Question:
Do you think having this surgery is taking the easy way out of losing weight?
I've lost and gained large amounts of weight my entire life and now at 36 I've lost faith in losing and all the methods that I have tried and stopped after losing about half of what I needed to do. I just get spend hours in the gym anymore. — Miera (posted on December 4, 2005)
December 4, 2005
Surgery is not an easy out. It is rearranging our digestive system to give
us a chance, a tool, a personal miracle if you will, for losing weight.
Nothing is worse for self esteem than constant failure, and it has been
proven that it isn't always just in our hands. There are a lot of factors
involved with why we are the way we are. Surgery is our chance to grab that
golden ring on the merry-go-round of life. Take it, it still takes work, it
isn't a magic cure, but it can give us a chance.
— MJ crazy cat lady C.
December 4, 2005
Rachelle
If this were the easy way, then no one would be on regular diets/weight
loss programs. Is it easy- NO, its never easy to have your insides
re-arranged, its never easy knowing this is one of the toughest surgeries
there is, just like a heart bypass, and do you hear anyone saying, having a
bypass is the easy way out to fixing an ailing heart? I havent and I have
been in the " fixing" business for more years than I care to
remember. this surgery may be easy for the surgeon, but for the patient it
is rife with questions, second guessing oneself, and after its over, some
wonder what they did to themselves, until they see the weight coming off.
This surgery is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, and you
have to remember, its our own opinions that are the most important right
now. I would do this again in a heartbeat, and just wish I had it sooner.
Anyone who says its the easy way out is ignorant and needs education,
because this surgery isnt with us just to get us to goal, its here to stay,
and you know how having house guests gets after a week or 2, you want them
to go home, and in this case, home is your new little pouch and you can't
just send it away when you feel like eating something you shouldnt. Easy,
Never- but doable, definitely
Good luck on your decision, it is well worth the thought and finally the
answer you will give yourself.
Cindi
-212#
— DollyDoodles
December 4, 2005
I personally think that there is NOTHING easy about this surgery....it's a
lot of work. And a very big learning process, you have to learn how to eat
all over again and completely change your life style. I believe it was
completley worth it though. Good luck. Franca
— Franca
December 4, 2005
Well, there's really nothing easy about it, but it is certainly easier than
trying to do it yourself. Say you had to drive a nail to hang up a
picture. Would you try to press the nail into the wall by hand, or would
you use a hammer? :D
— Jeanie
December 4, 2005
Ask yourself that again Do you think having this surgery is an easy way
out? of course it's not the easy way out i'm sure by the time you got to
asking this question on this website you have tried evryand everything
known to mankind to lose weight...right or wrong...if i coul ever get my
picture up and navigate this website you would see that although i may not
be as large as some people are my opinion...i have tried everything and
would try anything to get to the size that i want i have tried ww, la,
jenny craig, grapefruit diet, cabbage diet slim fast medi fast diet pill
(phen phen, dexatrim, ionomin, adipex, meridian and some that i cant even
remeber) 3 day diet exercise rice diet hypnosis, and even liposuction...you
name it i didn't just get up one day and say i want surgery and i'm Sure
You Didn't Either..stop beating yourself up i know there is a lot of
thought going oon inside of you but trust yourself you know your pain more
than anyone else dont let someone else make that judement for you take care
and care about your self...
good luck rb
— bina
December 4, 2005
As one girl says, "And why would I chose the hard way?" That
said, we already DID the "natural" ways and we know how well they
worked. WE always say the weight came back because WE dailed, but I submit
that we quit because the weight was coming back ANYWAY. I've done my
surgery twice. Please note I had no hesitation going in for #2 (a revision
to an older surgery), because this is not the EASY way for me. This is the
ONLY way that worked. I still put forth effort to keep the weight off, but
this time, at least I have a fighting chance at success. Diet &
exercise were just a joke for me, without the help of pouch &
malabsorption.
— vitalady
December 4, 2005
I, too, had a struggle with feeling like WLS is the "easy" way
out. To a point, I still do because I see people who need WLS worse than I
did, but for various reasons can't have it. I decided to stop feeling
guilty about people who I am not able to help and take a step in the right
direction to help someone I could help: ME!
I finally decided to have lap band at 28 years of age. By this point, I was
(am) already on three different asthma medications, acid reflux medication,
and muscle relaxers for leg spasms associated with poor circulation (why?
cause my body was too big to pump the blood my muscles needed properly!!!).
