Delta_35

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

Good Morning! So I am 5 years post op, and over the course of the last two years or so, I have gained about 15lbs. I have been as low as 153, but was happy at 158lbs. Once I hit that goal, I kept working out, but started to not follow the diet my surgeon had directed. That's when the weight start creeping back on, and I found myself at 174. I will be honest, I actually do not have a problem being at this weight..but I have read so many horror stories about people who became comfortable and gained almost 50 plus pounds back, so I decided that for a week I would go back to the basics just to see if I could lose a few pounds. So, starting last Monday I went back to three meals day, with my portions at a cup and half. I ate Protein first, and stuck to veggies and fruits. Also, I cut all wine out of my diet except on Friday and Saturday, where I allowed myself to have a glass with dinner. This forced me to stick to a cup of coffee and all Water during the week. As usual, I kept up my 5 days in the gym, with 3 days of cardio and 2 days of weight training. I will be honest, I felt great but it was HARD kicking the carbs to the side of the road. I weighed myself on 3/26 and I was 174, I got on the scale on 4/3 and I was 169! I am so happy that I have shed these few pounds because it gave me more confidence that my pouch can still be used as tool, as long as I eat and drink what I am supposed to, and continue my workout regimen. Not sure if I will ever see 158 again since I weight train, but I do know that 174 is not a health weight for me, and that I need to eat better and take better care of myself. This surgery was an investment I made in myself, and I need to treat it as such.

Sill on track! still at the same weight when I got on the scale last week, but that might be because it was my time of month. I cant wait to get on this Friday and see if I dropped now that it has passed..lol.

Thanks Doll! I am trying hard!!!

Well I am glad you were able to maintain the relationships you had with some of the people on here. I really think its critical to have someone who you can talk to who has went through the process. As for the newbies, I agree...some of them only care if you are supporting what they want to here. I do think there is some who want the help and guidance, and those are the ones I will focus on.

@OutsideMatchInside Yea I don't have time for Bella, or those sorts of people. I was simple stating what I saw on this site. And I am sorry, I didn't come back on this site to sit here and sugarcoat the truth to newbies, I am not doing that. If you ask, you shall receive..and really this what the site USED to be when I first joined! The reason I was so successful and still is, was because of people on this site telling me like it was and is, and not being scared of hurting my feelings. Its really sad that a lot people are on here seeking help and are being cuddled. This form should be a support group we all can come to and get the truth, point blank. I am not saying people should be rude, but its nothing wrong with tough love. And you are right, I totally understand what you are saying. It is sad that a lot us leave the site after being so successful. People like you and others could really benefit from having role models who went through the same things that you are currently experiencing. If there is anything you need advice with or just a listening ear, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am fighting to stay on here for the long run, even though I know it will be a battle with all these internet trolls..lol. However, I am determinded because being back has also helped me get back on track and has reminded me of why I had the surgery in the first place. Even Vets need support sometime

I agree...but I think its alarming to be asking this a week or two post op. To be honest, my response back to the person would had been soon you will be able to, but right now, focus on getting in your protein. I understand we all fight food addiction, but as a support group, we have to stand up and help others battle this, especially during the first few months of surgery, when its most critical.

I am not sure who this is directed towards, but I don't cut out ANYTHING. I eat what I want, within reason. So I am assuming this must be for the author of the post.

I totally agree, when you are maintenance it is definitely important. But when you are a few weeks out, I think it is critical to follow your surgeon directions and eat the strict list of foods recommended.

I understand how you feel. I was just attacked for "bullying". Supposedly I was wrong for voicing my opinion about people who post about when they can eat pizza or eat normal again, when the truth is, if you follow your new way of eating, you will never eat "normal" again. Normal for someone who is obese is not normal eating for anyone after surgery. But supposedly me stating this, which is a fact, was critizing people. Of course we all treat ourselves here and there, but if you are a week post op or asking for guidance, I am going to provide support..whether its what you want to hear or not...we all need tough love at some point. I know, I been there! I left this forum before for this same reason, and now I see why a lot other Vets left and have not returned. It really is ridiculous, and if you speak any type of "truth", be prepared for someone to attack you.

So first off, I wasn't judging anyone, I was stating my opinion of what I have seen on this forum. I don't know what is going on with people on this forum attacking people for stating their opinions, but I am nip it right now. Don't EVER come for me again on a forum for posting my opnion about ANYTHING. I never once said anything negative towards anyone, I made a general statement about what I was seeing after being gone for so long, and I even commented I wish I had the psych eval, because whether YOU think its worth having it not, I do think it would help others incuding myself. it really bugs the hell out me when fat people get on a forum and try to attack people like they are some type of expert on WLS. Get over yourself. if you don't like wth I am posting, don't comment or block. Its that simple @bellabloom I will post what I want, when I want..it really is that SIMPLE. Enjoy your day!

totally agree @OutsideMatchInside I only been back on the forum for two weeks, but all these newbies are scary. They all say they are hungry, or they are posting questions about when they can expect to eat a slice of pizza or when can they eat "normal". The truth is, none of us will ever be able to eat normal again, no matter what your head is telling you. The more people who get the surgery and report low weight loss or none, will affect others in the long term...just like you said. Some of these post really remind me of why I don't like forums in the first place, but I am determined to stay around. There are people like you and others who give great advice and remind me of the real purpose of the forum in the first place..all I can do is pray that the newbies learn sooner rather than later...

