Question:
Genetics

I read somewhere that if you have a family history of obesity it affects your succsess of weight loss surgury. My dads side of the family is huge. My grandma fluctuates between 6 and 800 pounds my 12 year old cousin weighs 400 pounds etc. Is there anyone who has a major family history of obesity and still been successful?    — Amber F. (posted on March 15, 2002)

March 14, 2002
Hi, I really dont' have a answer to your question, except that I seen this special on TV one night about this whole family who was morbidly obese, that had this surgery. So apparently it does work because all of them had lost weight and were much healthier. They were in the restraunt business. So that makes there life and journey a little harder.
   — TONYA B.

March 14, 2002
I am quite sure there is something to genetics but I also believe there is a lot to do with the things we eat and how we were raised. My parents were always cooking high-fat meals and although not all of us are over weight - most of us are. My mom eats sugar and sweets like you wouldn't believe and she's been a "normal" size her entire life...so I don't really know. I do believe if we stick to the diet our docs have given us, at least for the first 18-months, that we should have no problem losing the weight...that's just my belief though, I don't have proof because I haven't had the surgery yet. Good Luck !
   — Lisa J.

March 15, 2002
Although my family is not quite at the same poundage yours is, they are a pretty hefty group. Dad is 320, Mom ran around 350, sister is at 280, grandma was at about 200 (and at 4'10, that was pretty heavy). I consider myself successful at this point (21 months out), having gone from 250 to 138. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

March 15, 2002
I think it all depends on the person not on the family history, I have a family history of obesity and 4 members of my family have had WLS. Grandma & Aunt, six year ago and Cousin & Aunt, two years ago, and I'm hoping to get it done as well. All of them have done great, in six years only one has gained some weight back but not all. hoped this helps
   — Jordyn S.