Mel G

Hi Mel, I have read your post a couple of times and although I don't have experience to share, because I'm still in my initial weight loss phase, I wanted to thank you for telling us how you are - It's really helpful to read about how people do in the long term.
You're right - 15lbs doesn't sound a lot at all because I presume you lost a stack of weight in 2016, but I totally get that you're not happy with that - I don't think I would be. The best thing is that not only have you called it at this point, you've come here where you will get loads of support and people with the same experience to help you! AND you've identified that it's your life stresses that are triggering it, so that's the first step to getting it sorted.
I've seen people here who regained and who did various things to try to lose again. Would it be possible to get some help with your life issues first because then the eating might be easier to tackle, rather than being another issue to beat yourself up about? Then could you go right back to your post-op diet for a while? Empty the house of all those 'punishment' foods and fill it up with protein-based Snacks. I absolutely love deli meats - chicken or turkey or pastrami slices that are easy to grab when you're grazing, tins of tuna you can make into a salad really quickly and that will fill you up nice and quickly. High Protein yoghurt, etc. Start drinking more Water if that has slipped. Finally it sounds like you really need to find another gym - could you do that? Or as the others say, a home exercise regime? That has a double benefit in that it should lift your mood a bit too.
Do you have family or friends who you can talk to and who can support you? I don't mean nag, only you can decide it's time to switch things around again, but just to be there for you as you do it?
I know when you aren't feeling good it can seem impossible to change things, and it's easy for some random stranger on the internet to try to fix things 'for you'. It's not like that here though - people will all identify with your current position, lots have been there and lots of us will be in the future. It would be brilliant if you could let us know how you do. Maybe do just one thing differently this week and see how that goes.
All the very very best. 15lbs will be hard but it's totally doable isn't it? Your sleeve is still there and it will help you. So will we. xx

Welcome back! It's always good to see WLS veterans here because most people drift away after the first few months. I saw a WLS YouTuber who made a video about regaining some weight; I think it was about 50 pounds over the course of 4 years. She pointed out that this sounds like a lot, but it's only about 1 pound per month, which you wouldn't even notice from one month to the next. It's a little scary to see how easy it is to regain what you worked so hard to lose.
Have you tried working out at home? I'm not, never have been, and never will be, one to go to a gym to work out. I do cardio every day at home with Leslie Sansone videos (free on YouTube), and strength training with a $50 set of resistance bands. As for the self-hate food... Are there any foods you enjoy eating that are not self-destructive? Maybe this is stupid, but perhaps if you get back to eating foods that are pleasurable to eat but don't make you feel terrible, you'll stop wanting those punishment foods.

It has been soooo long since I posted here, probably not since I was a few months post op back in 2016.
I am now 6 years post-op (July 26) and have found myself really really struggling. I have gained 15 lbs. I know that may not seem like a lot to some people but I feel like I have made it so far and damn, why is this starting. I mean I know why. I'm eating poorly, I am relying on my sleeve to trigger my full feelings but I am def eating whatever I want, dumping, and doing it again. I am going through a rough time emotionally and I have restarted therapy but man I am finding it hard to not to eat my feelings. And what I eat is what I call punishment or self hate food: anything fried, fettuccine Alfredo, pizza...etc. I'm just so in it right now and the weight gain is compounding it. I stopped working out because of the pandemic, my studio shut down...sorry feeling so sorry for myself but I am scared I will end up looking like I did 6 years ago and hating myself even more.

I was thinking about your post and remembering how good it felt to hit this current weight when I was losing and how bad it feels to be at this weight when I've regained.
The weight, of course, is the same. But my perception of myself is very different.
I also need to connect with the person I was six years ago - what was I eating? what were the daily habits that supported the weight loss I was experiencing? how did doing those things affect my self-image?
Thanks for sharing your experience and for hearing mine.

I'm so sorry you're struggling, but you are absolutely not alone. We all pass through seasons of difficulty, deal with emotional upheaval, slip into old habits, face regain, etc. It sounds like you've identified it and are actively getting help, so be proud of yourself for taking those first steps!
Maybe focus on ONE habit you can re-establish to help get your back into alignment with your goals? Are you getting your Water in everyday? How about your Vitamins? Do you regularly hit your Protein goal? Again, you don't need to do ALL of these things, pick just ONE and work on making it a habit. Then once your feel like you've got that under your belt, pick another one.
Small changes add up! You've got this!

