Amy, "I'm sorry". I know exactly how you feel. I too have gained 30lbs. I started 363 in November 2004, got down to 209 in July of 2006, and now I teeter between 237-239. I started to notice that my clothes were a little tight, but blew if off as "period weight gain", then one day I couldn't button my pants! I just sat in my closet and cried, because it was no more fooling myself. My weight gain began with a lot of emotional factors (as most of us are familiar with). First it was my friends, or should I say, people who I thought were my friends. When I dropped to 209 I was working out Monday-Thursday for an hour. I would eat light breakfasts, and salad for lunch, and grilled chicken or pork for dinner. Fridays would be my treat days. I would have one thing that I denied myself of for the entire week. However I didn't go overboard, because I knew that I would have a treat day every week. The weekends were hard, but I would go over to friend's house, walk the malls, etc. -anything to get out of the house so I wouldn't eat. Then one day I got ill, but I was determined to workout, and my friends told me that I was addicted. They said I needed help, because I was a workout junkie. Then I thought maybe I am and I started to slack up on working out. Guess What? Eventually I felt better, but bad habits had already taken over, and I never returned to my regime. However, looking back I could have done light workout (i.e. walking), which would have more than likely accelerated my wellness. Then, I mentioned my weight gain to my mother. She said "Oh that's just that loose skin". So again in my mind, I said when I get my tummy tuck, I will be ok. I allowed others to weaken my mind, and I take full responsibility for it. I don't blame them. I'm sure in their minds they were trying to be helpful and caring. It was my fault, because I knew 'me" better than they did, and I knew if I broke by regular routine, it would be hard for me to go back to it, and I also knew that it was not just loose skin, it was eating a lot of "soft foods". Another thing that bothers me is that, I am just as embarrassed as I was before I lost the 125lbs. I hate now to see people who have seen me at my lowest, especially those who know I had the surgery. I explain the I-got-sick-story, but the fact still remains that I have gained weight. I desperately try to celebrate that fact that I have lost 125lbs, and I thank GOD for it, but I know I could do better, and when I think about that I spiral into that mindset that I've done well so I could stand to eat (insert fattening food here). Now I sit here feeling defeated. My grandmother called to tell me that she had just seen someone who had the surgery, and that she had gained all of the weight back and more. She begged me not to gain all of my weight back. That made me feel bad. Then my mother has reported she is now 206lbs (she hadn't had surgery). She gasped at the fact that I have gained 30lbs. That made me feel bad too. Everyday I wake up with the mantra that I am going to do better, but that day never seems to come to fruition. Since, I am a teacher, and off for the summer, all I do is snack, snack, and snack. I have 3 closets: Too little clothes, comfortable clothes, and too big clothes. The too-little-clothes closet is bursting, and of course the too-big-clothes closet is dwindling. I just keep affirming everyday, that today is the day. Yesterday I made an appointment with the nutritionist. I plan to take the advice of the people on this forum and get back to basics, and hope that one day will be the day that I get back on track. I'm wishing the same for you.

You are most certainly not alone, I had about 15 pounds sneak up on me, as well. My problem is that I strayed away from the basics, we need to eat MEALS until we are satisfied, and NO SNACKING. Some great resources I have found: www.livingafterwls.com, and on the internet there is a small pamphlet called "Pouch rules for dummies", or maybe "rules of the pouch for dummies", I can't remember which one it is. But the website I mentioned is great, it is put together and overseen by a woman who is (I think) 6 years out from her surgery. Very good advice, and very practical and down to earth. Good luck to you, and try not to get depressed, I think a lot of us were depressed, and found comfort in food. That is how we ended up undergoing wls (weight loss surgery) in the first place.

I had surgery on Nov. 11, 2004. I lost 115lbs. I have now gained back almost 30 pounds--and I am shocked. It is like it sneaked up on me. I also have been prescribed medication and was warned I would have to work hard to keep my weight in check. I have NOT. My portions are not the problem--I dont think. Sure, they have gotten bigger since the onset--but it is boxes of Ho Ho's and Frappacino's --pure junk. My question is--have I ruined my bypass? How do I start over? I don't know where to begin and I have never been more scared in my life. I actually have to buy plus size clothing now. I cant believe I'm doing this to myself. Can anyone tell me what I should eat? Does anyone still keep in contact with the "lifelong" nutricionist we were given acess too? Thank you sooo much in advance for your help, AMy

I would like to hear something positive from someone who is at least 3 years post-op. Who is eating right, exercising, and keeping that weight off?

Shelly, I am glad you are doing better, I think everyone is struggling, I know I am, I have gained a little and am not happy about it, but its up to me to do what i know to do. I wish you all the best, Jan M.