Almost 9 years post-op and trying to get back on track...

I will be 9 years post op RNY in November.  I had a great first year, losing 100+% of my weight.  I went on to have 3 babies (all approved by my surgeon) and it was then that the deficiencies really kicked in.  I'm pretty much back to being able to eat exactly as I did pre-op, which makes starting over that  much harder.  Since I don't really have much restriction, I will have to jump back on this based on willpower and faith that God will guide me.

A good friend of mine is having the sleeve surgery done on Wednesday, so I offered to start over with her to help her have a buddy and me to also have someone who understands.  I'm going to have to get prepared with protein shakes and other stuff to get through the liquid and soft food phases and I just hope I can stick with it. 

I've unfortunately developed some health issues over the years.  Some of my weight is attributed to that.  I have fibromyalgia and severe depression, so those meds have helped add on a few pounds.  My original start weight was 258, I was down to about 131 a little over a year post-op.  I'm not exactly sure what my weight is today, but it's been hovering between 198-202 for the last couple of months. 

So, does anyone have any great insight to offer?  I haven't seen a bariatric surgeon in about 5 years, but did find there is now one in my area.  I will be making an appt with him soon.  I am vitamin D, vitamin B, iron, and slightly calcium deficient though I'm still taking my case load of vitamins and supplements daily. 

Thanks for letting me share and I hope to be strong enough to get back on track.  It's gonna be a challenge, but I always say, I didn't have my guts re-routed to feel like a half-success.  :)

God bless,

Erica

Hi, Erica!  I am 8 years post-op.  I am in the same situation  I gained 35 lbs.  back but I am starting over...for example, I am coming back to the OH community!  I used to be VegasDeb back in the day!  Anyway, here is what I am doing - it is:  http://www.5daypouchtest.com

It helps get your tool back on track.  It is part of http://www.livingafterwls.com/.  I highly recommend it!  Good luck my friend!

Seeing your doctor is the first great step!! Coming back to OH is the 2nd best step.  Make sure you are physically well and in balance and then follow the steps.  You can do this!

Get a good scale and start using it everyday.  Staying off the scale is a recipe for regain.  I think it is sweet to help your friend by going through the food stages with her, but remember that it is going to be easy for her and hard for you.  Going back to those phases is like telling your teenage son to go back to baby formula. 

Your pouch is fully grown and I don't think being on a diet for new post-ops is going to satisfy you.  Cutting calories is the way to lose that excess weight.  Losing a pound a week is about the best you can hope for now.   That would mean 52 pounds in a year.  It is a healthy goal and requires giving up 500 calories a day,

Track you food, water and weight,  Don't wait for an easier way,   The longer you wait, the harder it gets.

Thank you.  For me, I never had that full feeling, even after having the surgery.  LOL  I remember my first day home starving and wishing I could drink more than the 4oz of broth at a time my doctor allowed.  I think the part of my stomach they kept was the part that contains that hormone signaling hunger.  LOL

All joking aside, I battle a lot of health issues now and I am looking forward to the new post-op regimine to clean out my system.  I do better when I am dealing in the world of absolutes, so while I may not be "happy" eating like a new post-op, it will keep me from crossing the invisible line of binging.  I'm also going back to the rule of no drinking with food, which I think is key to success.

I am off to get a new scale today and also figuring out a good protein shake to start with.  I still hear about Nectar, though I have never tried it.  It was becoming popular when I had my WLS and since it's still popular, I'm thinking it might be worth ordering. 

Thank you guys for being so helpful and non-judgmental!  Each day I struggle to find the energy to get moving and keep going, so I am really hoping that going back to basics and getting on track again will help me. 

Erica

I am 5 yrs post op and i am able to eat anything and have been eating all the wrong stuff and eating more then i should.  i know exactly what i am doing and need to get back on track also.  I have scheduled an appointment at my dr's office for 4/30/13 and with the dietician that same day in hopes they can kick my butt and get me back on track.  Good luck and keep us posted

May we also suggest this group Back On Track Together!