Hi, my name is Shannon. I had RNY October 23 and am a big fan of the show. However, I'm new to the message board...hope I'm doing this right. I missed last nights episode and wonder what is up with the girl who has started to gain weight back. The first three months following my surgery were very successful for me as I lost 60 lbs. Since then I have hit a pleateu and stayed there for roughly a month. Somedays I can eat anything I want and my cravings are overwhelming. No dumping at all! I try to have self control, but it doesn't always work. I exercise daily but am at a cross roads. Am I going to be stuck here forever and be an unsuccessful candidate of weight loss surgery? I hope someone can help me as I have no where else to go.

I saw last nights episode and all I can give you is my opinion. I have always said, this surgery does not work. The reason the woman was gaining weight is because she went back to eating like she did. Doesn't exercise and said she could eat 3 pieces of pizza at one sitting. You have to be on their weight loss program till the end of your time. This is why I don't think this surgery is the answer for alot of people. We all should diet and exercise! If we didn't, we would all be obese! I know I'm going to get answers that tell me if I was obese I wouldn't talk like this. Well, if I do, then they would be the people who are continuing with the weight loss program the doctors provided. This woman now has to see Mary Jo, then talk to their dietician and start over with eating right and exercise. Again, diet and exercise, it's not unique! So many people believe that this surgery is the end of their journey. It is only the beginning. If you are continuing with the right diet and exercise, you should do alright. If you find yourself doing all the right things and start gaining, see your doctor. Good luck, hope all works out well for you.

"This woman now has to see Mary Jo, then talk to their dietician and start over with eating right and exercise. "

i think the show neglects to talk about those issues and it misleads people into thinking all they need is the surgery. they talk about a liquid diet before surgery to lose weight so the liver is smaller.
they don't stress the need to change the eating habits that made them obese in the first place. their psychology plays a huge part in why they overeat but that's almost never mentioned and those psych problems are probably the biggest reasons why people eat themselves into weighing 500 or 700 pounds. jmo.

It is made very clear that the weight loss surgery is not the solution, but that it is a tool to help you get to where you want to be. Garth tells patients, Mary Jo tells patients...it is not a mystery. The surgery does not replace personal responsibility, it helps us with some of the physical issues that prevent us from losing without it.

Shannon, I would suggest to you that you get with your physician and his support team to get help getting your food addiction under control. As much as we may not want to admit it, it is an addiction we have to food, and we have to deal with that. You CAN get off of the plateau and get back on track.

If you'd like "online support", I'd be happy to be there for you. Email me at kimvalera@hotmail.com. Have faith in yourself, Shannon! You can get to where you want to be!

The surgery does work.. no, its not magic... you can however restretch your pouch out.. (not as big as original but it is possible, which is why you need to get with a local support group and or dietician) and for goodness sakes don't let the sour people infecting this board make you feel bad..... get some REAL help, dust yourself off and get back on plan.....

RESEARCH IS PARAMOUNT!