Question:
Why am I gaining weight two years out?

I can eat almost as much as a normal person after having a RNY. Is there a test to determine if the pouch is stretched? Can anything be done? I have to be very careful to eat small amounts and eat slowly. The weight gain of ten pounds has me distraught and worried about the future. Any advice? Anyone I can talk to in the Jackson -Lansing-MI area such as a support group or interested person in my problem.    — Cheryl C. (posted on January 23, 2005)

January 23, 2005
Talk to your surgeon. They can do an x-ray to see pouch size. Get back to the basics--lots of water, good protein intake and regular exercise. Ten pounds is not a lot, so get changing now and become a loser again. Good luck.
   — dianne E.

January 23, 2005
I had RNY over four years ago and I can attest to the fact the pouch does grow. My sister, step father and I are all more than three years out and can eat way more than the 8 ounces that I was told I would only be able to eat. After that, it's all up to us. I find that after WLS, we have to work harder to lose weight than before which you might consider a draw back. I have gained about 20 pounds since my WLS. I know that I can lose it but I havent been as diligent as I was for the first three years out. But in my defense, I had a baby nine months ago. Simple fact, eat more than you burn, you will gain. This is not a magic bullet.
   — Jeannet

January 23, 2005
Hi Cheryl- Don't panic girl- I am 3 yrs out and about a yr or so after my RNY, I feel/felt like I could eat "normal"...some days I could eat a happy meal, and others it kills me after a few bites- It all depends on many factors. IE what I have eaten, what I have drank, type of food eating, etc. There is something called "the cottage cheese test"- I have included a link. It is a way to test the size of your pouch. I think you'll be suprised that you aren't able to really eat quite as much as you think. Atleast I hope so ! Let me know what the outcome is! [email protected] Toodles, Stacy
   — Stacy Forristal

January 23, 2005
Hi there, what kind of RNY did you have?? Alot of people dont know, or even know there is more than 1 kind ...YOu prob had what they call PROXIMAL... if so I have met MANY People along the way of this WLS Journey who after 2years or more out...start regaining the weight...and Doc after Doc has said the Pouch doesnt not grow it just becomes more effecient but remember this surgery is a TOOL.... if you stay on track from the way they taught you at the beg...you will not be one of the one who regains 30lbs or even 1/2 of their weight back...And I have met many GO BACK TO THE BASICS WHEN YOU WERE OH 6 MOS OR SO EATING I bet its differ than what and how you eat now....Hope this helps...GOOD LUCK
   — lukimom

January 24, 2005
Just wanted you to know that the 10 pound bounce back gain is extremely common. If you keep gaining, in spite of following all the pouch rules, I would check w/ my doc to see if you have a staple line disruption. At three years post-op, no one would guess I had the surgery based on the amount of food I eat. I eat small meals like my thin friends. If I tried to eat two chicken breasts though, I would be hurtin!
   — mom2jtx3

January 24, 2005
i have heard of some test--i think it was called the cottage cheese test? try googling that and see what you find. good luck!
   — jessicamegan

January 24, 2005
Cheryl, try not to become anxious over this, the second answer someone gave is correct. My doctor told me anticipate to gaiin 10-30% of my weight back - simply because most of us go under the weight goal. Then the body will adjust itself to what "our" unique body types should be. 10 pounds is really not a lot, I know you might not want to hear this - but I hope you go easy on yourself and not think you failed BECAUSE YOU'RE STILL A BIG LOSER!!!!
   — Anna M.