REAL TALK for the Post-Ops >2yrs
Hiya YaYa :)
How far post-op are you?
I am 2 years and a few days post op RNY
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
My starting weight was some amount over 327 pounds, my lowest was 137, Im trying to maintain in the 140's until plastic surgery. I hope to maintain at 150ish long term.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
I have not struggled to lose or maintain.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
I led a sedetary life pre op and still do. I occasionally go for walks when the mood strikes. I started exercising this week to build some muscle up to help with surgery.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
1. LOTS of fluids. When I get low on fluids, not dehydrated but low, I get ravenous hunger. Once I am low on fluids I have a hard time drinking (weird I know).
2. LOTS of yummy foods that are good for me or fit into my plan after the good for me foods are covered. So yes I eat icecream, cookies, chips, crackers or whatever anyday I want as long as my calories and protein are good.
3. Protein first always and forever.
4. Not obsessing. There is a difference between working at weight loss/maintenance and obsessing about it. I do the right things most of the time. The times I dont, I just accept it and move on.
5. Remembering why I had surgery. I have a long list of reasons why I needed to lose weight and I dont let those reasons get lost in the back of my mind. I deliberately appreciate the good things I have gained from losing weight.
6. Respecting and loving my body as it is. This is weird I know. There was a time I was so ashamed of my body I didnt even want to look at myself. I think that self loathing allowed me to continue to gain weight. Since I never felt attractive what difference did it make if I gained anther 5 pounds this week? Now I do things I never (or rarely) did before. I lotion, massage, powder and puff. I do skin treatments. I wear nice clothes right down to the undies, even when Im "just" lounging around the house. These things keep me from feeling apathetic or loathsome to my physical being.
HUGS
PK
How far post-op are you?
I am 2 years and a few days post op RNY
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
My starting weight was some amount over 327 pounds, my lowest was 137, Im trying to maintain in the 140's until plastic surgery. I hope to maintain at 150ish long term.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
I have not struggled to lose or maintain.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
I led a sedetary life pre op and still do. I occasionally go for walks when the mood strikes. I started exercising this week to build some muscle up to help with surgery.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
1. LOTS of fluids. When I get low on fluids, not dehydrated but low, I get ravenous hunger. Once I am low on fluids I have a hard time drinking (weird I know).
2. LOTS of yummy foods that are good for me or fit into my plan after the good for me foods are covered. So yes I eat icecream, cookies, chips, crackers or whatever anyday I want as long as my calories and protein are good.
3. Protein first always and forever.
4. Not obsessing. There is a difference between working at weight loss/maintenance and obsessing about it. I do the right things most of the time. The times I dont, I just accept it and move on.
5. Remembering why I had surgery. I have a long list of reasons why I needed to lose weight and I dont let those reasons get lost in the back of my mind. I deliberately appreciate the good things I have gained from losing weight.
6. Respecting and loving my body as it is. This is weird I know. There was a time I was so ashamed of my body I didnt even want to look at myself. I think that self loathing allowed me to continue to gain weight. Since I never felt attractive what difference did it make if I gained anther 5 pounds this week? Now I do things I never (or rarely) did before. I lotion, massage, powder and puff. I do skin treatments. I wear nice clothes right down to the undies, even when Im "just" lounging around the house. These things keep me from feeling apathetic or loathsome to my physical being.
HUGS
PK
327/318/150/ start/surgery/goal
**Current Weight 149 pounds**
I *AM* the PK
**Current Weight 149 pounds**
I *AM* the PK
Hi S.Y.Y.!
How far post-op are you?
A little over 4 yrs. Wow, still can't believe that! (I'm 58 yrs. old.)
What was your starting/lowest/maintenance weight?
Starting--295; lowest--155; maintenance weight for quite awhile was 160-165; present weight is 190.
Are you struggling to maintain?
Yes, I'm having a significant problem with re-gain. I don't care about getting back down to my lowest (I don't think I can maintain it), but I would really like to get back down to about 170. I realize this is still "high," but I would be comfortable w/ the way I look and would still be healthy.
Do you exercise?
For the first 2 yrs. post-op, I faithfully exercised most days--either at the gym (cardio & weight training) or power-walking outside or riding my bike. The next year, I slacked off but was still fairly good about it--just not as consistently. This past year, I've really done poorly. I still have my gym membership, but honestly, I did not go over the summer and have only gone a handful of times this fall. Right now, I've been trying to get out to walk a few times a week, just to try to get myself back in gear. I really want to get back to the gym--I'm paying for it, and I need the weight training machines.
