Delta_35

I am also 5 years post op. This has totally been a roll coaster, but worth the ride. When I first started surgery, I was 275lbs. In a year I was down to 153lbs. Now I am at 170lbs, and I am pretty content even though I know that I could shed down to the 160s if I tracked my food better. My goal at surgery was 180, but I think I felt my best at 160 so I am working to shed 10lbs this month. I think the surgery is worth it IF you are committed to the lifestyle change. I work out 5 days a week, no excuses. I do splurge with carbs here and there, but overall, my portions are about the same. I think the key to success is having a support group(this website), and following the instructions of your surgeon. You will stray, you will have ups and downs with your weight, but its your ability to make it a lifestyle change that will help you keep your weight in control. Remember, surgery does not cure "head hunger" or your mental cravings. Those will be your battles to fight, and they usually occur more frequently as the years progress after your first year of surgery .

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

I am starting to notice that every surgeon is different, its really weird. I have a plan that was given to me, including for maintenance. So I am about a cup and half of food total, that includes Protein and veggies/fruits. That's what I am supposed to eat, and if I eat protein first, its plenty. However, when eating carbs, I have found I can eat ALOT more than that, almost 2 and half cups or more!...hence why my surgeon was big proponent of not introducing carbs fully back into my meal plan even years later. If you read other post, you will see other Sleevers talk about how they have the ability to eat more carbs and sweets, but can barely finish a cup of chicken. It is interesting but true!

Good Morning!
So I am 5 years post op, and over the course of the last two years or so, I have gained about 15lbs. I have been as low as 153, but was happy at 158lbs. Once I hit that goal, I kept working out, but started to not follow the diet my surgeon had directed. That's when the weight start creeping back on, and I found myself at 174. I will be honest, I actually do not have a problem being at this weight..but I have read so many horror stories about people who became comfortable and gained almost 50 plus pounds back, so I decided that for a week I would go back to the basics just to see if I could lose a few pounds. So, starting last Monday I went back to three meals day, with my portions at a cup and half. I ate Protein first, and stuck to veggies and fruits. Also, I cut all wine out of my diet except on Friday and Saturday, where I allowed myself to have a glass with dinner. This forced me to stick to a cup of coffee and all Water during the week. As usual, I kept up my 5 days in the gym, with 3 days of cardio and 2 days of weight training.
I will be honest, I felt great but it was HARD kicking the carbs to the side of the road.
I weighed myself on 3/26 and I was 174, I got on the scale on 4/3 and I was 169! I am so happy that I have shed these few pounds because it gave me more confidence that my pouch can still be used as tool, as long as I eat and drink what I am supposed to, and continue my workout regimen. Not sure if I will ever see 158 again since I weight train, but I do know that 174 is not a health weight for me, and that I need to eat better and take better care of myself. This surgery was an investment I made in myself, and I need to treat it as such.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

I too was on this forum and after surgery in 2012, I left. Now I am back and all I can do is smh. I now only post on threads from people who are really seeking advice. Yesterday I read about someone who went from band to sleeve, and said he couldn't stop eating all this food and drink. when asked if was doing the 30 min rule( no liquids before, during, or after) he said, sometime he didn't because he couldn't "stop" himself.
It is very obvious a lot people did not have the psych eval done. I will be honest, I did not have to through Aetna, they approved me without it. I think back and wish they had, but I somehow made it because of the willpower to change my eating habits and the willingness to want to LIVE. I don't think some of the people on here have the willpower or willingness, and it makes me worry how successful they will be in the end..and how they will affect others who are contemplating the surgery.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

I am also 5 years post op. This has totally been a roll coaster, but worth the ride. When I first started surgery, I was 275lbs. In a year I was down to 153lbs. Now I am at 170lbs, and I am pretty content even though I know that I could shed down to the 160s if I tracked my food better. My goal at surgery was 180, but I think I felt my best at 160 so I am working to shed 10lbs this month. I think the surgery is worth it IF you are committed to the lifestyle change. I work out 5 days a week, no excuses. I do splurge with carbs here and there, but overall, my portions are about the same. I think the key to success is having a support group(this website), and following the instructions of your surgeon. You will stray, you will have ups and downs with your weight, but its your ability to make it a lifestyle change that will help you keep your weight in control. Remember, surgery does not cure "head hunger" or your mental cravings. Those will be your battles to fight, and they usually occur more frequently as the years progress after your first year of surgery .

congratulations!!! Keep up the good work!!!

