MichiganChic

Hi! I was sleeved in 2014...original loss was 185 lbs. Regained 40 lbs during the pandemic. I started Saxenda in January of this year and lost 35 lbs. I moved to Mounjaro last week (off label, as I am not diabetic) because I was tired of Saxenda's daily injection. I don't view GLP-1s as a pouch reset, but they definitely help turn off the "food voice" in my head. I am on the beginning dose of Mounjaro, so haven't experienced the full power yet. I still have decent restriction, so capacity wasn't my problem. Slider foods/snacking caused my weight gain.
I know medication isn't for everyone, but I honestly believe GLP-1s should at least be mentioned to WLS patients dealing with regain. I see it as a 1-2 punch for me.

I think your examples really show how life does happen, and how common regain is, as well as how normal it is! I was also a success story, keeping off most of everything I lost for years. But there were pockets of time, tragic life events that proved to be too much for me to cope with, and I hate to admit this, sent me spiraling into stress eating. When I was caring for my husband in his 50s with early onset dementia, and his subsequent death at 62, I actually made a conscious decision to just let my focus on my diet go. It really takes a lot of focus and energy for me to stay on track, and I just didn’t have that left. Then came dealing with grief and then pandemic....blah blah blah. The 5 and then 2 and then 10 pounds here and there really add up!!

Anyway, while I’m finding it very difficult to do, I agree with you, it possible to lose the regain. I’ve finally gone back to the way I ate when I lost the weight, (low calorie, low carb, high protein) and it is starting to come off. I really have to keep check on my expectations. I want to lose 2-3 pounds/week, and that’s just not going to happen for me. Remembering that time goes on either way and the 0.2 losses add up over time help to keep me focused.

Wishing you much success on your continued journey to health!

November. Maintaining my weight loss between 173 and 174 for the most part. Weighing every morning to keep myself on track and maintain. I am comfortable in my own baggy skin, enjoying making wholesome Soups with the cooler weather. Back in the office 2 days a week, working from home rest of week. And going out to homes to see families. Staying masked and wearing PPE. Vegetable garden has fresh micro greens and lettuces, brocolli and cauliflower, kale and rainbow chard growing. Carrots too !
Stay healthy, and wear your masks !!!

Soo. I started my weight loss journey over 10 years ago. I am 5'2" I had surgery and was, if I remember correctly about 320 pounds. (and I had lost weight before surgery..) I was 54 years old. I lost over 100 pounds. I got down to 180 pounds. I could never get lower than that. But my doctors were pleased and so was I. Over 10 years I managed to gain weight and this past July, got mad at myself when I realized I weighed 220 !!!! I told myself that I needed to reverse the trend, and get back to a healthier weight. My initial goal was to lose 10 pounds in a year. Well, I lost 10 pounds in 4 months and then lost another 12 in the last 4 months, and for the first time in about 6 years am just under that 200 pound weight at 198. ( I will claim those last 2 pounds ! )
I refuse to do any drastic dieting, just "going back to my sleeve eating." More Protein, less carbs, more vegetables. occasional treats. Cut out the popcorn and chips which are my slider foods.... and although I really cannot exercise with my other physical issues, I am moving more and feeling better. I would be happy to be in the mid 190's for this coming July - but focusing more on making sure I don't backslide again....
I am posting because .... well, how do you explain to anyone that you have already lost over 140 pounds and gained back 40, and now have lost 20... 10 years later and it's all connected ? And at my age, no one really notices.... although I did go buy new jeans/slacks for work because darn it, I didn't keep the smaller clothing !!!
Anyone else as far out as I am ? Having issues ? Getting back on track this late in the game ?

I’m 6 years out and I not only regained but I gained double what I lost. It took from 2017 to Nov 2020 to get back to a size 8 at 170lbs. I use to be a size 6 at 170lbs. I can’t get any smaller and I’m okay with that. My point is you can do it. Start by eliminating the problem foods one by one. You don’t have to swear them off just only eat them on occasion and if they make you go off track find a healthy option to replace them. After a while your sleeve will kick back in to action. It takes longer but remember the sleeve is only a tool and we have to use it in order for it to work. I went from about 300 lbs to 170 this time around. So I know you can do it too! After yo-yo dieting for a year. I went vegan for a year and lost a ton of weight. After a year I went back to meat. I even supplemented one to two meals with ensure plus and I ate a regular dinner. I have my restriction back. I’m just trying to maintain now. My best friend is now motivated to get back on track. She’s now lost 15 pounds. She doing shakes and Portion Control and healthy choices. It’s different for us all. Find what works for your life so you can really maintain it. If you don’t like what your doing or it’s too restrictive it won’t work. Try new recipes really get into the lifestyle. Milk Street recipes are really fun and takeout taste but way healthier. Try it. Have fun!! You can do it and we will Celebrate every success with you! ❤️

