Anyone 3-5 years post op and kept the weight off?

[Lee6Lee]

We hear from people who have recently been sleeved and ecstatic. We hear from people 2 or 3 years out and some do well and some say they've begun to gain. Could we hear from a few who are 3 - 5 years out who have kept it off? I have yet to be sleeved and would like to hear some inspiring words!

[MBL]

Just for context, the surgeon who I saw last week stated that they have seen 40% of patients in the last 10 years regain most or all of their weight from bypass and the same results with the sleeve although they have not been doing them as long. They say that is consistent with nationwide studies, but I have not looked it up.

[kenziesmom_2000]

i was given similar stats, but that is 60% who keep it off!!! i call those good odds ... can't wait to get sleeved!!! it is all about your personal commitment. your understanding that this is a total lifestyle change and all of your bad habits have to die and be replaced with new healthy ones... for the rest of your life!

[curvygalgettinsmaller]

Wow, that's a real eye-opener! Thanks for posting this!!

[MELR]

For me, I don't worry about the stats. Here's why: I know I am going to be the one working hard after the surgery. I plan on making a lifestyle change and I think when I start to feel better, there's no way in heck I am putting it back on. I don't plan on always being perfect but I do plan on being completely dedicated.

[Lee6Lee]

How do we all keep it off? I haven't been sleeved yet and know I eat from some sort of compulsion and out of habit or boredom or whatever. What type of therapist covers those kinds of things? We have this forum, but how do we get to the deep-seated problem of it all?

[Marvinator]

I know I can eat enough to gain weight now and my mind is still a problem. I'm using exercise to keep from gaining but if you arent able or willing to do that and you know you have emotional issues when it comes to eating then you probably need to find a therapist in advance and work with them along the way.

[Sleeveless in Seattle]

Wow, I have never heard that 40% regain most or all their weight. I have been told that most people lost about 70% of their excess weight and the average will gain back about 10% by the 5 year mark. I was happy with those statistics. If I had been told what you were told I would be seriously rethinking doing this to my body.

[natex14]

I was told that 80% are successful with WLS and 5% are successful with typical diets. Some of the numbers listed above are scary.

[JustWantToBeHealthyAgain]

The odds are not a sign that WLS doesn't work, it's a sign that people let themselves slip back into bad habits a lot.

I myself am not worried. I eat well and not out of boredom. I have broke a lot of bad habits and I will not let myself slip back. We can do this.

Remember that WLS has exploded in the past years and not everyone is committed to weight loss. Many go in thinking that it's a quick fix. It's not. It's a lifelong journey.

[Susieinph]

Hi all,
I am sad to say I am one of the people who are gaining, I am up 25 from my low of 150. These 25 lbs came back as really flabby fat! Yes my weight gain started with a change in psychiatric medication, (known major side effect weight gain) I am bipolar and have to take it. I am now on a different med, but now the weight won't budge. don't ever start grazing, especially on carbs, you can totally bypass the restriction of the sleeve. I still can't eat a huge meal, it is between meal snacking that does it. I slacked on the excercise, depression can do that to you! So now I am feeling better, I am back on this board looking for support and inspiration. I think I will go get on the elliptical, it's work but it has to be done!

[BabyDoll]

Exactly what she said! =)

The odds are not a sign that WLS doesn't work, it's a sign that people let themselves slip back into bad habits a lot.

I myself am not worried. I eat well and not out of boredom. I have broke a lot of bad habits and I will not let myself slip back. We can do this.

Remember that WLS has exploded in the past years and not everyone is committed to weight loss. Many go in thinking that it's a quick fix. It's not. It's a lifelong journey.

[Marvinator]

It does require effort. Not initially maybe so much as you are so restricted at that point (though there are still things you have to do such as get protein and water) but later on you can absolutely graze your way to a bigger size. You have to eat smartly, limit between meal grazing, and exercise. If you arent willing to do those things, then you may very well end up gaining weight. This surgery gives you a jump start back to a goal weight and permanently limits how much you can gorge at a time. Everything else is on you.

[Lee6Lee]

I read another poster on here somewhere that said she NEVER cheated. She looks great and only eats healthfully. I don't imagine she tells herself she can have some bread or cake and it's OK, but probably knows her trigger foods, whatever they are. Mine are the carbs. I guess it's cold turkey...like an alcoholic. Either that or be unsuccessful. One lady felt so bad because she cheated and never really lost anything. And also felt bad for having wasted $20,000 on the surgery. I haven't been sleeved yet and am doing my homework on this forum.

[Lee6Lee]

I forgot to add....she NEVER eats between meals. That must be the secret folks!