20 Years After Gastric Bypass WLS - 5 Biggest Lessons Learned
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- Опубліковано 12 тра 2024
- 20 years after gastric bypass / weight loss surgery, what are the 5 biggest lessons I've learned?
Are all the stories of post-surgery regain freaking you out? Are you worried you'll put the weight back on after gastric bypass or vertical sleeve?
As with any surgery there is risk, but weight loss surgery can and does help so many people achieve and maintain rightsize living. I'm living proof!
5 LESSONS LEARNED AFTER WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
I've learned lots since having gastric bypass surgery 20 years ago. In this episode, I share the five most important lessons I've learned:
0:59: Lesson 1 - Surgery Works if You Work It
3:35: Lesson 2 - If the Scale Goes Up, Don't Panic
5:41: Lesson 3 - Every Day is an Opportunity to Become a Better Version of Yourself
7:20: Lesson 4 - Stay Connected so You Never Forget
9:16: Lesson 5 - Be Grateful
Life after weight loss surgery is a journey of ups and downs. But know this: yes, that amazing tool surgery gave you can still work 20 years later.
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FREE BACK ON TRACK AFTER BARIATRIC REGAIN BOOTCAMP 4/02/24 THRU 4/04/24
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ABOUT SHELLY
Shelly Southall is a “Rightsize Living Expert” with a passion for helping people who are struggling with weight regain, or the paralyzing fear of regain, after weight loss surgery. Shelly began her battle with obesity as a young girl, starting her first doctor-directed diet at 8 years old. From there, she was sucked into the yo-yo cycle of dieting which included hospital programs, nutritionists, psychologists, fat camps, starvation, pills and just about every big-name diet program you can imagine. She underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002, losing 101 pounds. Shortly thereafter, some of the bad habits returned and her lifelong struggle resumed … and she eventually regained half of the weight she had lost through surgery. Her bariatric tool still worked, but she needed to develop what she refers to as the "rightsize mindset" to go along with it. After more than a decade of struggle with post-surgery regain she finally figured out how to break free from the chains of obesity once and for all without dieting or drastic measures. Today, Shelly helps others achieve rightsize living through her program Bitesize Changes, which is based on a 7-step process designed to help people transform their lives one habit at a time.
Had a Roux-En-Y in 2003. Lost 175lbs and haven't gained any weight back. For me it was too serious of a life change/event to sabotage it. In fact, my surgeon told me that the surgery was as serious as open heart surgery. THAT got my attention!! I still have head hunger and get disappointed when I can't go all "hog wild" with a pizza. Its okay though! I have precious grandchildren who need their Nana!
Congrats on your 20 years of success! It sounds like you are doing amazing and an inspiration to the bariatric community. I totally understand those moments when there's a part of you that would love to have more, but soooo thankful to have our amazing tool to keep us in line.
So glad I found your channel! I’m 5.5 years out and have gained back 60 lbs and really struggling. I’m also constantly fatigued and feeling so bad. I need all the help I can get
I totally get it, Heather and I'm so bummed to hear you are experiencing this. I regained 50 lbs so I get it, and understand how draining and frustrating it can feel. You can turn it around and I can tell you are motivated to do so :) My best advice is to avoid dieting...that will only take you further down the rabbit hole. If you're interested, I'll be doing another of my free back on track workshops this summer. It's great content/tactics you won't find anywhere else and it's only one hour a day for three days. If you want to get on the list to be notified when enrollment opens, you can do so (and learn more about it) here: www.wlsdelight.com/back_on_track_bootcamp_April2024
@@WLSDelight thank you! I will definitely join. I joined the FB group already :)
Its been 18 years for me. Roux-en-y, I regained most weight back. Pre surgery I weighed 440. I'm at 320. Gained back 100 recent few years. My weakness is sugar. And in Philippines its real hard. ❤ I'm 52 year old female post menopause.
