Reflections from a lurker here on the graduates board

Almost 3 years out and still losing! I attribute this to many factors 1.) strictly adhering to what we know to be true for WLS patients and the diet they should stick to. 2.) exercise 3.) motivation in the form of a fellow WLS alumni I work with who has gained back 100 of the 200 lbs. she originally lost. 4.) Continued follow-up care and lastly 5.) staying on track with my vitamins.

#1 DIET: We knew going into this sacrifices would be made in the form of what we could (should) and could not (should not) eat. My surgeon was brutally honest when he asked me if I was willing to give up breads, pasta, rice, potato's and sugar the rest of my life. If not, he was unwilling to take me on as a patient. An eating planned was designed for the success of his patients and noted that when one falls off the plan things will not progress as they are intended:
a. restriction of simple carbohydrates and sugars;
b. grazing strictly prohibited;
c. feed and feed often with the caveat that this would be controlled portions and the prescribed foods i.e., lean proteins, fruits, vegetables.
d. proteins, proteins, proteins always a better choice than chips.

#2 EXERCISE: The benefits and gained are more than just weight loss. Weight training in any form promotes building of muscle which burns calories through-out the day with the extra added benefits of stronger bones and the release of endorphins that combat fatigue and
depression. There are no excuses this is me time and I like me!

#3 MOTIVATION: The one person who could set an example for me did so in the worst possible way. By observing her eating habits I was given a birds eye view of how not following (what should be a life long commitment) will be the brick wall hit by many.

#4 FOLLOW-UP: Being accountable to my doctor helps me in my success to say nothing of monitoring my health.

#5 VITAMINS: There is no excuse not to take them. Don't have time for the pesky iron pill the consequences are fatigue, anemia and in some cases the need for transfusions. Find it a pain in the ass to take your calcium? Just wait until you take a fall and something
breaks. Need I say more?

I once worried about being able to afford plastic surgery for the ugly bat wings and the inevitable loose skin on the belly. Some how they are not as important as I once thought. My energy and stamina are off the charts and a whole new world has evolved. Do I slip? On occasion. Do I worry about weight gain during the holidays? Not at all. These last 3 years has allowed me to change my eating habits, given me back my health and taught me that I can do this. Forever.

I agree with you Vi.  Wise words indeed; but if I might interject a few comments: First, while all of what you wrote I believe to be true; it's much easier said than done and by that I mean for those who truly struggle with food addictions, I would suggest adding counseling to their getting healthy regimine to help them overcome these addictions and learn how to truly cope for the long-term.  The tool of WLS is great, but as many have found out, where there's a will, there's a way and it can be overcome and weight re-gained:  unless those food addictions are also overcome.  For some, they need the extra help of counseling to do this.  No shame in that, but those folks do need to be honest with themselves and get that extra help. Second, I too agree with taking vitamins - and certainly more than my surgeon told me to take.  But don't automatically assume that those who need infusions or break bones aren't taking them.  I did need an infusion and I WAS taking my supplements - faithfully and in much larger quantities than my surgeon was recommending.    I think the bigger recommendation would be to get your blood work checked for all your nutrient levels - at least every 6 months (every 3 months would be ideal, if your insurance will cover and/or you can afford to do it that often); because believe me, things can change quickly with us RNYers and our malabsorption issues, and I would think more so with the DS folks.   Your blood work is key to controlling and maintaining the proper vitamin supplement levels for you. 

I am in agreement with you.  There will be acceptions to every rule and I do not discount food addictions (obviously had one my self) and the need for real medical interventions.  With that said I hope it is the exception and not the norm.   There are many days when I don't want, or seem that I cannot find the time to hit the gym those are the days that I push myself even harder.  Happy Holidays to all this is just food for thought (pun intended).

Gee, Vi, I feel like I could have written most of your post; we have a lot in common.  Only difference is that my surgeon does not require his patients to eliminate breads, pasta, rice, and potatoes for the rest of their lives.  He does, however, suggest very limited consumption of these types of carbs and a focus on complex carbs instead.  That has worked for me; just knowing that it's okay to have a little bit of these things once in a while makes them less tempting than if they were totally off limits.   I also have a fellow WLS alumni at my job who gained back about half of what she lost.  She still grazes throughout the day and I think that has contributed to a lot of her regain.  Like you, I am learning from her missteps.   I totally 100% agree with you about exercise.  The benefits are huge and I'm worth the time I spend at the gym.   Anyway, just chiming in; best of luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

Kellie, Thanks for the response.  I too was told that I could have the occasional pasta, breads and rice after being a year out.  It is however far a few inbetween I have tried to incorporate the lack of these particular food items into the new lifestyle and it works for me.  As stated what holds true for one does not always work for another with the exception of exercise, diet and comittment. Funny thing about my co-worker is that she is constantly making excuses to me which I never ask her for.  I've kept my nose out of her business (wish I could say the same for her but this all goes with choosing your battles).  I wish you continued success. V

I'm curious.  What did your co-worker do to gain back that much weight?

From what I see of her eating habits at work it is an all day thing (the eating) with poor choices thrown in for good measure).  She admittedly does not exercise.  What I find interesting are the statistics she quotes on those who fail.  I bite my lip as I can easily recognize the source of the problem but as stated it's none of my business.  I'm just saying this is a tool only, not the fix.

You are so right!  I struggle every day to keep everything under control.  Every day is not perfect!  As far as exercise, I lack greatly in that, too!  Hopefully, after my panni is removed, it'll be easier as I will have more mobility ~ it really gets in the way!  Thanks for your reply. Dollie

I feel the need to say that for some of us it is so hard to stick with what we know we should be doing. I have always know that I am a sugar junkie, it is the reason I chose RYN. I guess God likes me struggling because I was not given the gift of dumping and I do not have the resolve to avoid sugar, especially if it is combined with flour in any way. I am not making excuses because at 4 years and almost 4 months post op I have managed to lose & keep off  164 pounds.  I feel I must add that I am still struggling to reach my personal loss goal of 180 but know that it is more than likely to do with the fact that almost everyday I consume sugar products, not alot but just enough to make that 180 mark seem unreachable. I am very happy for those of you that have the fortitude to just stick with what you know is right. I just figure that if I ever had the will power to do that I probably never would have gotten to 360 pounds in the first place. Diana RNY 9/17/03 360/196/forever aiming at 180

Diana Thank you for your honesty. I am also in your shoes. I started at 278 and I got down to 213. Over the last 11 months, I've gained 24 pounds. I'm scared of gaining my weight back. I am strong but life has happened and all hell has broken out in my life. I don't have dumping symptoms either. I am diabetic and I CRAVE sugar. I do all I can to control. I control my diabetes but it's not easy.  I recently had two car accidents (not my fault) but my back and neck were injured. Not being able to work out hasn't helped with my weight gain. My point is saying that it's hard to resist the things we know we shouldn't have. I can relate to your daily struggle with sugar and perhaps emotional eating because I experience those same hardships. Hang in there! You're in my prayers! Samaria