Primary Care Physician Semi-Supportive

[Andrew0929 1,101]

I had a full physical exam with my PCP today and discussed my plan to get the sleeve. He was generally supportive, as he's seen me go up and down on various diets and has had to increase meds along the way to deal with my diabetes, high bp, and cholesterol. He did encourage me to go with the sleeve over the band, if I chose to move forward with WLS.

However, he warned me that he's had patients regain afterward. I think he was questioning my ability to limit my food intake and exercise, long-term, after the surgery. I'm actually very worried about the same. It would suck so much to have 85% of my stomach removed and then eventually gain all (or even most) of the weight back. If I can't do it now, not sure how I'll be able to maintain afterward, long-term, as the restriction subsides years down the road.

I lost 120 lbs, 20 years ago, and gained it all back after about 5 years. My worry is that I'll repeat that pattern ....

[SuzyB 182]

I believe that is every pt fear. My opinion, pre surgical, is that, one has to be extra diligent once goal is reached. I read about regular weigh ins and fighting with 1-2 lbs vs 20-30. I am going to talk to my pcp about being able to weigh in the office regularly like every 2wks and if I go over by 5 lbs it means and actual office visit to see what is going on.

[Andrew0929 1,101]

I still wonder if there is any difference between maintaining 5 years post op versus maintaining after losing weight without WLS.

My hope is that there is still some significant restriction 5 years post op.