Question

Please share your feelings do you fill if a person gets weight loss surgery They have better control to manage there weight and can loss weight faster and won’t gain weight back?  

Answer 1

No it's the easy way out. You don't know how to manage your eating so it's usually gained back plus more.  

Comments

@laminate, this is FAR from the truth.  

---

@laminate I beg to differ! It’s not easy and the more difficult of the two. If you can avoid surgery please do!  

---

@laminate you are so mistaken. If this were the case, most insurance companies would not approve and pay for these procedures.  

---

It is NOT an easy way out! I get pissed every time I see or hear those words. It requires a lot of work, counseling, and sacrifice. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself. Don't discourage others from exploring this option. Just because it's not for you doesn't mean it's not for them.  

---

@addressograph love you!  

Answer 2

I've been a Medical assistant in primary care for over 20 years I have seen both failed and successful weight loss surgeries. Many complications. Clothes she truly only be used as a last resort if you tried everything else. I noted to maintain successful weight loss mind has to be in the right place.  

Answer 3

I had weight loss surgery 3 years ago this summer. Up until a car accident that left me in the hospital then bed for about 2 months I had kept the 143 lbs off. I gain 16 lbs joined WW a couple of weeks ago and have lost 9. 6lbs. Yes the surgery was right for me. I was type 2 diabetic insulin dependent and the day after surgery no longer needed insulin or blood pressure meds. It is a tool though not a cure. You have to change your eating and your activity levels. Some think it’s a easy way out I can guarantee you it is not. (I really don’t care what others think of my decision, I know after losing 2 brothers to weight related issues that having the surgery saved and prolonged my life. ) Having said that it’s a personal decision. ✌

Comments

Oh and I had lost and gained back on WW for many years. The surgery gave me the success I needed. Before the accident I was hiking and doing things I never thought I would be capable of. I’m healing and on my way back to my active life style #Noexcuses! #Proudofmyself !  

Answer 4

At least five people I know have had weight surgery and have gained the weight back and then some. It takes motivation and will power.  

Answer 5

No. My friend had weight liss surgery. Still ate like shit. Never learned how to eat better. Had his band taken out because it got infected and gained all the weight back

Answer 6

I've gained weight back. I had to loose it twice. I had to learn to eat correctly and listen to my body

Answer 7

Hmmmmmmmm , I had the surgery 6 years ago , I follow a very strict diet to maintain my weight , I went from 298 lbs am and now at 117 lbs , I am also a vegetarian and use weight watchers recipes , Do I recommend the surgery , OF course I do , I also find following the foods on weight watchers helps a ton , I have not had bread , sweets , sugar ECT. in 6 years I told myself they are poison and at first it was a struggle but now it is easy peasy , My Dr's though excited that after 6 years I have maintained my frame of mind and refuse to keep put weight on , They want me to weigh in at 123 , now that I have been a Vegetarian for over a year now that is easier than said , Your mind with the surgery has to be 100% positive in saying I WILL NOT GAIN WEIGHT , many people and I mean MANY do , it is mind over matter and the right diet and with the WW recipes you can do it !  

Comments

They say 1 % of people do keep the weight off , I made sure my mind knew it was NEVER going to allow any Poison foods in my body again

Answer 8

My sister had it done. many complications, lab values always out of control. She passed away several years following, young

Comments

@rigadoon I'm sorry about your sister

---

@effectual3 Thank you, she was a special lady with the most beautiful eyes, smile and heart❤️

Answer 9

I know several people who had the surgery and lost. then gained it all back. You have to change YOUR HEAD. it is all a mind set. I have quit smoking, but I don't have to smoke to live. I can't quit eating. I have to re-learn how to do it sensibly, healthy, etc. If that doesn't happen, the weight will come back. It is a lifestyle change. not at diet!  

Answer 10

My daughter had the Surgery with no problems. She has to eat Healthy. I think IT is what you want to do.  

Answer 11

They certainly can gain it back

Answer 12

Every one I know who had the surgery gained it back except one.  

