The Hard Road Back From Regain!

Good morning family! As many of you know, I've been battling a weight regain for about a year now. My lowest weight was 132 pounds (I overshot my original goal of 145 pounds) and my highest regain weight was 175 pounds. I am striving to get back down to my original goal weight of 145 pounds. As of this morning, I weigh 164 pounds. I am getting there, slowly but surely. It's been difficult, but I've been dieting (yes, that dreaded "D" word!) and trying to get back into exercising consistently again. I would love to hear from those of you who have overcome that dreaded "bounceback weight" and made it back to your goal weight again! I know I can do this, but I know that realistically it will probably take a while. It took me a year to regain from 132 to 175, so I'm expecting that it will take at least a few more months to lose this last 19 pounds (I lost the first 11 pounds in the last month - yea me!) I could really use some encouragement from those of you who have "been there". Have a great Monday! Lelina 298 (pre-op)/132 (lowest post-op weight)/175 (highest regain)/164 (current)/145 (looking for goal again)

Hi Lelina - so interesting that as I went to this website this morning looking for help I see your email at the top of the list. I too am suffering from regaining weight and I'm having a hard time dealing with it. My lowest weight was 162 and I am currently at 175 which to me is unacceptable. I was mainly maintaining around 170 and I was okay with that, I figured that is where my body needed to be - but I've become addicted to Starucks Mocha Frappe Lites and I have been having one a day which is about 250 calories, and I've had problems with alcohol - bourbon in diet coke - and I don't like the way I'm feeling with these added addictions yet I can't seem to stop - when I have the alcohol, I feel like geez, this isn't that good and when I'm out, I'm restless and bored. I come from an alcoholic family on my mom side (not her, her mom, sister, brother and dad) and my then there was my dad so it's scary to me. My hubby had WLS a year after me and never reached his goal, which he wasn't concerned about but has now put some back on himself and I think he is concerned about that. I felt good and comfortable at 162, I was at a "normal" bmi and except for all the body fat left over (thin person in a fat persons body) I was in wonderland and I want to get that back. As of this a.m. I told hubby no more snacks before bedtime as I usually am not hungry, I do it just because (he is big on bread and then I get into it as well) and no matter how tired we are, we have to get back into walking at night. We have the bourbon in the house now and I do plan on finishing it off, right or wrong, but have said I would (and will) limit it to two drinks a night and no more. That I can do...hubby, I'm not so sure...once this is gone, I REALLY want to stick to not buying it ...I have to learn to be strong...I lost from 323 at surgery down to 162 and I know that I can find the strength somewhere but I do need support...kudos to you on your weight loss...how have you been doing it with the "D" word - what have you been doing? What types of foods are you eating and what is your focus? I think you sound like you will really get it together and make it and that is what I want to do as well...as of today, I have to "start a new life" again...the surgery did what it was supposed to do and the rest is up to me - I knowi it's common to regain around 10-15 pounds but I'm not happy here...I won't be happy until I get the weight back down AND get the money together to start working on the plastics. I have a huge self image problem as well...so anyway, don't mean to reign on your parade but I needed someone to share with today, who could understand the pain and frustration I am going through...I am writing this to you at work and I really just want to break down and cry...I suffer depression and anxiety and the weight gain adds to the anxiety, I'm afraid...will it be enough to make me strong? I hope so...Lelina, I wish you luck and hope that you do reach the goal that you are wanting to attain...I want to hear from you and others how you've done it - how have you overcome the HUGE urge to stay away from addictions that came along after surgery like Frappes and alcohol - I never was a drinker - maybe a margarita every few months, but hubby is more of a drinker than I am yet if I don't buy it he won't drink it and we are both at fault...we both need to be strong. I know the end result is therapy but where does the money come from? I'm not sure! Anyway, thanks for letting me share and vent on your email - I wish you luck and want to hear back from you...maybe we can help each other. Good luck and best wishes and again, thanks for listening...

