lessons learned at 9 months out

[akreese02 174]

I was 9 months post op on12/24 (surgery was 3/24). I started at 230 (5'6") and am currently 170 (6 pound weight gain from Thanksgiving until today).

I typically come to this site to research questions I have and see if anyone else is experiencing what I am while on this journey. I have posted questions and received good feedback. I figured it is time for me to give back in case there are others that are similar to me and wanting answers as I have.

Background: I am 43 years young, a teacher with three kids. I hovered around 180 pounds throughout my 20's with no real concern about my diet or exercise. I decided at age 27 to "get in shape" and started watching my diet and joined the YMCA. I got down to 150 pounds. Then I became pregnent with my first child and thought it was the green light to eat whatever I wanted, subsequently gaining 90 pounds. I also had the mentality that I could just go back to the gym 4-5 days a week and lose it all again. Ha! Was I naive!

I got back down to 190 after the first child, then became pregnant with the 2nd child. Here is where my blood sugar issues came into play. I was determined NOT to gain so much weight with this pregnancy but my blood sugar would drop all the time so I ended up gaining 50 pounds.

Over the next 6 years, I lost and gained the same 20 pounds all the while with blood sugar issues being my enemy (never formally diagnosed with Type II diabetes only insulin resistance). Then at 200 pounds, I became pregnant with my 3rd child at age 39. I was considered "high risk" due to my age and my weight and eventually had to take insulin shots. However, I only gained 20 pounds with this pregnancy as I was very vigilant with what I ate and the insulin shots helped my blood sugar drops.

Decision to have weight loss surgery: The was not an easy decision financially speaking as well as with my family. My husband (who is very fit) just thought if I worked out and watched what I ate, I could lose the weight. However, my blood sugar was still an issue (I was off insulin after the pregnancy and still not considered diabetic although on Metformin). After having an emotional break down, my husband was on board and I started the insurance process in December 2014. I was approved in late February 2015 and had my surgery on 3/24.

Honeymoon period: Like most, I was fully committed post surgery and LOVED watching the weight fall off. The fact that you can't eat helps your mind turn away food for a long time and I had the mentality of, "Oh, I can't eat that, it will make me sick." I had no blood sugar issues and I was so happy until about three months ago.

What I have learned from the process: About there months ago, the little cheats (a bite of cake here, a nibble of bread there) started to tell my brain that my stomach can tolerate all foods and eventually it can (I am not one who has dumping syndrome etc. I can eat it all). Those cheats lead to bad days. Days I started off really well, eating my Protein, drinking my Water etc. Then there was dinner with friends, treats around the holidays and the days became a wash. This really did't start happening until Thanksgiving. Since then I have gained 6 pounds which has me freaked out and part of the reason I am writing this right now.

My period of falling off the wagon has lasted awhile now and some things I have noticed are:

1. With an increase in carbs come an increase in hunger.

2. When trying to get back on track after a period of being off track (more carbs, sugar etc.) If you have blood sugar issues, expect that your will feel the blood sugar drops while your body adjusts to getting back on track.

3. The relationship with food that you had pre-surgery does not automatically change in the honeymoon period. The real work comes at about 6-9 months out!

4. Working out is key to success after the honeymoon period. However, expect to go through an adjustment period where working out doesn't seem "to work" and for frustration to set in. Started Orange Theory last week and still no weight loss. Could be due to Water retention and muscle gain. Trust me I have researched the hell out of the effects of starting an intense HIIT work out.

5. TRACK your food. My little vacation that has resulted in a 6 pound weight gain is primarily due to not tracking. It really is key!

I equate this experience to needing AA. For me, one bite of sugar or refined carbs leads down a slippery slope which leads to blood sugar drops and feeling like crap. SUGAR = POISON. Getting back on track is hard but can be done. Day one is today and I'm giving myself that mental day 1 chip for success.

Edited December 28, 2015 by akreese02

[ocgirl15 667]

Thanks so much for your insight! I hope your insight will help me to avoid pitfalls in the future!

[fernandfj 469]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and insights! Congrats on being nine months out and on your determination and self awareness. Having those qualities is a key to succeeding. I am still in the free fall stage, but I am worried about what will happen when maintenance comes and when my picky sleeve starts tolerating more and more foods. We will all eventually have lapses - we are human, after all! What makes the difference between a lapse and a course change is attitude. And your attitude seems to indicate that you will get right back on course. Good luck and keep us posted!

[_Kate_ 2,224]

I so needed to read this now. Thank you for sharing ☺

[Babbs 14,681]

Good stuff! Very solid advice! I can so relate, because I have the same issue with sugar and carbs. The more I eat, the more I crave. That's why I choose to limit them, even in maintenance. It just works better for me.

[Heather I 500]

Thank you so much! I am very worried about this and know it can happen. You've got the right mindset to nip it in the bud, and thank you for giving back to this forum for the update.

[jaxmom1974 53]

Well said!!!!

[BestDayEver 418]

The holidays are rough - lots of socializing and so much focus on food traditions and alcohol. I kept it at bay but it wore me out. I just wrote a list of fitness goals for 2016 and I'm happy the new year is here in a few days. I'm ready for the holiday food fest to end. Now I'm going to go for my walk!

[LisaLouBop 181]

@@akreese02

Bravo to you my dear, just what I needed too.

Thank you!!!!

[ZoeyBear 64]

I am right where you are! My surgery was 4/9/2015, and I've lost 90 lbs. I have seen myself eating "little bits" of anything I want, during these holiday weeks. My plan is to start fresh on January 1st, eating exactly as the plan dictates and exercising daily. Thanks for your encouragement!

[HopefulMe2016 9]

Thank you for this post.

I'm going for my very first seminar this month. I am terrified about slipping up, but I also don't want to turn my food issues into a "WLS issue"...by that I mean being SO strict on myself that it becomes a new "addiction". It's good to read that it's a slippery slope. I know I will have to change my relationship with food and set rules for myself and stick with them.

I will be looking for support groups in my area AND working my with therapist on my food issues.

All the best.