Second_Chance_Graham

I was advised to stay away from foods not approved within my post surgical diet plan; so I have done that and have never experienced a dumping episode. The foods I am supposed to avoid are the foods that helped me become morbidly obese, so why would I want to go back to any of them? Seems like doing so just to test the waters is self-sabotaging and not a wise road to travel.

I feel the psychological exam is extremely subjective and studies have proven that the results of it have little bearing on future success of the surgical patient. That said, I "failed" the initial exam and was prescribed 12 weeks of therapy to discuss my issues. I felt it was a total waste of time and very little benefit was gained. That said, I have since had gastric bypass surgery and lost almost 150 pounds in total. Although I did not agree with the results of the psychological exam, I am glad that I stuck with the program. Believe me, it's worth it. Hang in there!

Yes. for about 10 years. Lost about 50 pounds, but could never stand to have the band filled to where it had any effect. Bypass is the way to go from our perspective, but you need to make that decision with your surgeon and for yourself.

My wife had a band to bypass revision earlier this year and has had great success. We follow the plan, take the vitamins and lose the weight. No bariatric procedure is without risk or side effects; but neither is obesity. I recommend you speak with your surgeon, understand the benefits and risks and do what is right for you. Life it short, no sense in waiting around Best wishes to you!

Congratulations! The best suggestion is to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon. Nothing you can receive elsewhere is as applicable to YOU as what your program has provided. Follow the plan you were given and you will have success. That said, welcome to our community and you will find a lot of hints and some great advice as you travel along in your journey.

My advice would be to treat your obesity in both mind and body. Surgery is a wonderful tool to assist you in your journey, but it is not in itself sufficient to resolve your obesity. I would also recommend working with your insurance provider to better understand what options are available to you. Not all insurance plans are created equally and it is better to know what yours says about bariatric treatments prior to setting a plan forward. Best wishes in your journey and welcome to this forum.

Thanks for all the kudos. I hear the last 10% is the hardest to lose, but honestly I feel so much better mentally at this point that I know I can and will lose it. The bypass surgery served it's purpose; gave my relationship with food a hard reboot and I feel much more in control of my eating habits.

So it's my turn to celebrate! After 33 years of carrying 100+ pounds of excess weight, this week I made it to Onederland I am happy to be so close to my goal, now time to start working on toning up.

I take it right before bed. Sometimes it does too much good, if you know what I mean. But i prefer that end of the continuum. Something about washing the food out of the stomach before it is properly digested can cause constipation.

I take Miralax daily. It's the only thing that works for me. Doctor told me it is the same mechanism that causes the weight loss that causes the constipation. Whatever that means. I have also read that the more you separate eating and drinking, the less constipation is a problem. I have not seen the correlation.

Well folks, I have finally hit my plateau. Almost 7 months out and I have stalled just 22 pounds from my goal and I have been stuck for 3 solid weeks. I have tracked calories, logged my exercise, never touch sugar and very little for carbs (and only healthy carbs in that). I know we all hit it eventually, just disheartening to be in the middle of it. I hope it will pass soon if I keep doing the work. But it's hard, and I needed to vent.

All of your concerns are valid and, yes, even possible outcomes you may experience if you opt to have any weight loss surgery. I would say most people who choose this path have all the same concerns. Some develop complications, some don't, sometimes complications come far down the post-op road. For me, it came down to a risk/benefits analysis. We all know the dangers of being morbidly obese, compounded by age. WLS gave me a chance at something better and I took it. There are no guarantees of a simple, carefree life with or without the risk of WLS; however, those of us who have gone

Thanks for sharing the pictures and congrats! I am only 5 months out from my bypass surgery and stories like yours do inspire us newbies.