Long term weight loss concerns

I have been thinking a lot lately (smell the smoke?) and wondering about something for a long time. I know that it is possible to regain all of your weight if you really try, but how hard is that to do? I know that our new digestive system is just a tool, but doesn't it help later on (after the honeymoon phase) by not absorbing as many calories or fat that we take in? I am trying to just take one step at a time, but I am worried that I won't be able to keep my weight off once I am a long term post op and quite frankly that scares me a LOT! I have never maintained a healthy weight --- ever and don't know how to do that. I've got how to lose and how to gain down pat. and I am going to the support group meetings which help a lot and I am very committed to learning how to maintain my weight permanently. I guess I am confused. It is true that the pouch and bypass we have helps to maintain our weight by not absorbing everything we eat, right? So why is it so easy to gain the weight back? Can anyone lend some insights? Thanks Terri going for 2nd weigh in tomorrow!!! !

Terri, I am no expert on this...but from what I have read we can gain my eating high calorie/fat foods all day long. Grazing can really cause a problem with this surgery. I figure if we learn the right habits now...planned meals and snacks we will be able to maintain our weight loss. Beginning an exercise regiment..is also important. Enjoy this honeymoon phase now..and we can re-learn good habits that will teach us to keep thin and healthy for a lifetime. Joanie

Thanks Joanie, I wasn't even thinking about the grazing factor. I remember now that was one of the things Elina talked about in our meeting. I can see how that would wreck havoc with maintaining weight. That must be where the rules of the pouch come in - so we can get a sense of fullness from fluids and not drinking after meals. I wish the honeymoon could last forever! Terri

The main reason people regain weight (something like 80-90%) is due to soft calorie syndrome. Eat foods tgat are bad for you, drink with meals and eat "soft" foods that pass through quickly so you can eat more again soon. Do a little research on it, you will be surprised. Following the rules and making permenant changes from the beginning is key to long term success..... Carmen

Thanks Carmen. I am glad to know what behaviors to avoid, although they didn't cross my mind which is why I was confused.... so I guess that is a good thing that I wasn't going there with my thoughts. I can see how the support group meetings will become even more important a year or more out when you have the control back in your hands. Terri

Hi Terri, It is a very scary thing to think about. I have seen it happen first hand. My sister had her surgery about 7 years ago and lost a great amount of weight (about 250 lbs). She has since gained back at least 150 of that. The reason she didn't keep it off was that she didn't deal with the emotional reasons of why she overate. Once the weight came off she found out that all her problems were still there and she slowly (and not so slowly at times) put the weight back on by eating high fat/calorie foods that were tolerable for her. My advice is to is make sure to take care of the mind factor as well as the body factor. Eileen

Thanks Eileen, That is so sad about your sister. I hope she finds her way back again. You are so right, learning to turn to a healthier outlet when those eating triggers rear their ugly heads is probably the best tool we can learn to use. thanks for sharing your personal story. Terri

Hi Terri, I do understand your feelings but we can stick together by using TOOLS... Support group, Gathering Party, Excerise, write down diet plan each day, WATER, stick with our friends on WSL Message board then you will be fine!!! WE can do it!!! :thumbup: BIG HUGS KATHY K

Thanks Kathy, You are right, we have lots of great advantages with all the support we have available. I am so glad to have such a great group of people to help when things get tough. How are you feeling? hugs to you too! Terri

Hi Terri, I am 3 years out and have had absolutely NO regain. I credit that to keeping the fact that I had WLS "real". We did not have surgery on our brains. We had surgery on our guts. The first thing you have to do is train yourself...forever, that your pouch is the one in charge. My own personal way of doing that is I "named" my pouch. "Spike the wonder pouch" is in charge. What Spike says, goes. Spike tells me what I can and can not eat and when I can eat it. And that's forever. I have tested the limits of Spike and Spike has spanked me...HARD!!!! That's first and foremost. Secondly, the "tool" we have been given can and will work for many many years, if you take care of it...and if you treat it as you would any other precious tool...with loving care. If you have learned during your "honeymoon phase" the new way to eat, and how to eat...etc., and do not deviate from the plan, it becomes a way of life. It becomes like breathing. You begin to do it without even thinking. It just becomes a part of you...the problem with that is then you can become complacent and ignore the rules. Going back to keeping it real...and keeping it in front of your face at all times. We all have been able to lose weight...10 lbs...gain back 20...lose 20...gain back 30 and on and on and on. We all dieted our way up to Morbid Obesity. We have now been given a tool in which to stop dieting and live like a normal person, albeit one who eats just a bit less and a bit differently than others in our society. You also have to take care in keeping people around you that are supportive. An unsupportive social system is a a sure fire way to disaster. I've talked to several post ops who have re-gained their weight because their spouse and/or family is unsupportive or has sabotaged their weight loss/tool. Getting them to revert back to unhealthy habits. It's an all too common downfall. If you are in an unhealthy relationship, care must be taken to either get out of it or change it to a healthy relationship. Your health is worth much more than any relationship out there. You have gone through too much to allow someone to sabotage you. All right, I've stood on my soapbox long enough...I'll get off now. I hate sounding all preachy and stuff...it's not really my style...but this is something I am passionate about. And I tend to get myself all worked up. Forgive me if I sound all high and mighty...It's because I love you all and want you all to succed and be healthy and happy. {{HUGS}} Have a Sparkling Weight Loss!!! ~CAE~