I totally agree, when you are maintenance it is definitely important. But when you are a few weeks out, I think it is critical to follow your surgeon directions and eat the strict list of foods recommended.

I understand how you feel. I was just attacked for "bullying". Supposedly I was wrong for voicing my opinion about people who post about when they can eat pizza or eat normal again, when the truth is, if you follow your new way of eating, you will never eat "normal" again. Normal for someone who is obese is not normal eating for anyone after surgery. But supposedly me stating this, which is a fact, was critizing people. Of course we all treat ourselves here and there, but if you are a week post op or asking for guidance, I am going to provide support..whether its what you want to hear or not...we all need tough love at some point. I know, I been there!
I left this forum before for this same reason, and now I see why a lot other Vets left and have not returned. It really is ridiculous, and if you speak any type of "truth", be prepared for someone to attack you.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

You look great! Thank God you don't need your coworkers for validation, forget them! I can almost bet money its mostly jealously, so with that being said, don't give it ANY attention. Work on reaching your goal, and then coming up with a plan to maintain it!

I too was on this forum and after surgery in 2012, I left. Now I am back and all I can do is smh. I now only post on threads from people who are really seeking advice. Yesterday I read about someone who went from band to sleeve, and said he couldn't stop eating all this food and drink. when asked if was doing the 30 min rule( no liquids before, during, or after) he said, sometime he didn't because he couldn't "stop" himself.
It is very obvious a lot people did not have the psych eval done. I will be honest, I did not have to through Aetna, they approved me without it. I think back and wish they had, but I somehow made it because of the willpower to change my eating habits and the willingness to want to LIVE. I don't think some of the people on here have the willpower or willingness, and it makes me worry how successful they will be in the end..and how they will affect others who are contemplating the surgery.

I eat the same thing every day. (I am the kind of person that can do that, but I understand that everyone is not wired like that.) I eat 7 times per day, about 2 hours apart. I drink 32 oz of Water after Meal 1, another 32 oz after Meal 2, and 16 oz after Meal 3. I also have 16 oz of Powerade Zero after Meal 6, and 8 oz of water mixed with 8 oz of PowerAde Zero after Meal 7.
The meals look like this:
Meal 1: 1 scrambled egg with 2 oz grilled chicken breast
Meal 2: 4 oz cottage cheese with 1 T of sugar-free strawberry preserves
Meal 3: 1 string cheese, 5 ParmCrisps, and 2 oz grilled chicken breast
Meal 4: 3 oz salmon with 1 oz green Beans
Meal 5: 2 oz hamburger steak (90% lean) with 1 oz green beans
Meal 6: 3 oz grilled chicken breast with 1 oz green beans
Meal 7: 4 oz cottage cheese with 1 T of sugar-free strawberry preserves
I've been eating this way since I finished working through my food stages at about 2 months post-op. But, I kept my carbs below 20 grams even during the food stages. I stayed on liquids an extra week because I wouldn't eat the next stage's foods (ripe banana, cream of wheat, etc.), and I just avoided anything on my NUT's list that had carbs. It was tough, but it was the only way I knew that I could be successful.
I hope this helps.

