Ray Dockrey

I have a friend who did it and it is working for her but she also eats three bites and full. I couldn't do that. I still like food too much. I did it the old fashioned way. I have went from 335+ to 219 as of this morning. Can enjoy food when I want too and not worry about health risks.

JimF22003

At this point, none at all, as long as I don't go nuts with something really sweet. Regular energy bars, trail mix etc. don't cause any problems. As you might read in my other posts, I basically have no restriction on the amounts of food I can eat or drink at this point, so I'm not limited in that way (sadly enough.) It would definitely have been an issue for the first couple of years however, but I was mainly walking and running then, not riding so much, so it's hard to remember that far back

Usually you don't want to be wolfing down a huge amount of food on a bike anyway, so the advice to newbies (sip-sip-sip, chew-chew-chew small bites) actually works well on the bike. Take in very small amounts as you go along rather than trying to cram a whole Clif bar down in one gulp, and you should be fine.

Again, all of this applies probably after the first couple of years or so when you settle into a more normal eating style.

indyfabz

Having spent 4-5 days in Iowa the week before, I was porked out. The 22 0z. stuffed pork chop in Davenport did me in.

scrming

Great job on the weight loss!

I'm actually using the bariatic surgery possibility as a motivator to help me make my lifestyle changes permanent! Like you, i to love food and the thought of some of the restrictions is enough to motivate me! I know that if i don't stick with my plan and make the changes my last hope will be surgery... so every time i'm tempted to give up, i just remind myself of the changes that surgery will force me to make!

bassjones

Dropped 12 lbs this week ��. Just under 400 again... Hoping to be 1/2 this size in 2-3 years.

scrming

Nice job!!!

Pamestique 

I echo this myself... it's your decision, one you have to make but before you do, research as much as possible. I have three friends that had similar surgery... all three lost weight initially, one more slower than the other two but eventually all three gained the weight back, one more than the others and in fact, is now at her highest weight ever. On top of that, each had and continues to have nutritional and digestive issues. I thought surgery myself but then decided it would impact my lifestyle too much. Although fat, I am healthy and anything that could potentially keep me from exercising and keeping my heart and body healthy, is not for me. I just imagine doing a century ride and trying to joggle the nutritional requirements when you system can't take in food or fluids as needed.

One thing us "fluffy" people have to admit is, just my opinion, food is a psychological crutch for some underlying problem. I think the money would be better spent getting a mental health evaluation and seeing a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. Even with surgery, you will not be sucessful unless you address these deep rooted problems. Start first with that, get mentally healthy and then consider surgery... I know your mind is made up and you didn't post to get someone's lame opinion but I am offering it anyway...

scrming

A psych eval is required before the surgery... but wondering just how in depth they are... or if it something you can fake your way through or if they just rubber stamp it...

vzwire

I had the sleeve surgery done 4 yrs ago. Went from 290lbs to a current weight of 175lbs. All of the weight came off within the first 6 months. I no longer snore/ have sleep apnea. I no longer have high blood pressure. I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life and not only do not regret a single thing, I evangelize it repeatedly.
On the subject of gaining the weight back- with my sleeve surgery (done well with no complications) I think it will be impossible to gain the weight back. Just no room to put more in! I eat small- all day to get calories in. I never feel hunger because they cut the part of your stomach out that tells your brain to eat. Hard to wrap your mind around that...

I now now eat to live. I exercise, work out, ride bikes... The surgery saved my life!

bassjones

That's Great!!! Any on bike nutritional issues?

vzwire

Thanks! Not any issues that aren't typical for any other rider. If I underestimate how much to eat on a 50+ miler I will bonk just like the next guy.

Willbird

I'm an recovering alkie and drug addict, and just for ME anyway ....there is a "buzz" from over eating, hard to describe really....but it is there.

And also there is the fact that every decade we age seems to mean we burn 800 calories less.....so a 200 lb person eating the same exact stuff for 20-30 years will get heavier and heavier. Then there is the aspect that the "experts" have been telling us stuff for years that turned out to be mostly bunk, and maybe downright dangerous (trans fat margarine billed as healthier than butter as just one example).

Bill

crockett

I had surgery 7 years ago-lost 100 and have kept it off. I'm a senior, ride several centuries a year, and training rides typically 40-60 miles 1 or 2/week. Calories and water are what's needed on a bike, and there's lots of ways to manage that. There are many nutritionists who specialize in "endurance" intake - and they help a lot. Personal preference dictate a lot here on "what" to "eat" - but it's not a big problem.
It was the best thing I ever did for my life - and its quality.

Jack Lorington

Just ask google for diet and how to exercise ... surgery can become yours nightmare

FrenchFit 

I guess we are entering the third year after my wife's restrictive/malabsorp. bariatric surgery. We cycle every weekend, though she is a casual rider. I guess it's fair to say her surgery was a complete success, though the cautions about small portions and having to take supplements, protein bars daily is a very real consideration. It is surprisingly expensive, including the ongoing medical check-ups, blood tests, etc. She does have to make sure calories are within reach for any extended exercise..but that said her endurance is super. 30-40 mile rides are no big deal.

She has not gained weight back, and her body has tightened up nicely after a few years. It's still a hoot that people who haven't seen her for a few years don't recognize her when they first meet..an old friend saw me sitting with her at the bar and thought I had divorced and had a new girlfriend.

bassjones

I'm now one week post-op! Starting to feel pretty good now. Our center here is very holistic, not just do the surgery and turn you loose. There's a 3-6 month pre-op process and a year long post-op process, with life-long classes/meetings should one choose to attend. They have exercise specialists, nutritionists, a behavioral specialist, etc... As a result, they're very successful with long-term results.

scrming

That's excellent news!