How is WLS REALLY different from diet and exercise?
All,
I’m new to the group, so this may have been asked before, but I am
currently researching WLS and need answers!
I have had some moderate success dieting and losing weight, the most
recent was with Body-for-Life when I lost 70lbs. The problem for me
is keeping it off for any length of time. And as I get older, it
gets harder! I am about 135lbs. overweight right now.
Everything I’m reading about WLS sounds like just another diet and
exercise program PLUS surgery. How is it different? Is it the
mental part - I had surgery so now I can’t eat or something terrible
will happen? Or is there REALLY a physical change (possibly
chemical) that makes food less attractive? (I understand the
procedure, and know the physiology, but I’m getting spooked when I
read that you have to be so careful or you’ll gain weight — I can be
careful, but I am hoping the surgery makes that easier — is that
true?)
I only ask because when I was really into BFL (about 6 months in), I
didn’t eat fats, sugar, etc. — they tasted weird and very strong to
me. But obviously that didn’t last, because here I am MO again! I’m
worried that I will go through all the effort of getting approved for
WLS, have the surgery, be disciplined, exercise, etc. and end up
right back where I am 2-3 years later…
Did anyone else have these concerns Pre-op? Were they just unfounded
fears? Any feedback would be great!
June 24th, 2007 at 3:56 am
itsalphawoman <itsalphawoman@…
I am currently researching WLS and need answers!
How is it different?
==============================
This is a great question!
The gastric bypass surgery does a few things for you diet & excersize cannot.
First, you are given a small pouch which replaces the regular stomach. You’re
physically incapable of eating any more than a limited amount. The pouch can be
stretched over time, but in most cases it will never reach the size of your old
stomach.
Secondly, with the intestinal bypass, you don’t absorb all the calories you take
in.
Also, when they do the procedure, a nerve is severed. This is the nerve that
regulates the production of a hormone called gherelin. This hormone is one which
triggers hunger.
I’ve been on just about every diet under the sun. Some conventional &
traditional, some really bizarre & off- the-wall. I’ve lost & then re-gained the
whole AFC football conference.
Post surgery, I’ve maintained my weight within a few pounds for over a year now.
Hope this helps.
Joe C.
Pittsburgh, Pa GO STEELERS!
post-op/open RNY/2-6-03
Dr Joe Colella/Allegheny General Hospital
360/162
June 25th, 2007 at 8:20 am
Well, 1st of all WLS is not for anyone NOT over 100 pounds over weight….
AND the difference between WLS and just diet and exercise is WLS gives you a
great TOOL to help with the diet and exercise
I think I can safly say ALL OF US WLS persons is we could loose
weight….keeping it off was the problem as well as not just gaining back what
was lost BUT gaining additional pounds usually 20+ in addition to what was
lost…..I was 134 pounds over weight….I have lost 98 pounds since my surgery
last April….I have also gotten the energy and drive to continue exercising and
now I finally feel in control, not the “call of the food”. This surgery tool
effect is FINALLY FEELING FULL…..I am 47 years old and can say I have never
felt FULL…NOW I DO…..I have learned to listen to my body, 1st my stomach and
it has carried over into listening to my body in other ways too…..hope this
answer helps.
itsalphawoman <itsalphawoman@…
All,
I’m new to the group, so this may have been asked before, but I am
currently researching WLS and need answers!
I have had some moderate success dieting and losing weight, the most
recent was with Body-for-Life when I lost 70lbs. The problem for me
is keeping it off for any length of time. And as I get older, it
gets harder! I am about 135lbs. overweight right now.
Everything I’m reading about WLS sounds like just another diet and
exercise program PLUS surgery. How is it different? Is it the
mental part - I had surgery so now I can’t eat or something terrible
will happen? Or is there REALLY a physical change (possibly
chemical) that makes food less attractive? (I understand the
procedure, and know the physiology, but I’m getting spooked when I
read that you have to be so careful or you’ll gain weight — I can be
careful, but I am hoping the surgery makes that easier — is that
true?)
I only ask because when I was really into BFL (about 6 months in), I
didn’t eat fats, sugar, etc. — they tasted weird and very strong to
me. But obviously that didn’t last, because here I am MO again! I’m
worried that I will go through all the effort of getting approved for
WLS, have the surgery, be disciplined, exercise, etc. and end up
right back where I am 2-3 years later…
Did anyone else have these concerns Pre-op? Were they just unfounded
fears? Any feedback would be great!