Gaining Weight...10 years post-op

Hi everyone!

I had RNY about 10 years ago and in the first 2 years of the surgery I went from 345 to 208. I've also been type 1 diabetic for 18 years. I'm now back up to 290 pounds and I know I don't eat the best, but I'm wondering if anybody else has experienced weight gain like I have (bonus points if you're also diabetic) and what you're doing to reduce your weight once again. I don't want the surgery to have been for nothing!!

Thanks!

I am not as far out as you, but I can tell you even at just about 4 years out weight maintenance is not for sissys. Good for you for coming to look for help.

There was a great article a few weeks ago here on OH about how over time our malabsorption does decrease significantly. We still have small pouches not large stomachs and have other metabolic advantages but the weight loss will never be as easy as it was in the beginning.

If you do not record your food in something like the app My Fitness Pal, I would start there. Put in a few days of what you are actually eating now. See where you are at and adjust downward accordingly.

Remember the rules from the beginning:

Protein first- As far out as you are I would think you could easily get 100g a day minimum. More is OK too. I would aim for that. Remember dense protein- steak, chicken etc. will be more filling than softer protein like cottage cheese.

Do not drink with meals and for at least ½ hour after.

Limit carbs - especially the starchy ones. My surgeon?s mantra always was - Protein first, then veggies and then IF you have any room - fruit then (starchy) carbs. He never says never to carbs but put them at the end of the list.

Take your vitamins and get your labs checked if you are not doing that.

Lastly- get support. Come here daily, you need to keep your mind focused. There is a daily menu thread that would be good to participate in.

While I personally have not had the regain you have just know you are not alone, and we are all capable of it. We did not have surgery because we were dainty eaters. There are others on these boards who have come back from significant regain.

If you get your food in order and you still are not seeing movement- but remember movement will be slower, go see your surgeon to make sure nothing happened mechanically with your surgery. Probably not, never hurts to check.

Good Luck

LOVE your recommendations!! i too, have had weight gain and struggling to stick to my program... had some big changes last year in my life... major one was losing my sister.. and i'm still struggling with that... and always found maintenance so friggin hard... i'm 6+ years out!

If you aren't already, start measuring and tracking everything you put into your mouth using something like MyFitnessPal. From there, work on getting 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!

awesome recommendations!!

Hi-

Sleeve surgery here in 2012, 200# lost and then, after a year or so, went from 150 to 275- a 125# regain. This last 14 months I have lost the regain and am at 148#s this morning. Type 2 diabetic (well controlled at this moment).

The above posted advise is well given- you know what to do. You've been successful before. Do that again...If you want it, reach down deep and gather up the courage, determination, motivation, and perseverance--Your "tool" is not broken- you Can do this! My only addition is this:

Power through the carb withdrawal and then carry on until the re-gain is re-lost--no days off, no cheating, no rewarding yourself with treats for being "good"--every day, in and out--Do IT. (Isn't that the ATTITUDE that resulted in the BEHAVIOR that got you to GOAL the first time?

Yes, you can. I am so rooting for you.

CONGRATS to you on losing your regain... wow!! you are very inspirational!! i'm trying to get back into journalling as i know this is what did i for me before... i just can't seem to adjust my "setting" for lack of a better description... i don't want 160g of carbs.. do you know how to adjust these setting?? would truly appreciate any help!

thanks!

Hi lexxiblue, Do you mean by "adjusting setting" that while you want to lower your daily carb intake, you find yourself consuming the 160 or so carbs anyway? That was very difficult for me, too, and the only way I was able to do it was to eliminate all refined carbs and sugar for about 7-10 days alowing my body to detox off the carbs. The cravings are very strong, but eventually will go away. For me, carbs and sugar begets more and more carbs and sugar. = One bite is too much and then there is never enough- letting in even just a little prolongs the process, cold turkey is what enabled me to get off the carb merry go round.

I was protein forward--lots of liquids, and the complex carbs (about 30 or so) were always veggies- never including potato-rice-breads, etc that convert quickly to sugar in the body.

Good luck- work hard one day at a time--consistently day after day is what will bring you back to where you want to be.

Hello Miss

i should have read what i wrote... i'm trying to use myfitnesspal and trying to adjust the settings there.. it has my carb intake of 160g... ummm i don't think so!! that's crazy!! thanks for your message tho... i just know i need to get focused and get back on track... i've had a lot of BIG changes in my life along with the sudden death of my younger and only sister so that's taken a toll on a lot of things...

again thanks

take care of you

Lexxi

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.