Ok, now it's my turn ---weight gain

I had gastric bypass surgery about 3 years ago.  I had no problems maintaining my 130 pound weight loss until recently.  During the last several months I have gained about 15 pounds.  I know that sometimes there is a small weight gain after a few years, but of course I was hoping it wouldn't happen to me.  Anyway, I have become a carboholic, so I am trying to start the Atkins diet.  I don't want this weight gain to get out of control, so I'm  trying to nip it in the bud.  I would love to hear your experiences with weight gain and how you handled it.  Thanks so much for your input.   

 I am twenty seven months out and have put on 30 pounds from my lowest. I didn't consciously set out to do that. Hadn't dealth with my bad eating habits real well and allowed them to take over. I am working on it.

I am also a carbaholic and the first three days or so of not feeding that addiction are the hardest. Yesterday was day 2 for me of my refocusing and it was horrible. Headachy, nauseous, tired, couldn't focus. Today is much better. 

Good luck on your efforts. 

Thanks so much for your reply.  I guess the positive we can take out of this is we are trying to get it under control before it gets out of hand.  Seems the weight just flew back on all of a sudden.  So you are doing Atkins too?  I'm not a huge meat fan, plus it doesn't feel real good in my pouch, so it's not an easy diet for me, but I know that's what I need to do to stop the carb cravings.  I also need to start exercising regularly.  I have been, but it's been sporadic.  I have a bike and a treadmill at home...so no excuses!  Best of luck to you...keep in touch to let me know how you are doing, maybe we can support each other and get through this. 

 Morning Mac and Debbie,

Unfortunately weight re-gain does happen to many of us.   I would try the 5 day pouch test at 5daypouchtest.com.    That usually helps to get those cravings out of your system.    It is a shame that the re-gain doesn't come off as quickly as it comes on.    I am working on getting off about a 15 lb. re-gain myself.    But hey....at least you are doing something about it now before that 15 turns into  50 or so extra pounds.    Good luck to you both and remember to make good choices.    

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Thanks so much for your reply.  Have you tried the 5 day pouch test and if so, how did it work for you? 

 It is very unusual not to have about a 20 pound regain by year three. Only people with medical problems seem to avoid it.  It is the body working to overcome the effects of being starved and is because you are healthy.

Weigh yourself daily, exercise, watch the carbs, try to fill up on dense protein.  Nothing new, but it does seem to help if you stay aware.

The regained weight is extremely hard to lose, so start working on it right away.  My biggest problem is denial, so I need the scale to keep me accountable.

I am starting to really limit my carbs and although it's not fun, i know I need to do it.  I have been eating too many slider foods (crackers, etc) and not staying full.  The protein is what I have trouble with, but I have to do it.  Thanks for your encouragement...I had been avoiding the scale a little but have gotten back on it and it does help...you can see the increases and you KNOW you have to do something about it.

Hi there. I am still somewhat new at this...20 months out but I just wanted to commiserate with you on the carb theing. I hit a big wall and the scale stopped moving for me. I took a cold hard look at my Sparkpeople reports and all things pointed towards carbs. A year ago, I was always less than 100 a day. Of late...I had crept up to nearly 200 a day.

So, two weeks ago I did the 5 day pouch test and was very happy with the results. Then I adjusted my eating plan to eliminate white flour. I am down 10 pounds. I am easily keeping carbs below 100 (now mostly dairy and some fruit) and protein above 100 as I prep for plastics in a few weeks.

Carbs are the devil for me. I'm afraid they always will be my Achilles Heel.

Try the 5DPT. It really helped reset my eating. If I don't have them...I don't crave them. I have cut all junk carbs out for now as I work to get the rest of this weight off.

Good luck!! And let us know how it goes.

 After plastic surgery, I had no appetite for a long time and lost about 15 pounds.

 We are so proud of you to say ok enough is enough.  And you called it, carbs are usually the little evil foods that creep back into our lives..  

Check out the group Back On Track Together.  They have docs to help you get back on track, back to the basics and support galore.  I am years out and had nibbled on the carbs and gained.  My son is getting married this fall and I am getting back to basics with protein, protein, protein, water, exercise and even though and am an old fart it's coming off!!

Hang in there and we are here to cheer you on

Take care,
Kathy