Question:
weight gain 3 years post -op

I am 3 years post op and have been doing really great with it until about 1 month ago I have starting putting on weight. I have put on 20 pounds but have also been having breast tenderness and pain everyday.No its not from menstral dont have periods anymore. I dont know if this is from wls or other health issues I been to dr and its not pre menopause. But still have an appointment with breast center to get checked. But I am worried I am going to gain my weight back even though I have not changed my eating habits since surgery. Please anyone with suggestions help me out here?    — cjbranim39 (posted on January 6, 2007)

January 6, 2007
First, have your mechanics chcked, then it's probably time to join the Grad list. No guarantee that you'll get the info you need, but there's maybe some ideas to help you in maintaining the loss you have achieved. There is a lot of combined long term experience on this list and I'd recommend it in conjunction with this site and any local lists you use. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

January 7, 2007
Your weight gain came at the holidays. Did you pick and sample a lot of the nono foods? I know I did and even though I'm only 6 months out, I gained a lb and stayed at the same weight this last month. I also found myself grazing at parties and such. Time to make a mental note to go back to what I'm supposed to be eating with the occasional bite of good stuff. Don't beat yourself up as even the most disciplined person falls off at the holidays. Good luck and hope this helps
   — oceanrayne

January 7, 2007
Hi Cynthia! By all means, go to your doctor and get checked to rule out anything serious, but I think I had the same thing happen. Long before I had my surgery, I was a "skinny minnie" -- until I started to gain. I started getting the most horrible breast pain, especially when I took my bra off at night. It turned out it was because my bra was now too small, and my breasts were getting badly squashed. I have since heard of a few other women who had this problem. You might try a larger size bra, especially a larger cup, or maybe a soft sports type bra. And don't be so hard on yourself! You just need to get back on track, maybe get a little more exercise in? Target has a neat mini-stair stepper on sale this week, I just got one, so I can get my thousand steps in even in the snow and rain! Good luck, and please don't worry. I'll say a prayer for you! -- Mary
   — mwilson523

January 7, 2007
Cynthia, how is your exercise? This may be the time to step it up a notch or two, or begin it "again"? Many people do really well on the food issues, but the exercise is continually ignored and this will nab you in the end, maybe not right away, but it will nab you. Try weight watchers or some other diet moderation program and definitely up the exercise and water. See your doctor for sure to rule out anything else. I am almost 3 years out myself. I had my skin removed from my stomach area in 9/05 and then some gyn surgery in 3/06, so exercise has been rough for me to stay up with. I am committed to changing that for 07, because I know it will nab me if I don't. I don't want to go backwards, not even a little. Catch your problem while it is small. Don't get discouraged, fight the good fight here and you can win! Take care, Patricia P
   — Patricia P