Hi Sharon! Wow, you so eloquently hit on a lot more of the topics I wanted to cover in my post! The only thing we're different on is the alcohol thing. I wish I could sometimes enjoy alcohol post-op. I used to LOVE wine, especially red wine prior to surgery. Mind you, I'm talking only a couple of glasses a couple of nights a week, if that. I'm Italian, so VINO is a big part of our culture! Now, post-op, I can rarely tolerate it. I can have the very occasional glass (maybe 1 or 2 a month) but it usually makes me feel so sleepy and sluggish and irritible that it's not even worth it! My nemisis is snacking, especially on crackers, pretzles or chips. I also got into a bad every-night dessert habit. Oh, yeah, and I also quit exercising. And I wonder why I experienced weight regain! I've restarted the exercise routine, and it's really helping. I too suffer from depression, low self-esteem and body dismorphia. The exercise really helps to alleviate all three! As far as the "diet" goes, I'm not one of those low-carb gals. I'm just trying to eat moderately and mindfully. The major thing I gave up was the between-meal snacking. I absolutely can not have crackers in the house, or I will eat them! I usually eat oameal with peanut butter for breakfast, a salad with protein or a lean-meat sandwich for lunch (maybe with a piece of fruit if I'm still hungry), and a reasonable, balanced dinner (some kind protein, a green vegetable, and a little starch). Pretty basic. Oh yeah, and I don't eat dessert AT ALL (not even low-fat, sugar-free) during the week. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights I allow myself dessert, and it gives me something to look forward to all week. I wish you all the best on your continued journey! You have done fantastic, and I hope that we can continue to support each other! Lelina

Hi Sharon, I was just browsing around when I saw this post. I too am struggling with a 6-10 pound weight gain (its killing me). No matter what I do I cannot get back down to 120. The scale bounces around 126 to 130. I was soooo happy at 120. But anyways I love the Starbucks Lites Mocha Frappes as well but I know they are very high in calories and sugar so I found a great alternative to make at home and let me tell you it tastes almost like the real thing. You may have to play with my recipe a little to get it just the way you like it but it is only 100 calories, 1.25 g fat, 13 carbs and 8.5 g protein. So here it is............hope you like it I know I do 1/4 cup of water and heat in microwave for 50 seconds add 1 1/2 tsp of decaf (or regular) instant coffee add 1/2 tsp of hersheys cocoa power (the baking stuff) add 1-2 tbsp of splenda (I like mine sweet so I put about 2) Mix together with spoon until all powders have dissolved put coffee mix in blender add 8 oz of Hood Fat Free Calorie Countdown Milk (formerly Carb Countdown) add 2 tbsp of cool whip add 1 tbsp of hershey lite syrup add about 8-10 ice cubes (I like mine very icy so I add 10) Blend well and enjoy! Good Luck and keep your head up! --Marianne

Lelina, You have already taken the first step - Responsiblity! You are doing a great job and understand what it will take you to get to your goal..... just stay on track. I know you can do it! Find what the trigger foods are, such as crackers, cookies, soda and keep them away! You are heading in the right direction! You should be proud of yourself! I will be rootin' for you! Valerie 340/161

Hi Valerie! Wow, we have the same surgeon! What do you think of Dr. F.? Thank you so much for your kind words. I KNOW what I have to do to get back on track, it's the DOING IT that's the hard part. Thank goodness for this wonderful site, and the support of my OH family! Lelina

Hey Lelina! I liked Dr F. He has always been very nice - I recently (Memorial Day weekend) had an internal heria repair by him. He was great! I know alot of people have mixed feeling but I have to say - the man pretty much saved me! I mean I would never be where I am today without him! LOL!!! What part of Houston do you live in? Do you attend support meetings? I know it is hard to stay on track and believe me, I check my weight every morning and evening...just to scared to see the scales jump! I am local and if you want to call or email me direct, just let me know. I toally agree about the site - it has played an important part of my weightloss success! I am here for ya girl!

Lelina, I'm not as far out as you yet (just hit 18mths) so I haven't experienced this~YET! I just wanted to take a moment to give you some support! Great job so far and I know you can do this! I can't wait to hear an update on you!!!!! Hugs, Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Hi Tracy! Thank you for your support! Congratulations on making your goal, BTW (I saw your post the other day)! Hopefully you'll be one of the "lucky ones" that never has to deal with this issue! Lelina

Lelina, I hear so much about the struggle, but not many who actually get back on track and grab the bull by the horns like you, so YOU are the encouraging one. I'm only going on a year out, but I'm already struggling with the scale and this post definitely serves as an inspiration to me. So, I thank you. I know you'll get back down to your goal because you have taken control!