Hello All, I have also gained back 20 pounds, due to a lot of insulin and other medication changes. I know that I need more exercise, unfortunately I am not able to consume as much protein as others. Due to being diabetic and leaking too much protein in my urine I was told by my doctor that large amounts of protein is not good for me to consume. So I have switched to eating a ton of Tofu with vegetables. My weight can easily fluctuate 5 pounds up or down in a week. This process is so much harder than I ever thought it would be, but I am trying to keep hope alive that I will one day make it to my surgeons goal of 202 pounds. Lulu

anyone having problems absobing potassium . All blood work is good except potassium. Im eating bannanas, kiwi and all potassium rich foods. Im on vitamins, a supplement from Dr. and a vitamin drink and it came back low again is there a key Im missing. my doc doesent know or he would tell me. My bp went up now and I think its due to the potassium I was fine after surgery please let me know or who I can contact for advise Thanks

you are not alone in this Joanne!! I am right there with you. Bad habits and old foods slip back in and its frustrating as anything has ever been! I had some surgeries this spring and summer and got down to about 182lbs but last time I was on the scale I was @ 187 and now I am afraid to get back on!! I know I need to exercise and eat more protein, but protein doesnt crunch in my mouth when I am falling asleep at work. I also know how it feels not to be able to afford protein shakes. When I cant afford to buy my protein powder, I just make sure I drink a lot of milk mixed with Carnation SFIB so I am getting a decent amt of protein that way.... Its so hard...Just take each day as a new experience and try your best. Dont forget the way you felt when you were so big and try not to forget the skills we;ve learned along this journey!! Thats how I get through it... sarah

Rhonda - I'm fairly stable at about 240; 100 lbs + a little down. I'm having to watch what I eat more, and due to issues with my blood sugar bouncing around after I eat, I think I'm going to switch at least temporarily to 4 smaller meals per day... Also going to try to get appt with the local bariatric nutritionist (I moved just before my surgery, but still had it in the place I used to live about 2 hrs away). Snacking and stress is a big enemy.. Try the post-op "pouch rules" to water load and try to get the feeling of fullness and find something to do with your hands so you don't snack. I fight the same all the time, it's actually worse now that I need to eat more frequently.. If that doesn't work, try for higher fiber, low calorie snacks to fill up and not have as big an impact. Or, if you can tolerate it, beef jerky works well for me - gets extra protein and stays with me a while... ..N

I haven't gained any weight back, Rhonda, and that really surprises me. I had started snacking in the evenings which is an old habit and it scared the heck out of me. Mary had suggested snow cones and I went out and bought a snow cone maker with sugar free syrup. OMG!!! That is the best stuff. It has helped tremendously with my evening cravings. It also came in handy last week when I had a stomach virus. I'm one of those people who weighs herself everyday. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't help myself. If I see the scale go up at all, I try really hard to do what I know I should. That has really helped me. When I think back to before the surgery and when I would gain weight, it was when I totally ignored the scales. Its almost as if part of my brain is in those scales. I have to admit, I have not been exercising the way I should here lately. My lame excuse is its too hot. Well, its starting to cool down... I have no more excuse! I think there comes a time when you either "make it" or you don't. This is where we have to be strong. This site really helps to give me strength! Wishing you the best......Wanda