Ms skinniness

I confess that I need to stay away from sugar and StarBucks Frappacinos and eat healthier food. No breads, no chips, no candy, nada..... So sucks. This is me whinning. I apologize for it sincerely.

Maybe that’s why I didn’t get a reply to the last email to you.

I regained due to eating crap... reverted to bad habits and mostly StarBucks Frappacinos. I graze a lot. When I eat chicken, it does fill me up...

test

Happy New Year!

I'll start by mentioning I'm nearly 3 years out. Per a recent resting metabolic rate (RMR) test, I'm able to eat approximately 2200 calories daily without regain.
As an active 120-pound female in my mid 30s with more muscle mass than most females my age, I've been able to eat that much without regaining as long as I maintain my activity levels.
Not everyone who is 3, 5 or 10 years out regains. The research studies tend to throw everyone into the mix including the maintainers and the regainers.
I've read hundreds of regain stories on these forums and other sites. The common theme is backsliding into old habits. There's usually some mention of falling off the wagon, eating more fast food than usual, indulging in sweets, or grazing mindlessly on sliders (chips, popcorn, crackers, cookies).
Sometimes the person downplays the poor food choices by saying, "But I exercise 60 minutes daily!"
60 minutes of jogging at 5 miles/hr burns 500 calories, yet we can eat back 1000 calories in only 10 minutes by enjoying 2 apple fritters, or 2 slices of deep dish meaty pizza, or 2 Starbucks frappuchino drinks. Newbies: many people at 3 to 5 years out truly can eat this much since these foods are soft.
Don't get me wrong...I'm definitely not blaming the victim of a massive regain. However, I haven't met a single WLS patient who regained on a daily diet of lean rigid Protein and non-starchy veggies.
Yes, my hunger returned at 8 to 9 months post-op. However, I can consciously choose to eat more baked chicken breasts to conquer the hunger. I can also choose french fries or Doritos.
The choices we make contribute heavily to our maintenance successes or failures. Again, it's rare to hear of someone who regained on a diet of turkey and steamed veggies.

I hope newbies don't take what I'm posting as a reason not to have surgery. It's all worth it and no regret for me.
3 years out and regain and just got the scale back down.
I've been working this program way too hard. I admit my mind is messed up anytime I gain. I'm getting exhausted at the discipline it takes for me to lose weight and maintain.

The bariatric basics and successful behaviors to lose and maintain weight.
(1)Logging food
(2) weighing your food,
(3) making healthy choices,
(4) weighing yourself to lose or maintain weight.
(5) Exercise
I have to stop being so regimented with my food. I need to relax. Things for me to change in 2018! I'm walking a thin line between bariatric lifestyle and eating disorder.
I'm a food snob. I see foods as good or bad.
I feel the need to know how many calories and macros I get in each and every day for the past three years. A few exceptions on vacations etc
I automatically can say what calories and macros are in certain foods...Just because I've logged them so often.
exercise is my replacement for stress/emotional eating. I have to monitor myself and recognise when working out gets obsessive.

@Alex Brecher @Stella S @Introversion @Sosewsue61
and all you other cuties that "liked" my post
cuties, yes you too @Alex Brecher LOL
thanx for celebrating my surgiversary with me.
who brought the cake...umm i mean Quest Bars
who knows what will happen in these next
6 years. Wait and see game. time will tell
kathy

Hey there, I have been away for a very long time too. I have also gained weight by drinking Frappacino's and sugary things. It is like, I just got tired and gave up. I had a vision that my body was way to skinny at 146lbs. This was really irrational thinking on my part. After reading all my old friends story, it does seem a bit normal to put on some weight, but just how much weight is normal?
I am realizing now that I still need to get back on the wagon, do a cleanse (no sugar), and promote good health in my house. I find myself really really sad. My son is 34 years old and the past year or two, he has become enormously obese. It breaks my heart. So I am looking into the Paleo way of eating. I still drink a lot of Protein Shakes daily. But I have let bread back into my diet.
I guess what I am saying is that I am really sad over my weight gain. I hate that I am up a size. Dieting just isn't as easy as it was in the beginning. I'm also tired. Everything everyone has spoke about here, rings true for me too. I need to get back into checking in with others to keep on track. I spoke with a case manager at my bariatric center and she told me that in order to loose weight, I need to eat less than 1000 calories.
I am so happy I ran into all my old friends on this post. It brings me back to reality. It is still work.......

