From all of the research that I did prior to weight loss surgery, there was a lot of emphasis on the fact that it is just a tool to help you follow a diet plan.  It took me a few years to finally admit that I needed this tool because my question was always if dieting is required, why go through the surgery.  I continued to try to diet to no avail so I finally broke down and had the surgery.  I continue to diet as I did before the surgery however I can stick to it because my stomach is smaller, I don't like fried foods anymore and my body dumps some of the calories. The biggest difference is that I have not gained back any weight.   I have lost 80 pound so far and have about 60 more to lose.  It is still a struggle to lose weight.    I actually started Nutrisystem which some WLS advocates may criticize me for but by supplementing with my protein shakes and fresh vegetables, the convenient meals are helping me to reach my goal.  Good luck to your wife and she is not alone.  Weight loss will always be something that we have to work at, the surgery just gives you a helping hand.  Tell your wife not to give up, just work on finding out how to best use the WLS tool for her.  Some people find that Weigh****chers work for them, others do South Beach.  South Beach, or any low glycemic diet works for me I just didn't have the time to prepare the meals therefore I do Nutrisystem which is also low glycemic.

tHANKS FOR THE INFO. i THINK IF BY jUNE i HAVEN'T LOST ANY MOT WEIGHT WHICH WILL BE MY 1 YR ANNIVERSARY, I WILL CONSIDER THE REVISION.  i TALKED TO MY SURGEON AND HE SAID THAT I SHOULD ONLY BE EATING TWO MEALS A DAY SO I WENT BACK TO TWO MEALS A DAY.  MY NUT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY. AT FIRST SHE TOLD ME TO INCREASE MY PROTEIN, SO I DID THAT NOW SHE IS TELLING ME I AM PROBABLY GETTING TOO MANY CALORIES FROM THE PROTEIN SHAKES. IT IS JUS SO FRUSTRATING BECAUSE I AM TRYING SO HARD.  I DID HAVE MY THYROID CHECKED AND NOTHING IS WRONG THERE.  PEOPLE KEEP TELLING ME THAT BECAUSE I AM WORKING OUT 6 DAYS A WEEK THAT I AM GAINING MUSCLE. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT EITHER.  ANY WAY I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED.  THANKS FOR THE CONCERN. 

Reading your post is making me feel really blessed that I live close to a wonderful bariatric facility.  I've attended a pre-op support group (and continue to continue attending that).  They also offer a post-op support group.  Then some of the people from that group have formed ANOTHER support group that meets at someone's home.   They also have a book study group.  I also just recently found out that they do regular sky-diving trips (of all things!), and they are going on a pilgrimage, or retreat, together yearly.   I believe that these things are key to optimum success.  They are a support network unlike any other, and I am so grateful that I can be a part of it.

Bill, Take a quick read of this: I am not in the medical profession but I do a lot of research and reading. Some of problems that you mentioned are listed as resulting from a B12 deficiency such as the loose stools, seizure and depression.  You can get B12 from your doctor or actually in the liquid form from GNC. http://www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/news/Winter%2006.pdf Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia The body requires only tiny amounts of this nutrient, so deficiencies are most frequently due to poor absorption. In order to absorb B12 there needs to be adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid, intrinsic factor and the enzyme trypsin in the stomach. The small intestine also needs to be functioning well, as this is where absorption occurs. A lack of intrinsic factor results in pernicious anemia. Because B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, deficiencies are mostly seen in strict vegetarians. It can take many years of a low B12 intake for a deficiency to become apparent (the body’s B12 stores last up to 6 years), with the brain and nervous systems being affected first. Symptoms of severe B12 deficiency include: pallor, poor energy, shortness of breath, a sore red and swollen tongue, loose stools and heart and nervous system problems. Nervous system symptoms include numbness or tingling of the arms or legs, depression, mental confusion and loss of both vibration sense and deep tendon reflexes. In the elderly, B12 deficiency can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary sources of Vitamin B12 include: most meat and seafood, and possibly brewers yeast, nori, tempeh and miso. Supplemental forms include tablets, drops or injections. Sub-lingual tablets or drops of methylcobalamin (one form of B12) are best as they do not require intrinsic factor for absorption.

Amen.