HELP!!!!!

I ma 3 years post op, and I cant stop eating. I have tried going back to the basics but i fall short everytime. I have gained about 20 lbs back of my original weight loss. I have started caraving chocolate!!!!. I have never been much of a candy person before my surgery, but now I cant stop eating mini reesi cups. I am thinking my pouch may be loose or no longer working. I cant go back to being a fatty!!!!! I need help. Any suggestions. I am back on my protein but I am still bungry....What is happening to me!!!!

Hello there!
I am 7 years post op and I have gained almost all my weight back! So I understand your fear! There is a book written called the 5 day pouch test..where you go back in phases of how you ate right after surgery. You do 2 days liquids, 1 day soft protein..like tuna and eggs, then go to firmer protein like chicken. don't drink with your meals. I noticed any carbs I eat makes me crave more carbs or sugar.
I am also considering the ROSE procedure if I can't get back on track. I wish you the best of luck!
Krista

Hi,

Yes you do sound out of control.  Don't take this wrong but have you thought about your eating issues being related to an emotional occurrance, crises or trauma?  I know it is a trauma in itself to feel out of control.  Your thoughts about adding more protein is a good one.  It will help you feel fuller longer.  Maybe try to find someone who works with people who have eating/food addictions and disorders.  There are some great tools out there that may help you get back on track.  Keep us posted on this.  Also you may want to join the group Back On Track Together.  Just click on groups above and type it in the search space. 

Compulsive overeating is a mental and emotional issue, and requires support, therapy, and years of rebuilding the right, positive mental pathways in our heads. Saying things like,"I just can't stop eating Reese's peanut butter cups!" is a cop-out. A more accurate description would be to say,"I feel compelled to eat to make myself feel better."

We have all felt what you are feeling. This is not "happening" to you, Caramel Diva. You are doing this to yourself. You are controlling the hand that brings the food to your mouth. You are not helpless in the face of REGAIN. Weight gain does not just "happen." We are here to support you and help you see what an amazing, worthwhile person you are! You do not need food to feel good!

Just because you have tried in the past and "fallen short" does not mean that you can't keep trying different things. Overeaters Anonymous, Weigh****chers, prayer, therapy, completely cutting all treats out and not even having them in the house, learning to recognize the situations and food triggers that set you off--all of these are strategies to help get your food compulsion under control.

My first suggestion is to weigh yourself once a week, and don't be afraid of the number on the scale. It is just a number, just data and information, NOT a judgment or a put-down. It's a way to say,"Okay, this week I didn't do so good. I'm going to do better from now on," OR "Wow! I lost two pounds! I am so glad I ate salad for lunch every day this week! It filled me up and made me feel great!"

I would also come up with a list of positive affirmations like,"I am in control. I can have a treat if I want. It will still be there later. I am not deprived. I want to eat to live, not live to eat." These things worked for me. Also, I am a firm believer in WRITING EVERYTHING YOU EAT OR DRINK DOWN in a little diet journal. It helps me feel like I have a handle on what is going into my body. I write down my exercise and activity, too.

This is a lifelong commitment and process. No matter how much your pouch stretches, Caramel Diva, it will never be as big as an unaltered stomach. And if a normal person with a regular stomach can exist without becoming obese, so can you. Hang in there and keep us posted!

Wow,
Now that is telling it like it is. I must say I believe what you say is true and it is nice to see it written out like that. Your statement takes the should have, could have, would have out of any excuse you could have and puts all the control of your weight loss back in your lap.
Very nicely written

Waterwench - thank you so much for your post. I almost want to print it out and out it on my fridge.

Thanks to you both! So many people post to discuss their regain that I felt I had to speak out--it is NOT inevitable. We need to use the time when our pouch is new to re-work the stuff in our heads--which in my opinion is the most challenging. But we can all do it! We just have to hang together and support each other.

Today is my 46th Birthday.  I went to the Dr. Yesterday, just a check up.  I have Gained 20 Pounds.
I was so devistated..  How the heck am I going to lose this weight.  I was banned from the scale about a year ago from my Dr. he said I was obsessed with weighing.  Obviously that was a good thing at least I knew what was going on.  Wow.. this is a really big shock to me.  I still fit in all of my clothes.  I am not sure what I am doing differently.  I guess I need to go back to the Scale and go back to the basics.  I haven't posted in about two years.  I have been trying to live a life where no one knows about my past or surgery and this is just not the best for me.  I havent went to a support meeting in almost two years and while I am typing this I feel like a DOPE!!!  What is really going on with me????  I do not want to go back to where I was..  I do not want to Gain another OUNCE!    Well I am back and glad to say I am ready to work as hard as need be to get this back in order and back on track!!!

See you soon in the posts
Tammy

Start Weight 2004 (326)  Weight Right Now (190)  20 pounds higher then Goal weight 170.

My God you sound like me , reese cups was the first thing then ice cream , cookies. But I am no where near my goal weight. I am an emotional eatter. Your responses to this blog was good