Question:
Keeping the weight off??

I hear alot of stories about people gaining thier weight back after 1-2 years I want to hear from some people who have managed to keep the weight off and any helpful ideas or little tricks they use to keep it off. I would greatly appreciate any help. I am only 2 months out but figure if I start to worry about gaining weight now I can be prepared before it is to late and I have reverted into any bad habbits or whatever. Thank you for any ideas. Kim    — kmnae (posted on March 13, 2005)

March 13, 2005
I am just over 2 years out and have kept the weight off. No tricks, just continuing to go to the gym, take my vitamins, and try my best to eat right. As time goes on, it isn't as easy, but I am determined to not be a regainer, so I am trying hard.
   — Fixnmyself

March 13, 2005
I'm 10.5 yrs, but distal RNY. I do 180g protein supplement, a full range of vitamins, shoot for as much water as possible (this is my weak spot) and eat 4 "normal food" meals per day. I don't watch fats, calories or carbs in general. I do not graze, avoid milk and sugar studiously, get my labs, still get doc check ups and attend live support groups. I also keep my hand in online to keep me accountable.
   — vitalady

March 13, 2005
I agree with the other posters...I am almost two years out and if you just keep to the basics, you'll be fine! Some tips to remember: sugar is a lier, it temps us and lies to us and comes in very nice packages, but it is not your friend! Water, on the other hand, is (or should be) your best friend...what you see is what you get, nothing is hiddened! So...drink, drink and drink some more! Good Luck! Danette
   — Danette C.

March 13, 2005
I am 20 months out and gained 4 lbs back. I FREAKED! Of course I saw it coming, my eating had become terrible. I got back on track, ate better and of course upped my work out at the gym. In 2 weeks I have lost 3 of the 4 lbs and I am VERY happy!!!
   — TheresaC

March 13, 2005
Hi Kim I am just over 2 yrs out and I can tell you that I feel like I never had the surgery. However, EXERCISE is truley the key to feeling and looking great, and staying on track. I know that when I neglect my exercising I tend to bounce around w/ 5 pounds and it drives me insane. The further out you get, the more you can eat and the better you feel. If you get yourself on an exercise schedule early and stick with it, changing it as you become stronger, you will find it easier and easier to stay at the weight you want. Some people mange to keep losing without exercise at all, but I don't believe that is the case with most of us. NORMAL people watch what they eat, exercise, and if they overindulge occasionally, they get right back to what they know works. Also, I wouldn't become obessed with a certain number on the scale, age and heredity have more to do with how you look at a given weight. I am probably 10 lbs heavier than I should be, but at 46, I didn't like how drawn and tired I looked at a lower weight. Plus I LOVE the sun, but that is another issue entirely! Oragnize your exercising, watch your eating to a point,drink all of your water, take your vitamins, attend support meetings to share w/ others, but really Live and Enjoy your new life! Best of luck Judy
   — jpwork00

March 14, 2005
Hi Kim!!! I will be out 3 years on 3/18/05 and i have lost 200 lbs. I have actually gained 8 lbs but I have been stabalized for a year now. I maintin my weight by working out 4 to 5 times a week, (I love taebo and the firm), drinking at least 80 ozs of water daily, eating healthy, I normally don't eat bad carbs (sunday- thursday) friday and saturday i eat what I want, i do not eat no more than 1 cup of food and i mke sure i always put my food on a saucer so i wont overeat. i still water load and if i am still hungry i snack on a piece of fruit. hope this helps
   — tameaka S.

March 14, 2005
Everyone I personally knew, in my area, that had WLS gained, ALL or MORE weight back than before surgery. So I went into WLS knowing it is possible to put it all back on. What I'd say is to NEVER eat till you hurt. ONLY until you are satisfied, NOT full. Try not to go overboard on excess carbs. Exercise. Try to eat right, take your vitamins. If you are craving something, even a candy bar, eat some. Then leave it be. It is'nt going to ruin wls with an occasional bad choice. We are human and need to enjoy treats once in awhile. But do eat sugar in low amounts. It is very easy to get addicted again. Sugar leads to more tollerance. So don't push it. Also, don't worry so much about the scale. Go by your clothes. Are they getting tighter? Then take care that you drop a few pounds. Don't wait. And don't take wls for granted. It is'nt fool proof. It is up to us to be mature enough to use it wisely. Good luck.
   — Danmark

March 14, 2005
Hi Kim, I'll be four years out in August and I haven't gained my weight back. I did have some bounce back (about 10 pounds) but do maintain a normal BMI. I've never gone back to eating anything I want though. If I did that, I'd gain it back in a heartbeat. Whenever I gain a few pounds, I pull out my copy of the South Beach Diet and follow Phase I until I lose the weight. I pretty much follow their plan in general (Phase III, avoiding white sugar and white flour) which keeps me on track. I also continue following most of the "pouch rules" (google for "pouch rules for dummies"), especially the ones concerning when to drink fluids. If we don't change how we eat, we will gain the weight back. We have to understand our bodies, that we're still food/carb addicts even after the surgery (at least many of us are), and how to use our surgery/tool to manage our addiction. If we think that this surgery is going to magically cure us, then we're doomed for failure in the long term. Although it is like magic the first year, it won't stay off if we don't change our habits. I think that first year fools people into thinking it'll be that easy forever. What this surgery does do is make it POSSIBLE to succeed long term if we do the work.
   — mom2jtx3

March 23, 2005
Kim, If you would like a shining example of how to do things right, how to keep the weight off, and make a positive change in your life? Please check out my friend Gina Gore's website Http://www.headbattles.com. She is a straight shooter, and tells it like it is. If you are into accountablilty, then this is the place for you! BTY, she also has an OH profile. Http://www.headbattles.com Best of Luck, Christy Riederer RN/BSN-s RNY 3/8/04 264(-130) 134 currently.
   — Tiny Pixie

Click Here to Return