I'm a pre-op though I'll be able to submit to insurance at the beginning of February (YAY). I ran across something this week that disturbed me a little bit. I ran a across a blog that I hadn't seem before and the blogger had posted a comment from someone else (the source was not given) and it said:
Search for any wls blogs or stories or even posters on wls boards from post ops more than two or three years out...they are virtually non-existant. Nobody posts on boards more than 2 years post op. Blogs are abandoned at two years out. The surgery has a honeymoon and people still in that period tend to get very emotional about defending it. Once the regain, ruptures, complications and malabsorption side effects take over, these people feel like failures and hypocrites and go into hiding. Where are the ten year post-ops? Or the five year ones? That's who I want to hear from.
Are there people here who are five or more years out? I would like to think that you don't hear from those folks as much because with weight loss, they are now out living their lives, and not inside, having regained their weight or fighting constant illness as a result of this surgery.
I'm just wondering what the post-ops think about this.
Full Version: Just Curious
Well, you're in luck. First and foremost, there are many members of this forum (with blogs) that are long term success stories. Let us motivate you and educate you.
Lots of blogs disappear only because people move on to just "living". Life becomes less about weight loss and more about being normal...having a family or a job that takes all of their time! Here are some stats that I posted on MY blog...
What you will learn from the long term folks on this site is that it takes work...forever. You must go into this surgery knowing that you must never go back to living your pre-WLS ways...quit going to the drive-thru restaurants, make healthy food a focus, exercise every day in some form and most of all, ENJOY life!
Lots of blogs disappear only because people move on to just "living". Life becomes less about weight loss and more about being normal...having a family or a job that takes all of their time! Here are some stats that I posted on MY blog...
QUOTE
National Statistic
RNY Gastric Bypass – 95% lost 70-75% excess body weight in 2 years; 85% maintained loss of >50% EBW at 5 years
RNY Gastric Bypass – 95% lost 70-75% excess body weight in 2 years; 85% maintained loss of >50% EBW at 5 years
What you will learn from the long term folks on this site is that it takes work...forever. You must go into this surgery knowing that you must never go back to living your pre-WLS ways...quit going to the drive-thru restaurants, make healthy food a focus, exercise every day in some form and most of all, ENJOY life!
Hello Kimbre! Welcome to the Neighborhood! You have certainly landed in the right place to ask this question. If you look at the profile of different members here in the Neighborhood you'll see "Arrival Date" and that is the date of their surgical weight loss. We call it "Arrival" because our slogan is, "Welcome to your new life - You Have Arrived". You will see many who are 5, 10, 15 and 20 years post weight loss surgery. Our senior member is little tiny Judy Petite - 21 yrs. post-Arrival. I've met her and she is petite and adorable!!! And she is LIVING. I will be 9 years post-Arrival in September and there are many others with lots of experience to share with pre-ops and those in the weight loss phase of this life-long experience. Many people do drop off message boards or blogs after 1 1/2 - 2 years post off. Many because, as you say, they become highly engaged in LIVING. Some because they are struggling and feel ashamed or embarassed. Some because they can't find a group dedicated to the daily challenges of surgical weight loss.
One thing I know about weight loss surgery is that it is a part of each of us every single day. Studies indicate that those who seek consistent peer support are better empowered with the skills, knowledge and desire to work the tool -- not just for a year or two -- but for life.
I am happy you are here and hope that as you become better acquainted you will find friendship and support to empower your Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Welcome!
One thing I know about weight loss surgery is that it is a part of each of us every single day. Studies indicate that those who seek consistent peer support are better empowered with the skills, knowledge and desire to work the tool -- not just for a year or two -- but for life.
I am happy you are here and hope that as you become better acquainted you will find friendship and support to empower your Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Welcome!
I agree with Kim. You get to the point that you're no longer a gung ho WLS patient, you are a normal person living a normal life. I'm 14 years out and am back because I put on weight when I was pregnant with my son and never lost it. Still, I'd never trade the fact that I had WLS surgery. It was a god-send. It's because of WLS that I was able to live a normal life (i.e., get married, have a baby, etc.).
