Question:
How do you regain control when you start gaining weight?

I am 4 years post op and had lost about 130 pounds. The doctor said that at between 4 and 5 years out I would probably gain around 20 pounds. I have gained 25 since Christmas and I am feeling out of control. I'm afraid if I gain more I won't be able to get back on track. I have been walking between 1-2 miles a day about 4 days a week. I have been making some poor food choices but I think I am drinking to many calories. How do I get back on the wagon? HELP!    — Rosemarie D. (posted on August 5, 2005)

August 5, 2005
Start writing down every calorie that goes into your mouth. After about a week look at what you have written down and see if there are any ways to improve upon what you are eating. For instance, if you notice you are eating junk in the evening...replace it with apples. If you notice you are drinking too much beer or soda...switch to tea with splenda. Don't cut out food, replace food at first. Good luck to you, I had to join weight watchers to get a perspective on proper eating choices, I too became too comfortable at about 3 years. I lost 130lbs and in a matter of 6 months packed on 25lbs, it scared me to death. 15 of it came back off on its own, but I've had to work for the rest. ahem...working for the rest. Good luck to you.
   — RebeccaP

August 5, 2005
You have to get serious! Pull out your Pre-WLS photos to remind of WHY you did this. If you are in doubt of your food choices, you could always make an appt. with a nutritionist and re-evaluate your food plan for you since you are years from post-op. You may have to change up or add to your exercise routine too, add in some dance classes, or take up water aerobics. Perserverance has rewards.
   — C-There

August 6, 2005
I'm understanding that you know why you are gaining, so now you have to come up with a strategy to pull out of the problem behavior. I don't know exactly what will work for you, but I'll relate what I did on a couple occasions that helped. I was having a problem with sugar. I suddenly could eat certain candies and ended up inhaling candy at home, at work and in the car. Well, once I had one, I had to have 6 or 10. I quit losing weight and was supposed to still be on my "honeymoon." So I devised a strategy that worked for me. I put the candy ONLY in my car. My commute to work is 10-15 minutes and so I allowed myself to indulge only while on the way to work. One of my problem candies was red ropes. Well, now that it is hot, those things turn to leather in the car, so you can imagine I don't eat them right now. Anyway, it helped immensely. I got it out of my house and away from work and I was able to get away from the sugar and the cravings subsided. Another strategy I used was to jump start my losing by not eating at work. I work 10 hour shifts, so I made a point to not eat at work at all if I could. I drank coffee. :) Anyway, I allowed myself to eat before work and after work, but not during. It helped a lot because people snack at work and it got rid of that tendency for me. I don't know what will work for you specifically, but obviously you need to get the high calorie liquids out of your diet. How you choose to do that, you'll have to figure out. Whether it be substituting sugar free drinks or going cold turkey or whatever the case is, you need to experiment to find out how you can avoid the problem. One suggestion is to allow yourself whatever the drink is you like, but only after you have drank a certain amount of water first. I know when I tried to drink a gallon of water a day, it displaced much of my soda drinking because I just didn't feel like drinking more. But I could have it if I wanted, so I didn't feel deprived. Good luck to you! I hope you find your stride!
   — Dinka Doo

August 6, 2005
There is a great yahoo group called OffTrack. The people there are wonderful! It is very supportive and everyone there has really great tips to getting back on track.
   — Tami H.

August 6, 2005
I felt the same way. I had RNY in Apr of 2004. Im a year and a half post op. I have kept the weight off. I went through a period of being hungry all the time. Well that was because I was eating foods that where not filling. I bought a George Forman grill. I put a chicken breast on it and forget it for a few minutes till its done. That is an easy way to get a healthy dinner. Its fast also. Try fish. Its very good. I stay away from calorie drinks. I only drink water. I will have a snake every now and then but will not over do it. Lately my constant filling of being hungry has went away. Just eat more filling foods. You know like turkey or chicken, stick to the lean protiens and you cant go wrong. Homemade chili is my fave. I make a huge pot of it and have it for a week. Fast and easy... Cook extra when you do cook and put it in the fridge for left overs. That way when your hungry and dont fill like cooking you wont grab the snack food you can grab the healthy leftovers. Also if you find yourself hungry have a healthy snack, some raisins, or oatmeal, a banana. Find a hobby you love. I personelly like running, walking, and biking. Having 3 hobbies is nice cause if I get bored of one I can do another. Good Luck email if you would like, we can discuss it further. [email protected]
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 7, 2005
We join with others who are struggling, as well. My accountability group is the Graduate list. You can only post if you are 1+ years out, but you can read at any time. Here's the link: [email protected]
   — vitalady

August 8, 2005
You get on the doggone wagon! :-) At a little over 13 months, I find myself already eating more than I should, and not exercising and having to really have some serious talks with myself. One thing that really helps me is to make comparison photos... click on my profile and you'll see what I mean :-) I use FITDAY.COM to keep track of what I eat each day. I am very serious about my protein, so it's a great way to know if I'm getting enough in. It also tells me about total calories and them evil carbs as well! I recommend it to journal what you're eating, so you can make the appropriate changes now, since you know you need to refocus and get back on track :-)
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 17, 2005
Thanks to Angie for the post on FitDay.com. For the past 2 days it has really opend my eys as to how much fat and carbs I am actually taking in! Thanks so much, plus it's a fun way to keep up with what I eat. Thanks again! Erikka
   — [Deactivated Member]