New member, new post , looking for advice

I am so relieved to find out a place like this exists. My dilema is this: I had an open RNY in 2001. My max weight was 378, my lowest weight after surgery was 225. I didn't lose it as quickly as i wouldve liked, but I was still losing a couple lbs at a time until about a year ago. I decided to quit smoking exactly a year ago. Which I thought was a good thing until, I started gaining weight. At this point, I have gained back about 40lbs in the last year. I guess, I don't know if I replaced the cigarettes with food or if I am just consuming more of the BAD stuff. I have developed a sometimes insatiable craving for sweets. I don't binge, I try to limit myself to a certain amount. I don't sit and eat a whole bag at a time or anything. I was beginning to think that maybe it was a hormonal thing. I had blood work done, so far nothing. I wondered if maybe, something went wrong with my RNY procedure. I basically have had no follow up. I had my surgery at Bariatric treatment center(groveport) which is now the Barixclinic. Which is about 150 miles from where I live. At the time that I had the surgery, there wasn't many if any hospitals in my area that even did the procedure, let alone any support groups. I guess I thought I could do it on my own. As long as I continued to lose, I thought I was doing good. I have started researching supplements that might be helpful, I joined Curves which I try to go at least 3x a week. I just don't want to gain anymore weight, unfortunately I manage to do that pretty effortlessly. I think I am at my wits end. Any helpful advice would be truly appreciated. Thank you

Im glad you have joined us. Quiting smoking does cause a 30-40 pound weight gain. I would up your protein intake keep the excerise and get yourself healthy now that you are smoke free. Good for you !!!!!!!!!!! and get that weight off. Barb

I was hoping I could be one of those people who would be lucky enough not to gain the post smoking weight, I guess I had no idea just how easy it was. Its just so discouraging to think that you are doing something that is supposed to be healthier and you end up with a result that goes against something that you went through so much to accomplish. Just how much protein? One of the things that I remember from when I had my surgery, is that the program advised me to have at least 30 grams of protein and to make sure that I consumed my protein first in every meal. Thanks Barb, I appreciate your response.

Hang in there! Start with basics. Count grams of protein that you are allowed, drink your fluids, and cut back on carbs. I know harder said than done. For a sweet treat....I mix a serving of fat free cottage cheese with a couple tablespoons of sugar free cool whip and sprinkle in sugar free jello (the powder). If you want you can add a serving of no sugar added fruit...like mandarin oranges or pineapple. Make sure to drain the fruit first. Sandy

Thanks, Sandy I never thought sugar was such a problem for me, when I go for any length of time without it I start feeling anxious. For me, I still have a few of the side effects of the surgery where if you consume too much sugar, I get the gas and the "dumping". I don't know if you experience anything like that with the band. It was never so much the regular carbs. Like bread and pasta, though I do like them I never over indulged. Now your suggestion for a sweet treat sounds good. I do like cottage cheese, thank goodness. The cool whip and the jello powder, I would have never thought of. Fruit with cottage cheese definately.

The boards on Obesity Help have been my support group from the start, and I haven't needed much more than that. I would recommend seeing your PCP or a nutritionist for a full blood workup to see how your nutrient levels are, and have them recommend a supplement regimen for you from there. This is SOOOO important, as some vitamin deficiencies can cause drastic results. A nutritionist can also help you get back on track with the right foods. Combine that with your willpower to keep healthy and you'll be just fine. Congrats on conquering smoking! That is such a HUGE accomplishment.

I'm glad you mentioned something about blood work. I have been thinking/hoping that maybe something could be off, causing especially the different cravings I have been having. One thing I have always done since my surgery was continue with prenatal vitamins. I have started taking omega3 and calcium supplements, because I heard they were good for weightloss and other health benefits. I'm not sure who the best person to go to would be. Out of my doctors I currently see, the compassion and understanding of weight issues, seems lost. I just wish there was more help or support in my area. Thank you Valerie, I need all the help/advice anyone can offer.