Old Timer Returning for Support

Hello there long lost friends and new peeps I don't know.  An old timer here returning to whine and complain and see if anybody can give me a punch in the right direction.  I had my surgery in August 2003.  I started out at 375 and lost down to 137 pounds.  WooHoo, I was so excited!  I had been fat me entire life and was ecstatic!  Then in May 2006 I had my gallbladder removed and two internal hernias repaired.  After my surgery it seemed like everything I ate stayed with me!  I can't eat any more than I could before but everything I eat turns to fat!  I ended up gaining right at 100 pounds back!  My weight seems to have stabilized and I haven't gained any more in the last year but 100 pounds is 100 pounds!  Now everybody tells me it is my nerves and I eat when I don't really realize I am and this and that because right after my gallbladder surgery the plant where I worked closed and I lost my job.  I went back to school and have been in school studying to be a nurse since then.  I should graduate this coming May.  Anyway, I hate that I have gained weight and I can't seem to get any of it back off.  Has anybody else had this problem?  Did something freaky happen during my gallbladder surgery?  Any suggestions on getting the weight back off?  My hsuband says he doesn't want me back down to 137 pounds but I felt so good there and it was the first time in my entire life that I felt "normal" and was of a "normal weight"!  Anyway, just wanted to vent and see if anybody had any input or suggestions on the matter.  Thanks in advance!!  Oh, by the way, my name is Sandi Custer for those who don't remember or don't know me!

Sandi

Hey there Sandi!!!  Welcome back hon!  I DO remember you. 
Congratulations on your upcoming nursing liscense!!! 

I lost down to my lowest of 168#.  After meds that increased my appetite, I got up to a high above 200#.  I am now down around 184# and on my way DOWN.  My goal is 170# and to stay there! But, I have to be patient with myself. 

You can do this.  Go back what you did before at 137#...drink between meals only.  Eat smaller portions.  Be GOOD to yourself, for you know you didn't go through this life changing WLS only to defeat yourself in the long run.  You CAN do this!!!   And when you do, you WILL feel like a STAR!!!!

Sandi, don't be a stranger!!!!

Hi Sandi!!!!!  It is great to have you back.  You will lose that weight.  You did GREAT and you are a success.  I am here cheering you on with everyone else on this board.  I don't have any answers, but I know that you can get to the weight you want to see again.  Please let us hear from you and share in your success!!!!

I Sandi.  It's so good to see you.  I met you several times in the past.  I wondered what had happened to you.  So glad to see you back here AT HOME!  We are behind you all the way.

Hi Sandi, I was just wondering, have you tried the 5 day pouch test? It seems to work great for most people who have done it.

Hi, no I haven't tried the 5 day pouch test.  As a matter of fact I had never heard of it until I read Randall's post where he was talking about it.  I went to the site he listed that mentioned it and have it bookmarked and am thinking I will give it a try.

Thanks to everyone for all the support.  I will try to stay around as much as possible but with school and clinicals I don't usually have a lot of time for the computer.

Sandi