28 Months post-op weight gain

Hi people I am 28 months post-op.In the last 8 weeks I have gained a few lbs.Ok more than a few about 24 lbs.Why?.........steve

Steve, we know that the obvious reason is consuming more calories than we expend. Although we do seem to malabsorb as much as 30% of our calories in the early months after surgery, our amazing bodies eventually figure out how to work around that and it's no longer a given. It appears we continue to malabsorb certain vitamins, but not those calories. For most of us a time to reassess what we are doing in regards to eating, drinking and exercise is called for at some point. For me it was after being completely stable for about 20-22 months. It wasn't hard to figure out why: I could tolerate more sugar and more volume of food and so I ate more than I needed, and I was exercising less. I've also found that when I re-take control, I can drop a few pounds in a week. Alas, I keep losing control. So far, I've only gained a maximum of 10#, but 12 or 15 or 20 wouldn't be far off if I didn't keep trying to regain and maintain control. It's truly silly to keep losing and gaining the same 10#, but that's what I'm doing. Of course, if you are taking any new meds or perhaps aren't feeling well, noticing any edema, change in uriination/bowel habits, you should always contact your PCP to rule out anything else. This is really hard; we talk about it all the time in support group and here. I wish you well. Anewme

Alas, Steve, the "magic" has ended! LOL I'm going through the same thing myself - I will be three years out in September. I lost to a low of 160 and have regained to 180 and am now working on a plan to maintain here, and hopefully even lose a few. Some folks don't like to hear it, but honestly (at least for me) losing the weight with WLS is pretty easy, but maintaining is another thing altogether. We have to recognize the problem, figure out how to deal with it, and WORK on it. Best of luck to you. We can do this! Carlita

Maintaining is not easy. I am 2.5 years out. How many of you are still drinking your protein shakes? Well - they help you to maintain. H ow many of you are still doing the 5 to 6 small meals instead of 3 big ones? the small ones help you to maintain by keeping you from getting so hungry you eat wrong. My meals will be like this: 1 - breakfast [like one mix n eat oatmeal] 2 - protein shake with 30 grams protein 3 - lunch - 4 - protein shake 5 - dinner [maxing the protein] 6 - protein shake So far, I have maintained my weight loss. I continue doing what i was taught to do early on and not returning to my pre-wls habits. goodluck and God bless

Angel.. you look awesome....would you mind giving me some advice on vitamins? what and how many you take? also how much fat,sugar and carbs you stay under a day. You seem to be doing so well and have alot of knowledge..I need help, I have been at the same weight now for about 6 mos. and still need to lose 20lbs. Thank you in advance for your time. Valori Gutierrez

Valori, I try to stick with Vitalady's schedule. She is 11 years post op, maintaining well and she looks awesome [look at her before/after pix at www.vitalady.com] Below is the schedule she sent me when I asked her these same questions. Her schedule can be adhered to for approximately $38 a month, which is a lot less expensive than buying here, buying there, although I am very cost conscious and if I see a really good deal [like two for one, etc.] I will buy them locally. SCHEDULE: AM: 1- Vitamin C; 1- Polysaccharide Iron (or 6 Chewable Tender Iron) Mid-day: 1- Vitamin A&D; 1- Vitamin B-12; 1- B Complex 1- dry Vitamin E; 2- Calcium Citrate; 1- Multi Evening: 1- B Complex: 1- Dry Vitamin E; 2- Calcium Citrate; 1- Multi; 1- Zinc Bed Time: 1- Vitamin C; 2- Calcium Citrate The thing you have to remember is to avoid hard pills, unless they will completely dissolve in a glass of water in under 30 minutes. If they don't, all you are going to do is make yourself some rich poo and get almost no benefit from the pill. Michelle [vitalady] has personally tested all of the vitamins she sells. I have personally tested Nature Made Advanced Calcium High Absorption [it works, but the thing is - you have to take a whole bunch to get the benefit. It is half citrate/half carbonate. I do like the phytochems it contains, so I take two of those at noon, in addition to the two of Vitalady's Calcium with Mag and D that I take morning and night]. Also, the type of iron you want is ferrous fumerate. I have recently ordered mine from Vitalady because at Walgreens they are damn near $30 and she sells the same thing for $14.95..... I am not sure how much my fats/carbs/sugars measure. I try to make good food choices and I never leave out my protein shakes. I have made them a habit, an important part of my eating day. Feel free to write again if you have any other questions.