Question:
Post op weight.

I recently visited my PCP and we talked about my having WLS. He was not supportive but said the decision was ultimately mine. He said that Statistics show that 80% of all WLS regain there pre op weight plus more. Any of you out there that are 5 to 10 years post op I like to hear the positive and the negative. I guess I getting a little nervous about having WLS I'm 3 weeks out. Thanks for your support.    — g. S. (posted on March 22, 2000)

March 22, 2000
That's the problem with so many PCP..The patient has to educate them on the new procedures.. I had gather tons of information for my PCP just to get him to write my referral to a surgeon..(I even took him a video tape of a seminar) He had no idea all the changes and improvements of the past 5 years... So many PCP's have it stuck in their minds of the old procedures that in fact did fail. Take a list of the new procedures into your PCP with statistics on the expected outcomes, and results.. he/she might be very surprised. Good Luck in your quest. Oh, by the way, my PCP now recommends this surgery to his obese patients with history of failed weight loss attempts through conventual means.
   — Victoria B.

March 22, 2000
My neighbor had this done 15 years ago. She weighed 500lbs before and to this day has kept her weight at 150. Hope this gives you some insight.
   — Donna G.

March 22, 2000
Hi-your PCP has old news and is mininformed! (Thats the good news!); I am not at home, and can't direct you to statistics at this point, but I suggest that you search the questions database,(help me out here guys) - maybe search for 'statistics' to get specific info. The National Insititue of Health, Mayo Clinic, and a host of other prestigeous institutions recommend wls as the only successful treatment for patients that are morbidly obese. Sorry I can't give you numbers right now, I'm hoping your search of the database and responses from others will help give you the info.
   — Toni B.

March 22, 2000
Two things, 1st} you say your PCP isn't supportive, so it's obvious he'll say anything discouraging in hopes that you'll just forget about it, but at least it seems as though he'll sign papers or whatever for you if this is what you want to do. 2nd} I think I speak for more then just myself on this one, there is NO WAY in H*LL would I have ever risk my life, being 400+lbs to go under the knife for a lousey 20% chance, now turn that figure around to 80% loosing and keeping it off, 20% chance of regaining, that I can deal with. Good-luck in your research, and whatever decision you make. Take care, post-op 9/21/99 down 128lbs ...Debi :)
   — Debi K.

March 22, 2000
I went through the same thing,my old PCP was a man,(not saying that men don't have compasion,) He basically told me that there was no way that my insurance would cover it and the only way he would recommend it is if I had $20,000. So a year went by and more weight was added. I decided to change my PCP to a women, (not saying she would be any more understanding)But I have heard that she has reccomended this surgery to several people. So here I am today March 18th my new birthday! LOL What I am trying to say is ask around call a few doctors in your network see how they feel about the surgery and switch, and if you really liked your old PCP go back after the surgery!
   — AnnMarie W.

March 22, 2000
Well I had my surgery Nov of 92 and I still am at my goal weight. It does take work to maintain the weight. I have to be careful to not let the old eating habits creap back up because they do want to. It is a daily decision to eat right especailly after being overweight for 40+ years. The main thing we all must remember the surgery is only a tool not a miracle cure for our eating disorders. I would still do this surgery in a minute if I had to do it over.
   — Pat L.

March 23, 2000
Jean, I was going to email you, but you had no profile for me to get your email address from, I wanted to ask you about the link you provided, I tried to bring up this website several times and all I get is a page stating "The page can not be displayed". Is this the correct link or am I doing something wrong? I'm sorry I had to ask you this on an open post, but I'd really like to check it out. Thank-you, Debi :)
   — Debi K.

August 27, 2000
I wanted to know if anyone knew about the meal plan one lady told me she had stoped losing weight and the nutritionist told her about the meal plan its juest liquids for breakfast and 1oz of chicken or fish and 1oz of spinach and 1oz of potatoes or noodles for lunch and dinner no snacks and no eat any thing else juest that plus water Thanks for any help Peggy
   — peggy M.