Hello Jennifer,

I am in the same boat as you. I had my RNY in Sept of 2006 and hit my goal weight of 124 from 258. I have an entire closet of beautiful clothes I can not wear and it just ****** me off that I did this to myself. No one but me. I could have stopped this when I was just 30lbs over weight, but I quit smoking and taking care of what I ate and exercise fell away. I felt like I had blown my pouch way out of proportion and could never get back on track. I was so depressed trying diet pills, laxatives and just not eating until I was starving and then ate anything. I never considered getting back on track by weighting my food, stopping soda, exercising and getting out my book from my surgeon (which I still have). I decided that what I needed was a revision to the original surgery and called a bariatric surgeon and have an apt on 11-13. I was all set, then I found this tool on the internet that I used to see if my pouch had stretch.

the cottage cheese test:

get a container of low-fat cottage cheese & 2 cups of water-

in the morning before you eat or drink anything-

eat the cottage cheese as fast as you can

, when you are full,

pour the water into the cottage cheese container until the water is at the same level the cottage cheese was when you opened the container-the amount of water you poured of the 2 cups is the size of your pouch! waa laa!)

I did the test 3wks ago when I was at 191. I found out my pouch is 1 cup still. right then and there I decided I would take a month to see if I could loose any weight. I started measuring my food and started going back to the gym. I have lost so far 11pds. I am keeping the apt with the surgeon because I have too hernias that need repair but I am hoping a revision is not needed.

Good Luck,

you can contact me if you need to

PiggyAngel

Funny, after this post, I eliminated some stress from my life (or maybe took on more in the process?) and lost 10 pounds.  I'm back below goal at 166.  I hate that I eat when I'm stressed out.  But Jenn, we do still have a tool to use and it won't fail ;)

At almost three years out, how much food can the rest of you eat in one sitting?

I admit, I quit measuring my food eons ago and just eat until I'm full.  Bad decision.

Anyway, I just finished eating lunch and I feel that I shouldn't be able to eat as much as I did.  I had roughly, 3/4 of a grilled cheesh sandwich and a small bowl of chicken noodle soup (about 4.5 ounces).  I'm full, but not uncomfortably so.  Was that too much?

I have had the same problem since my surgery,, i try to get out and start moving it helps alot..

When we slip back into old habits, the best thing to do is get back to basics to regain control:
- Restock your refrigerator and pantry with good choices to minimize temptation.
- Eat protein first, at every meal, to help you feel full.  Limit carbs, choosing fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 
- For a week, measure all your foods and write them down so you can grt a clear picture of where you're struggling.
- If you're not exercising, find something you enjoy doing and make it a priority.
- Make sure you're still drinking plenty of water, just not with your meals.

Every time I need to renew my commitment, I find I'm not eating enough protein.  I carry my "before" picture in my wallet right next to my license, so every day I'm reminded of what this surgery has done for me.

You can make your tool work for you again.

Cassie