Question:
Is it possible to start wieght loss again after three years?

Is it possible to start losing pounds again after three years of not doing anything right? What advice can you give? I know protien and lots of it and lots of water and excercise but have any of you done it and what all did you do and how has it been for you?    — Sarah B. (posted on April 9, 2003)

April 9, 2003
Well, I think it can be done- I shall be starting *again*. I am in preparation right now- currently looking into a good protein shake, double checking which vites I should be taking; gonna load on the water, and follow the program to a T - and include as much exercise as I can give (I hate exercising). I plan on getting to my goal weight of 150-160. I personally feel our bodies can do it- sure the window of oppurtunity is best immediately post op- but we have the advantage of a small stomach, which can be easily satisfied- we are also prone to dumping etc. I am sure the combination (two things normal "dieters" don't have the advantage of) will make getting back on the wagon EASY. At least that is what I tell myself.
   — Karen R.

April 9, 2003
God I hope so! (lol). I say that because I "forgot" all the good things I learned after my rny....I reverted to old habits and regained 50lbs. I had the same question. I think the answer is YES, we can lose weight again. It's much harder now and I'm losing verrrryyyyyyy slowly. But I am losing! I've lost 11 lbs. in two months. Only 39 more to go! You just have to go back to basics. I did it by starting the Atkins program. Level 1 works best for me. It took 2-3 weeks to detox myself (again), but now I have no cravings and not much of an appetite. I follow Atkins religiously and I feel great (I'm even sleeping better) and losing weight. I truly do believe that exersize is very important too. That's always been a problem for me. But, next week I'm going to start working out at Curves. I just take it one day at a time. I've decided to weigh myself once a month...on the first. If I can do it, you can too.
   — mandy S.

April 9, 2003
Yes! You definately can. That is what's so great about this surgery. Not all 100% of us are completely successful after WLS. But b/c it is our "tool" we can use it. I can't relate from experience as I am almost a year out and still losing (slowly) but I've heard from several people that have lost weight again. The thing they do is start the liquid diet. Ya know, the boring one we had to do the first few weeks after surgery. Just do liquids and/or soft foods and this can give the illusion of shrinking your pouch (not sure if it really does or not) So then you will not eat as much if that is your problem. And get thee to some support groups- you'll need support and advice to kick old habits. You're already on your way! Goodluck to you
   — Lezlie Y.

April 9, 2003
I know a women who gained back 100 pounds, then lost 150 after 17 years post op. She said her tool worked well, it was the bad eating that got her in trouble. She ate on a strict time schedule and ate high protein and exercised. You can do anything!
   — ZZ S.