I have known a fair number of people who have had various types of WLS. I have never seen even one of them achieve their goal weight. And most lost a lot initially, then start gaining it back. I would never criticize their decision to have the surgery because for many, it is a very difficult decision based upon some pretty serious health issues.

I do think that part of the problem with their continued weight loss is that they do go into starvation mode and their metabolism, as a result, slows WAY down. Your body can and will adjust to very low caloric levels. So I think your question is a good one and I do believe that WLS patients get into "starvation" mode and have problems getting all the weight off and keeping off what they lost initially.

I hope that these patients experience lower blood pressure, less stress on their joints, and other physical benefits as a result of the surgery because that might just make it possible for them to learn to control their weight in the long run.

Orchid