Question:
How do you know if you've truly

Hi. I came to the Q&A board today because I'm really struggling. I'm 9 months post-op and had great weight-loss up-front (70 pounds @ 4 months), although I remember wishing it was more back then! Then, I hit a wall. My wall was self-made as I do not dump and, therefore, slowly allowed junk food back into my diet until my calorie intake no longer allowed for weight loss. My quanitity of eating slowly increased too and I'm just sick that I'm one of the people we all refer to when we say "I'm afraid I'm going to be one of those people who re-gain their weight or who this just doesn't work for" back when we first have or are thinking about the surgery. I can't believe I've done this. I can't believe I've sabatogged myself. But now, I don't know what to do about it. Can their still be benefits derived from having had the surgery? If I have, indeed, stretched my stomach out, am I "screwed?" I am not re-gaining per se (well, I had gotten down lower than this but bounced right back up a few days later) but I'm terrified that I will. The surgeon that my insurance sent me to was a general surgeon who has had absolutely no follow-up care. Nada. Nothing. I haven't seen him since he took out my staples. I feel that if I had been able to be a part of a support group I might have been able to stay on-track and I'm very sad about this. Is there anything I can do at this point to correct my mistakes? I don't want to fail. Thanks, in advance, for your input. Amy    — Amy D. (posted on January 30, 2003)

January 30, 2003
Amy, you need to do a few things in my opinion. #1. Go on a liquid diet for a few days. Every time I have done this my stomach shrunk right back down. #2. Purge your house of junk food. #3. Hire a personal trainer to get you back on track with exercise and to help you be accountable.Several gyms have like 3 for $99 special or something. #4.Find a local support group (or 2, or 3) and start going. You have a wonderful tool at your disposal, and it is not too late to get the result you want. Don't put yourself in the 'I'm screwed' category and quit. The beauty about this surgery is that it is there for you just waiting to be used the way it needs to be. Get yourself in situations where you have to be accountable. You won't believe how much it helps. The Atkins diet works very well for me in conjunction with WLS. The 'no sugar ever' approach really helps you kick that habit. Good Luck to you! Don't give up!!!
   — Cara F.

January 30, 2003
Amy, You haven't failed per se, after all WLS is a tool, and a tool only works when you USE it. Pick up your WLS tool and start using it again. Increase your water, eat your protein first and exercise. Cut out the junk and lower the calories. Treat yourself as if you WILL dump. Above all, be proud that you have chosen to give yourself this tool that you will always have, and that you can use anytime you need it! I can't wait til I can say I've lost 70 lbs., no matter how long it takes to get there! You go, girl!!! Sue
   — Sue C.

January 30, 2003
You still have your tool, you may just need a reminder on how to use it. Check out this website: http://www.gastricbypassfamily.com/PouchRules.html for good information your tool and how to use it. I'm not sure if it's on that site, but there is a related story about a woman who had regained her weight, but when she went back to the rules, she lost it ALL. Don't give up! It's easy to take the weight loss for granted in the early months when it comes off so easy, but with a little work, you can still do it! Try for that full feeling w/ dense foods like protein and raw or lightly cooked veggies, don't drink w/ your meals, and throw out ALL refined carbs (white sugar and white flour). Good luck!
   — mom2jtx3

January 30, 2003
Don't beat yourself up! Jump back on the wagon, it will be tough, but so worth it! I heard at support group that you can re-set your dump-o-meter by cutting all carbs to less than 20 per day for a couple of weeks. I simply don't know what my level is for dumping, because I just tell myself that I will dump. Keep plenty of sugar free gum and hard candies on hand to help curve the cravings. And up the water, drink, drink, drink. Add 1-2 protein shake and excercise. You can have the top of the line tools for your garden, but unless you use them right, they will not work. Don't get frustrated, call it a lesson learned and move on. I wish you the best of luck!
   — Dana B.

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