Help! 5 years post op and need to get back on track!

Hi Patty

I also had Dr. Warnock as my surgeon.  Never had any problems with my surgery but like you somewhere along the way I have managed to start gaining.  Never did reach my goal.

I went to see him December and he had me start the liquids as well.  Then my older sister that had been battling cancer died .... was not a suprise but very hard and I was dealing with that but then her oldest daughter died unexpectedly about a month later from a stomach infection and that threw me  for loop.  I just haven't been able to stick with what he told me to do and now I'm so embarrased and ashamed at losing control once again that I haven't been able to make myself go see him again.

I have started the liquids again this week in hope of getting in control.  I hate the roller coaster.  I had so hoped the surgery would help me not go through this again.  I guess I still don't know how to actually be in control.  The quantity of food I can eat now with out it bothering me is scary.  Its my fault I am letting it happen and I'm so dissapointed in myself.

Well thanks for listening and  letting me vent it was good to see your posting.

Take care and good luck in your journey ..sounds like you are on the right path.

 

Thanks

Alfie

I think that most of us have to deal with the fact that this surgery isn't a cure for obesity, it's just a tool to help us lose most of our excess weight.  It's up to us to develop healthy eating habits and maintain them. I failed that miserably and am now working hard to correct it.  I always maintained that the surgery and recovery was the easy part of this - maintainance is the hard part.   I don't know if Dr. W ever told you this but he did me.  After surgery, we only absorb about half the calories that we injest.  After about a year, the intestines adjust to the change and start absorbing more.  He said that they probably don't absorb all but he would think about 85 or 90 percent.  That is why it's so important that we learn good eating habits and maintain them throughout the "honeymoon period" and for the rest of your life. Don't be so hard on yourself - you are not alone.  The first step is admitting to yourself that you have a problem and then starting to deal with it.  It took me months to get up the courage to call Dr. W and when I did, he was so nice.  I think what bothered me the most was that I really felt that I had let him down. He did tell me that once I get to where I want to be, I must be faithful about weighing daily and if I gain two to three pounds, get right back on the liquids until it is gone.  Unfortunately, that wasn't in the protocol when I had my surgery - I think this whole timeout thing is relatively new - at least compared to me - I had my surgery in 2001. Good luck and let's keep supporting each other. Patty

Patty, Yes, I agree with you that the "Time Out" idea must be new.  I know I had my surgery in Feb 02 and there was barely anything as far as protocol then.  I have my discharge papers from the hospital that actually say to eat peanut butter crackers (from a vending machine) and drink apple juice.  There was nothing about sugar free, low carb, or any other restrictions.  Even when I went to see Dr. Warnock about 2 years ago with the weight gain, he basically told me to cut out all cheese and bread,  drink lots of fluids, and try to stick to protein.  At that time though I did get a copy of the litle blue booklet that new patients get.  It's so nice to read that he has developed a plan for those of us who gain some back.  I have about 65 lbs to lose to get back to goal.  I started today with this "time out" plan and so far I am doing well.  This is just what I need to kick these bad habits and get these food addictions under control again.  Then when I am ready to start solids again I'll be able to stick with the proteins and vegetables.  I am so grateful that you have taken the time to post because it has helped me tremendously just to know I am not alone and that there is a plan of action recommended by my surgeon.  Honestly, since I haven't lost the weight in the 2 years since I saw him I was too embarrassed to see him again.  Plus, I live so far away from him now.  I'll just keep going with this plan as long as I can and maybe get myself back on track and back to goal.   Thanks, Angela

Angela, I was embarrased to go back too.  But I finally made myself make that phone call and I am so glad I did.  I talked with him again Monday and he told me I could continue with the three drinks a day or switch to two drinks and add a salad (veggies only, no meat or cheese).  I have opted to stick with the all liquids for a while. You might want to talk to him on the phone.  I have to have my electrolytes checked the first of May (his recommendations and he will send a prescription to you to take to your doctor for the lab work). Patty

Lorri, I had the same problem.  I'm 5'6" - I had gotten down to 148 size 4, then back up to 165, size 8.  I know it was from snacking at my desk all the time.  I talked to my surgeon and he said to keep almonds, nuts at my desk on and snack on them.  Now when I get the desk snacky's I grab my almonds and cashews.  It's good protein and fills me up quick.  I'm down to 158 - still have a ways to go - but I'm eating much better now.  I also no longer get the carb cravings.  Try it. Candy

Candy I am thinking about getting some protein powder to make protein shakes.  I think I will try to do just the shakes for a week or two to see what happens (see previous post above about the Behavior Modification).  You sound like you are doing great, I hope I can do the same. Thanks!

I couldn't believe your story..I had RNY on 01/25/01..Beginning weight of 330 lbs.. I lost a total of 168 lbs, with an ending weight of 161.5 lbs...Over the last couple of years, I have gained about 20-25 pounds, and I feel horrible. While I know that my bypass was successful, and I had great results, I recognize that it is all about me now--the surgery has done what it can do for me...I would LOVE to get the lap band..I feel like that would be the tool that I need to lose the extra pounds I've put on and be able to maintain a healthy weight. I have said for months that I am going to "get started"--eating better and exercising....Hasn't happened...I can really eat a lot--can you?? And my food choices are not good either...I don't like "healthy" stuff like salads and veggies.... Anyway...I am so glad you shared your story..I am in the same boat...Maybe this will give me the motivation I need to finally "get started"--Although, the lap band is really tempting!!