Question about weight regain after RNY

This^ is why you should never block vets. Because you'll miss out on some really important info.

There are quite a few reasons, both physical and mental.

? With the RNY, patients initially have malabsorption, meaning the body does not keep everything it takes in. This only lasts for a year or two; at that point, the same amount of food will "hang around" quite a bit longer and eating habits need to change.

? A sleeve or pouch will "relax" a bit, allowing you to physically eat more food than you could immediately post-op.

? You can still eat "slider foods," such as carbs, in large quantities and not feel restriction. It's physically possible to eat an entire bowl of pasta but only a small piece of meat.

? It's absolutely possible to take in liquid calories. Alcohol, soda, ice cream, you name it. WLS does nothing to prevent those calories.

? Surgery fixes our bodies, not our heads. If someone had disordered eating patterns and/or an unhealthy relationship with food prior to surgery, WLS won't change that one bit. It's still possible, for example, to turn to food for comfort.

Many others have given good advice & commentary- all true, from what I've read.  

As a 'old timer' here, can I offer you some advice in addition to this.

Having gastric bypass surgery gives you nothing but a tool that you can employ to loose weight.  That's it.  Its just a tool.  Such a simple thing to call a dramatic surgical change to your body!  

But, a tool is all it is.  You can use it the right way and effectively, you can use it marginally and not so effectively, you can ignore it, you can abuse it...just like with any tool.  With the exception of the honeymoon period, where you can do almost nothing to negate the surgery's effect, it's all up to you.  Surgery doesn't keep you from eating, it just acts as a tool to manage your hunger and regulate/restrict your eating.  So, you have to decide how you're going to use it.  

The surgery does NOT change who you are as a person, your habits, your personality and why you eat (AKA why you're obese to begin with).   So, why is it that your cousin has regained all their weight?  {{Well, putting aside that there may be unknown medical complications that aren't a part of this conversation}} Simply put- because she chose to.  Actively, or passively she chose to fail.  

Ouch.  That kinda smarts, doesn't it?  

And yes, you should be scared, to an extent that you are made to proceed with your eyes wide open, because that can happen to you as well.  

Double Ouch- that really smarts!

Listen- heres the root of the problem. This is the KEY...The missing piece of the puzzle: WLS is NOT brain surgery.  After WLS, you are still you. Sure, you have a shiny new tool.  You have fresh new start and possibly a great new attitude.  

Then, life happens. And that's when you, yourself must do the work necessary to get right with your habits and proclivities around eating.  Why, what, how, WHY again are all part of what you ned to figure out.  

I will say this- and here's where the advice part comes in: I have, hands down, NEVER seen someone succeed long term with WLS that did not go through successful counseling and support group/therapy relating to their obesity issues.  Never.  So, my advice to you- instead of investing in a nice new wardrobe- second hand it for a while and invest in therapy.  Use this time post WLS to really figure out what makes you tick.  Find a great professional that you connect with and who will challenge you. It may take a few try to find this person,  That's OK, you're worth the effort.  Go to that person for as long as it takes to make things really CLICK in your mind about what your personal challenges are.  And while you're at it, attend support groups, and don't stop.  At least not for a long time after you're successful in your endeavors.  

If you do this, you are WAY WAY ahead of so many others and will be on the path to true long term success.

I wish you the best & hope for your success,

The stoma that connects the stomach and intestines can stretch from over-eating, and food empties immediately from the stomach, making one hungry thereafter.  Efforts to fix the stoma haven't had very good results.  There are plenty in her situation out on the sub-boards here for revisions, regrets, and complications.