2 Years Out

Hi, my name is Nicole. I had RNY 2 years ago. I have lost 120lbs since surgery and recently gained about 20 lbs back. I was never able to get my personal goal weight. Since I have gained 20lbs I have been feeling like a bit of a failure. Im even to embarassed to go back to my Dr. for my 2 year check-up. I would still like to lose 30lbs. I know I can do this. But I have pretty much fallen off the wagon completely. I dont record what I eat, I dont do protein supplements, and I dont work out like I should. I promised myself pre-op I wouldnt be one of those people who throw away all of their tools but I have. So I am here for some support to get back on the wagon and use this amazing tool I have been given correctly. So at 2 years out how many calories should I be consuming and what should my portion sizes look like? I am interested in any and all information anyone has to offer. I appreciate any and all encouragement!!!

 

Thanks so much,

Nicole

First off, dont be embarrassed to go back to see your NUT. They are there to help you.  I went to see my NUT for my 18 month check and I had gained 6 pounds (it turned out that to her, I had lost 1 pound since my last visit but to me I had gained 6 pounds from my lowest - I hadn't seen her for 6 months)  We went over everything I was eating, drinking, my protein totals, protein drinks, fluids, if I was exercising (lack of exercise in my case) and we figured out my calories.  Well, low and behold my protein totals were fine but my calories were way too low.  I wasn't eating enough which was putting my body into starvation mode slowing  down my metabolism.  So she recommended that I increase my calories 200-400 calories per day.  She wants me to exercise more but that isn't really possible for me (back problems - so I walk when possible)  Well, sure enough within 2 weeks I lost 5 pounds.  Adding the calories worked.

This is what she recommended for me - 100-120grams of protein per day (including 2 protein drinks per day optional), 64-80 ounces of fluids, 1000-1200 calories per day.  6 small meals per day - every 2-3 hours, high protein, low carb, low fat.  Each meal must have protein.  Include fruit 2-3 times per day.  Limit starches.

I"m almost two years out and my portions aren't any bigger than they were at 1 year out.

As for calories, that varies so much. My program says most of their patients end up in the 1000-1200 calorie range. But I've seen anywhere from 1000-3000 depending on age, height, activity level, etc.

If you have a good idea of how many calories you were eating before you started to regain, you could start 500 calories lower than that and see what happens. If you have a 500 calorie a day deficit, you should lose a pound a week.

This is kinda of funny I can here with similar  issues, two years out ,I have had plastics done on the 16th of April  and I am so far off track with my eating I don"t know where to start to get back on track. My surgeon moved and I have not found a new one to take his place.  I have not gained but fear I am going to because I know I am not eating right. Lots of sugar and some carbs.  I seem to have lost my discipline where the sugar is concerned.  I don't need flamed just need some kind guidance.

Hi Cindyc59; I also had Dr. Rod. and have spoken with others in our group in the same boat. We are going to try to get together again soon. None of us have found new docs. Are you going to go to the Cincy OH seminar? I believe you have my number and email.  Pauline

seriously why would you feel like a failure? 20 pounds is nothing! Some end up back up to where they were pre surgery because, frankly, they operated on our middle and not on our head. You can rearrange your insides but if you don't get a mental grip on what causes the over eating to begin with, you can't hope to keep off alot of weight. You're back before you've fallen completely down so you're still doing good.

We do an accountability posting each day and you are more than welcome to attend..We keep track of all our vitamins, water and food intake. We get back to measuring everything. You'd be surprised how different a handful of something is than a measured cup of something..and it all counts!

None of us is perfect and none of us stays on the straight an narrow but we all get back up and get going again..And that is what it takes. Welcome! and I hope to see you more..

Dawn

I think Dawn had a good reply.  ALso, based on what you wrote, you already lknow what you NEED to do... you just need the motivation to actually DO it.  Start small... start recording what you eat so that you can SEE what you are taking in.  Often just that helps... once you see the extra snacks or whatever, it is the catalyst for eliminating them.  Then, add back in a protein supplement.  Add some small additional amount of exercise and then work your way back up.

You CAN do this.  Yes, it's hard... I had about 8 pounds to get back off... and that was hard enough... but it CAN be done.

The calories really depend on your own metabolism, but between 1200 and 1500 seems common for maintenance... would need a little less to lsoe, i would think.

Lora

Thursday is my 2 year surgiversary and I've lost about 70 lbs..  I still need to lose 20-25 lbs. to get out of the overweight category.  I didn't go back for my 18 month checkup because I had not lost any more weight since my 1 year checkup.  I knew the exercise guru would be all over me so I didn't go.  I don't exercise like I should and I'm trying to do better.  I'm happy with my appearance but know I really need to lose the rest of the weight. 

The dietician said I should have 1,200 calories a day and 600 from good carbs, but that's way too many carbs for me.  I try to keep carbs 150 or less, preferably less. 

Get back on the supplements and track your food.  You can get the 20 lbs. off.  Don't let it become 30 lbs.