Question:
Has any else had this problem?

I had gastric bypass in 3/02 and lost 150 lbs in a little over a year. Over the past year to a year and a half, I have reained about 50 lbs. I feel like the surgery doesn't help me at all now. I don't get full, I don't get sick, unless I eat a lot of sugar. Now it like before, I have to try and force myself not to eat when I want to. I haven't been to support group meetings for quite some time and I haven't seen my surgeon for a year and a half. I feel like a failure and stupid. Have you had this problem and were you able to get back on track and lose the weight again?    — jan M. (posted on February 16, 2005)

February 15, 2005
Jan - You're totally normal, unfortunately! The sensations we counted on during our honeymoon period fade away for most of us. Hopefully, we developed new and better habits to help us maintain. It's hard. It was so easy at first. Now, many of us have to work to maintain or to continue to lose. My advice? See your surgeon just in case you do have some kind of mechanical reason you can eat more. Join a support group. Exercise. I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't lost in 6 months. I'm pleased with that, but I think I could very easily start gaining weight if I'm not very careful. Good luck to you! Jo
   — JoSyrNY

February 16, 2005
I had surgery the same time as you- 3/20/02. I dont get sick (for the most part). You still have your "tool", but it becomes harder for us. For me, the ability to eat has returned (of course not huge portions all at once, but I can certainly eat alot of food over a period of time.) I try to stress to newer post ops, the importance of learning good habits. No Snacking, no junk!! I have gained 20 pounds in the last year. Hopefully holding steady at that number, I pray this is my "bounceback" weight. I do exercise (not enough), and try to focus on protien first..but it boils down to calorie in/calorie out! I recommend you attend support groups, find some type of support in your area. It is possible to gain all of your weight back. Try going back to basics..liquid protien drinks for 2-3 days, than only good protein/low fat/veggies..We are not on a diet any longer, but we do need to maintain a healthly eating style for the rest of our lives. Anyone thinking otherwize will be in for a lot of disappointment in the future. Good luck to ya
   — ~~Stacie~~

February 16, 2005
I've been experiencing a simillar problem - had open RNY in 1/03 and in the last year have gained back 40 of the 80 lbs. I lost. I finally realized it might not be all my own fault and went to the surgeon, who ordered an Upper GI. Turns out my stoma is "wide open" - which is why I never feel full and have no problem overeating. Now we're looking into revisions, insurance and such. But, I have to admit, I feel somewhat better knowing it isn't all my fault! So, get to your surgeon's office and get checked out.
   — barbdeane

May 11, 2005
Have you had any resolution to this situation? I, too, have regained much of my weight and am feeling almost suicidal, I'm so depressed.
   — Tracey D.

May 11, 2005
I agree with the other folks as far as getting testing done is concerned to see if there's a surgical failure. But, I would add that at three years post-op now, I've learned there are simply foods I cannot eat at all (read: sugary junk foods like candy or cookies), or my old habits return with a vengeance and I simply cannot stop binging on them. The addictive, crappy foods are the easiest to overeat, the least dense in texture, and most calorie-laden, and long-term, my RNY won't stop weight gain as far as those foods are concerned. However, if I eat dense protein foods first, then I'm still full easily (whew!), so I've not lost the surgical benefit -- it's just that it only applies to certain foods at this stage. I think using the tool may mean, for some of us, giving up or very severely limiting those foods that the tool doesn't work on any more (if it ever did).
   — Suzy C.

May 11, 2005
I'm not yet two years out but have already discovered that, like Suzy C says, there are foods that I will NEVER be able to eat just based on the way I react. For me, it's anything that has white flour and sugar. Over the weekend, I was at my son's house and had 1/2 graham cracker with peanut butter on it. A graham cracker doesn't have white flour but it does have sugar, although it's not much so I thought it would be pretty safe. I ATE all weekend........I kept going back to those crackers like I was starving. I've spent the last two days detoxing from that stuff and getting myself back under control and my daughter-in-law promised she wouldn't have them in the house next time I visit. I know it will take a life long commitment to eating properly or I'll be right back into the old habits again and I HATE that feeling of lost control. I'd say get your mechanics checked, get back to support group, and go see your surgeon. You should be getting your blood work done regularly.........hope you are. Get all the junk out of the house and whenever you get a craving, eat a small piece of protein, or drink some water, or get a cup of coffee. You've done way too well not to get the head issues under control. Get over the feeling like a stupid failure. The same thing is just lurking right out there for all of us and we're all here to support each other.
   — scbabe