

After extensive studies, they have found that while structural or 'mechanical' issues account for a very small percentage of these failures, the vast majority are due to behavioral issues.

To address this, I found a program called the "Beck Diet Solution" developed by Dr. Judith Beck. It's not a diet, but a 6 week program that you step through to learn to 'think thin.' To be honest, it took me much more than the 6 weeks to work through it, but it has been and continues to be an invaluable tool in my arsenal to try to ensure my longterm success.

If you are interested, you can get if from any of the major booksellers or online. It comes as a book and workbook and it's really best to get both.

 

I have had this program in mind ever since I first heard you mention it back in July, Barb.  Thanks so much for continuing to mention it.  I know there are people first reading the board and they will make a mental note of it like me.

One of the topics that has been coming up at ALL of the various support groups I have been attending is that the people who are 1-2+ years out begin "testing the waters."  A sip of this, a bite of that.  The behaviors they had modified begin to be tested...1 or 2 of something turns into 3.  Not because they are hungry, but because they can.  Scary stuff for someone like me who is still pre-op, but I am so glad to be made aware of this so I can watch for and recognize it if/when it happens.

Hi Shauna,

I'm glad you found it helpful. I hesitated to post it again, but there are so many new members that I hope that they might find the information useful and it may jog the memories of others, like you ;)

I think that testing the waters may be an okay thing if it can be done in moderation. I think that moderation is not something many of us have have much success with as it relates to food. I find that I actively use my pouch to help me maintain that moderation and still allow myself to enjoy a variety of experiences. The rules that I have found helpful and use are: lead with at least 2 ounces of lean protien, 2 ounces of complex carbs ... then I can have whatever else I have room for. The good news is that my pouch regulates how much room I have. If I get to where I can eat substationally more, I think that I'll just increase the amount of protien and complex carbs I consume before having others.

The biggest thing I have gotten from the Beck Diet Solution is that it's really important for me to be accountable to myself. They have provided a number of mechanisms to help with that, but in a nutshell, that's the biggest 'gem' I have found in that treasure trove of information and insight.

Wishing you every success... I truly believe that as you are arming yourself now, you will be successful. Not only in getting the excess weight off, but also in finding the tools you will need to keep it off.

All the best,

Barb

I just got my shippment confirmation from Amazon - I bought a set (book & workbook) for me and my 2 best friends, one of whom had WLS probably 15 years ago and has regained every ounce plus 40 or so pounds. This is just the resource tool that I was looking for. We're going to work through it like a regular book club and discuss (hopefully) a chapter a week. I'll let you know how it goes.

- Iris

 

Congratulations!

I hope to hear how you are doing. I was seriously thinking of posting some of the suggestions that appear in the book on a regular basis so that we could all work on it together ... those who want to participate that is. I truly do think that with the tools in this book and the tool you gave yourself through WLS, you will have what it takes to take it off and keep it off. While it will take more focus on the part of your friend that had WLS years ago, I believe that he too has the tools at his disposal to get the weight off and hopefully make the changes that will enable him to keep it off this time.

Wishing all of you every success,

Barb

Barb, I would love to participate if you decide to go ahead with this great idea! 

I'm seriously considering it. I need to look at the practical applications. I was thinking that I might see about doing it as a virtual support group. Maybe we could do it so that we can post, but so that we also had a virtual support group meeting where we can actually 'discuss' a particular section. I'm looking into conference calling and how to try to make that work. I'll let you know if and when I get this underway. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know. I'm always open to new ideas.

Barb

Barb thank you so much for  the info I am going to go get this book.  I would so love if you post some of the tips.  I can't wait

Leslie