Question:
What can I do to stop gaining?

I became obese because duhhhh, I eat too much. Years and years of dieting always had the same long term out come. I would lose the weight then regain and add on an additional 20 to 30 pounds. I was unable to diet or exercise ect.. and keep the weight off without WLS. I would have not had needed surgery if I was able to do it using the other traditional methods. Now after 4 years the weight is comming back and I am terrified. I can eat more, it stinks. I don't have that full feeling anymore. I am a very healthy eater and I exercise a lot. I can just eat such larger portions now. I have to eat like a little bird to stay thin but I can't seem to do this without that full satisfied feeling I used to have. I am hungry now and I hate it. How am I supposed to controll my weight when I couldn't do it all thoose years before the surgery. I am so depressed and lost. I don't know what to do.    — paintnmynails (posted on September 16, 2003)

September 16, 2003
Gee I'm sorry to hear that-is it possible that maybe after all this time you have a staple disruption perhaps-maybe you could see your old surgeon and ask him/her what to do-I know it's hard not to have that small stomach as a backup but keep the faith and just portion control your meals or try to at least until what u could eat before. Best of luck
   — TotallyTori

September 16, 2003
Tina, It is possible to have a staple line disruption if you were not transected. You can call and ask your surgeon if he transected you and if not, I would ask him to order an endoscopy to go in and check if your staple line is intact.
   — Ali M

September 16, 2003
Have you tried tracking your food closely again? Also, it might be good to talk to someone about your feelings, as depressing generally causes most of us to eat more.
   — Cathy S.

September 16, 2003
If it's not an sld, then check out what you're eating. I seem to be able to eat all the protein and protein shakes I want and not gain weight. Try filling up on those items, get rid of any processed foods, and see how it goes. This may keep you full longer.
   — mom2jtx3

September 17, 2003
I agree with the others. The first place to start is to get an accurate assessment of not only how much you're eating, but what types of food. Fitday.com is a great website to track this on, if you're not already using it (and it's free). Find out if most of your food is coming from protein or from carbs. It it's overbalanced to carbs, change what you eat to include more protein, and be sure to start your day with a protein breakfast. Protein fills you up faster and stays in your system longer. If you're eating more carbs than ideal, these do not fill you up, and generally lead to cravings for more carbs. This is especailly true of the refined carbs (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sweets, junk food). Don't worry so much about fruit, veggie and whole grain carbs. Make sure that you take in more protein than carbs every day. You probably also should go back to your dietitian for a consult. S/he might be able to evaluate what's going on, and help you get back on track. Best wishes.
   — Vespa R.

September 18, 2003
hi Tina. I feel for you. My original surgery was 6/01. I had 7 endoscopies due to problems. I could eat very little. I had a hernia, an ulcer and my surgeon did a revision June of this year. Now I eat. Now I never feel full. I hate it too. I read all the responses. I will try the protein increase, I am already back on prescription diet pills. I am not happy either. Has anything started to help you?
   — Cheryl C.

September 18, 2003
How much have you gained? I am over 2 years oiut and saw the scale creeping up. With a bit of effort its now dropping. Have you seen your surgeon? Nutronist? How much exercise are you getting? Please tell us more so we can help.
   — bob-haller