Question:
I am 5 years out and have gained about 25 lbs.

I am desperate for advice to kick-start my weight loss again. I would be devastated if after 5 years I gained all my weight back. I wanted to bulk up a little, due to the sagging skin, but not with fat - I would prefer muscle. I have mostly gained from my waist down, which is typical for me, but I am starting to get depressed about it. Please, any suggestions to start losing again with be eternally greatful. Thanks so much!    — Tonda (posted on March 6, 2008)

March 5, 2008
Hi, I am Glenna Scott and just had my 7th year anniversary. I have the same problem! I am at the point that I am thinking of going on a diet. Do you think we have inlarged our pouch? I have semi-retired at 60 and don't get out as much. Maybe I am sitting around to much...HELP! HELP! does anyone have the answer to our problem?
   — Glenna S.

March 5, 2008
Try this. It helped me to kick start things again. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html
   — Carlyn M.

March 5, 2008
Hi Tonda, Duke Integrative Medicine has developed a mindful eating class specifically for bariatric patients. Duke's research team did an NIH-sponsored study in which they found mindful eating dramatically reduced binge eating (as well as other findings). Duke IM has teamed up with my company, eMindful, to offer these classes live in an online virtual classroom where you can see and hear the teacher and other class participants. There is a pilot study starting next month sponsored by eMindful. If you are interested in receiving the inclusion/exclusion criteria, please email: [email protected] All the best to you!! Warm regards, Kelley
   — morngglori

March 6, 2008
You are certainly not alone. Gaining weight after 2-10 years seems to be something quite frequent. Someone already mentioned the 5 Day Pouch Test (5DPT) It is a wonderful way to get you back to basics. Most people that do this test realize that their problem was falling off track and picking up bad habits especially eating carbs that are not complex carbs.(I'm guilty) This diet rids you of carb cravings...and lets you begin to feel your pouch again. Good thing to do along with this test is journal your intake of calories, carbs, fats and fibers. This way you can make little tiny adjustments to kick start some good loss results. Cutting just a few hundred calories could be as simple as cooking with 1/2 T less oil or butter and changing high sugar/carb snacks to lower more simple carbs...When you journal your food you will see where you are making your mistakes. At 5 years out you should be getting at least 100g of lean protein in food and supps! 64+ounces of water (not with meals) 25-30 Fiber and your carbs should be complex ...Most Post Op Grads seem to keep about 90 carbs. Need those carbs too! Depending on what your intake shows you in say a week...you will need to drop the calories just a little at a time to see where you need to be. Otherwise see if you can speak to a dietician and get on a diet. Me, I prefer trying it myself first! I don't let my weight get ahead of me. I keep an eye on it and during the holidays I get too lax and always have to get back on track! You can do it...It's easy if you relax and focus and really pay attention to how your pouch really works! Oh and try eating til you are satisfied and not full...Often that is all you might have to do It's a good habit for more success later when things get lax again...as they always do! :) Good luck sweetie!
   — .Anita R.

March 6, 2008
jus get back on track. 25 bl. is a wake up call so you wont gain back the rest. you have the tool use it. maybe see a nutritionist to help you to learn how to eat healthy food again leave soda, and salt alone drink plenty of water. stay away from white refine flowers and sugar. you can do it
   — yvettetas

March 6, 2008
Gosh, if I had a penny for everytime my thighs flapped in the wind I'd have enough money to pay for them to be removed!! LOL I feel your pain sister and I think if you continue to focus of the problem rather than reaching out to a solution, or a new goal you may not come out of your depression. I am 4yrs out and I am dead set on losing 20lbs myself. But I have come to terms with the fact that I may never be at my lowest weight again. This helps me to stay focused. Best of luck to you.
   — bariatricdivalatina

March 7, 2008
You're definitely not by yourself in this ... What I am finding is when anyone gets the surgery they loosing alot of weight and as time goes on they move up to an ideal weight - not necessarily to look obese but a realistic weight. I am 5 yrs post and I was a size 8 - I am now a size 12. I too have gained and know that it is because I have began to slack and not watch my protein intake - so I had to go back to basic when I first had the surgery. More protein and less carbs. I think we all get lacks. I also have looked into a nutritionist who can take a look at my blood work to tell me where I am deficit. I realize as I get older that the intake of minerals and vitamins may have to be increased. I do alot of study on vitamins and which ones are best for me as I get older. My doctor told me that my pouch would stress a little bit but it is up to me to watch what I eat. This is not a quick fix and we will have to stay focused for the rest of our lives. No worries - just go back to basic and focus a little harder. Remember when you first decided to have the surgery and the determination that you had to have it - return to the basic. Keep in touch ([email protected]).
   — Sammi G.

March 9, 2008
I am also about 5 yrs out and have gained about 30 LBS. I recently started a diet..which I prefer to think of as a new way of life eating..it is called "The Eat All Day Diet". You eat 6 small meals a day. You have 3 meals at 400 calories each and 3 snacks at 100 calories each. Of course you should cut your fat and sugars down and eat protein. There is a book that explains the program. There is also another book about "3 Hour meals" that is helpful. I lost 7 LBS in two days.
   — NANCY P.