Post-op status

Question
I had gastric bypass surgery approx 4yrs ago this August and with having a full management career, 3 children 12,8,6, and full-time school schedule, I was unable to go to the bariatric doctor for regular check-ups because I had to travel out to Belvidere, Illinois from Bellwood, Illinois. I have gone to my regular family physician yearly for my regular lab work excluding last year. I would like to re-start a regular routine to see a weight-loss Dr. again somewhere closer to home.  I would like to see a Dr. soon since it is the beginning of the yr. I am 5"4.5 ft tall and my weight fluctuates between 155-160lbs,and I wear between a size 6 or 8 depending on the cut of the clothes. I know that my weight seems to still be a lot based upon my height, but people never believe that i weigh as much as I do by how I look. My highest weight was 234lbs. I have been at this weight for almost the entire 4yrs with the exception of my weight going down to 147 for about 2wks only it seemed, but I wore a larger size then. I would like to know how can I lose more weight (fat) w/o becoming unhealthy thin and or looking too thin. I do not eat any of the foods or prepare my food the way it was required after surgery, but I do limit my sweet intake, limit (to none)alcohol consumption, and I exercise occasionally. I have been taking a diet pill Slim Quick ( for about 6 months on and off) and its new product Slim Quick Hoodia (4 days) no weight loss has occurred. Is this something that i should be taking; and if i wanted to go the route of using a diet pill supplement, which product would be best.

Answer
Moni,
I'm glad you are working to be re-engaged with long term follow up.  We believe that is the first key to success and that's probably the most complete answer to your question.  To find the best help in your area, I recommend you go to the website for our national organization at www.asmbs.org.   Search for a surgeon/practice who has invested the effort to become designated as a Center of Excellence.

My main advice for you between now and the time you see the new physician is to exercise more regularly.  Far and away the dominant factor in weight loss and weight maintenance after gastric bypass is routine exercise.  Mild sustained exercise (heart rate about 120 for at least 30 minutes) turns out to be more effective for fat burning than intense exercise.  To get the most benefit you should do this at least 5 times each week.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

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