Please don't suggest that I was negative about Dr. Aranow, who is surgeon to many thousands of people, myself included. Everything I said was neutral, not at all negative. Factual. Check in with me in 7 years post-surgery, ok? Do yourself a favor and do your research now about many years post-gastric bypass. Fact: physical changes occur to the pouch, stoma, and the entire re-routing of the gastrointestinal tract. At around 3 years post-op the body begins to adapt to the new "plumbing" so as to ensure adequate nutrition.  Fact: the pouch will stretch and the stoma will dilate, there is no preventing this - unless you continue to eat as a newborn baby with an egg for a stomache. I was and remain one of Dr. Aranow's most successful patients and he will be the first to tell you so. I went from 360 lbs. to my lowest at 140 and now I am maintaining at 165 - but it is torture because of the unabating hunger due to the physiological changes in my 7-year post-op body. Fact: I am consuming no more than 1,000 calories on any given day, I work out hard 4-5 times a week, I am absolutely vigilent about my vitamins and water. Your presumptuous post, assuming that I need a therapist or "some other kind of medical professional" is insulting and completely way off base. So like I said, Terry, do check in with us in 7 years. Until then, I advise you try to learn a little more about people before you make public posts about your "facts". Good luck to you with your surgery, I mean that sincerely. Maureen

I hear you!!!!!! I had surgery in 2005 and had a pretty easy time of it BUT I have been creeping up the scale.  I seem to weigh more and more everytime I get on it.  I am hungry too but unlike you I don't do all I can.  I eat way too much and don't focus on protein and veggies as much as I should.  I feel like I am back on the diet train that is running in the wrong direction.  The more I think about dieting the hungrier I am and the worse I do.  This is one reason way I joined this site again becaus I am looking for support and help.  I don't want to be fat again but still like to eat.  Good luck and let me know what works for you.

Hi Bette! Thanks for your response. I think it's better to focus my energy on finding a CT-based surgeon who understands the issues and is willing to help. I am pretty certain my pouch is extended and my stoma is sifficiently dilated so that everything is just passing through - the only thing I'm absorbing is calories. Dunno what to do in terms of options; don't want to be banded, although I know you've had tremendous success. Don't want to do a DS; don't believe any of the endoscopic options work at all; leaves me thinking the best option is to 'repair' the pouch/stoma, try to find someone to go in there and make it all small and tight again. Did I mention I'm tortured with this? It's really awful... Maureen

You check out the "surgery date" forum. 

 Hey Rich,

Congratulations. I am very happy for you! You both look very happy.

Take care 

Nancy