Post Op 3 Years and Almost back where I started...

I had my surgery on 3/15/01 and at the time I was 314 lbs... down from 363 on my pre-op diet. I did very well at first and lost down to about 200 lbs, which for me was a size 16 and I was satisfied. Big mistake. I should have never let myself get satisfied because I obviously became complacent. I started gaining about a year ago and made yet another mistake, quit getting on the scales. I am very sad to say that I have gained 80 lbs and although I'm still 80 lbs less than I was at the start... it is completely unacceptable. I know exactly where I went wrong. I found that I could eat crackers ... and eat them and eat them and eat them. I can't eat much of the protein still and get full quick (full as in my stomach being full, not full as in being satisfied) but I can pound away the crunchy carbs. I throw up more now than I ever did early on (which was very rare) because I try to put too much in my stomach. Although I am afraid my stomach has stretched way too much sometimes, sometimes I think maybe it hasn't because of the fact that I can't get much protein in. I'm really at a loss because I'm back where I was before... I need to learn to watch what I eat and eat the proper foods.... the exact place I failed before and opted to have the surgery. I need some support but I don't know where to turn. I'm embarrassed now to tell people that I've had gastric bypass surgery (whereas I was proud when I had lost the weight). I'm embarrassed to go on a diet because everyone I know knows I'm a failure now. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Fat Again in Florida, Robbin

Robbin, As we all know, this surgery is a lifetime commitment. I don't have any advice, just words of encouragement. Try to remember how you felt when you first started to lose weight and how proud of yourself you were. Remember that everyone gains after surgery. It's a fact of life. I don't consider you a failure. Everyone makes mistakes. The true test is what we learn from those mistakes. I don't know enough about your eating patterns to comment or offer advice but I can tell you what has worked for me. Carbs are also my downfall. But I still eat no refined sugars and I work out 3-4 times per week. You would have to know me to understand what working out costs me. I do not like it but have recognized that this is something I will have to do for the rest of my life if I want to avoid returning to my former size. You also have to realize that with this surgery, no food is a bad food...even carbs and fat. In moderation. Try to remember those lessons the doctor gave you three years ago. Drink a glass of water 15 minutes before you eat to give your pouch a sense of fullness. No fluids for 60-90 minutes after eating. Start with small portions(even if you have to weigh your food). No more than 5 oz. Eat protein first, then veggies, then carbs. No fried foods I know this seems restrictive but it truly does work. I've seen it and I've lived it. I don't believe in luck but Best Wishes! Yvette

Robin, I had my surgey on March 27, 2001 and I was 326 when I started. After a year I had gotten down to about 204 and was in a 14/16, now two years later, I am back up to 220 and I am miserable. I just took out all my summer clothes and nothing fits. I can completely understand where yu are coming from. I told someone today that I had gastric bypass and their response was "I would have never known" and I said I know because I an still FAT. I am in a size 18/20 now and I hate myself. I throw up too, mostly from eating too much. I can't tolerate a lot of meats and so many things bother me that I often find myself living on cereal and yogurt. My email is [email protected] if you want to keep in touch. Perhaps we can help each other get back on track. Christien James

Hi Robin, I too have had a weight gain of about 50 pounds. I started at 308 I'm 5'7 and got down to 173 size 12. it's been almost 5 years but I gained the weight back 2 years ago and haven't been able to lose it. I wear a size 18. I was really ashamed of myself feeling like a failure because of the weight gain. I was also embarrassed to tell people I had the gastric bypass, and look the way I do. My sister, who I felt was most dissapointed, told me I look beautiful, and am still the same wonderful person, and act and feel still 100% better. She likes the fact I get up everyday.......and just enjoy life. Once I relized it's okay, Yes I rather be a size 14, but I'm not ,just to stay happy and active. I recently started doing a home based business called Tastefully simple, yes it's food, but I've actually lost 10 pounds because I'm so busy with parties, and hauling things. Also, my family and I have eaten at home alot more, so I've started eating my protein first again! Please do not hate yourself, and do not let people convince you that you have failed. your not 300 plus pounds, and I hope you did this for health purposes and not vanity. Try to stay happy, I really think that is the key. I'm not very good at writing, I talk alot, so I hope you understand what I mean. GB Sue Babbitt [email protected]

Well....I just posted a similar message this morning. I am four years out and although I've only gained 8 pounds from where I finally leveled off, I'm starting to feel although I'm headed down hill and need a dose of reality shot at me. We both know what we have to do. What I'm afraid of too, and you mentioned it is that I've stretched my stomach too much, even though I get full very easily as always, it seems like it holds more doesn't it? And pretzel sticks are my snack. I graze on them...a whole bag of Rold Gold's a day usually. And I discovered Animal Crackers. Hey...they're non-fat.... Complacent is such an appropriate word too. I was always the one who had the answers for everyone else on here and now I feel sorta stupid. The main thing I want to know is how do you begin to work the program again when you have lost site of the proper way to do things. Reading your post was like looking in my mind! I hope you can find the road before you get too far gone, if you feel like chatting, I'm sopranoiam on Yahoo email and messenger! Good Luck!