Debbieduck4

I can't believe I'm in this place again! I was sleeved in December 2014 and lost 101 pounds. I was thrilled and kept the weight off for 5 years. Then slowly but surely I began to gain... I have been eating whatever I want, not exercising, and basically just being a slug. I finally got the courage up to weigh myself and see the damage, and I've gained 40 pounds!! I have tried to return to the basics but feel constant hunger. I am depressed and pretty hard on myself. I don't like the way I look and I feel like a loser (not a weight loss loser either). I guess I'm just looking for advice, encouragement, and tips to get this weight back off. Thanks community

Maybe just pick one or two things to focus on each week to get going in the right direction? I know when I try to change everything all at once I get really discouraged. A place to start could be focusing on water intake. Remember right after surgery when we were told to sip sip sip water all day? It helps keep hunger at bay, and cuts out the extra calories we take in when drinking things other than water. I swear there is some truth to artificial sweeteners causing weight gain! I switched from my diet pop addiction to Crystal light, but realized for some reason constantly drinking something that tasted sweet, even though calorie free, was having negative effects on my progress. Then maybe the following week you could focus on getting protein at each meal and eating it first. Other ideas for weekly changes could be to journal food intake, packing a healthy lunch (even when working from home, it helps to have it in the fridge and waiting), and/or taking a quick 15 minute walk 3-4 times a week. The main thing is just focusing on one new thing at a time! Good luck to you.. You got this!!

Thank you so much everyone for replying to my post! You've all been so helpful. Just thought I'd provide an update. I took a good hard look at things, started writing down everything I was eating, and figured out I had gotten into a really bad habit of grazing all day long. I am a crisis responder who works nights 12PM-12AM and wasn't planning for meals. I would just grab a bunch of snacks (fairly healthy but still not the best) and head out. I decided to make a change by giving myself actual meal times and planning for them, with 2 snacks a day. For my weird schedule I'm having breakfast (an egg and bacon or sausage) at noon, lunch at 3PM (a salad with protein), and dinner at 7PM (Some sort of protein and veggies). I've been having nuts around 5PM for snack #1 (thank you for the suggestion!), and then around 9PM eating for the final time with snack #2 of fruit or popcorn. It's working.. I'm down 10 pounds and feeling better! I really appreciate all of the suggestions, encouragement, and help here at Bariatric Pal and am prioritizing a daily visit to the site again like I used to. Take care everyone! XOXO

Wow everyone is doing so well! Congratulations! I, unfortuately am in a low spot (and I don't mean low weight). I was sleeved in Dec 2014 and lost 100 pounds. Started at 236 and got down to 135. Maintained for a couple of years, then in the 3rd year started gaining. I'm up to 170 now and feeling really down about it. Can't believe I let myself gain like that. I have just returned to BariatricPal and week one of trying to get the extra pounds off. Cutting carbs, increased protein, and being more active. Would like to lose at least 20 pounds to feel more comfortable. We'll see. You all are inspiring and motivating!

I'm also trying to cut back on buying clothes! My problem is the opposite of yours though... I started buying new clothes after my surgery because it was so fun to look good in everything. When I would find something I really liked, I bought multiples of it. Plus on line shopping is so easy. Click, click, and a present gets delivered to your door I've done better in January, but still found myself shopping. Just this week I had an inspiration though... when I see clothes I like, I am just taking a picture of them or of the outfit, and then replicating it with things I already own in my closet. This is fun also. I swear if I had all the money I've spent on clothes since my surgery I could have gone on an extended vacation in some exotic locale. Live and learn right? When we know better, we do better. Good luck to you on your resolution. Have you tried selling your extra items on Ebay?

Hi All, Just wanted to check in... I haven't been on Bariatric Pal for quite some time! This site was my go-to place for information and support right after my surgery, and then I tried to pay it forward for a year or so after that, but I haven't come here to see what's happening lately. Anyways, I've done pretty well... Maintained my weight loss (101 lbs) until in the last 4 months when I have gained 10 pounds without changing much in my diet (An extra trip or two to Starbucks probably) :/ I think maybe it has to do with my activity level. I took a new job that has me sitting A LOT more. I need to get back on track before things get out of hand. Thinking of doing the 5 Day Pouch Reset.. Has anyone tried that? How are others doing who are 3-4 years out? Happy Holidays!

