Question:
I need that 1000 calorie no fat diet we use before the surgery

I'm now 16 months post op and was at my goal of 15 last july, since then I've been gaining. I'm back up to 180. That's bad, really bad. I'm extremely depressed because of this and any other things in my life and some of the medicaions I was on didn't help, but, I know I need to diet to get off these last 30 pounds. I can't afford to buy another new wardrobe for spring clothes, its bad enough I had to do it with winter. I need to do this for my morale but I can't do it alone. I was wondering if anyone had a copy of the 1000 calorie no fat diet that we had to use the week before surgery? I can't afford to go back to my surgeon and even if I did, I don't think he could do anything for me. I think I stretched my pouch. How can I tell, I dont like cottage cheese to do that test! Help, what am I to do? I'm desperate! Help! My email is [email protected] if you have any suggestions.    — Kelley S. (posted on January 18, 2003)

January 17, 2003
First DONT PANIC! A 10 to 15 pound regain once at goal is common. Not desireable but not all that unusuial. I am at the same place, having gained around 8 pounds. Its a trend I dont want to continue. How much exercising are you getting. Grazing? Eating sweets? Its unlikely your pouch stretched. Now take a deep breathe and go for a walk, if it isnt zero degrees like it is here today.
   — bob-haller

January 18, 2003
I have also heard that it is normal to gain back 10 percent of your weight after this surgery. You've proved that this surgery is just a tool and not a miracle. Most of us will have to work to keep the weight off. Thats why I am amused when I see posters say "X number of pounds gone forever". The good thing,though is that this tool does help us to keep the weight off and is easier for us to do so then when we tried to do so pre-op. Your smart to recognize the gain and want to do something about it now. The other way to test the size of the pouch is to use still oatmeal instead of cottage cheese. But keep in mind that your pouch will have stretched-it is supposed to. We start out with the 2 oz pouch but end up with 6-8 or more, I believe.
   — Cindy R.