Regaining vs. Maintaining
How many of you on this list are 3 or more years post-op RNY and maintaining your weight loss. Depending on who you ask, the stats can show as many as 50% or more regain all or a substantial amount of their weight back. I am trying to get as much good information as I can so I can:
A. Make an informed decision whether to have this surgery; and
B. Be one of the successful ones, if I do.
I am not looking for advice as to HOW to be successful right now - I just want to know the success rate 3 or more years post-RNY.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I am a little over 3 years post-op and after a slight regain, I have successfully maintained for two years. I will tell you, though, that if I didn't exercise and choose healthy foods most of the time, I could easily regain at this point.
Good for you for doing your homework. It's important that you understand it's not a magic bullet that will automatically solve all your problems forever.
That said, the RNY is the best thing I've ever done for myself and it gave me my life back. Just know that it takes commitment to follow the guidelines of your surgeon and make sure you give your body the nutrients it needs.
I'm healthy and in better fitness-shape than I've ever been in and I'm 54 years of age. It was definitely the right decision for me.
Connie
-147#
I will be three years in February. I am 5'4 and lost from 254 lbs. down to 147-148 which is fairly thin for me as I'm pretty large boned - sizes 8-10. Around the 2 year point, I gained 5 -8 lbs virtually overnight...BUT that's all.
I'm trying hard to make good decisons and I'm getting back to exercise.
If 5-10 lbs. is all I have to worry about, I'll be greatly satisfied.
It takes constant vigilance, but that doesn't mean that you can't have the occaisional treat, etc. It's good ..... and I wouldn't change a thing,.
My surgeon told me on my first visit that IF i decided to have this surgery to expect at least a 10% regain after the frist 3 years or there about. I am almost 2 years out and have maintained the same weigth within 5 pounds for almost 7 months and somedays it is hard, but I know I have to do it. I have lost 150 lbs and I weigh EVERY day just so I can keep things in tow. If the scale goes up fast I get scared, but usually I ate to much salt one day and can expect at least a 4 pound gain and then I lose it as fast as it came on. I try to use my treaddmill at least 4 times a week, sometimes I don't, I admit it I HATE TO EXCERCISE. Overall this surgery saved my life.
Rhonda
I'm not quite 15 mo post-op Duodenal Switch, so not part of the group you're looking for, but I wanted to say good for you for doing your research!
Personally, I think that those who do their homework ahead of time have a greater chance at being successful and happy with their choice because they took the time to learn the good, the bad and the ugly about all of their options, and really *chose* their post-op life.....including all of the commitments that entails (vitamins, eating right for your surgery type, exercise, bloodwork).
Good luck to you - at a little over a year out, I can say I've never been happier with my choice. I've lost well over 100 lbs ,am in a size 12/medium, and am a 29 BMI. I eat whatever I want (which most of the time is protein), and I'm healthier than I've ever been. My recent bloodwork came back a little low so I'm adjusting my supplements, but other than that, I look and feel good. I hope that a year or two from now, these are the types of things you're saying, too.
--BT
Thanks for all of your thoughtful responses, so far. I have talked to a number of people about this surgery and read hundreds of the posts from people hoping to have it. Many of the pre-ops seem so desperate - and it appears that some doctors exploit that desperation. That is so scary. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose 100 + pounds after such a huge surgery - and then gain it back! That is a heart-breaker! I do not want that to happen to me.
I'm not quite in the 3+ year category... I'm actually 18 months post-op and my husband is 27 months post-op. He has regained about 10-15% of what he lost which is about 20-25 lbs out of the 200 lbs he lost. He has lost 5-7 lbs of his regain. He just has to be conscious of what he eats.
What it boils down to is calories in and calories out. Early post-op... it is hard to get enough calories in not to lose. But once you get outfurther out..... you are physically able to eat enough calories to regain weight if you ate high calories food, grazed/snacked all day long. You have to watch what you eat and exercise. Basically what you are is a "normal" person who has to watch their weight.
I do not consider myself to be on a diet now. But I have a certain way I eat. This is my new "norm". I do 3 meals a day, 3 protein shakes a day and sometimes a treat or snack. I'm very regimented and scheduled. It keeps my labs good and my blood sugars stable. I do dump on incidental sugars in things so I know to avoid the real deal so that eliminates that whole class of foods from my diet. I tend to gain weight if I eat wheat so I avoid that too as best I can. I eat lots of protein, vegies and fruit. I do some sugar free things for treats now and then. I do not feel deprived. I do feel like I have a "special" diet if you will. But then again, I was diabetic before surgery and was supposed to eat a certain way then too.
To avoid regains:
1. One has to limit soft calories foods. They flow through the pouch fast and do not leave you feeling full for long. Dense proteins will stick to your ribs and stay with you longer leaving you feeling full.
2. Stay active. Bottom line is if you exercise... you burn more calories therefore you can intake more. It keeps your metabolism up and keeps you fit.
3. Avoid grazing. Try to stick to eating at meal times. When you are done, step away from the table.
4. Be leary of the B, L & Ts. Bites, licks and tastes ALL have calories. It is estimated that folks underestimate their caloric intake by 20%. Each creamer that you put in your coffee has calories. Eat extra bite has calories.
5. If you are hungry between meals... evaluate why you are hungry. Often thirst is mistaken for hunger. Drink some fluids and see if the pangs go away.
6. If you find that old behaviors are coming back... running to food when you are stressed, going into the kitchen cabinets looking for something that isn't there, etc ... it might be good to see a counselor/therapist. We didn't get heavy just by simply having too much food on our plates.
7. Attend support groups. Folks that are successful in the long run tend to keep connected with others.
Good luck,
Kathy
I am 3-1/2 years post-op. I weighed 268 and currently weight 115-117, size 4, and have maintained that weight for over two years now. I do weigh myself every day, which helps me to keep things in check. I don't obsess, but I do watch what I eat most of the time. I do give into some treats, but for the most part I eat to live now instead of living to eat. Good luck to you. Missy
Hey Fiona,
That- "...Depending on who you ask, the stats can show..."?
The only published studies from the Journal of the American Medical Association show -
"For 5 years post-op- 85% average success rate."
"For 10 years post-op 70% average success rate."
Since major improvements in aftercare and nutrition counseling
have only recently been given more emphasis in overall treatment,
I would suspect the predictions of even higher success rates in the near future
Are well warranted.
Anyone giving a 50% figure for regain of all of the weight?
May have some herbal remedies to sell!
Comparing even the worst of those figures to the 90% failure rate
Of even the Best Diet and Exercise programs?
It seems the odds are still greatly in favor of WLS. Yes?
Me? I'm 3-1/2 years post-op.
Started at 385+lbs / BMI of 50.1
And have been at a range of 179lbs to 184 lbs (BMI 23.6 to 24.2)
For over 2 years now.
I have had No vitamin or nutrition deficiencies.
I pretty much eat what I want, and rely on new eating habits to stay on course.
It's a world away from a "Diet Mentality" that I had used to yo-yo my way
Up to Morbid obesity.
Don't be Too alarmed by the folks On the Boards posting about their regain problems.
Most of the folks who have no issues to discuss
Are Off the Boards and living their new lives.
You seem to be off to a great start.
Research, Research, Research!!!
Best Wishes-
Dx
Fiona,
I am more than 3.5 yrs out, I maintain between 5 lbs up or down. If I am not eating correctly I will gain. I gained 5 lbs over 2 weeks, got back to eating correctly last week and have dropped 3 of those 5. I am sure If I wasn't careful I could gain easily... I need to watch the carbs to maintain... Hope this helps.