Question:
I'm 4 years post op, and have stared gaining?

Any advise, suggestions, anyone else have the problem? I didn't realize I had gained until I tried on last summers clothes and they were tight. I seldom get on the scales anymore, it just wasn't an issue. I terrified!!!! Dare I try to diet again?    — jiggers (posted on March 28, 2003)

March 27, 2003
Go on the yahoogroups.com OSSG-Graduates list. Lots of good info and people a year out and more there to help you. I'm almost 2 years and still get on the scale every day. You'll be fine, probably just need to get back on a routine for a couple months.
   — Kimberly L.

March 27, 2003
Is it possible that your new stomach has stretched? That's one of the sideeffects of having our surgery. If you dont continue like you should, your stomach can stretch. Also depends on which procedure you had. I would advise that you talk to your surgeon or whoever was responsible for your intial aftercare.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 27, 2003
Jan, Kimberly is right...go to the Grad list on Yahoo. You should also first rule out mechanical problems, like a staple line disruption or stretched stoma. Then, lots of good advice and suggestions can be obtained from the Grad group. Good luck! Leslie (open RNY 8/99)
   — Leslie F.

March 27, 2003
Jan, how much are you gainning? It is my understanding that it is VERY common to regain 10-30% of your lost weight, my dtr was very upfront about this and said this happens in almost all post-ops.
   — heathercross

March 28, 2003
Heather is right, I have also heard that a small regain is to be expected, usually around the 2-3 year time frame, however I heard it was 10 percent and not 30- yikes! I am almost 14 months post-op and the thought of regain has kept me fearful for months now as I know from the OSSG group that it is a very real fear and is happening to many post-ops. It is also why I weigh myself every day and if the scale goes up a pound or two, I assume, whether correctly or not, that I need to alter something to ensure that that pound or two (or three in one case) goes away quickly. It may be that I need to alter my exercise routine-are you exercising regularly? It may be that I have slacked off on the protein-are you getting in enough protein? Enough water? Snacking too much? Ask yourself all those questions and you may find the answer right in front of you. I also am fully aware that I am on a modified diet for life, only this time, I have the tool to be successful with.
   — Cindy R.

March 28, 2003
I don't think the idea here is to "diet," but to return to the healthy style of eating you adopted initially after surgery. With most of us, (me! me! me!) the bad habits kind of creep back in unnoticed and before you know it you are eating more carbs and sugars than you really ought to. The key is to take care of it NOW before the 5-10 pounds becomes 50! I am doing that very thing. I got sick and had to take antibiotics. They didn't sit too well in my stomach and I ate a lot more than I should have for about a week and a half. I only gained two pounds, but it is enough to make me feel bloated and for my clothes to feel tight. I am spending the next three days on liquids, then returning to high-protien/low-carb. Hopefully between that and returning to my workout routine (also disrupted by the darn infection) I should be back to my "old new" self shortly. Liquids is definitely no fun, but it is more fun than feeling like a bloated blob. Now go ahead and laugh at my "skinny minnie" ways--getting all bent out of shape over 2 pounds! LOL But that's what we gotta do. If you give your body a pound it'll take a dress size! ;)<p>Just go back to the basics and see if it helps: high protein, lots of water, exercise, no drinking with meals . . . You know the drill. Good luck to you!
   — ctyst

March 28, 2003
Grads is for people one or more years out to POST. Anyone can lurk and I highly recommend it. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG ********* *********** ********* This topic is regularly discussed, unfortunately
   — vitalady

March 28, 2003
I have found that exercise is my strongest weapon against weight gain. As we all know, diets don't work, but spending a lot of time working out really keeps you motivated. It's awfully hard to work out for 1+ hrs. and then decide you're going to eat a candy bar! You don't feel like throwing away those hard-won calories on junk food... I am 2+ yrs. post-op and haven't regained an ounce. I definitely credit my 4x/week exercise habit.
   — Terissa R.