Hey there, I have been away for a very long time too. I have also gained weight by drinking Frappacino's and sugary things. It is like, I just got tired and gave up. I had a vision that my body was way to skinny at 146lbs. This was really irrational thinking on my part. After reading all my old friends story, it does seem a bit normal to put on some weight, but just how much weight is normal?
I am realizing now that I still need to get back on the wagon, do a cleanse (no sugar), and promote good health in my house. I find myself really really sad. My son is 34 years old and the past year or two, he has become enormously obese. It breaks my heart. So I am looking into the Paleo way of eating. I still drink a lot of Protein Shakes daily. But I have let bread back into my diet.
I guess what I am saying is that I am really sad over my weight gain. I hate that I am up a size. Dieting just isn't as easy as it was in the beginning. I'm also tired. Everything everyone has spoke about here, rings true for me too. I need to get back into checking in with others to keep on track. I spoke with a case manager at my bariatric center and she told me that in order to loose weight, I need to eat less than 1000 calories.
I am so happy I ran into all my old friends on this post. It brings me back to reality. It is still work.......

I confess that I need to stay away from sugar and StarBucks Frappacinos and eat healthier food. No breads, no chips, no candy, nada..... So sucks. This is me whinning. I apologize for it sincerely.

So last week I had a week of the gym - I have been mentally and physically exhausted. Work continues to be intense and it is wearing me down. Luckily, we only have two weeks left in school before we break for the summer holidays. I intend to go to the gym n the day then; taking advantage on no work routine (I will do work at home, but I also intend to take some well needed head rest!).
I go on holiday in a month... 2 weeks in Cyprus with the husband! My kids are old enough to leave at home now and they don't want to come with us! As much as I am looking forward to it, however, I am also dreading it. I will have to but all new swim wear.
After I lost my weight and stabilised (albeit not at target weight) I had a TT and on holidays post TT I was brave enough to wear a bikini. Now, I have the old feelings of 'I am two fat to wear a bikini', even though I know I am not 'really'. I feel that since I have gained weight, I have lost the body confidence I worked so hard to get. Although I tell myself that I am still looking ok, the voice is getting quieter and quieter!
I know that that sounds totally irrational and that I shouldn't let the scale dictate how I feel and perceive myself, but I can't seem to help it. I suppose I am getting beyond frustrated that no matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of the regain!
The only thing that helps, is knowing that I am not alone... and popping on here now and again, really helps.

Feel free to share your experiences or words of guidance.
x

Jess,
thank you for your insight... I really hadn't considered myself 'normal' but you're right; a lot of women gain weight as they go through the menopause - I've seen it some of my friends. And, the similar theme seems to be all around the middle - where mine has gone. I just get frustrated, especially when my doc says that I should not be gaining just because I am going through the menopause! I have been going through it for 8 years now, so I suppose when we apply the 'normal' logic I am doing ok.
However, I don't like it.... I don't like feeling and looking 'round' again! Even though I am no where near my starting weight, I am starting to feel the same feeling towards myself as I did when I was 238lbs. I know I have to work on my head space... something I continually fight with; always have done.
x

Coops,

Dreadful about the stress, I'm so sorry. I'm happy to hear you're working out and seeing progress. I tend to get in my mind and stew, drinking coffee and vaping (I know, I know, but I quit the cigarettes, all right) and forgetting to eat. It's awful. My body holds on to weight or goes up and down on the scale. Keeping focused on your personal goals will help. But gah - I hope it gets better, and soon.

May you continue to see loss on the scale and get strong and fit! Exercise is supposed to help with stress. Aren't the professionals always nattering on about that?

I am in the states for good. Hubs got a job here in the DC area. We'll be here until he doesn't have one, I suppose. The plan is long, long term though. Not my dream, but it's alright.

Weight-wise, I'm fine. About to post a 7 year update. The newbies appreciate it but heavens knows I'll be inundated with questions about loose skin and what, exactly, I eat every day. [emoji23] Well, we were new once, too.

Best, dear. Good to hear from you. Keep it up.

