Never say "never"

Last evening, I heard that a dear friend of mine lost her battle with Morbid Obesity and died in her sleep.  She was only 42.  I had reconnected with her in March and here is what she said at that time: 
"I had roux en y in 91, i was @ 492, lost 180, went thru a depression, figured out how to get around the wls and gained 80.  I then went 2 OA lost 50, had a long winter and gained 20.  Just started physical therapy this week, hoping 2 get under 300 so i can get a knee replacement."

She had sleep apnea and was losing the battle with the constant pain she was in.  She was a very lovely, kind, gentle free spirit and wise soul.  She will be missed greatly.

My point in telling you all this is to show that "xxxx lbs. gone FOREVER" is only true if you are vigilant and walk the walk and make permanent lifestyle changes.  My friend was really trying, but she lost the battle.  It will ALWAYS be a battle.  Keeping to this board and seeking support in all forms is KEY.  I had invited her to the board and to our local support meetings, but it never happened.

I am also aware that in 1991, many surgeon's did not provide the great after-care that many today provide.  My friend's story is a sad and cautionary tale.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend! I agree, I cringe every time I see someone write xxx number of lbs. gone forever. As we well know it is a constant battle even once the weight is lost and regain is still much easier then losing is.

Thank you.

You are so right.   This is a vigilant war that we battle every day.  If we aren't careful, the weight will come back with a vengence.
I hope people read this so that they know what to expect,
I'm sorry about your friend died.  She was way to young to leave.

Thank you, her funeral was today.  So sad.......

You're so right.  She was to young to leave this earth.  It never ceases to amaze me, that when we do things to improve the quality of our life and health,  some thing catastrophic  like this happens.  It makes it worse at this time of year,  My heart goes out to you and the family.

No, NEVER say never!!  I had athe RNY in October 2002..8 years later I have regained 80 pounds!  I had lost 140 total.  The surgery only does it's "thing" for 2 years.  After that you are on your own as far as losing the weight.  If you are careful, your pouch will still be small and that can be used as a "tool" for life but as far as the surgery itself actually helping the weight loss, it is done after 2 years. After the 2 years your body gets acclamated to your new digestive system and acts accordingly.    This is not the answer to everything.  It is a tool to be used to achieve what you want but you must still change your eating habits, and your lifestyle.  it is not a miracle surgery. 

I am the one who is to blame for re-gaining.  My old habits snuck back in.  I can't eat alot, but my problem is grazing.  No one to blame but myself. But don't be mistaken, you CAN re-gain the weight back if you don't change your eating habits for LIFE.

berts4, I am so sorry for your loss.  May God Bless.

Jaye

Sorry for the loss of your friend. I have said it over and over to those who snickered at my choice to do the WLS. It's a tool. I too, started to gain, and never got to my goal weight. I went right back to the old habits, and I battle it ever single day of my life. I did not have good post op care, did not have the psychological tools to battle this food addication, and have allowed grazing to undo the work my surgery did. I say all that to say... I'm accountable. I know what to do and I need to be diligent in doing it. I am on a new journey now and more than weight loss (I'd like to lose 30 lbs), its about getting healthy! I have started running, reading labels, and eating less processed foods. WE battle it together, its the only forever we have!