New Here!

Hi everyone, this is a great idea! Feel free to visit my profile page to get an idea of my "journey" - but in a nutshell: had open RNY in March, 2004; lost right around 220 lbs. and redirected all my negative energy toward living a full, vibrant, passionate life in a body that could allow me to do anything I desired! The first three years were so easy - but this last year-and-a-half has found me with a regain of 22 lbs. - and I'm scared to death. I suspect my stoma is significantly dilated because I am constantly, painfully hungry - even after eating. I will be seeing a new surgeon in early February to look into this. In the meantime, I struggle every day to eat well and work out - and continue to strive to live a full, vibrant, passionate life in a body that still allows me to do anything I desire! But oh how I want to get these 20 lbs. off! Help!!  Thanks, John, for the invite. Maureen

Hey Maureen,

I feel exactly what you are saying especially about the first 3 years, it really took that long before I started to get hunger pangs again...I'm not really sure what triggered there return, although I suspect is was a significant foray into Christmas Cookies ( real sugar & white carbs )...Now that recognizing real hunger ( not just the head signals ) has returned I can't put it back in the box, thankfully, I do not experience the true feeling of hunger often ( I have to be really empty before it happens, so I try to eat smart and not let that happen )...This is the real challenge of maintanence, know that you have to work on it for life to make it work...

Hope you get  encouraging news from new surgeon...My best suggestion is the one I'm using myself - Set a plan & follow it !  You've had great success so far, you CAN KEEP IT...

Hi Maureen,

I can so relate to your experience and the "fear".    Welcome to the group.

Yes Maureen, wecome to the group.

I once asked the people (while I was within my first year postop and still coming down) at the Graduates board which was harder, to maintain, or to lose the weight in the first place. I have to agree with all of the responses that maintenance was, by far, harder. I think that the smaller pouch earlier on helped us avoid real hunger.

In those early days the part about the surgery I hated most was that overpacked feeling in the pouch. Now it is what I miss the most....should have appreciated it more when I had that component.

I hope you find our group helpful.

John