Question:
Should I do the LAP RNY even though I don't seriously over eat??

I'm seriously looking into having the LAP RNY done...I'm 5"7 and weight 260 lbs. I'm definitely over 100 lbs. over weight and have other medical reasons for wanting this surgery. But my main problem I don't think is from over eating. I don't eat more than my "slim" sister...or other friends. My problem is more of a VERY slow matabolism (I canet away with having a big meal once a day and not be hungry for the day) and what I eat. I have a fierce sweet tooth and never say no to sugar...not to mention all the fried/junk food. Would it still be benificial to have this done and make my stomach smaller...even though I don't eat that much and stay full for a long time?? Is anyone else like this??    — Lisa U. (posted on February 6, 2001)

February 6, 2001
If you "have a fiece sweet tooth and never say no to sugar...not to mention all the fried/junk food" then I would almost bet that your calorie intake is what's causing your weight problem! Yes, RNY sugar should help you as one great side effect (at least in the beginning) is 'dumping' on sugar and fried foods. You need to develop healthier food choices and RNY gastric bypass will help you do that. You need to become fully aware of the calories in foods and there are many resources available to help with this. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

February 7, 2001
We all know that this is truly a personal decision. I will share with you my reasons for having it done. I am 33, and had a starting weight of 314. About 2 years ago I decioded to do something about this weight once and for all (or so I thought) So, I joined a gym and went on slim fast. Like you, I really didn't eat that much. I just knew my weight was from No metabolism. So, I worked out 3-5 days a week (hard!!!! work!!!!!) and drank slim fast morning and lunch, athen had a small dinner. Well, needless to say, in 6 months I lost a grand total of 1 pound. (yes ONE) I never went back to the gym after that. I stopped on the way home and had a big mac from Mcdonalds. I started eating whatever I wanted, and you know what??? I never gained any more weight. Now, If I was 150 lbs. That would have been great, but I was 314. That is when I got serious about WLS. I knew that enable to enjoy my life again, this was what I had to do. After durgery, I was on a clear liquid diet for 1 week. In that weeks time, I lost 17 lbs. I mentioned to my surgeon at my 1 week post op visit, that maybe I should have just gone on a liquid diet to lose all this weight. He said that it is not only the stomach being smaller, that it also has something to do with the interstine being re-routed. (I am proximal) That even if I didn't have surgery, I would not have lost this much weight on just a liquid diet. Today 3 months out, I have lost a total of 65 lbs FOREVER!!!! I am down to 250. (I have not been there in years - like 8 of 'em) As for the sweet tooth thing, I think surgery itself will also take care of that. If I want something sweet, I can only have a taste, and that is only if I have already eaten. (That drasted dumping syndrom takes care of that for me!!!) So, I think you will do well if you decide to have the surgery. For me, it was a lifesaver
   — Patti S.

February 7, 2001
Lisa, I am 5'6 and pre-op weighed 260 I had Open RNY distal( no lap because of pervious surgery) I also did not consider myself to be a large eater I was more of a picker...picking here and picking there By having your stomach made smaller you will be shocked how littel the body needs to survive and thrive... I have always said my metabolisam was slow also but no in retrospect ...I believe or rather know it was slow and I was over eating also... sit down and add up the calories everyday for a week you will be shocked ..add every small bite you put in your mouth with this surgery you will start out eating between 300-500 calories perday and gradually get upto 1200-1500 that is eating the amount of a lean causine meal at dinner time and a light lunch and light breakfast yes you are a canidate for surgery no one gets to 260 pounds with out eating there way there I know because I did slowly eat myself up to that point and with each pound my energy and exercise level decreased.. I suggest Run don't walk to the nearest WLS Doctor and start living the good life good luck with this decision Kathy
   — Kathleen M.