I had always been fat, but had always said, "At least I'm not as big
as so-and-so..." or "Yeah, I'm fat, but I'm happy with
myself." When it got to the point that I was the "so-and-so"
and when I honestly answered the question, "Am I really happy with my
body and health?" Is that an EASY way out?!
Of course it isn't!!! It's very difficult to admit you need assistance to
be able to live healthier and longer. It sucks to realize that no matter
what you do, the odds are stacked against you whether due to heredity,
physical handicap...whatever the reasons. But it is also a VERY HUGE relief
once you accept that and feel blessed that you have the opportunity to
change yourself for the better. Your lungs get sick, you see a lung doctor;
foot hurts, see a podiatrist...guts want to do everything to counteract
anything good you've been trying to do for yourself? Ok, now there's a
doctor somewhere who can fix that for you, too!
As other members have already said, but it can't be emphasized enough: This
is NOT the easy way out. Your life will change for the better once you're
through with surgery. Good luck with it and keep us all informed!
— Victoria C.
December 4, 2005
The most fortunate persons I have ever met achieved success with every
endeavor they made. It mattered not what path they chose, for all were
certain to lead to victory. For the rest of us failure occurs more often,
forcing us to find another way, unless guilt keeps us banging on the same
closed door. There is no shame in choosing this other way, for the
ultimate goal is the same, yet once achieved it will be savored more for
the effort.
— Dr. Brackman
December 4, 2005
In no way has this surgery been the easy way out for me. It has been the
most difficult, trying, emotional, and painful thing I've ever done.
— RebeccaP
December 4, 2005
This is by no means easy. The decision to seek surgery opens up doors that
we would rather not open i.e. another weight loss program, psych
evaluations, second guessing ourselves you name it. Then the insurance
company decides whether you need it or not and the appeal process if denied
and the same feelings all over again. Now surgery is scheduled and all the
testing are you healthy enough to have it. Now the doctor re-arranges all
of your insides. Recovery clear broth, full fluids, soft foods, regular
food and don't forget water and protein and exercise and don't lift
anything for 6 weeks or more. Now you just take it one day at a time and
try and get everything in like you should and tomorrow is another day.
Check the sugar content and fat content before buying something what you
had before may not sit well with you this week. If people think it was
easy being fat they should try getting thin.....................
— 1968 Loser
December 4, 2005
The WLS is not an easy way out. You still have to watch what you eat and
exercise after recovering. What you are feeling -- and I hear -- is
frustration about the weight loss processes you have been going through and
still have the weight. I'm starting my journey towards the WLS surgery --
come walk with me. I still have to go through 6 months of physician
supervised weight loss program to satisfy my insurance company. Is the
surgery the easy way out -- I don't think so.
— the7thdean
December 4, 2005
i have had nine abdominal surgeries some little ones and some big bad ones
and i am trying to refinance my home to do this one because i kn ow that i
have done everything that I can and i can't lose the weight any other way
it is not the easy way out for me it is the only way out i wish you luck
and pray for me too. donna
— donna m
December 4, 2005
I do not think that having surgery is an easy way out. I was told that
having the surgery is only a tool. Sure lots of people lose lots of weight
after the surgery, but its becasue they have the TOOL as well as discipline
to do what they are told to do. Not to mention all the risk factors there
are with surgery. I am glad that I have made the choice to have my
surgery,
Melissa
— kizie23
December 4, 2005
NO...this surgery is not the easy way out. Actually I consider it the hard
way out. The permanent lifestyle change, the surgical pain and possible
complications. I have seen 2 friends go thru this before me. They live
with constant food rejections, gas, and all in all very sensitive systems
now. Deffinately not the easy way out....but for most..the last resort. I
know for me if there were another answer I would have found it by now. SO
the easy way out..not at all....the smart way after years of
struggling..yes.
— allyson1211
December 4, 2005
It's ironic that you should ask this very question because on my
"third re-birthday" I began a story entitled IT AIN'T THE EASY
WAY OUT. I echo the sentiments said here, there is nothing easy about this
answer to life long failures of diet and exercise and I am so frustrated by
the ignorance of some people. I generally tell them, if you really think
it's so easy, follow me around for a day...watch me get food stuck if it's
too dry, so I end up eating the most mushy thing available on the menu.