What do you feel are the key elements . . .?
I know full-well that if I am to get at least a portion of my re-gained weight back off, I've got to stop my bad habits of grazing, eating bad carbs, drinking Diet Coke habitually instead of Crystal Light or water, eating too-large portions (even of healthy food), and not exercising.
When I get back to basics w/ my eating & drinking and get out there & exercise, my tool still works, and I lose weight. Then I let something get in the way, and I slack off again & put it back on. I have been losing & gaining the same small amount of weight since last spring, which I know is ridiculous--not to speak of totally horrible for metabolism--but I am just not in a good place mentally. I am grateful that I've kept off a little over 100 lbs., but I'm not satisfied with where I am at all.
I am NOT giving up, however. I remember all those years when I'd have KILLED to only have to lose 20-25 lbs.--and here I am in that position and can't get myself straightened out and do it! But it is EXTREMELY encouraging to me to read about other post-ops who have had some significant re-gain and have managed to re-lose a good portion of it. I am really envious of those who maybe just re-gained a little weight and are doing well maintaining that! But I don't blame anything but myself; I have made some poor choices in the past couple years and just didn't "get a grip" when it would have been easier.
How far post-op are you?
A little over 4 yrs. Wow, still can't believe that! (I'm 58 yrs. old.)
What was your starting/lowest/maintenance weight?
Starting--295; lowest--155; maintenance weight for quite awhile was 160-165; present weight is 190.
Are you struggling to maintain?
Yes, I'm having a significant problem with re-gain. I don't care about getting back down to my lowest (I don't think I can maintain it), but I would really like to get back down to about 170. I realize this is still "high," but I would be comfortable w/ the way I look and would still be healthy.
Do you exercise?
For the first 2 yrs. post-op, I faithfully exercised most days--either at the gym (cardio & weight training) or power-walking outside or riding my bike. The next year, I slacked off but was still fairly good about it--just not as consistently. This past year, I've really done poorly. I still have my gym membership, but honestly, I did not go over the summer and have only gone a handful of times this fall. Right now, I've been trying to get out to walk a few times a week, just to try to get myself back in gear. I really want to get back to the gym--I'm paying for it, and I need the weight training machines.
What do you feel are the key elements . . .?
I know full-well that if I am to get at least a portion of my re-gained weight back off, I've got to stop my bad habits of grazing, eating bad carbs, drinking Diet Coke habitually instead of Crystal Light or water, eating too-large portions (even of healthy food), and not exercising.
When I get back to basics w/ my eating & drinking and get out there & exercise, my tool still works, and I lose weight. Then I let something get in the way, and I slack off again & put it back on. I have been losing & gaining the same small amount of weight since last spring, which I know is ridiculous--not to speak of totally horrible for metabolism--but I am just not in a good place mentally. I am grateful that I've kept off a little over 100 lbs., but I'm not satisfied with where I am at all.
I am NOT giving up, however. I remember all those years when I'd have KILLED to only have to lose 20-25 lbs.--and here I am in that position and can't get myself straightened out and do it! But it is EXTREMELY encouraging to me to read about other post-ops who have had some significant re-gain and have managed to re-lose a good portion of it. I am really envious of those who maybe just re-gained a little weight and are doing well maintaining that! But I don't blame anything but myself; I have made some poor choices in the past couple years and just didn't "get a grip" when it would have been easier.
Always,
Jo
I've loved reading all these responses!
How far post-op are you? A little more than 2 years.
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight? I was 340 at my heaviest, 310 on surgery day, dropped to 125 for a little while, and I've been 130-135 for a good while now.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain? My scale has jumped up to 137 a couple of times and I get scared I'll jump all the way to 300 again. I can usually get rid of a few pounds in a week or two, but i don't care to get back to 125. My clothes fit the same anyway - I think a lot of it is muscle weight.
Do you exercise (please be honest)? Yes, I only miss a day every month or so. I work out from 6:00 to 7:00 every morning and try to take some walks too.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight? I think the exercise helps a lot, including weight lifting and cardio. I don't follow a strict bariatric diet, but I try to concentrate on protein and fiber and avoid sugar as much as possible. I try really hard not to take in calories that don' t have some health benefit.
