Question:
Is there anyone 5 yr or more post op have tried any weight loss centers .

I 5 yrs post op and was contemplating going to a weight loss center to lose my final 50lbs. Have anyone tried any centers    — BOOPIS (posted on November 30, 2006)

November 30, 2006
Hi I have not had surgery yet. but a friend of mine lost 75 pounds going to weight watchers and exercising. Maybe this might help you. Good luck! Cira
   — Cira S.

November 30, 2006
HI... I haven't gone to any of the wt loss centers since having my surgery, but I think that I hit most of them over the years before having the surgery. I don't know if any of them have special diets, etc, for post WLS people. Is there any way that you could get a referral back to the dietician that you saw during your preop period? Anyway, here is my preop impressions of the programs that I went with over the years .... I lost weight with every one of them, but gained it back, plus some since I didn't change my permanent eating habits and didn't address the underlying issues that I was using food to self medicate for. Counseling has helped tremendously, as I was an emotional eater. I have since come to know myself better and what triggers my cravings so that I can either prepare how I will handle a situation or understand why I am seeking comfort..... I am convinced that if I were independantly wealthy and didn't have to worry about where my money was coming from and had endless $ to spend, I think that I would be skinny... the food angle is cheap up front... but the longterm cost is very expensive... WeightWatchers..... Their program has changed since I went, I lost about 40lbs when I went to them. If you need the constant support, it is good. They have the weekly weigh-ins. you are (or were) charged for your missed weeks. The key is finding a group leader that you click with. There is no 1-on-1 counseling, just group. So if you are scared to speak up in public, or have some personal issues.. it can be uncomfortable. Jenny Craig... lost about 40lbs with this program as well. It is very structured, little thinking involved. Expensive and some of the food sucks. I did this when I was in college. it was nice as someone had already figured out my mealplan for me. Not very realistic though. They do have one on one counseling though. LA Weight Loss.... Lost about 25lbs with this program. It is the most diverse and doesn't leave you feeling wanting. I was pretty much always full. They will try to sell you their products, but you don't have to buy them. You do have a weekly weigh in and a counselor that will sit and speak with you about your previous week as well as any upcoming events, challenges, etc. Atkins... lost some weight, but the first 2 weeks were killer without any carbs. It also is a pretty high fat diet that you eat for the most part. You can always choose to eat the low fat versions. Optifast... Killer, but I have so many ways that I can make my protein shakes taste better. I still have all the flavorings and extracts that I bought when I was doing that one. I found that very, very hard to stick with. There was no crunch and nothing to sink your teeth into. Hope this helps..... good luck to you.... Kari
   — Kari_K

December 1, 2006
HI, I AM 4 1/2 YRS OUT AND I AM THINKING OF JOINING A GYM.I HAVE GAINED 20LBS BACK AND I FEEL HORRIBLE.HOPE WHATEVER YOU DO WORKS OUT FOR YOU.
   — deb44m

December 2, 2006
It's time to join the Grad list. No guarantee that you'll get the rest of the wt off, but there's also the trick of maintaining the loss you have achieved. There is a lot of combined long term experience on this list and I'd recommend it in conjunction with this site and any local lists you use. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

December 5, 2006
Going on 6 years post-op and joined Weight Watchers a year ago. I wish I would have joined right after my surgery. It is a wonderful program and the meetings keep you motivated and on track!
   — Kath442