Revision - Thinking Aloud
Hi everyone, I have to cast the net here and ask some questions - some tough questions - and please know that I come from a good place. I had my surgery with Dr. Aranow in March 2004. My lowest weight was 138 (down from 360); I am now hovering between 157-162 - and fighting like a mad dog to keep control of my eating. So I guess my questions are more for folks who are longer out than others - I am 5 years, 2 months out. I am constantly hungry - the kind of hunger that is painful. I follow the rules - load up on water, eat protein and get my carbs from salads and fruits. But the hunger just naws at me, wears me down. My exercise routine has slipped and I'm not nearly as good about working out as I was, say, two years ago. And I do eat crap food - not to the extent I did before surgery but if I keep going down this path, it's only a matter of time... for those of you who can relate to my story- are you considering a revision? Have you had a revision? What are you doing to stave off the weight regain? I just think that a revision would not reap permanent results - because I know I am not as dedicated to the strict lifestyle changes that MUST be enforced every day of my life if I am to succeed in keeping the weight off. Health eating - every day, no slips, no crap food. Working out hard, every day. No excuses. For those of you who have regained can you speak to what you believe has caused this for you? Is there anyone who has gained despite you are doing everything by the book? I'm confused - and really, really scared. Thanks. Maureen
Maureen, I have been struggling with my eating and have gained about 15 pounds since last Oct........... I know it is from what I am eating and not getting enough exercise. DO not feel I need a revision as when I follow the rules and eat dense protien first I feel full. It is that I can tolerate those carbs and don't very often dump and have been letting them back in my diet.
Have you checked out to see if the outlet of our pouch has stretched? Maybe that is why you are so hungry.
It is very scary, my DH has even noticed my weight gain and is questioning me as to what I am doing, but I know I can only blame myself. I am trying to cut back my evening time eating which is my worse time of day and have been getting outside and doing yard work and hope to start seriously back exercising.
I wish you all the best. You are not alone in your struggle. I believe it is one some of us will have for our whole life. We just can't quit.
Sher
Thanks Sher. You know, I'm thinking maybe we can pull a group of us together - some "old timers" who are really struggling with keeping the weight off. Get together once a month, even - and provide support and maybe even some good strategy to "buddy system" turning this around. What do you think? Tammy? Anyone else? Maureen
boy I can sure relate. I can't help you out at all cause I'm in the same boat.
I am always hungry now too. And I'm amazed at the different kinds of foods I could eat.
I thought I would never be able to have some of this stuff again and was glad about that but it was not to be.
I'm just as scared too. Hopefully something will kick my butt and get me back on track. I hate myself for it.
good luck.
Koukla
I am always hungry now too. And I'm amazed at the different kinds of foods I could eat.
I thought I would never be able to have some of this stuff again and was glad about that but it was not to be.
I'm just as scared too. Hopefully something will kick my butt and get me back on track. I hate myself for it.
good luck.
Koukla
Oh Maureen - this truly sucks to hear - especially since you've provided so much guidance and inspiration for me. The good news is that 157 to 162 you are still in the game for being a "normal" person and not the obese woman who was 360 - the good news is - you are able to move your body without feeling the aches and pains a woman who is 360 pound feels - you have so much going for you!!! Try not to get too overwhelmed with making too many changes at once - focus on the one thing you think would make you feel the best about yourself and work on integrating that change back into your life - just pick ONE for now - either it be no crappy food, or excercising your skinny little butt off - try just one thing and don't worry about anything else right now - because if you say - I'm going to eat perfect, I'm going to exercise like an olympian, I'm going to drink water like a camel and I'm going to be the RNY poster girl - you will be overwhelmed - so just pick one and make it yours - right now the one thing I'm picking is getting in the right amount of protein - I'm not worrying about anything else right now - but just for today - protein is my goal - maybe it will change for tomorrow - but I know that if I say I'm going to do it all today - I will surely fail.
Set yourself up for little successes - one at a time and you'll get back on track - and definitely schedule a follow up with the doctor and talk to him about the constant hunger issue - but maybe if you're eating too many carbs it is feeding that hunger monster - you know how that goes!!
Hang in there - you are an inspiration that you're reaching out - you can do this - you will not allow yourself to slip back to the person that you were - you've come way too far!
I know you can do this!
What's your goal gonna be??
Set yourself up for little successes - one at a time and you'll get back on track - and definitely schedule a follow up with the doctor and talk to him about the constant hunger issue - but maybe if you're eating too many carbs it is feeding that hunger monster - you know how that goes!!
Hang in there - you are an inspiration that you're reaching out - you can do this - you will not allow yourself to slip back to the person that you were - you've come way too far!
I know you can do this!
What's your goal gonna be??
Warm Regards - Tammy - 
Oh, Tammy - you made me cry!!! 
