Has anyone struggled with weight gain after WLS?

I've spoken with 3 women who had their WLS two or more years ago. Each admits to being "emotional" eaters. Each went into WLS thinking that this would be "permanent" weight loss. It wasn't. Each of these women has begun to see their weights creeping up. That scares me to my bones! At PMRI, the pyschologist classified me as an Emotional Eater. What if I go through all of this pain just to re-gain the weight after several years? I know that the pouch is just a "tool". But I also think lots of people are counting on this surgery to keep them from ever being their pre-surgical size again. What if you start gaining weight after surgery? Then what? Is anyone in DE/PA struggling with this issue? Have your bad habits returned or are you regaining weight? Please share your experiences with me. Knowledge is an effective weapon against fear. Many thanks!

I think most of the long-term people in the WLS-NDE support group (6-8 months and beyond) are dealing with this issue. The operation creates a pouch and your body starves itself for the first six or so months but then it's up to you to change your mental and physical self. Not easy, but that is why many of us attend several support groups each month.

Sorry can't answer this one......surgery not until tomorrow. I am sure some folks on here can answer.

Cassandra, Old habits die hard don't they? Yeah I still struggle. I wasn't really an emotional eater though. But those "urges" and struggles are still very much present. I still crave those chips and man can I eat them. Like you mentioned it is definitely a tool. Always keep the good protein handy and your protein drinks handy and know that when you start to go off track to go to them support groups right away and start from scratch, go back to the basic protein diet to get you back on track. I have read so many posts of people who are a year or 2 out and are really struggling. The bottom line is we have a year to get ourselves together. To learn new habits and start learning how to live healthier. Struggles will always be present. You will see a nutritionist that will aid you or if you cannot do the nutritionist definitely attend the support groups We keep each other on track! This is a lifelong thing something we have to commit to for the rest of our lives. Its something to definitely recognize before anyone has surgery. Its a lifelong commitment. I wish you all the best! Elizabeth M

I've spoken with 3 women who had their WLS two or more years ago. Each admits to being "emotional" eaters. Each went into WLS thinking that this would be "permanent" weight loss. It wasn't. **** As with any weight loss tool or diet it takes commitment and work. Each of these women has begun to see their weights creeping up. That scares me to my bones! At PMRI, the pyschologist classified me as an Emotional Eater. What if I go through all of this pain just to re-gain the weight after several years? **** That's the big what if, huh. I know that the pouch is just a "tool". But I also think lots of people are counting on this surgery to keep them from ever being their pre-surgical size again. What if you start gaining weight after surgery? Then what? ****Then you have to work to start taking the weight off again. I don't ****think I will ever be my pre-surgical weight again baring any ****complications like a need for a revision. Is anyone in DE/PA struggling with this issue? Have your bad habits returned or are you regaining weight? Please share your experiences with me. Knowledge is an effective weapon against fear. ****It is scary to think that after changing your body forever that you may end up where you were before. But this surgery isn't really rocket science. There are basics to be followed and if you can follow them then you should be okay. You may have ups and downs, need councling, gain weight, lose it again - just like if you'd never had the surgery. But it gives you hope that there is an answer. A tool that will actually work. The bottom line to remember is that it still takes all the commitment that a "diet" would. It is just a different (although some the same) set of rules. The wls gives you a jump start that you are likely to never get on a diet alone. But in the end, you still have to change your habits and be commited to changing them. ~Kathy V.