what is that procude called when they scar ur stoma to make it smaller again? ive heard some people *****gained their weight had that done

It has been a long time since I have been on the site. My beginning weight was 420 post op. I had my bypass in April of 2005 and am almost at my 3 year surgiversary. I got down to a whopping 170 lbs, but have gained back almost 50 lbs and am stressing big time. I injured my back in October, and have been laid up which is part of the problem. The pain meds that I have been on make me gain weight, but I need to take them because every day is painful for me to move around. I have also had a pretty rough and emotional time this past year. I have been homeless and living with family, which has been pretty rough. We just recently (last month) got our own place again and starting to get our life back on track. Its hard though because I slipped into a deep depression with all that has happened, and got back into some of my bad habits which got me obese in the first place. My husband has been OVERLY supportive, but he likes big women anyways, and we had a rough patch when I got down to my lowest weight. Just need some support from my family here on OH to help get my life back on track and get myself back down to where I am not concidered overweight again. I was sooooo proud of myself when I got down to 170, but some people said I looked too thin. I know that now at 230 I am not obese, and people still tell me how great I look, but when I look at myself in the mirror, I get depressed all over again. Since moving into thenew house, I have started walking short distances with my 5 yr old daughter and our new puppy, hoping that getting mobile will help get the weight back off. Its hard for me to go long distances wtih my back being bad, but I have to do something. Thanks for listening. Anita B

Just some suggestions you might consider. Who did your surgery? Is that doc available for you to talk to or visit? Can you find a local doc to help you? Do you have a primary doc down there?. I think also you should be on more supplements like a B1 and a B12 at least 3 times a week, B1 one every day. A vitamin a day is good too. Do you track your protein? Are you eating enough protein and drinking 8 glasses of water a day or water ,be it in crystal light or other flavored no cal, no sugar drinks? Is there a forum where you can go particular to where you live? Check out all the forums. I feel bad that you have no one there to share ideas with. GNC is a good store to get protein at and I hear you can return it if you don't liike it after the product is opened. I also stopped losing after 8 months and that lasted for over a year and t hen I started gaining quickly. Now I am seeking a revision to a DS. I don't want you to have to go through that so I hope you find a way to keep on the straight and narrow. Maybe up your exercise. I have a very bad back and pain down legs so I am not able to exercise well, especially no walking. I wish you well. ;)

Tiffany, have you gone to a support group near you? They can be quite helpful.

Hi Tom! Long time no 'see.' I remember talking to you a lot about 2 1/2 years ago. How did the knee surgery work out? Are you up and walking yet? Keep in touch, JudyAnne