3 Years out, gaining weight... help!!!! Please.

Hi Everyone, I'm 3 years post op (Roux-en-y - open), had a baby 9 months ago and have gained 45 pounds and can not seem to lose it.  Any suggestions?  I'm so depressed.  I have tried going back to just protien drinks, but I freak out, because all I can think of is food.  Are there any weight loss pills out there, or something I can try?   I can't find a support group either.  I have emailed the leader (twice) for my state/city on the Obesity Help Support Group page and never heard back from her.  I had my surgery in Virginia and have sinced moved back to my "home" state of Michigan, living in Utica. I appreciate any help anyone can offer.  I'm desperate. Thanks, Monique

There is not enough information.  Are you exercising?  What is your diet?

commit to exercising at least one day per week, even for 10 minutes or so and gradually increase.  find some activities you enjoy and maybe can even do with the baby.  hang tough.  frankie

Monique, I am in the same boat!  But I had my baby 17 months ago!  I know the reasons - and everyone says to go back to the basics - protein first, don't drink with meals, drink lots of water, exercise, etc. I can see very clearly where I am falling short.  I haven't found the motivation to get the weight off again.  I am also feeling depressed.  I didn't really change my habits and lifestyle when I had my surgery, obviously.  Now that my pouch will hold more, I eat more, drink with my meals, eat fast food, junk food, eat when I'm not hungry etc.   I know the answer...  I just don't do it...   I remember someone's slogan in the past was something like "we don't change until the pain of staying where we are exceeds the pain of change..."  I daily long for my clothes in my closet to fit but then I continue to overeat and make bad food choices.   I have hope though...  I've heard many people say that the tool does work IF you choose to use it again! My heart goes out to you.  I don't remember when I was researching this surgery that so many people struggled with regain...  now it's rampant.  My mom and I both had the surgery and both struggle with regain.   Good luck!!! Laina Lap RNY 9/9/03

Laina -   I gotta tell you - I absolutely love that slogan you quoted!  It seems to be the story of my entire life these days - weight regain included!! I thought it was ironic that you mentioned that you don't recall many dealing with weight gain when you were researching this surgery.....  I said the exact same thing to someone the other day and she (very politely) told me that perhaps I chose not to listen to that part of the reality?  How right she was!!!  Needless to say, it was a sobering realization! Here's to all of us that continue to struggle - but in no way, shape, or form (and I mean that literally!) are anywhere near the place we were before surgery!    We can do it together!! Hugs! Kristi 

Hi~ I'm 4 yrs out from RNY. I have lost and kept off over 120 lbs. But I am wondering if someone could send me a list of the supplements their currently taking. Due to non absorption I have become anemic and have had several iron infusions but couldnt get my levels up enough on the ferritin (which is currently a 5.) My hemoglobin is ok for the moment but is sure to slide if I dont get my iron stores up. My PCP has me taking 2 iron pills daily which constipate horribly. Also with the calcium we take, Im miserable. I do take stool softeners, etc for that. LOL My main question is what supplements and how much are you guys taking? How are you feeling post op? Like I said Im a few years out and just hoping to connect to someone who is long term post op. Thanks! Gina

Monique:  I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this.  Weight gain is so frustrating and you do get to feeling helpless about it at times.  Just as someone else said, we know what we're supposed to do, but can't make ourselves do it. I have also had a pretty sizeable regain since my lowest post-WLS weight (about 25 lbs).  I haven't been able to make any real substantial changes to my diet, but I am exercising regularly now, and I wasn't before.  So at least I'm not gaining any more weight - the exercise is helping me to maintain.  And I have to say that the regular exercise is helping me just a little to think more about what I'm putting in my mouth. Maybe if you could start a regular exercise program the diet changes will follow along.  I would say get "out there" with your little one and start walking, and maybe you'll start to see some positive changes.  Best wishes - let us know how you're doing. Carlita

I am out 5 yrs and it has been a daily struggle. It is not easy. I lost down to 140 from 303 then i gained back to 180 and have stayed close to there for the last 3 yrs. I went from a 56 to 36 wst so i am good with that. But i constantly watch what i eat and do within my diet. I dont always follow the rules and i pay for it too in my wieght and my body. I worry all the time and people are always telling me you have to go back to the basics. Let me tell you. it may be easy for some but not everyone is as disciplined as others. I feel so down sometimes, because it seems i worry more about my weight now then i did when i was fat. Maybe someday it will work out for me too in my head i guess. Hope you good success, Bruce

Have you considered trying the plateau diet folks around here have used? Maybe this will give you the jump start you need.

1 - Do this for 10 days to break a plateau #2 - Drink 2 quarts of water a day #3 - You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamins/minerals supplements each day (some suggest at least 60 and up to 80 gr) #4 - You may consume up to 3 oz of the following high protein foods, 5x a day beef pork chicken turkey lamb fish eggs low fat cheese cottage cheese plain yogurt or artificially sweetened (?) peanut butter beans/legumes You may also have: sugar free popsicles tea or coffee sugar free soda sugar free jello broths/bullion (sp?) crystal light drinks #5 - If it's not on the list, you can't have it for 10 days!!!! #6 - Keep a food diary and try to get up to 30 mins of exercise daily

Weight loss surgery was the tool.  Daily maintenance is the life style.  Make your exercise a priority (along with diet) take an honest look at what you are eating.  I am more than 2 years out and continue to lose, so I have to adjust my diet and exercise weekly as not to become underweight.  This is it's own set of issues.  Age, hormones, stress all factory in.  Good luck.