HomeWellness & BeautyDiet FoodsHow To Choose A Weight Loss Plan
Member Advice Summary
The American Struggle and Tunnel Vision Diets
by LaurenMarie | Dec 20 '02
If you consider any weight loss surgery: Think about what you are doing. It can be great, but it can also be the worst thing you ever did.

Return to opinion



Have something to say?
Write your own comment on this review!
Comments on The American Struggle and Tunnel Vision Diets" (11 total)  
  Comment Sorted by
Date Written
My sister had this surgery (Reply to this comment)
by frazzledspice
Although she has lost quite a bit of weight, she had to go to Weight Watchers, eventually, because she just plateaued.

She had her gallbladder removed at the same time and so did a man I know (but they are both middle-aged.)

I think that it can bring hope to many people who've failed at every other program, but it definitely isn't easy.

I am glad that you are happy with your surgery, and thanks for sharing your story.
Dec 28 '04
9:34 pm PST

Re: So you understand it is a life change? (Reply to this comment)
by LaurenMarie
Dear “Extermin8r,”
Hi there, I have not been on Epinions in quite sometime and just logged on for the heck of it and saw your comment. It was my review you commented on about Gastric bypass. And I will tell you what. For many people who get the surgery I fully commend you on your comment because it is used all too often as a quick fix. That having been said, I wish people were a little more open minded. The only people on earth who have weight loss issues are NOT just thyroid patients.

There are many factors that contribute to weight loss, the very first of which is motivation. Many other things fall into line…build, health issues, genetics, and metabolism just to name a few. I am not one of those people who yell “you have no idea what its like to be fat!” I will say “I know what I did.” I worked out, I didn’t eat fatty foods. I avoided sugar, and soda. I was relentless. Nothing worked. It was by no lack of effort that I remained heavy. Doctors were stunned that my blood work showed someone so healthy, I had more than ideal blood pressure, cholesterol and everything else at nearly 400lbs. I would walk/jog 2-5 miles daily, I would do 100 crunches nightly. I was told to my face by “nutritionists” and “trainers” that I was lying. I had one trainer say that the walking between my couch and the refrigerator didn’t count as walking. And I took it all in stride because in the depth of my heart I knew what I was doing.

One day when working I fell and tore my ligament in my ankle. I couldn’t walk like I used to. Almost a year later my ankle hadn’t healed. As a matter of fact, due to my weight I was developing massive scar tissue build up and was going to need surgery. It was at that point surgery was recommended….and it does make a difference. I was used to the habits, but no normal person can eat 1 ice-cube worth of food and be full. Also please take into account that they bypass intestine so all calories and fat are not being absorbed into the system…the surgery does add a huge benefit on top of genuine hard work.

I wrote my review on epinions because I was sick of women that I knew who were overweight and eating McDonalds everyday, or sitting around on the couch with all of their free time being the first people to declare Bypass as a cure-all. I despise plastic surgery, people who get implants or face lifts…and I definitely equate Gastric Bypass as a glorified plastic surgery when someone who is “lazy” gets the operation. My review was intended to point out that if sticking to a exercise routine isn’t something you’ve tried you may want to do that first because Gastric Bypass isn’t EASY, in fact.

In many ways I agree with you but it it frustrating to hear you lump people into one group as you do. Not everyone is the same, and until you fully know and understand where someone is coming from it can be hurtful to judge. I am sure you see some very frustrating things that people do as a trainer but please just always treat people as individuals, not statistics or evidence of prior frustrations.

