Is WLS my last option??
Is weight loss surgery an option for me?? Im a 35 year old female, 5'5", 240, knee pain, back pain, acid reflux and I would guess I probably have sleep apnea but havent been tested for that - also hypothyroid. Diagnosed with hypothyroid in 2007 by a bariatric doctor who was treating me for obesity. Had to stop going to bariatric doc because of the cost. I lost 60 pounds but gained it back quickly as my PCP changed me from synthroid 100 mcg to levothyroxine 7 5 mcg - no reason for the change, my tsh was 2.9 at 100 mcg synthroid. I asked him not to change it but he did. I gained 50 pounds quickly in 4 months on the South Beach diet that he put me on. I work out at the gym 4-5 days a week for at least 1 and 1/2 hours (treadmill, elliptical, weights), Im up to 240 pounds, went to PCP a few months ago - he said I just want a magical pill to get rid of the weight - not so much - Ive never ever even mentioned or asked for any pills - I did a liquid diet for 8 months with no pills- and I have "dieted" since I was in 7th grade - Im 35. I am considering gastric bypass or banding as a last resort - I am desperate to feel good and after 10 years of being over 230 pounds, my body is taking a beating. I went back on the liquid diet last month, and I lost 4 pounds in an entire month - no cheating, no pills. ANY HELP OR SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
BigCityGirl
on 7/6/09 2:22 am - San Diego, CA
on 7/6/09 2:22 am - San Diego, CA
I have a similar history with respect to thyroid issues but I've never been on the levothyroxine - only synthroid - before and after my thyroidectomy (tumor). Here's my take on it:
1. Getting your thyroid meds adjusted to what is the new "normal" will not cause you to lose any weight - it will however, help keep you from gaining any additional weight provided you are not eating in excess and are somewhat mobile (moderate exercise).
2. I've had WLS. It will work to take off the weight, but after the first six months, your appetite returns, your stomach will stretch and if you do not change your lifestyle in a positive way, and forever, you will regain your weight. Even with WLS, most will regain their weight.
3. I am convinced, three years after my WLS, that in order to maintain that loss, you have to diet for life and get SERIOUS EXERCISE. I go to a gym six days a week and I walk two miles every night after dinner and I DIET EVERY DAY. Last month, I blew out my knee and had knee surgery and gained five pounds, in spite of the fact that I am still dieting and getting some exercise. It takes a whole lot of effort.
4. You must weigh yourself every day and be accountable. You cannot skip a few days here and there and expect to see weight loss progress. It takes a whole lot of meal planning and will power to stick with a long term livestyle change. But the most important thing you need to do is to weigh each morning and deal with the results - good or bad.
5. You have to look within yourself and determine how you let it get this far. And you have to have your head in the right place to get the weight down and keep it down. There's more to it than just dieting - the rest of your psych life needs to be in order. People sometimes eat because of stress or other issues in their life that need to be addressed first before the rest of the problem can be solved.
6. Try to avoid liquid and fad diets. You can't do this forever and that's the problem. I try to eat reasonable foods in small portions that I can get anywhere at anytime without blowing my diet. I have a rotating food plan to make my meal planning simple and easy. If it's Monday, then I'm eating an egg and toast with colffee for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and Chicken with roasted potatoes and veges for dinner with three snacks. I plan meals to equal about 1200 calories per day and that works for me.
Good luck.
1. Getting your thyroid meds adjusted to what is the new "normal" will not cause you to lose any weight - it will however, help keep you from gaining any additional weight provided you are not eating in excess and are somewhat mobile (moderate exercise).
2. I've had WLS. It will work to take off the weight, but after the first six months, your appetite returns, your stomach will stretch and if you do not change your lifestyle in a positive way, and forever, you will regain your weight. Even with WLS, most will regain their weight.
