so, I'm gonna go back

So about two years ago, I got a letter from Barix Clinics where I had my surgery telling me that my surgeon had left their facility to pursue other opportunities and that another doctor would be handling my case.  Needless to say, I never returned to the doc for another post-op follow up visit.  I was just so comfortable with my original surgeon, and I guess I was a little mad at the fact that he was gone.  Anyway, August 19, I will be 3 yrs out, and I've had a 17 pound re-gain.  I've been doing ok trying to get back on track on my own, but I'm starting to think that following up with the surgeon and maybe a nutritionist will put me back in my place and help me get down to my original goal.  

It's not an issue of lab work or anything.  I followed up with all that at my family doctor, and fortunately for me, no vitamin deficiency problems currently, and no cholesterol issues as of yet.  I'm just hoping that returning to my roots might help me find my place mentally and help me get situated.  I was up to 216 lbs, but as of this morning I was 213.  The protein and walking have been helping, but I need an extra push.  

Do you guys think that going back to the surgeon will help? 

For what?

We aren't talking rocket science.  To get from 216 to 165, the path is pretty well laid out.  Eat less (probably 1,000 calories a day give or take), excercise more (30 mins cardio per day), keep a food log, MEASURE ALL of your food and try for 40-50% protein calories per day.

Now, just because the path is well marked, doesn't mean the journey is easy.  But, that would need a psychologist, not a nutritionist.

I'm 3 years out and have been frustrated with not only no more weight loss but a sudden regain.  In desperation I called the bariatric center nut and made an appt.  I thought I knew what to do and what she would say but I was surprised.  She marked up my food diary and gave me other suggestions for what to eat.  I still have not reintroduced sugar and don't eat bread, rice, or pasta so I thought I was doing my part.  Her insight was valuable, not what I thought it would be, and my weight is down and continuing.  I'm more serious with my exercise now and watching fats and carbs which I wasn't before.

My surgeon likes to keep the yearly appts and I find there are new findings with bariatric patients that I find out about that way - things to watch, new labs to monitor, etc.  What can it hurt?  None of us are beyond learning.

With being as far post-op as you are, you know what to do.  WE ALL do!  However, that being said, reconnecting with another surgeon possibly wouldn't be a bad thing at all.  You may really like the surgeon and the act of checking in might help you get recommitted and back on track.  I certainly would consider it as a launching place for you to get back on track.  It may be just the push you need get back to basics.

213 is not that far from 199!  Have a goal of seeing the "100's" which is certainly doable for you!!

Cathy

I agree that you know what to do, but staying in touch with a bariatric dr isn't a bad idea either. I know going to support groups monthly helps me to stay motivated and up to date on things~do you have any good support groups in your area??