Question:
What are the chances of gaining the weight back after several years?

I always read about people who had the surgery mainly in the past year, I am wondering about the ones who has had this done years ago and how are they doing? I am looking at long term here. If I go through this I want it forever to be thin and healthy.    — Robin A. (posted on March 5, 2002)

March 5, 2002
I'm 1 year out (today!) and have lost 166 lbs. Yes, I would like to drop a few more lbs., but my biggest goal now is maintaining the weight loss I have already achieved. How do I plan to do this? I already work out 4 times/week. I plan to continue this. I already try to put protein first and watch my carbs. I plan to continue this. I already drink 64+ oz. of water/day. I plan to continue this. I weigh myself once a week now, and I'll probably loosen that to once a month in the future. Then, if I see a gain, I will immediately get back with the program and lose whatever few pounds I have gained. I think the key is constant attention to your health.
   — Terissa R.

March 5, 2002
It depends on the surgery, certainly. I had RNY almost 2 years ago. I've lost my extra weight. For months now I fluctuate up and down in about a 5 pound zone. I haven't been regularly exercising this winter -- but it hasn't affect my weight. My surgery controls how much I can eat. It also makes it easier for me to make good choices, although I eat what many on here would consider to be "bad" choices from time to time. This, too, has no negative effect on my weight. In other words, I didn't have to become a weight loss fanatic, I just eat like "normal" people do. It is wonderful, freeing, and an incredible feeling. My surgeon also told me that if I do gain back some weight, the surgery has made it so that I can lose weight again but much, much easier than it was pre-surgery. I think being aware of what you are eating is good, but having to turn into a fitness buff and constant dieter is not required. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.