Was bedridden, gained lots of weight and need support

In August 2002, I had WLS and over the next 18 months I lost 120lbs.  I gained about 20 lbs. back and was still content since I was 53 when I had the surgery and I know that my procedure was not extreme (little instesine removed).  Well, the knees that were bad before the surgery, felt wonderful for a while but then started aching again.  My activity level became less and less and pounds crept back on.  In January 07, I had both my knees replaced and did really well in therapy, but then my back manifested a few herniated discs and I was almost totally bedridden until August when I had a spinal fusion.  Now I am all flab and have gained more weight, so now I have regained about 60 of my original loss.  I need help and I need support.  I don't know where to start.  All positive input and encouragement will be greatly appreciated.

Kathy, it sounds like you've been thru alot! How is your back feeling now? You hang in there and just do what you can. Walking is great if you're able to! Get back to basics~push protein,dont drink with meals etc. your pouch will still work for you!

Tracy, thank you for your encouragement.  My back is doing quite well, Oh, I forgot to say that in between my knees and back, my husband had a heart attack, then another heart procedure; so this has been a really challenging year for us.  We are praying that God will give us a much better new year.  Yes, I realize that I've not been paying much attention to what I am doing.  We always eat 'healthy' but some of the 'healthy' foods for most are not so for me.  So yes, back to basics.  I will, if you don't mind, let you know how I do.  Again, thanks.

Oh Kathy, You have really been thru alot!!! I'm glad to hear that your back is better though! Sorry to hear about your husband too~I guess you've had alot more important things to think about than what you're eating and making time to exercise! Tracking your food is a good idea~either written journal or fitday.com/sparkpeople.com Try to eliminate grazing~there are so many times when I don't even realize I'm doing this! Push dense proteins to fill you up and keep you full. Drink plenty of liquids~at least 64oz,but hopefully even more. Follow the 30/30 rule for liquids with meals. Exercise~do whatever is comfortable for you. Seek support here or thru a support group I have done the 5DPT 2 times now and have found it to be very helpful. You have to be ready to commit to it for the 5 days, but its not so bad once you get going. Good Luck to You!!!!!!!

I'm back to MEASURING EVERYTHING.  I found that my protions were way over what they should be.  I was also grazing to much.  You could also start a food diary again and track where your trouble spots are. Mine was after my part time job when I get home at 11 pm I want to EAT.  BAD THING.  You could also try the 5 day test http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html a lot of people here have used it to get back on track.  I havne't tried it yet I haven't been in the right MIND set and that is most of the battle.  We're all here for you. Together we can get back on track.  Good Luck,  Robin

Girlfriend.. I applaud you for laying it alll out there.. that is a TOUGH thing to do.. especially since SO many people criticize and judge us.. ALL of us.. being a former fatty.. people watch what I eat daily.. and its hard.. let alone for me to have some re-gain.. so I can totally relate..  bottom line is YOU are already doing it.. continue with eating healthy & trying to be a little active.. more and more each day.. if you walk for 3 minutes today.. try 5 min tommorrow and heck.. even if you only add one minute a day.. pretty soon youcan be up to 30 min..  we are all in this together and we know its NOT easy.. so feel free to scream shout & confess if needed..  I am supporting you.. and my email inbox is ALWAYS open..  Take care & have a great day  H

I dont have any words of wisdom because what always seems to come to mind is try & be active but Im not sure thats good for you...second i would think  be very aware of what you ingest, but im sure you already are or you wouldnt be reaching out. I know for me I have a much harder time "dieting" than I do get activity in. I just want you to know your not alone & now your im my prayers :0) Big HUgs Diana RNY 9/17/03 360/196/forver aiming for 180

I am sorry.. just realized that maybe walking is not an option.. I have heard about some chair exercise videos available online.. maybe you can check into that?   Hope that helps  H

Oh, that is fine.  I am doing really well.  I can walk great,  and in about 3 weeks I'll find out if the fusion is total healed and I'll be ready to go.  I so appreciate your reply and all the others.  I never expected such a show of support and I am truly thankful.  To all my new WLS Friends - THANKS:)

Goodness girl - what a year indeed!  I'll certainly be praying for you and praying that 2008 is MUCH better!!!  Many have been doing the 5 Day Pouch Test that was linked above.  That's more for folks who feel their pouch may have stretched or they're eating too much - to help get them back on track.  Some say it's helped curb their carb cravings.  Many lose weight while doing the 5 day pouch test (5DPT).  Others go back to the Pouch Rules for Dummies and follow that to get back on track.  I'd say honestly evaluate your food intake by logging what you're eating - I use the fitday.com software that I bought and downloaded to my computer, but you can use the free version online at fitday.com.  Sparkpeople.com also has free logging software, as I'm sure do other places online.  Keep track of every bite.  Are you able to exercise with your back and knee problems?  If so, do so - or do what you can.  Water aeorbics maybe?  That might be good for you.  I personally love Walk Away the Pounds - as it's not too jarring, but you need to do what you can with your specific needs.  I'm guessing water exercises would be good for you.  You can lose that excess!!!  Many have done it.  The tool is still there - you just need to work it!