Question:
I'm I the percentage that is going to fail with this surgery?

I am right at 3 months post and have only lost 39 pounds as of one week prior to my surgery. I am not doing well as far as eating goes. Nothing bothers me. Why is it that some loss 80 or more pounds in 3 months and some don't? I guess I had unrealistic dreams of this surgery just mealting the weight right off. Really, I know it's not a sure fix for the weight but really thought I would not be able to eat as much as I can and that bad foods would make me sick to where I wouldn't want to eat them. Is my surgery doomed? Can I take it from here and lose like others are or is my pouch already ruined? Sorry so many questions but I am beside myself with worry about taking such a drastic step to only fail at it. Also do you think 39 pounds is all I will ever lose? Sorry I am so depressed today. Need advice please.    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 21, 2001)

August 21, 2001
Pick yourself up, dust off those knees and start again. I seriously doubt that your pouch is "ruined" at this point. I think you probably now know in your heart of hearts why some people are down so much weight so fast: They completely change their eating habits post op. It's time to stop testing your tool to see what you can "get away" with and use it the way it was intended. Shame on your doctor for not making sure that pre-op you had a realistic understanding of what post op life entailed! You will have cut out the junk food as much as possible (if not totally) and focus on good nutrition. Unfortuately, the surgery doesn't force us to eat well, it only limits how much we can eat, and in some cases (for a few lucky ones) it elimates the abiltity to tolerate certain types of food. Go back to basics: measure your food; plan your meals and snacks; drink your water; take your supplements (protein and vitamins & minerals). Get yourself into a support group (in person if one exists in your area, or online if that's all that's available to you). Don't give up. You are worth fighting for. You have the ability to do this. The surgery isn't the "easy way out" as some like to say to us, it's one of the hardest things you will ever do - but the rewards make the battle worth those efforts. Be confident.. you will not fail unless you decide to fail. Please be good to yourself! We're all pulling for you!
   — BethVBG

August 21, 2001
This surgery is a tool.. use it to its fullest extent. If you can eat all you want and whatever you want.. are you self sabotaging your self? Are you eating larger quantities than you should and stretching your pouch? Get in and get some counseling so you don't sabbotage this to the point of no return. I feel for you this is a hard situation to be in.. just please get yourself some help.
   — [Anonymous]

August 21, 2001
I understand completely. I also am at 3 months post-op and I haven't lost any weight in 4 weeks.I too can eat anything on this planet without dumping. I get so tired of people saying that we sabotage ourselves. With or without surgery losing weight is the hardest thing in the world for me to do. If it was as easy as simply cutting back on food, none of us would have been obese to begin with. The emotional need for food dosen't "magically" disappear simply because we've had surgery. For some people like you and I, it requires much more than surgery. I am currently seeing someone to help me make this surgery a success. Maybe it would be a benefit to you also. I don't belive you have ruined yourself. You can certainly turn this around. Maybe an all protein diet for a little while would help you get on the right track. But more importantly, believe in yourself. We have a wonderful chance to turn our lives around. We may need more help than others, but that dosen't mean we won't be successful. Just because losing weight isn't as easy for us, dosen't mean we don't want it just as badly as those who lose lots of weight immediately. It's just a little harder. Please e-mail me anytime and we can talk. It helps to have someone to talk to who knows how you feel.
   — arialee

August 21, 2001
I too am wondering If i am failing. I have only lost 106 lbs in a year. I have severe lymphedema in both legs. they are so swollen with fluid they are like elephantitis. I am waiting now for a surgery date for a leg debulking and tummy tuck. Mabe I am expecting too much? I try and go to a Wellness Center 3 times a week to workout, but the way my legs are, it is very difficult to walk. Has anyone else had any problems like this?
   — Carol M.

August 21, 2001
I too am 3 months post op and I have lost 48 pounds. I was wondering the same thing about myself. But I decide that I was not going to fail. I am now walking 1.5 miles everday. Ii bought a 64 oz pitcher too make sure that I was getting in all my water now I get in more than the 64 ounces. And I eat my protein first. Another thing that has helped is I have started back cooking the Weight Watchers way. If you have never done Weight Watchers join and they can help you to learn how to eat and cook all over again. Good Luck!!!
   — Robin C.