I pay little credence to blogs. Blogs are someone's opinions. Obviously, that person didn't know anybody that had WLS surgery or even look at any other potential reasons. Common sense would tell you that they just move on (instead of jumping to the automatic conclusion that they've failed). *eye roll*
I pay little credence to blogs. Blogs are someone's opinions. Obviously, that person didn't know anybody that had WLS surgery or even look at any other potential reasons. Common sense would tell you that they just move on (instead of jumping to the automatic conclusion that they've failed). *eye roll*
Kimbre,
I'm pretty new, but wanted to pop in and say "Welcome."
I don't worry a lot about the statistics that say X number of people put weight back on after WLS. This is such an individual thing. I believe that, if we follow the rules & pay attention to our "Tool" we will not be one of those statistics. And, if I should have a lapse of judgement someday and fail to do what I need to & put back on a little of the weight, I have a great support system here that will help me get back to where I should be. I just am not planning to need to take any back off once it is gone. We have to believe in ourselves and our ability to use what has been given to us.
I'm glad you're here & I'm sure you will hear from several others that are long-term post WLS.
I'm pretty new, but wanted to pop in and say "Welcome."
I don't worry a lot about the statistics that say X number of people put weight back on after WLS. This is such an individual thing. I believe that, if we follow the rules & pay attention to our "Tool" we will not be one of those statistics. And, if I should have a lapse of judgement someday and fail to do what I need to & put back on a little of the weight, I have a great support system here that will help me get back to where I should be. I just am not planning to need to take any back off once it is gone. We have to believe in ourselves and our ability to use what has been given to us.
I'm glad you're here & I'm sure you will hear from several others that are long-term post WLS.
This is such a great topic I posted it to the LivingAfterWLS Blog --- so other bloggers can learn that long term post-Arrivals are out here doing well and supporting one another. Thanks Kimbre and all who have responded so far! I look forward to more conversation on this topic!
Welcome to the hood Kimbre,
You know the first thing that I thought about when I read that comment about blogs is that there are few weight loss blogs that actually last more than 2 years. Whether they are WLS related or not. Most peole once they goet their goal regardless of how they got there tend to let their blogs slide or they become no longer focussed on that part of their lives.
Anyway you have found a great place with some great Veterans here and I hope that we are able to answer any questions that you may have.
smiles :)
You know the first thing that I thought about when I read that comment about blogs is that there are few weight loss blogs that actually last more than 2 years. Whether they are WLS related or not. Most peole once they goet their goal regardless of how they got there tend to let their blogs slide or they become no longer focussed on that part of their lives.
Anyway you have found a great place with some great Veterans here and I hope that we are able to answer any questions that you may have.
smiles :)
BRILLIANT KIM!!! (sorry, I had to steal your word 
)
No one could have said it better. I have to say that one of the reasons that I stayed at this site from the beginning was because I WANTED to know what the long term people did. I can say that I know what I have to do long term because of the dedicated people that share their lives with us here. Knowing in advance what to expect really takes a lot of stress out of the equation. I have done so much better than I ever thought that I would and I know that a lot of that is because of the advice I have received from the many long term successes we have right here in the neighborhood!
)No one could have said it better. I have to say that one of the reasons that I stayed at this site from the beginning was because I WANTED to know what the long term people did. I can say that I know what I have to do long term because of the dedicated people that share their lives with us here. Knowing in advance what to expect really takes a lot of stress out of the equation. I have done so much better than I ever thought that I would and I know that a lot of that is because of the advice I have received from the many long term successes we have right here in the neighborhood!
QUOTE(Kimbre @ Jan 22 2008, 10:10 AM) 
I'm a pre-op though I'll be able to submit to insurance at the beginning of February (YAY). I ran across something this week that disturbed me a little bit. I ran a across a blog that I hadn't seem before and the blogger had posted a comment from someone else (the source was not given) and it said:
Search for any wls blogs or stories or even posters on wls boards from post ops more than two or three years out...they are virtually non-existant. Nobody posts on boards more than 2 years post op. Blogs are abandoned at two years out. The surgery has a honeymoon and people still in that period tend to get very emotional about defending it. Once the regain, ruptures, complications and malabsorption side effects take over, these people feel like failures and hypocrites and go into hiding. Where are the ten year post-ops? Or the five year ones? That's who I want to hear from.
Are there people here who are five or more years out? I would like to think that you don't hear from those folks as much because with weight loss, they are now out living their lives, and not inside, having regained their weight or fighting constant illness as a result of this surgery.
I'm just wondering what the post-ops think about this.
