I will celebrate 4 years post-op next Monday the 29th. I now weigh 145 and have lost 180 pounds. I am now finding that the honeymoon is over and I am glad it lasted this long. I am starting to gain a little weight up from 137 at my lowest. I have been using more protein and watching what I eat but it is now getting to be a struggle. I am wanting to eat more and I cannot afford to gain. Any suggestions? I had Dr Ikramuddin when I had my surgery at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Thanks for being there and for listening.

Hi everyone! I am new to this message board but not new to the wls site. Just haven't been online in a very long time. I am about 3 years and 4 months post op. I have done great ..lost about 181 lbs and maintain my weight at about 169 with no problem. Lately I have been feeling tired, achy and stiff in the morning and was recently diagnosed with rhuematoid arthritis. I am going to a rhueumatologist in January and I am concerned because I know I cant take most medications used to treat RA. I was just wondering if anyone has RA and how it is treated post op

When is this conference and where? Is there a website? Amy Suter [email protected]

Hi Erin! I dont know if this will work for you but I think it might be working for me. I'm also 3 years out and have had trouble with plateaus and set points in my weight too. I read recently that your body will adjust to whatever you do, so you can jump start things by NOT being consistant. Change it up as much as you can. Don't do the same 'diet' every day. Don't follow the same eating or workout schedule. So, since I usually dont eat breakfast, I have been eating breakfast sometimes, eating different things than usual for lunch or dinner, doing a different kind of exercise at a different time than normal. Try learning a new sport (racquetball is fun!), or learning to cook a new cuisine. I just started this a week ago but I lost 3 pounds! I am at my lowest weight this year now. A few other things I do that may or may not make a difference- I always jog to the car (like I'm in a hurry!) when I go somewhere, always park far out in the lot so I have to walk farther, always take the stairs, always do a few extra squats when I have to take clothes out of the dryer. I work at a desk so I time my tasks so I have to get up and move around as frequently as possible. Just to file something, check the fax machine, make some copies, etc. You can do this! It is within your control! Tammy

I wish I could go! We dont' have things like that here... Tammy