Comments

@rigadoon Rastberger I’ve heard the same thing

Answer 13

I've had bypass. Not a cure, you r to treat it as a crutch. Gotta change your lifestyle, eating habits, excersice. all. You can still gain it back after surgery, gotta want it so you change the bad habits

Answer 14

My sister had surgery and lost a lot of weight, however her health has suffered horribly from it and she has gained alot of it back. I choose to change the way I'm eating to help me loose and keep it off.  

Comments

@chalmer71926, oh I had the sleeve and trust me I've changed the way I eat.  

Answer 15

I had weight loss surgery. You can certainly gain it back! I had it in 2009 and in 11 years I have only gained back 15 lbs (lost a total of 138). I am on WW to lose that 15 plus 20 more. Weight loss surgery is NOT easy. You still have to work hard, watch what you eat and learn portion control.  

Answer 16

My doc said the weight comes back in a year

Comments

@benumb your doctor is wrong.  

---

@zigzag, agree. 3 years out. I'd prove him wrong. ‍♀️

---

5. 5 years out and going strong. Weight loss surgery does not and will never fix a food addiction.  

---

No argument, just repeating what was said. Peace and Blessings

Answer 17

You can definitely gain the weight back by overeating and stretching your stomach back out.  

Answer 18

No, per "my 600 lb life" they have less than a 5%chance at success. That doesn't mean it's NOT possible, but most of the time the mindset is that surgery is a miracle fix so they don't work on the root of the problem, over eating, emotional eating, etc.  

Comments

My aunt had weight loss surgery and it was really tough on her. She couldn't eat food (she would just chew it for the taste and spit it out), she lost most of her hair, and was never really well again. She passed in October due to lots of bowel complications from that surgery and previous ones to fix hernias (from being so overweight for so long).  

---

@bunyip8788 it IS possible and it IS a long time solution for many.  

---

@bunyip8788, that 5% refers to those that are extremely obese such as those on 600 pound life.  

Answer 19

I had the surgery I lost 100 pounds kept it off for about two years Gained back 70 I am now . 4 of a pound from goal weight with WW you still have to deal with why you over eat

Answer 20

NO I've known several who lose alot fast, but don't change their habits and gain most or all back.  

Answer 21

No not at all . everyone I know that had it has gained it all plus back . I personally believe it is a combo of eating plus exercise and it has to become lifestyle forever not just until the weight is gone

Answer 22

It is a tool, not a magic solution. Sleeved 2 1/2 years ago.  

Comments

@addressograph, This. ⬆️

Answer 23

My mother had it done. She definitely not as big a she used to be but gained lots of it back. She also has tons of health issues related to the surgery.  

Answer 24

No my ex daughter in law had it and struggles. A co worker had it and he’s now bigger than he was before the surgery

Comments

Not only that they both had health issues all the time.  

Answer 25

Studies have shown only 5% of the people who have surgery actually keep the weight off. Most people gain a significant amount, if not more, of it back.  

Comments

@peek8, again that's not true. That's referring to those that are extreme obese like 600 lbs.  

---

@aesop I know a few dozen people that have had it done. I only know of one that has kept the weight off

---

@peek8, that's horrible. I know probably 15-20. I only know 2 that have gained all back. I know another 2 or 3 that gained back some (maybe 20 pounds or so) but still in a much better place. It definitely takes work.  

Answer 26

Not impressed with the chances of keeping it off. Most that I know have put most, if not all and more back on.  

Answer 27

I don’t think so because they haven’t learned to tools to keep the weight off - and choosing to eat healthier

Comments

@aesop Astrin, most actually have to be on long term very controlled diets before surgery is approved, many dietitian appoints, therapy appointments, etc.  

---

@aesop just my opinion and having some friends that had the surgery and seeing in the years to come them gaining a lot of the weight back - not saying that most people aren’t successful)and I hope they are just my experience

Answer 28

Ww teachers us hownold lose weight and maintain our weight I realize some need the surgery and that's what they need to do then but trying ww can never hurt you will lose at a healthy pace and keep it off longer

Answer 29

My niece had the surgery. Lost weight but gained it all back. You have to change your eating habits.  

