Question:
my uncle had this surgery about 1 yr ago and has lost over 100 lbs

i am having the surgery soon but am wondering about gaining the weight back at some point.he has gained 10 lbs and i just want to know how much you can actually gain back. 10-20 lbs is one thing but what about 100+ ? my mom says that he is eating all kinds of things including jelly donuts. i wonder if maybe he doesn't have enough support.    — nikki R. (posted on March 25, 2002)

March 24, 2002
I have to keep reminding myself that this surgery is not magic...it is a powerful tool...and only a tool. We still have to do our part to follow our surgeons plan and eat in a healthy sane way the rest of our lives. This surgery can fail...but in the vast majority of cases the failure rests on the patients choices not the surgery.
   — Joelle B.

March 25, 2002
I am about 13 months post-op and have lost 171 lbs. I have never once gone up in weight since having this surgery, and I don't plan to. If I ever even plateau, I go on a strict all-protein diet for a few days to get going again. I have 46 more lbs. to go to reach goal, and I intend to keep this weight off by constantly monitoring my weight (at least once per month) and keeping tabs on my health. That way, if I do gain a pound or two, I'm on top of it and working on losing it before it becomes a problem. By the way, the statistics on this procedure are good. Patients generally lose between 65-85% of their excess weight and keep off 80+% of this weight after 5 years. Better than any diet plan.
   — Terissa R.

March 25, 2002
Hello, I don't really have advice for you. My father had surgery in October and has lost over 100 pounds. I see him eating more than I think he should and I really worry. He is still losing, but I am afraid he isn't developing the right eating habits for when he will have to maintain his loss. As a fellow post-op, I know how annoying it is when someone tells me what I should eat, or questions my choices, so I don't want to tell him what he is doing wrong or question his choices. I have discussed it with the rest of my family, and we all feel that he is in danger of stretching his pouch and making the surgery useless. The thing is he knows what he is supposed to do, so a nutritionist won't tell him anything new. I don't think he even realizes how much he eats now (snacking and portions). I have already hinted, but I think the next time I see him, I will sit him down and talk about it upfront. Just open by saying that I love him and respect all the work he has put into his journey already, but I wanted to make sure he was still committed to his health, after all he IS the only one that can do this. Maybe suggest recording his intake or measuring food again. I know I may offend him, but I have his long-term health in mind- as I am sure you do. I wish you luck. It is not easy being a supporter, but as a post-op myself I will tell you that we appreciate it.
   — Angela B.