I finally admit... I need help

Sorry for wasting anyone's time.

Well, you're here. Use us. This is the only place online I get my support.

I found it helpful to read a lot of posts, and identify a few people who had lost all their excess weight, had gotten overall very healthy, and had maintained that way for years. Then I listened to everything they had to say, and tried to emulate not only what they did, but their overall attitude. The right attitude and frame of mind can make a world of difference.

Stick around. Read. Ask questions. All the help, all the information, all the support, is right here.

I agree with Grim, I've been here almost 12 years and it's been my only support.

Firstly, you must go to your PCP and get a full blood work up done.  I suspect you may have a few deficiencies after 5 years with no supplements, but it's important to know which ones.  

Make sure they check your Bs, D, hbA1c, iron panel, including ferritin, liver, kidneys at the very least.  If they are cooperative, you can check minerals as well, but I've never had a problem with them, so only do these sporadically.  Tell them any symptoms you have.

Immediately start taking a good multi (Centrum, Kirkland etc)  twice a day, a sublingual B12, 500mg calcium citrate 4 times a day, dry D3 (as high a dose as you can find OTC - I take 50,000 once a week.  Anything else you need will be determined by your lab tests.  I take magnesium, Proferrin iron based on my needs.

There is a what are you eating? post every day - so you can see what others are eating.  I had great success losing 27lbs with a Paleo diet last year.  It's a good start until you get a hang of what to eat.  

Do NOT even consider protein shakes - those are for newbies, not vets!

It is never too late, and your surgery is still there to help you. You just need to learn to use it correctly. This is a great website if you are willing to listen to advice from those who are successful. You may not always like the advice you receive, but there are many wonderful vets on this site that want to see you succeed.

Here is a great place to start getting the right information:

https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Also, there is a magnifying glass at the top of the page here where you can search old posts. If you are still confused after reading ASMBS's recommendations and searching this website, you can always start a new thread asking specific questions. I suggest running a search for vitamins. There are many old posts where people listed their daily vitamin and supplement regimens. You should also get your labs drawn to check for deficiencies. If you bring a list of labs you need to your primary care doctor, you should be able to get them that way. Don't delay any longer, take control of your health now.

This site is my main source of support, too.  

You've received some good advice above.  I attribute a lot of my success to the vets of this site: I paid attention, followed their proven advice and stay accountable.  

If you'd like to "friend" me on here -- I'd be happy to be supportive as best I can. 

It's never too late. Mayo Clinic told me to use Tums for calcium also. As others suggested. Complete blood work. At 13 years all I need is vitamin D and iron . But!!! That is my requirements and I have blood work every year. My secret is portion control. I weighed and measured for years. This isn't easy. There is no one to blame. Well whover let you have the surgery with no info ??? Unreal. Stick around you will learn. In the meantime clean out your cupboards, start all over ! Except no protein shakes you can eat your protein

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Hi Laura, glad you found this site.  It has been invaluable to me and many others on this journey of ours.  I just wanted to add that I have always believed that to be successful we must surround ourselves with the right team.  Search for Bari Doc in your area that has a team available to you such as Nutritionist, Psychologist,  support group team, etc. Recently I myself found a new team who I find outstanding. You need to be the conductor of your body, doing it alone is impossible so find yourself the resources you need for success!

Hi, another site to try is myfitnesspal.com.  There you can log all the food you eat.  You would need to measure everything that you put in your mouth.  It's a good way to keep track.

Laura, my heart breaks for you. You have been posting the same thing for 4 years. You CAN turn things around, but you must CHOOSE to do so. You must love yourself enough to make yourself a priority and make good choices. You have to believe you are worth the effort (and you are). No more excuses.

Measure/weigh your portions and track your food somewhere like myfitnesspal. Every single bite. Cut your calories. Maybe start by limiting yourself to 1000/day and see how your body responds. Protein first, then some veggies. Take your supplements.

This website is an excellent resource and support system. Please stick around.