Answer 30

NO i know someone who had the surgery and didn't change her eating habits. She originally lost hundreds of pounds and gained it all back

Answer 31

A lady at my church had it done, lots of health issues and gained it back and sorry to say looks awful!  

Answer 32

I have 2 friends that did it lost over 100 pounds and put it back on

Answer 33

You have to change the way you think! And you have to want to change!  

Answer 34

No. It can help you lose weight quickly but if you do not drastically change your habits you will gain it back. I know a couple people that had it and gained it all back within 5-10 years and are now trying to lose it again without surgery.  

Answer 35

With the right therapy, the right changes, some people who have surgery keep it off so all you peeps generalizing only know the people you know and not many or most. However surgery is not for everyone and if you can do WW, much safer and better for you!  

Answer 36

I had a cousin who had the surgery, lost weight and gained. I have two friends who had the surgery and successfully kept it off. I have thought about it but I really prefer to do it on my own. However if I feel I have to or if my doctor suggested it for my health I would definitely consider it. I think surgery should be our last option

Answer 37

The work is the same. You can gain it back if you don't change.  

Answer 38

My choice to have wls was the best decision I've ever made for myself. I had no after surgery issues, it reduced pain in my hips, helped with depression, and increased my self-esteem. Although it was right for me, it may not be right for the next person. It's a personal choice that does not deserve judgement from others or guilt. It is not the easy way out. It requires both mental and physical work. I'm disappointed to read so many people making it sound useless or bad.  

Answer 39

They often gain it back. I am a Nurse, have taken care of many. I would NEVER do that.  

Answer 40

They don't have better control. They have the same as the rest of us.  

Answer 41

I know a few people that have had the surgery very few keep the weight off because they go back to bad habits

Answer 42

Whether we lose weight by WW or Surgery we all need a support network and I think if you have that you will be successful!  

Answer 43

To continually see results, measure and look for non scale victories along with the scale victories. Fitting into a smaller size etc.  

Answer 44

I thought gastric bypass, banding and other weight loss measures were a great alternative, especially when the person was too illl to even get up and move. My feelings have changed over the years. I am certain these methods have been successful for many individuals, however I know of so many that have have had success and then thought they were done doing exactly what they needed to do to continue being successful. If you don't change the way you view food, or yourself, it's very difficult to have sustained success.  

Answer 45

Sister in law had it done 6 years ago. Lost 135 pounds and gained double back already. Now needs knee surgery but no surgeon will touch her unless she loses at least 150 lbs.  

Answer 46

With surgery you never learn how to eat.  

Comments

@loosetongued5, well that's not true.  

---

@loosetongued5 you are wrong! Very, very, WRONG!  

---

@aesop , I misspoke. Surgery without learning the proper way to eat does not work. With surgery, you should also examine the emotional and psychological aspects of why you gained the weight in the first place.  

---

@loosetongued5, agree 100%.  

Answer 47

No you still have to watch what you eat its just s tool to help

Answer 48

All has to do with each individual.  

Answer 49

All of the above except you most definitely can gain it back . first hand experience

Answer 50

No. Been there and done that. Had lap band removed recently after many problems and little success.  

Comments

@sparrow most insurance companies won't even cover lap band surgeries anymore due to them failing. My insurance company would only cover the sleeve, RNY, or DS. I belong to two WLS groups who have many people who had failed bands and switched to one of the other procedures.  

---

@addressograph my insurance pays to have it removed but will not cover conversion to sleeve. I am not sure I would want to convert. I am having more success with WW than I did with the lap band.  

---

@sparrow I love my sleeve and what it's helped me achieve. It is such a personal decision to make. I hate seeing people bash this option without knowing more about it.  

---

@addressograph I am not bashing it. I had a lap band for eight years and many problems. I was hospitalized twice with aspiration reflux that caused phenumonia. I had the band removed recently. My doctor drew out the solution from the band and did not feel safe adding it back. My insurance would not pay to do a sleeve after already having a band. Glad your sleeve is working for you.  

