Trying to Get it BACK

It has been a long time since I have frequented the OH boards but I am back! I have had some very sudden weight gain and not sure how it happened.  I didn't think it would be possible for me to gain weight so fast, but it happened! I had RNY in 2007 and - Pre Op I was 307, my lowest 143 and current 164.  Not good!! 15 lbs of that has been packed on in the last 2 months (not even) This is even after starting a very strict exercise program.  I am feeling hopeless needless to say. It is scary to think that I have been exercising, eating better and my weight is going the complete opposite direction.  I need to check myself and what I am putting into my mouth I guess and watching those calories.

I am afraid that I have somehow "lost it" and I want so badly to go back to where I was, and need to figure out how to get there.  Trying to get past the hunger is struggle.  I see a lot of people talking about the 5 day pouch test, does any know where I can find this??  

Anyone else feeling like they have some how lost your tool? That wonderfully little small stomach? I feel like I can eat an entire meal now with no problem, that is scary.  I have lost sight of everything I knew when I was fresh out of surgery and I need to get back to that.  I can't go back to 300lbs, it is just not an option.

Any info on the pouch test would be appreciated, or some words of encouragement! My goal is to get to my goal weight of 130.  I don't know if its possible but I am going to give it a hell of a shot! 

Hi Melissa, boy do I know how you feel. I am struggling too. You can find the five day pouch test online at 5daypouchtest.com. It will give you all the info you need and it really works to get you back to basics. Good Luck. You can do it!
Kathy

Melissa,

Thanks for posting!  I had RNY in 2008 and lost 130 - gained back 30+, as of today down 16.  I never made it to goal.  I think that would be about 165, but right now I would like to get and stay below 200 - I was at my low of 199 for maybe 5 minutes and I guess I was not ready for that.  I am really just focusing on right now.

I use MyFitnessPal.com to log my food and have for the past 8 weeks.  I have not yet had to enter any food manually!  I have found every single thing in the database or scanned the barcode with the phone app.  There is many customizable features; for example, I increased the protein and added the fiber, instead of sodium.  I also changed the "food" topics to mid-morning snack, mid-afternoon snack and night snack instead of just snack to keep a better eye on when I am eating.  I am ""honestly" logging now and willing, as well.  This is somewhat of a relief for me, both for accountability, as well as maybe making better choices in order to not have to document something I would rather not face.  Now that I have been logging, I have done a really good job of stopping the between meal eating and if I eat after dinner, it is either a mini protein bar or a fiber bar.  I am also tracking fluids, which serves as a good reminder, too.  Another reason I am logging is that if I ever get to maintenance, I am hoping that the logs will assist me in figuring out how much to add back without gaining back... :-).

I have never done the 5 day pouch test 5 DTP, but I did have an endoscopy to make sure all was still working properly and looking good.

I also am reconnected with the WLS support groups and did attend a Nutrition 101 class, which was very helpful to hear the improvements made in research and recommendations since 2008.  I did tweak my supplements a little - added thiamin and biotin to my regime.  In the support groups, I have met many that have come back and it is good to remember that our WLS is a TOOL, not a miracle worker - LOL.

My participation on here is very helpful, too.  I get some of these feelings out of me and do not eat over them.  I so appreciate and am grateful to feel that, for once, I am making changes instead of going on a diet that I will eventually go off.

Louise

 

First of all - congratulations for recognizing the regain fairly early. You can do something about it. I know it feels hopeless, but it's not. There are some truly motivational folks on here. They've had much larger regains and sucessfully lost the weight and maintained. Accountability seems to be a very common theme among their success stories. I for one am guilty of thinking I can do this myself only to realize I have to have regular interaction with others who are in or have been in the same situation. This board has become that safe place for me.

You didn't mention if you've been following up with labs and check ups. If you haven't had labs drawn lately make sure they check your thyroid levels.

You mention that you've "lost sight of everything you knew....." Did out the materials you had around the time of surgery and reread them. You'll be surprised of some of the tips and tricks that you've simply forgotten. (not drinking within 30 minutes of eating ----chew, chew, chew----protein first) Sometimes it's a good reminder to read the posts of those preparing and those fresh out of surgery. It's a good reminder of where we've been.

Good Luck.

- Iris

Thanks Iris! 

I have been following up on my labs.  I just went through a series of Iron infusions, found out I was anemic and my B12 levels low.  That is all doing much better! I did go to my doctor yesterday and had my labs drawn to check my thyroid and a few other things...  I have had some really strange weight fluctuations that I have not had in the last 6 years.  I have gained some weight as I have mentioned, and as of this morning, I have lost 6 lbs in 2 days! Its a bit strange for me so I am getting this checked out.

 

I don't have any of my old materials but I do remember some of the basics like not drinking 30 min before and after eating - I have been terrible about this as well as the chewing, and protein first.  I was reading through some of the posts on this board to see what people were eating, and it is a great reminder of where I was and where I should be! I have to get back to that and I know I can do it.  I am scared I ruined my pouch, I know my portion sizes are too big.  So starting today, back on my protein drinks for breakfast and working on my fluids as well.  I do really well with keeping up on my vitamins so I am not worried about that, but I have a long way to go.  I appreciate all of the support! I am excited to be back, I have forgotten how wonderful OH and the people here are, such a great resource!

 

I am going through the same thing I have put on so many lbs on in the last year about 30. I am 10 yrs. out now and I know I have been slack in eating and drinking at the same time and grazing especially late ate night. I don't sleep well so I get bored and eat. Monday I started the 5 day pouch test it has really helped me so far. I won't lie I do miss the carbs but its all in my head. Its really hard when foods call your name The test seems to be working for me the cravings are less and my meals are smaller . I am also happy I have come back to the one site that helped me so long ago. I was happy my account was still here.

Welcome Back!!!

 

Thank you!!