Question:
Why am I getting bigger?

i am 17 months post op. I lost around 105# and am stable at 140 but my body is looking like it did before surgury BUT 100# less. What is going on. I know that when we lose alot of weight that we lose the fat under the skin, am I just filling back in . I have gained 6 pounds since arril and I am just panicing that I am this huge person that I was b/4 surgury. Is it just mind games that happens with us because we were heavy before. When you p/o people stableized is this what happens? i only eat 1/2 of a tuna sandwich with a piece of cheese for breakfast and for lunch is usually 3/4 a can sardines and for supper mabey a protien bar or something small, I know I am not eating to much because I try to stop when I feel comfortable. I am religous about what I eat and can eat, and slip up once in a while just like everyone else..Any input would be appreciated.    — Lisa J. (posted on November 12, 2002)

November 12, 2002
Has your clothing size changed? If it hasn't then you are most likely dealing with mind and emotional issues. If it has go to your doctor, there is most likely a medical reason.
   — Cheryl S.

November 12, 2002
I know your fears! I'm 18 months post op, and THIS month I GAINED weight for the first time. (Still HAD another 33 pounds to lose- now more). :(
   — Danmark

November 12, 2002
I've always been told that after the initial weight loss is over, we gradually gain back 10 percent of the loss and thats where we stay. If this is true then you have 5 more pounds to gain before you stabilize. You are certainly not eating too much-perhaps you need to shake things up a bit. Try a different type of exercise for a few weeks, or eat 100 extra calories a day for a week to trick the body. Are you drinking lots of water?? Don't panic. 140 is where I hope to be at 17 months post-op!! Bet you look gooooood. (9 months post-op and 15-20 from goal)
   — Cindy R.

November 12, 2002
I suggest taking your measurements, your body could be changing but you will not know until you do this, and start comparing on a regular basis. If you belong to a gym you might want to ask them to do a body fast test. I do both of these each month and compare, I find that alot more accurate then the scale. Also are you taking in enough protein? I have this problem and that is why my loss is slow. From what you listed that you had eaten it did not seem like enough....I was told 30-60 (60 the best) grams of protein per day. God Bless.
   — bsktofdreams

November 13, 2002
If you are exercising, you will build muscle which is under fat. The fat will stick out a bit more because the muscle is taking up more space as it gets bigger. Muscle also weighs more than fat.
   — cherokey55