Struggling

[Rinamatie 13]

I am really struggling in my weight loss. I had the Gastric Sleeve done March 18, 2013, I went from 269 to 191. From 191 I have gained 29 lbs. When I am not eating I am thinking about eating. I am very discouraged and really could use some thoughts and ideals to get back on track and stay that way.

[old_rn 110]

Try and do the reboot diet. They have info on it in the veterans forum. I did a modified version of it after the holidays because the sneaky little carbs were coming back with a vengeance. Remember to always do your Protein first and drink, drink and drink. Good luck.

[dropdeadweightdiva 150]

Go back to full fluids for 2 weeks... It can rebound your sleeve if you have stretched it and you should feel the restriction much better. Will power is an important part of this process and if you are able to do the 2 weeks make sure you listen to your sleeve, stick to Protein and fruits and veggies and avoid carbs as much as possible as they often end up being the gateway to falling off the wagon. Good luck.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I suggest getting the book "Emotional First Aid" by Cynthia Alexander (the bariatric one).

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Veterans forum would be a great place for you, but you need 100 posts to post there.

Welcome some new peeps, congrats on successes etc and before you know it you will have 100 posts.

I strongly recommend low carbohydrate diet to help manage hunger. It's tough, but for many of us the surgery alone isn't enough....you must be quite diligent.

I started at 308, got as low as 140, currently maintaining around my goal weight of 158. My sleeve was 3 Years ago.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

You are in a tough spot. Unfortunately, that's the painful truth for many of us. It's not uncommon to have regain around years 2 and 3

I suspect you know HOW to lose the weight. Most of us were expert dieters before the sleeve. It's a matter of getting our minds right....and taking advantage of the restriction offered from the sleeve. You don't say what or how much you are eating, but you should probably start by taking an inventory of that. Log your food, eat Protein first, and do what you did to lose at first. Don't graze. Start moving more. Start small. It's not too late.

[Veronica Page 488]

Well I'm sure that we have all struggled with the fact that if we had really healthy eating habits and worked out a whole bunch some of us (me included) would not of wanted or maybe even needed the surgery. I noticed you said that when not eating that you are thinking about food, The classic signs of addiction. I recommend talking to someone or join a group to help you figure out why you are always thinking about food. Is it cause you love it or turn to it for some reason. We can all suggest how to lose some of that weight but what I think you are struggling with more of a mental thing. If you can fix that situation now, you can continue your successful path. I wish you all the luck and hope that you are able to get where you want to be!

[griega232 23]

I know the struggle all so well. I was sleeved on August 15, 2012 n weighed 304 lbs, the lowest I went was 186 and now I'm back at like 195. My goal is 145 and I'm not even close. It is so mental but I'm glad to hear that I can go back to basics, the sliders are the worst. I can eat more then before n I don't like that at all but Protein is still hard to digest which means my sleeve is still working. If only I stay fully away from carbs.... Keep the fight going..

[Deniselk 6]

Boy can I relate to your post. I was sleeved in June 2011 I weighed 246 and got down to 163. I am now at 193! I am in a panic ... I can't go back. I begin every day in my pre surgery mode...today I will stay on track. I just do't know if I know what on track is. You know the saying pride.toeth before the fall....well part of me is too proud and part to ashamed to go back to the bari office and admitted failure. Pj would love to talk with you or char, maybe we can help one another.

All the best to you

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I believe my food addiction was primarily physical. I had a DRIVE to eat that was beyond hunger. It was like that stupid Labrador retriever that must.fetch.ball no matter how exhausted, like that moth that buzzes around a light bulb until cooked by it. I felt at some point that I had no choice but to eat. That sounds insane but it describes the depth of my"addiction".

Did the sleeve cure it? No. What I think happened was it gave me a reprieve (first 6 months with low to n o appetite) to sorta see it and think. Dang...I like this! When my appetite returned I had the good fortune to have resources to turn to. That combined with a glimpse of what it felt like to not be food obsessed motivated me so much. What the motivation did was make me work extra hard at following my support systems advice on appetite control.

I could not have done it without the sleeve.

I could not have done it without the education and support

I could not have done it without this forum

If it weren't for how badly I wanted it I am sure I would weight in the 200s vs. My current 150s. I am HALF my former size, something I give daily thanks for.

My point is that there is alot of factors for some of us to maintain our goals. Hunger is real and almost overwhelming at times.. Even post sleeve,there is a way of eating that helps control it, BUT I still spend time every day feeling hungry (not overeat triggering-a healthy hungry). I heard a rumour that is normal before meals. Who knew.

[lagueux85 4]

I too am struggling. I had my sleeve surgery on 9/11/12. I weighed around 340 ish. I lost down to about 280 within the first six months or so. I am currently down to 265 the lowest I've been since the surgery. It's been a major struggle. Here's a few things I have done wrong

1- did not make exercising a priority. I'm finally making it somewhat a priority (almost three years later)

2- I didn't eat like I'm supposed to. Yes, I started out great. Followed all the steps for 6 months or so but slowly fell back into the old habits. candy, carbs, increased portion size... List goes on.

3- low self esteem and feeling of failure by comparing myself to others who are acquaintances that are having success well beyond what I've done through this journey.

As stated by one of the comments above, I'm fairly confident I have a food addiction and use food in all the wrong ways. Im going to take y'all's advice and find some of the books mentioned and see about getting help. Being in Arkansas, I've noticed there are not many resources for help with this issue.

My major fear is that I've done the damage. That I've stretched out my sleeve due to the constant over eating. :-(

[beachhippie217 7]

Don't feel bad. Everyone makes mistakes. Have you tried going on a reset diet?? Basically going back to two shakes a day and low fat meal for one week and then 3 shakes a day for a week. It is supposed to help "shrink" stomach back somewhat. I had asked this question to my program director and that is what she told me in the event I have lost my way. I'm only 6 days post-op; but I have read a lot and it is very common to have the problems you listed at the 3year post-op mark. We all have food addictions otherwise we wouldn't be fat. Try to make small changes and go from there. Trying to change tons of things all at once will only depress you and put you in a negative mindset. Positive thoughts only!!! And take it one day at a time. You are not alone and you certainly are not the only one to have set backs. Having this surgery is not a solution to be skinny, it's a tool to help us see results that encourage us to make the right choices in what we put in our mouth. Just get back to basics like you just had surgery and I think it might help you out. Best of luck to you!!!