Thanks everyone for all your responses! So great to still have a place to come to for support... I did the pouch reset last week and thought I'd share my results. I lost 2 pounds and gained them right back in 2 days.. LOL! But what I did learn is that I really have not been eating properly this past year. When I literally removed everything from my diet and started at the beginning, I was quickly reminded how eating 3 good meals with a solid piece of protein (chicken breast, fish, etc) and some yummy veggies fills me up to the top easily, keeps me from being hungry, and I felt so much better.. more energy! Trying now to not go back to have slider foods or snacking. I am a crisis responder and work 3-12's so my meals had gone to the wayside. Just grab and go something every few hours while running from case to case. That carried over to my home life also. Not going back to that again!!

I really like the idea of a vets forum. In fact, that's how I found this thread tonight.. I searched the word Veterans in the search bar because I was/am really in need of support tonight from people who are experiencing the same issues I am. I am right at 18 months out so the exact person a vets board might start at. To be really honest and truthful when I first had my sleeve I came to Bariatric Pal constantly and it was a lifesaver! Later, I came to stay in touch and answer questions for newer members as a way to pay it forward. Last few months though it hasn't been as beneficial to me so I rarely sign in. My issue tonight for example would be one I'd love feedback on from vets... I'm now 20+ pounds under my goal weight and worried about continued weight loss. I imagine newer folks would laugh me outta the room! Haha! I would have when I was starting out. Anyways, I agree on a vet board and look forward to reconnecting with everyone soon!

Here are my before, during, and after photos. I had my sleeve 12/2014 and the bottom right pic was taken that morning. The top right was about 8 months later, down 70 pounds. And the one on left is now with a loss of 95+ Best thing I ever did! Best of luck to you too

I think most insurances require proof of some sort of medically supervised weight loss effort before they will approve. Even though my doctor had recommended Weight Watchers and I submitted my Weight Watchers records, along with a note from my doctor, my insurance wouldn't accept that... they wanted things done in a certain way with my physician, so we had to follow their exact protocol to get approval. It was a pain but worth it in the end.

If you are not going vegan, here are some vegetarian Protein sources: Protein drinks/powders Soy Products Vegetarian Frozen Products (I really like Bocca and Amy's) Mozzerella cheese Cottage cheese eggs Yogurt (Greek yogurt is especially good) Milk, soy milk, almond milk Nuts Beans Lentils Barley Oats Artichokes Asparagus Broccoli Peas Brussel Sprouts Kale Corn Smaller amounts in bell peppers, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. Most fruits have 1g per cup which isn't really anything but can help if you throw a couple in a smoothie. Raisens have 5g per cup. Best of luck to you!!

I also got stuck too.. (and not for the first time) and decided to get back to basics which is what everyone always recommends. I made a list of meal ideas for each day.. Example: Breakfast- Protein shake, smoothie, egg and cottage cheese, egg and turkey bacon, string cheese and almonds.. I did this for each meal and for snack ideas and then posted it on my fridge. Now every single time I want to eat, I look at the list first and choose a healthy idea. This has helped me get unstuck and loose 4 pounds since Thanksgiving. I'm going to keep it up... might work for you too?

I started drinking coffee right after surgery. In fact, it was one of the liquids offered to me at the surgical center which surprised me. I've never had a problem with it. I usually add a scoop of Genepro protein powder in the morning to my cup for the extra protein. I live in the Seattle area and we are definitely fond of our coffee here!

Elode I bet you feel like responding to those nasty food email pictures that say I bet you want some with "Not really. What I really like is fitting into my skinny jeans and looking amazing. Bet you wish you could have that too!" They are just jealous plain and simple. And.. you know the old saying, Misery loves company. If you go off track, they'll feel better. You look great, are doing great, and have been a great support here on BP this year. Keep it up!

I'm at 151.8 to start the challenge.

I'm in Steph. Thank you for hosting this again! Starting weight 151. Goal 145

My "go-to" sweet fixes are either a Greek Yogurt with chopped pecans and coconut flakes stirred in (feels like a real desert ), or a sugar-free fudgecicle. Neither are cupcakes or donuts, but they help. I ate peanut MM's at the movies yesterday and felt so nauseous and sick, I didn't really enjoy the movie. I'm wondering if you would have the same reaction if you actually ate all that sugar? I was reminded yesterday that that stuff does not make me feel good!

