Question:
gained back 40 pounds

help i cant get this weight off horribly depressing dont know what to do    — bfurnari (posted on July 29, 2010)

July 29, 2010
I would suggest tracking what you eat, if you aren't already.... calories, carbs, protein.. Per my nutritionist 1000 calories, 80-100g carbs (good complex carbs), and 75g protein. She allows higher carbs than most. Another idea is to do a low carb, adkins type diet for a few weeks...I lost 15 lbs pre-op on this. Exercise is always important. 30 min walk a day. As to how to get the motivation, your guess is as good as mine. You gotta want to change more than you want to stay stuck or gaining. If you have access to your NUT, consult with her. Best of luck. YOU CAN DO THIS. As a last resort (or maybe the first...LOL), try some counseling. Jane
   — Jane W.

July 29, 2010
Another thing that has helped me a LOT is planning menues for several days at a time...incl snacks. I use FitDay.com for tracking purposes. Then stick to the plan. Hope this helps.
   — Jane W.

July 29, 2010
I think if it were me, I'd try getting back to basics. Try starting the post op plan again. Journal for sure, to see where your problems are. And exercise to burn calories is the only real way to lose. You have to make sure your out put is more than ur input. Journaling will help this if you start by writing down not only what you consume, but calories , grasns of protein and ounces in. I am 2 yrs post op and have never stopped journaling. i am very strict on myself and eat only 4-5 times a day. i walk for a minimum of 2 hours a day now and i consume between 1400 and 1600 calories a day. i have been maintaining my weight for over a year and I have lost a total of 127 lbs. I currently weigh 115. best of luck to you on your journey! You can do this!! Hugs n God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

July 29, 2010
The reason why you have regained the weight is deeper than what you eat. It's more about what's eating you. Seek counseling from a professional to identify the reasons. Otherwise, even if you lose the 40 pounds, you're likely to regain.
   — browngathers

July 29, 2010
As each of us probably expected, WLS was the miracle solution. I never expected to be having to deal with gaining weight - after all, I sacrificed a lot. But, since my surgery almost 3 yrs ago, I find my appetite is in high gear - I'm hungary all the time. Oh, I can't eat much in one sitting, but w/i 30 minutes, I'm starved. I even feel sick if I don't eat something & it is NOT head hungar as some would say. So, what I've learned is exactly what all the others said - journal & pay attention to WHAT you eat. I was satisfying my hunger with ALL carbs - a few crackers, lots of fruit, several 100 calorie bags of cookies, chips, etc. throughout the day. I also use Fitday & it gives you a pie chart. My chart reflected a VERY high % of carbs & fat & a VERY low % of protein. No wonder I was gaining weight. Oddly, my calorie count was not over 1,200 calories so I didn't understand. I've had to really make sure when I'm hungry I have protein - a boiled egg, tuna with some mayonnaise, grilled chicken or beef, 10 almonds, natural peanut butter, etc. I keep ziplock snack bags of veggies, such as celery, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. for snacks too. These things really satisfy my hunger and keep me from eating all the time. But you MUST add some exercise. If you are not using up the calories you eat you will gain. Good luck - I know exactly what you are dealing with & I feel your pain. The good thing, my WLS won't allow me to eat 2nds at a meal & some things, such as ice cream, fried chicken, french fries (that I love), I can only eat in tiny amounts. I get to eat them, but I pay the consequences if I eat very much.
   — BonnieP

July 30, 2010
Barbara, I've been in much the same boat as you. The year following WLS is like a fairy tale. The weight pretty much drops off with no effort, (not counting the dumping syndrom, yeech!).After a time though it's back to reality like the rest of the "great unwashed". We have to think and plan and focus like everyone else who is concerned about what they weigh. In the final analysis it comes down to you now Friend. Do you want to wallow in depression, or do you want to be healthy? What are your priorities? Along with consideration for yourself, are there other people in your life who need you there? Food is an inanimate object so how can we let it have control over us? I am getting a grip on this right now myself, and I have determined enough is enough. The fairy ride is over and wishing ain't gonna cut it. I realize I can't do this by myself so I am getting counseling from my PCP's PA, a former WLS nurse. I'm logging what I eat and seeing things I didn't realize. I'm exercising. LIke it or not, that is key, but the again it goes to your priorities. What's important to you? I like my skinny clothes. I want to walk my daughters down the aisle. Once I didn't think I was going to be there. Don't sit and be depressed Barbara. Get assistance. There are lots of folks who are willing to help YOU DO THE WORK. I wish you good health my friend. Your only failure would be to give up. Peace, Ray
   — Arl3rd

July 30, 2010
There are some really good suggestions on the other posts. The only thing that I would suggest is to go some place for additional support like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, OA, or something like that. Some place that will give you weekly support and deal with issues such as mindless eating, journaling your food, nuitrition, etc., etc. By doing this, you are holding yourself accountable for what you are doing
   — Kathleen W.