Recent Posts
Finally someone said it. Great thread to read, but I kept waiting for the obvious. Sure, our altered digestive systems do make us vulnerable to alcohol dependence due to how we metabolize it, but the core of the problem is that most WLS patients tsp were addicts going into the surgery. The vast majority are Food addicts. The bariatric community is still ambivalent about the rally of food addiction, but it certainly looks like good addictiin fuels the obesity epidemic.
I am having a problem to and I am 8 years out. Mine has gotten worse since I started taking a supplement the dr ordered for another problem I have.
I had a barium swallow the other day and the results were a large hiatal hernia with the fundus and a portion of the body of the stomach above the hemidiaphragm. I received the results before I get to see the dr so I am not sure what is going to be done. It may be something you want to ask your dr about.
I need to add that I am also having problems with being short of breath with exertion and eventual vomiting.
I am having a problem to and I am 8 years out. Mine has gotten worse since I started taking a supplement the dr ordered for another problem I have.
I had a barium swallow the other day and the results were a large hiatal hernia with the fundus and a portion of the body of the stomach above the hemidiaphragm. I received the results before I get to see the dr so I am not sure what is going to be done. It may be something you want to ask your dr about.
I need to add that I am also having problems with being short of breath with exertion and eventual vomiting.
I am having a problem to and I am 8 years out. Mine has gotten worse since I started taking a supplement the dr ordered for another problem I have.
I had a barium swallow the other day and the results were a large hiatal hernia with the fundus and a portion of the body of the stomach above the hemidiaphragm. I received the results before I get to see the dr so I am not sure what is going to be done. It may be something you want to ask your dr about.
Thank you Sharon. It is rather disconcerting that WLS doctors don't add the possibility of alcoholism along with their other warnings of possible complications of weight loss surgery. I recall only they said something about not drinking your calories but thought of it as drinking soft drinks or fruit juice full of sugar. They should make it clear about addiction transfer, and the first I have heard the term is from you, and me being 13 yrs post op. And yes, I have been through an alcoholism program and joined AA too. I have had an occasional slip, but I am doing pretty well now. And thank you for your support offer. I know we can all use it, whether we admit it or not.
Hi Jerry,
I'm just now getting caught up on reading posts, but saw your post and wanted to support you. I am now 16 months clean and sober, after 12 years of deeper and deeper bottoms in my life. I am 13 years post-op distal RNY. I developed addiction and alcoholism tendencies at 18 months post-op.
The current statistics based on studies done in Europe and the USA break down like this:
In 2015 there were over 200,000 WLS procedure done in the US (mostly RNY).
Surgeons report that up to 11% of post-ops will be at high risk for rapid onset addiction transfer = 22,000 new alcoholics/addicts per year in the US alone.
Dieticians, nurses, allied mental health staff are seeing reports that indicate up to 30% will develop addiction transfer = 60,000 new alcoholics/addicts per year in the US alone.
I never used or craved alcohol prior to WLS. It hit me like a run away train at 18 months post-op. If you would like additional online support, I am a member of a closed (to outsiders not in our group) Facebook Group called Transfer Addiction after WLS. It is an amazing wealth of love and support for WLS'ers in the throes of either trying to get clean and sober after WLS, or are already sober and helping others find that peace.
Putting down alcohol and *not* picking up food again was possible, only through my own surrender of my stubborn ego, wanting to do things my way, becoming sober through the love and support of AA. But recovery comes in many forms, not only thru AA. It's out there.
I'm blown away by how little info is being shared about addiction transfer - and my mission is to change that. I'm re-enrolling in a Kaiser post-op support group and will begin to break the silence.
Feel free to contact me if you'd like further info or general support.
Warm regards,
Sharon L. Magar Sharon Magar-Kessler, L.M.F.T. 707.280.3342 cell & text [email protected]Hi Lisa,
I've been away from OH a long time but because of a similar tale in some ways, I'm back and plugging in again.