Watch me deal with the reality of not getting enough protein (worn down,
look tired, feel like I want to die) or the marathon sessions I now spend
at the grocery store reading lables and chosing the best foods I can to
feed myself. Nah, there's nothing easy about this, not early on not three
years later when I am a serious old-timer!
Jen
RNY 11/12/2002
— Mrs. Rich
December 4, 2005
Hi Rachelle!
After reading all the comments everyone has made and agreeing with all of
them, it doesn't leave alot to say without repeating, but I just have to
say myself that wls is NOT the easy way out! A co-worker that I trusted as
a friend turned on me when I told her what I had been considering. I just
chalk it up as ignorant! I've spent alot of time, at least a year
researching wls, and not only is it not easy, the decision itself isn't
easy. I'm only at the beginning of my journey (surgery is Jan. 11th) and I
KNOW it's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done,the decision itself
was the toughest I've made,but I also know that it will be the best and the
smartest thing I can do for myself.
My advice to you is to RESEARCH ALOT, ASK ALOT OF QUESTIONS(everyone here
is great and very helpful),and DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU! Don't let others
push you in any direction. The decision is yours and yours alone! I wish
you all the best, no matter what you decide.Take Care~
Lisa
— Lisa Michelle
December 4, 2005
Again not to reiterate what everyone else said, I am about 10 weeks out
after surgery and have lost over 50lbs. I WASTED 10 years listening to
people tell me I was taking the easy way out. I lost those years. After
only these first 50 I feel like a different person, like I haven't felt
since I was 18. It is a truly life changing decision. Do Not waste time if
your only reason for not having it is you are afraid of taking the easy way
out, I regret that so much now. Time is precious.
— [Deactivated Member]
December 4, 2005
Hi Rachelle,
I don't think having the surgery is an easy way out at all, we are all
going through the same thing, I have been on many diets and have tried many
different techniques. This is a life change, and this surgery is only a
tool to our success. It is a very difficult decision to make, this will be
forever if we want it to be a success. It is going to take a lot of hard
work and determination. Don't lose faith, I am 34 years old and I am
finally taking this big step in my life, all I have left is one nutrition
appt and I am ready for my life's journey. I wish you all the luck in what
ever you decide, but don't let any one discourage you and make you think
this is the easy way out, because it is not, it is only our tool for
success:)
— murea
December 4, 2005
I guess I am in the minority here. While getting to the point of getting
surgery certainly was not easy (stress stress stress!), this is certainly
the easiest "diet" I have ever been on! What more could I ask
for than a built in "full" meter? I have never been successfull
at limiting my intake or what I eat. I am still not great with the choices
I make. But, I have been successful and feel this has been the easiest and
coolest ride of my life!! Wish I had done it years ago!!!
— MissKimberly
December 5, 2005
Know what? In the end...who cares if anyone thinks this is the easy way
out or not? I, personally, refuse to try and convince anyone that the
decision I made to have surgery is what was right for me. No one else has
walked in my shoes and I don't have the mental energy to "debate"
w/people who aren't supportive of my journey. Those of us who have it done
are part of a unique circle of people who know what WLS has done for us and
to us. So, call it the WLS Club? YUP...cuz we're all in it together!
— johare
December 5, 2005
Weight loss surgery by no means is the easy way out.. we have to deal with
eating habits; learning to eatly slowly;learning what works for us and what
doesn't. Furthermore; if your an emotional eater.. ha, we have to deal
with that as well. Speaking of food choices; I am very, very lucky, I went
thru the Stage I,II & III of eating and am proud to say that I can eat
fish, chicken or steak with no complications at all. I really and truly
thought this was going to be very difficult for me(mentally). It wasn't..
and physically, my surgery took 50minutes, I was released the following day
and in the park playing kickball on thursday and friday. But for those who
second guess us for having weight loss surgery.. SHAME on them... do you
think they would turn down heart surgery if it would have saved their life.
I think not!!!
DS!
— ds
December 5, 2005
This IS NOT the easy way to lose weight. It is painstakingly critical to
learn how this affects your body the remainder of your life and that the
surgery is MAJOR sugery and not a piece of cake. (no pun intended)
I was concerned that I was taking the easy road after years of 100+ losses
and gains and decided to research this wls idea. Check with NIH and read
their 1993 report. RNY is one of the top surgeries for sucessful weight
LOSS and MAINTENANCE. Like many, I could lose the weight, but gained it
back over time. Then, as I aged, it was harder to lose and so much easier
to gain.
