Question:
They say that you will lose weight up to 2 years then it is totaly up to you?

People try to tell me that the first 2 years you will lose weight, but atter that if you are not careful you will gain ....What are they really talking about? I had my surgery in 2007 and the only fear i have is strecting my pouch.. I only eat abit never stuff myself but i try alot of foods...... Can anyone tell me about there experience?    — mich_rny1-18-2007 (posted on March 24, 2007)

March 24, 2007
What they are talking about is that if you stretch your pouch out too much or graze on food all day, you will gain the weight back. People who go back to their old ways of eating - eating too much, eating bad carbs, eating late at night, etc (you get the idea) you will gain the weight back. The people, I feel, that have done this, never took the time to go to counseling to learn why they were eating wrong and using food as a comfort measure. If you don't substitute healthy habits for the bad habits that got us ALL in the situation where we opted for surgery, then we will all fail. It is only the ones that change their behaviors and coping mechanisms that are the successful ones. Hope this helped explain things.....
   — Kari_K

March 24, 2007
Michelle, I had my surgery in '02 and as of last year I was still losing weight ( only 10 #'s) But still losing, This surgery was a life style change. One that we need to stick with forever. I have heard of some people gaining some weight back. I even work with a woman that did.. BUT she did not follow the "rules" Keep eating small meals, Eat your protein, Exercise......... AND be happy......Try not to worry about it, once you get to your goal, you could possibly gain some back. My doctor told me that most people gain 10% of what they lost back....... I have lost 168, so IF I were to gain 17 I don't think I'd be to upset........More than that, YES I WOULD .....Weigh yourself at least weekly after you hit your goal. DOn't become obsessed with it...But we need to keep track of it....... GOOD LUCK and enjoy your new life.
   — Wendy1954

March 25, 2007
Hi Michelle. Thanks for your question. It sounds like you are just beginning your journey as a wls patient. The information that you state is is basically accurate. The first 6 months to 1 year is the honeymoon period. You will get the best success here if you do the program, protein, water, exercise. Skip one of these steps and you will not have the success that you could have. After the first year, the 2nd year you can still lose weight, especially if you watch what you eat and progress in your exercise. If you exercise regular, you will up your routine to suit your body, and thus cause more toning, and ability to burn more calories that you absorb. Your pouch will always be there for you, but if you don't use it, and if you quit exercising, or if you choose to damage your pouch, yes you can gain it all back. It should not be a fear as much as a healthy respect for what you just went through. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence. Surrender to your head issues, your body suffers. Train your mind to do right and reject things you used to embrace (like no exercise and eat whatever you want whenever you want), and you can have great success for years to come. I am 3 years out and just saw my surgeon. They are pleased and I have surpassed their goals for me, and kept off the weight for the past year (since my last visit). Keep in mind that your pouch will stretch naturally. It wil not stay tiny. It is a muscle, and will stretch. I always say PTP, protect the pouch. This is my goal. I eat most everything I want, in small quantities and moderation. I personally never had surgery to stop eating, but to finally learn satisfaction. So I eat a small amount of this or that, and keep up my protein and water (most of the time), and work at exercise. The success is up to you, it is just once you gain success, you have to maintain it. It is not a free ride, it is not a miracle, your pouch is just a tool. Use it well, and it will do well for you, misuse it, and you will be sorry you ever thought of having surgery. Respect what you have done to your body. Surgery is a big decision, and one for life. Hope this help. Take care, and best to you. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P