Yep, Honeymoon's O.V.E.R

Hi All, Not even two years out and I find myself gaining.  Yeah, I read about it, heard about it (from my doctor who's done thousands of these procedures and keeps statistics on all), and seen it. You don't believe it until it happens to you.  I'm teetering near 145.  I think my lowest was 136 when I had the stomach flu back in Dec. 2006, and after vacation in August of 2007.   I had no problem weighing ~140 every day.  Now, in the last month or two the weight is creeping back. So, I am going back to the basics...mostly making sure I get all my protein and getting rid of any sugar in my diet.  I know this is really hard, but, is really effective once you conquer it.  For me, when I eliminate sugar, I don't crave it.  I may try the 5dpt. What I have learned through the weight gain may be really surprising.  I have received more compliments! I guess I don't look as old/sickly???  I also saw my PCP recently for blood work and I can't use my thyroid for an excuse.  He also told me that I cannot go below 135 pounds because of my build.  This was really good for me to hear on two fronts 1) My surgeon's goal was always 120 pounds (which at 5'5" and med.-large frame is hard to achieve) 2) I think I can be at peace with 135-140, it's like I can finally wrap myself around a goal. As for looking better with the extra 5-7 pounds, well, I guess I gotta look old and sickly because I am bound and determined to get this extra padding off.   Some kind souls tell me it's just winter weight (like bears that hybernate) Sorry so long...thanks for listening, fellow grads! Karen

Karen, you sound ready to conquer the sugar cravings and regain control......you are getting to the regain quickly which I commend you on......the further we lose control the harder it is to get back to basics. I've been in your shoes just a mere 2 months ago, up about 8 lbs from my goal and with the 5 day pouch test and a strong determination to stop it NOW, I'm back to where I want to be.....it really wasn't to hard to regain control.....I know my limits and I know it was the carbs (read ~~ potatoes and rice, with the occassional dessert treat) that were suckering me in. I feel so much better, I'm also posting to the accountability post everyday....seeing is believing and knowing I'm putting it out here for the world to see makes me think twice (usually) before I splurge. Good luck!

Aww, thanks Dana....you know how to make a girl feel better! I'm glad you mentioned accountability...I'm going to check out the post.  You know, OH plays a big part, I think.  You think it is conincidental that the weight came back while I took a little hiatus from OH?????  Things that make you go HMMMMM??

Anyway, I also wanted to post to let everyone know that weight gain is for real and to be diligent about the principles we all learned early on.  People talk about the honeymoon period, where you really cannot do much wrong.  Now, I'm finding myself going back to the basics, the tried and true effective eating plan that I was religious about for at least the first year. It is frustrating because you really can feel the difference in how your clothes fit with the 5-7 pound regain.  Heck when I was ~250, I couldn't tell the difference! I think I may try the 5dpt.  I've googled it and have been reading a lot about it lately.  Sounds reasonable.  And it helps to know how it has worked for others. Thanks for the good thoughts. Karen

You know, OH plays a big part, I think.  You think it is conincidental that the weight came back while I took a little hiatus from OH?????  Things that make you go HMMMMM?? Karen, I totally agrre with this statement.....we moved from Tx to La and I was without a computer and my daily OH fix for almost 5 months.....that is exactly when I experienced the regain......I firmly believe that unless we get support (whether online or face to face) we'll slip up at some point, JMO. I'm glad to see you back posting, the Grad board is such a great board, we all understand each other.  The post-honeymoon time is by far way harder than the first 12-18 months for me.

Can you help a newbie please, where do I find a place to add a signature to my posts? I have scoured the site and I cannot find it. Thanks so much! Diane

Look to left when at any message board...Where it says "welcome" ::::Click:::::: on user settings and go from there! There, you can also add a photo for your posts too. (if you  want to) Good luck luck Anita

Karen You are at the right place, I do believe! I'm just going to say "hey" at you and "welcome" ....because you seem like a woman on a mission...and with support here...I think you'll be just fine. I do the winter gain every year...and every year it freaks me out just a little bit more. Like Dana...I've got it under control and trying to hold steady now and maybe even lose a few more pounds and set a new goal myself.  I love your photos!  Your girls are precious and you are just beautiful. Anita 

I know what you mean!! We had surgery in the same month. I hit goal at 9 months out losing 110 pounds and have about 15 back on. Everyone says " I look healthier " at this weight, but I feel terrible. My clothes are tight and I need to get it back off. I have my 2 year appointment next month so am trying to get at least 10 off before then. Good luck to you and keep posting on OH it really helps, Deb

Exactly...my clothes are getting tighter and I am longing for that svelte look again.  A look that I too saw at 9 months out when I hit goal. I swear our bodies figure this stuff out and puff us up a bit.  We may look better, but, I like the way my clothes hung better a few pounds lighter, ya know, the time where just about anything looks as good on you as it does on the hanger (try that pre-op). I will not buy larger sizes.  Using that for motivation, and the memory of how my dress slacks looked on me at ~138. Question:  do you feel you gained all over, or in target areas (like mid-section, lower back, thighs, like me)? Karen

I'm just over 3yrs out, but I'm right there with ya!!! My lowest was 150lbs and I found it very hard to maintain that weight~I settled in around 153-155 for quite awhile and then BAM~I'm up to 159lbs. I'm trying to get 7-9lbs back off right now. I do agree that our look totally changes over time too. Like you, I liked the way I looked right when I hit goal, but then it seemed even if the scale didn't change, my look changed a bit~I filled in and looked different. Anyway, I remember you from before and just wanted to welcome you back!!!!!!!!