Question for RNY grads who have put weight back on...

(I originally posted the below in the RNY forum and it was suggested that I post here to get more responses) I had VBG about 15 years ago, and like many others I've read about, I'm sitting back above my pre-surgery weight. With VBG it didn't take much effort to 'cheat', as the calorie dense foods ****cream, processed fast foods, etc) were much easier to consume then more healthy foods (lean chicken, raw veggies, etc.) I'm looking into a revision surgery (RNY) and would like to hear from folks who've had RNY done, but failed to maintain their post-op weight loss. One of the big differences I thought would be very helpful with RNY or DS was the bypass part of the operation where some percentage of calories would not be absorbed as they passed through the lower intestines. From what I've read it takes about 4000 calories per day to maintain a 300lb weight for a sedentary person (13.5 cals x 300lbs = ~4000 cals/day). If a portion of the food that is eaten is not absorbed, does this mean folks are managing to squeeze in >4000 cals per day (assuming their weight gets back up around 300lbs)? As you've put back on your weight, how many calories do you think you're taking in? And do you think food is not being absorbed (as you can see a difference in your stools pre-op vs. post-op, assuming solid foods post-op) Thanks in advance

In order to regain it wouldn't take 4000 calories a day. For someone 180 pounds it would take about 2000 calories a day to start a regain, and our metabolism ends up screwed if we don't eat within an hour of getting up, and most fat people don't eat breakfast. I think the absorption increases over time, as people's intestines either grow more vili or their actual intestines may grow. People who have the DS may have less regain, but many people have defeated that one too.  You can cheat any surgery and regain, I have dumped only once, and I struggle with the same problems I had before surgery, which is the urge to eat sweets, ice cream, cake, and fatty fried foods. I think it's hard to maintain if you're genetically inclined to be fat, and also have bad habits. I hope you do well. I forgot to mention I am only 16 months out from RNY. My mother is 30 years out and regained 16 pounds back.