Cheri

A little update - two of the four pounds I put on since joining the gym have come off... I am really enjoying the classes and moving more. Not seeing any change in my clothes, but I know it is early days. However, I have seen an improvement.... I have a Fitbit and before the gym my resting heart rate was 65, now it goes between 59-61. So even though the scale isn't being kind I am liking that internal improvement that moving has given me to date... I am hoping that as time goes on my resting heart rate stays in the 50s.
I honestly think stress is really tampering with my weight too... the stress levels in work just keeping getting higher and higher. It is a melting pot of madness now. Two teachers are on long term sick due to work related stress (and these are seasoned, fantastic teachers!), kind of sums it up to me.
Anyway, I will keep on keeping on... my mantra for the last 7 years isn't gonna change anytime soon,,,lol

Hope you are all well - keep us updated and lets do this together!

Wow, coops and UK Cathy and MichiganChic - like a tiny reunion!
I saw this and had to say hello. Sorry to hear about the regain struggles. I think over the years (I'm coming up on 7) we've all gone up or down a bit. It's whether or not we let it slide into 50, 60, back to where we started. We don't. It's times of stress that get me, like when my father passed years back. I put on 20. Took a bit to take it off. No exercise, I'm still rotten on that, kudos to you that do it, you're better than me.
I'm actually quite small now. Partly due to medication. It's odd, what becomes normal. Just being a little person and people assuming you've always been that way. I had my gallbladder out earlier this year. My husband retired after 23 years in the military. That about sums up my eventful life.
Hope you're all well. You were a great support early on, truly.
Cheri

Hey everyone! Good to see some old timers here
I have also suffered some regain. I'm up 20 pounds (or a little more) from my average of three years. It just packed on over a couple of holidays, (5 pounds here, then another 3, and so on) but I can never seem to get if off. So frustrating! It doesn't seem to matter what I do, what I eat, it just won't come off.
I find myself getting frustrated and not watching what I eat because I feel like its a losing battle. I'm also a stress eater, and boy, do have stress! Hi pressure job and husband with early onset dementia (in mid to late stage). So, between all of that and a body that just wants to be fat, it is an uphill battle. Even with surgery, I was always one who had to count every calorie. The only way I ever lost was to eat around 900 calories a day, and I guess that's what it still takes but I have a hard time sticking to that.
So, thanks for listening. I've gotten back on track and hope I can continue to be successful. While I'm not sure how much weight I might lose, at least it can prevent more gain! I'm considering converting to a gastric bypass, but I really hate to. Has anyone done that, or considered it?

Hoping that it's because you're building muscle and having some hormone fluctuations before you see a couple pound drop.
Good job finding movement that you like and will hopefully bring you joy.

Coops, you know I have had regain and in my case it is down to what I drink (it's not Protein drinks!). Along with a drink we also seem to get out the crisps (chips) and the chocolate. So any evening where we share a bottle of wine we are consuming hundreds of calories and not one bit of goodness in any of them. Is it possible that uncounted calories are creeping in with alcohol or Snacks that accompany it?

I am trying by not drinking in the house and as we don't go out too much to the pub it has been cut down.

So the weight loss isn't going great... in fact, I have put on another two pounds... this is a bit annoying as it doesn't reflect my eating habits. I haven't been 'perfect' but I also haven't been over eating and binging on junk food either! But hey-ho!
I have just joined my local gym, so I am going to try a few different classes and see which ones I like the most. Did my induction yesterday and enjoyed going on the treadmill again and getting a sweat on. Perhaps, I just need to move more and increase the quality of exercise - perhaps just walking isn't enough?

Anyway, I will let you know.

If anyone has any handy hints, please share... cheers!

Just a quick update... I completed my 5 day liquid/soft food and felt it went well. My hubby joined me and he was also surprised at how he 'functioned' on it - including 3 training sessions.
The results, for me, weren't what I wanted on the scale... I lost half a pound! I was really disappointed. Hubby on the other had lost 10lb. Hmmm, that just isn't fair...lol! But, as I have said before, I will keep on keeping on!
Then, on Saturday whilst walking the dog, I tripped on his lead and landed on my right knee cap. Wow! The pain was incredible and made me feel sick. Needless to say, I am now hobbling along using crutches - luckily there is nothing broken or fractured so it is just a case of rest and letting the swelling and bruising go down. Not great for activity levels though!

