weight gain

Has anyone gained weight after they were about 3 years post-op? How do you get back on track? Can you just start back on the meal plans or protein train? When do you need to think about revision? This is a hard question for me to ask because I never thought I would have to worry about gaining weight again. It is embarassing to me and I feel like a failure.

Lucretia, Welcome to the board! And what a beautiful and unique name!! I'm not 3 yr post-op yet...but have gained a few pounds after being off for 2 foot surgeries. But I believe the same principle applies no matter how far out you are. The three main factors which help us lose the weight and keep it off is Protein, Exercise, and Water (PEW). If you increase one or more of those and get back to the basics (measure your food, avoid sugars & fats, chew food extra well, don't drink 1/2 hour before or during or 1/2 hour after meals), your tool should work just fine. If you do all of that, and see no weight loss, then I would consult your bariatric surgeon. You should still be having annual visits, right? They may chose to do an endoscopy to view your stoma and pouch. In some cases one or both have stretched out to where a revision would be recommended. Please don't feel like a failure. That is often what caused our roller coaster dieting/weight changes pre-op. We would diet, fall off the wagon because of 1 order of french fries, feel like a failure and go ahead and eat a big mac and hot fudge sundae to go along with those fries. Don't get back on that vicious cycle. You are seeking help. You are seeking advise. That is not a failure! There's nothing to be embarassed about either. We all have slipped up in some way or another even if it's just talking ourselves out of exercising for a day. And that is OK. It means we are all human! So...break out your measuring cups! Join SparkPeople.com. It is a terrific little program that helps you to be accountable with your eating, drinking, and exercise. Oh...and be more active on the board! How does that help? First, you'll pick up a few ideas from others here. Second, with you being 3 yrs post op you have terrific experience to share..and when you share it, it will remind you to also do it. Third, it's always easier to succeed when you aren't trying to succeed alone! Finally...it's just a terrific bunch of people here who are very supportive in all aspects of life, not just weight loss. Within a month of participating on here, you will realize that you have gained many new friends. We have various get togethers during the year. You are welcome to join in. We love new friends! Sherri