I need suggestions...gaining weight back after RNY

I had RNY 10/04.  I was very blessed with no complications and easy weight loss.  Now...4 1/2 years later I am finding myself at 146lbs and climbing.  My doctor recommended goal weight is 138lbs but i would like a bit lower than that...

Anyway, my tool is working fine...it's my brain that I'm having the problems with!  I feel like I forgot everything I learned in the beginning.  I have no motivation to exercise (ok I never found that motivation really), I don't follow the rules the way I should, I'm addicted to carbs and I still emotional eat.

My question...does anyone have any suggestions on how I can gain control again?  I obviously can't do this on my own and a once or twice a month support group is not enough for me.  I can turn to my surgeon for suggestions but he is down by Atlantic City and I am up in Lakehurst.  I would prefer things much closer to home.  I guess I'm looking for motivation, guidance...anything that is free or covered by my insurance (as $ is a big issue for me right now).

Sorry my post is so long. I appreciate any and all suggestions.  Thanks so much!!!

hi trish

sorry you are having problems right now.

the brain is the hardest thing to manage especially once we can eat
again.

perhaps you need to see a nutritionist or psychologist??  are you
attending a weight loss group right now at all??

i am almost three years out and since last summer i have put back a
few pounds and they seem stuck to me like glue.

i dont know what else to offer you, except to really try and go back to
the diet you ate early out, journal your food if you think it will help you

also i live close by im in manchester, so if you want to have coffee one
day and  talk, im willing

hugs, jacki

Jacki...thanks so much for your reply!!!  I would love to get together for coffee sometime!  I think I'm going to call my surgeon's office in the morning and see who they suggest I can talk to.  I just hope they have people here and not all by them in Atlantic City. 

If anyone does have a nutritionalist or psychologist close by that they truly trust to know what they are doing with a gastric patient, please share :)

Thanks again!
Trish

Trish I don't know of anyone near you unfortunately.  I'm looking for a Psychologist or Psychiatrist in Central Jersey area that specializes in WLS patients also.  I'm fine with the weight loss, not regaining, just in a bad mental place right now.  I live in Cliffwood Beach, but I get to Lakehurst area frequently.  If you want to get together PM me, I'll be glad to help if I can.  Even if just someone to vent to.  The head stuff is the hardest.  Like Jacki said, go back to the original rules, track your food, post on the "What are you eating today?" thread on the RNY board.  That accountability helps me stay on track more than anything else. 

Trish,

Firstly (from what I hear) - weight gain is common once you hit your goal and during maintenace. HOWEVER you don't want to gain TOO MUCH. Remember, "normal/skinny" people deal with this all their life. They gain a few pounds, and then loose those unwanted pounds. It's a part of life.

You may want to see another Doctor. Someone who is closer. Of course, I recommend my Doctor (who is in Hanover NJ - not sure if that's too far for you http://www.advancedlaparoscopicsurgeons.com/).

For those who want to consult I psychologist, I strongly recommend contacting Dr Michael L. Sakowitz, who posts here often, and is member of ObesityHelp's Mental Health Board (http://www.laparosurgery.com/pdf/SakowitzArticle.pdf)

 

Here is a link that gives a list of Doctors in NJ
 

Psychiatrists           http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NJ/a,list/type,35/

Psychologists         http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/NJ/a,list/type,2/

Tom, thanks for posting these links I appreciate it.  There are 3 Docs near me that I will check out.  I did PM Dr. Mike based on your & Kimi's recommendations of him in previous posts, but he is quite a ways from me.  That would be okay if it were only once every month or so, but it would really make more sense for me to get someone closer to my home.  Thanks again!  Jen

Hi Trish,
I'm sorry you are going through this.  I am 5-1/2 years out.  Grouchy pouchy still makes me accountable for almost everything I put in my mouth.  Yes, even after all this time.  I have had no significant weight re-gain, although I do play with about 5 pounds up and down.  Do you think your body is happier at 146 and not 138 and below?  For a long time, I stayed at 165, then, recently after a serious illness and medication problem, I dropped 34 pounds since January.  My body is freaking out but is not regaining - yet.  I think it liked the 165 because it was pretty much rock steady.  If you ever find the exercise motivation - can you clue me in?  I do exercise some, but not to a great extent and not religiously.  But, I work 2 jobs and chase after kids, who seem to be involved in every sport or function there is to be - doesn't that count?  Kathy

I was told it's better to add protein and lower carbs plus there is an article called water loading I'mm post back when I find it