Question:
How can I get back on straight and narrow? I'm about 20 months post-op, gained 15.

I was counseling a woman who's considering surgery. She asked me what my starting weight was and what I weighed now. (I've lost about 140 lbs., but have gained back about 15.) She said, "I can't believe you weigh that, I thought you'd be at goal weight by now." OK, she was rude, and frankly I didn't care for her at all, and I let her know she should NEVER make a comment like that to someone, particularly if she's asking for help from him/her (she also referred to a particularly difficult doctor as a "fat slob"--I didn't have much use for this person!) But...I HAD hoped to be at goal weight by now. I am eating way too many carbs, I think. THey seem to go down in endless amounts very easily, unlike protein. I'm thinking of going to a semi-liquid, back-to-nothing-but-protein-shakes diet until I can get it together. Lots of stress at home; I'd thought I'd licked emotional eating but I guess I haven't. Do any of you long-term post-ops have any suggestions? I am feeling very desperate. (Oh, and please: NO responses letting me know I should be at goal weight by now!! ;-) ) Thanks much! — Mary Ellen W. (posted on January 23, 2003)

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January 23, 2003
Hey Girl!!!! Here's a {{{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}!!!! Try to stay away from carbs. Eat more protein to get back on track. You do not have to go on a liquid diet. Take it easy and everything will be ok. Tell that rude person to go and crawl back under her rock. I hate people like that as well. Lots of Love!!!
— Regina C.

January 23, 2003
Mary Ellen, I too am at 20 months post op. I haven't gained, thankfully, but I'm still around 33 pounds from goal. I'm craving and eating to many carbs too. I'm still in the high overweight bmi range. I hope for some anwsers as to how to stop the carb craving and how to kick start the losing. At least I'm not over eating. ;)
— Danmark

January 23, 2003
You note in your profile that Dr. Anaz's nutritionist Sally is wonderful, knowledgable, a personal trainer and you really liked her - maybe you should self-pay for several hours with her over the next couple months? Nothing gets information into MY head faster than watching money fly out of my wallet for it. It reminds me that I value what I'm trying to do. Plus, you're clearly not the only person this happens to. She may have all kinds of helpful advice. And I wouldn't worry that she or the doctor will think you're a "failure," and let that keep you away - there's no way anyone could think that - you've done fantastic in a very, very hard battle. You just need some refueling. Good luck to you!
— Kim A.

January 23, 2003
Before you beat yourself too severely, please check your mechanics. If you have a staple line disruption, all the "good" behavior in the world won't help. Mechanics, first. While you're waiting for those appts, you can tighten up your routine, of course. But no point in trying to drive with a flat tire. Know what I mean?
— vitalady

January 23, 2003
I know this sounds weird, but it has worked for me. I did go on liquids only for a few days to 'remind' my body that I am a postie. Also, each time I have had surgery or a cold and have not eaten for a few days when I do start eating again it's like I am a new postie with a tiny pouch.
— Cara F.

January 24, 2003
hiya. {{hugs}} first of all, remember that not everyone reaches "goal" weight AND a lot of people who do, will gain back 15-20 lbs. that's NORMAL! i'm 19 mos post op and found myself snacking on higher carb foods instead of higher protein foods. i mean, they had some protein content but not like i should be eating. i started weight training and my trainer put me on a meal plan where i am eating more often but really focusing on the protein and vegetables. he gives me one day off a week and on that day i do NO exercise and am allowed to eat whatever i want...the other 6 days i have a pretty strict regimen i follow - no breads, no tortillas, no chips, no crackers...lots of protein, veggies and fruit. i still supplement with protein drinks. this seems to be helping me stay away from the carbs ... i think the idea of meeting with the personal trainer/nutritionist is a great idea! good luck and DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP!! you weigh a heck of a lot less than you did pre op!! {{hugs}} kate www.geocities.com/katebme2002
— jkb

January 24, 2003
I really don't have any total advice for you on what to do...I can just state my own experience. When I had my TT, I swore that my surgeon re-did my pouch. I felt just like a brand new post op again. I went back to a liquid only diet for a few days...and then soft protein (that was when I discovered the *guts* of a stuffed shell or manicotti was really GREAT--soft and protein filled) And by the time I was up and about again, about 2 weeks, I had lost an additional 10 lbs. I know 4 of it was from skin...but six came off--every now and again, If I feel I am getting out of control, I do all liquids, up the water and treat myself like a brand new postie. I did that recently just after the holidays...I quickly shed that 5 lbs that I gained. Good Luck and have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
— Mustang

January 28, 2003
Hi Mary Ellen, long time no talk to. I can see, though, that sweet as you are, you are still trying to help others as you did for me when I was considering the surgery. I am now just shy of my one year anniversary, and hope that I can now return the favor and help you. At about 10 months, I got stuck on a plateau where I would gain and lose the same few pounds over and over. Drove me nuts. Well, after X-mas, I changed a few things. I upped my exercise to 4 days a week (had been doing 3) and made the workouts a little more intense, I upped the water (still difficult for me!) and I upped the protein (added 1 protein shake a day). That was a little over 3 weeks ago, and finally, I have dropped another 2 pounds. So perhaps you could try something like that? When home life stresses you, try exercise. When the carbs call your name, try a protein shake. I discovered a new shake this week and it was sooooo yummy! Take 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, ice and water, a splash of non-fat milk and crush up 2 sugar free chocolate creme (oreo like) cookies. OH MY GOD-it was like having cookies and cream ice cream...Give me a call or E-mail me. We need to go to the Staple Club meetings again together. OK?
— Cindy R.

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