long term

Hey , are any of you guys long term with your surgery . Say , longer than 3 - 5 years.... Curious about long term success...I've read some people have gained back weight but is that because they went away from the diets or methods of eating that the Doc's suggest.............

Hi Beth, I am certainly not long term, I just had surgery in December...but, I have several friends who are three to five years out, a couple even longer out, who are all in various stages of "success" and I can share a few insights into what I have witnessed. I have watched three of them keep their weight off and three of them gain back most of their weight...how scary! Anyway, the successfull ones maintain an exercise program of walking and mild weights and watch their diet. They don't deprive themselves but they watch portions and don't eat all they can...the pouch has stretched but they limit their intakes to around 1000 cals. a day. The ones who have gained the weight back? Well, I see them eat the exact same kinds of food they ate before, in too large portions, and without a thought of wether they should or not. Also, they drink carbonated drinks and alcohol. AND...this is huge!!!...they do not exercise. I actually had one friend that said to me..."I had this surgery so I didn't have to exercise so why should I start now?" Can you believe that????!!!!! So, for what it's worth...these are my observations.