7 YRS POST OP: Sometimes Life just Happens and you lose control!

Im 7yrs post-op.  When you live becomes normal again, it can get tough.  I didnt see anyone on here that was more than 3 maybe 4 yrs out.  It was REAL easy back then.  Its hard now.

I was 305, I got to as low as 175 after all the PS then my body hit that equilberium of 189. I am 5'5 and 189 was good for me seeing I had had a LBL, a tummy tuck, my arms done and my boobs done as well.  I was a size 10 and very happy. 

I left Wall Street in May of 2007 to find myself, did a ton of volunteer work and then started my MBA in Jan of 2008.  Im now 230lbs.  When I left wall st in 5/07, I was 212.  But, I was still a 12, but there is something about thse 18lbs that has made me feel really fat.  Dont get me wrong, I am FAT.  Im huge.  But, the only difference here is that at 230lbs in 2001/2002 when I had the Gastric Bypass, I couldnt exercise. I exercise all the time. I walk sometimes 4-5-6 miles per day. I live in NYC and its all about walking.  I just cannot control the eating.  My eating is so out of control I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO!

It's hard. The difference betwen tackling the whole 41 pounds and one pound at a time is that it's a much slower process. Doesn't make it any easier...just smaller things to tackle.

The first step is the first STEP...Stop or start just one single thing..and go from there. But be aware that it's slow. You didn't gain it over night and you won't lose it overnight.

Maybe start by weaning yourself off of sugar. Start with NSA and go from there. Any time you make excuses...you're not headed in the right direction..You CAN do the hard things.

Good luck on your journey.

Hi, You're just 3 yrs out.  God, I remember those days.  Still in the honeymoon phase. 

I dont eat a lot of sugar, other than wine. 

How many calories are you taking in a day? 

Maybe 1800-2000 calories.  Sometimes more, sometimes less.  I also walk about 4-5 miles a day

I believe your body has gotten used to the 4-5 miles a day and to shake it up, you'll have to cut calories or start jogging those 4-5. I had to find a happy medium at 1400 to 1600 calories before I started gaining. I gained alittle but came back down to where I am, with effort. Constant vigilance is the only way I can maintain.

I'm 4 1/2 years out and find it much harder now than I did the first few years.  I've had a slight regain and oftentimes wonder if I'm going to be able to regain control.  I do well for a few days then all hell breaks lose and my eating is out of control.

My issue isn't quantity at meals but grazing.

Mine is too.  Thats why for me, Im thrilled that Im done school bc I feel that when i go back to the 9-5 grind, I wont graze.  I never was a grazer at work. 

I feel your pain and you know what I mean bc you're as far out to know that its gets REAL tough!  Those first few yrs were a peice of cake, but, the fact that I havent gained it all back makes me feel like a winner (most days).  You should too.

Im trying to graze on fruit, but, fruit is so sugary to me that its hard.

Good luck!

Hi Heather!
I will be 6 years out in December and I remember you from the board when I was a newbe.  I have been off the boards for several years and have just come back looking for encouragement to get some weight off.

I started at 255 and got to 119.  At 5'4" I was too thin, but damn those size 2s felt amazing.  I had LBL and breast lift w/implants.  Today I sit at 160 and am determined to get back to 135-140ish.

I often feel like I have never had surgery.  Can eat just about anything I want in "normal" portions. I too have gone back to school (to get my RN) and snacking is a huge problem.  This week I have gone back to eating like a brand new post op and will see if that will kick start my weight loss and get me back on track.  I completely understand where you are coming from and while I have no magic answer, know that you are not alone in this.

Hugs, Kimberly

Kim, you know what the weird part is?  When you gain weight, like 40 lbs or so and most of your clothes still fit, size wise but bc you've had the PS you gain in the oddest places?  Have you experienced that as well?

I think you understand my problems better than anyone.  Going back to school has been tough.  My sister, who was thin her whole life, packed on 40 lbs in Nursing School and then promptly had 2 babies after and went from 140ish to over 200lbs.  In the last 6 mos, shes gotten it all off. I was secretly jealous when I was thinner than her.

For me its the snacking more than anything and bc Im on the go, I eat things I shouldnt.  I think my first mistake was letting soda back into my life.  I quit cold turkey in 2001 the night be4 my surgery and other than diet gingerale (to help when I had a tummy ache), I wouldnt touch the stuff.  However, I have been addicted to Cherry Coke Zero for about 6 mos now.  I want to curb that habit first.  I also eat way too many carbs. 

Best of luck.  Kim.  Thanks again.