Congrats on 18 years and congrats on keeping off 120 pounds of your weight loss! I understand how frustrating and devastating regain can feel. That said, I do hope you give yourself credit for keeping off 120 lbs...that's a big deal. This might sound strange, but we get more of what we focus on so it's best to focus on how much you've kept off versus how much you've gained...consider trying that, and if you do, let me know if you notice any difference in your thinking and behaviors. I have not been to the Philippines, but I DO love the food...especially homemade lumpia! Like you, I also love sugar and am post-menopausal. A few things I found helpful that might be worth considering include: simple swaps (like a high-protein/low sugar yogurt with fresh berries to fulfill a sweet craving), enjoying a planned pre-measured sweet at mealtime so it's balanced with protein (sometimes just reducing current sweet portions can make a big difference), and staying hydrated to support a good metabolism.
Hi im from the philippines to if you need support group do let me know
Thank u so much am 19 years out and have regain. It been so hard. Thank u for u helpful words.❤
Hugs! Regain is hard, and I think the hardest part is the emotional side. I'm hosting a free back on track after bariatric regain workshop the first week of April that will share a lot of information I think you'd find helpful. There's a link to the enrollment page in the video description if you want to check it out, or you can visit my website wlsdelight and scroll down to bootcamp.
I’m waiting to hear how you go back and re-lose it. I’m 12 years out and this year started gaining.
You're not alone. For the "how", you're invited to a free back on track bootcamp I'm hosting the first week of April that has some tactics you can put to use right away. See the video description for a link and/or visit my website wlsdelight.com and scroll down to bootcamp :) Aside from that, you'll be among many other women experiencing the same thing and won't feel so alone in this struggle.
Thank you for this video. I definitely need to work on my mindset. I need to be grateful but it’s hard because I had a lot of bad things happen afterwards. I’ve been working on putting them behind me but it is not easy. You’re such a breath of fresh air and you help to see that there is hope.
I'm so touched by what you said :) Yes, I think mindset is a constant work in progress for all of us. Mine has come a long way, but I still work on it every day. It's so great to know that we are not in this alone!
May I asked what issues you had after the surgery. I just had vsg a couple of weeks ago and I’m seeing a lot of horror stories. I’m trying to do as much research as possible so I know how to avoid these complications if I can.
Great listening thanks
Hi Annette! Thanks for the comment. I hope you are doing great :)
Thanks for sharing your amazing story ❤ this is the first video i've seen 20 years post op, I'm 3 years out and like u said kinda forgot where i came from. I am so grateful for surgery 100 lbs lighter and healthier even though i need some more work
Thanks for your comment Amy! It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands and forget all that we've been through to get to where we are. It sounds like you are doing amazing...congrats! Time flies...at times it's hard to believe how far back surgery is in the rear view mirror. There are some women in my Facebook group that are 30 and 40 years post-op...if you're not already in the group, you're welcome to join us in the group anytime :) Link is in the video description.
thanks for this
You bet! Thanks for watching :)
It's been 12 years. I started at 272 got down to 152. So 100 pounds list. Im now around 215 :/ Im always chasing the full feeling. I miss feeling full. Feeling full tells me to stop.
It's interesting how the physical feelings change after surgery...and it's so different for each person. Some people never get hungry, some never get full, some don't feel full until they've taken one bite too many and then feel ill, etc. I'm doing a free back on track bootcamp that will be teaching some helpful tactics to bounce back from regain. You can learn more at my website wlsdelight.com and scroll down to back on track bootcamp.
@@WLSDelightTy for your response and link. I'll check it out.
What is that huge orange thing? Thanks for the vid. God bless you. ❤🎉
Thanks for watching! The big orange thing is one of two vases I have in my office. Orange is my happy color. In my last office, I had my walls painted tangerine orange so I've definitely toned it down in this office to just a "pop" of color :)
Hi there. So glad I found you! I’m 10 years post op. I lost 85 lbs and about 4 years ago I’ve since gained back 40. Problem is, since it was so long ago I just can’t remember the do’s and dont’s of what I should and shouldn’t be eating. Do you have a video on this? Please help!
