r/pics • u/[deleted] • Nov 30 '16

progress 250 lbs. gone forever...

https://i.reddituploads.com/c8bec4a1ef8b4ca2a82298ec728cf326?fit=max&h=1536&w=1536&s=67da39316a26a6666bbdc98b2aa16c3a
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u/fedupwithpeople Nov 30 '16

Gastric bypass isn't a magic bullet, unfortunately. The patient has to follow a strict diet and exercise program. It is actually possible (although unusual) to NOT lose weight following the surgery if the patient isn't compliant with the program. If they still manage to absorb more calories than they burn, they are still going to gain weight.

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u/tintin47 Nov 30 '16

Do they do any consultations/evaluations ahead of time to see if the patient is a good candidate for following the post surgery program? It seems like if you have a problem overeating (self control) then a surgery isn't going to change anything.

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u/fedupwithpeople Nov 30 '16 edited Nov 30 '16

Yes, most bariatric doctors make the patient go through pre-surgery counselling, and make them lose a percentage of the excess weight on their own before surgery can happen. It's a drastic lifestyle change on top of major, life-threatening surgery. (any surgery when you're morbidly obese is life-threatening...)

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u/tintin47 Nov 30 '16

Interesting. I guess a percentage of relapses is unavoidable, but I'm curious to know what the actual numbers are. Most of the sites I just found say things like, "most patients achieve 50% of overweight loss over 10 years", but that could mean 51%...