3. I am convinced, three years after my WLS, that in order to maintain that loss, you have to diet for life and get SERIOUS EXERCISE. I go to a gym six days a week and I walk two miles every night after dinner and I DIET EVERY DAY. Last month, I blew out my knee and had knee surgery and gained five pounds, in spite of the fact that I am still dieting and getting some exercise. It takes a whole lot of effort.
4. You must weigh yourself every day and be accountable. You cannot skip a few days here and there and expect to see weight loss progress. It takes a whole lot of meal planning and will power to stick with a long term livestyle change. But the most important thing you need to do is to weigh each morning and deal with the results - good or bad.
5. You have to look within yourself and determine how you let it get this far. And you have to have your head in the right place to get the weight down and keep it down. There's more to it than just dieting - the rest of your psych life needs to be in order. People sometimes eat because of stress or other issues in their life that need to be addressed first before the rest of the problem can be solved.
6. Try to avoid liquid and fad diets. You can't do this forever and that's the problem. I try to eat reasonable foods in small portions that I can get anywhere at anytime without blowing my diet. I have a rotating food plan to make my meal planning simple and easy. If it's Monday, then I'm eating an egg and toast with colffee for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and Chicken with roasted potatoes and veges for dinner with three snacks. I plan meals to equal about 1200 calories per day and that works for me.
Good luck.
Surgeon: Joseph Grzeskiewicz, M.D., F.A.C.S.
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Dixie_DPh
on 7/6/09 5:22 am
on 7/6/09 5:22 am
Hi, Ashlelee.
I've never posted here before, but I can relate to your dilemma. I'm 45 years old, and have been fighting a weight battle my whole life, at certain times more successfully than others. Even though I'm a health care professional (pharmacist) and should know better, I had always thought of myself as being relatively healthy, even at 5'5" and my highest point of 250 lbs, which was last summer. I had an eye exam and got my first pair of bifocals in July of last year. By the end of August, the new glasses no longer helped at all. I had to get a pair of +275 reading glasses just to see....not to read, mind you, but just to see to drive. I had been in Colorado for 3 weeks during August, and tried to convince myself that the altitude difference between there and Mississippi had something to do with it, but secretly I knew better. I finally broke down and checked my blood sugar, and it was almost 300. I was scared to death!
I knew then and there that I had to get my weight under control once and for all. I had started Nutrisystem the year before and had done pretty well on it for 3 weeks, when my mom was killed in a car accident. I ended up having to quit my job, sell my house, and move 300 miles away to take care of my dad. Needless to say, the diet plans fell to the wayside then. I gained 30 pounds in the year after she passed away.
Now, I had no choice. The thought of WLS terrified me, so I decided to give it one more try on my own first. At the beginning of September of last year, I started back on Nutrisystem. I'm not trying to push that program as the best one for anyone, but for me---it reminded me of what correct portion sizes are, and that eating healthy CAN be tasty, as well. It's been just over 10 months, and I'm down to 165, as of last week. I feel so incredibly great, and I'm doing at least 5 miles on the elliptical machine every day. My eyesight returned to normal by last October. My blood pressure now runs about 90/60, and my blood sugar is usually around 80. I've still got about 40 more pounds to lose, but I no longer have any doubt that I'll be able to do it this time. I incorporate my own dishes with the Nutrisystem food now, so I know it's something I can do.
I guess the answer to your question is that yes, WLS is an option for you, but it doesn't have to be the ONLY option you have. I wouldn't recommend liquid diets, mainly because they're not something you could do forever. I truly believe it has to be a lifestyle change. Everyone slips up now and then, but if you find a program that will work for you, it slowly becomes a way of life.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose!
