massive gaining

I am 5 years post op and have gained 40 pounds, I can't get back in control. Have gone back to all old eating habits, the more I gain the more I eat. I feel like I'm on the road to destruction. How can I get back in control? Please help.

Dear Gaye; Don't give up. Take control of your life once again and start with the basics. Protein in first then vegs and friut. Keep your calories under control..try using fitday.com. Call your surgeon and see what he/she thinks. You can do it. You still have the tool....use it !! Take care and best of luck. Remember...YOU CAN DO IT!! Andrea

thank you for the encouragement, I think that is one of the things I get the least of from family and friends. Everyone, including myself thought it would be easy, but I do know I need to use the tool to be successful. Thanks again, I am going to really give this a chance to work again. Gaye

I know how you feel i've gained 30 pounds since my divorce in nov.. i cant pick myself up to save the world.. all bad habits cant seem to to break it marsha

Hi Gaye. I sympathize with you. When the honeymoon is over, reality sets in quickly. The thing that helps me the most is to schedule my drinking. I don't drink with meals and I usually wait at least 2 hours after eating a full meal to begin drinking. I know once I start with liquids I will be hungry again so I plan to eat a healthy filling snack after drinking. Focus on bulk foods like protein and high fiber. One last thing that has helped me is to go on a medication called Protonix. I was having a difficult time controlling my eating as I would get very gassy if I didn't have something in my stomach at all times. This problem was compelling me to eat more then I wanted just to keep from doubling over with gas pain. My doctor prescribed this medication and it has been a godsend. I now can go hours without eating and can skip meals without getting sick and without much hunger pain. Maybe it would do you good to make a trip back to the doctor and talk about your problem. He/she may have some suggestions for you. I would also suggest going to a support group meeting. Having to report into a group helps keep some people in control. Good luck to you!

Hi Gaye, Going back to the basics is very good advice. Last night at support group they mentioned the 4 things that it takes for long-term success with WLS: 1. Following the diet 2. Exercise 3. Not drinking with meals 4. Going to support group meetings Since you live in Peoria, I would invite you to come to our support meetings at the Riverplex. All are open to post-ops: 1st Monday: Pre-op meetings -- learn/relearn the basics - 5:30p (pre-ops are limited to those who have paid their fees & completed paperwork -- not open to public) 2nd Monday: Post-op meeting 7pm 3rd Monday: Post-op for 1 year and more out - 6pm (for July, no 1-yr out meeting. This is a pre-op meeting at 7pm since July 4th was a holiday) 4th Monday: Post-op meeting 7pm 2nd & 4th Fridays: 9:30 - 11am - post op meeting Deb