Question:
Seeking Support from Long Term Post Ops

Hi out there! It has been so long since I have come here, too long actually. I am 20 months post op and seem to have hit a funk. I recently had major surgery and almost died. My intestines were all messed up and I had to have a portion of them removed. I seem to have fallen off the WLS bandwagon. I am not watching what I eat and it seems nothing bothers me to eat it either. I have only gained 1-3 lbs but I fear I will let myself get out of control and not keep the weight off. Then I get depressed thinking of all the poor people out there who are literally dying to have this surgery and I feel even worse. I need someone to boost my morale, give me some pointers and get myself back on the wagon. Would appreciate any ideas or thoughts any of you have out there. I am still down 110lbs~still feel and think I weigh 273! Thank you in advance to all who reply to me! Love you all! AMY    — purdue_1993 (posted on July 12, 2003)

July 12, 2003
We are all here to offer support. I think the first thing you should do is go back and read your own profile. Remember how you felt before and then remember how great it felt to start losing then to finally be able to wear a normal size clothes. Think of the positive things in your life and be thankful for the second chances you have been given, WLS and the other surgery. You have not fallen off the bandwagon you have just hit a bump in the road. If you don't already take something for depression speak to your pcp, that may help you through this rough spot. Good luck to you.
   — Tawnda C.

July 12, 2003
Just curious- when you had your surgery because of "messed-up" intestines, is it possible they undid your bypass?
   — Delores S.

July 12, 2003
Amy, you didn't fall off the wagon, you just hit a snag. The best thing you did was recognized and admitted your recent slip ups...and then you asked for help/advice! That's great! Something that really helps to keep me motivated and on the right track is to read my profile. I like to read everything I wrote before surgery, my hopes and dreams of being a normal weight - it seems to help keep my on the straight and narrow. Maybe you should try it? We all need a break sometimes - you took yours and now you know what you need to do to get back on track. You can do it! You've lost so much already! Keep up the great work girl! ~J
   — Jillian C.

July 12, 2003
Hey Amy, I am also 20 months post-op, and also in the same place you are. I have gained 5 lbs. in the last month and I don't know why. I was hoping it was a fluctuation, but it is sticking. Maybe my body is trying to find its place because I haven't changed my eating habits. I'm kind of freaking out about it. I can probably eat more than I should be, I don't know. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I wish I had something encouraging to say. I will be following up on the answers, thanks for posting.
   — Cheri M.

July 13, 2003
Hi Amy! I completely understand where you’re coming from. I recently had a LBL and had some complications that have left me anemic and feeling rundown. I knew that while I was healing I needed to eat more often and have added carbs, mainly good ones, back into my life. I haven't gained any weight yet, but I feel like I'm walking the line right back into old habits. The good news is that we are aware of what we're doing and that's the first step in changing directions. I completely agree with the other posters. Re-read your profile. Remember how good it feels in your new body, and know that you have a tool and choices that are available to you now, that we didn't have before we had surgery. Be gentle with yourself!!! This is more than likely going to be a lifelong issue and I think this will happen many more times. My hope is that the duration of each time we falter will get shorter. That we will recognize and more quickly be willing to change our behavior. Also realize that you’ve just had a major scare and it's no surprise that your body wants food to rebuild and that your spirit wants to be comforted. And for years we've done that with food. Maybe start with treating yourself exceptionally well. Pamper, nurture and comfort yourself and hopefully your eating will right itself. Best of luck to you. I hope you know you’re not alone!
   — dcopehp