Question:
I did pretty good losing, but have lately started gaining. Why?

I had surgery in July of 2002, I had an rny, I lost pretty good in the beginning, but for the last 4 months have not lost anything, in fact I have gained 10 lbs. This is not normal I know. I feel hungry all the time and I drink plenty of water. I just don't think I get enough protein. Is there a pill I can take that will help me get protein? What should I not be eating? Please help I don't want this to fail also. All other weight loss attempts have failed and I feel gross.    — Vickie T. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
Vickie, You need to find a protein supplement. There are bunches out there - drinks, bars, etc. Protein is important to help you lose weight but more importantly, muscles build from protein and if you don't get enough they will deteriorate and remember - your heart is a muscle. You should get about 80% of your calories from high protein foods with the remaining coming from vegetables and fruit. I avoid the starchy, white foods like rice, potatos, pasta, bread, etc. I do not eat sweets and chips or popcorn. I do eat nuts, peanut butter, lots of fish, meats, beans, chili, Taco Bell pintos, salad, oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt and small amounts of no sugar added ice cream (I didn't start this until I was almost at goal) and lots and lots of sugar free popsicles. Since I have been at goal for ove 8 months, I am a little more liberal than I was when I was losing - for instance, I had a piece of cheese toast for breakfast this morning. Before I reached goal, I never ate bread.
   — Patty_Butler

October 6, 2003
My advice is to look at a few things. First, track what you eat, and when you eat (fitday.com is an easy, free online service that will tell you how many calories, fat grams, protein grams you are taking in). If you eat too far apart, you will feel hungry, and be able to eat more, so have a little bit to eat four to six times a day (three meals and one to three small snacks). Plan your daily intake of food ahead of time so you know what you will eat for each meal and snack, and can plan the appropriate food for each. Second, what are you eating? Refined carbs don't stay in your pouch very long, and the way they are metabolized creates cravings for more, and signals your body to store fat, not burn it. Limit your refined carbs (sugar, flour, white rice, potatoes, bread, pasta, junk food). Your carbohydrate intake should come from whole grains, veggies and fruits. Third, eat protein! It fills you up and stays in your pouch longer so you don't get hungry as often. Fourth, don't drink with or shortly after your meals. Liquids will send food out of your pouch. You want it to stay in there as long as possible to stave off hunger. Fifth, how much and how frequently are you drinking? You say you get your liquids in, but how much are you drinking? Are you spreading your liquid intake out over the course of the day? The human thirst mechanism is not very sophisticated. Often we will feel hungry when we are actually thirsty. Drink frequently throughout the day. My guess is that one or more of these things has drifted off course, and that if you pull it back into line, you'll be fine.
   — Vespa R.

October 6, 2003
Review the pouch rules. That helps me get back on track. Protein first, then fresh fruits and veggies. Avoid anything with refined (white) flour or white sugar. Good luck! Most of us have fallen off the wagon at some point and needed help getting back on.
   — mom2jtx3

October 6, 2003
Well, your profile was no help since last update was 5 weeks post-op. Hard to help you when you haven't given us enough info. Before the last 4 months where you have gained, did you lose all you wanted to, did you reach goal? Some post-ops lose more than they should (not everyone is meant to be a size 6) and they experience a bounce back of 10 pounds or more. Could this be what has happened? If so, it may be a good thing...but if not... Are you exercising? Heart pumping cardio will boost the metabolism and help to burn those calories. How often are you eating? Small, frequent protein based meals are best...are you snacking, grazing?? As to what you should not be eating, I don't believe that there is anything off limits, just my opinion, however, think back to previous diets..what were the foods that were off limits pre-op when you wanted to lose weight? Snacks like chips, bread, sweets. Its a matter of knowing how many calories you can take it without gaining, and lower that amount by a few hundred a day to continue losing. Up the exercise, eat lots of protein (supplement with shakes if you can't eat enough protein), lower the carbs and sugars, and continue drinking a ton of water.
   — Cindy R.