New Here, 8 Yrs Post-Op

[princessL 10]

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!

[TinyMamiOf3kids 1,280]

Can I ask you a dumb question?

How can you gain weight when your stomach is so small you can only take a few bites of food at a time?

I know that reducing your stomach makes you lose weight & with a life time diet & exercise you keep your weight forever but I'm confused in why people gain weight with a small stomach.

I'm new at this so I do ask alot of question & have many opinions that some people may not like but that's what the group is for.

[mary818 66]

Welcome to the board. It's a great bunch of people. I look forward to hearing more about your journey. I also hope you are able to get back to your goal. I know there are folks on here that have done the pouch test..im sure they will chime in and give some insight. Again, welcome!

[TinyMamiOf3kids 1,280]

Sorry welcome to the group. Was in another world scrubbing a pot so I can start dinner.< /p>

[princessL 10]

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.

[princessL 10]

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

[TinyMamiOf3kids 1,280]

Thanks for responding yes soda stretch your pouch no manner diet or regular. I guess it's true you get comfortable & fall on the before eating & drinking. I really want to be a success. Like if I cheat in the future I can always do extra exercise & jump back up. If you drink one soda if you go out will it still stretch your pouch?