Lisa
I've never posted here before, but I can relate to your dilemma. I'm 45 years old, and have been fighting a weight battle my whole life, at certain times more successfully than others. Even though I'm a health care professional (pharmacist) and should know better, I had always thought of myself as being relatively healthy, even at 5'5" and my highest point of 250 lbs, which was last summer. I had an eye exam and got my first pair of bifocals in July of last year. By the end of August, the new glasses no longer helped at all. I had to get a pair of +275 reading glasses just to see....not to read, mind you, but just to see to drive. I had been in Colorado for 3 weeks during August, and tried to convince myself that the altitude difference between there and Mississippi had something to do with it, but secretly I knew better. I finally broke down and checked my blood sugar, and it was almost 300. I was scared to death!
I knew then and there that I had to get my weight under control once and for all. I had started Nutrisystem the year before and had done pretty well on it for 3 weeks, when my mom was killed in a car accident. I ended up having to quit my job, sell my house, and move 300 miles away to take care of my dad. Needless to say, the diet plans fell to the wayside then. I gained 30 pounds in the year after she passed away.
Now, I had no choice. The thought of WLS terrified me, so I decided to give it one more try on my own first. At the beginning of September of last year, I started back on Nutrisystem. I'm not trying to push that program as the best one for anyone, but for me---it reminded me of what correct portion sizes are, and that eating healthy CAN be tasty, as well. It's been just over 10 months, and I'm down to 165, as of last week. I feel so incredibly great, and I'm doing at least 5 miles on the elliptical machine every day. My eyesight returned to normal by last October. My blood pressure now runs about 90/60, and my blood sugar is usually around 80. I've still got about 40 more pounds to lose, but I no longer have any doubt that I'll be able to do it this time. I incorporate my own dishes with the Nutrisystem food now, so I know it's something I can do.
I guess the answer to your question is that yes, WLS is an option for you, but it doesn't have to be the ONLY option you have. I wouldn't recommend liquid diets, mainly because they're not something you could do forever. I truly believe it has to be a lifestyle change. Everyone slips up now and then, but if you find a program that will work for you, it slowly becomes a way of life.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever path you choose!
Lisa
Hi Lisa - I wanted to chime in a little because your story is really inspiring and really similar to mine - except the getting to 165 part. I own a fitness facility and SO SHOULD KNOW BETTER but food has always been my struggle. I am 277 and must lose this weight. It's hard to find the courage to admit you can't do this on your own when you are the one helping people do this - but I obviously have not been able to do this on my own. Do you HAVE to add foods to the nutrisystem - I heard you still have to add fruits and veggies. I almost think it would be easier to not have to add anything so there's not much room for error. Feel free to send me a message. Congrats on a great job!
SW-290.4 - CW-287.4 1stGW-285(made it!) 2ndGW - 280 (made it!) 3rd GW-275 - GW-160
Dixie_DPh
on 7/8/09 1:52 pm
on 7/8/09 1:52 pm
Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I know all too well how difficult a struggle it is to make the commitment and changes necessary to lose weight. I should--I've done it many, many times in the past, only to gain it back again. My problem was always in keeping it off. Where I made my mistake was in not realizing that it had to be a permanent change, if I wanted the results to last. I look back over the times that I've lost weight in the past, and can pinpoint exactly the times I lost my focus. I would start to think, "Oh, skipping a workout one day won't hurt too much." Then before I knew it, a month had gone by and I'm up 5 pounds or more. Once that happens, it's too easy just to not look at the scale any longer. It's all downhill from there.
I certainly understand your feelings about recommending something to someone else that you can't make yourself do. That's so hard. I've had people come into the pharmacy and ask me about tips for weight loss. I always felt like such a hypocrite, trying to tell them how to do it when obviously, I hadn't taken my own advice. I'm not working at the moment, so I haven't had to face that situation lately.
To me, it's so hard to begin a new program or lifestyle change. It's hard to make yourself exercise when you simply don't feel well. I know when I first started on this last September, it took me a couple of months before I got into a routine. I began by walking a mile, then slowly increased it until I was walking about 3 miles daily. When it got too hot outside to walk this past spring, that's when I got my elliptical machine. I can't say that I love it even now, but it's something I know I have to do daily. I've found that breaking it up into shorter workouts done first thing in the morning, and then again at night, really helps me.
