How do i start?

Okay, here is the short of the long. March 05 had RNY, lost from 326lbs down to 145lbs. Had a second surgery for hernia repair and gallbladder removal. Surgery went wrong. I ended up in ICU and in the hospital 7 weeks. They had to put me on IV nutrition and an appetite stimulant. ( I find this hilarious, having been previously morbidly obese and not able to stop eating. ) Anyway, it worked. It is now 2 yrs later and i am up 25lbs to 170lbs. I don't know what to do. I try liquids, but can't do it even 1 day. I low carb and lose like 4 lbs and as soon as i add a carb, i gain. I have started exercising intensly and have seen a rapid weight gain. I am soooo lost!!!! I am 5'2" and according to a dietician it should take me 2100 calories a day to maintain this 170 lb body. I can't be taking that much in....even on days i crave and have choclate. I need help in the worst way. If you are around 5'2" and i am 39, where do you keep your calories at? ANY AND ALL ADVICE< BUTT KICKING AND REality checks welcome.  I was thinking to go down to 1200, but the dietician said this was way too low.  HELP!!!Thank you

Hi,

Sorry you are having such a hard time.  You are not alone.  There is a trend of weight gain sometime after two years out.  I call those two years the "honeymoon" period.  Lots of new discoveries and "wow" moments.  This gain, in many cases, is caused by a change in life habits.  For example, we can tolerate more foods, many are not so healthy.  We decrease exercise, because of many reasons and sometimes, we have emotional and past issues that are rearing their ugly heads and trying to pull us back into our eating to cope habits.  Therefore, it would be time to confront these issues, acknowledge them and start the healing process.  The journey is life long and require, not only, the physical but the mental healing as well.  Take some time and look at your life from all perspectives and see if you need more support than what you are presently getting.  Huuugzzzz

Mel,

I think you've done great!  It's been almost 4 yrs. since your surgery and you've kept it all off but 25 lbs.  I'm 5'2" and 45 (yikes that's the first time I've typed 45 since my birthday) there's no way I could eat 2100 calories without gaining.  I'm 18 mos. post op and prior to this month, could eat anything I wanted and not worry about gaining.  Unfortunately along with freedom from the scale came some of the old habits.  I'm going to have to figure out what calorie intake keeps me at my goal weight.. We're all different but maybe start on the higher side at first so you don't crash diet and gradually decrease to see what works for you.. I'm doing a no sugar plan for 7 days and I can tell you I feel much better without those chocolate treats  or cookie dough:)

Wishing you all the best,
Paula

I am 5' 1" and 76 years old.  Walking is my exercise.  I have to listen to my body.  I could not even eat the 1000 calories we are supposed to be able to and lose before surgery - and, guess what, I still can't eat 1000 calories and lose.  I had my lap band surgery 3 + years ago.  To lose, I have to keep my calories between 450 and 550 and walk.  Since I absorb all that I consume - just more slowly - and you absorb only about 60% of what you lose, 1000 calories should come out about right for you. 

I don't think you'll find any butt kicking here.  I have never met a more positive, caring, supportive, and accepting group of people ever.  

I wish you well and I invite you to come often to this site - instead of straying off track - just sign on and share 

I thought I had it hard trying to keep the weight from coming back on but to only be able to eat 500 calories a day. I figure for me to lose it would take eating 900 or less. These are considered crash diet calories. How could a person get enough nutrients? Happy, please tell me what you eat? and if you are getting deficient in any nutrients.

No, I'm not the least bit defficient.  I seek out very low calorie foods, use my Unjury protein powder and be absolutely certain I have all of my supplements.  It just takes very careful planning.  First and foremost I get in at least 60 g of protein and 60 oz of water every day and, as I say, seek out low calorie foods - when I reach my goal weight I will slowly add calories to maintain.  In fact, as I read the posts, I am probably getting better nutrition than some who are eating way more calories.  Thanks so much for your caring and concern and I sure don't want to suggest that anyone else follow my food consumption limitations.

Have a fine BOTT day.