Why is regain so rapid compared to pre-op gain?

I've regained 100lbs in just over 2 years...while it seemed slow and steady it was really quite fast considering in my 20+ years before surgery I averaged a gain of only 25lbs a year and this was eating fast food about 3x a day and drinking a 2-liter of Mt. Dew a day. I have NOT gone back to those habits, I still have healthy habits, I can eat "more" than the nutritionist thinks I should be able to eat, but food journaling my highest day was 1800, other days were 1400-1600...one "good" day at 1200 but I felt I was starving myself.

Any insight as to why regain can occur so quickly?

I've had an upper GI and am scheduled for an endoscope...but even if there is a problem with my insides...how can that account for such rapid gain?

Oh, so sorry Sarah.   You are truly someone it seems with metabolic issues.  Are you active?  Do you exercise?  No matter, with the amount of calories you are eating, you shouldn't have had that amount of gain.  How unfair !!! 

Even the playing field:  If your surgery has failed you - and it seems like it has, you should really consider a revision to a full Duodenal Switch.  At least you will have a real chance at losing and maintaining for the rest of your life.

Blessings,
L

My health is full of issues. Lymphedema and lipedema are just two that greatly affect my weight, but still can't account for this type of gain.

Sarah
I hope that you get the answers that you seek about the rapid weight gain. I have severe lymphedema in both legs. I had my RNY in July 2007. At ten months out, my weight loss stopped. I lost over 150 lbs. I have since gained more than half of it back. My primary and wls doctors attributed most of my weight re-gain to my lymphedema. Sometimes within a two week time frame my weight goes up 30 or 40 lbs! I dont blame my lymphedema for all of my weight re-gain but considering the size of both legs it does contribute. I am scheduled for a DS revision in June. I hope that once I have had this surgery, both my leg swelling and my weight loss will improve my quality of life for good. 

Upper GI showed some issues that could require surgery, will know more after endoscopy. There was a DS surgeon in Miami for a hot second, but after all the other health issues I've had I'm more interested in fixing any mechanical issues, rather than a full on revision. With the Lipedema added just doesn't seem worth the risk I'm destined to be fat, for health reasons would like to be not as fat as I am now, my weight is mostly my lower half and arms...primary lipedema areas...and that doesn't respond to diet changes, so who knows what lies ahead. I'm still as active as I was at 245 just bigger clothes, which again really doesn't bother me...still smaller than I used to wear...I just know something is not right.

Sarah
I definitely understand about the lower extremities! I am fine with the way I slimmed down on top, but still look like a circus freak from the waist below! I know that you will make the best decision for you. Keep us updated! I wish you well.

When I saw the lymph specialist here in Miami (had seen a vascular surg for LE in Ohio) he asked "did your WLS surgeon tell you the surgery would only help you lose weight above the waist?" I was like NO, of course not! With wrappings, etc my legs are better...still get starred at between my arms and legs...but oh well nothing I can do about it.

Wow! I was never told that I would only lose weight above the waist! My lymphedema is easier to deal with now. Before the RNY I needed a walker and couldnt even close my legs! Now I dont use a walker as much. My primary stopped me from wearing stockings, but I'm going to request a script for some. My arms arent an issue but my legs certainly are!

My arms and legs are due to the lipedema which is the abnormal accumlation of sub cutaneous tissue...i.e. fat. Then add to that the lymphedema which is the abnormal accumalation of lymph...and we have barrels of fun. Why would your PCP stop you from wearing garments? I wear mine daily, if I don't I definitely notice and pay the price with harder painful swollen legs. I have to fight with my insurance usually to get them covered but just found out my provider Luna Medical is now part of my network...doing the happy dance.

He was expecting that I'd have rapid weight loss and the stocking would have to be reordered over and over again. It is expensive. So, now you understand what I'm going through as far as painful, swollen legs and weight fluctuation with no stockings...I'm trying to get back in with a physical therapist so that I can get more wraps, bandages, etc.