Maintenance- comparing my sleeved self to my husband who lost without surgery

My husband went on a diet when he realized I was struggling a few days post op, and he lost more weight and faster.  No surgery.  When he finished losing it turned out to be about 100 pounds.  He has since gained back 25, and I am carefully reflecting on the difference between what he is experiencing, what I am, and what we can both do to fend of regain.

1- He has totally lost touch with portion size.  I have noticed for at least a month now he is piling the portions on his plate until it is heaping- similar to before he lost weight.  Now the choices in general are still much healthier than pre-loss, but he has lost touched.  We both stopped weighing quite a while ago, and I think in order to help him I need to get this going again.

2- exercise.  During weight loss he did an outstanding job of motivating me, and by default he exericised far more.  For the last 5 months I have been unable to exercise (even walking) due to recovering from different surgeries.  We both are in desparate need to get back to walking. 

3. Biology- it is without a doubt just harder for him.  It is not just because of restriction either.  If he made good choices he would for sure make it through a day without experiencing hunger.  But that is not what is going on here.

just my observations.  Time now to try and help him get back on track.  He made it down to 215 and is now sitting at 240.  The worst part is that it was just enough gain to really make him start to look heavy again and he feels like **** because of it.  Not to mention his blood pressure is rising, and other health issues creeping back in.  

He is lucky to have you!! I think it's awesome the amount of care that you put into helping your  mate :) 

Personally I was never able to lose weight with diet and exercise prior to my WLS.  With that said I know many people who say they had WLS not to lose weight BUT to keep it off.  For me, my small stomach makes it EASIER to control my portions, but I still have to make those healthier choices.

No matter HOW the loss occurs it's still an ongoing battle, to make good food choices, eat righ****ch your portions and exercise.  WLS isn't magic

I agree.  Just because I have a sleeve does not automatically mean I will not regain.  But it is a whole lot easier for me than it is for him.  if nothing else the restriction prevents me from piling it on a plate and then clearing the plate. 

Very very true...the sleeve makes it easier =)

Your husband is lucky to have you! If he's piling it on with the plates, use smaller plates, it'll look like you're having a lot of food when in reality you're not, same idea with forks and spoons.

for exercise if you can't get out to walk, get one of those cycles you can use while sitting, it's like an exercise bike, costs maybe like $60, not sure of the price, or you can mimic the movement while sitting in a chair,

biology wise I've read it's easier for a man to lose weight than a woman, something about them having more muscle mass than women but I don't know how true that is but including a weight routine might help with weight loss and make sure you both are drinking enough water. The body might be craving that more so than the food portion of it. Good luck to you both!

She has had major surgery and is dealing with other medical issues. If she says she can't exercise, believe her. She's got her head on straight and is the last person to make excuses. **Note: Not at all trying to be rude! I just don't want anyone to get the wrong impression of the OP. She's got the WLS life down pretty well from my viewpoint.

Yah, what you said!

I have cancer and surgeries as a result, along with an abdominoplasty.  I really can't exercise.  Don't get me wrong- I LOVE to.  I miss it.  And I really can't wait to get going again.  Hopefully here in the next couple weeks I can start walking again. 

oh, ok, I thought maybe you had foot surgery or something & you couldn't put any weight on your feet, not that you couldn't exercise, hope you get well soon.