My best advice is to avoid anything resembling a diet or drastic measure as those can mess up your metabolism, and instead make one small change at a time. Start by picking one thing to change that you know is not serving you. It can be as simple as drinking water (search water calculator to find out how much is right for you). Once that is not a struggle, add one more change. It could be adding a green vegetable to a meal or walking for 10 minutes a day. We make weekly commitments in my private Facebook group (link in video description) if you'd like to join us there and I'll be hosting my next free 3-day bootcamp on how to get back on track in September. (I haven't formally announced it yet, but you can get on the VIP notification list by going to my website: wlsdelight.com ) In the meantime, here's another video that might be helpful: ua-cam.com/video/z4d3f6it5f8/v-deo.html
@@WLSDelight thank you so much! I did send the email twice to join your FB group and I did already sign up to me notified of the challenge.
Awesome! Did you receive the email with the link for the private group and get admitted ok?
@@WLSDelight yes, thank you!
Thanks for this video! I’m 2 years out VSG and maintaining, but wanting to loose another 30-40 lbs. Any tips? Can’t seem to move the scale even though I track all my food and exercise a few hours a day. SW: 300 CW: 185 GW: 150ish
Congrats on your success over the last two years! I love your diligence in tracking and staying active. One tip for your consideration is try not to get discouraged by the scale--it's just data. Even though the number may not be moving, change is happening in other ways (mentally and physically). Tip #2 is to remember it's not as simple as calories in/calories out. So many other factors impact our weight...hormones, sleep, stress, sometimes not getting all the right nutrients, etc. I have a video that shares a little about this here: ua-cam.com/video/z4d3f6it5f8/v-deo.html And my private facebook group has a lot of focus on mindset and is a really positive group of people. If you haven't already done so, you're welcome to join us: bit.ly/3c6eRlR Cheers to your continued success :) You're doing awesome!
I am 7 years post op vsg kept off my 166 pounds.. Glad io find your Videos!! Today age 64 5"2 tall.
I walk for excersie.. I do not drink sodas. I eat very clean ,i rarely eat Breads!!i do not Do junk food I rarely eat Fast foods! i drink my water. I do not Diet.
I also Journal. i also have a Separate Gratitude Journal..
I’ve forgotten the program after 12 years out. I just can’t remember. I’m 71 and just can’t remember
Often those programs we were giving are really for the short-term post-op period and not a lifestyle. Simplify. What's just one positive change you can make today.
Do you still take vitamins for lack of absorption? Can you make a video about ?
Yes. Taking supplements is a lifetime commitment after bariatric surgery. Thanks for your request to make a video on this. I do plan to make a video on this topic b/c for many years I was not great at taking my calcium and it caught up with me.
@@WLSDelighthi dear, which calcium do you take? I'm very worried about it because of the teeth. I like my teeth.
I wonder about heartburn because I am suffering from after sleeve. I love spicy food so I have to stop eating it on and off. Food without spices is tasteless so what the worst solution is to eat sugary stuff and it mess up with my diabetes. I didn’t stretch up my pouch but I have to go for bypass surgery at least to help with my heartburn since I am not a fan of acid medication. Anyone here is suffering from heartburn even after bypass because if that’s the case why am I doing bypass? Please let me know.
Thank you for sharing your struggle with heartburn and sugar. I had RNY 21 years ago, and while I can only speak from my personal experience, I've never struggled with heartburn after surgery. (I had it BEFORE surgery, but never a single instance after surgery.) I hope others share their experiences and that you are able to find guidance that helps you decide how to best address the discomfort you are experiencing.
Over 20 years and this is the only post 20 years I can find. Please let me know how to reach you. I feel like a failure
Hey there! Thanks for the comment. You are not a failure. We sometimes hit bumps in the road. If we learn from them, we get stronger. I have a private Facebook group you are welcome to join where you will be among friends who understand both the victories and challenges that we experience after surgery: bit.ly/3c6eRlR You can also learn more at my website: www.wlsdelight.com/
Have you had any nutrition deficiency related issues? I've heard some terrible stories about lost teeth, bone loss and breaks and neurological issues 8 years or more after surgery. it's Hard to find any long term info.
