princessL

Hi everyone! Had RNY in March of 2004 at 239 lbs. At one year anniversary weighed in at 128, weight loss of 111 lbs, and looked very sick. Eventually came up 12 lbs, leveled off and at 140 was soo happy. Maintained for a while and over the past 2yrs I've gained 32 lbs and now weigh 172!!! I go to the gym 3-4 x wk and joined Weight Watchers Points Plus. Lost 6, then it came back. I can't seem to get it off and very discouraged. Has anyone heard of the 5 Day Pouch Test? I started it today. I just can't go back to my old self. Very down. Anyone have any suggestions? My surgeon retired and I found that no other dr wanted to follow his work, why, I don't know yet. Finally got an approval to be seen by the new dr's at my hospital and going in after our family vacations next month. I've been trying to refamiliarize myself with the rules, do's and dont's and can see where I've strayed. So glad I found this forum. Really could use some inspiration. I've also been reading on revisions, a shot that will make your pouch tighter, etc... Any help would be so very much appreciated. Thanks!

Rhon, sounds like you're doing great!! Keep the faith and stay strong!

My3stars, 5DPT was good, really good! I wasn't trying to lose weight with it, just see if my pouch was still working and tight, or if I broke it or stretched it. In the 5days I lost 5.4 lbs. it's given me new hope. I realized what I've been doing wrong and working very hard to correct it. I still have an appt at the end of next month to get some well needed follow up care and guidance. I'll let the dr tell me if I need a revision or the injection I read about. Possibly just sitting with the dietician will do the trick. I'm on my way.... 5.4 down and 26.6 to go!!! Which revision are you doing? How did you come to need it? You can message me personally if you like. We can always use each other for support. =)

Thinking of you!!!

Jackie, it's funny you mentioned Carnie...I remember watching her going into the hospital in her white sweatshirt and thinking if she can do it, so can I! And she's what started my journey. I watched her updates, did my research and listened to several lectures regarding RNY and then just did it. I will have to google her revision. Thanks for the info!

I remember the night before my surgery like it was yesterday. I was so nervous up until I was rolled into pre-op. I just kept thinking about all of the health benefits, that I would live longer and be here longer for my daughter and about the incredible shrinking woman I would become. You've done all of your homework and you've chosen one of the best surgeons. =) We will all be thinking of you and sending lots of prayers. We wish you a speedy recovery. Trust me, it's totally worth it!!

Rhon, how are you doing?? =)

Just thought I would ask if anyone has done the 5 Day Pouch Test? It seems that most of my new friends here aren't as far out from surgery as I am, so maybe not. Check out the site www.livingafterwls.com . Good stuff!!

Kiwiladydee, if by normal you mean able to eat most foods...I would say after a year and a half or so. I wish I experienced dumping to some extent so that I could stay away from ALL sweets. But right now, the only thing I cannot eat at all is anything fried, which is a good thing! I'm getting back on track and really finding it easier than I expected. Today is the day after my 5 day pouch test and I lost 5.4 lbs in the past 5 days!! I think my carb cycling is done! 26.6 to go. The only thing I have any trouble with over the past 8yrs is if I eat too fast, not chew enough, and mostly it happens with chicken...the food will get stuck and I feel it in my chest. The best way to relieve it is to throw it up...but that can take HOURS for me. It will come up in little bits and I'm in so much pain. Sometimes sipping hot tea helps and stretching my arms above my head. I guess it helps the food to move after a few times. Eat slow and chew, chew, chew! As long as you keep up with the basic rules, I just know your maintenance will be a breeze.

Congrats to you both!!! =)

LosingItForMe, it has certainly opened my eyes to all if the things I had forgotten to do. I will do this for me and get those pounds off for sure!!

Mel, after 8yrs I had forgotten the rules. Finding that site brought it all back to me. Going into day 4 this morning my pouch felt tight again and I actually lost 3.2 lbs in the past 3 days. I'm so excited that I haven't broken my tool. I have hope again.

