How come I'm gaining?

Thanks Lynda, I appreciate it. I got really hooked on seafood while we were in Charleston, SC at the end of July. I just need some fresh ideas of how to add some spice/flavoring without a ton of calories. DeeDee

I live for seafood of most kinds. Early on, shrimp would get stuck but I found that problem was that I truly was not chewing well enough. I believe the key now is ensuring that it is really moist. I have a lot of success by marinating most seafood for about 30 minutes before grilling it (our favorite way to prepare all meat) and not cooking it too quickly or for too long. I'm convinced that a key reason I've maintained my weight loss for 20 months is due to the seafood I eat almost every day (some times twice a day). Ann -140

Your diet sounds similar to mine, except I don't have crackers or popcorn (generally speaking). I am increasing my exercise again as I had really started slacking off on that. Just so you don't think I am being a know it all--I too have regained about 10--and it stinks. I agree with Patty that the protein bars, even the healthiest of ones, are not a good bang for the calories. My nutritionist hates them and she had me using for a rule of thumb on shakes 20 grams of protein per 110 calories or so. I really think it has to get down to calories in and calories out. The easiest way for us to improve this is by exercising. Good luck to you.

Lynda, The bottom line is that calories count and we had better count them. They aren't an issue in the honeymoon period but once the appetite returns, they really are. My sugeon says no protein drinks that are more than 120 calories per serving. He really prefers the Nectars because they are so low cal - but there are others. He has new post-ops drink Muscle Milk because they need the calories but generally has them get off it at six weeks because they need to start eating more high protein foods. For long term maintenance, he prefers one protein drink per day - even though he does allow me two because it helps me control the afternoon cravings. After all the years of dieting and then the surgery, it all comes back to calorie - like you said, calories in vs calories out. I want to have my metabolic fingerprint done to find out my resting metabolism - the number of calories my body burns in a day with NO activity. Then I can go from there knowing exactly what I need to do to lose. Patty

Patty-I have missed you. I'm interested in getting my metabolic fingerprint also. But I know it is REALLY slow. I never dropped the weight at the speed others did. My family commented more than once to me that while I certainly ate enough to make me overweight/obese, I really didn't eat the quantity of food you would think would make me as morbidly obese as I was. Except of course at those times of the month. LOL. BTW--that is pretty much my nutritionist's plan also. I also find being busy helps with the cravings.

Thanks for posting on this topic. It helps me to feel more normal in that I haven't lost as much weight as I would have liked to. Of course the regain you talk about scares me, but I've worried about regain even before I began losing weight. Do you keep up with calories? I log my calories on fit day and after 18 months still surprise myself some days with what I find. Recently I made tuna salad thinking I needed to get more fish in my diet. I was shocked at the fat content. Won't be doing that anytime soon. My surgeon has recently put me on maintainence of 800-1200 calories. I was averaging 700 calories and had not lost an oz in 6 weeks so I'm scared to death I'll start gaining as I eat more calories. Have you considered replacing the protein shakes/bar with food? My surgeon stops all shakes/bars at six weeks. He says by that time a person can take in 60 gms of dense protein and the food will keep us full longer than the shakes/bars. His plans calls for 3 meals and 1 snack ONLY. Best of luck to you on finding the right solution for you. Pat 410/213/180 after plastic surgery

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.. because I only can check my email once a day I don't even know if anyone will know I have responded to all the great suggestions.. I know I should find healthier choices in my snacks.. even the protein bars should go.. its just so hard to find protein to take to work to have as an option to the candy machine and the pretzel tins that are available to whoever wants them.. (free I might add - a perk at work).. I know its all about choices... just have to decide to do it.. I don't have any follow up with my surgeon (his office dropped my type of insurance last year and I can't afford to go private pay to see him) so I rely on this website and my support group at my local hospital for my info and assistance.. I long to turn back time and be at the honeymoon phase to try harder to get it off quicker and not pick up the carbs like I did.. but I am healthier and have to be thankful for that Kathy

kathy, not everyone will agree, but this is my evaluation of your diet. You might want to consider eliminating the protein drinks and eat "real" food for all three meals, and add some dairy products such as milk and yogurt. You also might not be getting in sufficient calories. Another good thing is to track every single thing you eat for a week (being very honest about quantity) and determine protein, sugar/carbs, fiber. Bein so far out, you need a good balance of protein, vegies and fruits. You also don't say anything about the fluids you get in. Are you getting at least 64 ounces of water every day? Finally, never ever give up. Diets always failed us in the past because we eventually gave up. WLS can fail us too. For most of us, the only reason we gain is because we aren't doing something "Right". It can be hard to figure that out, but you've come so far, it will be worth it to figure it out, and the answer may be hard to find. Have you talked to your surgeon? Have you considered changing your exercise routine to include weights? Have you considered hiring a nutritionist to help you understand what YOUR body needs? Good luck and good health. Ann