Weight gain after Roux-en-y

I don't want to discourage anyone, but I had gastric bypass surgery in august of 2004 I weighed 286. I lost down to 175 and was the happiest person in the world. I got married and have since had a baby and have gained back up to 245. I had to have my gallbladder out in may of 2007. I am extremely tired all the time and suffer from severe anemia. I have learned ways to eat around the surgery and pretty much eat what ever I want. I think I eat worse now than before my surgery. I graze a lot and drink regular cokes. I have become very depressed and wish I could have another chance. My marriage and everything in my life has suffered because of the effects this surgery has had on me. I don't know what to do, it's like I can't stop. I feel like I can't change my habits and like I'm doomed to just be fat all my life.

My suggestion - find a local WLS support group and get involved.  I think those of us who do the research before surgery are quite aware that it is possible for us to gain the weight back and that the surgery is not a be all fix all.  Each have chosen ways to continue to work the "tool" to be successful long-term.  I am a very new WLS patient, but I can already see the importance of the support groups.  Nothing like peer pressure in watching people who have come farther than you maintain and sustain a healthy way of life to keep you on track.  I know the support group I attend is just that - a group of supportive individuals who want to see each member succeed in their weight loss efforts.  I hope you can find a group that will be just as supportive to you while you work through your issues and work to get back to 175.  You did it before, you can do it again!!  Good Luck

I'm new to the process myself, so I'm months from any possible surgery.  I'm sorry to hear about your continued struggles.  If you don't mind, I'd like to ask some pointed questions. How did the surgery affect you physically?  Were there any side effects that hindered your mobility during your weight loss? How are your eating habits now similar to those prior to your WLS, and how have they differed to your post-op diet? You mentioned that you have learned ways to eat around your surgery.  Has your pouch size increased, or is its capacity remaining the same?  Also, do you suffer from any dumping? Have you seen any medical professionals regarding your depression and marital problems?  If not, then IMO - this is the first step to take in order for you to re-take control over your life. I'm going to keep you in my prayers, because you have the tools and the power to make you work. Mike

This is a reply to both Frances and rock lobsta. Keep in mind that everyone has different experiences with this surgery. Some people I have talked to never have problems. When I first had the surgery almost everything I ate made me nauseated. I waited a year after my surgery to get pregnant. The whole 9 months was horrible. I took 3 prescription medications for my stomach (phenergan, reglan and prevacid). I found while I was pregnant and nauseated that if I kept my pouch full the symptoms would subside. So that's what I did, I grazed all of the time. I had my surgery near Dallas and I live back in Louisiana now so it makes it difficult with no bariatric physician around here to follow me. I know the depression is due to the weight gain. I just never expected to gain it back. I new it was possible, but I thought it wouldn't happen to me.  I have researched to find other people that are experiencing what I'm going through and have come across a really cool website. www.5daypouchtest.com  It shows you how to prove to yourself that your surgery didn't fail you, and it really works. You just have to stick to it. When I had my gallbladder out last year they did a barium swallow on me. During the course of x-rays they took the radiologist showed me my pouch. To my amazement it was about the size of an egg. I couldn't believe it. I thought I had stretched it out or something. I think I asked her like 3 times if she was sure if that was it. The way I have found to eat around the surgery is by eating "slider" foods. (The website link above will explain in detail how this works.) Slider foods are like crackers, chips, pretzles, and other soft foods that are full of carbs. When you eat these foods they form a slurry and slide right through your pouch and down into your jejunum where they are quickly absorbed. This in turn leads to weight gain. When you eat these foods you never get full because of the way they are quickly washed through and absorbed. When you eat solid protein such as lean chicken or fish you fill up quickly and stay full for a while. When I eat the right things I get full after about 3/4 to 1 cup of food. I know what to do, it's just putting down the bag of chips and doing it. I always think "well just one more coke or just one more chip", but that's the reason I had the surgery in the first place because I lack self discipline. I still "dump" sometimes, but only if I eat something really sweet and drink at the same time. My blood sure will bottom out and I will get shaky. You know that writing all this down is really helping me see how rediculas what I'm doing to myself is. Sometimes your too close to see the big picture. Before I had the surgery I think I ate healthier than I do now I just hate in larger quantities which lead me to pack on the pounds. I really need to get back on the band wagon. I was so much happier when I was thin. I get so tired now I lack the energy I need to do things with my little girl, and that's the last person I want to suffer from my bad habits. I really need support right now and I hope I can find a good support group in my area. Good luck to everyone and don't make your decision to have surgery based on my experience. I know many people that have had the surgery and are doing wonderful. I didn't gain all my weight back and I'm greatful for that. I just want to stop this cycle before that happens. I know that if I would live the way I'm suppose to after WLS the weight would melt off of me again.

