The easy way out

[WhoKnows 288]

One of the things we hear people who don't understand obesity of weight loss surgery say (or we are afraid to hear them say) is that it's "the easy way out." Pre-op I could list a whole bunch of reasons why this isn't the easy way out. Why it's actually really, really hard - just as hard, if not harder, than losing weight the traditional way. But now, admittedly only two months out, I'm not so sure. And that's a good thing!

Now, I should preface this by saying that I realize many people have had complications and for many people every day or some days post-op are a struggle - I don't want to try and negate their lived experiences. But I do want to talk for a minute about my experience, which I suspect is more common than we admit.

I have been obese or morbidly obese pretty much my whole life. I dieted and exercised, yada, yada, yada, but the weight always came back. We all know the drill or we wouldn't be here. But I am nothing if not pragmatic, so when I started doing research about WLS and about weight loss in general, and read the statistics for long-term success in people who hadn't had surgery (Spoiler Alert! They're low!), getting sleeved just seemed like a no-brainer. Two years of hoop-jumping later, I went into surgery. I was very well read on the subject, knew all the worst case scenarios to expect, knew what the recovery would look like, etc.

But my surgery and recovery were super easy. I was on to purees almost right away. Soft solids by week two. Anything but raw veggies at week 4. Anything and everything at week 6. I have yet to be made sick by any food. I get in all my Water, Vitamins and 90g of Protein (on a vegetarian (almost vegan) diet!) every day without trouble. I was lifting heavy in the gym at week 5. My recovery has been stupendous!

...And easy.

Now, I know I came into this with some one major advantage:

I love, and always have loved, healthy food. Even before surgery, if given the choice between pizza Hut or a black bean and quinoa salad with avocado dressing, I'd say bring on the quinoa (all six servings of it). And now I have become one of those people who doesn't cheat. Ever. Not a single piece of chocolate or a taste of potatoes. But this hasn't been hard for me, because I didn't have to give up every food I love. In fact, I got to keep about 80% of them. My problem pre-sleeve was really volume, which now is no problem at all.

But even so, I gotta say, looking back at the last two and half months (if we include the pre-op diet), this has been easy-peasy. Way easier than starving myself and being so effing hungry all the time. Easier than hating myself for not being motivated to get to the gym. Easier than staying fat.

But why should that be a bad thing? So what if it's been (relatively) easy? The only reason we think weight loss should be a struggle, is because we look at obesity as a moral failing, instead of a biological one, and thus as weight loss as the penance one must serve before one is rewarded with thinness. Well, I'm calling BS on that. Obesity is a medical problem; WLS is a medical solution. It should be easier than the alternative. That's the point. Maybe it hasn't been as easy for everyone else as it has been for me (like I said, I know I've been very, very lucky in some respects), but it's gotta be easier (barring major complications) than all the alternatives or we wouldn't have chosen it.

So, let's stop apologizing and making excuses. Yes, this is the easy (or at least easier) way out. And that's a good thing.

Edited July 25, 2014 by WhoKnows

[April206 128]

Awesome post I hope my experience is as positive as yours!

[WhoKnows 288]

@@April206 I hope so too! But you know, even if it isn't as smooth as it's been for me, my main point is that (as mentioned, barring major complications), the whole point of surgery is that even at it's most difficult, it should be easier than everything else we've tried. Otherwise, those things would have worked. Good luck!

[FairySleeve 297]

Oh I love your post! It's so true that it shouldn't be a bad thing.

We're in the 21st century when we have help from technology for almost everything. Why not as well for the weight loss?

Thanks for the positive thoughts :-)

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

Loved your experience. You are a wonderful writer....One problem though....I personally have set records for complications where you and no one else has or would possibly be prepared for...... That said I would do it again in a heartbeat...

Loved your statement, and is so true, 'Obesity is a medical problem; WLS is a medical solution.'

You should put this in the article section. It is well put and beautifully written like I said already...Congrats on an easy journey.......

[WhoKnows 288]

@RJ'S/beginning I've read about your complications, and my heart really goes out to you. I actually had you in mind when I added the caveat about major complications being an exception. But I find it really inspiring that despite everything you've been through, you'd do it again. It's a testament to both the efficacy of this surgery, and most of all, your strength.

And thanks for the kind words! If I may ask, how would one go about getting something put on the article section? I assumed only people who work for bariatricpal can do that.

Edited July 25, 2014 by WhoKnows

[cutiecake 178]

I love your post and yes, why can't somebody take the easy way out? Seriously, if I suffer through my weightloss, then it's acceptable?

And this has been easy peasy for me as well. I love that after a few bites of dinner I am as satisfied as I was before surgery after thanksgiving dinner. Couldn't be happier with my decision, I'm only 7 weeks out, I have a ways to go, but this journey has been a happy one. I feel great! There's nothing wrong with that

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

I also agree with you -- I could have never lost 31 pounds in 6 1/2 weeks on any other plan I've tried. If I had tried to stay on 700 calories or less, very low carb diets in the past, it would have never happened. Presurgery I probably hit 700 calories after Breakfast and a mid-morning snack! Now I'm frequently drinking a shake just before bed just to get the Protein in I needed for the day but didn't get around to.

In one way it's easy because the surgery altered my body so I don't really feel hungry and I can feel full on smaller amounts. In some way it's hard because I have to read the menus in restaurants over and over again to try to figure out what the best option might be. Of course, last weekend at the shore, that half a hamburger patty with sauteed shrimp on top wasn't exactly a meal I felt sorry for having to eat! I can't just run into a convenience store and grab the first thing that appeals to me -- I have to plan ahead and usually carry food along with me. Maybe because I was a junk food addict, it's a little harder for me than for you to get used to a new way of eating after surgery.

But I agree 100% that at least it's an easier way than all the diets I tried before. And I'm SO happy I did it!

[RJ'S/beginning 5,358]

@RJ'S/beginning I've read about your complications, and my heart really goes out to you. I actually had you in mind when I added the caveat about major complications being an exception. But I find it really inspiring that despite everything you've been through, you'd do it again. It's a testament to both the efficacy of this surgery, and most of all, your strength.

And thanks for the kind words! If I may ask, how would one go about getting something put on the article section? I assumed only people who work for bariatricpal can do that.

Send an email to Alex and an example of what you would like to say and he will give you the thumbs up or not.. Personally. I think you are a natural!

Alex is always looking for new perspectives and I think you the bomb...

Thanks for your remembering me...I was thinking Guinness book of records for me on complications via WLS...lol

[Comeflywithme 402]

Beautifully written and I agree with you 100%~~ I too have had a great recovery and wouldn't change a thing. MY ONLY REGRET -- not getting is done sooner but timing is everything I guess. I was so ready when I decided to go thru WLS. I am the happiest and feel the best-est I have in many many many years. God Bless all of us and keep us healthy and happy! Thank you for writing that -- it made my day! Have a great weekend.

[catered1 22]

Your comments are wonderful! I use to wake up everyday saying I can do this. I can eat well today. And then when I win I go to bed crazy hungry. But when I failed and ate too much I went to bed hating myself for failing. I didn't really win either way. Now I win each day. It is easier, way easier. But I am still fighting the healthy food choices everyday. I hope in a few years I will be able to make the better food choices always. You are right-it is easier way easier.