Question:
This is a desperate cry for help.

On Saturday it will be 2 yrs since my lap surgery. I remember being so happy last summer as my bio will show. With in the past 9 months I have put on a little over 20 lbs due to steroids I've had to take for health problems and just being able to eat more. I am so depressed with myself and feel like a weight loss surgery failure. Any advice will be greatly appreciated either through this group or through private e-mail Erins1210. Thank you, Erin Sansone    — ERIN S. (posted on May 6, 2003)

May 6, 2003
Erin -- Have you gone to any group meetings or tried attending counseling appointments to discuss your feelings? I'm sure you aren't the only AMOS person who has gone through this phase. Sure the weight gain is a set-back, but not failure! Watch your eating, exercise, and don't give up. The "pity pot" may get comfortable sometimes, but you have to up and not let this make you depressed. You became a WINNER the day you had your surgery. Good luck and remember "A set-back, is just a step back, to get back..." You can do it!
   — Starrlina

May 6, 2003
Erin, I'm sorry you're going through this, health problems, which inevitably can cause weight gain for anyone. Plus, steroids are often taken by people to gain weight and muscle- so no wonder you gained weight- the odds were stacked against you at that point. But, it is 20lbs., ofcourse any weight gain is upsetting- but it isn't 50 or 100lbs. gained- that is one positive. Another thing is that we alwasy hear how this surgery is a tool, well it truly can be, not just to lose the initial weight, but then again if you need to after a gain. I don't know from personal experience (I just reached my goal within 1 year) but I've heard that losing weight is much easier post-op than it was pre-op. SO take your tool and use it. Go on a 2 week liquid diet, similar to the one you were on immediately post-op. This can kind of reboot your pouch and then start all over. Get in your protein first and drink alot of water. And I don't know if you are already, but try to get in some exercise, join a gym or even just take a couple walks a week with your husband. The first step of acknowledging the problem is done- you're already on your way! By the way- I had surgery with Dr. McLean, he was through the Obesity Center in Morristown, just like Dr. Bertha, so if you ever want to talk, e-mail me ([email protected])
   — Lezlie Y.

May 6, 2003
Hello Erin, First of all, I don't consider you a failure! Even with your 20 pounds gained you have done great! I am pre-op, and I have dealt with depression for a long time... it might be worth talking to your doctor about this. I have heard that when weight comes back it can be lost easier after WLS than before, but I know your head has to be in the right place. We all have many things to be thankful for (even us pre-ops!) and if you can, think about those for twice as much time (or more) than you think about the problems. But, to repeat, it would be worth talking to your PCP about... mine helped me as well as referring me to another doctor who has been a great help to me. Feel free to email me at [email protected].
   — Tim W.

May 7, 2003
Erin, sweetie. Don't be depressed and so hard on yourself. Think of how much weight you had before. 20 pounds is a hell of a lot easier than 100 so hang in there. Take it one day at a time.
   — Regina C.