3 1/2 Years Post-Op and Gaining -- HELP!!!

I had open-RNY surgery in November, 2002. That makes me 3 1/2 years post-op! WOW, where has the time gone? I have found that I am able to eat more then I think I should be. I haven't been keeping myself accountable and it has shown. I have really let emotional eating take over for me in the last 8 months as several (and I mean several) stressful events have happened in my personal and family life. I eat when I'm anxious, sad, stressed, worried and even when I'm happy. It doesn't matter if I'm not "feeling" hungry, I find myself grazing. In fact, when I think about how I never reached my goal and how I've gained weight, it only makes me feel like I want to eat. And exercise? What's that? I haven't exercised since February. My original weight loss goal may have been a tad unrealistic, however I didn't maintain the awesome weight loss I achieved... I've gained about about 20 lbs. back of my original 140 lb. loss!!! And now instead of being 20 lbs. away from my original goal... I'm 40!!!! That is simply unacceptable. I need help! I've run out of ideas for meals. I can't eat fish, and I RARELY eat beef. In fact, today was the first time in a long time that I've had beef and I ended up getting nauseaus on it!!! I need ideas on a daily eating plan for someone who eats mostly eggs, chicken, turkey and cheese. If anyone has some sample, daily meal plans to go off to kick start my weight loss again, PLEASE HELP! I'm SO desperate at this point... I feel like a sinking ship! Heidi Open-RNY 11/8/2002 305/183/140

Heidi, One idea is if you need fast food is to get the small Lunchables. They may be a little high in fat but are great on protein, I try to eat just half the crackers. Maybe try one day where you eat just protein...just like after surgery. I purchased the ISOpure bottled protein that I liked after my surgery, and noticed a weight loss right away. So I am making myself drink that at work... Good luck and know you are not the only one fighting this. I too have gained in the last couple of months, and need to get in control again. Donna

I too had open RNY 11/1/02, I also just had PS on 5/18/06. Since I can't do much of anything, I find myself eating more and more and feel terrible each time I do. I am not grabbing the best things (but not the worst either). I find myself eating, and still eating smaller portions, but then 2 hours later I am hungry again. I do know that I drink a lot of decaf tea when I eat and think this may be part of my problem. That it is just washing the food straight through me. I am going to do my best to star****ching this. I wish I knew what the guidelines were on drinking and eating (timeframe)....don't feel alone, I sympathize with you, I wish I knew where to start also. I don't want to ruin how far I have come. Connie 317/177/155

The guide lines for eating and drinking are fluid intake 30 minutes before and 30 minutes you eat.64 ounces of water mostly a day. If you can call your surgeon and ask him for anf suggestions regarding food. I have heard weigh****chers is good ,since you had this surgery it will be easier to follow. Even though I am only 11 months out I too am afiad of gaining back weight so that is why I try to get in as much exercise as I can. bob

I'm updating... I'm so happy to say that I have lost EIGHT POUNDS since May 31st!!! I've been so active in the yard doing landscaping and gardening and projects, I haven't been able to sit around and snack like I was and I'm forgetting about all the stress I have! I'll tell you what... using a garden axe and pounding out old roots and pulling up sod can really get out some stress, plus burn TONS of calories. I've been watching what I eat too. Generally I have some whole wheat cereal with skim milk for breakfast. Cottage cheese and yogurt or nuts for lunch or for my mid-afternoon meal. I've also been eating a couple slices of deli turkey with carrots for lunch or for my mid-afternoon meal. For dinner I have been using some Weigh****cher recipes for the crockpot. Last week I took half of a boneless pork loin, cut it in half put 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 cup of onion and 1/2 a 20 oz. bottle of Diet Coke (although I NEVER drink pop; it makes the meat so moist) and put all that in the crock pot and cooked on low all day while I'm at work... about 9 hours. I come home, take out the meat, leave most of the juice, cut away the fatty portions that are right on top... then shread the meat like nobody's business. Then I add the balance of the BBQ sauce I used and serve on a whole wheat bun. I can only eat half of the sandwich tho, with a side of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Also just been grilling chicken with a small side of potatoes and veggies. I'm thrilled at the loss, and am determined to keep losing!!! Pants are already fitting loose again, and I'll be sporting some of my "skinny" clothes (that I purchased but never wore/got into) very soon! Thank you EVERYONE for all the emails and words of encouragement and advice! You've all been fantastic! ~Heidi Open-RNY 11/8/2002 305/174ish/140

Dear Heidi - I know exactly where you are coming from, and I have an excellent regimen that will get the weight right back off, without hunger or deprivation! I use a lot of easy-to-find specialty items that you can find at places like WalMart, combined with RELIGIOUSLY using FitDay.com (it's a GREAT FREE tool!) - - and I promise, it works! Just contact me at your convenience (334) 718-4518, and I will be happy to help. I am an ObesityHelp Support Group Leader, and I always take every opportunity that I can to help anyone who needs it. I am currently PAST goal (new photos uploaded to profile), and I am only too happy to share my menu plan with you! I have also had the trouble of having to deal with a relaxed stoma, so I get hungry a lot, and I have had to find ways around that too Please don't panic - this can be overcome! Warm Regards, Michael A. Campellone 240 Pounds Gone Forever! ObesityHelp Support Group Leader SABariatrics WLS Support Group Dothan, AL (334) 718-4518