Long Term Success 3 Years and More Post-op and Combating Food Addiction

[dafurrer 11]

I am new to this group and starting to do the steps to get qualified for a sleeve. I have some questions for the long term success stories and the tips you have to stay at your maintenance weight once you have reached it. What makes me very nervous is some of the lack of success stories I do read about, such as never reaching goal. Or maybe getting to goal and then gaining 20-30 pounds. I know for myself, that having this surgery is very serious and should be my last resort after trying every diet known to man. I do know that having the sleeve "re-sets" the signals from your brain to your stomach in regards to feeling full and satisfied. Most people post surgery indicate that they have trouble eating and are not hungry and getting full very quickly. At what point does the stomach accept the extra food and the food addiction rears its ugly head? What tips do you have to combat that? I hear about people talking about cheating on their food not terribly long after surgery. I know that consistent exercise is a must and works hand in hand in the process.

I am terrified to undergo an expensive surgery ( I have insurance but do have to pay over and above the coverage) and have them cut out 80% of my stomach (for life) and then stretching it back to its previous size because I have lost control and couldn't overcome my food addiction.

When I do get down to the brass tacks, I HAVE to take this seriously and finally be successful for the rest of my life.

Really want to see how you all have overcome it or how you manage it successfully and how you perceive this huge change in your life.

[AvaFern 3,516]

I am not three years out- I just reached the 25 months mark. I hit goal and have maintained it within 2-3 pounds in either direction. Your post says that you worried about hitting goal and gaining 20-30 pounds. To be fair I would be VERY upset if I gained that now, but before surgery if someone told me I could weigh 150 for the rest of my life, I would have been pleased as punch. Most people seem to gain a little bit of weight back, but they are still within a health range and it does not seem to be anywhere near the obesity level- at least from what I have read.

That being said...every day for the rest of your life is a battle. The firs year is easy, the second year is a little harder, and after that you really need to rely on the good habits you established right after surgery. Every day I worry that I am going to get fat again and I take steps to make sure I don't. As long as you don't become complacent, you should be fine.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

If this is how you feel, then you nee to work on your food addiction before surgery.

You can't stretch your stomach back to the previous size. You can however eat all day if you are dedicated enough.

Try finding a local Overeaters Anonymous and working with that and a therapist so you have your mental and emotional issues in check before surgery.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

@@dafurrer

always room for one more

there are "millions" of success stories that are posted

people are doing great, loosing weight and gaining a healthier life

many, many (me) had a great surgery and wonderful recovery

i never even had gas!!

this too shall "PASS"

walk ASAP - that helps cure this situation

problems can and do happen

the BAD posts we read stick out in people's minds

people speaking of specific issues /problems/concerns

ie gas, tiredness, problems drinking, eating etc

but that's ok, you should know both sides of the coin

there are some sad/bad/true stories about problems happening during surgery or after

but they are far and few between

it is possible to gain weight

if you graze all day, eat too much etc you willl gain at some point

there is a complication board you can read

you should know all the facts

i "think" the stats for success are 99%

check that #, pretty sure its correct, or close

I know from my previous experiences - maintaining is very hard

i could/would loose lots of weight only to regain again and again and...........

that's why i was sleeved - i needed help loosing, keeping my good health by maintaining

follow/learn all the many rules that will help you become successful

with the assistance of the sleeve, and your hard work

you willl become one of the many success stories

"work with the sleeve and it will work with/for you"

love to share my stats

bragging?

your point LOL

12/15/11

235 lbs

5'3

57 years OLD

present

130 lbs

still 5'3

61 yrs YOUNG

ok, ok

i took an extra honest pill

i actually weigh 8 lbs over goal

138 not 130

(to "thine own self be true") is that the right phrase????

but i know i will take those stupid 8 lbs off sooner than later

you are on your way to a healthier, happier, longer life

don't screw it up

have as much confidence in yourself, as i do in/for you

4 years and counting, i continue to be

a happy, successful sleeve survivor

(cute as a button too )

good luck

kathy

[AR40 88]

I'm about 18 mos post op and still working in reaching my goal. It takes dedication and patience. I'm still working hard and aside from the weight loss I have found a new sense if confidence I never knew before. I still have 20lbs to lose but I still believe it will happen, eventually ????good luck

[dafurrer 11]

How nice you all are! Thank you for taking the time to reassure me and such positive vibes! I plan to be one of the success stories.

[heidikate 49]

Kathy

You're awesome ????