Andrew0929

I have been gaining, but my calorie intake hasn't changed in the last year. In fact, it's been lower during the past 6 months. I log every crumb I eat. Also, I work out really hard 6 days/week and a small part of my gain has been muscle. I'm convinced it's the Cereal and will be cutting that out soon.

Nuts could be a problem in that I might not adequately control portions. An old trigger food from long ago ...

You're right on everything. I'm thinking carrots and celery dipped in hummus. The cereal was a treat that's gotten out of hand and introduced old habits. I'm down about 150 lbs and refuse to regain another pound. Thanks ...

I had the same problem (wish I still had that problem) and visited my NUT. She added calories/carbs and after doing some calculations, identified my levels of calories to gain, lose, or maintain my level of weight. It's worked well... I've continued to reference these recommendations and they continue to work. After 2 years it's gotten more difficult to comply, but at least i know my limits and logging helps me stay on track.

I was 54" for many years. I've gotten down to 34" since 9 months post op and remain at 34" 2 years out. Hoping to stay at this size forever ...

I had a similar experience with a close friend 1 year pre-op. When I mentioned the possibility of WLS he got mad at me, begging me to avoid it and he battered me with lots of emails containing links to all types of ridiculous supplements and fad diets. I never told him about my WLS and he's remained very overweight with all the standard health issues. So glad I kept quiet about the surgery as I'd still be getting lectured. He consults with me regularly now, asking for tips, and I provide generic advice. He really needs WLS, as his health has continued to degrade ...

I'm so back and forth on this issue, which is odd, as I'm a decisive person on most issues. Our monthly support group typically attracts 200+ people but of course mostly pre-op. While I've stated before that my benefits have diminished greatly over time, I remember how helpful it was for me pre-op and 6 months post op. I'm going to start attending in January again primarily to help the newbies. My expectations in gaining support for myself are low, so I won't be disappointed.

At almost 2 years out I attend the support group meetings (held monthly) occasionally. Up until 4 months ago I was attending more often but have found that the program is mostly geared toward pre-op and 6 months post op. While they do break up into groups and one is 6-months +, I have found the subject matter to be very repetitive. Seems like a few attendees who are failing dominate the time and those seeking simple support are swept aside. Every time I've attended during the last year I say "last time" when leaving. The only reason to attend is to give back to the newbies during the general meeting. I may make a recommendation to the organizer to be more diligent about keeping the group moving along and not allowing 1 or 2 to consume the entire meeting.

We go out twice each week and I've established a routine. When at sushi place I get one roll, one salmon sashimi, and a miso soup. Other place I get a salad, 6 raw oysters and an order of shrimp cocktail.

I have used CalorieCount.com for 2 years and love it. Use the iPhone app and website. I evaluated all options and liked it the best.

I'm sure you're anxious. I remember that feeling very clearly. But, don't worry -- everything will be fine and great days are ahead. Yes, it will be a little painful and you may question your decision. But when the weight starts flying off and you start feeling great, you will realize this was the best decision you've ever made.

At almost 2 years out, I am a veteran but not as seasoned as some. I have found the support group offered by my surgeons office to be great for pre-op and newly post-op but lousy for 1 year+, mostly due to lack of participation. I rely on this site for support and hope we can keep our veterans involved. I know that I appreciated advice given to me earlier in the process by vets and try to pay it forward now. But, we vets need support too and at this stage I'm finding this site to be my only source. Most of the people I communicated with here pre-op are long gone. It would be great if we could increase the participation of vets. I miss the camaraderie that existed in our pre-op forum ...

I understand your frustrations, but also value your opinions on most issues. Please overlook the noise and continue to provide your wisdom to the group. The forums are loaded with newbies and often lacking with regard to vets willing to share their knowledge. Andrew

These are awesome and they have Protein and fiber!! Calories and carbs are reasonable.

I'm 2 years out and also fighting with old habits. The only way I'm able to keep things under control is to log all food consumed. When I'm aware of the totals it helps me to avoid excessive calories. If I'm having a bad day I try to compensate the next day.

As others have said, your feelings are very common in the beginning. I'm almost 2 years out and had regrets for a few months, mostly due to some complications. However, after a few months I started feeling great and loved all of the changes that accompanied the rapid weight I wanted so badly. I've been at goal for a year, and I don't think I've ever been happier. Be patient, follow your Dr's instructions and I'm sure you will have zero regrets in the near future.

I've chosen to keep my details private. When explaining my surgery, I claimed it was for a hiatal hernia. When asked about my weight loss, I say "I eat like a bird and run like a deer". Heads nod ...

I'm 23 months out and experiencing much of the same. In the last few months I've gained 10 pounds (from my lowest weight) and it's freaking me out. I exercise 6 days/week and harder than ever. But, my appetite has increased and I snack on Cereal more than I should. I still log all food and exercise. Need to eliminate or reduce cereal and reduce carbs. It was so easy beforehand. I know 10 pounds isn't much, but it keeps increasing slowly and I know I have to control this now before it gets out of hand.

@"CowGirlJane" While I understand your reasons for ending it, I'm still sensing a bond with him. Working through issues during the early stages of a relationship can get very complicated. Meeting family members and especially children is not only awkward but of course sometimes met with resistance. My prediction is that you guys will hook up again at some point in the future.

Interesting butt comments. I had to buy a cushion for my wooden kitchen chair because my boney butt hurt.

My food funeral went on for about 1 month and I gained back weight I'd lost over several months beforehand. At this point I'm glad I did it, as I lost 30 pounds on my liquid diet and largely because my Dr was so furious about my last minute gain. I ate everything in sight during that month and was so ready to clamp down and get serious afterward. No regrets ...

For the reasons above, I continue to log every crumb I eat and log all exercise. I calculate my net calories, in my app, and can almost predict an upcoming gain or loss with this info. Also, I measure my waist periodically and log it. I've gained 8 pounds over the summer but my waist is the same. I've increased my weight training so I know this is muscle.

At almost 2 years out, I am still cold all the time. But, I'll take it ... It's so great being a normal weight.

4 days post op I had internal bleeding and almost died. Rushed to hospital during a snow storm with extremely low blood pressure. Had a second surgery that night to stop the bleeding. Still, I'd have the surgery again, even if I knew about the complication. I remind myself to stick with the program, regularly, to justify what I went through ...

I'm also 55 ... My weekly routine for the past year: * 2 spin classes * 2 days running (22 mins) and elliptical (22 mins) * 2 - 3 days strength training