Statistics show that 97% of people who are chronically obese gain back the weight that they lose, if they lose it naturally. Think of the obese people you know who have lost weight on their own. They usually gain it back. Statistics show that is not usually the case with weight loss surgery. If you have weight loss surgery, there are usually nutritionists available to you, and what you’re supposed to do if you gain weight is to go back and see the nutritionist, and discuss what you’re eating and how you can get back on track.
I work in various government offices where there are a lot of people. Many have had weight loss surgery over the years. I have seen the ones that had the lap band were not as successful. My present supervisor had the bypass about 4 years ago. When she was about two years out, I asked her, just out of curiosity, if she would do it again and her experiences. She said “For the first few days I was uncomfortable and thinking ‘what did I do to myself that is not reversible?’” I asked her if she would do it again and she said yes. At that time I was not considering it, I was just curious. Then I knew a guy who had the sleeve gastrectomy. He was a real foodie. Not only did he lose a lot of weight, but he was transformed from being a foodie. I figured if he could do it, anybody could do it. He still goes out to eat, and enjoys various cuisines, but he is limited in his quantity.
Based upon his success, I pursued surgery myself. I had the sleeve gastrectomy in May 2011 (7 months ago). I lost 100 lbs since. I have about 30 left to lose. I know that no matter what I want to eat, I can only eat about 8 bites at a time. It’s all good. Even when I eat dessert, it’s not excessive. I’m happy, 100 lbs down!