I have been hungrier than usual. I never had hunger pangs since surgery but I do get them now. I never know what to eat. Nothings sounds good.
I haven't had a Protein Shake since I got home from the hospital but I think I'm going to try to do a few days of mainly shakes. I am starting to gain again.
I can't exercise at all. I see the surgeon this week. I can't wait to see the xrays. I want to know what's going on. I had a hole in my back because when I fell I broke L3 and it was just in crumbled up pieces so they had to take it out.
Hang in there. I know exactly what it feels like to not have your clothes fit.

This week I have gone back to a liquid/soft food diet similar to post op... my portions are larger than post op as my sleeve is now mature. So far, I have not lost an ounce - clearly I am disappointed by this as I would of liked to see the scale move, if only a little. I will continue with it for another day; I originally give myself a 5 day target and will see that through. Although, I have not seen a loss (yet - I remain hopeful as I am defo in calorie deficit) I have learnt things about my eating habits. Firstly, I don't 'need' to eat just because it is lunch time, dinner time etc. Just having liquids through the day has been a real reminder that my hunger is not 'real' per se. I have realised that a lot of the time it is head hunger. The other thing I have learnt is that I have not been drinking enough Water and I have increased this over the last week. I eat half a bowl of porridge in the evening and I can't finish the portion I give myself, which isn't a large portion! This is a good thing and has made me realise that I have been testing my sleeve and, on occasion, over eating for its capacity. I have also began to understand that I don't 'need' the food I thought I did for my body and mind to function. I am still working long hours without huge fatigue from a lack of food that I thought I would have. I am tired, beyond tired most days, but this is because I am working 10-16 hours week days and also working at least one day on the weekend.
I haven't managed to do any form of work out, however, I do at least 10,000 steps a day, average this week is 12,000. I do realise that I need to do more but with my work load so high at the moment I am fighting time.
Basically, with or without weight loss this has been a positive week for me as I feel I am re learning eating habits that I gained post op. Hopefully I will see a loss soon!

Coops it's so common to regain about that much after 5 years post op. I had gained 15 lbs but I had emergency back surgery and i was in the hospital and a rehab center for a long time. The food was awful and I lost 20 lbs. There were days I didn't eat anything at all.

Hello all,
I haven't been around for a long ole time and thought I would drop by.

My sleeve will be 7 years old in July. Over the last year, I - like so many others it would appear - have started to regain; it is 14lbs at the moment. I can honestly say it isn't by eating crap food all day everyday. My diet is 85% clean and 15% rubbish. After being sleeved I turned into a food 'snob' and still don't eat a lot of processed foods and junk. Obviously I am not perfect either! One thing that has really changed though is my exercise habits. I went from being really active and strong to not doing a lot. The only real exercise I do now is walking, which as much as I enjoy, doesn't make me sweat and ache like the other types of exercise I used to do. I need to work on this.

Another area of my life that has changed in the last 18mths is work - I am a teacher and my work load has increased (with a small promotion). I work between 10-16 hrs a day weekdays and sometimes on a Sunday. I refuse to work on a Saturday! So this has really impacted on my free time and also my stress levels. I also have had a lot of stress in my home life, which I feel is lessening a little now. However, I feel totally exhausted 90% of the time. I have been to the docs and am getting my bloods tested for cortisol and thyroid next week.
I am finding it really hard to juggle work, home life, the house, caring for elderly parents and then finding the energy and motivation to move faster than a walk! Does anyone else feel like this? How do I overcome it?

I have tried to lose the regain - trying all sorts of different methods (low carb, 5:2, 16:8, low sugar etc) - over the last 4 mths but no joy. The only thing I haven't tried is the pouch reset, which I am contemplating, I have noticed that I can eat more these days, if I chose to, so I am mindful of that and I still use a small plate to control my portions.
If you have done the pouch reset, what was your experience?

One thing I have been thinking about is being resleeved - if I could ever afford it (I was self pay as I am in the UK). Has anyone had this done? What are the results? Is it worth the money.

I feel that I am at a weird cross roads... at 46 I am 'ok' with me. But I know I could be fitter and stronger. What I worry about is regaining all the weight that I have lost.

Any thoughts are welcome!