Is it too late

I have been away from the support community for years now. I am 5 years out and now fear I have gone too far. The last year has been a year of changes and that includes my weight. I have gained 30 lbs and now I am hoping I have not ruined my stomach. I am now ready to get back on track with proper eating and exercise but now I am afraid ...Does anyone know is it too late? have I stetched my stomach?!?!? Terri sugery date 10/05/01 lost 175 lbs gained back 30 lbs

It's never too late If you recommit yourself to eating right and following your surgeon's program it is possible to lose weight still. If you'd like to find out if your pouch has stretched you can have it measured by your doc. I think an unscientific test that I've read about on these boards is to take a cup of cottage cheese and eat as much of it as you can, fairly fast, to see how much your pouch can hold. HTH Take Care, Terry

Terry is correct, it's never too late. Just go back to the principles you learned early out: protein first, don't drink with meals or an hour or more after, avoid "white" carbs or eat them sparingly, don't graze, be sure to exercise regularly (both cardio and strength/weight training), and you will be able to get those pesky 30 pounds back off. Plenty of fluids, vitamins/minerals, etc. of course are important always. And instead of feeling bad about the 30 pounds, feel good that you are still 145# below where you started! You've caught it before it got too overwhelming. Stick with us, there are lots of accountability threads on this board, we're right here with you, cheering you on. Hugs, Connie -147#

Hi Teri, I agree 100% with Terry and Connie. It is not too late. The only thing I can add is some personal experience. I am 2 yrs post op and although I am not gaining I can see some really bad habits and harmful behaviors creeping back into my life. I started "experimenting" with sugary foods and found to my horror that I can actually tolerate small amounts. It is hard to tell just which bite will make me feel sick because it usually takes a little while after eating these types of foods before I start feeling yucky. I have been eating foods high in refined carbs and way too much fat. I was sure I stretched my pouch because of the amounts of some foods I can eat now compared to a year ago. I have heard all kinds of opinions on this to the point where I have been depressed. I can eat 8 ritz crackers with cheese at night no problem. I found out that if I substitute a couple of triscuits and pile lean ham or turkey on top and maybe a piece of low fat cheese I can only eat about 2. I had a visit with my surgeon and nut last week to discuss these issues and came away with some strategies to get back on track. For the past two days I have stuck to lean protein and veggies with a few high fiber whole grains and can honestly tell you that I could not eat a whole lot before getting full. So maybe the pouch can sense these foods faster and thus we feel full. I am also noticing a big jump in my energy level. Tomorrow I start working out at a gym close to my house. Sorry this is long but I think I am on to something. I am going to stay active on this forum so maybe we can all share our experiences and lift each other up. God Bless, Michelle R OKC PS I read an interesting article called "Pouch Rules" a few months ago. If I find it again I will share with the group.

Terri, I just wanted to jump in with my support too! As everyone has said, its NEVER too late! 30lbs is doable~just making some small changes will have a huge impact on that. ~are you drinking w/meals? If yes, then go back to the 30/30 rule. ~are you getting in at least 64oz of water daily? if no, work on it. If yes, then try to get in 80-100oz daily. ~are you getting enough protein? ~are you exercising? ~taking your vitamins/supplements? Good LUck and keep us posted! Tracy B

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I was really feeling like a failure, but as you all have stated its not too late. Failure would be not getting back on track. I will start today living the rules of water, exercise, and protien. Not to mention, coming here and hanging out with this group. I forgot the importance of support, being there for others and receiving a hand when you are down. Thank you again for welcoming me into the group. Terri PS I got to figure out the downloading of a picture :)

Terri, I echo what others have said, losing 30#s is doeable, remember the pouch rules and go with it. We are here to support and encourage you. Best wishes, Dana