At 51, I made my decision, underwent six months of preparation through
Kaiser with nutritional counseling, some required weight loss and gastric
bypasses to learn exactly how and why the surgery works and why it is not a
"quick fix" and certainly not an "easy way out".
Good luck with your decision and should your insurance require some
education and counseling on your part, remember it is for your benefit. I
started this process on March 31st and had my surgery on December 1st. I
am just a newbie and can't give lots of advice other than to do your
research......read, join support groups comprised of other wls patients,
pre, and post. Most importantly, remember that this is a major TOOL to
achieve success and that you still have to exercise will power and follow a
healthful eating/exercise plan!
Laura
— LauraA
December 5, 2005
n easy way out to save my life. When i first had surgery i was 409 lbs and
only 27 years old... My doctor didn't have a lot of talking to do to
convince me because i had already prayed for a way to lose weight and keep
it off. When i went for my sleep test and my heart stopped 140 times i one
night and it stopped 2x for 20 seconds well that sinched it for me. Then
whe the pulmonoligist (sp) said Ms. Smith you will die in les than 5 years
if you do not lose weight and you do not have time for diet and exercise
ALONE well I am ready.. Is this surgery easy heck no.. What is easy about
knowing that someone will be cutting your insides.. what is easy about
finally grasping the fact that eating healthy is a way of life not a diet,
exercise is a must for long term success, and drinking water is a
necessity.. Now I ask how can learning to do what you NEVER did is easy.
Trust me it is the hardest decisison for an addict like me.. BUt it is the
best decision for me. I am over 200 lbs lighter (I am almost 6ft tall), i
no longer snore and I get my monthly every month (never did i suffer from
pcos) so i look back and say was it easy I say yes, it was easy to fight
for my life
— ilovelauryn
December 5, 2005
this surgery definitely is NOT easy!!!!!! However, if you CAN lose weight,
I do not recommend the surgery. Having the surgery is only a tool, and
you still have to work hard and exercise in order to lose weight.
— Novashannon
December 5, 2005
I had a Lap RNY 15 days ago and can honestly say that between the liquid
fast prior to surgery and the surgery itself this has been the most
challenging personal time of my life. If anyone ever tells me I took the
easy way out it's not going to be pretty. My pain is almost gone, but this
eating thing is definitely a learning experience. I spend my time counting
protein and trying to get enough fluids in. I haven't chewed anything in
over a month. Poor me? No not really, I knew what I was getting into for
the most. There have been a few surprises (wink wink) that I am sure we
have all encountered, but this great online community has been the best
resource I could hope for. Thanks all and thats my 2 cents.-Heather
— tazthewiz23
December 6, 2005
Absolutely not. There is nothing easy about this. First, you have to be
willing to lay your life on the line, then you have to decide to take the
chance of living with potential side effects. If you are lucky to get past
both of these obsticles, you have to learn a whole new way of
eating...being prepared with the right kind of foods at ALL times and the
right amount of water, etc. And after aaaalllllll of that you may still
have to spend hours in the gym because this is just a tool. You can gain
weight back. I have to work out six times a week just to maintain where I
am or else my sub par eating habits will get the best of me...(oh yes, the
emotional eating doesn't necessarily go away either). Sorry for the
rambling, but there is nothing easy about this. I wish you well.
— Rachelq
December 6, 2005
I dont think that doing the surgery was the easy way out for me....I had to
make a decision whether I wanted to be 318lbs for the rest of my life..the
quality of life just was not there, it has not been easy but I am so happy
that I did it. I have also lost and gained my weight my entire life and
have not had the will or the strength to do anymore dieting. I hope this
helps, it will at least give you, to me, the biggest tool to lose a
large amount of weight, and for me hope, a new chance. Aloha
— Kuukahi
December 13, 2005
You know what, I've heard this so many times over the years. At first, I
was so offended. Then I started replying, "So what? So what if it is
the "easy way out"? Just for once in your life, wouldn't you
want someone to come along and offer you an easy way out of a problem that
you've struggled with for your ENTIRE life?" See what they have to
say to that.
— [Deactivated Member]
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