HERE is the link for the WLS grads forum: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/ and then the kay baily pouch test is : http://www.5daypouchtest.com/ good luck

Im so glad to see you posted Chip. Sounds like I am not the only one that has fallen back into the old routine of things. I too have gained right around 40 pounds and that was due to all the changes in my life and getting off track. Last week I finally had enough and broke down... I got back in the gym, hired a trainer, started playing soccer and joined weigh****chers just so I would have someone that I have to face each week to make me responsible once again. I know I haven't stretched out my pouch either cuz day by day I am noticing less and less I can eat. Just remember the primary rules and you will do great. Get that protein in and UP tha****er!!!! I wish you the best of luck getting back on track... Gosh I can't believe we are looking at the 3 year mark already. Shelley

Wow so much can happen in a little over a year. I relocated again. This time to Nashville, TN to accept a job as a Chief Learning Officer for a healthcare company. I have been steadily gaining weight. Last April when I moved out to CA, I had dropped to my lowest weight of 122. People thought I was "too skinny". Well, slowly I began to gain weight back on. Today, I weighed in at 137. I am now beginning to get concerned---the first time ever in my weight loss journey about weight gain. It seems like in the last year the pounds just slowly creeped back on so easily. I do feel healthier though than I did at 122. At 122, I felt exhausted and tired. However, I think a better weight for me should be at 128-130. Although, I am 5 6 1/2 so even at 137 I am considered a normal BMI, but I notice that many of my size 2 pants are not feeling as comfortable, and I could probably fit better in a size 4 now. I don't want to start buying all new clothes again so I think I am going to actually think "diet" again---a word I thought I would never have to deal with again! It has been so freeing for the last three years to not think about weight anymore! But alas, I think that window of opportunity might be closing as I knew that the WLS was just a tool and would not be a magical solution. Now I am going to actually have to work at things. By reading many of the posts it sounds like others are starting to put on between 10-15 pounds now. I am wishing everyone well, and I hope that we can all continue our successful journey in WLS!

We'll I know I'm a few months early but I figure people will begin to check in soon for their three year surgeversary. I'll be three years out at the end of June. I'm doing well health wise but not with exercise and my weight. I gained about 40lbs (I'm around 245lbs) but have remained relatively steady for the last few months. I have to say I haven't been following the pouch rule very well and haven't been exercising much at all. I guess I signed on today in hopes of becoming reinvigorated. I stumbled on to Wendy post about pouch rules for dummies http://www.gastricbypassfamily.com/PouchRules.html WOW ! This is incredibly helpful, Thanks Wendy! I really do feel I can get back on track. I've not stretch my pouch, I'll be fine if I just start following the rules again and get back on an exercise regiment. I drink water to soon after eating and not close enough before I eat. I think just going back to that simple rule will make a great deal of difference. I also feel I need to concentrate on protein and cut down on the carbs. It has been good to check out the June 2005 board again. I hope you are all doing well and not struggling with your weight but if you are, I encourage you to not throw in the towel and to check out the above rules. I'll check in again in June and let you know how I'm doing.

Amy I had no idea you were a Junbug and we are surgery sisters. I also had my rny on June 14th. That is so cool. Monica