How this works question
I'm going to ask a question that I keep thinking about and just cant figure out logically. Since everything I have ever tried in my life to lose weight I have failed at, I am worried about failing at WLS too. I know it's just a "tool" so I need to hear more specifically why it works. Jenny Craig, Physicians weight loss, exercise, etc are all "tools" too that I cant seem to make work for ME. Those things work for many others, but not me. I'm worried that WLS works for some who have to willpower to make it work for them, but since I fail at everything else, I may not make it work for me.
Here is what I wonder about exactly...if weight just comes off easily at first because of the negative reinforcements I'll get from dumping, getting sick etc, now THAT'S a great tool! But I hear of so many people who, over time, no longer have those reactions to bad food, and end up being able to eat more normally. At that point, I hear all the advice that you need to eat the right things, small portions, dont eat the bad things to excess, eat in moderation, etc. to maintain. Isn't that what non-surgery diets require for long-term success? I've never been able to maintain any weight loss.
Dont get me wrong, I BELIEVE in this surgery completely, as my only hope. I even believe it will work for me. Best reason is that I dont have a love affair with food, now. I'm just worried that my body wont allow me to maintain. I will be devastated if I screw this up! And I am also not expecting to melt away without working with the program. I know it is the best tool that is out there. I just am worried about experiencing another failed weightloss attempt. Insight?
I can sympathize with you 100%. I fear the same things. I did have the wls in November 2005 and have lost 60 lbs. I have a lot more to go, and I fear gaining it all back, too. I do watch the calories and exersise and I feel 100% better. I'm off all diabetic meds and that is worth it just for that. I know I will need to control and watch what I eat the rest of my life, which I hope will be long and healthy. I did it mainly for the health, but looking better is not too bad either.
Again, I know the questions you have about this tool we have been given through wls. It's work, and I'm willing to work knowing that it will be less likely to creep back on.
Hang in there, we are here for you.
Bobye, Grove City, Ohio
In my case, it tooks months before anything even remotely tasted like food and I wanted to eat. The fear factor will really kick in on what you put in your mouth if you ever dump. Raisins did it for me! I can't even look at them now without feeling sick. You'll learn to make healthier choices as you go along and start eating the things that your body needs to maintain good health. Never in my life did I think that I would snack on green beans! I found that sugar zaps my energy and while I don't dump from it, the fact that I get so tired from it makes me stay away from it. I'll have a bite of something if I can't take the craving but there is no more sitting with a bag of Oreos and seeing if I can fini**** My doctor told me that it would be normal to gain a few pounds after a year or so and once again, he was right. I think this surgery is like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. I go to the gym 2x a week and run up and down the steps at home if I can't get to the gym. I always take the steps at work. I figure any exercise is better then none. You will learn as you go.....I've been a size 8 for several months and seem to be maintaining my weight. Right now my advice would to be to try and relax and learn everything you can about the surgery and the weight loss. Right now I am having problems realizing that I am smaller. My head still sees me at 330 pounds. And yep, I've had those dreams where I wake up and think it has all been a dream! Just hang in there and don't worry about what might happen. Enjoy the NOW! A year from now, you'll be on here telling us you are a whole new person. You'll be fine. I think you are feeling the same worries that we all have. Just my opinion though. Good luck to you! 
I understand what your saying. I'm having surgery the the fourth of May. I had been thinking the same thing. The difference between a non-surgery diet and surgery is? non-surgery depends so much on your willpower. and that can only go so far. But with the surgery. If your willpower gives out. your going to be taxed big time! and I really think that once we cause a dump. we won't be real happy. plus it is going to help in over eating. that is what I think! good luck
Are you well informed on the different types of WLS? You really need to take a personal inventory of your weight loss challenges you've had along the way that brought you to this point. I only knew of one type of WLS, and it wasn't until I started to really research it that I discovered the perfect procedure for me. It's best to become an expert on all of them, so your educated decision will be one that you're at peace about.
So, do you think it was the willpower that was the problem? If that's the case, the dumping aspect of RNY will definitely help keep you honest...but do know that not everyone dumps, so then what do you do?
Is your problem that you just don't ever feel full and don't know when to stop eating? In that case, the LapBand might be the best option. You won't dump, but you'll definitely know when your body's had enough.
Is your problem that you just never lose no matter what you try. Perhaps dieting keeps you from gaining, but to lose, it almost never happens and if it does, the results are miniscule? That was my problem, which is why the malabsorptive factor of the DS was so attractive to me. It's working wonderfully and much easier than I ever expected.
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