I too was on this forum and after surgery in 2012, I left. Now I am back and all I can do is smh. I now only post on threads from people who are really seeking advice. Yesterday I read about someone who went from band to sleeve, and said he couldn't stop eating all this food and drink. when asked if was doing the 30 min rule( no liquids before, during, or after) he said, sometime he didn't because he couldn't "stop" himself. It is very obvious a lot people did not have the psych eval done. I will be honest, I did not have to through Aetna, they approved me without it. I think back and wish they had, but I somehow made it because of the willpower to change my eating habits and the willingness to want to LIVE. I don't think some of the people on here have the willpower or willingness, and it makes me worry how successful they will be in the end..and how they will affect others who are contemplating the surgery.

Beautiful, congrats! Keep pushing!!!

yes it has been, I am in the Boston area, and coming from Virginia I am suffering...lol. I do my shakes mostly in the morning, after I exercise at the gym. Vcor is very easy to purchase, Vitamin Shop cares it and if you go there, they will let you sample it for free!!!

You look amazing!!! Omg I wish I had that stomach! I cant speak on your marriage but I agree with the first poster, counseling should be the first step. His remarks were pretty strong, please do not let him or anyone else push you to go back to bad habits due to what they THINK. If he loves you, he will work through his feelings, which seems to me to be based on some amount of jealous. I think that is normal..he is a man and you are a woman. He may be scared of how much you changed, and your new look. Pray on it, and I hope all works out for you two..but regardless, do NOT let him steer you back to your old ways and jeopardize your success.

Grazing is definitely the problem, and its a hard habit to break. I would try finding another habit to pickup instead of grazing, especially if it seems you are mostly doing it when you are bored, which is when I do it the most! I have started getting up from desk and walking around during the day, or opting to read a book, or even coming on the board has helped to kick the habit. For me, grazing is more out of boredom then hungry, and a habit I didn't kick before surgery. As for shakes, they are yummy! You just haven't found one yet that you like Try VCOR. The vanilla and Dreamscile is my favorite, but for more options, I usually stick to the vanilla. I mix mines with a cup of frozen strawberry, a scope of protein, and almond milk...SO YUMMY. I also have done mixed frozen fruit and peaches!!!

Have you tried introducing exercise? I highly recommend making physical activity a very big portion of your plan to maintain and lose the last pounds. As for grazing, I had the same problem. I think a lot of it was due to what I was grazing on. I found that nuts was not a good snack for me because I would eat the whole bag. Also found out that snacking in general is something that was not good for me personal, so I didn't do the 6 "small meals" that a lot people recommend. Instead, I stick to three meals and if I am hungry or craving something, I have it. Other than that, I have three meals, no exceptions. Do whats best for you, but grazing is definitely a bad habit that a lot of us have picked up post op, that we all need to fight to give up.

You look great! Thank God you don't need your coworkers for validation, forget them! I can almost bet money its mostly jealously, so with that being said, don't give it ANY attention. Work on reaching your goal, and then coming up with a plan to maintain it!

I went through something similar, but I am 5 year post op. I was at 158, and gained about 15lbs. I have now went back to the ways of eating that I was taught for maintenance, and now I have already lost 5lbs in 6 days. I recommend going back to your nutrionist, and going back to the basics, including exercising. I have really fought depression, but I definitely think you will need to get a handle on that in order to be successful. Good luck, you can do this, we are all here for you!!

So it was not a forever plan, but more so direction on how to now eat for the reminder of your time after surgery. You may find it on the BluePoint Surgical Site. I will see if I can find it.

I am starting to notice that every surgeon is different, its really weird. I have a plan that was given to me, including for maintenance. So I am about a cup and half of food total, that includes protein and veggies/fruits. That's what I am supposed to eat, and if I eat protein first, its plenty. However, when eating carbs, I have found I can eat ALOT more than that, almost 2 and half cups or more!...hence why my surgeon was big proponent of not introducing carbs fully back into my meal plan even years later. If you read other post, you will see other Sleevers talk about how they have the ability to eat more carbs and sweets, but can barely finish a cup of chicken. It is interesting but true!

Again, thanks for sharing your story. It really has inspired me and further "Awoken" me as well.

Thanks for sharing your story! I totally agree, the effects of alcohol is not discussed enough. This past year I noticed a difference with my alcohol assumption. It had increased and the effects were higher. I have now cutback on drinking wine, out of the thought that it could become an addiction. Very scary feeling, but deep down I know this has to do with the surgery. Now I am VERY mindful of what I drink, and have learned my limit. Unfortunately it is what it is, I love wine, but its not worth risking my happiness and my wellbeing, such as gaining back a large amount of the weight or blacking out.

Beautiful picture, congratulations! Keep up the good work!!!