Question:
How many people go through surgery and slowly gain back their weight?

I want to consider this surgery VERY carefully. The failure rate of keeping the weight off is an important consideration for me.    — defatbroad (posted on January 23, 2001)

January 23, 2001
It depends entirely on the surgery you choose AND your post-op nutrition. If you are not given the tools for long term success, it will be ungraspable. THEN, you also have to apply the tools. Some are willing to work with the tools, but the surgery lets them down. It takes the combination for long term success.
   — vitalady

February 20, 2001
Cathy, I just came back from my consultation, and I am sorry to say, I chickened out. My husband and I felt this was not for me. Unfortunately, I am a sweet eater. So the VBG would be no use to me. Because you can eventually eat what you want. You may have to eat small amounts but you can graze all day long if you need to. Now the RNY is different. That one is where yes it will be successful, but I did not like the complication risks being higher and also do not like the idea of vomiting and pooping all the time, especially at moments you do not expect. I know there are people out there that are successful. But I will tell you this. Surgery is not going to do it by itself and I think most individuals think it will. My doctor spend 20 minutes on the surgery and 4 hours on the diet and the modifications you will have to make in your life. This is a lifelong diet you will have to stick to or your weight will come back. So my advice is to go listen to your doctor and see if you are ready for this. It is a major decision and not one to be taken lightly, especially if you do this and in 5 years you gain 1/2 or all or more weight back, which I have heard happens more than we realize. So talk to your doctor and make him or her tell you everthing, even the ways to cheat as my doctor did. That proved it for me that this is still a mind changing no surgery doing the trick. GOOD LUCK
   — Pam C.

February 20, 2001
Cathy..remember the last post has not had the surgery...I am 5 weeks postop...and from what I have already experenced in those 5 weeks I have NO DOUBT this is going to be a sucess for me. Yes it is only a tool, but it has already totally changed my life. I have spent the last 20 years obese, never lost more than 60lbs(and gained it all back PLUS) on any other method..I refused to wait any longer for my life to begin...sound familar at all? I spent 1 year researching this surgery and making sure. Don't let just mine or any other post make your decision..keep coming back to this site and get educated, then you'll really know if it is for you.Good Luck
   — Debora H.

February 20, 2001
The surgery is a tool. A multidisciplinary post-op follow- up program of medical, psychological, nutrional, and physiological care is the key, in my opinion. Find a doc who offers it, or make your own, depending on how motivated you are to create one.<br><br>Surgery is a life-altering experience, and success must be maintained with lifelong treatment, just like with any other terminal disease.<br><br>I don't know who told Pam that you poop and vomit all the time with RNY, because it's absolutely not true. My best advice is to RESEARCH, <i>RESEARCH</i>, <b>RESEARCH</b> for the best surgery type and surgeon for the lifestyle you are willing to maintain after surgery.<br><br>My very best wishes to you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 20, 2001
I am 1 month post op today and down 26lbs (Lap RNY). The doctors can fix your body, but not your mind. I know for me, eating came more from emotions than from actual hunger. I'm extremely glad I did this for myself - I consider it a gift of life. The risks of continuing with morbid obesity far outweighed the risks of surgery. It has not been easy to adjust to my new anatomy, but I know I will. Good luck to you whatever your decision.
   — Jacki Z.