Question:
How Long Did It Take To Lose The Weight?

I had a distal bypass in 2001. Since then I have regain 40 pounds all my own doing, grazing all day long eating when I am stressed well ya know everything I did pre op. I recommitted myself this month to lose the extra weight. I have done really well so far not eating any sugar upping my protein, writing in a journal. I lost 100 pounds in 6 months after surgery, how long will it take to lose these 40 pounds being almost three years post op? Does my system absorb fat now? Do I have to watch the fat content in my food? How many calories does a long term distal RNY absorb? I am trying to get a game plan together and I need to know what is important to count and what is not. Thanks Dana    — Dana N. (posted on January 31, 2004)

January 31, 2004
I'm not sure there's a definitive answer to the question how much any individual WLS patient malabsorbs, at any point. I know they can check your pouch to see if you've got a staple line disruption, or a fistula, or an enlarged stoma, or ulcer, etc., but I wish there were a way to determine how much of the fat we eat is malabsorbed, and whether our malabsorption can be translated into a percentage of calories consumed. I don't think there is; even if there's a "rule of thumb," it can vary from person to person, anyway.<P>Have you considered using fitday.com to write down everything you eat? By doing that, you can get your own, personal "stats" on what total calories work for you, and what protein/carb ratio works for you. It won't exactly tell you how much you malabsorb, but it'll help answer your question "what is important to count and what is not," for you.<P>Also, do you use protein shakes? I think they can be a huge help in getting back on track and curbing your appetite. At 20 months out, I'm learning turn to my shakes when I'm having food control issues such as grazing, eating too much sugar, etc. They're a big help.<P>As far as asking how long it'll take to lose the 40 pounds goes ... again, I don't know. But, I would think the bigger objective is getting food control back again, and making good use of your tool. You've already done the calendar-watching that goes with being a new postie ... so impatient, we were, to "get to goal." That's understandable, but it doesn't work for maintenance, because it's a diet mentality, not a lifestyle mentality. Concentrate on getting your food control back ... and exercise habits established, if you can ... to avoid falling into pre-op "diet" mentality on top of falling back into the pre-op eating habits.<P>Good for you that you are getting on top of this situation now. GOOD LUCK!
   — Suzy C.

February 1, 2004
I think it varies. I would add 30 min of exercise in every day and then increase it by 5 min a week until you are done. Then to maintain, I would keep it at 30+ min 4 times a week.
   — mrsmyranow

February 1, 2004
dana, I am 18 mos out, i think there is still alot of malabsorption going on, but, to be honest with you...YOU NEED TO LOSE IT THE OLD FASHION WAY, Incresed the Exercise, decrease the calories, this surgery puts us on a level playong feild with other (Non-Fat people) and we just need to tough it out now. I lost 100lbs in 7 mos and the remainning 23 in 12 mos....I am struggling everyday to lose more...I am at 183 and my initial goal was 150, I thought this surgery would be EASIER! But, I am happy for every ounce I have lost. Try my suggestions or maybe try Weight Watchers, i know a lot of successful long-term post-ops who have gone to this program! 8/15/02 305/150/183
   — heathercross

February 1, 2004
Hi Dana,<br> I am almost 8 months post op from a proximal RNY. At about 3 months post op, I realized that I was not doing well at learning to control my pre-op behaviors. I found an eating disorder specialist, and he has done wonders in helping me change these behaviors. Not that I'm perfect at it, but I am improving. I realized, even at 3 months out, that I would never keep my weight off if I did not learn alternate ways of dealing with stress and all my other triggers for overeating, grazing, and snacking. <br> Here's wishing you the best of luck and sending you a big HUG! Linda 301/199/???
   — Linda S.

February 2, 2004
Dana, you still have your tool, and I'm sure you remember the pouch rules. It sounds like you have a great start (eliminating sugar, upping protein, keeping a journal). As to how long it will take no one knows. It will depend on how many calories you take in and how many go out (like thru exercising). One thing I have learned though, you must eat and constantly fuel that metabolism with good protein to keep it burning those calories, so eat frequently (like every 2-3 hours) but make good choices-small amounts of mostly protein foods. And exercise-it has to be regular heart pumping cardio to burn those calories. So get rid of the junk food or triggers in the house, get back on the treadmill, and you will be successful. You already are by taking the first steps. As for fats, I don't eliminate or really watch them, just consciously make lower fat choices, like grilled chicken instead of fried chicken...
   — Cindy R.