Question:
almost 3yrs post-op. Trying to jumpstart

So I had RNY in July '04 starting at 290lbs. Got pregnant with twins March/April of '05 and down to 155. The next week had emergency surgery to repair and obstruction and went down to 145lbs (90% chance of miscarrying but ended up with twins...they were meant to be here!). Day I gave birth Oct 30th '05 was at 178lbs and immediately lost (within two weeks) 23lbs. Been hovering at 155-161lbs since. I want the rest of the weight off. I though about going back to liquids for a week, but I couldn't even do liquids for a week right after surgery. I am however going back to measuring food. Watching for the "grazing" which i had to do when pregnant to get enough calories in for me and the babies, but unfortunatley never stopped once they were born. And last night I joined Curves. Has anyone successfully jumpstarted weightloss again after so long? and did you gain back or is it off "for good?" Any additional things I can do to make my weightloss jumpstart again? Oh and NO PROTEIN DRINKS! Can't do them at all! They make me sick, literally.    — kerihough (posted on April 19, 2007)

April 19, 2007
Sounds like you are on the right track in getting back on the wt loss wagon... Just remember to take all of your vitamins and supplements, and think high protein, low carbs.. pick the carbs with low glycemic index... do an internet search for low glycemic foods and it will give you many sites... Be careful of Curves.. It is a good starting point, but there is no warm up that they require and very little cool down. Remember to stretch before and after workout. I wish I would have done that.. I ended up with tendinitis in my left shoulder from not stretching. Also the exercises on the machines.. they want you to do them as fast as possible.. not good for your muscles.. you need controlled movements.. ask any personal trainer. I have since joined a real gym with the trainers and have been very happy about it. Some people swear by Curves, and it is better than doing nothing, but just take care not to hurt yourself.
   — Kari_K

April 20, 2007
Hi Keri and thanks for writing. I am with your girl, I hate protein drinks. It sounds like you are doing all the right stuff, exercise, diet watching and handling all this with twin babies! Wow, my hat is off to you! Let me just say this to you, first, be sure your portions are small, you can take small portions, but as far out as you are, it is more of a choice than a small pouch. I had surgery in March 04, so I am 3 years out as well, but I am well past babies. I think your "mommy" harmones play a part here, and you have to be careful to be in moderation. If you are nursing these babies, all bets off, eat enough to keep your breast milk. Be sure your fluids are mostly water. If you do caffine or soda, stop right away if you want to lose weight. Soda, even diet, is the enemy of weight loss. Regarding protein intake. I get mine mostly from milk and foods, but I did just this week purchase a protein powder that disolves in food, has no aftertaste and was no real taste to it. They described it as "virtually tasteless". There is a tiny taste to it, but it made my yogurt (my first try with it) taste creamer, not bad. I was impressed. I only used a half scoop because I was afraid a whole one would be too much to start with. You can mix this with any foods and even bake with it if you want. It might be worth a try for you. I got it from: http://store.bariatriceating.com It is listed under the protein products. Wasn't too pricy and perhaps worth a shot for you. Perhaps if your protein is up that your craving might go down. I have no babies and no periods, so I don't have that particular harmone influx. I am beginning menopause so it is a whole different game for that part of life. Stick to your guns, and deal with the head issues. I don't know about you, but mine are still alive and well after 3 years. I fight them daily. Take care, and best to you. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 21, 2007
I'll be 2 years post op next week and have started to gain a little back. More because I'm in physical therapy and I've been banned from the gym (seriously - my therapist called the owner! it's a small gym) I don't remember where I read it - but I started using fitday.com. It tracks your food good once your set up and it graphs everything. In the first day I realized I was eating way too many carbs and not enough protein. I keep a little note pad in the kitchen, one in my lunch box and a tiny notebook in my purse and immediately write down when i graze and exactly how much. That little bit adds up! I also add protein powder (banana or strawberry) to my cearal, oatmeal, applesauce, and yogurt. (2yrs post. 315/230/185)
   — HeidiMc