Great question! While I don't know the stats, some people do deal with serious issues in those areas you mentioned and these things should always be taken into account by anyone who is considering or has undergone WLS. I can only speak from my personal experience, but a few years after surgery due to getting sloppy with my supplements, I tested low on Vitamin D, iron and Vitamin 12 levels. All were quickly resolved once I got back on track with supplements. In the past three years I've had a large number of small cavities that required fillings, but other than that no major dental or health issues. On the flip side, before surgery I had hypertension, was borderline type 2, and had acid reflux---all three of which were totally resolved due to surgery. When I regained some of the weight, I did struggle with hypertension again, but as soon as I lost the regain my blood pressure was once again in normal range. For anyone considering surgery, I recommend weighing the potential risks and the rewards. For those who've already had it, being proactive with supplements, doing your best to lead a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, supplements, hydration, sleep, stress-relief, mindset, movement, etc) and regularly monitoring your health/blood levels with your doctors are all important steps to take to minimize the chances of dealing with those serious issues you mentioned.
@@WLSDelight Wonderful thank you for answering. I appreciate your help.
I have iron and b-12 issues, but take pills
How long did it takes for your acid reflux to go away, I'm six weeks post opt gastric bypass I'm still dealing with the acid reflux. Please let me know
Hi i wait for the surgery.... i am really scared i am 20 years old and severly obese and i wait to get the surgery...and i am a bit panicing...becouse i am affraid that i never ever can enjoy any food ever...will i ever be able to enjoy food or i will just end up eating the foods that i would need to eat to loose weight anyways. I mean plaim chicken meat with tastless potatoes???
Thanks for your message. I understand you fear. Being afraid is normal. I remember being afraid before surgery, too. We fear surgery and many of us also fear "losing" foods that we love. Food is often our friend, painkiller, tied to memories and celebrations, etc. Surgery is a risk, and not doing anything is also a risk. We do our best to consider all options and pick the one that feels right for our personal situation. Life after weight loss surgery is different for each person. No matter what path you choose, nutritious food choices WILL be necessary to create the body and lifestyle you desire. For me personally, I still find joy and pleasure in food. Most of my choices are nutritious and I've learned how to make nutritious foods in ways that taste wonderful. There are some foods that no longer work for me personally. I have a hard time eating dense meat like steak, but I don't miss it. I am limited to how much sugar I can eat without getting ill (which I feel is a good thing...I can have a small portion on occasion and savor it). I still have to make the right choices, but surgery gave me the guardrails to help me maintain a healthy lifestyle. Best wishes for a quick recovery after surgery :)
Did you go through pregnancy after your surgery? If so, how was the pregnancy after this weight loss?
Great question! I did not have children. I had surgery at 33, married at 37 and didn't start trying to build a family until 38 (with fertility treatments). Age, PCOS, endometriosis, a prior ovarian surgery and other issues were factors in my case. A friend of mine had two successful pregnancies after surgery with no issues. Healthy pregnancies and healthy kids. I've heard many people in the bariatric community share that they were unable to get pregnant before surgery, but once they did have surgery and lost the weight they were successful. It's a good idea to have a conversation with your surgeon to ask if he/she has any advice, plus meet with an obgyn before you start trying to explain your situation and ask their advice. When I was trying to build a family, my fertility doctor and bariatric surgeon communicated...most doctors will do that if you ask :) Ask your doctor if you should consider taking bariatric pre-natal supplements to begin preparing.
do you still take vitamins?
Yes, I still take all the bariatric supplements my doctor recommends.