---

@addressograph I spent three years asking questions and praying about the surgery before going forward with it. I chose the band because it could be removed if necessary and my husband did not want me to have the sleeve for that reason. You are very right. It is a very personal decision.  

Answer 51

I had it. It's a complete life change. You have to be 150% committed. If the doc says no more than 20g of sugar. Eat no more than 10. Go the extra mile, exercise and really take it to heart. You absolutely can gain it all back.  

Answer 52

I’ve never known anyone that did not have some type of complications

Comments

@exculpate I had no complications I gained about 15 pounds back out of all the pounds I lost

---

@luxemburg7002 that’s awesome! Out of the people I know it hasn’t been so good

---

@exculpate I understand I even know a few people that have passed but I would do it again in a second the only thing I hate is the loose skin it’s not one exercise that will remove it

---

@luxemburg7002 I have the same in my stomach

---

@exculpate stomach the worst but also arms and thighs but not as bad

---

@luxemburg7002 yep

---

Really? I know dozens who have had the sleeve with zero complications including myself. 3 years out.  

---

@aesop that’s great!  

Answer 53

From the reviews and doing a lot of research when you get the weight loss surgery you’re risking a lot, your body is no longer able to absorb the nutrients it truly needs, also in order for the surgery to work you have to actually change your mindset otherwise it’ll be all for nothing, when you go through the process of it, they make you go on a specific diet for a month or so and see if you actually lose weight and are able to stick to it, because if you can’t then you’re getting an unnecessary surgery that could alter your life in worse ways. Changing your mentality towards food and your activity habits are the best way, and less risk.  

Comments

@anurag, you make some valid points. However with the sleeve you absorb nutrients just fine.  

Answer 54

I had gastric sleeve 3 years ago and have gained all the weight back. It’s not the “easy way out. ” It’s just a different kind of tool to lose weight. And you can defeat it if you don’t do it in conjunction with therapy and regular visits with a nutritionist.  

Comments

@kenzie, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm almost 3 years out and I've only gained a few pounds. The normal rebound. Jump back on, your tool still works.  

---

You are right. I tend to feel like I have COMPLETELY defeated it and I know that I can jump back on track if I put in the effort. I have thought about doing the pre-surgery liquid diet again to get re-started.  

Answer 55

My friends have had it and have gained it all back

Comments

It’s been 8 years since I have had gastric bypass and I only gained back 15 and I usually fluctuate those 15 up and down

---

That is great news congrats girl

---

@simone17112 thank you it is definitely hard to maintain especially when you pick up old habits

Answer 56

It’s not a miracle fix. You still need to work at it, every day. You definitely need to change your mindset. It’s a lifestyle change. And YES you can gain the weight back, and some.  

Answer 57

My sister in law had it and gained it back. I have a friend whose son had the lap band procedure. A few years later he started having cramps and his stomach had started growing around the band and it was infected. He became septic and praise God survived. They removed the ring and it was green. I haven't heard enough good about these procedures and long term successes. I'm sure there are successes but I just don't hear about them. WW is working for me and I see many people in my meeting that have lost 100+!.  

Comments

@wiggler in my area, no one will perform lap band because of those issues that you discussed. My friends mother become so malnourished that she had sever dental decay and her bones became very delicate.  

Answer 58

I had the sleeve along with several other friends I know and we have all gained a good amt back!  

Answer 59

My daughter had the bypass and I believe it was the best option for her. She has a lot of health issues and losing weight has enabled her to reduce her number of meds plus she was able to have another baby♥️

Answer 60

No! You may lose weight quickly, but you most certainly can and will gain it back if you eat the way you ate before surgery. I know two people who had weight loss surgery. One lost weight, but has stopped losing and started to gain. The other one had so many medical problems after she started to eat the wrong stuff. The recovery period for surgery is long. Give WW a chance to see how you do. Just realize that if you can't do WW, you will have a very hard time after weight loss surgery. You can eat on WW, but you eat very little after weight loss surgery. On WW you (not that I encourage it) can cheat now and then, but you just get back on WW. But if you cheat after your weight loss surgery, you will get sick and possibly have medical issues.  

