Newbies -Learn From My Mistake

I haven't posted in a very, very long time, but I feel compelled to post, in the hopes that newbies, and maybe others, will benefit from what I have to say. I had WLS 14 years ago this month. I lost 170lbs., and have gained all but 30 pounds back. Completely my fault-no one else's. I have broken every rule! So, when you get off the sugar, STAY OFF! Don't snack! Once you start with sugar, or snacking, it's a very slippery slope! If you belong to a gym, or even if you don't but you exercise regularly, keep it up, don't quit! Get answers to your questions! Before surgery, my big question was, I can't control myself now, how will I control myself after? The answer my support group gave me was, Oh, you won't have any choice! Oh yeah?? Maybe not at first, but later....whatever drives you to overeat now will drive you again somewhere down the road, so work on finding out NOW why you overeat. I DID go into therapy to find my reason, but I still don't have an answer. I NEVER went into this surgery thinking it was a magic bullet and would solve all my problems, but I let myself relax and am suffering the consequences of the bad choices I have made. Please be aware that this is not an easy process, and you will have to fight this battle continually. Thank you.

Hopefully your tool is still working good for you. And if you really change your diet now- it is possible to lose the regain. 140 lbs is a lot to lose again. But...it may be possible.

Admitting to yourself that you are responsible for regain is IMO a huge step. So many people blame it on everything else - almost justifying the regain.

I am 10 years post op and I recently gained some weight. I know I need to decarb and really start working on losing the regain. It is not easy. Last 2 days I have been craving bread. I love bread. But I really worked hard not to have it. Not buying it to have it at home was one step. If it is not home - I'll not going to eat it.

I have been doing rather well today. Hopefully tomorrow would be easier. Then Monday even better. One day at a time, one meal at a time.

HALAB, Have you tried adding B complex in a subingual to your supplements for at least 5 days. My nutritionist recommended this to me, at double the dose by using one in am and one early afternoon. She said it would help the cravings and it has helped me. Usually by the third day the carb cravings begin to decrease so you may have the problem on the run.

I am leery about B-complex. At one time My B6 got into toxic levels and it took me 3 years for it to drop to normal. Even a week on B complex can make a difference. I take multi that has B6 and that is enough to keep my B6 normal. I add other B's like folic acid, B2, and and B1 as separate items.

With or without B complex my cravings for carbs are almost gone. Since normally I did not eat a lot of carbs - once I stay away from them for 2 days - I am much better.

I just love bread. But I very seldom eat that.

With that kind of issue I would be too,.Usually my carb cravings are 3 days to break.. My B's all run low...Iron low. I have a really bad absorbtion... finally had to triple all my enzymes. and it has almost stopped the continuing bouts of gastrits ,in addition to avoiding milk,all cheese,and most beans(except string beans). I have been wanting to try the A2 milk, but it is not in my area.

There used to be a very thin sliced bread, called healthy life,several varieties,...2 slices was one serving, but was 3-4$ a lb loaf. I used that a long time to keep my carbs down and still eat similar to family.for an ocassional BLT, etc.

Thank you so much for posting this. I admire your honesty and willingness to share. I'm am 2 months out and I think it's so important to know that this is the easy part and the road that lead us to obesity doesn't magically disappear. I will keep in mind the lessons you have learned and I hope that you can find the strength to get back to where you want to be ( you've certainly already shown the strength by sharing your story)

Thank you for sharing. Important for all of us to be reminded of.

Why don't you stick around and let us help you lose the regain. I find the help here priceless and coming here daily, even when I just read keeps my head in the game.

There is a daily menu thread that is a great place to get to know people and to see what everyone is eating.

Thank you for sharing. I am 2 months behind you and have regained and lost a few times over the almost 14 years.

I am currently on a path to loss and have managed to lose 32lbs in 5.5 months on a low carb/keto diet, logging everything in MFP. It's slow, but sure, and I have another 10lbs to go, so it's slowed, but I'm still determined to do it!

You can lose that regain, but it will take commitment and a long term plan, thinky a year or so!. I made my commitment and found the accountability here that gave me the push to start. Don't be a stranger!

You've preached truth...every word of it.

I am somewhat over 5 years out, and had massive regain of 125# (all in a year and a half). Taking it off is doable- not easy, but doable. It has taken me a year of solid, consistent effort to take 115 of those wretched pounds off.

There's hope. I totally agree with the suggestions-encouragement offered by posters above. Detoxing the carbs is hard- just have to white knuckle it, but if you do, the cravings for them will not be as persistent.

Your WLSurgery does not have to be a one ticket -one try -only play. Grace abounds, and take heart! You were successful-you can be successful again.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I am no where near a surgery date yet but I am still working on a lot of things. Now that you see where you have gone wrong perhaps get back to that place. We are here for you