Sill on track! still at the same weight when I got on the scale last week, but that might be because it was my time of month. I cant wait to get on this Friday and see if I dropped now that it has passed..lol.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

I am five years out, and I know your pain. I gained about 15lbs of the weight back and now have started to get back on track with my eating. As previously stated, diet is more important than exercise. I work out on a regular basis but my eating was not on track as it should had been. Portion Control is key and you really have to kick carbs to the side. It goes back to eating to live, not living to eat mentality. It is very hard, and takes a lot willpower. Having a support group might help you, or another sleeve buddy may help. It really does come down to how bad you want to lose the weight you have regained. The first few weeks, you will fight head hunger and it will be a battle to get back to the basics of eating. Once you get your eating on track, start incorporating exercise. After so many years out, you will need to start working out and living a more active lifestyle. I am here if you need it, but a lot of this will really come down to willpower. Keep us posted, and I wish you the best of luck.

Diet is more important than exercise. You can't out train a bad diet.
What is easiest for me is eating fatty dense meats like pork chops. The fat and flavor keeps me satisfied and the density keeps me full.
I'm 21 months, not 4 years, but I can already see how easy it is to regain. There are so many tasty slider foods out there, more than I thought were possible.
All the real vets are gone, so good luck hearing from any of them.

That's great!! Congrats, glad you were able to successfully get back on track.

Good Morning!
So I am 5 years post op, and over the course of the last two years or so, I have gained about 15lbs. I have been as low as 153, but was happy at 158lbs. Once I hit that goal, I kept working out, but started to not follow the diet my surgeon had directed. That's when the weight start creeping back on, and I found myself at 174. I will be honest, I actually do not have a problem being at this weight..but I have read so many horror stories about people who became comfortable and gained almost 50 plus pounds back, so I decided that for a week I would go back to the basics just to see if I could lose a few pounds. So, starting last Monday I went back to three meals day, with my portions at a cup and half. I ate Protein first, and stuck to veggies and fruits. Also, I cut all wine out of my diet except on Friday and Saturday, where I allowed myself to have a glass with dinner. This forced me to stick to a cup of coffee and all Water during the week. As usual, I kept up my 5 days in the gym, with 3 days of cardio and 2 days of weight training.
I will be honest, I felt great but it was HARD kicking the carbs to the side of the road.
I weighed myself on 3/26 and I was 174, I got on the scale on 4/3 and I was 169! I am so happy that I have shed these few pounds because it gave me more confidence that my pouch can still be used as tool, as long as I eat and drink what I am supposed to, and continue my workout regimen. Not sure if I will ever see 158 again since I weight train, but I do know that 174 is not a health weight for me, and that I need to eat better and take better care of myself. This surgery was an investment I made in myself, and I need to treat it as such.

I totally agree, when you are maintenance it is definitely important. But when you are a few weeks out, I think it is critical to follow your surgeon directions and eat the strict list of foods recommended.

I understand how you feel. I was just attacked for "bullying". Supposedly I was wrong for voicing my opinion about people who post about when they can eat pizza or eat normal again, when the truth is, if you follow your new way of eating, you will never eat "normal" again. Normal for someone who is obese is not normal eating for anyone after surgery. But supposedly me stating this, which is a fact, was critizing people. Of course we all treat ourselves here and there, but if you are a week post op or asking for guidance, I am going to provide support..whether its what you want to hear or not...we all need tough love at some point. I know, I been there!
I left this forum before for this same reason, and now I see why a lot other Vets left and have not returned. It really is ridiculous, and if you speak any type of "truth", be prepared for someone to attack you.

I understand how you feel. I was just attacked for "bullying". Supposedly I was wrong for voicing my opinion about people who post about when they can eat pizza or eat normal again, when the truth is, if you follow your new way of eating, you will never eat "normal" again. Normal for someone who is obese is not normal eating for anyone after surgery. But supposedly me stating this, which is a fact, was critizing people. Of course we all treat ourselves here and there, but if you are a week post op or asking for guidance, I am going to provide support..whether its what you want to hear or not...we all need tough love at some point. I know, I been there!
I left this forum before for this same reason, and now I see why a lot other Vets left and have not returned. It really is ridiculous, and if you speak any type of "truth", be prepared for someone to attack you.