As far as Nutrisystem goes, it is a very healthy plan. It usually averages about 1200 calories per day. You really do need to eat all the recommended add-ins, as that's an important part of keeping you satisfied enough not to cheat. I've found that their food is actually quite good. There are certain items I like more than others, so I kind of know what to order by now. You add fruits, vegetables, and dairy/protein items in with their food. The plan is outlined very well, so you know exactly how much of each thing you should have daily. I honestly think I could do it for the rest of my life, but they also help you in transitioning back to making your own meals for maintenance. I love the convenience of it, though, so I may keep doing it a few days a week even after I reach my goal. I would be happy to try and answer any other questions you might have about it.
I wish you all the best. The hardest part of any plan is taking that first step!
Lisa
Thank you so much for your kind words! I know all too well how difficult a struggle it is to make the commitment and changes necessary to lose weight. I should--I've done it many, many times in the past, only to gain it back again. My problem was always in keeping it off. Where I made my mistake was in not realizing that it had to be a permanent change, if I wanted the results to last. I look back over the times that I've lost weight in the past, and can pinpoint exactly the times I lost my focus. I would start to think, "Oh, skipping a workout one day won't hurt too much." Then before I knew it, a month had gone by and I'm up 5 pounds or more. Once that happens, it's too easy just to not look at the scale any longer. It's all downhill from there.
I certainly understand your feelings about recommending something to someone else that you can't make yourself do. That's so hard. I've had people come into the pharmacy and ask me about tips for weight loss. I always felt like such a hypocrite, trying to tell them how to do it when obviously, I hadn't taken my own advice. I'm not working at the moment, so I haven't had to face that situation lately.
To me, it's so hard to begin a new program or lifestyle change. It's hard to make yourself exercise when you simply don't feel well. I know when I first started on this last September, it took me a couple of months before I got into a routine. I began by walking a mile, then slowly increased it until I was walking about 3 miles daily. When it got too hot outside to walk this past spring, that's when I got my elliptical machine. I can't say that I love it even now, but it's something I know I have to do daily. I've found that breaking it up into shorter workouts done first thing in the morning, and then again at night, really helps me.
As far as Nutrisystem goes, it is a very healthy plan. It usually averages about 1200 calories per day. You really do need to eat all the recommended add-ins, as that's an important part of keeping you satisfied enough not to cheat. I've found that their food is actually quite good. There are certain items I like more than others, so I kind of know what to order by now. You add fruits, vegetables, and dairy/protein items in with their food. The plan is outlined very well, so you know exactly how much of each thing you should have daily. I honestly think I could do it for the rest of my life, but they also help you in transitioning back to making your own meals for maintenance. I love the convenience of it, though, so I may keep doing it a few days a week even after I reach my goal. I would be happy to try and answer any other questions you might have about it.
I wish you all the best. The hardest part of any plan is taking that first step!
Lisa
HI Ashelee! Of the two WLS you list, I would say try the band; in my mind that is one way to be able to have it adjusted and make this decision be long term.
Like Donna says, 75% of WLS people will re-gain, so know that going in - and know that without continued hard work it will come back. No rest for we overweight/obese people. None.
I would say that you should look within and know that you HAVE done these diets to the nth degree AND perform regular exercise. If the answer is resounding yes, then girl, go for it. It sounds to me like your body has become a very resistant being! I have come to realize that in some cases, WLS really is the only way to get the weight off initially at least.
Normally my own personal yardstick is to be 100# overweight and age 40, but as you say, the body breaks down - and there is no getting that back!
