Originally Posted by
QuiltE
I must be missing something ... why would one have this surgery done for a weight loss measure? it seems that post-op you do not return to "living" a normal life, eating by teaspoonsful, liquids, etc. Others have shared that they have eaten normally, just less ... if so, then why the surgery and not the change of eating without surgery?
Maybe someone will explain this to me!
Thank you!
sorry for any confusion on this surgery. I, personally, had this surgery after my cardiologist, respiratory and orthopedic doctors suggested it for health reasons. My orthopedic problems caused me problems from being able to exercise enough to actually benefit weightloss. As the weight increased, the weight put more stress on my joints creating more problems with exercising. Also, the added weight caused severe sleep apnea (a potential life-threatening disease). I basically stopped breathing every few seconds for a few seconds. All this put more stress on my heart....I think you get the idea. SO, for me, without the surgery, my life was shortened severely.
On the flip side, I also had a hiatal hernia so couldn't eat very much at a time anyway but the weight still increased. So, simply eating less doesn't work for all people. My hubby eats junk throughout the day and doesn't exercise. His weight maintains -- I can watch him eat the junk food and put weight on....all people aren't created equal.
I was also afraid of being one of those patients who couldn't eat more than a teaspoon or two. To me, this was worse-case scenario. When you first have this surgery, that IS all you can eat for several weeks (that's why the weight drops so fast because you're barely eating anything). That's also why it's so important to get the right nutrients to stay healthy during the first year. But, after about a year, I eat semi-normally. I can eat out but always bring a carryout box home. I can eat pretty much anything now, except milk and ice cream which I don't really need anyway.
Ex. I can eat half a sandwich -- 1/3 of a restaurant meal -- eating a little of whatever is on my plate. I do have to watch bread - if I have more than 1 piece of bread per day, my weight starts to rise.
Although I still have about 40# to lose and might not get that off until I can exercise more, I still feel 200% better than I did prior to the surgery. I get out and walk almost everyday now (my fibromyalgia keeps me down some days), my outlook on life is so much better, and I'm enjoying life so much more now than before. And....I no longer get those stares from people because of my weight.
Hope this helps...