Question:
WILL SURGERY WORK FOR MY FRIEND, SHE

I have a friend who is overweight but she hardly eats. Although she does like her sweets unfortunately. When she goes to Weight Watchers and finally starts eating, then she will lose weight. Her problem is she doesn't eat enough, so how she's overweight I'll never know. Is this the right or wrong surgery for her?    — Kelly* P. (posted on December 28, 2002)

December 27, 2002
Well I have to say I hardly ate either and was over weight the problem was as your friend does its what we eat. I could eat a bag of chips for dinner and then later other junk food. Also she needs to be tested for her thyroid, maybe there is a problem with that. I would say YES this surgery will help.
   — Schatzie1

December 27, 2002
It is also posible that your friend, like so many of us is a "closet" eater! Most people would have also told you I didn't eat very much...truth is they just never SAW me eating! I would eat a normal dinner or meal with them, and then when I was alone devour a box of cookies and a bag of chips. What you are seeing may not be a true indication of what your friend is really eating. Each person must decide for themselves if this surgery is right for them... no one else can make that decision.
   — Linda 1.

December 27, 2002
Kelly, I just had my surgery 12/05/02. I used to love Sweets..but after a few CARNATION INSTANT CHOCOLATE SHAKES AND other Protein Supps that are sweet!!! I cant stand sweets any more..It isnt easy though giving up the other Carbs I loved too..she should really think about it before deciding...Nancy Poe
   — NANCY P.

December 27, 2002
Yeah, closet. I know someone who would go to visit her parents for dinner. Eat a 12 inch hoagie on the way, eat a nice small polite healthy meal there then get a pizza on the way home. You admit she a candy eater. Surgery wll work. Everyone looses, the average is 70 to 80% of what they are overweight by.
   — bob-haller

December 27, 2002
It's what you DON'T see her eating is why she is gaining weight. Everyone said to me "You don't even eat that much" I of course, agreed with them but it is the hidden eating and grazing we do in private and the high calorie/fat foods. We become very good at hiding our eating. She will lose weight for the most part out a year. The "keeping it off" will be up to her by following the wls rules.
   — ZZ S.

December 28, 2002
I was the same way before surgery, but I was not a closet eater as the previous posters say. I only ate a little bit, but it was all the wrong things. Everyone said the same thing to me "but you don't eat as it is". Well, the surgery has helped me to make me eat the right things. I had surgery on 9/30/02 and have lost 75 pounds (down to 180 from 255 in three months!) I think your friend will do just fine. <3 chrissy
   — Christine C.

December 28, 2002
Yep, former closet eater here. Now if I want to "sneak" a piece of candy or a cookie (which happened during the holidays a bit more)... I sneak it right in front of people. My DH noticed on Christmas Day that I'd snuck a couple more than usual and he called me on it. He's been my greatest supporter throughout and I'll let him keep me honest from here on out. He never thought I ate much before either. So when I talked to him about wanting the surgery I told him all my dirty little secrets. Surgery will be good for her if she does her research and follows the rules as much as possible. Good Luck! - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -100lbs.
   — Anna L.

December 29, 2002
No normal person would have believed how much I could eat in secret pre-op. And I would NEVER have told anyone.
   — Kathy J.