What am I doing wrong?

I am 3 years post op and still follow the diet. For some reason, I keep gaining weight and it is anywhere from 5-10 pounds in a week at a time, total 60 pounds in the past year. I have even tried to go back to just the protein shakes only, but nothing helps............any suggestions?

Hi,

Well, let me think.  What kind of diet are you on?  What are you eating, when, how much?  What is your source of exercise?  All these may need to be adjusted.  As you know, I'm sure, most diets don't work.  Starvation diets don't work, liquid, high carb, low carb all have short term success rates.  When you eat, are you eating slowly, chewing your food well and not drinking while you eat? 

Maybe we can come up with some ideas to jump start your weight loss again.

I drink my protein shakes and portion my meals high in protein. I know I need to exercize more, it is just that I work 2 jobs and have 6 kids at home.

Your calorie intake is greater than your calorie expenditure, which is why your body is adding fat rather than using it up to maintain your metabolic functions. Reject "All or Nothing" thinking, first of all--it took time to put the original weight on and it will take time to take it off again. Once you get down to your preferred weight, sticking with healthy, mindful eating will help you maintain it.

If you have gained 60 pounds in the last year, you have taken in 210,000 EXTRA calories, above and beyond what your body requires. It's simple math. A pound of fat represents 3500 calories. Writing down every bite you eat or drink (calorie guides and a memo notebook are great for this) will help you take control.

Many people have tried the "5-day pouch test" that is available for free online to get back to the basics of calorie restriction and truly making use of their pouch. I've never tried it, but others have been happy with their success and have posted on the boards about the experience.

My advice is to meet with a nutritionist, severely cut your calories while increasing your exercise, keep taking your supplements and sipping water, and pursue counseling or a support group such as Overeaters Anonymous to help you deal with your busy life without turning to food for comfort or coping. Don't let your brain turn off while snacking--it's a trap!

You DO have many commitments and responsibilities, but remember that there are always a million reasons NOT to do something. You have to find the strength to turn it around. My motivation was the desire to live as long and as healthy a life as possible, without pain and shame. I want to live for my children's sake, and my own. I enjoy my life and the freedom of movement I now have as a result of taking control of my weight and my eating. Weight gain is NOT inevitable. Start each day afresh. You can do it!!  

i know its not easy, but if you can find even an hour three times a week for some focused exersise you will lose the weight

it will take months, but the payoff will be enormous. and your two jobs and 6 kids will be easier to handle with your newfound energy, not a chore as it might feel at first

you are three years out. its time to get the body moving. if you are able bodied, have no significant health or mental problems, and are capable...you can do it. i know you are busy and tired. but there are 744 hours in an average month. if you can find just 12 of that 744 for you and you alone...you'll be off to a good start

and remember....equipment for the home, a local gym, a long, brisk walk. it doesn't have to be too inconvenient, but needs to be prioritized as something for YOU. it will take months and months...but you will lose weight, gain stamina and energy, and be healthier

i'm pretty sure you can do it! for three hours a week...even if before anyone is up or after they have gone to bed. or even if you are tired....start it and keep going.


EDIT: also, how is the pouch working? do you get "full" taking a few bites of some foods, as you should?