10 cold hard facts about weight loss surgery

At 5 1/2 years post-op Lapband and 5 months post-op RNY revision, I decided to write a post on my blog of the 10 facts about WLS that I have learned over the years. I wrote it in a direct style and have been wondering if I was too harsh with the list. I toyed with publishing the list over the past week or so. I see these as the realities people need to face day-to-day after WLS. Here is the list. You can click on the link to my blog to read the details.

http://beariatric.com/2013/12/16/10-cold-hard-facts-about-we ight-loss-surgery/

1. It is not THE permanent solution.
2. Yes, you have a problem with food.
3. Sorry but you have to exercise.
4. That’s right. You better not eat that.
5. Help! My scale took me hostage.
6. Were you really expecting the body of a Victoria Secret model?
7. Oh no… you didn’t! You say I took the easy way out.
8. I found the good, the bad and the ugly about change.
9. Who is that new person in the mirror?
10. It’s the best thing you ever did for yourself.

Very good list and I agree with it.  Not enough is done to help prepare many people for life after WLS, especially not as far as dealing with the food issues.  It is like someone who is an alcoholic getting a liver transplant.  If they continue to drink then the new liver will fail like the old one did.

Amazing post !! Thanks 

Not harsh at all!

Thank you for this very frank appraisal of the situation! You should consider posting this on the main board for the newbies to see and think about.

Laurie

You are right on point.  So many people thing that surgery is the easy way out. That the fat simply melts away.  For me, I'd say the first year was my window for weight loss.  After that, it was hard work.  I'd add a couple more:

-  Follow your surgeon's advice. You only have a short window to take advantage of the weight loss - it doesn't last forever. Don't cheat!!!

- Find support whether here or a local weight loss support group. It's easier when you talk to others in a similar situation.

I'm almost 5 years out and I never hit my surgeon's goal.  However, I've maintained a 120 lb weight loss that I am extremely proud of.  I would do it again in a minute.