Wow. Just Wow.
I’ve never been a big fan of the mainstream media. After all, I can’t forget Time actually running a cover story that boys and girls are different. (They discovered this amazing fact on Jan 20, 1992).
It’s in that same spirit of breathtaking discovery that the New York Times yesterday announced that being successful at weight loss surgery actually requires some effort.
I know, I know – most of you are in shock right now. You mean to tell us that in addition to undergoing major surgery, having our insides re-routed and shrinking our stomach to the size of an egg, we actually have to (gasp) watch what we eat and (violent shudders) actually exercise?! No Way!!
Sadly, ’tis true.
Well, apparently, there are actually people out there who think like that – and I’m not just talking about the “you took the easy way out” crowd we all love to hate. Check out this quote from the article:
But not everyone who undergoes this surgery shares Ms. Sloan’s dedication to weight maintenance, and years later they start to regain the weight they lost. A nationwide survey by Harris Interactive released in June queried 409 bariatric surgery patients and found that those who followed post-surgical guidelines most closely lost more weight initially and kept more of the weight off in the next five years.
“Surgery is not an instant cure for morbid obesity,” Dr. Philip Schauer, bariatric surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and past president of the bariatric society, said in an interview. “Up to 15 percent lose a lot of weight initially, then gain weight back. The difference between a great result and a good result is aftercare.
“Patients do best,” he continued, “when they participate in a program that provides continuing education, psychological counseling, diet and nutrition support. Exercise matters absolutely. One of the best predictors of success is the degree to which the individual has a regular exercise program. Patients who comply with post-surgical recommendations are the ones who maintain a 120-pound weight loss at the five-year mark.”
“The difference between a great result and a good result is aftercare.” In other words, eating right and getting your exercise. Just like for every other dieter.
Gastric bypass surgery is a fantastic, powerful tool. But just like any other tool, it only works if you use it. And don’t think I’m being preachy – I’m talking to myself, too. I know full well that a big part of the reason I’ve been on a plateau is that I’ve not been exercising consistently. I’m good in short bursts – I’ll go a week or two or even three, then fall off the wagon.
But is sure is good to see the rest of the world realizing what you and I have known all along.
