3 year post VSG--struggling

Just throwing in something that may or may not be a strategy that might help you. I have had gastro issues off and on over the last 2 years that result in me having to go on a liquid diet for anywhere from 3-9 days for each bout. One thing that is painfully obvious from this is that once I am ready to reintroduce solid food the stomach restriction is kicking in full force. I notice a significant improvement after just 3 days- and insane amounts after a longer period. Calories are not particularly low during these, as I tend to average around 1200 calories (not looking to lose in other words). Protein is high since I revert back to protein shakes as well. I would imagine it would be harder to try and jumpstart cleaning the system out of all the glycogyn and such from carbs this way, but it is highly effective. Of course, it is a bit easier for me due to stomach pain reinforcing that I need to stick to it, hence not sure if it would be a strategy that might help you. Good luck in getting back on track!

Thanks for sharing your struggle. I'm struggling also, so maybe we can help each other!

I was sleeved in March 2014 and got to my goal weight (135) approximately 2 years later. A bout with major depression and PTSD (and the subsequent medications and sedentary lifestyle that goes along with them), I have gained 60 lbs, or more than half of what I lost.

I'm feeling stronger and am now ready to refocus my attention to my fitness goals. It sure is hard, though! I seem to have lost nearly all the restriction I had after the sleeve. ?

We can do it, though! I keep reminding myself "I did it once. I can do it again'" and you can too!

My strategies for getting back on track are using my fitness pal faithfully and prioritizing protein, water and low-carb veggies, and establishing some light exercise.

Good luck!

I have heard people say they are going to get weight loss surgery because they are so tired of dieting.

The truth is that they will have to diet after weight loss surgery and stay on that diet either for life or until they are willing to gain back the weight. For me only one thing works extremely well and that is counting calories.

I also have to log my food, weigh it on a food scale and weigh myself every single day. I am glad that you are seeing your surgeon and hope she will have a plan for you. Set realistic goals and make sure you stay on track to meet them.

Make sure you keep coming here for help. We want to see you succeed.

Hi PickleMama

I will share with you what I just shared with another member that is in the same boat. I will let your fellow VSG'ers answer your questions on food since I had the RNY but I would like to share a list of other items, the basic items that I think is key as well to losing regain. I had a regain and with getting back to the basics I was able to lose it. It won't be easy, take it day by day but YOU GOT THIS!

Here are some steps that helped me and I hope they will help you too! You may have several starts and stops but don't give up, don't beat yourself up. IT WILL CLICK!!! Our tool works if we work the tool and get back to the basics.

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. If you didn't make a Weight Loss Surgery bucket list when you first had surgery do it now. GREAT reminder of all the things you can enjoy in life after losing weight.

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 white carbs/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. I found once I started carrying one of the metal bottles of water to keep it cold I drank water all day.

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. Grab a cart and walk all the isles at your local box store. 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. Come here on OH daily for support and participate in one of the food threads. It helps you be accountable and also great ideas for food prep.

Keep me posted on how you are doing.