XPOST Pre-Op Rant I Guess

Hi all,    As a pre-op, I was peeking over at the revision board and saw there are those who had significant regain after their RNY. Some of the procedures were done years ago and the surgery has changed some since then. I am scheduled for my RNY surgery on 7-7-08. Please stop me if I am wrong but I don't see how regaining can be the fault of the RNY itself? I mean only that it is our mentality that keeps us from eating and eating after surgery and the surgery itself merely is a tool to help us control our portions and aid in malabsorbing certain elements of consumption. I know several people who had the RNY surgery and have been very succesful 3, 4 and 5 years out. I also know a few who continue to eat "junk food" and then complain that they are regaining. I do hope that I do not regain but I am trying to tell myself over and over that this is not "magic" and I won't be able to eat unhealthy and expect to maintain a healthy weight. I know it sounds like I am being a b*tch but I want to know what people's personal experiences with regain are. I just don't understand how blaming regain on your procedure is right. It isn't there to magically allow us to eat whatever and whenever we want, right?  I hear people telling me not to even bother having surgery because I am destined to regain so I have taken it upon myself to start working with a behavioral therapist and nutritionist to work on the mental aspect of eating different...not just the physical changes being made to my insides. Thanks and I apologize if this was taken the wrong way

Crazy question , what does x post mean?  I see a lot of people use that in their title.  Thanks in advance for letting me know. As far as regain, this surgery is not a magic pill.  I am only a few weeks post op, but my surgeon and nutritionist said, put the good habits in place now - low carbs, high protein and exercise nad when the time comes to maintain, it will be easier, but still hard work.  Good luck to you! Mary

Xpost means that the same post was posted on another board (usually the Main Board).  Regain can be the fault of the surgery, if the stoma was not tight enough, or if there is staple line disruption.  There are numerous reasons why people regain, and everyone has their own crosses to bear, so to speak.  I think you are doing some solid things (therapy, etc) to keep yourself on track.

As a long term post of of a 200 pound loss and NO regain . I tell you , that the surgery is a tool . The success of the surgery depends on the individual . Yes , there can be stoma increases and needs for revisions , however for the most part the people that regain will tell you it is because they do not follow the rules of the pouch .  I for one .. did not have this surgery to fail . I have and will always follow the rules . Now . do I stray .. of course I do . I am human . But I know the key .. and for me this is the answer ..  PROTEIN - WATER AND EXERCISE ...  not to mention making good , healthy food choices .  This surgery does work .. it is up to you the patient to be accountable for your weightloss or regain .  You are exactly right in saying this is not magic .. it is a gift .. and a tool .  I know that if you want this bad enough , willing to do the work .. and to stay mentally and physically in the game .. you will obtain your goals and reach dreams you would have never seen .  If you have any questions .. or want to talk .. I am here ..  Take care,  Natalie

There can be a lot of reasons for regain, but my surgeon said the most common is going back to the old way of eating (junk or fast food) or eating sweets.  Most of the people he has done surgery on that have regained have admitted to at least one of those reasons.  Funny, I was a sweet-aholic before surgery and now they loook and smell awful to me!  So does fast food which we used to eat a lot. It's great insight to get yourself into therapy and nutritional education before surgery.  Try to start exercising too, even if it's just a slow short walk.  I didn't but wish I had.  Now I have actually gone to the "g" word twice (gym) and am loving it.  Me, in a gym, who'd have thunk it Listen to your heart, only you can change you. Julie