Question:
Help! Gained 25lbs in 6 months!

I am 16 months post-op and have started gaining. I feel out of control. I have gained 15lb in the past three months. I know I am eating poorly; snacking, grazing,sweets etc. I just can't get it together and be healthy. I know this is a tool, however would be interested in any advice.    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 21, 2001)

April 21, 2001
I hate giving advice. I think that people who give advice think the other person is stupid, and so they need to do what someone else thinks they should do, But since you asked, here goes: I have been on several diets in my life. I was ALWAYS a failure. If I would have gained ONLY 25# in 6 months after loosing a lot of weight, I would have been elated. Because I would have gained 100# in 6 months. Please quit beating yourself up. I know we are used to a defeatous attitude, but look at the bright side of it. Then, start making good choices for yourself. Find something to do when the cravings, and boredom, when it sets in. When you need to graze, eat low fat cheese or something else that will satisfy you. Just do it in small amounts. I notice that when I have cravings, if I don't give in, I graze. So, I just eat a small amount of the craved food. I do eat low cal canned fruit, with sweet-n-low, on fat free cottage cheese. That is the best!!! Just try different things. Except your short comings, you've accomplished alot in the past 10 months. Good Luck and God Bless --
   — CohenHeart

April 21, 2001
Well, How bout this, I'm planning a revision because I lost control as well, right now is the time to kick this thing in the but, YOu don't want to get to where you were before. Maybe if you can figure out why you're eating so so poorly you can stop it. It's up to you, You have to make that decision again, only this time you only need to loose 15 lbs. at least maintain no further gain. Have you thougth about counseling to help with eating??? I know how hard it can be,try keep a diary of food, maybe that will help, cut out the sugar. good luck
   — Lisa B.

April 21, 2001
I have to throw this in the mill, but have you been checked for staple line disruption? If your food is leaving the pouch too quickly via the old route, it could leave you with genuine physical hunger. If you are transected, then toss this answer out the window!
   — vitalady

April 21, 2001
The only advise I can give you is to seek therapy. This problem is obviously bigger than you thought and you need help to succeed. There is nothing wrong with people needing help. We are just like alcoholic, smokers and drug abusers. Our drug is food. The surgery was to help you "detox" and now you need help with your mind to say goodbye to the "friend" you think you have. Good Luck
   — Cindy H.

April 21, 2001
I was disappointed to read in a new book about bypasses that although the initial weight loss is awesome by 5 years the average weight loss is just 57% and by 7 years about 25% are morbidly obese again. No that doesnt make you a bad person or anything like that. Unfortunately your body and all of us obese peoples bodies REALLY WANTS to weigh what it did. Think about it, your body gets cut apart and reaaranged and still it tries to defeat you. I WISH I had a answer, but this sad state of affairs is why I am getting the lap band. Its loss may be less, but its adjustable and easily reversible or removed and doesnt change my plumbing at all. I HOPE AND PRAY a better solution will come out within the next 5 to 10 years so we can all loose our weight.
   — bob-haller