Question:
I want to hear from successful folks who are long term who have maintained

I am just over 6 months out and am only 13 lbs. from my personal goal. I have to say that I am very pleased and proud of myself, as I know I have done everything I should have to be successful. Now that I am 6 months, I am noticing I can hold a little more food in than previous to the 6 month mark. I am trying not to worry since I eat good things and have made life changes on what I eat and exercise. I also only eat until I am satisfied and not full. However, I have NEVER maintained my wieght before and can't help but feel I don't trust that I will. I worry that after 1 year, my stomach will appear to be the size it was before surgery and who's to say that I won't gain the weight back. Many do, or struggle with it. I am entering a new phase and am concerned. Tell me the truth about how hard it is, do you still feel the tool working for you? Do you have to work equally as hard or harder when the weight was coming off? If yes, is it comparable to before surgery? Thanks for your time and honesty.    — Michele B. (posted on January 15, 2004)

January 15, 2004
It will get harder so be mentally prepared. I don't think your stomach can become as large as before but the longer you are out the more it will be up to you to make the right choices and to stop eating when you first feel full. I think we all worry that we will go back to the old ways. And it will continue to work for you for a while longer but as time goes by it requires more work on your part.
   — Tawnda C.

January 15, 2004
See my profile, the latest entries. This isnt a get out of fat free card, its a marathon that requires hard work and attention. Sticking to the basics, water protein first, no grazing and avoid sweets. Sugar for me goes directly to the scale:( I am 2.5 years out and started regauining:( Its MOST important to not ignore your clothes getting snug. You dont gain 40 pounds and not notice it. You have to be careful. Truly the docs say this is a tool, and they are correc. Loosing what I gained was WAY easier than pre op!<P> I want to congragulate you on asking this question! I think it shows you are planning and aware! Now try to relax and get lots of exercise!
   — bob-haller

January 15, 2004
I'll be 5 years out in September. I lost most of my weight fairly quickly, like you. I did notice at about 7 months out that I could suddenly eat quite a bit more. At that point I started to really concentrate on protein. I still do. I use protein supplements, keep up my vitamins, and eat what is now basically a South Beach way of eating (lower fat proteins, some low glycemic, healthy, fiber rich carbs.) I had a bit of a bounceback right about my 2nd anniversary - 15 pounds or so. I struggled with that, off and on, until my family started the South Beach thing several months ago. That helped me get off the 15 and a few more. I started out at 260, lost to 125, bounced back up to 140, am now 124. I'm 5'8". I do weights 3x a week at the gym and do Pilates and treadmill a couple of times a week at home. Good luck! You have done great and I'll bet you will continue to be successful. hugs, Ann
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 15, 2004
Hey, if you think it will help you join our egroup GetBOT. It's an accountability group where you publicly journal what you eat every day. I had gained 15 pounds but since joining GetBOT I have lost 7 1/2 pounds, I'm eating healthier and I'm mindful of everything that goes in my mouth because I have to be accountable to other people on the e-group about it. I'm not on an eternal diet - I'm just being mindful of what I eat. If you'd like to join us in a safe haven for fun and support here's the address: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GetBOT/ Best wishes!!
   — ronascott

January 16, 2004
I am a few weeks shy of 2 years post-op and can totally understand your concerns as they are very real concerns that most of us post-ops eventually face - the topic of regain. You are only 6 months post-op and need to know that you will start eating more as time goes by and that is normal, your pouch will stretch some and needs to to achieve maintenance. My best advice though is to have a plan. It always amazes me when post-ops say, help, they have gained 20 or more pounds. Hello? Are you just now noticing, or just now deciding to take care of it? If you have a plan up front, one that works for you, you shouldn't have any problem maintaining. I know my tool works but its me that works it. I don't think i worked hard to take the weight off, but I know I work to keep it off. My plan is to weigh daily and give myself a tight 3 pound window. If I go out of the window I start taking corrective action-eating a little less, perhaps better choices, less snacking, more exercise and water. Its so much easier and quicker to dispose of a few pounds that that daunting 20 or more. I will add however, that is is a lot easier to do so now than pre-op. Pre-op, it was harder to lose weight, harder to eat less (always hungry and it took alot to fill), harder to move/exercise and I was less motivated, because hey, I'll just fail again. So, have a plan you can work, stay committed to working it, and monitor your progress. And my last piece of advice is to choose a goal weight that you can comfortably maintain. Many post-ops go too low because they can when they are eating less and then wonder why they can't maintain when their bodies demand more food which is normal . If you are someone who loves food and likes to snack (me, me) then choose a goal weight that you can comfortably maintain.
   — Cindy R.

January 17, 2004
I'm a little over 2 years post-op. It DOES require work and willpower to maintain the weightloss. You MUST watch your calorie intake. You MUST exercise at least 3 times a week. You have to know when to stop eating. It's very easy to fall back into your old habits. When you put on a 3 or 5 pounds. Get back on the bandwagon right then and there. Don't let the problem escalate. I give myself a 5 pound leeway. I make sure my weight NEVER goes over that extra 5 pounds. I lose it before it gets to be a problem. This surgery is helpful but definately not a cureall. It will require hard work from you to keep the weight off.
   — Patty H.