Thank you,
Lauren
Dec 26 '04
6:26 pm PST

So you understand it is a life change? (Reply to this comment)
by extermin8r
Hi I had to sign up just to post a comment on this... everyone else who has said something is justifying it. My girlfriend's mother is planning on doing this dangerous and unhealthy surgery and I am trying to prevent her from doing so. I am a personal trainer... before you go shouting "get off your pedestal!" or "you have no idea what it's like to be fat!" just hear me out. This reviewer fully understands what her surgery entails, and as a result of her surgery she has had to make drastic life changes. SO DOES ANYONE WHO REALLY WANTS TO LOSE WEIGHT. This surgery only made it an absolute necessity that she changed her life. Anyone will stop eating sugars or overeating when they vomit or feel uncontrollably ill. If this outside factor was not present (the surgery) and she instead had begun eating right, eating proper portions, exercising (and NOT neglect strength training) she would see the SAME RESULTS. Given, it would not be as drastic, and it would take some time and HARD WORK, but the results would be the same. Only difference is through perseverance and hard work she would actually see health benefits rather than complications. Any surgery you undergo you are taking a risk.. a risk that could be avoided. With the $20,000-$25,000 she spent on this surgery she could have bought years of consult with a nutritionist and a personal trainer and learned how to TAKE CONTROL of her weight problem. Anyone on this planet can lose weight and keep it off (unless you are one of the less than 1% minority with a thyroid issue.) It takes sacrifice and work, just like it takes sacrifice and work for those who have undergone the surgery. It's just that the surgery made them finally realize that they actually have more responsibility for their weight than they would like to believe. I am very sorry if I have sounded condescending and harsh, for any feelings I may have hurt. The fact is as a trainer I can never express my opinion (and I never would say these things) to a client's face, because frankly, the truth hurts. I've seen numerous clients come and go. The moment they realize how much work is required, most call it quits. The ones who stick with it see results. AND THE ONES WHO STICK WITH IT FOR LIFE, STAY AT THEIR IDEAL WEIGHT. You don't just go on a "diet" and once you lose your 30 pounds go back to eating like crap... it's a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, just like the surgery. Until people fully understand that, we are going to keep getting fatter and fatter, and more people are going to resort to this surgery, and health costs will rise even more... all because people cannot assert full control over their lives. If you have any problems with anything I have said I am willing to hear your opinion, my e-mail is extermin8r@yahoo.com. Good day to all.
Jul 21 '03
11:59 pm PDT

Good luck (Reply to this comment)
by jo.com
I've known 2 people personally who have had this done. A good friend most recently (1 year ago)- and very successfully. jo
Jan 08 '03
5:12 am PST

Great review..... (Reply to this comment)
by kamel622

.....of this surgery. My daughter had it done in Sept. She has had a few problems, but is so glad that she did it.

As you said, there are times that are difficult..holidays especially, but she is already looking so wonderful.

I'm not sure why we all think that we have to be thin...but I know I'm beating myself up for the 60 pounds I've gained since I quit smoking. UGH

Best of luck to you and Happy New Year.....kath
Dec 29 '02
5:13 pm PST

Bravo! (Reply to this comment)
by bibbygreen
Thanks for this wonderful epinion. In the last year I lost 40 lbs on Weightwatchers and it's a daily struggle to keep the pounds off. You've really given me a lot to think about! Bravo.
Dec 27 '02
9:26 am PST

Thank you... (Reply to this comment)
by raven_blesses
for the useful information. Please check out my first write.
Dec 25 '02
1:11 pm PST

congratulations (Reply to this comment)
by nwo
glad to hear your story of success. I guess not all bodies are made equal; but with a little help results can be achieved...

you are a fighter :)

Steve
Dec 22 '02
6:10 am PST

=) (Reply to this comment)
by i_culookn
I am soooo proud of you. My cousin had this done a few years ago and she looks great.

Keep up the great work. I have been there with the dieting as I know exactly where you are coming from.

Miss Tara
Dec 21 '02
10:33 am PST

Good for you (Reply to this comment)
by Suzer
I met a lady (we've gotten close) through aquajogging. She underwent the Fobi method, and so far has lost 100 pounds. She is also eating healthy, and besides aquajogging is bicycling and hiking. I know she'll continue her successful path.

Thank you for sharing this and congratulations on your success!

Suz
Dec 20 '02
4:56 pm PST

wow (Reply to this comment)
by jankp
Good luck on keeping it and more off. I'll have to check out your other reviews. I have a friend whose mom had this done and I'll forward this to her.

Jan
Dec 20 '02
3:06 pm PST