Almost 5 years out- gained half of loss back

Hi,

I'm actually sitting here trying to research all the best ways to stop gaining and start losing on google. I started at 257 and lost 90 in the first 6 months...and 10 more in the 3 months after that. 100 pounds in less than a year. Literally. Melted. Off.

So, I've assessed myself and so far this is what I'm doing wrong: not eating enough protein, not eating breakfast, eating at random times, not drinking enough water, not exercising regularly....etc. I'm not being conscious of what I'm doing. I'm just sort of living.

Today, I picked up the registration for a gym membership, I spoke with a WLS friend ...and I think I have a plan. My plan is to start tomorrow on the right foot, plan my meals, avoid sugars, drink plenty of liquid, and go on a walk.

Sounds like you've made some good decisions going forward! If you want a rough estimate of how many calories you use in a day, multiply your weight by 10. Cut 500 off of that and you'll lose about a pound a week. Going to the gym is a good idea, but don't think, "Hey, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill! I can eat extra!" That is a trap too many people fall into.

You still have an excellent tool with your surgery. The menu threads here are full of good ideas how to eat well on small portions. Good luck to you and keep us updated. :D

Jen

The single best thing you can do is weigh and log every bite of food you eat. Every last bite.

Lots of successful long timers here don't go to a gym or exercise. Many skip breakfast -- it's really not necessary, and certainly not "the most important meal of the day."

I'm 5 years out too. It's hard. Really hard. Not being conscious of what we do, and just living, is what allows us to eat more and more over time. That's the enemy.

Weighing and logging our food makes us conscious of what and how much we eat. It's the best way to find the right track.

Thanks for posting. It's a good reminder to stay vigilant. It sounds like you've got a plan worked out. Good job assessing what you need. You'll do great.

I am there with you and know how it feels. You still have not gained all you weight back, my recomendation to you know is stop and start again in the good path! you can do it, log everything and don't give up.

Best of luck!!!

Hi and welcome back :) It sounds like you're on the right track. In addition to your list, I highly recommend that you start measuring and tracking every single thing you put into your mouth using something like MyFitnessPal. Tracking helps a lot of people get back on/stay on track.

The good news is, you have a history of success. You've done this before and you CAN do it again. We've got to be vigilant and mindful for the rest of our lives to maintain and you can do it.

The good thing is that you know what works and what does not. The bad thing is that ,5 years post op it most likely would be much harder and much longer to lose the regain. But it can be done. One day at a time.

Exercise makes us feel good -diet helps us lose weight.

It is going to take a year of careful eating to lose 50 pounds. Set small goals, like 5 pounds lighter by August 12. Then set another goal for another 5 pounds. If you try to concentrate on losing 50 pounds you will overwhelm yourself.

It looks like you got a good plan to get back on track. Try posting on the menu threads, it might help you to keep your head in the game. The gym is a good start, exercise is good for the body, but don't depend too much on it to help with weight loss or eat back your calories.

You can get the weight back off, best of luck to you.

im in the same boat you are, in my last doc visit, he pleaded for me to return to my basic diet, after surgery. Proteine, proteine, proteine! Im in college, and taking care of my father, who has alzheimers. I also moved back home, PR, and lost access to walking parks. I live in the mountains, it is dangerous to walk cause people dont share the road and there are lots of stray dogs. I used to have a very active life, work, gym, or park, but now it is sedentary. The focus is more in the diet, back to basics. Good luck and dont give up, we can do this!