Question:
Should I consider bariatric surgery?

I am only checking this out as a last resort. I have a metabolism which continuously adapts to a low cal diet. I have been on 1800 or less calories for almost 12 years, (with of course, the occassional cheating, but not enough to sustain my weight, let alone gain weight. I am 286, and was 284 three weeks ago, and pretty much will be 287-288 in another two or three weeks when I visit my doctor. Right now, she suggested Xenical. Where my metabolism is so "efficient", is this actually something that I need to consider (bariatric surgery, that is)? It is not very common to have a metabolism like mine, especially when I don't experience a lot of problems with moving around (although as of late, my ankles have been swollen and I'm not as inclined to take my mile and a half to two mile walks on the beach with my children). Anyway, I need to hear from people who have or had this problem. Even at 1100 calories for 16 weeks, I was only able to lose two pounds, only to gain four back within the next two weeks, staying on the 1100 calorie plan. I was also sick for a couple of months and could not keep food down, but weight gain seemed consistent. Please e-mail me your comments and/or suggestions. Thanks.    — Mi R. (posted on June 5, 2001)

June 5, 2001
Unfortunately Mi, when one gets to thinking about wls it is usually the last resort. But this is a decision only you can make. I'll say though that diets don't work, at least for most people especially when we are morbidly obese. I have been obese for approx 25 years and been from one diet to the next to the next, only to lose and gain and gain some more. Wls isn't a miracle (although some may beg to differ) :o) but it is a tool that will help you to have a much better handle on your weight problem. Do your research and when you think you've done all your research, do some more and then you will be able to make a more informed decision. Meanwhile, if you choose to try other non-surgical attempts at weight loss, make sure they are medically supervised. If you decide to choose this route and will not be self pay, the ins co may ask for proof before making a decision on whether to approve or deny.
   — dandjon

June 5, 2001
I used to joke that I had the world's most efficient metabolism. I spent the last 2 years prior to deciding on bariatric surgery trying to find the "set point" for my metabolism. I gained weight on a 1200 calorie a day diet! The good news was that I always had a slow pulse and low blood pressure! For me, bariatric surgery was indeed a last resort, the final act of desperation. I opted for a distal procedure, since I knew limiting my intake would simply not be enough. I had to insure that much of what I took in would not be absorbed. My surgery has been successful. After one year, I have lost 95 lbs., although my goal was to lose 120. I am pretty darned satisfied with the whole thing. - Kate -
   — kateseidel

June 6, 2001
Mi, be sure you do ALOT of research. Listen to what others have to say about wls. There is tons of information on this site. I have been on Xenical for quite some time now. It helped at first, but if you aren't eating a high fat diet, it won't help you very much. It only helps eliminate the extra fat in your diet. It won't hurt you to try Xenical, but keep in mind, most insurance won't cover it, and it is about $100 for a month. You are the only one who knows if your current diet has alot of fat in it. What ever you decide, good luck.
   — deb_wls2001

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