[howietam]

I have two co workers who had GBS, both in July. One has done well, the other had esophageal problems, but both have lost a LOT of weight. I'm a little concerned, though, because they seem to eat whatever they want, just smaller portions of it. We got a big ol' plate of brownies at work yesterday, and they dove right in! I guess my concern is that they will not always be able to eat like that and maintain their weightloss. They give no indication of trying to eat wisely.
( I really wanted a brownie...maybe I'm jealous! ).

Should I say something??

[DocSanae]

Hmm. That's not an easy situation, nor do I think there's any single correct answer...
One thing, are they male or female? Because men do seem to lose more easily than women, probably has some to do with hormones and stuff, but anyhow...
I suppose one way would be to try to get into a general discussion of what their surgeons and nut/dietician say on post op eating, like how much protein, how much water, are they instructed on limiting their fat and carb intake, and things like that. Or do they get dumping from sugar, things, you know, that are concerns for many of you.
Don't try to point out that they may not be working the tool, but ask what rules they were given and feel your way from there. You could ask them about pouch rules, like, "I've heard that there's something called pouch rules, did your surgeon ever give them to you?" and things like that.
Make it look like you want to compare notes, and subtly insert info that may make them think.

(((((HUGS))))) I guess it's kinda hard to have people who are on the same journey as you are, and watch them abuse the tool they have been given.

[bren]

Are they eating sweets all the time or is it just a treat? that would make a difference too. Everyonce in awhile I will treat myself, however I try to do it with a sugar free cookie.. or one way of limiting myself is with those new 100 cal pack of snacks that way I can't over eat

[LittleLisaMarie]

Hello..I agree with trying to engage them in a conversation about what there surgeons plan is like. Its hard for us as fellow wls patients and as nurses/docs sometimes to learn when to not say to much. We are always wanting to teach others espically when we see them doing something that may be hurting them. But we have to try to remember we are not the wls police and not everyone is going to listen to our advice. If they were friends that would be a little easier but if just co workers its hard to tell how they would react. Just start up the conversation and see how they react and follow that. Hope you are doing well...

LittleLisaMarie

[howietam]

Thanks, that's sound advice. They are both female, and they seem to consistently make bad food choices, at least at work. I think I will just try to engage them in some conversation and approach the fact that this surgery is a tool, not the fix, and we need to take advantage of this time early out to make changes. I have tried to get them to get on this forum, but I don't believe they have checked it out. I have learned so much from you guys! You've really helped me maintain a positive, healthier attitude that I'm not sure I would have had otherwise. I guess I just want to share that.

[DocSanae]

Hmmm. Off topic for this thread, I know, but your word "attitude" brought to my mind this article that CraigT wrote a while back.
Attitude Determines Your Altitude.
Have a read when you think nothing is going your way. I think it will help a lot.

[LittleLisaMarie]

Yes Doc that is a great way to think of things. I first heard that when i read a book by Mary Kay, when i was selling her cosmetic line. She emphasized that comment alot. SO true...So true....

LittleLisaMarie

[ChuppyGirl]

Tammy,

I want brownie too hehhehehe

Well I'll speak from the shoe of a personal experience. As if you may know that I used to have a gastric band before I switch to the bypass. I had the band hmm oct 2000 worked fine for the first 6 months lost around 25kg's maybe and I did exactly like your 2 friends! I ate everything but in small portions, the portions got bigger and bigger..and hi-caloric! and bam I gained the 25kgs and even more!

I remember when I first visited this forum DocSanea advised me to use the band tool but go back to round one and use a diet, to be quite honest I didn't like the idea and thought that the bypass is the solution. Now looking back and to where am i now!! I think if I kept the band and watch what I'm eating with some exercise I think I could have lost what I've lost so far! coz I stopped sugar I can say year ago! eliminated my carbs to the minimum! could I have done this with the band? yes!
I think sticking around in the support group, have changed my attitude a lot.
At the bottom of the road I cannot insist enough to tell you that both the band and the bypass are just helping tools..but the secret is to follow hi-protein, low-carb, low-fat diet, put on some exercise that's it!

I hope you and your friends use my failed and successful experiences before they run out of time!

Love,
Hanadi

[starrshipp]

I had gastric bypass surgery in 1995. I lost 150 lbs and have now gained it all back. Am I hopeless? Is there more surgery?

[DocSanae]

Welcome aboard, starrshipp, thank you for joining us.
(((((HUGS))))) Wishing for you that you can get back on track, and that your journey go well.

You still have your tool, the pouch, you know. You will need to reflect on how you have used it, though. If you were thinking that the "honeymoon" period of losing will stick throughout your life after you've lost weight, without your changing the way you relate to food, then, you will be apt to make mistakes that in the end will cost you.
So, you will first have to think over how you have been using your pouch.
Have you been following the Pouch Rules? (Click on the blue letters, and it will take you to the Pouch Rules.)

If you have been using it correctly, then, it may be, that you will have to be checked out if your stoma--the opening--has stretched for some reason. If this has happened, then, the surgeon will be able to reduce the size. Another option is to have the surgery revised to DS--duodenal switch.

However, whatever you do, whether you will be able to maintain the weightloss is entirely up to you, in other words, it is up to you to work on your brain and set up healthy eating habits and healthy lifestyle, follow the Pouch Rules for the reast of your life.

Where there's a will, there's a way. So long as YOU don't give up on yourself, you aren't hopeless.

((((((HUGS)))))) It's never too late.