Question:
Seeking Post Ops 2-3 yrs out that gained weight-can you pinpoint why?

I'm 14 months post-op LAP RNY. I've done better than I could've ever imagined. I was 250lbs. (5'2") and in a size 22, now I am 125 and in a size 2/4. My biggest fear is that in 1 or 2 more years when things don't work as well or slow down, will I stay this size? For those of you who've gained weight, did you slack off? Do you know exactly why you gained? Or was it you ate the same and still gained (my worst fear) I eat about 1200 calories a day (give or take), mostly healthy, but I do snack (NOT graze) and can eat sweets. I also get in 75+ grams of protein daily and exercise 3 times a week. I know I will always have to watch what I eat, and I do gain and lose 1-5lbs. all the time (is this normal?) Can any of you calm fears? I know I need to live in the present, but the future has me a nervous wreck, I'm terrified of being obese again. Thanks so much!    — Lezlie Y. (posted on July 21, 2003)

July 21, 2003
I'm 9 yrs out, but I've been 2-3 yrs out, so do I qualify? I had regain (not bounceback, but the real thing) at 5.5 yrs and again at 8 yrs. Sugar. So simple. So stupid. I was able to dump the pounds by going cold turkey on the sugar & having a protein drink every 2 hours to subdue the cravings til I got back in the driver's seat again. I usually do several protein drinks a day, ANYWAY, but I had to relly regiment myself to keep me away from my sugar of choice both times. I have seen 100% regain, even with the same distal procedure I had, sugar + grazing. And I shoudla known better. The extra pounds are gone, the fer is restored. But here I am, messing around with fruit again. sigh. BUT once/day, not all 4 of my meals
   — vitalady

July 21, 2003
I can understand your fears i think that most wls patients have them at some point in their journey. I feel its important to live for today and not worry about tomorrow. You are a success and im sure will keep yourself from gaining back the weight you worked so hard to lose. Losing or gaining the same 1-5 pnds isnt anything thing to worry about because your body retains water at some points of the month i know i flucuate between 1-3 pnds throughout the month and it can be fusterating but i figure as long as i dont go over 5 pnds im ok..if i creep up on even a 4 pnd gain i watch what i eat i go back to the rules and remember why i had this surgery in the first place. sounds like you are doing fabulous for yourself keep up the good work and try not to worry about the future and live for today enjoy your new body be happy with it k...good luck
   — Deanna Wise

July 21, 2003
I'm 2 years out. I'm finding that I'm eating more carbohydrates and less protein than ever. I had hoped the carb craving would be ended by the surgery, but my demon is still there on my back. Thankfully I can't eat much! I also crave sugar. I went out and bought one box of ice cream sandwichs, two or three of fudgesickles, and around 6 boxs of nutty butties. Yeah, crazy I know. I've found I can eat them with some nausia and heart racing. Thankfully I have'nt gainned any weight, and it does'nt bring me any pleasure to admit I've done this. I only admit it to help others realise that the cravings don't go away and we must be diligent to keep our weight off. Everyone I've personally known (not on the internet like this site) has gainned most, all or more of their weight back after wls! EVERYONE I'VE KNOWN IN MY AREA! That is sobering to me. Yet knowing that I let my emotional cravings for sugar let me buy all that ice cream. Geese. Also, it is easy to relax and let the "grazing" come back.
   — Danmark

July 21, 2003
I've gained about 8-10 lbs back. The chocolate chip muffins, peanut butter cookies, ice cream sundeas...etc, etc,etc I eat probably have something to do with it. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -145(and gaining)
   — KimBo36

July 21, 2003
The only way you will gain weight without knowing why is if you're in total denial of what you're doing. When I put on the pounds (I'm 2 years out), I know exactly why. It is usually from slipping back into old habits combined with lack of exercise. As soon as I get back on my plan, the weight comes back off. The concept is pretty simple. I don't plan to let 324 pounds sneak up on me again. I get on the scale everyday to stay on top of things. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

July 21, 2003
Yeah you KNOW why. I will be 2 years out tomorrow and fight some bad eating habits. I am addicted to Oreo cookie bars. At least I dont like double stuffs anymore. A piece of advice, If you havent tasted a cookie bar DONT! They are way too good. After 2 years my hunger has returned, not as bad as before but its there. My surgeon gave me a tool, not a stay thin free eat all you want card. Wish it were so. I gained about 10 pounds over the winter. From lack of activity and long nights. I did get a treadmill thanks to a nice member here. That has helped some. This is a one day at a time thing. But I dont want to get fat again. Our support group has many multi year members who are still thin, I want to be one of them.
   — bob-haller

July 23, 2003
I am two years out, holding my weight loss, fighting the craving demon... it is not easy. It is easier to go back to the old habits... I am a siza 14/12 and I would just love to be a size 6... Please tell me what do you eat every day. Thank you! Keep up the good work.
   — maureenmosti