Need help with weight gain, 16 years post op Open RNH

Hi

I am new to this forum but do remember getting alot of great information here back when i was researching the surgery. I am 16 years post Op and my weight is inching up and up. I just had an injection into my stoma because the size of the hole had increased and my food was exiting too fast. I have dabbled with protein drinks, and also low carb, but have not really committed to anything recently. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start. I really need some insight here from you guys that have been able to maintain your weightloss over a long period of time.

thanks

Protein drinks are the worst thing you can do. They go right through your body and add lots of carbs without making you full.

The best way to get started is a site called If It Fits Your Macros

Use their Calculator to find out how much protein, carbs, calories, and fiber to eat each day. Track with My Fitness Pal

Weigh everything you eat on a digital scale. Weigh yourself daily. Keep increasing your exercise. You can lose the weight and get your health back but you must do the work.

Oh wow, I did not realize that about the protein shakes. Thanks very much for your reply

The people who are getting filthy rich selling us protein drinks don't want us to know the truth about them.

i never thought about it that way, but you're right. I have a problem with my portion sizes, and I have no idea how, but i ordered some of the proper portion containers. I think I will try that for a few weeks, and then go from there. Thank you for the input, i also checked out the site you posted.

Also, thanks for the site info! :)

White Dove is right about protein drinks...they slide right through and you will be hungry. You need dense protein and to get back to the basics. I will send you a list that will help you get back on track. Make changes one at a time or you will not stick to it. Trust me, I am walking the walk not just talking the talk. You can see my thread I started to help others. I am not there yet but come a long way. YOU CAN DO IT!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/6019121/Almost-Winnin g-the-Battle-of-Regain-spilling-my-guts/

I am really not sure if I can contact t KathyS this way...I also have a regain. I had my rny in 2004...got down 188lbs and have regained 85....I am really trying to lose the regain...just found out that protein drinks are not a good idea for what I need to accomplish. I'm trying to get backontrack...help!

Hi Rosemi,

You have already taken the hardest step by saying enough is enough and now I want to get back on track. You may have several starts and stops but make a note of each restart and eliminate why you didn't stick to it and when you do, you will be ready to Reign in your regain once and for all

Here are some steps I hope will help you. They helped me...

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 bad carb/sugar temptation and replaced it with lots of protein, veggies, grains 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?, 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, lifting weights. When I stopped, the weight started coming back. 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.

thank you so much, ! Rosemi