Jackie, It's kind of ironic how you operate your "5 lb. window". For over a year I did basically exactly the same thing, and maintained myself perfectly with very little effort (I think I only was outside of my 140 - 145 range twice). Then seasonal depression and alot of other stressors got way out of control...and I let my eating get out of control too. I got on an anti-depressant for a couple months, which helped me grab ahold again. Now I just need to fight myself back to goal! I am currently putting myself through a daily reflection book, reviewing what my values, goals, and ambitions are and it has helped me remember some key principles that I was living by for the first couple of years post-op, but managed to lose sight of. A key one for me: The greatest gift I can give my children is a healthy (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) mom. By remembering this, I realize I am not being "too selfish" when I spend time on myself going to the gym or participating in support group (I co-lead one locally, but have had schedule conflicts in recent months). Anyway, thanks for your input. I think I will check out that yahoo group. It's good to know I'm not alone...and not a failure! Keep up the great work! Kathy

Hi Debbie, There are several Yahoo Groups to help you get back on track with your weight loss. The most active and positive one that I know about is OSSG_Off_track. They are a very supportive and knowledgeable group. I had my first WLS in 1997 at 397lbs and got to 255 then all the way back up to 310 before I had a revision. In retrospect I think the biggest mistake I made was feeling sorry for myself on my way back up the scale. Instead of looking at the first 5, 10, 15 lbs. and realizing it was something I could manage; I chose to feel defeated and ashamed. This only led to many more Little Debbies. Kuddos to you for stopping weight regain in it's tracks!!! I do things much differently this time. I allow myself a 5 lb. window. For now, it's 153-158. I weigh everyday and have since surgery.... it works for me. When I see 158 on the scale, I start the next day off with a protein drink for breakfast, a protein bar for lunch, a protein drink about 3 or 4 in the afternoon and either chicken & veggies or salmon & veggies for dinner PERIOD. I keep this up until the scale reads 153 or less. Then I go back to eating my "normal" way. What I have found is that the time between eating "normally" and my "dieting" is getting longer and longer. When I first started this, it would only take a few days and I'd be at that 158 mark. Then it was a week or so and now, it's about 3 or 4 weeks. And, the number of days I have to "diet" are fewer. In the beginning, I would have to "diet" for about 4 days now, it's about 2 days. The other thing that has helped me tremendously is having to be accountable to other people. Do you attend a support group? Have you thought about (and forgive me if you already do this) assuming a leadership position in a support group? There is nothing more humbling than other people checking out your plate 24/7!! Anyway, good luck to you!! Jackie in TX

Hi I've never posted on here before but I'm needing some help please ..I have gained a few pounds in the last 6 months and my scrubs are getting tight ....not enough to go to a bigger size I was a 3x at start and now I'm in a medium but need to get under control I've gained about 15 lbs Curious as to others regimen how much protein do you eat daily what do you limit carbs to and approx calories I'm getting on that ol treadmill after I finish this post ..which obviously I haven't been too faithful with lately but gonna give her a try. One more thing does anyone do protein drink I know lots of my problems is I'm not taking in more carbs than protins. Thanks for your time ...Deb

Alisha, I'm struggling with weight gain right now too. Last fall I discovered I could tolerate sugar, which has been my demise!! I am up 15 lbs. beyond my "comfort range" (I'm at 160, and was keeping myself between 140 - 145 quite successfully...I'm 5'8"). (I too had gotten down below goal (136)at one point and had to gain a few to look healthier.) I have been "stress eating", which I MUST get under control before it destroys me....an old problem I've allowed to creep up on me. I've lost a couple pounds this week, so I feel better about myself. Besides treats, I need to watch my portions. I do not vomit...never have since surgery...and I can eat quite a bit, which isn't good! I guess we are now to the hard part! Self-control is something I have always struggled with, but the prize of a slim body is not something I am not willing to give up, so I'm fighting back!! Wanta join the fight with me?! By the way, I have heard of/know of people who have gained all their weight back. It really is just a tool, and we must use it! One person I know of can't handle sugar at all, but he runs a pizza parlor and eats all day long...and is morbidly obese again! Good Luck to you. If you are interested in "teaming up" to support each other back down to goal, e-mail me!!! Kathy

I had my "original" RNY 10/2003, but had to have a correction in june of 04. I have gotten to goal of 140, down from 283, so have changed my goal to 135. I had a TT on 12-14-05. The swelling is almost all gone. My question is this... How can I jumpstart the loss again? I really want to lose 5 more lbs. Have any of you had a bone density test? If so, how was it? I have to have one. I take my supplements religiously and always have. I hope everyone is well and look forward to hearing from ya!! Pegi