Losing re-geained weight...?

I'm new to the site and wondering if anyone has any tips on "dieting" post-op... sounds like a silly question, I know... I am 61/2 years post-op and due to stenosis issues following surgery that went on for years, general life, and a recent new baby my weight has never really "settled" long in one spot. I went from 280 pre-op to an eventual (and deathly ill) 115 by 2 years later and steadily up to around 190...honestly due to a casual attitude about what/why I was eating (I had been so used to trying to put some weight back on-a situation I never would've thought I'd be in!). I just had a new baby 5 months ago, and while I didn't over-gain during the pregnancy, I found myself at 198lbs. afterward and realized that I didn't want to be there. I have since started to "utilize" my surgery... something I'd never really had to do in hindsight, and have lost 25lbs in 8-9weeks...but still would like to lose some more... has anyone else been in this situation this far in? Maybe someone has some good advice or ideas I haven't thought of? I would appreciate any input...thanks!

I am not that far post op myself but I would start from square one like a new post op. A week of liquids making sure to get in enough protein and make sure to get your vits in. Then do mushies for a week soft foods for a week and go from there. This is just what I would do. Do you still have a Nut. you could get info from. If not maybe your pcp could refer you to one. Good Luck.

I agree with Kathy, go back to the beginning.  There is a 5 day pouch test that many people have used.  Not sure of the website but I'm sure if you google "5 day pouch test" you will find it.  Good luck and congratulations on the baby!!

Hi there and welcome to our forum!  First of all I'd like to say congrats on the new baby.  There is truly nothing better than loving a new little life.  As for your weight it sounds like you've never had the chance to reap the benefits of the surgery long term so now that things have seemed to have settled, go for it!!!!  It's spring and the snow is finally melting.  When it's warm enough bundle that baby up and go for a walk.  I found that to be so theraputic after I had my daughter.  She was three weeks old and I'd walk with her every day that I could.  Also don't dwell on the fact that you've regained.  It's done you have the tool to change it!  I'd do what the girls said and start fresh!!!  You can do it. we are all behind you!

Thank you all for the warm welcome... sounds silly, but I sorta have that "New-Kid at school" feeling :P...anyhow, you are totally right-on with where I'm at. I have never had the opportunity to just "be" since my WLS. The weight fell off post-op, as it does, and I guess I was in terrible pain about a year later (that I actually thought was gas from trying to swallow with a tongue-piercing for the longest time!) and down to about 120 lbs and couldn't hold down anything anymore, even liquids, when I realized I was in trouble. People had been telling me that I looked awful, and called me things like Skeletor(for real!), that I was too thin (and what "fat girl" hasn't had 300 fantasies about hearing THAT!?!?!), and I shrugged it off, and even dare I admit enjoyed it. I was finally so sick that I couldn't ignore it, and at 115 lbs (I'm around 5'7 and really AM "big-boned") you could see every bone in my body protruding, and I really did look gaunt and frail. As it turns out, I had developed ulcers-likely from long times tending bar and eating Advil like candy-when I had my surgery no one really knew about Ibuprofen&WLS so I didn't know- and as a result of scarring I developed a stenosis right at the hook-up point of my new tummy. I had to go get it "stretched" by ballon (EGD) every 2-4-6weeks for 2+ years just so I could eat&drink. My doctors wanted me to put some weight back on(at least to 150lbs), and so I literally HAD to graze in order to have this happen. Unfortunately, that became habit and after I hit 150 lbs, it only took 2-3 more years to become 180ish... and then the pregnancy, my 4th, which I actually gained on-target but to see that scale well over 200lbs again does psychological things to you you can't imagine unless you've been there! So here I am... I will be 34 this summer, and I decided this past February that I haven't been thru all this to be a size 14. I find myself "learning" to use my "tool" for the first time in 61/2 years...so far I've lost 25 lbs!!! I still have 15-20 more to go,& while I'm proud, I feel embarrassed to admit that the only effort I've really put forth is that I write down absolutely everything I eat, measure every portion, every calorie, and I have made it a point to be aware of whether I am actually HUNGRY-after my surgery I wasn't HUNGRY per se for years... I'd just feel "empty". I only started getting "hunger pangs" again about 2 years ago...go figure-or whether I was just eating because I like the way it tastes, or because there are 4 bites left, or because I'm bored. Also, I've stopped "picking"at my food. as soon as I am satisfied, I remove my food immediately so in 15 minutes when there is room for "2 more bites" they aren't there! I guess I'm doing all the stuff I'm supposed to, at least more often than not... the stuff you guys have BEEN doing once you hit your "magic number", that as of yet has eluded me. I really apologize for the novel, it feels good to explain to people who actually might understand...anyways, thanks again so much for being welcoming and helpful

Hi!    Welcome to our little Maine family!  I don't have much to offer in terms of advice, but sure wish you the best!  The people on here are great and very supportive.  Good luck!  Ruth