The truth about WLS...

Ok... So lately I've been thinking. What does weight loss surgery really do for people? This is just my PERSONAL experience with this. What weight loss surgery has done for me is OPEN my eyes. Before my surgery I was in denial. I didn't want to believe I was eating too much. Yes there were many times I wouldn't eat and STILL gain. You know why? I was starving myself! When I say I was in denial, I mean I didn't realize the AMOUNT I was eating. Oh sure I'd go on these wonderful "diets". I wasn't eating the correct portions. Sure I was eating a portion for 3 people in most cases. I never "got" the portion concept. It's not about what food is "bad". It's all about learning control and moderation. I had NO concept of this before my surgery. This reason alone has made this surgery all worth it! I now know what I was doing wrong all these years. Do I still have temptations for food? YES.... Do I still think about food? YES... Have I made food "mistakes"? It depends on who your asking, what is really bad and what's not? It seems not even the experts seem to know. How many diets have we seen over the years. What have we been told all this time. FAT FREE, SUGAR FREE, CARB FREE, what's next? I truly believe it's about limitation and moderation! That never went away for me with surgery, BUT now I'm able to tell myself, you DO NOT need that. If I do want it I know when to STOP. I've learned a big lesson here that before I just couldn't gasp and didn't want to accept! Those serving sizes on the side of the box were there for a reason, I just didn't want to take the time to read it. I'm certainly not an expert! This is just what's worked for me. Moderation. Amy 615/314/Healthy (-301lbs)

You are telling the truth! I use to sit around saying to myself "how can I be so huge when I hardly eat"? Well I tell you, eating a whole large pizza from pizza hut and starving yourself the next day does not work!! I am ashamed by my own behaviour. I shudder to think of some of the things I have eatin, and in such massive quantities. You know what I fear though Amy? I am scared that I will be the one this surgery does not work for. What if I am the one that never losses weight? Man what a scary thought. You are looking fantabulous and I wanted to ask you how do you get that nifty weight table on your profile? Id like to have one of those in place for myself. Take care Amy, Donna

You're absolutely right Amy! Unfortunately, for me, carbs are still a problem. I recently found out the hard way that I still have to be very careful about carbs because of my Insulin Resistance. Hey...doesn't cure itself when you lose a bunch of weight! Now I am working with a sports nutritionist who is conditioning my body to eat carb and protein together, and to train my body to burn fat for fuel instead of just glycogen. For me, it's been a roller coaster-but a good one Congrats on your 301!!!! It looks like you'll be under 300 sooner than you know it! Sherry

Wow, Amy you really hit the nail on the head. I knew I was eating too much and I was so out of control before I had my surgery. I was so grateful that my appetite was diminished after surgery. I used to think about my lunch while I was eating breakfast. I can remember pigging out to the point of being sick and laying in bed for the sick feeling to pass so I could eat again. Now I am usually overwhelmed by how much food they put on our plates. I can eat more now that I am a year out, but I really watch it and make sure I eat small portions. I have helped a few people through the path of getting this surgery and I am always amazed when they tell me that they eat like a bird but the4y weigh close to 400 lbs. I have a little bit of a better insight now than I did originally. I know they are in denial and I try not to harp on it because I know they will each have their "lightbulb" moment after surgery about how much food they are really consuming. If this surgery does nothing else for you, it helps you to be consistent. No matter how much I want to go eat, I can only eat a very limited size portion so I have been able to remain consistent! Thanks for the great post. Lisa 8/10/04 270/159/140 Dr. Hart