But in a good way! Thank you for this. I'm trying with all my might to swear off chocolate. I think I am bona fide addicted to M&M's - there, I said it outloud. It's rediculous, I know. But chocolate has a hold of me like heroin or booze - I've never experienced anything like this in my life before - no matter how big I became... so, that's my goal. Swear off chocolate. One day at a time (it's too late for today!!) - I'm too embarrassed to see Dr. A. I just cancelled my appointment with him. Again. How 'bout you? How are you doing? Thanks so much for caring, this means a lot. Maureen
But in a good way! Thank you for this. I'm trying with all my might to swear off chocolate. I think I am bona fide addicted to M&M's - there, I said it outloud. It's rediculous, I know. But chocolate has a hold of me like heroin or booze - I've never experienced anything like this in my life before - no matter how big I became... so, that's my goal. Swear off chocolate. One day at a time (it's too late for today!!) - I'm too embarrassed to see Dr. A. I just cancelled my appointment with him. Again. How 'bout you? How are you doing? Thanks so much for caring, this means a lot. Maureen Good for you - one little acheivable goal - and even though you say today is lost you can say for the rest of today anyway - chocolate is one of those things that if you stay away from it you will lose the addiction - sort of like smoking - I was a smoker and that addiction is just crazy how it can pop up at any given moment - it's been 7 freekin' years and out of the blue all of the sudden I get a thought in my head that it would be "nice" to have a smoke! 
WHAT - nice to SMOKE - oh man - what a stupid thought - I have to bang it out of my head and POOF - it goes away - addictions are the strangest things a human brain has..... so you can do it - just have those little fights in your head 
and you can win!
Please don't be embarrassed to see your doctor - especially a doctor like the one you have - he has such a wonderful reputation - I'm sure he has compassion and won't look at you like you're an idiot - if he did - he'd be out of his practice - just go and see him - and talk to him - that's such an important part of this journey isn't it? I didn't want to see Dr. R yesterday - I had gained 6 pounds, didn't do anything he said and was really worried that the appointment would go horribly wrong - I was prepared to switch doctors even - but it went very well and I'm glad I went to see him - anyway - I wish you'd reconsider seeing him - I think at this point in your journey you need to talk to him - openly, and honestly - he might say something or do something to completely help you get on track - he's seen it all and is a very bright man - think about it okay?
I'm doing good - today I have a good attitude - I've had a protein shake, and a protein bar and tons of water - no crappy food even though the bacon horseradish dip was screaming at me from the refrigerator to take 'dip with a chip' - I ignored it - completely and drank peach flavored crystal lite instead
WHAT - nice to SMOKE - oh man - what a stupid thought - I have to bang it out of my head and POOF - it goes away - addictions are the strangest things a human brain has..... so you can do it - just have those little fights in your head and you can win!Please don't be embarrassed to see your doctor - especially a doctor like the one you have - he has such a wonderful reputation - I'm sure he has compassion and won't look at you like you're an idiot - if he did - he'd be out of his practice - just go and see him - and talk to him - that's such an important part of this journey isn't it? I didn't want to see Dr. R yesterday - I had gained 6 pounds, didn't do anything he said and was really worried that the appointment would go horribly wrong - I was prepared to switch doctors even - but it went very well and I'm glad I went to see him - anyway - I wish you'd reconsider seeing him - I think at this point in your journey you need to talk to him - openly, and honestly - he might say something or do something to completely help you get on track - he's seen it all and is a very bright man - think about it okay?
I'm doing good - today I have a good attitude - I've had a protein shake, and a protein bar and tons of water - no crappy food even though the bacon horseradish dip was screaming at me from the refrigerator to take 'dip with a chip' - I ignored it - completely and drank peach flavored crystal lite instead
Warm Regards - Tammy -
7-09
Maureen- I'm late on this- so I apologize. I rarely find time to get to the boards. I have a few thoughts...hope you'll be ok with hearing them
First- I know it's disappointing to 'gain back' and YES you must keep your regain under control. HOWEVER- it IS normal to regain a percentage of the weight you lost. In fact, it's part of the process. You have NOT gained excessively, from the numbers I see here. Dr. Aranow is not- NOT going to be disappointed in you. Your WL surgery has been and still is very successful.
I'm going on 7 years now. My lowest weight was about 128- for a day or two during an extremely stressful time. I averaged 135 for quite a while My current weight is 148. I'm OK with that. I work hard to make sure it stays there. I have to yank my chain hard and often. i still seek regular psychological counseling and use fitday.com to track my intake and hit the gym hard whenever I notice the scale creep up a few pounds. I weigh myself regularly.
I believe the reason we continue to have probelms after being very successful is simple. I don;t mean to make a complex subject overly simplistic- but it boils down to this: Complacency.
That, of course is MY belief. I'm not judging you.
Sooner or later we allow food to become the center of our social lives again...sonner or later we begin eting like more 'normal' people and loose focus (we stop counting calories and stop paying attention to portion control and sometimes eat out of balance... sooner or later we believe we can live the way we used to for so many years- and devolve to a more sedentary lifestyle. Sooner of later we give in to the old demons- you it's M&M's- me it's potato chips. And then the weight gain begins...