How far post-op are you? A little more than 2 years.
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight? I was 340 at my heaviest, 310 on surgery day, dropped to 125 for a little while, and I've been 130-135 for a good while now.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain? My scale has jumped up to 137 a couple of times and I get scared I'll jump all the way to 300 again. I can usually get rid of a few pounds in a week or two, but i don't care to get back to 125. My clothes fit the same anyway - I think a lot of it is muscle weight.
Do you exercise (please be honest)? Yes, I only miss a day every month or so. I work out from 6:00 to 7:00 every morning and try to take some walks too.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight? I think the exercise helps a lot, including weight lifting and cardio. I don't follow a strict bariatric diet, but I try to concentrate on protein and fiber and avoid sugar as much as possible. I try really hard not to take in calories that don' t have some health benefit.
How far post-op are you?
2 years, 4 months
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Started at 412 (officially) got to 178 with a goal/maintenance of 195 (was 192 yesterday)
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
Kind of, for a few months I could not stop losing weight (hence the 178)
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
2 days a week I run 5K each day
2 days a week I circuit train for about 45 mins
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
Constant vigilance. The key is to identify problems at the +10 pound level, not at +25 or +50. Earlier corrective action is less "painful". When in doubt, start an honest food log and look for trends.
Excercise is sort of a deal with the devil. See, I'm a food addict (duh!) so if I burn 1100 calories a week running that's 1100 more calories I need to eat (my inner food addict likes that) and if I build muscle then my BRM is higher and I need to eat more to maintain my weight (my inner food addict likes that too)
I don't worry too much about maintenance in the future. I try to maintain my weight for today and will do the same thing tomorrow, and so on.
2 years, 4 months
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Started at 412 (officially) got to 178 with a goal/maintenance of 195 (was 192 yesterday)
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
Kind of, for a few months I could not stop losing weight (hence the 178)
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
2 days a week I run 5K each day
2 days a week I circuit train for about 45 mins
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
Constant vigilance. The key is to identify problems at the +10 pound level, not at +25 or +50. Earlier corrective action is less "painful". When in doubt, start an honest food log and look for trends.
Excercise is sort of a deal with the devil. See, I'm a food addict (duh!) so if I burn 1100 calories a week running that's 1100 more calories I need to eat (my inner food addict likes that) and if I build muscle then my BRM is higher and I need to eat more to maintain my weight (my inner food addict likes that too)
I don't worry too much about maintenance in the future. I try to maintain my weight for today and will do the same thing tomorrow, and so on.
How far post-op are you? 3yrs 8mths post op, rny
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight? start 328, lowest 150, current 156, but I do bounce around in the 150's. I have been back up as high as 167 and hated my body at that weight.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain? I struggle to maintain when I'm not eating properly. If I follow my plan and eat right I have no problems maintaining easily. So, I guess that means its all up to me. If I want to give in and eat junk from time to time, then I know I will pay the price on the scale. Its just so darn hard to be good all of the time.
Do you exercise (please be honest)? YES!! I think exercise has been the key to my success and will be THE key to my long term success.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight? Exercise, eating right, if I fall off the wagon I try to pick myself up, dust off and start over again as soon as possible, going to support group, weighing myself on a regular basis.
~*~Tracy B~*~
328/160 *** 5'9"
start/current
How far post-op are you?
2 1/2 years post DS
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Starting: 492
Lowest: 183 (post LBL)
Current: 190-194
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
No, not at all. If I wanted to stay 183... I'd have to give up all my cookies, and that isn't happening. THANK GOD FOR THE DS....lol. My wife calls me wormy because she thinks I have a tape worm...because I eat so much.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
3 to 4 times a week, mostly weight lifting very little aerobic exercise, maybe a spin class once a month
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
A very distal WLS, and avoiding sugary beverages. I think the combination of having the DS (75 cm common channel) and the fact that I refuse to drink any drink with sugar keeps me at a good weight. While I do eat a lot of carbs, I also know when to back off a bit...meaning giving up my cookies for a few days.
Scott
So here's what I want to know if you're willing to share:
How far post-op are you?