Awesome news!!! Congrats!!

Congratulations Rhon!!! Keep up the great work!! Thanks for sharing.

Hi Rhon, Thanks for the reply. =). Today I completed day 2 of the 5 Day Pouch Test. I will say after two days of liquids, I'm ready to chew almost anything!! The scale this AM said lost 2 lbs. Probably just water. But after today, I'm remembering how much self control I actually do still have and am hopeful. You are extremely brave to go through the revision. I'm scared to death that the new dr's will recommend that for me. Although after briefly talking to one of the best surgeons in my area, (who by the way,refused to follow any work done by my GBP surgeon), I'm now afraid that the new dr's will say I won't be eligible for any revision. I was told that the way my GBP was done makes it impossible for any revision. What the heck did that guy do to me? I guess I will find out when the hospital gets my records over to new dr's. I wish you all the best in health Rhon. Keep us posted. I love it that you're not giving up on you. Keep smiling!!!

Hi everyone! Had RNY in March of 2004 at 239 lbs. At one year anniversary weighed in at 128, weight loss of 111 lbs, and looked very sick. Eventually came up 12 lbs, leveled off and at 140 was soo happy. Maintained for a while and over the past 2yrs I've gained 32 lbs and now weigh 172!!! I go to the gym 3-4 x wk and joined Weight Watchers Points Plus. Lost 6, then it came back. I can't seem to get it off and very discouraged. Has anyone heard of the 5 Day Pouch Test? I started it today. I just can't go back to my old self. Very down. Anyone have any suggestions? My surgeon retired and I found that no other dr wanted to follow his work, why, I don't know yet. Finally got an approval to be seen by the new dr's at my hospital and going in after our family vacations next month. I've been trying to refamiliarize myself with the rules, do's and dont's and can see where I've strayed. So glad I found this forum. Really could use some inspiration. I've also been reading on revisions, a shot that will make your pouch tighter, etc... Any help would be so very much appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks Mary! The support I've seen since joining today and reading posts is very comforting. I wish I had found you all sooner. =)

You can ask me anything Mami, I'm not one of those that may get offended. Honesty is always best. After time, your pouch may stretch. This could be due to a number of factors. I do believe in my case that it has a lot to do with feeling comfortable, too comfortable, and not using my tool as it should be used. I love carbs as many people do and I know that I've made the wrong choices in not eating my protein FIRST. And if you begin to eat "slider foods" (foods that slide right out of your pouch and into your intestines) you don't get that full feeling you are supposed to feel, like when you eat lean protein. Also, I had completely given up soda until 2 yrs ago when I thought diet coke was okay because it was DIET. The thing that I've just learned through my reading this week is that the carbonation too can stretch your pouch. As I said, my weight was consistently stable for almost 6 yrs. I've seen so many people that have gained back more than 50% of what they lost and statistics show the average regain is 50% over a 5-10 year span. I am not going to allow myself to be in that 50%. I'm just glad I remembered that my body doesn't work like the average persons. And that weight loss plans such as Weight Watchers and the like, will not work for me. Too many fruits, veggies, carbs and just too much food in general. Another thing I'm guilty of is drinking WITH my meals. After time, you think I can take a sip here and there and then you're having a cup. When you drink with your meal, two things happen...you're either filling your pouch not leaving room for healthy foods and you get hungry sooner or you are washing the food out of your pouch...thus you eat more because you don't have the full feeling...it all depends on the food and the person. Sorry this response is so long, the things I've remembered this week just keep coming back. I guess that's actually a GOOD THING.

I wish you all the best in your journey. I am 8 yrs post-op and can tell you that you will feel amazing as the weight melts off of you and then like a new woman once you reach your goal. I can remember walking past a store window and not recognizing my own reflection, lol. Just promise yourself that you will follow up with your dr as required. I wish I had done that. I lost a total of 111 lbs and now have put back on 32. Trying to get things under control...and finding this site has been a blessing. Good luck to you! You can do it! You are sooo worth it!!!