Unexplained Gain

I swore I wouldn't panic when this happened but it still disturbs me.  Since going on the Carafate for my ulcer, I have gained almost 10 pounds.  The two are probably not conneced but the medicine is the only thing that has changed.  I mean, since starting on it, I have had to actually eat at scheduled times which has turned out to be more often than I anticipated.  Could the added food be causing this kind of rapid gain?  It's not like I am eating Big Mac's or chocolate ice cream but I find it hard to believe that adding 2 extra small meals of high protein/low fat foods can be the cause.

My one year "surgi-versary" is coming up on the 4th of October and I really hoped I could have reached 160 by then...10 pounds from goal.  Two weeks ago, I reached 177.8 and today I am at 187.  Dang it.  Someone please tell me it's not the Carafate because without it, the pain is almost unbearable. KathyG

kathy,  1 year. wow it sure has gone fast. you've an awesome job girl. your goal is reachable. none of us know the answers, all we can share are our experiences. 1st of all i know your concern, we all live in constant fear that one morning we'll wake up FAT again.  when i was 2 yrs out, the doc's told me to stop all the protein drinks. i went from 3 a day to 2 then 1.  they wanted me to get my protein from food. this caused a 15 lb gain for me. course at the same time i became my mom's caregiver, which limited my exercise from 6 days a week down to 2. so more calories, less exercise equals 15 lbs.  they were flabby mid-section lbs. GROSS.  obtw i also had 2 knees replaced and a hysterectomy. meds, anesthesia and no exercise for 6 wks each. i did get to the gym and walked or they'd have had to admit me into the nut hut.  thank god for the support groups. i tried to stay positive & focused. it stopped at the 15.  last sunday i tripped and broke my wrist. the meds have made me crazy. itchy all over,  headaches. sleep depravation , constipation & pain for 6 days. miserable & cranky. new game plan, stop feeling sorry for myself, get back to gym, call dr for different meds, stool softner and i'm already feeling human again. friday i started back to the gym, no arm exercises, no swimming. leg exercises,  walk in the pool, bike and 200 sit-ups. i had my 1st good nites sleep in a week friday nite.  repeated it saturday. i feel better and guess what i've lost 5 lbs already. i knocked off 2 lbs for the temporary cast. lol. i get operated on tuesday to put in a plate over the wrist and put in a shorter cast.  also back to 2 protein drinks a day.. bottom line is don't be too hard on yourself. be flexible. change things you can. try something new or go back to the beginning and start out again.  i have talked to my personal support group this past week. they understand me and help me stay positive and focused. so thanks for being there for me: tina, nicki, debbie, maryellen,  ellen and jim(got home from his knee surgery). i love you guys.  elissa  

Back atcha!   Things will improve...they always do....and if we help it some it will be better than we can imagine! Debbie

Its harder the further out you go to maintain.  You find that you want to be normal like everyone else.  Then you realize you really can't.  Its a hard mind game we play with ourselves to be thin again.  If its any consulation I gained 20lbs my second and third year.  I am back down again due to illness which is cool in a way...I got a second chance to start over again.  I hope things improve for ya. Debbie