Question:
I've gained 25lbs between 18 and 24 months post op..has this happened to anyone else?

I went from 245 to 175 over 18months ,now I put back on 25, I am so upset with myself. Has this happened to anyone else?    — loren (posted on February 20, 2006)

February 20, 2006
Well, I knew I wasn't the only one this has happened to. My four year anniversary was yesterday. Although I can't belive how far I've come, I can't believe I let my weight creep back up. I'm positive my weight gain was caused by snacking/grazing, not exercising, and falling into old, comfortable habits. I would love to hear from people who experienced this and overcame it. I'm choosing to look at this as a learning experience instead of a mistake. I've gone back to the basics I was taught after my surgery. We can beat this!
   — carollcsw

February 20, 2006
there are always answers for weight gain. the 3 most important questions you must ask yourself is, do you eat, drink and excercise. You might also want to consider going back to the basics. measure your foods, and look at what you are now eating.
   — Steve Cohen

February 20, 2006
well someone hit the nail on the head! back to basics, recondition your pouch by doing and eating exactly what you ate and did (exercise) straight after surgery. Sorry it is hard yacka, but there is no other way. I know that, because I am nearly 16 years post op and have had to watch out like a Hawk. Watch intake of my animal fats, ammounts (so you doun't stretch up your stomach) and daily or by- daily walking. No strolling either, briskly for 40 to 50 minutes every day, until I get a sweat up. (lucky I have 2 dogs who keep me up to he mark. Oh and don't excuse the weather or your age or any other thing. Just do it. I am 63.5 by the way and I know anyone can if you only follow the base rules. jeepers i feels so good afterwards.
   — Lise K.

February 20, 2006
It's time to join the Grad list. No guarantee that you'll get the rest of the wt off, but there's also the trick of 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

February 20, 2006
Hi Loren, You of course are not alone. I had surgery in December 2002 and have lost over 200 pounds. For the last two years I've dealt with 2 back surgeries so I've been able to excersize to get the last 40 pounds off. My company has moved to a 'work from home' program and I think this is the worst thing as I notice I graze a lot, somehow have moved back to soda and have started drinking coffee....all Bad Bad! I have put on 10 pounds and am nervous! I have joined a gym and am able to get back to working out...it's the motivation now that is killing me. We just moved to a small town west of Chicago and I don't know anyone here...it's soooo easy to make excuses of why I can't make it to the gym. The advice everyone else gave is the truth.....we need to get back to basics. I don't want to be lax and let my weight creep back up slowly over time. I've been given a gift with WLS and I need to focus and appreciate that. It's so great that we have each other to turn to - know that you aren't alone.... this is a lifelong battle....but we can do it!!! Fondly, Amy
   — Myzmotormouth

February 21, 2006
I also have put back on 30 of the 250 lbs I lost. I know hy appetite has increased a little, and I also graze but honestly I always did this. I don't reccomend doing this, but I ALWAYS got sick after eating a meal so I stuck to grazing and still lost weight. I lost my energy about a year ago (I am 3 years post op) and I am almost possitive that this is because of the depression I have from the folds of skin. I keep thinking whats the point, knowmatter how much I exercise, my body will look the same. I know what I need to get me back up agian is insurance approval for the skin removal. I can't get a loan because I just started working part time after many years of disability, and no one will trust my income and I don't make enough even for partial payments. I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE! I know there are others who experience this. I guess I was more of another problem rather than a solution to your problem, sorry.
   — poohgyrl80

March 4, 2006
I am 2 1/2 years post op and the last year I have gained 20 pounds... I do excersise at least 3 times a week, and always have. I recently joined Weight Watchers, and I have to tell you... I LOVE IT! It really gets you back into realising what you are eating and teaches you to make better food choices. I have already lost 7 pounds in the last two weeks. Honestly, I dont think I could have stuck to it before I had WLS, but because I can be so much more disciplined about eating, it works out great! Please do not give up... At least figure out what you need to to do STOP gaining, then take the next step and see how you are going to lose the weight again. Remember that it does not come off like it did when you originally had WLS, so dont get discouraged! Keep your chin up, you have dealt with worse things Im sure! :)
   — jeannieli