Question:
Why would I have now gained 8 pounds over the summer

I am two years post op and have never gained weight back until this summer. Since June, I have put on about 8 pounds. I can really feel it. I still eat small amounts of food...but maybe it's from too many carbs? I don't exercise..I do like Dr Peppers. I just wanted to hear from others who are post-op as long as myself and why I might have gained 8 pounds in 3 months, when I used to never gain. Any suggestions on how to get thes 8 pounds off would be appreciated. Maybe do Dr. Atkins diet? 10-day liquid diet? Please let me know!    — Lisa R. (posted on September 9, 2003)

September 9, 2003
I'm with ya! Two years out and I gained weight this summer too. I think it's a combination of the following: 1) Whenever I went to the gym this summer, I took my kids swimming instead of doing anything aerobic and I really feel out of shape. 2) Eventually your intestines adapt to the malabsorption and you start absorbing more calories than in the past. 3) I get complacent with my weight loss and think I don't need to be careful and add back stuff I shouldn't eat. My weight shoots right back up. 4) After being MO for so long, I had very dense muscles to carry around 300 pounds. Since I'm 1/2 that weight now, I'm losing that muscle, so am not burning as many calories as before. I seem to be bigger at the same weight than I was a year ago. To lose the weight, it's the same thing as it's always been. Protein, exercise, water, no refined carbs. Essentially, reverting to the pouch rules. It's just not as easy now as it was the first year.
   — mom2jtx3

September 9, 2003
Hi Lisa, I am 19 mo post op and have noticed that right around the 2 year mark is when most post-ops notice a slight weight gain. I think like the previous poster that the system adjusting to the malabsorbtion is one reason but for many of us, its simply slacking off the program. I go up and down with the same 2 pounds now but if it goes up to 3, I increase the exercise, up the water, and cut back a bit on the snacking until they are gone. Its truly a daily struggle for me to stay on top of things. I also weigh daily to keep it honest. May I suggest a few things? Exercise is key, no doubt about it. Heart pounding cardio is the only way to burn those calories, and it has to be regular, like 3 times a week at least. I know if I did not do that exercise, I would have to cut out all snacking to maintain. I exercise to eat! Bottom line, its still a calories game for us. Calories in = calories out, and when that balance is upset, we gain. The small amounts of food is good but if too many carbs are creeping in it may be upsetting the calorie balance. Dr. Atkins would work, so would a liquid protein diet, but a better way is to cut back on the carbs/snacking, up the water (give up the soda) and EXERCISE. Bet those 8 pounds would be gone in less than a month.
   — Cindy R.

September 9, 2003
If you are drinking Dr Pepper (or any soda), you are also drinking sodium. Water retention would not account for all 8lbs but it may account for some of it.
   — M B.

September 9, 2003
I am 3 years post-op and have been able to maintain my weight until now. I have gained 10 pounds since March but I realize the weight gain came from grazing. I went on the Atkins induction phase and lost the 10 pounds but I started grazing again and gained it right back. I believe that going back to the basics--more protein, fewer carbs, more water, walking...etc will help. I also think an Atkins-type eating style will be helpful. Good Luck!!
   — Char S.

September 9, 2003
I am almost 2 years post-op and have lost 140 lbs.and have pretty much kept it off until this summer too! I have gained almost 15lbs in 3 months! I want to cry! I have a very bad addiction, Garlic Butter RITZ crackers! I seem to be eating them like crazy and I cant stop! I still eat small portions of regular food, as I get full pretty quick, but those darn crackers go down so easliy. Your problem might be carbs too.. We just HAVE TO STOP EATING THEM! Oh well, hope u get some good advice, I will be reading...
   — Laurie L.