VSG done in 1/14 - gained some weight back

Hi ya'll it's been a while since I have been on here.

Fast forward -- I had VSG down in 1/14 lost the majority of the weight in the first 8 months. My highest weight was 320 and after VSG got down to 175ish. I had a tummy tuck and breast lift done August 2016 and since then life has gotten in the way. I lost both my parents which put me in a downward spiral.

I currently weigh 218 and determined to get back to 175 or even smaller. I have decided to do a liquid fast containing broth, sugar free jello, sugar popsicle etc etc.

I would love to have some others that are in the same boat do this with me and see what we can accomplish!!

Look at it this way.... You are still 100 lbs. lighter from your highest weight so that is the 1st positive. 2nd, you have identified that you aren't where you want to be, so that's a positive start. 3rd, you have a plan to get to your goal. I don't know of any magical advice I can give you other than you certainly can do it. You did it before, I'm sure you can do it again. Make a plan, commit to it, and most importantly, stay positive.

I totally agree I am still 100lbs lighter and so thankful for that every single day :)

A liquid fast is nothing more than a fad diet. To get back in the groove, you need to get back to basics: lean dense protein and as few carbs as possible.

If you need something drastic as a mental reset, try doing AMAW ("all meat all week"), or what I lovingly refer to as the "Five Day Meat Test." Going protein-heavy will help you get back into the good habits you had immediately pre-op!

Also make sure to weigh and measure your food, and log EVERYTHING that goes in your mouth. That includes ketchup, nibbles, low-calorie drinks, EVERYTHING!

Thank you for your input I really appreciate it. For me a liquid diet is a kick start to keep myself in line to progress towards my overall goal. Fad diets yes don't work for everyone but for me I use it as a kick start and then go to my normal diet.

You have already taken the hardest step by saying enough is enough and now I want to get back on track. I maintained 118-125 for over 10 years after losing 200 pounds. Due to a personal tragedy I gained and hit the 190 mark a year ago. After several starts it finally clicked and I am back to goal losing 70 pounds of regain. 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 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.

OMG, thank you so much for all of your input and advice. AND yes enough is enough and I am determined!!!

Reach out anytime YOU GOT THIS!

Hi! We have similar starting stats. My high weight was 319 and I had VSG in 3/2014. My dad died in 4/2016. I had reconstructive surgeries from 6/2017-11/2017.

For me, a liquid diet would be useless at this point because it would just leave me unsatisfied and lacking nutrients. It works better for me to focus on dense protein which leaves me feeling full.

I recommend that you start logging everything you put into your mouth using something like MyFitnessPal Measure too, so that you know you're tracking accurately. From there, I recommend working to get back to your basics. Here are mine, yours might be slightly different.

1. Prioritize protein and water
2. Deprioritize carbs, especially the refined and processed ones
3. Make the most of healthy fats
4. Eat three meals a day with no snacks
5. Avoid liquid calories (protein shake for breakfast is my exception since I've never liked putting solid food in my stomach first thing in the morning)
a. Don't drink with meals or for 30 minutes after eating
6. Weigh portions and track/log what you consume
7. Eat mindfully and with no distractions aside from real live people
a. Try to eat at a table
b. Eat with utensils
8. Move as much as possible
9. Weigh yourself daily
a. But focus on the trend of your weight, not the day to day fluctuations
10. Be kind to yourself

You can do it. You can continue to lose at 4 years post-op. (I am, and there's no way that I'm a special unique butterfly!)

You can so do this!!!! I had my rny 9/09. I lost 200 lbs and regained 35 over the past 3 years because I was being a stupid jerk. I'll tell what I've told myself and others that have regain. Be proud what you've accomplished in keeping 75% your weight off. Go back to basics. Remember what you did the first year. Weigh and measure everything. Keep a journal. Do something physical like walking. If there's a dietician where your had surgery, ask for some pointers(the one at my center was terrific). Don't forget to take your vitamins. Last, but not least, Don't beat yourself over it. You've done it befor and you can do it again.