How come I'm gaining?

I really can't understand this past year.. I am 2 1/2 years out of Bypass - Went from 390 to 250 and for the past year can't lose a thing- but am starting to gain..(10 pounds so far) I eat sooo much less now than before surgery - my typical day is: Vitamins Protein drink in morning (made with water- not milk) Large bottle of green tea with no sugar Cup of decaff coffee mid morning 2 slices of Cheese for snack Lunch is protein and salad or Protein drink Mid afternoon is protein bar (low in sugar - high in protein) Dinner is protein/veggies and small amount of carbs if room after dinner sometimes have some whole wheat crackers - a low carb ice cream bar - or some popcorn. Where is the weight coming from? I also try to walk for about 1/2 to an hour every day.. I'm so frustrated that I seem frozen at this weight. It seems like I am seeing more and more WLS patients who are starting out at the weight I am now! Is anyone out there in a similar position? thanks

Kathy, I feel your pain. I started out at 356 and lost to about 175 and then gained 10 back - that was ok. Then I gained 25 back and that's not ok. I found that eating popcorn and crackers were part of my downfall. Also, I have had to cut out the low carb or sugar free candies, cookies and ice cream. My surgeon suggested that I not eat protein bars - most are pretty high in calories and concentrate on meat, chicken, fish and other seafood with fresh veggies. He suggested not eating bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon or pineapple as they are high in sugar, caloires and low in fiber. He also suggested that I eat carrots, radishes and cauliflower for snacks if I absolutely have to snack. I am addicted to starchy carbs - crackers, etc so I have to avoid them completely or my eating gets out of control. You might want to scroll down and read a post I did last night: Soapbox Time: Nothing is Forever. And remember, there are no guarnatees that we will lose all our excess weight - 50% is considered successful by the surgeons. It's hard with so many "lightweights" having surgery to realize that we might never get to a "normal" BMI - I know I never will and I've made peace with myself over it. I am healthy - but not thin by a long shot - but the healthy is what matters. Do you track your food in Fitday? That has helped me tremendously. My surgeon wants me to stay below 1200 calories a day with at least 80% of those calories from high protein foods. I have two low calorie (under 120 calories) shakes a day and other than that I mostly have meat of seafood and salads. I find this routine very satisfying as long as I don't start back with the starches. I do enjoy fruit some but I'm careful about what kind and how much. Hope this helps you some. Patty

There is nothing more evil in this world than fish shaped oranged colored crackers. I waited over 3 years before asking my surgeon if I could eat popcorn. I would give anything for that day back and not ask. He said I could try it and see how it went...well, it went......and the pounds came...between the popcorn and crackers......25 pounds..... Evil things they are...... Darlene

I have to agree with you... they were truely spawned from the devil I swear!!! those little fish shaped orange color crackers.... deb

Cheez-Its and Cheese Nips are EVIL. I swear they are put on earth by the Devil himself to tempt post-wls patients. I can resist the goldfish but the others kill me. However, I do like Parmesan Goldfish a lot. And, what can I say, popcorn is just heaven on earth - or should I say Hell on earth. The smell of popcorn really drives me up the wall. My defense against these foods that caused me to gain weight - they don't come in my house at all. Someone suggested that I buy the 100 calorie packs - I would just eat all the packs - and they are so expensive. It's just better to go cold turkey. Patty

LOL Darlene-I remember Joann called chips Satan once and I fully agree. The worst thing for me was realizing that chips and cheese curls were not gonna kill me. I really regret ever having trying them. I do not eat them very often--but I do crave them-especially at that time of the month. Normally I don't even keep them in my house, but I've got my two college kids home for the summer and they are in my house more than usual. While perusing the main board yesterday I noticed a post from someone who is pretty new post-op (about 6 weeks) asking about how come she can eat crackers and stuff but not solid protein. Now it just so happens that this is the buddy of the person who I had a big hoopla with--it got nasty. Those crunchy things go down so much easier than the solid proteins--I just wish newbies would understand that is where the problems start.

Patty, Do you mind me asking how you get your seafood in? I love seafood but it seems to take more effort than some other meats. I don't think seafood jerky sounds all that appealing, but the convenience sure does! Boiled shrimp and canned salmon/tuna are pretty easy. Tonight I had cod but, of course, I had to cook it. Any tricks you can pass on for quick and tasty preparations? Thanks! DeeDee

DeeDee, I'm a boiled shrimp and canned salmon person. What can I say? I'm lazy. I do make a mean Mexican Shrimp ****tail. I use 4 ounces of peeled boiled shrimp, pico de gallo, lime juice, tobasco sauce and V8 Juice. I mix the shrimp and pico and place in a stemmed glass (just to look pretty). Then I mix the V8 (sorry, I don't measure - just eyeball it), the juice of one lime and tobasco to taste and pour over the shrimp mixture. I put it in the fridge to chill then enjoy. I do skip the avacado and the chips that are served with this in the local restaurants. I love it and it's low cal and good for us. I also like Tilapia. I sautee onions and a tilapia filet in a small amount of margarine in a non stick skillet. When the fish is done (it doesn't take long) I take the fish out, add fresh spinach and a little Mexican Rotel Tomatoes and cook til the spinach is done. I then plate the fish and put the spinach, tomato and onion mixture on top. I do put a generous amount of garlic powser on the fish and add some coarse ground black pepper. I eat canned salmon with onions and red wine vinegar - this is a favorite from pre-op days. I just measure out my salmon and mince some onion and sprinkle with the vinegar - yummy to me. And, this might gross some of you out but I adore sardines. They are VERY high in protein and good for us - more of the Omega Fatty Acids. I buy the cheap ones from WalMart - packed in oil - pour the oil off and blot - eat with onions and/or jalapeno peppers. I used to have a couple of crackers with it but no more. When I got out, I treat myself to fried catfish. My surgeon says it's ok as long as it's not a daily thing and fish doesn't absorb the fat in frying like meat does. Hope this helps some. Patty

Thanks so much, Patty --- some excellent ideas. I'm rather tired of just boiled-in-water shrimp and straight-from-the-can salmon. You've inspired me! DeeDee

Deedee--My buddy Charlie eats a tremendous amount of shrimp. She's maintained for 3 years--just had a very slight gain, but is working at getting rid of it and doing an excellent job. She steams them in old bay seasoning and something else. I'll try and have her post her exact method. Take care.