This may be a little long... so I'm warning you now.

I am currently 3 years postop

I used to be what my surgeon considered a fantastic success... but now I weight 50 pounds more than his goal for me.

I eat too much sugar/carbs even though they make me dump and I know I'm not active enough.

I make plans to break the old habits and start the new ones and it just never lasts more than a few hours, or days.

To complicate the issue... the trigger for my weight gain was a medication I started. No, I can't take a different one. I've tried the alternatives and this is the only one that works. Unfortunately it can and in my case it does cause weight gain. If you're curious it is Lithium. I have bipolar disorder.

I've had major problems with low iron and B-12 I take iron 3x a day and B-12 daily.

I guess I just want to know if there has been someone in my shoes and they've recovered back to their ideal weight... or something close to it, or if there is someone fighting a similar fight that wants to talk about it.

I would like to find a local support group (Huntsville, AL) We had one going for a while... I don't know if it is still active. I would also be willing to attend a hospital or doctor's specific support group meetings if they would allow me. I need to be around other people that have had WLS

Hey Holly!!! It's great to see you!!!!!  I'm not dealing with med issues, but I have gained and I think it's very common with how far out we are.  Now it's just diet like everyone else.  I know I'm not very active, but its hard because I work so much.  I'm anxious to see what others have to say. 

Holly I am almost 5 years out in a few days. i gained about 10# back and have now been maintaining for the last 31/2 years. I have seen first hand that the ones that quit going to their support group meeting start to gain. I have run into several lately and was surprised at the amount of wgt some of them had gained. Going to my support  group keep me accountiable. I am sure that there must be a group in the Huntsville area.  I don't know what to tell you about the meds.

Hey Holly!  Good  to here from you!  Hope you find that support you are looking for.  We are always here for you too on the board.  Hope to see you more! 

Hi Holly! 
You CAN lose the weight you have gained...we have several success stories on the board that I am sure will step up and tell their stories. 
I too have gained, but like you, mine is triggered by medicine.  I have gained @ 20# since my lowest weight.
It seems as if I have read that Lithium will also increase your craving for carb/starchy like foods as well...just a thought.
I am sure you will hear of Hsv groups you may attend to help you.
Wishing you the very best Holly! 
Jackie

Holly,
You have a PM!!