Suggestions for getting back on track

Hello fellow RNYers. I had my surgery 3 years ago, back in March, and I have to say that I'm happier than I've ever been, however the weight is starting to creep back on. I'm freaking OUT! I'm not sure how much I've gained because I'm afraid to weight myself. I do know the last time I got on the scale, I had gained 10 lbs., but I'm sure that I'm up 15 lbs now - or maybe more (Man I hope NOT). My surgon's office never gave me any advise on how I should feed myself after recovering from the surgery - so I feel that I have not been doing this right. I never got down to my goal weight, and now that I'm at least 10 lbs. heavier, I really need to figure out what to do to get me on track. Any advise anyone can give me on what to eat, when, and what can be done to get my weight loss back on track, would REALLY be appreciated. I've read a lot on this board of others having this same struggle, but they all seem to have some type of "instructions" from their surgeons or support groups - just wondering what these are. Also, and tips or suggestions on how to keep your self-control under control when you have that inner voice telling you "you want it - so just have it" - would be appreciated as well. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Hi Donna, I have not done it yet, but I'm thinking trying the 5 days Pouch test, most peaple that try it they claim it gets them back on track, try it - Hope everything well for you, GOOD LUCK! Belkys 226/147/120

Thank you for the response! Can you tell me more about the 5 day Pouch test? I've never heard of that.

Sure, there is all the info needed in the following link. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ Please let me know how it went for you, my e-mail is [email protected] Belkys

Will do, and thanks again!!

I have also gained back wt and mine is 21lbs and I am in such despair. I did fine till last Sept. which was 2.5 yrs out of surgery. It has been creeping up and up and up. I feel like a fool for doing this. No one ever told me that I would gain 10% back as a normal which I read someplace recently and I am not sure if that is 10% of the loss or total wt. we were prior to surgery. Anyhow,, I started to see a wt. loss counsellor 1 on 1 and she is great. She too advised me to do the 5 day pouch test to get back on track. We are celebrating my birthday Saturday so will start doing it on Sunday. I hope you are able to try this also. It sounds like it is a beginning to a solution and we can smile again. Sue

Suzanne I have gained 15 pounds and struggle with it daily. I have been using the dailyplate.com to monitor my food intake on a daily bases. My husband had a major birthday and I ate his CAKE, etc. Now I am struggling to get back on track. I had managed to lose a little, but I see the scales going back up. We are going to B&B for the weekend. Any time something changes my schedule, I get off with the food. I keep trying the 5 day pouch test but do not make it through the week. Can you tell me about your wt. loss counsellor? I would love to find someone to monitor me. Good luck. I feel your pain. Ruby 3/11/2005 262/125/139 hi/lo/today 5'1"

Ruby, I went to the group of counsellors that monitor the wt. loss group here in town. They work with the surgeon for the pre and post surgery people. I can not go to their support groups cause that particular doctor did not do my surgery. So I figured that I would call the office and see if I could get an appt 1 on1 with a counsellor. this is what I did. I must pay to see her but my blue cross takes care of that. This is the only way I could see for me to get help. She is a good mentor and tries to get at the route of why I eat what I do . I think she is great. If you have insurance.. go to the person that did your initial pre op psych evaluation. Support groups are wonderful but sometimes you cannot talk about some things infront of all of them. I am in MA only for the summers so when I go back south for the winter I will go to the groups there. Good luck and Keep in touch. I was 213lb went to 123 and stayed for 18mos and now 142 My goal is to be back to 125 to 130 I have to try this 5 day thing no matter what, I am too important and worked too hard

I, too, have worked too hard to get here to let it come back.  I attend three support meetings in the Atlanta area.  Really I need to find one that is made up of graduates rather than newbies, etc.  I may look up the counselor who did my psych evaluation.  I have insurance, but I am not sure it will cover this kind of care.  I will check.  I would love to get back to 125, but I would be happy to stay at 139 but am afraid I might keep on gaining.  The size 8's in my closet are haunting me.Good luck and hang in there.  Enjoy your summer in MA.  It is hot here in the South.  We are beginning to get a little rain, but we need lots to help with the drought.

Just was looking at the replies to a note I had posted on the site.   I am  still fighting the realism of keeping my weight loss down.  I can not seem to get back to my lowest which was about 15lbs less than I am now.   The topic of graduates of 3 yrs or more should be addressed more.  We are a special group in that this is the time we put on the wt. and get discouraged.   We need to have mentors to talk to and follow.   This is really critical for us.    I have continued to see my counsellor 1 to 1 and she is such a grand person.  She has helped me with so many things and to look at the reasons why I eat.  Maybe this is something we should all have as part of our surgical program , at least for 3 visits 3 yrs post op.    We are basically a new breed at 3 yrs.  New post ops do not have the same problems.  yes we can help them but we need different help.   When I return to SC in a few weeks I will miss my counsellor and the support group near me are totally newbies.  Makes it tough for me to get the help I need.  Maybe we can swap notes.  email is [email protected]