I'm a 13 yr post op RNY gal, and also a therapist, researcher and writer. My focus over the last year has been looking at WLS post-op rapid onset alcohol/addiction issues.
It took me down hard about 10 years ago, starting out similar to your story. By the time I finally hit the rooms of alcoholism recovery, I was on death's door, all due to the destructive cycle of addiction via alcohol.
There is a term in bariatrics that described the alcohol issue, "Addiction Transfer". It involves both the drive to shift from food to another source of pleasure, but also involves understanding the metabolic issues which lend themselves to the rapid onset of addiction & alcoholism.
We are also trying to bring education and enlightenment about this issue to WLS surgeons, but that is a long, arduous road. In the bariatric community there is a good bit of resistance to linking WLS to alcoholism, but the studies are out there.
Surgeons report that about 11% of WLS patients are at high risk for addiction transfer but others in the therapy and allied health side of things are reporting up to 30% of patients at high risk postoperatively, within the post-op window of 12-24 months post-op.
This translates to a minimum of 22,000 new alcoholics and/or addicts a year (by surgeon stats) and up to 60,000 new alcoholics/addicts a year (Allied Health reports).
Alarming? I think so! Anyway, I wanted to reach out and support you in your quest for serenity and WLS success.
I'm a part of a very active (closed/private) Facebook Group called "Transfer Addiction after WLS." If you would like to join our secret little group (secret but not secretive, LOL) let me know and I will add you. This group has shifted my entire world around losing my health and life to alcohol and opiates and now living in the solution and possibilities of mind, body, spirit recovery.
Best to you in your journey!
Sharon Magar
Sharon Magar-Kessler, L.M.F.T.
707.280.3342 cell & text
[email protected]
I hate to say this but I am relieved I am not alone. smh
I'll be 5 years Oct, and 30lbs has creeped back up in the last 6 months to a year. Nothing fits, I was using hair bands to keep my pants closed then I actually dug into my "fat clothes" Omg. Dont ask why I kept any, but in a way I'm glad I did. I even bought Yoga pants at Wal-Mart to wear to work. Very professional
After trying unsuccessfully to get back on track I joined Weigh****chers last night. My son is getting married in November and I NEED to get back down. I paid for 3 months and I begged them all to help me. I sat and cried looking around the room.. I shouldn't be there. I had permanent surgery! My stomach was practically removed!
I had orignally lost 80 in 5 months then it just stopped, no matter what I did I couldnt lose anymore. I was still 40 away from my goal but I was in a size 12 so I accepted it and like Cheryl said, "I got comfortable". (formerly 24) I'm back in a 18/20 now. I CANNOT buy a size 20 dress to for this wedding!!!
Should I be able to lose 40 in 2 months?? WW leader said she cant let me do that. I doubt the WW 2# a week rule would apply to surgical members.
I've been trying on my own since the date was set in February but I gained weight! Wth!!
Has anyone tried WW after RNY or any other surgery?
Ive also been binging on Forks over Knives, The Engine 2 guy, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead Documentarys. I dont plan on going Vegan but I could get into it a few days a week.
Thank you! I sincerely appreciate any help!! 
www.obesitycoverage.com/the-pouch-reset-losing-weight-after- weight-regain
also google bariatric eating "back on track" program
RNY 8/6/15 HW 304 LW 124lbs RW 165 CW 140 Weight loss stats: Liquid Pre-op -35, August-18, September-12, October-11, November-18, December-16, January-12, February-10, March-11, April -8, May-11, June-5 July-5,August-6
Try to watch "That Sugar Film"
I eat meats, eggs, fish, cheese, salads with Italian, Ranch or Cesar dressings.
I have bacon almost every day.
I do not count calories.
Once you lose the sugar addiction, you will find that you are very seldom hungry.
Google Adkins Diet induction food list and you will see what is ok to eat.
After the first week, the diet is very easy and it is amazing how you dont feel hungry.