Search for any wls blogs or stories or even posters on wls boards from post ops more than two or three years out...they are virtually non-existant. Nobody posts on boards more than 2 years post op. Blogs are abandoned at two years out. The surgery has a honeymoon and people still in that period tend to get very emotional about defending it. Once the regain, ruptures, complications and malabsorption side effects take over, these people feel like failures and hypocrites and go into hiding. Where are the ten year post-ops? Or the five year ones? That's who I want to hear from.
Are there people here who are five or more years out? I would like to think that you don't hear from those folks as much because with weight loss, they are now out living their lives, and not inside, having regained their weight or fighting constant illness as a result of this surgery.
I'm just wondering what the post-ops think about this.
to our n'hood! I am almost 5yrs out and have regained some of the 225+ lbs I originally lost...was introduced to this website in November and it has been a God send to me...this has been a place for support, friendship, and loads of great information....please stick around and get to know us and let us help you prove that blogger wrong....
I wish you only the best in your journey as you pursue wls....
Blessings!!!!
This is not a quick fix - and we are not in it for the short term. The work is worth it - the dedication is worth it - the tool will work as long as we work it...
I have been on some kind of diet most of my life. I have had weight as a primary issue as part of my life for as long as I can remember. The difference is now, even though I still have to think about it daily, I have actually seen results and begun to live my life more freely. So much more has opened up to me because I can move beyond weight as the Primary issue - but it will always need attention. I accept that and recognize that it will challenge me always.
I plan to stick around - I'm 10 months out now and hope to still be here 10 years from now as well. The long-term people here are inspirational and real. It is so good to have such a great range of knowledge available for all stages of the journey.
I have been on some kind of diet most of my life. I have had weight as a primary issue as part of my life for as long as I can remember. The difference is now, even though I still have to think about it daily, I have actually seen results and begun to live my life more freely. So much more has opened up to me because I can move beyond weight as the Primary issue - but it will always need attention. I accept that and recognize that it will challenge me always.
I plan to stick around - I'm 10 months out now and hope to still be here 10 years from now as well. The long-term people here are inspirational and real. It is so good to have such a great range of knowledge available for all stages of the journey.
Hi!
I'm 21+ years post op, and at a healthy weight for the last 11 years. My journey since WLS has been too long to detail here, though I have posts all over the boards if you care to do a search on my name. I've discussed my a lot of my journey in detail here.
I'm here to tell you that long term success IS possible with hard work and dedication.
It's also possible to stumble on the path and to fall. You are lucky -- you have the Neighborhood. I never had that! I had to find my own way, but I did find it. You have more resources than the WLS'ers of my era ever had.
This is a serious and life-changing step! But be of good cheer. WLS is a great tool, and the LAWLS Neighborhood is a great support system. Make the most of both, and you'll surely succeed!
Judy
I'm 21+ years post op, and at a healthy weight for the last 11 years. My journey since WLS has been too long to detail here, though I have posts all over the boards if you care to do a search on my name. I've discussed my a lot of my journey in detail here.
I'm here to tell you that long term success IS possible with hard work and dedication.
It's also possible to stumble on the path and to fall. You are lucky -- you have the Neighborhood. I never had that! I had to find my own way, but I did find it. You have more resources than the WLS'ers of my era ever had.
This is a serious and life-changing step! But be of good cheer. WLS is a great tool, and the LAWLS Neighborhood is a great support system. Make the most of both, and you'll surely succeed!
Judy
Bump!
Thought I'd bring this forward for the new Neighbors...a good thread started by Kimbre
Thought I'd bring this forward for the new Neighbors...a good thread started by Kimbre
I am five years out and am at the stumbing block. I have gained 60 pounds of the 150 I lost. I am depressed over being big again.
I am hoping to do the 5 day test soon and get back on track. I also had three babies after my surgery, one ten weeks ago. Pregnancy really kicked my butt, although I adore my babies.
There is a reason they suggest not getting pregnant right away.
My wish for you is that you absorb all the info you can so you can be successful long term. Emerse yourself in living life the healthy way!
Good Luck
Dawn
San Antonio Texas
I am hoping to do the 5 day test soon and get back on track. I also had three babies after my surgery, one ten weeks ago. Pregnancy really kicked my butt, although I adore my babies.
There is a reason they suggest not getting pregnant right away.
My wish for you is that you absorb all the info you can so you can be successful long term. Emerse yourself in living life the healthy way!
Good Luck
Dawn
San Antonio Texas
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