It is a very personal decision for sure!

And yes, it does change things... as it should and is meant to do. but, it is up to us to make the biggest changes, and that is with our relationship with food. As you already know, via your father, eating post op can still be a struggle. I had bypass, and can eat way more than I should very easy.... I can't eat as much as I use to, but still... more than I should if I am not careful!

I have lost 102 lbs and am thrilled with my new found freedom in mobility and health.... I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Welcome! I'm glad you found us!

Ultimately, only you will be able to decide if WLS is best for you, Every person's battle is unique. When I was grappling with the decision, I came here and read everything I could..looking for people's experiences that resonated with me. Looking for hope. I found it. I began this journey weighing over 300 lbs (I'm 5 ft tall). I lost over 175 lbs and have been within a healthy weight range (122- 127 lbs) for 3 years now.

The surgery didn't do all the work for me...but it gave me a tool that made a huge difference. Statistically speaking, your bariatric doctor is right...over 95% of all diets fail, and the statistics are worse for the morbidly obese. From a purely statistical perspective, gastric bypass surgery gave me the best chance of getting to a healthy weight and staying there for a lifetime. Personally, I think it is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I went into it knowing and accepting the risks.

I hope this place gives you the information you need to make the best decision for you!! Here's to your health!!.

JJ

As others have said, it is still possible to overeat following the surgery. However, I have found that if I do overeat, I feel very sick so I have a good incentive to not do so. I had the surgery in October and am already down 75 pounds (55 since the surgery, 20 pre-op). I feel amazing and have seen many of my health problems disappear. However, it does require a commitment to work toward your goal. The surgery is not magic, it's a tool and a very powerful one at that. Ultimately, it's up to you if you're ready to change your life or not.

Ditto to what the others said. This is your decision and do all the research and legwork yourself and make the best educated decision for YOU

I would highly recommend anyone considering this surgery to read a book called "The experts guide to weight loss surgery" by Garth Davis MD.
It was a requirement for me to read it when I was going through the Grand Junction Bariatric center. But wasn't a requirement when I change to Denver. But I am very glad I read it.

You have to make your own decision. Study it well and read everything you can find.
My doctor told us that after a certain point that I was well beyond we could NOT successfully lose by diet and exercise alone. For me my RNY was the very best thing I ever done for myself. I could sell them door to door!
I have lost 130 lb since Dec of 2012 and am in better health than I was at 20! Would not change a thing except I would have done the RNY years ago!

I can not physically excersize anymore since this brain thing and the meds I'm on. It's making things really difficult. They did 20 some women with my disease and most of them were better within a month after wls. Better than the current alternatives of meds or brain shunting

Do any of you have food allergies? I know my dad does the protein shakes twice a day but I'm allergic to milk so I couldn't do that. No milk at all for me. No yogurt, no cheese, cottage cheese... I think it would be a little harder for someone with a good allergy to stick to a post op diet? Anyone here have a food allergy? Thanks

there are many who become lactose intolerant. There are things like almond milk, soy milk , rice milk......If or when you start back up the nut should work with you on a diet you can tolerate. Your body changes also so what you can eat now you may never eat again. I am 3 years out and eggs are simply not in the cards for me so far.

This is a very personal decision. Read all you can. Talk to as many as you can go to a support group. The more prepared you are the better and know not every thing is roses and sunshine for every one you can get through anything though with the right supports and tools in your arsenal.

Egg whites cause me problems, now (my mother, who didn't have WLS has the same problem so I can't necessarily blame it on WL).

I make my protein shake with water. Milk allergies don't have to be an issue. True, your diet may be more limited than some...but your mobility would be greatly enhanced, right? IMHO...Totally worth it!!

JJ

A lot of the premade protein shakes don't have milk in them. I can't do artificial sweeteners. Aspartame and sucralose are poison to me. So that means anything that is "light" "reduced calorie" "zero carbs" and even lots of normal things have that in them. Did you know you can't buy a kettlecorn without sucralose in it? Anyways, if you want to do something bad enough, you will make it work!