mi75

Yes, early on I was definitely an inspiration to others. Many friends around me became conscious of my progress and took their own journey to health (in some way). I also was told that I was an inspiration in my new workplace, because when I first went there I had lost my weight and was still really disciplined. Sadly, it was about 6 months into that work environment that I started back-sliding and had the gain. However, I'm very quietly digging in my heels and going to work really hard to re-lose my gain.

Well, I attempted a 5 day pouch reset in the past couple of weeks, in preparation for seeing the new surgeon. I fizzled out on day 2, expecting that the new doc/nut would give me some enlightenment. Since that didn't really happen, I am jumping back in and going to attempt this again. I'm starting on Monday, not because that's the typical 'i'm starting a diet' day, but because it will be a bit easier for me since my family will be out of the house during the day and there won't be a constant push to cook etc. If anybody is interested in how it will go, I'll post updates on this thread each day. FYI- i know that sleevers don't have a true 'pouch', however that's the actual name of the plan itself. If anybody is interested in joining along with me, just holler. We can jump in together.

Yes, Alex is right. From here on, you are a bariatric patient and EVERYBODY seems to have an opinion. Yes, I dealt with this as well. I actually had a BMI BELOW 40 when I started the process, but had multiple co-morbidities (four or five, i remember). During my initial workup process, I let my eating go a little haywire and ended up gaining a few pounds because I was so stressed out and so busy with my life. Even then, co-workers made comments that I wasn't 'big enough'. One day I took all of my 15 pill bottles to work with me and lined them up on my desk. Ever so slowly, people started walking by and questioning. I very patiently and politely explained to them that it's not always your SIZE or your BMI, but your health is taken into consideration for surgery too. That was the last of the snarky comments.

saw the doc today. he couldn't offer me much as far as getting back on track other than a prescription for appetite suppressant which i'm not too keen on. Then the nut couldn't see me after all, so they want me to go back. I decided I'm going to see my original surgeon and nut in a couple weeks. i'll have to pay out of network for it but i really just need them to look at my original files/info/stats and give me some SPECIFICS to get this back on track. I see the nut first, then the surgeon like 8 weeks later. hopefully the nut will give me good info. in the meantime i'm going to attempt a 5 day pouch reset again (fizzled out after day 2 last time and the first two days are the worst!).

water????!!!!!

Well, i had my appt. i was a bit disappointed. since this surgeon doesn't really know me, or my history at all, he did tell me that i may benefit from an appetite suppressant. i'm not all that interested in diet pills. Then the nut couldn't see me after all, so i'm supposed to go back. but i've decided to go back to my original surgeon and nut for at least some guidance (and they know my entire case). all i really need is a kick in the pants and a specific plan on WHAT to do. i think i have a pretty good idea, i've been through it once! appt in 10 days.

wow, I have never even heard of this. It would make a HUGE difference for me, since I'm also 2 years out and generally have little to no idea what to do at this point. i would love to know more as well!

Wow, to the OP- I can relate very much. I lost my dad just about 4 months ago and it has been incredibly difficult for me (a stress eater). Combine that with having started a night job about a year ago and I am up TWENTY pounds from my lowest. i wasn't even at goal yet so I have a lot of work to do. Wow, to all the responders- your messages are inspiring and thoughtful. It is great to see so much support here without judgement. Only those who have walked this path can TRULY understand. For anybody interested, there is a new Regain forum under the GENERAL WEIGHT LOSS topics. Some good threads getting started there as well!

Meeting me new team tomorrow and excited to see what they can offer me to start working this regain back off. Obviously I'm in for some serious work, which I'm willing to do. BUT I really want to get specific direction from the Nut and the doc both. I generally can do EXACTLY as i'm told IF i'm given a specific path/plan. it's just my personality. While I'm completely humiliated to meet this man and admit to my gain, i'm also relieved that there is going to be some light in sight. Wish me luck!

Always be sure to clarify with your nut on YOUR specific plan as they are ALL different.

maybe try a very short 'reset' approach? I did the 5 Day pouch reset but that was to regain some feeling of restriction. www.bariatriceating.com has a great 2 day reset approach that is awesome too and boosts your burn a bit. OR...maybe just try going back to immediate post op for a few days (same concept)? anything to get a little metabolic burst! good luck and welcome to the Regain forum.

Do the right thing and get back on track now. it's just easier than being where some of us are, and having to lose a lot of regained weight. good luck!