I will be three years Dec 12th
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Starting weight 222, lowest 119, maintain around 123.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
I am not struggling but I am fighting the food demons.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
No, I don't....When I go to the store I do park as far away as possible and if there are stairs I will take them over the elavator.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
I hold myself accountable daily by weighing myself. If I go over 125 then it is back to the basics. I do understand there are times I will be over that like this morning I did weigh 127. Since I had surgery yesterday and had a lot of fluids in my IV I am sure that is the reason but it doesn't matter to me today I will be drinking my protein shakes and watching my intake.
How far post-op are you?
I will be three years Dec 12th
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Starting weight 222, lowest 119, maintain around 123.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
I am not struggling but I am fighting the food demons.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
No, I don't....When I go to the store I do park as far away as possible and if there are stairs I will take them over the elavator.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
I hold myself accountable daily by weighing myself. If I go over 125 then it is back to the basics. I do understand there are times I will be over that like this morning I did weigh 127. Since I had surgery yesterday and had a lot of fluids in my IV I am sure that is the reason but it doesn't matter to me today I will be drinking my protein shakes and watching my intake.
~~Jodi~~ Actually below goal with 100lbs loss
How far post-op are you?
I will be 6 years post op in March
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
starting weight was 386 / lowest is my current weight of 134 / and I tend to maintain at 142 most of the time.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain?
I've been very fortunate and have not had any real trouble with maintaining my weight. But I do put 110% into it.
Do you exercise (please be honest)?
Normally I do exercise but I have not been able to for the last few months due to a back problem. My normal routine is to do 45 minutes on the elliptical machine 3 - 4 times per week and I work out with weights to tone and build strength 3 times per week alternating upper and lower body workouts.
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
I try to make the healthiest food choices that I possibly can no matter where I am eating, whether I'm cooking a meal at home, going out to a restaurant or eating at a friends house. I also keep track of what I am eating thru a site called calorie count plus. I think it's a wonderful site and extremely helpful for keeping me on track. One wrong choice and I know about it immediately. You enter some information such as your current height and weight, how much weight you would like to lose and in what amount of time and then it will suggest how many calories you should be eating every day but it will also tell you if your weight loss goal is too aggressive and will adjust your goal date accordingly. You log in everything you eat for the day as well as your daily exercise and then it breaks it down for you so you can see your calories taken in versus the calories you burned for the entire day. It also breaks it down so you can see how many grams of fat, protein and carbs you ate and what % of your diet they were. So if you're shooting to have 30% of your diet from carbs, it will let you know if you're on track or not. I love it and think it's been a very valuable tool for me. And for me, the most important thing is exercise. I don't think I would have been as successful with my weight loss if I had not committed to a regular exercise schedule.
If I had to do it over again, I definitely would. Granted, not all days are easy but it always turns out to be worth it in the end....just my opinion : )
How far post-op are you? I will be three on Nov. 1!
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Starting weight was 248, lowest was 109, and maintenance is about 124. Goal weight is 130.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain? I am one of those who struggles not to lose too much, that is my main problem. Right now I am at a low, and always sick and tired.
Do you exercise (please be honest)? Tons. I run twice a week, and do taekwondo three days a week, I also hike or bike as often as possible on the weekends. I don't really exercise for the weight though, I just happen to love to move!
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
My surgery? Luck? Genetics? An active life? I don't really know the answer to that one. I think more than anything the DS was the right surgery for me, and the weight loss and maintainance has been virtually effortless. I feel almost scared to say that, but I am just being totally honest about it. I never counted carbs or calories or anything.
What was your starting/lowest/and maintenance weight?
Starting weight was 248, lowest was 109, and maintenance is about 124. Goal weight is 130.
Are you struggling/have you struggled to maintain? I am one of those who struggles not to lose too much, that is my main problem. Right now I am at a low, and always sick and tired.
Do you exercise (please be honest)? Tons. I run twice a week, and do taekwondo three days a week, I also hike or bike as often as possible on the weekends. I don't really exercise for the weight though, I just happen to love to move!
What do you feel are the key element(s) that prevent you from re-gaining a significant amount of weight?
My surgery? Luck? Genetics? An active life? I don't really know the answer to that one. I think more than anything the DS was the right surgery for me, and the weight loss and maintainance has been virtually effortless. I feel almost scared to say that, but I am just being totally honest about it. I never counted carbs or calories or anything.
Diana R
SW/CW/GW
248/122/138
"Then the time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
-Anais Nin
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