2 1/2 Years Out and Starting to Gain it Back!!

I haven't been on this website for over a year and find myself now in need of some help. I lost 142 pounds in the first 7 months after my surgery. I have stayed the same weight up until about 4 months ago. I have gained back about 8 pounds. I know that may not sound like alot, but I am very worried that if this continues I may be in trouble. I am having a very hard time with sweets. I am totally addicted to sweets. I eat them and then I suffer for it. I have major dumping symptoms after eating this junk, and yet I do it over and over again. Each time thinking I will not do this again because I feel like I am going to die, but the feeling passes and then I do it again. I truly believe that this addiction is just as powerful as an addiction to drugs. Even though I had the weight loss surgery, nothing has really changed. I still crave food, think about food all the time, think about my next meal while eating my current meal. Does anyone else have these feelings or am I alone? I feel like such a failure. I made the mistake of thinking this whole process was going to be much easier than it has been.

You are NOT alone!!! There are many of us here that struggle with the exact same things on a daily basis. I know they say that alot of times there's "bounce back" weight gain after the intial loss, but I worked hard to get down to my goal and I don't want to gain any back~its my biggest fear. I know I am an emotional eater and a food addict so just  recently I started seeing a therapist that specializes in  eating  disorders. I've had 3 sessions so far and it really seems to be helping me mentally. I hope that this mental change will help to keep me in the correct frame of mind so that I don't have weight gain and can deal with my  problems in a different way. Only time will tell. We all have our trigger foods and it sounds like sugar is a big one for you. I know alot of people have had to detox from sugar and its pretty hard for the first 3-4 days but then it gets easier and the cravings seem to stop. Maybe that would be something to consider??? Hang in there and  Good Luck!!!!!

I really agree with you that food addictions are every bit as powerful as other types of addictions.  I feel that I am a sugar/carb addict, too, and it's extremely difficult to control this at times.  The weird part of it is that I'm afraid to go "cold turkey" and try to totally give up these things like chocolate (especially) and other sweets.  I don't want to be without them forever, even knowing what they can do.  You are right to be concerned, though.  I did not pay enough attention when I started to re-gain and let myself gain 25 pounds from my lowest post-WLS weight.  I think I told myself that the surgery would continue to work for me and that this weight would come off because of it.  I now know this is not true!  I still do eat the sweets, and I don't dump at all, so there's no physical consequence for me except for weight gain.  However, I did recently "up" my exercise and am trying really hard to be regular about it.  I did not exercise at all after WLS (surgery date 9/11/03), and just started a regular program several months ago.  I have not lost any of the regained weight, but I haven't gained any more either.  That makes me feel a little better, and now I know if I want to actually lose, I will definitely have to tweak my eating plan and give up more of the sugar and carbs.  Anyway, you are NOT alone - most of us have eating/food issues.  Therapy helps a lot of people, keeping up with support groups, and posting here.  All we can do is continue to try to fight this.  You are not a failure - hang in there!  Best wishes, Carlita  

I am 16 mos. out (12/1/05) and am at my goal weight.  I am definitely addicted to sweets at this stage of my journey and I don't get any dumping syndrome.  I haven't had any complications from the surgery and I walk 4 miles every day.  I still crave food but can only eat a small amount.  I have a new lifestyle and it's a wonderful and healthy one.  The only thing is I LIKE SWEETS TOO MUCH.  I used to go to a support group but it folded and I haven't found another one yet.  It just so happens that my daughter, who has a different kind of eating disorder,  suggested OA (Overeater's Anonymous).  I am going to try to go to a meeting until I can find another support group to join.  Although I rarely post a message, I find this website and this forum, in particular, very helpful.  I also use FitDay.com, where I keep a weight log, exercise log, food log, and diary.  I weigh myself everyday to keep myself within a 3 lb. range (125-128 lbs.).   Thank you for your message.  Although it scared me, it makes me very aware of what could happen if I don't get my act together.  Good luck to you!  Keep up the good work.

I'm not going to tell you everything you already know, but I want to ask you something? No flamming, just my nursy Nurse coming out.

 I have major dumping symptoms after eating this junk, and yet I do it over and over again.

 When you say dumping, do you mean full fledged diarrhea?  Are you doing this daily? Multiple times a day?  The reason I'm asking is because if you are "dumping" daily this can cause dehydration and/or electrolite imbalences just like whem someone abuses laxatives or is bulemic.

Just wanted you to know there are worse things that can happen besides gaining a few pounds.

HELLO!! HARD AS IT IS, JUST SAY 'NO'! Come on, re-read your post. It's not worth it to give in to the sugar. Are you drinking with meals? That will empty your pouch fast and that may be why you are hungry. Are you eating foods that are dense? If not, try it. They take longer to get out of the pouch and you will NOT feel hungry, trust me. Try writing down what you will eat and STICK TO THE LIST. Make sure it's protein first (at least 2-3 oz), veggies next (at least 1/2 cup) and then some fruit if you are still hungry. Don't even consider something sweet unless it is fruit. The mind is a powerful thing. If you keep telling yourself you want sweets, you will never be satisfied without them and you didn't have this surgery for nothing. It is only a means to limit the food intake. You have to talk yourself out of "wanting" and therefore "getting". It's mind over matter, really. Get busy with something enjoyable or take a good look at what your day consists of now and see where the problems lay. You may be bored, you may be feeling trapped, you may not even know what the trigger is, but if possible, now that the weather is good, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Go for a walk around your yard or neighborhood till the feeling passes. Dring a LOT of water. Sometimes we think we are hungry, but it is really just being thirsty. Good luck! Marilyn