Weight Gain Post Op - ThinnerTimes

capnelgin · 08-08-2007, 05:19 PM

I am seriously considering gastric bypass and the only thing stopping me is the consistent readings about weight gain later on. I am confused as to why this happens. Does the stomach get bigger? Are the cravings that you fought before the surgery returning? Is it something about the surgery or difficulty keeping of the new life style? Please help me sort this out as I do not understand and what to know what to be aware of.

LyndasRoom · 08-08-2007, 07:38 PM

The weight loss surgery gives you a tool for life. Some people don't learn healthy habits during the 'honeymoon period' of 6-12 months after the surgery. You CAN circumvent the smaller stomach by snacking all day or eating highly fattening foods. It is a tool, not a cure. People who do not work the tool, are destined to not keep the weight off.

kittens4 · 08-08-2007, 07:49 PM

The way the surgery is done these days...there is very little stretching that goes on. At least this is what my docs told me. So, if a person gains their weight back...they have to really work at it! Lot's of snacking, lots of high calorie drinks, no exercise...etc. they'd have to really push the limits of the pouch. I feel like I eat a lot...but then I remember how I ate before..and even on my worst day now...I don't come close to eating what I did before. I also know what to do if I do feel myself slipping into old habits...and I also exercise...not every day....but enough to keep me healthy! I drink Starbucks, eat goldfish crackers, heck, I even have fries now and then! Just a few..but really, the surgery is the best thing I ever did for myself!!! So, please don't be afraid of the weight gain. I work for a group of doctors who deal in digestive issues and I talk to lots of post gastric bypass people who call for various issues...but no-one I've ever talked to has gained their weight back. I had some problems early on, but today I feel better than ever!!!! It's a personal decision, but I highly recommend the surgery. I have so much more energy and I feel younger now than I did when I actually WAS young!!!!

porshh951 · 08-08-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LyndasRoom

The weight loss surgery gives you a tool for life. Some people don't learn healthy habits during the 'honeymoon period' of 6-12 months after the surgery. You CAN circumvent the smaller stomach by snacking all day or eating highly fattening foods. It is a tool, not a cure. People who do not work the tool, are destined to not keep the weight off.

Pretty much dead on the money.

rainrain · 08-09-2007, 07:10 AM

yes, they are right on the money about the tool.
what I would like to add, is the reminder that the tool is in you belly the other tool which is not affected by surgery is your mind.
It is so benificial to prepare your self mentally.
What I mean by that is, look into why you got heavy, what influences emotionally, sabatoged your weight loss efferts. The stresses of life, etc.
I am writing a book/ manual, on the very topic of keeping weight off after weight loss surgery. In my research I have found that for those folks who follow the guidelines form the very beggining and continue them, are the folks who keep the weight off.
Further more, the folks who realize the emotional baggage does not melt with the fat, and for those who learn the tools to deal and some times just face the demons are the ones who find a life time of healthy weight loss.

Rain