Renee, Are you taking all your vitamins?  What are you taking for your anemia?  I take Tender Iron from vitalady.com and I think it is great.  I chew 6 tablets and Vit C every morning as soon as I wake up.  I think this will help you feel better. The rule that helps me not to regain is to keep all bad foods out of the house.  My 3 sons are grown and married so it's just me and my hubby so that makes it easier.  I buy diet soft drinks for my hubby but I haven't had one since surgery.  I don't buy chips, cookies, or candy.  I only buy fruit and veggies and wheat bread. If I get shaky from low blood sugar, I eat a few peanuts and it helps. Good luck to you and keep coming back here for support.  

Hello Renee, Sounds like you really do have a lot of the answers you seek. If it helps to sort it all out and think it through, please keep on posting and pondering it. Don't worry about scaring or discouraging people. We are all big girls and boys and we can take it. Ok, maybe it's just me who doesn't scare easy, but everyone else has to learn to be strong also. I hope you can find a bariatric physcian close enough to you for a few visits and that you keep coming here and sorting it out because you are working it out and eventually, you will find the solutions. You don't sound like a quitter at all. See ya here and keep the faith, Frances

Hello Renee, I'm very sorry to hear that you are regaining and suffering. A weight loss surgery patient should be followed-up for life and finding a doctor for follow-up care is crucial. You need to evaluate where you are and the condition of your pouch. Sounds like eating volumes isn't your problem, but liquid calories are the death-nail of weight loss sugery methods of all kinds.  Don't under estimate the affects of depression on your condition. Depression can have both chemical and emotional reasons and is nothing to be ashamed over. I agree that a support group would greatly aid your morale, but a good base of doctors -- a wls doctor, a pcp *and* a good gyn can help you evaluate all your conditions and how they are affecting your weight gain. I'm also very anemic and being tired and rundown only makes us more vulnerable to illness and depression. The only bad news I have is that this does require a great deal of work, but the good news is, there are people around who can help. I went to college in your town and I love Central Louisiana. I know St. Frances Cabrini was developing a bariatric program and there are doctors in the West Monroe/Monroe area also. There's an excellent trio in Shreveport. If you want to travel South, there are programs in Lafayette, Lake Charles and here in Baton Rouge. The most important step is making a step. I had the Lap Band in 2004 and recently had it removed. I don't feel like I'm starting all over and I hope you don't either. We are merely moving toward our goals and being the best possible mothers for our children. If you need any recommendations and phone numbers, please PM me and we can exchange info. Wishing you continued success, Frances

I am sorry to hear about your problem. I am 13 months post op RNY Gastric Bypass. I weighed 309 prior to surgery, and am now down to 170. I feel great, and realize that this was the best decision I have ever made. I decided to have this surgery after having children because of the research I had done. This surgery is to be used as a tool, and not as a way of life. You need to put your mind back to where you were before, and start all over. Go back to your surgeon and dietatian and get their advice. Under no cir****tances should you just give up on yourself or your family. This can be done, if you put your mind to it. If you keep up and go back to the old habits, you will be destined for failure. I hope you get back on track, and remember you have friends and family to help support you in your journey. Titania