Question:
I am five years out from RNY and have gained 35 pounds. What now?

It does not feel as if I am eating differently. I am back to being diabetic - hypertension and meds again. Any suggestions? Sara    — windyacr (posted on February 26, 2008)

February 26, 2008
IMHO I think that you need to get back to your surgeon and see what is going on. In the mean time keep track of your food and drink intake. Sometimes when one is not really looking at what is going in their mouth they really are eating way out of line. Now, I am not saying that you are just that one needs to really take a real hard look. Get back with the NUT and be really honest with your food and exercise life styles. You might be surprised. Christine
   — ChristineB

February 26, 2008
You need to monitor your diet and portion control closely. I can understand hypertension, as it's sometimes genetic and hard to completly avoid. I had that problem too, along with a slow pulse. Pacemaker surgery and bp pills solved that. But how did your diabetes come back? Every diabetic I've spoken to lost either all or most all of their dependency on diabetic medications post RNY surgery. Diet related??
   — Dave Chambers

February 26, 2008
If you don't remember your mealplan from when you were actively working on losing, go back and get it from your doctor. Then keep a food journal for a week or so. And compare them. That's the only way you're going to know for sure if you've fallen off track or not. Then you can proceed from there. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

February 26, 2008
I would get back to your surgeon or if he is not in your area find a new one that can address your issues. You might need a revision. I am sure that you can modify your diet, but if you our out of control and noting is working, check with the octor for solutions.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 26, 2008
In watching the Montel show on tuesday the wls drs on there said that we lose 80% of our body weight and we gain 60% back. The tool still works unless we have a tool breakdown and it is not our fault we gain, but if our diet or eating habits goes back to like before we had wls we will gain weight. It takes exercise and healthy eating habits to maintain the weightloss or it comes back. As far as being a diabetic this surgery does not make us not be diabetics anymore. We are still diabetic I was told just controlled the blood sugars through weightloss and diet. I have noticed that when I gain a few lbs my blood suguars rise. My cholesterol has gotten higher and my dr adviced me to lose 20 lbs to lower it again. I have never been completely off my bp meds. I was cut down from 4 to 2 and a fluid pill. Heredity has a lot to do with the bp and stress I go through. If you are being put back on diabetic meds then you should seriuosly go back to basics like when you first had wls. BUT CONSULT YOUR SURGEON AND OR DR BEFORE LISTENING TO ANY REPLIES HERE. The y know best for you and not others.
   — mspisces

February 27, 2008
Sara, Many grads gain weight back. I see it every day on the grads board...EVERY single day someone says "I'm 2-3....8 years out and gained back 20,30....100 lbs. Most of them realize it was their eating habits and how they have fallen off track and stopped following the pouch rules. There is only a small handful that have found it to be medical. Many are trying with support from other grads to lose the weight thru diet, getting back on track, being honest to themselves and keeping a strict food and exercise journal. You are more than welcome to join us there and post your concerns...You will find a lot of support and awesome gentle guidance to get you back in the right mind set. Their are many that know what you are going through...
   — .Anita R.

February 27, 2008
Journaling may help you see exactly what your intake is. Try cutting 100 calories per day. At the end of the week this get you off to a good start. Sometimes we only count our meals as "eating" and we forget about the grazing part. Just really look at your intake and increase your activity. Park in the farthest spot at the store. When you're done shopping, take one extra stroll down each aisle before you checkout. Do some sit ups at least 10 three times a day. Take a walk. do jumping jacks, but be determined to take off the weight.
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 27, 2008
"Wherever I go, there I am." If we don't deal with the underlying behaviors that caused us to gain weight in the first place, we are doomed to repeat the processes. I had a successful RnY 5 years ago and have kept my weight off, but ONLY because I have been VERY aware of what's going on with my body and because I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (shrink) who realized right off the bat that I was going to regain all the weight BACK if I didn't make some very fundamental changes in my eating and life-style. I am determined to have a healthy body because I want to see my kids grow up, so I conducted LOTS research and I have found a plan of action that works for me and for the people I serve. FIRSTLY, start doing meridian tapping, "EFT" (same principle as acupuncture, but without the needles), it is VERY "user-friendly" can be EASILY done ANYWHERE and it WORKS! The "basic recipe" is free, though I do suggest you see a therapist who specializes in EFT and weight loss, because they are SPECIALISTS at what they do. Also, DON'T go spending lots of money on this! You can get a good therapist to work with who will be able to give you the tools you need to make changes in 4-12 sessions. More than that and you are now looking to THEM for YOUR answers and I don't think that is ethical or healthy! The other tools I use in support of health lifestyle are: I keep a journal. When I want to eat, I use EFT and then I journal. Journaling can be a drag, but believe me, knowing the truth about what is going on is a BIG piece in getting back "on track" and MUCH easier than a revision! Thirdly, I WEIGH MYSELF EVERY OTHER DAY! Yup, I am a BIG proponent of self-monitoring! If you are gaining, adjust your food intake and exercise out-put! GET SUPPORT! Find a buddy to support you in EFT, journaling, weighing, and exercise. When we have support, life is MUCH easier! I have developed an excellent support system and guess what? Doing it alone is NOT the answer! It feels MUCH BETTER to have people who support you cheering you on when you have ugly life-stuff to accomplish. This brings in the piece that for me, wraps the entire bundle together. Accountability! Get a shrink, get support and get healthy again! Dear One, if I can do this, YOU can do this ~ and KNOW that I am holding the space for health and happiness for you! I wish you well, and if you have any further questions, you can email me directly at [email protected], or go to my site (I am booked and not taking any patients right now, but you can get a better snap-shot of who I am and what I do and I can refer you, or help you get started on the EFT). Bariatricsurgerybeforeandaftercare.com
   — LCSW