I had RNY surgery 6 years ago and have gained back 40 of the 110 pounds I lost. I found it very discouraging to hear Dr. Garth push aside the psychologist's concerns about the patients. The most important thing I have learned in the last 6 years is that I became morbidly obese because I ate to numb my feelings. Surgery doesn't fix that. If you don't deal with the reasons that caused you to put on the pounds they will come back.

I would have this surgery again in a heartbeat. It gave me a chance at a normal life. But I would encourage anyone considering it to work on their psychological issues first. I know how hard it is to consider waiting for surgery if you can get insurance approval. I remember how excited I was when my approval came in and I could schedule a date. But 6 years later I can say it is incredibly discouraging to see those pounds creep back on and taking them back off is as difficult as it ever was.

I truly believe in this surgery but when I had mine I wasn't aware of just how often veterans like me regained significant amounts weight, and I did a lot of research. I never intended this to be just a quick fix. I meant to keep the weight off forever. So now I'm working to get my weight back under control and if I can help others along the way I'm glad to tell my story.

I agree with you 100%. Alot of people are simpy in denial or just ignorant of the fact that there are other underlying issues that are attached to their weight gain or obesity condition. These issues often go all the way back to childhood. I teach a class on weight/healthcare management and would like to know if you would be interested in coming to speak to my class. If you would like more information please email me at atch7777@yahoo.com. Thanks and hang in there, you CAN do it!!

What was not yet shown in the show is that Garth, Mary Jo and the others work very closely together and DO emphasize the importance of using the surgery as a TOOL, not the solution. Garth does NOT in any way discount the work that has to be done by the patients on the issues that made them obese in the first place. I am quite certain that, as the show progresses, that will become more and more obvious. Dr. Davis has worked very hard to put together a team of people...including patients...to work together for total patient care, both before and after the surgery. Hang in there with the show, and I'm certain that will come to light!

Kvalera, I agree with you as well. The entire staff must work as a team and the show can only reveal a certain amount of footage in one hour's time. Furthermore, the patient must also be a "team player" for progression to occur. I believe that each member of The Methodist Hospital Bariatric Program is very passionate (and serious at the same time) about his/her area of expertise because they want the patients to be successful.

Agree with the show editing some things - they can only show so much in an hour - As a patient of Dr. Garth, I can assure you that he made it very clear during his seminar and during my consultation with him about surgery being a tool. After meeting with him, Mary Jo and the nutritionist at Methodist - I very much feel like I have a team for life. It means a lot - knowing that they are all just a phone call or email away.

I wasn't too excited in the beginning but I'm now personally thankful for the 3 month program the insurance has put me through and the evalutions - I've had to get real with myself on a lot of issues that I was denying or just not talking about. It has been good letting things come to the surface that I had supressed - not easy - not fun - lots of tears - but good. I've been amazed.

I have about 1 more month then everything goes to the insurance.

hey guys, Dr Garth here,

I do think the editing makes it seem like Mary Jo and I disagree. The fact is that at times we do. the scene of her and I in the hall discussing Allen's case was very real and spontaneous. However, I absolutely ubderstand the long term psychological issues that come after losing weight. I also have the utmost respect for Mary Jo, not to mention she is my friend. I in fact brought her to Methodist and require everyone of of my patients to see her or her team pre-op. I also started and attend our support groups with Mary Jo. This is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplanary approach and I really do not think my patients would be as successful without her. She is also very caring and very funny, I hope that comes out in the future.

Garth

Mary Jo here...Gosh Garth, you are going to make me cry! Actually...it is true. I am Garth's buddy...and a strong one at that. I like to tell the patients "I have their back". I am loving...but make no mistake I am firm. I am also firm with myself in regards to exercise and diet. My mother died of obesity related illnesses...I miss her. I am going to give every patient the knowledge I wish I could have given her. You may not like me...that's okay. But I will not only like you, I will walk the walk with you. I see most of Garth's patients after surgery...and I am often the one they call when they fall off the track (it's okay to fall off...but you gotta get back on). I like working with Garth...and because I like him, I can disagree with him.

Mary Jo & Dr. Garth,

I am in the process of being approved for WLS. In coming to the point of decided to seek the surgery I have finally had to deal with my compulsive eating.

I started looking into Overeaters Anonymous as a tool to address the compulsive eating issue. I feel like I need to do everything I can to prepare for success after surgery and also to start to deal with my problems instead of hiding them with food.

What is your feeling about OA as a part of the overall WLS journey?

Calimom40...Mary JO here...OA is the greatest! I am so proud of you dealing with this issue now. Another way to help you address this is to purchase the book "Taming of the Chew". It is very good, small, easy to read, and really helpful. It also helps if you establish a support person who agrees to allow you to call when you are especially wanting to eat to manage emotions. For example...whenever you want to binge....remember to first wait for the count of 5. Ask yourself WHY you want to eat, and then ask yourself if it is good for your body or not. If the answer is not then call your friend and talk to them. This distraction will many times take the compuslive urge away. Hope this helps...you are taking active steps with this...I am very proud of you! Don't settle for old habits that diminish your "sacredness". You are so much better than that!!!!Mjo

Thanks so much Mary Jo, it is good to have someone 'in the know' confirm that I am on the right track. I'll pick up that book - it sounds good and I was wondering about how to select a good support person. I have found meetings in my area and plan to check one out this week.

It is going to be a lot of work, but for the first time in my life I feel like I have real hope. Pursuing WLS gave me that hope and pushed me to face the root of my problem.

I love the show and have the DVR set to record the whole season. God bless you all and the work you do.