10 year WLS Success Statistics both frightening and comforting - xpost

I went to the monthly support group meeting that DukeWLS holds. I often glean bits of information that help me when I go to these meetings. This month they shared some statistics that I found both frightening and comforting.

* They said that in studies that look at WLS patients 10 years post op, it looks like about 10% will gain back everthing that they lost.

* And an additional 10% will regain a significant amount of their excess weight, so much that they no longer classify them as successful WLS patients.

That means that 20% of all weightloss patients will suffer a significant regain!  OMG!!! That's a terrifying thought! But, I also found some comfort here, because this means that there is an amazing 80% success rate. They said that the studies also seem to indicate that structural failure is now very rare, instead, the failure seems to be behavioral. I find this to be both frightening and comforting;

* frightening because I know that my behaviors are part of what got me into the mess I was in when I had the surgery and

* comforting because I know that I ultimately have control over my behavior and since my WLS I have made significant changes in choices I make in my life. 

I have acknowledge that it is necessary to my longterm success for me to be ultimately accountable to myself on a daily basis. I log my intake and activity so that I am aware of the choices I'm making and the ulitmate impact of those choices. I participate in activities that support healthy choices and actions. I also work on examining my behaviors to try to identify and manage issues that are dangerous to my long term success and health.

Wow! That is scary and comforting. 80% is better than anything else out there right now!  Thanks for posting this!

Mary

Hi Mary,

I hope that like me, you find it more comforting than scary. I'm hoping that I'm scared enough to do the things I need to do to take care of myself while I'm comforted that we have overwhelmingly good odds of being able to maintain the good health we've achieved.

Wishing you continued success,

Barb

That is so true...Frightening but somehow comforting...

I was so worried that I would slip and hurt myself during my two weeks of not journaling my food and checking in here...But I weigh about 1/4 pound less than I did when I left..I found that a big FAT WOW...

I am just now getting back to journaling my intake and my activity level is necessarily slow during this heat but I just can't sit still...No matter how I try..

Hey Dawn,

As I said to Mary, I hope that you find this more comforting than scary. I know that even with the heat that I do so much better now than I did before and I'm hoping that I'm just scared enough to keep doing the things I need to do to keep enjoying the benefits.

Keep up the good work and take care,

Barb

My mantra is Never Again.

I don't see myself gaining back 50 pounds (or more) because there is going to be serious hell to pay if I ever get 10 over goal (currently 7 under).  All journeys start with a single step and that is where some need to stop.

I think since you are really monitoring yourself you will remain successful.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

Hi Barb,

Thank you for your very important post with this information.  It is so common to regain weight.  The knowledge that this not only can happen but does if we don't change our habits is essential.

As always, thank you for your wonderful posts.  I'm so happy you are a member of our Leader Team.

Cathy

Cathy,

I agree that this is an important issue for all of us. It's important that we not become complacent, but that we remain aware and vigilent to ensure our longterm success.

I truly appeciate your confidence and support. You are an inspiration in so very many ways.

Thank you,

Barb

Hi Barb,

Ah, thanks.....right back at you!!

Cathy