Quest. hands down, the very best. I get mine from GNC, although I see Wal-mart carries them now but they cost more there! They are a little more costly than most store brands but totally worth it (if you get a good GNC sale they're about 1.85 each). My fave- Cookies and Cream. I keep them in the fridge and they are super chewy and awesome. 21g Protein, 3 net carbs. tons of Fiber. AWESOME. most vets here will recommend them.

good luck to you! i'm planning on seeing the trainer at my Y, since we have a membership there right now and at least getting a weight program started. my membership to the local Y ends in April and we probably won't renew it (due to costs, it's over $1200 per year!). at that point I plan to find either a crossfit gym OR hire a personal trainer who is into lifting/fitness competitions and seeing what they can do for me. I figure I have about 6 months to get started on my own with my Slim in 6 DVDs at home, plus utilizing the trainer I have available, AND see the new doctor this week. Between all those things I WILL be successful. First I will be realistic and focus on LOSING, then TRAINING.

i agree with the above advice. do NOT slip backwards. use the tools you have. if necessary, make an appointment with your doc or nut to keep some accountability. for ME, that was a large component of my regain. i had no follow up after 3 months, just a 1x/year appointment. Now that i have new insurance and had to transfer to a different doctor, i'm happy to find out that he sees his patients every three months forever, AND you see the nut every time too. stay the path your are on. good luck!

i tolerated everything too. at first it was awesome because i almost prided myself on being the patient that was the 'prize patient' and had no issues at all. because i COULD tolerate it all, i DID. i ate all foods. i didn't eat too early, i followed the post op plan i was given but it was only a guide through 3 months post and then i had no further follow up. so here i am 2 years post op, still eating most things and 20 lbs up from my lowest. i would give just about anything to go back and redo it at the 3-4 month mark and keep pushing as hard as i could. now i'm seeing a new surgeon this week and hopefully he will help me get back on track...

I think that melliemay was on here at one time. I don't follow too many youtubers, but i DO follow FAT DOCTOR! Love it. totally addictive. i have also been watching a few of the 5 day pouch reset videos recently too.

totally forbidden- Soda. yup, i admit it. obviously, VERY much a large component of my regain. sorry to see it go...

a favorite of mine is shrimp sprinkled with some jerk seasoning or some other spicy goodness and broiled for just a couple minutes. i'm not sure what your plan includes at this point, but if you are able to, it's pretty awesome!

So, I am dealing with regain. I have truly refocused and ready to get started again. Seeing a new surgeon this week (changed insurance=changed docs). I am really out of shape (again) but have ordered the Beachbody program Slim in 6 to just get me started and motivated. I have really gotten inspired in the past couple of weeks watching the American Ninja Warrior finals, and seeing a friend of mine compete in their first fitness/body building competition. I have the personality that if I have a SPECIFIC goal I stay motivated. I am not a runner at ALL anymore (sustained a leg injury a few years back and have multiple rods in my leg) so couch-to-runner programs aren't for me, nor do any sort of walking marathons, etc. interest me. I am looking for something that is going to give me a specific goal. Not sure what. Any suggestions from the fitness world people? THANKS!

So. I am dealing with regain. Seeing the new surgeon in 4 days and not sure what he will have to tell me. Likely that I am in for a LOT of work, which I'm willing to do. However, I am feeling newly inspired and really looking for some form of serious exercise to do. I ordered Slim in 6 to start. But a couple months from now I'd really like to transition to something that is a bit more serious. I love American Ninja Warrior type competitions and love seeing what friends who go to crossfit are doing. I am truly inspired by an acquaintance that competes in fitness competitions. I am not nearly in any shape to consider those things, however I'm sure there are others in those places who all started out like me! Does anybody have some great suggestions for me, once I get going, for something to focus on? I have found that if I have a VERY SPECIFIC goal to attain I can remain focused. Thanks in advance!

Wonderful comments everybody. Regain is a VERY real issue and not something that i EVER thought I would face. I was never one of those people that said "i'll never be that person...", but I knew that it would take a lot of work and somewhere in the past 6 months I lost that focus and drive it takes to remain on track. As I am done writing this, I am looking at social media postings of a gal that I work with who competed in a body building/fitness competition today and I feel newly inspired. next thread...exercise!

Wonderful responses so far, and all very insightful. A great resource for all the regainers!

I would like to start a thread for all those following this forum that tells others about RE-losing. So if you are a patient who LOST, then GAINED, then LOST it again, please share with us all your method of losing. Did you go back to pre-op/post-op phases? A 2 ,5,8 day pouch reset? A specific low carb type plan? Keto? Paleo? Please feel free to share as this is helpful to each of us in our journey.

Yes, it is up and running. It is under the GENERAL WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY forums, like I mentioned earlier. Just below the "Don't sweat the Stall Stuff" forum. Enjoy!