I just found this thread and am so happy I did! I had my VSG Dec 3, 2014. I have met my goal that I set for myself and feel so much better. We are all approaching the 1 year mark. Seems like just yesterday. Lately though I am worried that I'm starting to slide back into some old habits. I haven't been planning my meals or doing such a great job at taking a healthy snack and/or lunch so I end up eating whatever is convenient when I feel hungry. Yesterday was terrible. I had 1/3 of a flat-bread turkey sandwich from Subway, popcorn and peanut MM's at the movies, and then a bowl of homemade chicken chile for dinner. That's it. Total food. Not such a good day at all! If it was just one day like that I wouldn't be worried but I've been stringing those days together. I need to get back on track. No bread. No sweets. Protein and healthy foods! Does anyone else find themselves going off plan? Besides the eating, I've had some great non-scale victories this year. I went boot shopping and was able to buy regular boots for the first time in a gazillion years. NO WIDE CALF! I couldn't believe that my leg could fit into a regular woman's boot. Yay team. And they are cute too... knee high black with a cool buckle that I feel amazing wearing Another little thing I noticed yesterday is that when my hubby and I came out of the grocery store it was pouring rain so I just sprinted to the car. You know, as in running! Haha! Felt awesome.. I just ran like it was something so completely normal.. Didn't get near as wet and it just confirmed that I am in so much better shape than this time last year. Well, that's it for me... Hope all you other December 2014 sleevers are also doing well. Any tips or suggestions to get back on track with my eating would be appreciated.

So I've lost over 80 pounds by following my doctor's plan as ordered. I have a whole new me and feel so blessed! I do go off track sometimes though and even just one bite of something wrong makes me so incredibly anxious. I worry constantly that I'm going to gain back the weight and will have gone through all of this for nothing. It's almost as if it's too good to be true. I just started seeing the counselor at our weight loss clinic and she says it's a normal stage. Just wondering if others feel anxious and worried like this as well?

@ Lexuskela I've lost 90 pounds in 10.5 months. Such a blessing!

Like others have said, keep drinking. And if you are able to drink more than eat, maybe try making some smoothies with Protein in them. Have you tried the GENEPRO Protein powder? Its tasteless and can be mixed in anything hot or cold with no lumps or bumps. 30 grams of protein in one tablespoon. It has been a lifesaver for me. As far as your ounces, I wouldn't even worry about that. Really. Just eat what you can as you go here at the beginning. You will be able to eat a little more each week as your tummy heals and you will get more of a regular mealtime routine down. Right now, its about liquids and trying to get in some protein. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Steph I missed this Halloween Challenge... Will there be a Thanksgiving one?

Thank you everyone for your responses to my post... It helps to know I'm not alone. I think for me, the feeling scared and nervous part has to do with that I finally found the answer to my very long struggle with weight and am so thankful and happy that I wonder at times if it will last. But, I am not going to focus on that... I am taking this gift I've been given and will continue to do my part by eating right, exercising, seeing my counselor, and remembering to stay diligent (as one of you said)... Life is pretty great right now!

Egg and veggie sausage or bacon (you can boil eggs and make the Protein ahead so you can grab and go) Egg and cottage cheese String cheese and handful of almonds Protein shake Greek yogurt with fruit and/or nuts Cottage cheese and fruit Protein Bar coffee with Protein powder (sometimes it's just one of those days)

Sounds like when he's telling you how sexy and fabulous you are, that feels really amazing and maybe, just maybe its been awhile since you've had someone do that? I don't know... I don't know you, but when we have such conflicted emotions it's generally not really about what's going on right in front of us. It's about something deeper. You, for instance can plainly tell us that he's boring, narcissistic, an alcoholic, and he's injured you twice now to the point that you've decided to reach out here on this site. I'm so glad you did... But even though you have the evidence right in front of your eyes, you feel conflicted... That's the "deeper" part... and that part isn't about him. It's about you. Are you worried you won't find anyone else who will tell you how sexy and fabulous you are? Is it that you feel like you've really put your heart and soul into this guy for 5 long months now so don't want to give up? Where did that lesson come from, that you should stay despite it not being positive? See where I'm going... look into yourself. He has shown you who he is. When people show you who they are, believe them. Now, go find who you are. I'm pretty sure you're going to like who you find. And.. there will be a gazillion other guys out there who will tell you so too.