"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." ~Mark Twain
I do agree that WLS is of course an option for you but like the other poster said it doesn't have to be your only option. I for sure wouldn't do any liquid diets because all that will happen is when you stop those you will gain the weight back and you know you cant do a liquid diet for the rest of your life. I actually got to my heighest weight of 247 pounds but when I started my weight loss journey I weigned in at 245 and that was April 12, 2009 I've been on my journey will be 3 months this Sunday and to date I'm down to 204.4 and the only thing i'm doing is what I know I can do for the rest of my life and that is eating healthy and exercising everyday for me it's for sure worth the results I'm seeing. I know the changes I have made are ones I can keep living with.
The reason I believe a lot of WLS patients gain their weight back is because they don't make the lifestyle change you can't just have the surgery loose the weight and go back to eating whatever you want as others have said the stomach can be streteched back out and that leads a lot I believe to regaining their weight. The ones who keep it off I believe are the ones who do work at it every single day to maintain their weight.
Johnita
The reason I believe a lot of WLS patients gain their weight back is because they don't make the lifestyle change you can't just have the surgery loose the weight and go back to eating whatever you want as others have said the stomach can be streteched back out and that leads a lot I believe to regaining their weight. The ones who keep it off I believe are the ones who do work at it every single day to maintain their weight.
Johnita
Non Surgery - (HW/CW/GW) - - 247/173/150(first major goal)
(deactivated member)
on 7/7/09 2:45 am
on 7/7/09 2:45 am
Hi Ashlelee,
I think you are the only one who can answer if WLS is an option for you. I have done a lot of research and determined that it wasn't right for my DH and me. Certainly you have been through a very stressful time in your life and now you're able to regroup to deal with your health issues. I'm sorry for your loss.
I found reading The China Study by Dr. Colin Campbell a live changing experience. If you read that it will help you determine what should comprose your diet for life and once you commit to those changes you will lose weight. B****his is not a "lose weight diet" book, rather it's a condensation of Dr. Campbells research (observations IRL and the lab) over his long career as to what people eat around the world.
Skylar
I think you are the only one who can answer if WLS is an option for you. I have done a lot of research and determined that it wasn't right for my DH and me. Certainly you have been through a very stressful time in your life and now you're able to regroup to deal with your health issues. I'm sorry for your loss.
I found reading The China Study by Dr. Colin Campbell a live changing experience. If you read that it will help you determine what should comprose your diet for life and once you commit to those changes you will lose weight. B****his is not a "lose weight diet" book, rather it's a condensation of Dr. Campbells research (observations IRL and the lab) over his long career as to what people eat around the world.
Skylar
Hi Ashelee,
I have considered WLS for the past 9 months. But in the long run, for me at least, I am not ready for that step yet. I can honestly say that I haven't given any program the full effort and I have tried them all.
Something I recently learned was the I can't think of it as a "diet" it has to be a lifestyle change. If I don't change I probably will wind up gettin a band. I also know that I have some underlying issues that I HAVE to deal with because they are contributing to my failure, my weight is part of a coping mechanism, not making excuses, it's my choice but I have to conquer that part of me that is hurt and suffering to help me change my lifestyle.
Whatever you decide there are good people on the Lap Band site, post there, talk to a lot of folks and your doctor to see what feels right for you. Jean is very helpful and has been quite successful. As are some other.
Good Luck...
Cindy
I have considered WLS for the past 9 months. But in the long run, for me at least, I am not ready for that step yet. I can honestly say that I haven't given any program the full effort and I have tried them all.
Something I recently learned was the I can't think of it as a "diet" it has to be a lifestyle change. If I don't change I probably will wind up gettin a band. I also know that I have some underlying issues that I HAVE to deal with because they are contributing to my failure, my weight is part of a coping mechanism, not making excuses, it's my choice but I have to conquer that part of me that is hurt and suffering to help me change my lifestyle.
Whatever you decide there are good people on the Lap Band site, post there, talk to a lot of folks and your doctor to see what feels right for you. Jean is very helpful and has been quite successful. As are some other.
Good Luck...
Cindy
Most Active
Recent Topics
