Explaining WLS results

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Small rant on the "explaining results" topic. Yes, I know it is brought up often, but here goes.

Most, if not all, of us have to work really hard for the results we want, especially in the refinement phase after reaching goal. For me, the refinement has stretched for about 1 year so far.

A lot of previous acquaintances (note - I did not say friends or family as they know better) that have not been part of the process, and more importantly, the changes following WLS are quick to unintentionally trivialize the effort. Important that I state "unintentionally" here because they are not doing it with malice in mind. They are being kind. Often they make some statement like "if only I could have WLS to get rid of this"while holding or otherwise jiggling their stomach.

My first thought is, WLS will help you, but it is only the catalyst. It will only get you started. The hard work has little to do with the actual surgery and includes, but is not limited to:

1. Doing the WLS basics ( 64oz +Water and 80 oz protein). This is actually the easy part once you form the habits.

2. Eating a clean and healthy diet. This means saying no ALOT to deserts and other desires.

3. Exercising (lifting weights and cardio) every day. I ran 5k,10k distances, performed cross fit 5 days a week and did p90 x AFTER reaching goal. Not all those at the same time, mind you, but in a progression starting with the running, the cross fit and now beach body programs (0p90 x).

4. Going way beyond the basics - minimum .6-.8 oz Protein per lb of body weight, 32 oz every couple hours. This is harder then you might think and requires a lot of diligent planning.

This is a lot of work, but manageable. It takes work to maintain this model of fitness you are looking at. Yes, it really does.

They do not want to hear that getting my results is actually "diet and exercise." If I say this, they will quickly dismiss it because, obviously, their attempts at diet and exercise have not worked thus far. Or worse, they will think or verbally accuse me of lying. No, I am not lying, but am playing your game that is governed by your rules. I do not want to disappoint your expectations. Yes, it comes down to diet, exercise and being mindful to achieve the results you desire. Instead of disappointing them, I play their game and state, yes, WLS has gotten me this far. If they really want to know, I will tell them the list above, but most do not want to mentally engage in that discussion.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I'm pre-op -- haven't had to deal with this yet but it is funny to me that people will say WLS is the easy way out. So why haven't they done it? lol

Congrats on your experience -- looks like all that work is paying off!

Ginger

[jamilyne 102668 1,207]

I've had some people saying I was cheating by having wls, they have no idea! Thanks for sharing

[2muchfun 8,927]

"why'd you have surgery? Couldn't you have just gone on the diet"?

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I'm pre-op -- haven't had to deal with this yet but it is funny to me that people will say WLS is the easy way out. So why haven't they done it? lol Congrats on your experience -- looks like all that work is paying off! Ginger

Yes, it has worked out well in terms of weight, body fat percentage and body composition. I am constantly refining, the work is never over. I do not say this in a negative manner at all.

Refining is something personal and something I can work at constantly. To state it simply, I am swapping fat weight for muscle weight while maintaining a relatively stable weight (180-185 # for 5'11"). I use the mirror and how my body reacts to exercises. My goal is 9-11% body fat percentage. I am presently 15-17% (athletic range). I know that there is some skin that will be impossible to eliminate around the abs (if I have the cash and time in the future, I would like surgery to lose the lose the 1/4 inch or so of loose skin). However, I have managed to tighten everywhere else with muscles and toning.

For example, can I hold a better 1/2 moon yoga pose with less effort? Can I do 20 pull-ups? Can I keep my heart rate in cardio zone when exercising a plyo cardio work out 2 days a week (surprisingly it takes a lot of effort to do this. My body likes 135-145 BP even when I think I am pushing myself. I use a heart rate monitor to "stay in the zone."). Can I do a 4 set max effort for biceps curls, starting at 45# and dropping to 30#. Can I do 30 seconds of double time knee tuck jumps? These are some of the challenges when looking over the p90x workout days I do 7 days a week (1-1.5 hours a day). Do I like the way my upper body looks in terms of muscular appearance (I am looking to maintain a strong muscular athletic build, not a huge muscular guy). Do I like the way I look in muscle shirts (glamour muscles, "popping" upper back and chest, powerful legs).

Most importantly, nutrition must be dialed in. Without it, none of the results from exercise and working out are possible. I try and hit clean Protein first every day @ 250 g of chicken and powders or so (50% of 1800 calories) and clean veggies like red bell pepper and brocolli. There are two "treats"I look forward to every day: a bowl of steel oats mixed with Fiber one and 30 g of chocolate Protein powder 2 hours before working out and 3 scoops of casein Protein at bed. Love having these daily. Yes, I eat carbs every day - 30% of 1800 calorie diet. With this attention to protein and carb ratios in this approach to eating, the fat macro of 20% naturally falls into place with no attention on my part.

Achieving a goal weight is actually the "easy" part of this ongoing effort if you want to look at this way.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I've had some people saying I was cheating by having wls, they have no idea! Thanks for sharing

Oh I hate that....

Again, WLS is just a helper as we all know. A catalyst. The WLS post ops that do not internalize this early on are the ones that struggle down the road of achieving desired results (eg "hitting goal") or maintaining. By the way, not saying that I too will struggle on this, but so far so good...

Edited April 10, 2014 by Fiddleman

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

Looks like you're really wrapped your head around everything, and I think that's terrific! I hope I am as focused and determined down the road.

And your post made me smile. You see, my first week back to work post op, I had a co-worker say and do exactly what you described: "Oh, if only I could…" I encourage people who ask to do their research and know that WLS is only a tool. They seemed disappointed that there is no magic presto switch after all.

Be well…

[SandyM 1,956]

You know what AA and NA members say. They are not reformed, they are recovering. This food addiction will never totally go away, it will always be our demon. The goal is to have as much control of our lives as we can so they don't.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

You know what AA and NA members say. They are not reformed, they are recovering. This food addiction will never totally go away, it will always be our demon. The goal is to have as much control of our lives as we can so they don't.

that is very well stated and gives a good perspective.

[SandyM 1,956]

Fiddleman, I just hope I'm as successful in the refining stage as you seem to be. We've all lost and gained wt back for years and years. Hopefully, I've developed the right tools to help not to gain back.

[ASKSARAH - Sleeve 256]

Oh I think I highly diagree with your post!

This is the easy easy out 100%! This has been a walk in the park for me. The weight literally melted off me for 10 months. Until I started exercising in October. It stopped 100% and in fact I gained weight. I stopped in January and dropped from a size 10 to a 6 in a matter of weeks.

I watch what I eat only because the real estate is so small and I like to be a food snob. I do not feel hunger and I eat by the clock usually. I eat lots of fun foods and I stop when I am full which is usualy 3-4 normal bites in.

1 little rack of lamb I am finished, 2 bites of flan or a cheese cake or whatever I am satisfied.

I did this to have the most normal life I desired and I received it. I am now a tiny person with a normal life.

if someone were to ask me do you recommend this, my answer is yes and you will be successful because thats what the numbers say.

I am over a year out.

[Mrs.RRn 2,111]

You're my hero! ... Ok, maybe not hero, but I do very much admire your posts & lifestyle.

So, for these and the others, thanks.