14 Years out, weight gain, hair loss, need to get back on track

• Hi All!  It has been a long time since I have visited, my profile, pics are all gone.  But the reason I post is because at 14 years POST OP RNY, I have gained weight, started at 380, got to 160, and am now at 235.  My hair is falling out, and I am just a mess.  I would love to get back on the wagon but don't know where to begin, it's been so long since i even followed the rules that I don't even remember them.  I got remarried, had a child almost 7 years ago and haven't been "good" since.  Can someone that is right on track steer me in the right direction?  Thank you!

Hi Carey, Good luck on your journey to get back!.

Just FYI, they have a forum at this link that may prove helpful as its full of like minded folks "Back On Track Together!"

Fingers crossed for you!

How do you sign up for that back on track

Hi Carey,

I totally understand. I am 10.5 yrs out, lost 100lbs and have basically maintained +/- 5lbs, but am struggling with horrible hair loss right now.  I returned to my nutritionist and am working with her.  That hopefully, would help with the weight gain and getting back on track and help with the hair loss.  I think it's lack of protein as to why our hair falls out. Good luck and feel free to reach out any time.

JA

The first thing you need to do is have a complete set of labs done. All vitamins and minerals. It will take about 15 vials of blood to be thorough. Insist on it. It's a good bet you have several deficiencies.

Hair loss is likely protein deficiency. Start back to basics. Dense protein first, low carbs.

You'll have a lot of work to get back on track, but these are good first steps. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Grim's suggestion is a good one. Find out what is going on medically first and if you can go back to your surgeon.  If not, at least see someone that knows about WLS.  If you find there are no issues medically the next step is to get back to the basics. Here is some suggestions I share with those that are trying to get back on track.

You have already taken the hardest step by saying enough is enough and now I want to get back on track.  Here are some steps I hope will help you. They helped me...  Also, be sure and join the Back On Track Together group link in my signature area.  

Planning/Preparing

Remember when we were preparing for surgery?  How many meetings, classes and such did we attend?  We were told the more prepared we were the better our chances were for success.  And they were right. Go through the house, car and work place and get rid of trigger foods.  Stock up on foods that will keep you on track. I removed every carb/sugar temptation and replaced it with lots of protein, veggies and fruits.  

Journaling

Get back to journaling.  This will help you identify when you feel like eating, stress factors and any triggers in your life.  Once you identify these factors, this will help you put tools in place to keep you from eating.  It became clear I was not taking time for me anymore. I worked my day job and then spent the rest of my time caring for my husband.  It was easy to reach for fast, prepackaged food.  Since I purged my home I have to eat clean as there are no other options LOL

Use a tool to track you're eating and exercise like Getting Started with Health Tracker

Once I started to track ever bite and drink it became clear why I had gained.

Goals/Rewards

Make a list of goals for yourself.  Make them realistic and small.  Some of mine were move more, purge all junk from my home, eat more protein.

Food

In general, a long term post-weight loss surgery eating plan includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat, fiber, calories, and sugar. Important vitamins and minerals are provided as supplements. (if you had a different surgery adjust this to your food plan)

Water

Water is our Best Friend. I have to say I never went back to pop or any bad drinks, however I was drinking tea like crazy. What is wrong with drinking tea?  I was either using sugar or 3 equals and 3 sweet n lows per 32 ounce glass.  So I was either pushing to be diabetic or get cancer.  I found once I started carrying a bottle of water around 24/7 (yes had one at my bedside) I lost the cravings for the sugar and I KNOW those artificial sweeteners are not good for me. Look I am old and if you add up all the artificial sweeteners I have consumed I am sure I am at the rat in the lab getting cancer threshold

MOVE!

I can't say enough about how key this was for me. The reason I kept my weight off for almost 10 years was no matter what I kept moving.  If I could not go to the gym I would walk. I loved Zumba, bootcamp workouts, lift weights. When I stopped, the weight came on.  So for me I am starting slow to avoid injury by walking and using some of the workouts on my Demand TV.  Find something you love to do and it won't feel like a pain in the *** to do daily.

Support

If it's an option "run" don't walk to a support group.

Keep me posted on how you are doing