Overachingly- I'm concerned about why you now FEEL so hungry. What is that? Where is it coming from? Is there any possibility you might have an ulceration or a fistula or the like?? Go see Dr. A and get it checked, right away. If it's not physical- then that leaves one thing... psychological. That can be delt with as well.
My advice to you is this:
1. Don't think you have to be perfect every day. Accept that you make mistakes and don't beat yourself up over them or else you will turn to MORE food.
2. Seek nutritional counseling and psychological counsling for food addiction and your own personal issues (we all have them- mine revolve around self esteem). if you can't afford both- the MOST important is the pshychological.
3. Go back to the gym at least 3x a week for cardio. YOu don't need to go everyday- but you do need to go. Also- try to find something you enjoy doing that is physical in nature and has nothing to do with food that you can do regularly.
4. Start planning out your meals again like you used to a long time ago and use fitday or another calorie/carb/protein counter to make sure you understand what your intake is on a daily (paying close attention to portion sizes and weighing/measuring as necessary).
5. Go see Dr. Aranow.
That's about all I can tell you I think. Except that I'm proud of you Maureen. You've done excellent and been very successful in regaining your health. You're recognizing your issues now, and you've showed that you have had the courage to deal with them in the past. I know you'll employ that courage again to do the same. You wouldn't be here talking about it unless you were willing.
PS I feel the need to mention... There is no one out there that has regained an inordinade amount of weight while doing everything 'by the book' unless they have a technical failure of their surgery or an underlying medical reason. A revision is not the answer to a surgery that is intact. Sorry. The saying used to be much more popular that: The surgeon only operates on your stomach- you have to operate on your brain. I haven't seen that said in a long time. It bears thinking about.
Take care & good luck to you.
First- I know it's disappointing to 'gain back' and YES you must keep your regain under control. HOWEVER- it IS normal to regain a percentage of the weight you lost. In fact, it's part of the process. You have NOT gained excessively, from the numbers I see here. Dr. Aranow is not- NOT going to be disappointed in you. Your WL surgery has been and still is very successful.
I'm going on 7 years now. My lowest weight was about 128- for a day or two during an extremely stressful time. I averaged 135 for quite a while My current weight is 148. I'm OK with that. I work hard to make sure it stays there. I have to yank my chain hard and often. i still seek regular psychological counseling and use fitday.com to track my intake and hit the gym hard whenever I notice the scale creep up a few pounds. I weigh myself regularly.
I believe the reason we continue to have probelms after being very successful is simple. I don;t mean to make a complex subject overly simplistic- but it boils down to this: Complacency.
That, of course is MY belief. I'm not judging you.
Sooner or later we allow food to become the center of our social lives again...sonner or later we begin eting like more 'normal' people and loose focus (we stop counting calories and stop paying attention to portion control and sometimes eat out of balance... sooner or later we believe we can live the way we used to for so many years- and devolve to a more sedentary lifestyle. Sooner of later we give in to the old demons- you it's M&M's- me it's potato chips. And then the weight gain begins...
Overachingly- I'm concerned about why you now FEEL so hungry. What is that? Where is it coming from? Is there any possibility you might have an ulceration or a fistula or the like?? Go see Dr. A and get it checked, right away. If it's not physical- then that leaves one thing... psychological. That can be delt with as well.
My advice to you is this:
1. Don't think you have to be perfect every day. Accept that you make mistakes and don't beat yourself up over them or else you will turn to MORE food.
2. Seek nutritional counseling and psychological counsling for food addiction and your own personal issues (we all have them- mine revolve around self esteem). if you can't afford both- the MOST important is the pshychological.
3. Go back to the gym at least 3x a week for cardio. YOu don't need to go everyday- but you do need to go. Also- try to find something you enjoy doing that is physical in nature and has nothing to do with food that you can do regularly.
4. Start planning out your meals again like you used to a long time ago and use fitday or another calorie/carb/protein counter to make sure you understand what your intake is on a daily (paying close attention to portion sizes and weighing/measuring as necessary).
5. Go see Dr. Aranow.
That's about all I can tell you I think. Except that I'm proud of you Maureen. You've done excellent and been very successful in regaining your health. You're recognizing your issues now, and you've showed that you have had the courage to deal with them in the past. I know you'll employ that courage again to do the same. You wouldn't be here talking about it unless you were willing.
PS I feel the need to mention... There is no one out there that has regained an inordinade amount of weight while doing everything 'by the book' unless they have a technical failure of their surgery or an underlying medical reason. A revision is not the answer to a surgery that is intact. Sorry. The saying used to be much more popular that: The surgeon only operates on your stomach- you have to operate on your brain. I haven't seen that said in a long time. It bears thinking about.
Take care & good luck to you.
Best,
Lisa C
From CT
Lisa, I am deeply honored and touched by your response. Thank you. I would love the chance to meet you one day. How wonderful for you that you have sustained your health after so long since your surgery. It is incredibly refreshing to hear from a "long timer" who is keeping their weight off. God bless, Maureen
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