Is it logical that we're warned against losing >3lbs/wk but gastric bypass is OK?

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Can someone please explain the rationale at work here, because I still don't get it.

I just ran into someone who lost 120 pounds in one year. She'll never be able to eat "normally" again. She'll always have to take vitamins and runs the risk of other GI problems.

How, I ask, is that any worse than running the risks associated with a crash diet (with doctor's supervision, of course)?

Exercise doesn't always make you lose weight if you lose fat and gain muscle since muscle is heavier. I've gone down a size, but stayed the same weight because I finally grew some muscle.

I personally don't think gastric bypasses could actually be called "healthy" since there are so many possible complications. I think it's just considered better than the alterative for some people. I know 3 people who have had it done. All of them have lost weight, though not as much as they would like. 2 of them have never dealt with the psychological issues they have relating to weight unfortunately. One of them is so unhealthy because of that. She's basically become anorexic.

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I don't think that anyone who's never experienced an addiction can understand what it's like to be a compulsive overeater. I am not morbidly obese and would not qualify for a GBP, but I want to eat, every minute of every day, whether I'm full or not, whether I'm sick or not. Unlike other addictions, I can't go cold turkey on food, because everyone has to eat. Drug addicts and alcoholics and smokers know they can't have that first , but food addicts have to find that middle ground, while being told they're fat ugly pigs with no self-control. I know all the dangers of fast food. I am published in a nursing journal on nutrition. I can quote chapter and verse of the food pyramids. I want to eat. All. The. Time.

(I admit I don't understand the 1200 pound folks who can't get through the door, because obviously someone is enabling their behavior. I can't blame anyone else for feeding me.)

Catlady, you worded it very well. You have a kindred soul here.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Yes, we are warned against losing >3lbs per week. This is because with any weight loss, there is a loss of lean body tissue to some extent. With radical weight loss, the percentage of lean body tissue loss is greater and that isn't healthy. Also, weight loss involves behavioral changes in the way people eat. To lose more than 3lbs per week, severe caloric restriction or excessive exercising is probably involved. Weight may be dropped quickly, but time wasn't taken to learn new eating habits. If you can't sustain these new dietary habits, usually the weight comes back.

As far as Gastric Bypass, I think if the risks from the surgery are less severe than continued obesity, it becomes a viable option.

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After nursing school I had gradually over 8 years gained about 80lbs. I was considered severely obese. About 3 months ago I decided to start eating healthier and be more active. Like the others have said it is a lifestyle change. You can crash diet then go back to your old lifestyle but you are going to gain the weight back. I have lost 25 lbs and now only considered moderately overweight.

I think our American society is too fast for the easy fix. Diet pills, surgery, etc then we wonder why we are generally unhealthy compared to other countries.

I still cannot understand how people cannot lose weight if they want. If you control your portions, eat healthier--salads, turkey, chicken, yogurt and have a good workout program where you are being active 30 minutes to 1 hour a day I think you will lose weight. Of course I had to work up to where I am now--walking 1.5 miles a day on the days I work and 3 on the days I am off. The crazy thing was about a week after I started dieting and quit eating the fast food I felt like crap. I had headaches, nausea, weakness, etc just like I was going through a withdrawal almost. You have to wonder what they put in that food.

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Specializes in Acute Med, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.
After nursing school I had gradually over 8 years gained about 80lbs. I was considered severely obese. About 3 months ago I decided to start eating healthier and be more active. Like the others have said it is a lifestyle change. You can crash diet then go back to your old lifestyle but you are going to gain the weight back. I have lost 25 lbs and now only considered moderately overweight.

I think our American society is too fast for the easy fix. Diet pills, surgery, etc then we wonder why we are generally unhealthy compared to other countries.

I still cannot understand how people cannot lose weight if they want. If you control your portions, eat healthier--salads, turkey, chicken, yogurt and have a good workout program where you are being active 30 minutes to 1 hour a day I think you will lose weight. Of course I had to work up to where I am now--walking 1.5 miles a day on the days I work and 3 on the days I am off. The crazy thing was about a week after I started dieting and quit eating the fast food I felt like crap. I had headaches, nausea, weakness, etc just like I was going through a withdrawal almost. You have to wonder what they put in that food.

i wholeheartedly agree with you. we want a quick fix. well...my mom told me when i starting losing weight (i'm still losing it gradually and steadily) that it took me a while to put it on, so its gonna take a while to get it off. in the meantime, you develop healthier habits that will ensure you dont gain all that weight back.

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Specializes in CVICU.
Exercise doesn't always make you lose weight if you lose fat and gain muscle since muscle is heavier. I've gone down a size, but stayed the same weight because I finally grew some muscle.

A lb of muscle weights the same as a lb of fat :) A lb of muscle takes up less space than a lb of fat. That explains the same weight but smaller size clothes ;)

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