Comments

@oreopithecus, you make some valid points but some are way off base. Recovery isn't long and you can definitely have cheat meals. Honestly if you haven't lived it, you can't speak on it. 3 years out and living a full healthy life. I can have the occasional cake, I enjoyed National Margarita Day, etc.  

---

@aesop exactly it was the best thing I have ever done I’m 8 years out and for the most part I am able to maintain . I have not been sick I am no more malnourished then I was before ( only saying that because I already suffered iron deficiency before surgery) I am off blood pressure meds off diabetes meds I no longer suffer from sleep apnea and barely need to use my in haler and I can run actual miles now

Answer 61

Not worth it I know first hand xxx

Answer 62

My husband had weight loss surgery 10 years ago. He lost tons of weight very quick to where he looked sick. He did gain back to a healthy looking weight. He does fluctuate a little bit and does have to still watch what he eats. It definitely isn’t a wonder cure, you still have to be accountable.  

Answer 63

I've had a few friends get the surgery and they all gained it back down the road, they lost the mindset to stay on track.  

Answer 64

No it's a tool

Answer 65

I know a few people that have had the surgery. A large percentage ended their long term relationships to vanity after the surgery. A large percent gained the weight back, and were miserable from health related issues. No thanks! I do know a small few that it has worked for, but it seems the cons out weigh the pros.  

Answer 66

Another concern, medically losing 100lbs in a yr. regardless of how it’s done, you would be considered having the same issues of someone that has an eating disorder and lose muscle mass. Last I checked. losing muscle mass like that was dangerous and can cause heart and other health issues.  

Comments

@intwine wrong. When you have wls you are under a doctor's care. No matter what your ability to exercise is, you are encouraged to get in physical movement to grow and strengthen muscles. I couldn't walk well due to my hips having severe arthritis. They had me do modified movements. It all worked well. I lost 105 lbs in 13 months. I didn't lose my hair or have any complications. Thanks to the surgery, I was able to have both hips replaced a year later.  

---

@intwine I know people who done this. Stretch stomach back out. Gain more back

---

@addressograph wonderful glad it worked for you

---

@intwine you have a high protein diet guidance to reduce other risk factors through the malabsorption effects of a gastric bypass.  

Answer 67

No, I have a friend that did it , lost a bunch but didn’t change her habits gained it all back . You have to change your lifestyle no matter what . Surgery is not a quick fix , you still need to eat healthier and exercise . But in some cases is needed .  

Answer 68

No! Been there, done that. It doesn't teach you good eating habits. Waste of money and hard on your body. I'd only do it again if my doctor said it would save my life!  

Answer 69

So many have gone through the surgery and gained it back because their brains still want to eat like they did before. Until you can resolve the reason behind your food addiction, you wont truly be happy. I am working on this now.  

Answer 70

With weight loss surgery it's more you have to change your food thinking and almost change your brain. I almost did it. But went to WW instead and have learned my triggers and have been totally honest with myself about food intake. Because if your not honest with that your just cheating yourself.  

Answer 71

It’s not a cure. It’s a tool. You still have to use self control and change your lifestyle choices.  

Answer 72

I had my surgery in 1995 at 310 lbs. Over this length of time, my weight has varied (140 - 175). Know that the need to control yourself will always be with you. Get informed. Be ready to do exactly as the Dr. tells you. Realize you will be on supplements / vitamins THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. IF you go into this with the proper mindset, take your meds and follow your doctors advise, it will help you. If not, you'll gain a good bit of the weight back and may have further issues down the line (osteoporosis, anemia, malnutrition). Be ready to keep and use what Weight Watchers has taught you. One other piece of advise, EXERCISE. It will help tone your excess skin! Good luck!  