IS IT TRUE THAT YOU LOSE YOUR TEETH WITH THIS WLS
That's a really good question. I can only share my own experience and what I've heard through my interactions with others in the bariatric community. Teeth issues are definitely a risk. I've met a handful of people who have some very serious dental issues after WLS, but the majority of people I've met in the bariatric community have not had issues. About a year ago, at 20 years post-op, I had a dental check up where I had a TON of cavities (more than all my life collectively) plus I had to have a tooth extracted due to an infection that went undetected for quite some time due to no symptoms. My periodontist said the issue with the tooth that had to be extracted did not appear to be tied to bariatric surgery. However, for years and years I was not disciplined about taking my calcium supplements so I do wonder if that contributed to my recent issues. Here is some great info on ProCare health which has some really good info and cites some studies performed on the topic: blog.procarenow.com/dental-problems-after-weight-loss-surgery/
@@WLSDelight THANK YOU :)
Unfortunately for me my teeth have greatly suffered.
Any hair loss?
Great question. I lost a lot of hair about 3-6 months after surgery, and it was really scary. I trimmed it to about shoulder length. Fortunately, mine grew back pretty quickly after losing it. I don't know if it helped in the regrowth process or not, but I used Nioxin shampoo and conditioner at the suggestion of my hair stylist. It's now 20 years later and all of my hair you see in the video is real...no extensions or wig :) Although, 15 years after surgery my hair did thin a bit, but I'm pretty sure that was due to the onset of menopause and doubt it has anything to do with having had the surgery. I know hair doesn't grow back for everyone who experiences hair loss after surgery, but with today's amazing wigs and extensions that look natural there are a lot of great options.
@@WLSDelight Thank you for the awesome response. I've heard people mention hair loss and regrowth, but I wanted to know the time frame and what helps.
@@WLSDelight what effects or changes happened for you, bariatrically, post menopause? Did you have to change anything up? Did it have any affect on your diet or ability to maintain your losses? Did you have to increase your exercise or lower it or anything else?
@@qq1651 Great question. Fortunately I have not had any weight-related issues since hitting menopause. However, once the hot flashes started I did talk to my doctor about hormone replacement therapy. For the first couple of years I just took a low dose bcp, but about 2.5 years ago I stopped taking that and began hormone replacement therapy when I noticed I felt like crying for no reason...turned out all of my hormone levels were very low.
I have noticed that I have a lot of hair and nail breakage since menopause and I'm suddenly having dental issues. (Admittedly, I was a bit sloppy taking my calcium consistently b/c I didn't have any red flags on my blood work and "thought I was getting away with it"...guess it caught up to me after menopause and I've learned my lesson the hard way.)
I have not needed to make any adjustments to my exercise or nutrition so far. I do monitor my weight regularly so I will know right away if I need to change things up.
24 years out
That's awesome, Tracy! Time flies, doesn't it? What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your 24-year post-op journey?
Do you have any regrets about getting it done? I’m planing on getting it done
I can only speak for myself, but I have no regrets. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I interact with hundreds, if not thousands of people who've had surgery. I have encountered some who regret it, but the majority are happy with their decision. There are no guarantees with surgery. It comes with risks. The way I look at it, if we are unable to mitigate weight issues on our own that has risks, too. I know it's a big decision and you've got to go with what feels right for you.
@@WLSDelight Ty for replying, I’ve been reading and investigating lots about the surgery, I came across this person saying “your current issues and health problems should be bigger than the possible side effects” and I realize even tho I do have health issues, most of them are hormonal, I have PCOS and I think I won’t get it, for now, I’m getting therapy and nutritional assistance, I’d do one last attempt to lose weight and turn my life around. I have a due date and I’m making all my plans with my health providers. I hope I can fix my issues with hard work, but I still have the surgery in the side as plan b. Ty for sharing your experience it did helped me
This sounds like great rationale. I think the nutritionist is a great plan. I had PCOS, too. I was diagnosed a few years before surgery, and it had probably gone undiagnosed for quite a while because many doctors had not heard of it back then (25 years ago). Now that I've hit menopause, it's no longer an issue :)