It has been soooo long since I posted here, probably not since I was a few months post op back in 2016.
I am now 6 years post-op (July 26) and have found myself really really struggling. I have gained 15 lbs. I know that may not seem like a lot to some people but I feel like I have made it so far and damn, why is this starting. I mean I know why. I'm eating poorly, I am relying on my sleeve to trigger my full feelings but I am def eating whatever I want, dumping, and doing it again. I am going through a rough time emotionally and I have restarted therapy but man I am finding it hard to not to eat my feelings. And what I eat is what I call punishment or self hate food: anything fried, fettuccine Alfredo, pizza...etc. I'm just so in it right now and the weight gain is compounding it. I stopped working out because of the pandemic, my studio shut down...sorry feeling so sorry for myself but I am scared I will end up looking like I did 6 years ago and hating myself even more.

Hi Mel

I’m also 6 year post op and I, too, have gained 15 lbs.

Had an interesting conversation with a friend today who said the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection.

Could that be true for you?

Are you missing some kind of connection in your life?

I think for me, it might be connection to my body. I tend to live in my head, and take my body for granted.

Hope you find a way through this dark time.

Take care of yourself.

Being able to help my husband build our new fence. I wouldn’t have been able to help much a year ago. Not sure if this is really a good thing 🙄😂

I also love being able to fold into smaller spaces.

Cannot wait for ALL of these small victories!!

Wiping my own butt without breaking my back trying to reach 🤦🏼‍♀️

Idk about weird but it was surprising when the towel fit around me again without a gap.

Just take it slow... who cares what everyone else is doing.... even if they are able to follow the instructor better or are fitter it makes no impact on you and your health...
You are doing this for you, your health and well being.. no one in that room will benefit from it but you.
Honestly, when i see unfit/obese people working out or in classes who are struggling, i have so much respect for them, the fact they have the willpower to do something about it, and are committing to improving their health.
Good for you for sticking with it. Go at your own pace, do not risk injury or pain, slowly build up....it does get easier with time..
As you get fitter the easier it will become... then you will look back and you will be amazed at how far you've come!
Concentrate on doing you and the benefits you get... you've got this! Keep up the good work.

You got this! My mind always fails before my body does. I don't think you realize but you are an inspiration to many in your class. While you may think you look awful and people think the worst of you, I know they are seeing you as a strong woman who has made a commitment to change to a healthy lifestyle. Keep going and you will see how you are a role model for many. I know it's hard but look what you've already accomplished.

Love that: "I feel like a fat girl trying to pass."
I recognize that feeling.
(Nobody knows who I really am!)

You can do it! I'm glad that you made the commitment to sign up for three months. You didn't give up--this shows the strength of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Five years ago, around 280+ lbs, I decided to run a half-marathon to Celebrate my 30th birthday. Crazy, right?!? I remember the owner of my gym telling me something that has stuck with me--something that I repeat to myself when the going gets tough: "Your body can do it. Physically--you can do this." Now's the time for you to get your mind strong, too!
Believe that you will make it through the next 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, to the end of class. And when you're done, be proud that you did make it through. You've got this!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Mel G Take a deep breath! You have to get back on track immediately - eating regular food this early out is extremely dangerous and could cause complications. I know you didn't post to get "scolded" (and that's not my intent) but it's really important that you stick with the plan - more for your health than anything else. Rice especially could cause significant complications with your healing (stapled) stomach. Your emotions will be running high - especially at this stage - your hormones are out of whack. You can't let your emotions win! I strongly encourage you to get some therapy for emotional eating ASAP. You're putting yourself at risk!!! Please get some help!!!
Take care of yourself!
~Kristen

Thank you all so much for the words of encouragement and support, it is just what I needed. I guess I just feel alienated from everyone right now, never realized how much food is a part of EVERYTHING. I'm back on track and feeling...OK. I see my therapist tomorrow and doc and nut next week.
It helps to not feel so alone.

Thank you all so much for the words of encouragement and support, it is just what I needed. I guess I just feel alienated from everyone right now, never realized how much food is a part of EVERYTHING. I'm back on track and feeling...OK. I see my therapist tomorrow and doc and nut next week.
It helps to not feel so alone.

Hi - I'm new to the forum and I just need to hear from people like me. I had gastric sleeve on 6/21/16. I'm three weeks post op and am having a bad day. I've always been an emotional eater and today my anxiety has been at an all time high. I did the unthinkable and ordered Chinese, beef fried rice, shrimp lo mein. Not only did I order it but when it arrived I just plowed in, without thinking. Then I threw up and have been crying ever since. I'm not in pain, I hope I didn't hurt myself but I am so frustrated.
I've hit a stall in my weight loss and my cravings are taking over, I'm so sick of the endless food commercials on TV and wonder what the hell I am doing. I feel like nothing fills me up, eggs, Protein shakes - I have just had it!
Please help.