Answer 73

My thought is don’t do it. I know a gal who had it done, lost a bunch of weight but then gained it ALL back and more. Stick with the natural way. ❤️Slow and steady wins the race❤️

Answer 74

No. Weight loss surgery is good but it will not help your control. I know 3 people who had to get their lap band or sleeve removed in an emergency situation. I also have seen people have great success. It is great for people who need the extra help but they have to be willing to put in the work as well  

Comments

@disclaimer @firebird Carlton you can't have a sleeve removed. They cut a big part of your stomach off and make a pouch. It cannot be reversed. I have a sleeve. You are spot on when you write that they still have to put in the work. It's not easy and requires dedication to and commitment.  

---

@addressograph oh! Are there two kinds of lap bands then? I know both of the lady’s had something removed.  

---

@disclaimer @firebird Carlton I don't know much about bands except that they required to a lot of maintenance and have a high failure rate. My insurance won't cover them but would cover the sleeve, bypass, and duodonal switch.  

---

@addressograph good to know! I remember a girl in hs had the lap band and she had to redo her sr year because she missed so much school because of it

Answer 75

It’s not a quick fix, a magic wand or a miracle. It’s a mind set, it’s a new way of life & it’s forever. It’s not easy & like any surgery there are risks. For medical reasons I had a gastric bypass 9. 5yrs ago. I lost 8st in a year & attended WW pre & post op. The surgery gave me a tool, WW gave me the support, although the morning group I attended once run by the same leader were very antagonistic towards me & the surgery I’d had. I had been honest before I had the surgery with my evening group, as I felt I didn’t want anyone to feel demoralised by my losing weight fast if they were perhaps struggling. (My thought process not an expectation). Anyway I lost the afore mentioned 8st maintained at that for around 2years despite many challenges within weeks of my surgery. I had a mindset I’d failed as I still had a minimum of 7lb to loose but couldn’t. I spoke to the Bariatric Dietian who told me off. I was forgetting the 8st loss for the sake of a few pounds almost certainly tied up in excess skin. My surgeon would she assured me would be proud of n m e. Anyway we got WW to accept I was at target with a letter from my surgeon. Sadly at the presentation of my gold card etc from my original leader the then current leader pulled the rig from beneath my feet when I asked about the tell your story mentioned in the gold pack. Her opinion was that it would not be considered because of my surgery. I was devastated & along with home & work issues I hit rock bottom & felt abandoned & unsupported. I left the group! I maintained a while longer but the feeling of lost support, negativity & low self worth. In the years since I’ve regained over 3st of the lost weight, mainly from personal problems and the fact that the issues that kicked in with family just 3months post surgery stopped me dealing with my emotional issues with food. Add in my husbands emotional abuse from commenting how big/fat I was he put me down as the new shaped me learnt to fly, new hair style, new confidence, new clothes etc etc threatened him & he put me down. It continued even after I started to regain weight until I walked out of the marital home last October. Slowly after a new start & despite the aggressive attitude regarding the divorce from my soon to be ex husband of 36years I’m learning to love me & re loose the regain. It’s hard, it’s slow but I need to refocus on the me & my tool. It may be damaged by my neglect as such but it’s essential job is still there& working because without it I’m sure I’d have regained far more than I have. It was worth it, I don’t regret it just regret failing myself in not facing my demons, allowing my husband to destroy me & not learning this earlier. WW gave me the mind set & start, the surgery gave me the tool & I aced it, life tripped me up & now I am going to get me back on track!  

Comments

@deborahdeborath8214 if you ever need an ear that understands, just message me. I have the sleeve and fight against the negativity and stigma that comes with it.  

Answer 76

Nope. Have a number of friends who took that route. They have all gained weight back. Some even more weight because they never changed their habits.  

Answer 77

My son just had the surgery around September of last year. He has lost over 100 pounds. He stays strictly with what is in his plan. He does not cheat and does not use any caffeine or drink any soda. He exercises and works hard to stay hydrated. He is working hard on this. It is not an easy fix and it does require dedication.  

Answer 78

You will lose the weight fast but if you dont change the way you eat you can and will gain it back.  

Answer 79

Had it twice. Gained all weight back BOTH times