Getting back in the game.

[SBTrac 4]

It's been 4 years since I had surgery. I went from 255 to 180, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and now due to pain, major depression, and probably sleep apnea, I've gone back up to 225. I'm so ashamed. I just joined this group to hopefully get some support and motivation to get my head back in the game, pull my head out of the sand, and join the living once again. I'm taking steps to move myself forward. I've been stagnant for too long.

[Christinamo7 4,041]

Nothing to be ashamed of! we understand that this is a rest of our lives battle. You're ready to fight it again, and at least you are catching it before getting back to 255!

what steps are you taking? how is it going?

[JamieLogical 8,684]

The best advice I've seen for how to jump-start weight loss again after a while off is to just go back to the basics, as if you just had surgery again. Do a shortened version of the post-op food stages. A couple days of shakes only, then onto purees, then soft foods, then solid foods. Just a couple of days in each stage. That will wean your body back off carbs, kind of reset your restriction, and reset your head as well. It will give you an opportunity to refocus on putting Protein first, eating on a schedule, getting your fluids in, etc.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@SBTrac There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You're human! You got your head out of the sand by acknowledging you need help. Chronic pain is very difficult to deal with - from a physical perspective of course but also an emotional one. In addition to starting back to the basics as @@JamieLogical suggested - maybe try some counseling and holistic pain management (acupuncture, massage). Wishing you luck!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Good for you. The advice given above by @@JamieLogical is good.

How else can we help?

[Valentina 2,642]

Hello, friend.

I, too came back to the program --five years come June for me.

In my opinion, you've made the most important step. You got you head wrapped around your sleeve again. I also have RA, OA, fibromyalgia, replaced L knee and spinal surgery--all in the last five years. I know of your pain.

Is this going to be easy for you? Nope

Will it be the same weight loss as when you first had you WLS? Nope

Is your sleeve still willing to work with/for you. Mine did, so I will give you a --Yep

My advice to start off with is to get reconnected with your bariatric team. If they are not available, find a new team to work with. Make an appointment with the medical representative to get reacquainted , make an appointemt with a registered dietician, make an appointment with a bariatric friendly therapist, make an appointment with a gym, a pool or a walking path.

I guess what I'm trying to say is to try and lay out a blue print for success. Get all of your appointments lined up and then bowl them over with your wiliness to get back on track.

I will tell you now, that the weight loss will not be as rapid, but the weight will come off. The hardest part is already done---you got you head "wrapped" and your heart engaged.

I've had to increase my pain meds to get my exercising in, but that won't be forever.

I wish you nothing but sunshine and rainbows, my friend. Just be ready for the rainy days and tsunamis.

Keep posting. Any questions you have I am hopeful that someone on this site will have the answer for you. I'm sure someone will have an opinion--

Just keep in mind that your sleeve and your weight loss will be different with such a time warp. But---just as rewarding.

Prayers going up for you.