Maintaining the loss

Hello all, I am about 16 months out and have lost 130 total. My questions is how many of you have gained back some weight? I am up about 9 #s from my all time low and am wooried about gaining back much more. I am working out at least 60 mins a day and am watching what I eat. However my big draw back is night time grazing. Not alot mainly pop corn and peanut butter. So tell me what your experiences have been.  Thanks Mike

Mike, I'm up 7 lbs from my all time low and not very happy about it.  I do contribute some of it to not smoking (since Jan. 27th) but I too have a problem with night time grazing.  This seems to occur quiet frequently with post-ops the further out we get.  I knew going into this I was an emotional eater but never realized how much I think, want food when I'm bored.  I use to mosiac before surgery and I'm considering doing it again at night to keep my hands and mind busy. Can't really give you advise, just keep working on making good choices.  I know this will be a lifetime commitment for me. Best wishes, Dana

Dana, Thanks for the reply and the advice. I am determined to move the scale the other way. I know it is in my power.  Thanks  Mike

!Hi, Mike!  I am up 10 pounds from my all-time low and, even though my nutritionist says "don't worry about it", I'm PANICKED!!!!  This seemed to happen since the beginning of December.  I exercise 45-60 minutes every day and am not eating any differently than I was a year ago.  I keep all my food journals and went back and checked.  This is very upsetting to me.  My nut and my doctor say they think it might be because I'm going through menopause and my hormones are out of wack.  All I know is, I'm scared!  All's I know is to keep plugging away and it's GOTTA come off eventually, doesn't it?!?  (I hope - I hope!!) Hugs, Connie 278/150/148/now 159

Connie, I know what you mean about the NUT, mine keeps telling me not to pay so much attention to the scale. I mean what ? The scale is like the gatekeeper. I also have been told that some of the gain back may be due to muscle, but I don't buy that either.  I guess it's increase the water and protien and keep moving. Thanks, Mike

Yeah, my nut mentioned that, since I had recently upped my exercise, that it was probably muscle but, like you, I think that's a load of crap!  My husband has lost 200 pounds on Weigh****chers and lifts weights 3 days a week.  He may gain one week, but then loses as the muscle starts burning fat so........  Very frustrating, to say the least!  Keep up the good work - and good luck!  At least you know you're not alone! 

ummmm... how can a scientific fact be incorrect, much of the weight we have lost WAS muscle and from hauling around our weight we were getting a workout, think about it, there is just not the same amount of weight to haul around etc.  excercise helps stop muscle wastingg, I am baffled as to why people worry so much about the scale , the numbers change wildly throughout one days time...who cares? Do your smaller sized clothes still fit you?? These are the things that might make me get on the scale for curiosities sake , other than that there is no way I'll be hanging out with scales there is TOO much to do !!!!!!

I have gained back about 10-12 pounds since my lowest point.I quit smoking in November and when I discussed this w/ my doctor (not my bariatric surgeon), she said it was normal. When we quite smoking, our metabolism slows down. I have resumed more regular workouts so I'm hoping that gain isn't permanent. I'm also a nighttime grazer. I've taken up knitting to help combat this issue. I don't want my hands dirty b/c then my project will get dirty. Maybe you should pick up a hobby that requires the use of your hands: knitting or other needlework, strumming a guitar, jigsaw puzzles and the like. I found that those few hours between the time my 4 y/o goes to sleep and my bedtime are my most challenging. That's always been my danger time. I used to try to keep low-cal/low carb snacks in the house, but I was still eating too much; I had to find another way. Keep focused...and remember, nothing tastes as good as thin feels... L*

Laura,  With spring almost hear I plan to get back outside in the evening and staying busy. I know that you are right about keeping busy and how that helps with the grazing.  You are so very right about the "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" I think you should make a t-shirt with that on it. I'd buy one. Thanks Mike

Wiseman, I have that sayign written on an index card hanging on my fridge. It's right next to a picture of me at my heaviest. I was 255 pounds when I got on the operating table and am now about 165-168, depending on the time of day and month. I should make t-shirts or magnets or something...I'm all about the inspiration... L*