Weight re-gain and coping w/ stress

I know that there are quite a few people who are against this but maybe you could try with a few buddies the 5 day pouch test ...I have heard alot of good comes out of it....

I agree that the pouch test probably works; however, if you are struggling, you can't get it back in control, so a "diet" so to speak is almost impossible.  I don't think there's an answer except that what always works for me is "owning up to my failure."  Once I write it or say it out loud, it helps to get me back on track.

JA

Paula,

I am new (RNY surgery on 12/15/08) but I wanted to add my 2 cents because I just saw Dr. A yesterday.  He is the nicest guy.  I am 5 weeks out of surgery, eating only what I am supposed to, exercising harder than ever before and haven't lost any weight these last 3 weeks.  I was very discouraged and frustrated.  Dr A. was supportive, encouraging and I am glad he is my Doctor.  Don't feel like you can not go see him, he is very kind. 

Kathy C.

250/224/201/140    heaviest/before surgery/current/goal

Hi Kathy,

There's no one that knows that Dr A is the nicest guy better than I do...It's one of the reasons why my husband and I both chose him as our surgeon...

THe main reason why I don't go is probably the weight gain and shame and embarrassment in my own mind.  I'm sure he's seen it before, but, it's my own brain's problem that's not letting me get around it.

I'm going to call and have them send me a blood slip and then make an appointment.

Thanks for your concern!

Paula

Paula,

I am coming up on my 4 year anniversary, 3/16/05.  I had some difficulties also.  I initally lost 144 lbs, getting down to 120 and worked my way up to 150 and now I am in the low 140's.  I am still trying to get down into the 130's.  But I feel good.  I am so much more healthier and active.   My doctor once said that a 50% loss is considered a success.  You haven't failed.  You just need to readjust.  I didn't see anything about exercising.  Are you?  This will relieve some stress and will work off some if not all of the extra calories your putting in.  Then the gaining will stop and you can then watch the food. 

You really need to get in and see your doctor.  He is there to help not criticize.  At my appointment last year, my doctor said that he thought I might be depressed.  He asked me to see my regular doctor and to come back in three months.  Well he was right.  I was put on a low dose medication that just helped.  I got back into the gym and I try to eat right. 

You can do this.  Look at all you have already done.  Sit down with your husband and tell him, no matter what happens with the job and whatever else your dealing with, you refuse to do it gaining weight.  The two of you together no what it takes and you guys can do it.

Go to the doctor, call right now.  Anyone got Paula's last name?  We can call and make the appointment :)

Good Luck!

Kelly

 

Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your concern...I don't need anyone making my appt for me...I'll do it...

I've never been a big one on exercise..and that's one big down fall for me.  I really  need to get back and at least walk.  I have a treadmill and should plug it in and do it...I can't right now because I'm on bed rest for a sprained joint in my pelvis/back.  No exercise can start till it's healed.

WOW, you've done tremendously.  Why are you fighting so hard to get to 130?  Maybe that's an unrealistic goal for you..I don't want you to not be able to reach it and get down on yourself and self sabotage again by eating...

I've been on psych meds for most of my life, so, I know that I'm depressed!  I also have panic disorder that adds to the mix...and, I just found out last summer that I have had undiagnosed ADD and haven't yet gotten to a new doctor to see if meds may help me.

Winter is a horrible time for me.  Plus, my VIT D is very low and with hardly any sun, it makes it tough on a lot of people in the northern states...

I'm taking one thing one step at a time and I've accomplished a few things this week, even though I've had the back problem. 

Thanks,
paula

I was just teasing about the dr. appointment.

Well then it does sound like there is a lot on your plate and the one thing at a time is the best approach.  Give yourself a break and feel good about what you have accomplished this week.

One day at a time.  And I hope you do feel better.
Kelly

Paula, I've just wrapped my arms around you and am giving you a great big bear hug. You did the right thing here - you called for Help. I've not been as active on this Board as I'd like to be but I do know this - that you have always been right there for anyone and everyone who needed something - advice, encouragement, knowledge - any of us could always count on you.  Listen, I'm nearly 5 years out and I'm up about 13 lbs. from my lowest and I hate it... but I fight it every day. You have to keep fighting. There is a very high percentage of weight regain after around 3 years post-op of the gastric bypass - I don't know what the stats are for banders. But this is the truth, this is the reality we all have to deal with. Think of it this way and this is the absolute truth: when we lost all that weight, our fat cells didn't go away, didn't evaporate - they just deflated, a bazillion of them in our bodies. They will be there until we take our last breath - just waiting to fill up again with FAT glorious FAT. We can ARM ourselves with this knowledge! We know that we have to work harder than other people to keep the weight off, we have to step it up every day. This is not rocket science - we need to make healthy eating choices every day, and we need to embrace an exercise program that challenges us and makes us feel good - I mean JOYFUL! Find what you like to do to move your body hard and often and DO IT! I'm afraid to see Dr. A too, I hate that I've gained. But I intend to press him for information about what options are available to me to make sure my "tool" is intact - consider having your pouch and stoma scoped for problems, e.g., stretching - do you realize that your stoma can be so enlarged at this point (so far out of your surgery) that the food goes right through! You will always be hungry if this is the case - and if you're eating a lot of carbs and sugars you're going to be always hungry anyway! If you want, I'll make my appt. to see him on the same day that you do - perhaps we can coordinate to meet up in his office (God knows we'll be waiting a long time to see him!!) and talk. Whatever you need. But your post here is not the END; it's the beginning of GETTING STARTED. We're here for you - sorry this is so long. You touched a nerve, I'm right there with you. Many hugs, Maureen

HI Paula,
 My Surgery month & year buddy ,I see you've been struggling.  Don't feel badly.  Me too.  It seems the further out we get the harder it is.  Those old demons just come right back in.  I'm amazed at how much I can eat.  And what I can eat. 
People told me that early on but I really didn't believe them and now I find what they said to be true.  AND THE CARB MONSTER.....He doesn't let go once he gets us.
And I keep testing the waters.  WHY????  Stupid.  that's why. and yes, major stress made me eat too.  Stress is so bad.
and I have let up on the excerise.  not good.  but again stress stops everything.
We have to hang in there and try to get back on track.
I decided to go back to basics where my doctor had us do only protein for 5 days.  So that lasted for 2 1/2 days.  LOL  But it's a start.  Hopefully next week I'll do it for 4 days.
We are still so much better off than when we started but WE DON:T WANT TO get back there again.  
Good luck and forge ahead and hope your stress subsides alittle.

Koukla