I am 10 years out from a sleeve. Sleeved at about 300 lbs. Started at 320. 5'3" and I was 54 years old. I lost total of 150 pounds to 170. Then life happened. Lost my mom, then my younger brother then my dad.... and divorced and single parenting and moving and working and well.... I gained back to 220.
About a year and a half ago I decided I needed to make changes. Small ones. and little by little I got control back. I didn't do a major diet, I didn't do a fast or liquids only. I just started eliminating one lousy food and then another... and replacing one bad habit with a good and positive one. No cheap chocolate. Only good expensive chocolate. And one or two pieces is enough when it is really good chocolate. No potato chips. Air pop popcorn. Salads. fruit. Veggies. Protein. More Water. I have never been a soda drinker so that was not it for me. Just rebuilding good habits. I lost 45 pounds in 14 months. Not fast. But steady. And I took breaks to see what it would take to maintain that weight. Since September when I got back to 175 I have lost another 2 pounds. I will be 65 in two months. I know I will never be THIN. I don't need to be. But I am stronger, healthier, happier and maintaining my weight at a level that I can for the rest of my lifetime. Eating well. Moving more.
You can do this. Figure out what will work for you. Then do it.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I am 7 years post VSG. I lost 145 pounds and kept it off 3-4 years, had plastics and looked and felt great, and then life happened. I cared for Sick parents, husband with early onset dementia and dearth subsequent death, a year of grieving....then one day I woke up and faced the truth of a 55 pound weight gain.

September 2019 I began focusing on my health and goals again, and I’ve lost 22 pounds. I had a barium swallow which revealed I have a normal capacity stomach, so really, no restriction. I never had the restriction others describe. Anyway, as much as I hated to do it, I joined WW. I basically eat like a Bariatric patient, using WW as guardrails. I also have increased my exercise and am totally in the Peloton “cult”, which is great because I am loving exercise for the first time ever.
I never thought I’d be here..yet here I am, living proof that stomachs DO stretch and even smart, determined people can end up with regain. I believe it will take me until June or July to get back to goal, but every pound lost is a great feeling of accomplishment.

I still check in once in a while. It’s been 5+ years for me.

Just thought I’d check in and see how everyone is doing? I’m still fighting the good fight, and maybe winning a little. Long way to go, for sure.

My stress level is lower in the last month than it was in the last two years, and man, does that make a difference! Life isn’t easy, but it’s certainly better. I’ve started exercising again, not for weight loss, but for cardio health and stress management. Some days I convince myself I love it, lol!

Anyway, I pretty much went back to eating like in the early days. Lean Protein, nothing processed, few vegetables, rare fruits, and very low calories and lowish carbs. I don’t count carbs, but avoid bread, rice and Pasta. Probably the biggest change was giving up coffee creamer and skinny caramel macchiatos from Starbucks. It’s a boring diet but it works, lol. At the moment, boring isn’t bothering me.

Anyone? What’s working/not working for you?

Thanks for your response! That must have been awful. How close to goal are you? I saw my stomach and it looks pretty normal. As in like didn’t have surgery. I never felt restriction like others describe. However, I lost a significant amount of weight and felt really good. I’m afraid I will end up with strictures if I have another surgery. But I’m more afraid of being fat!

I've been taking the appetite suppressant for a few days now, and I can say it's a night day difference. Would I rather not need them? Absolutely. However, I am going to do everything in my power to prevent more regain than I already have. I feel like that switch has been flipped off. I've successfully stayed 700-900 calories, without the torment I usually experience to keep from eating. I don't plan on using this forever, just during difficult times. I just can't afford a gain while I wait for that to pass.
Also, my life is exponentially better with weight loss. I'm still me, only V2.0 is way better! I am not willing to risk losing this life I fought so hard to get.
One other thing - while the number on the scale isn't the only thing to focus on, I don't think you can ignore it. When I was overweight, there was number associated with it, and it was bad. That number was making me less than healthy. Now, at a lower number, I'm good. I think the message is in settling on a good number that supports the health and lifestyle we want.
There's more than one way to skin a cat. Don't judge when you can never take a walk in someone else's shoes.

I still check in once in a while. It’s been 5+ years for me.

I still check in once in a while. It’s been 5+ years for me.

absolutely agree that stress (and also sleep) have a huge impact on the metabolism and therefore can cause weight gain.

If you started at 310 and you want to get to 150 ...you have 160 pounds of excess weight.
60% of 160 is 96
70% of 160 is 112
The average sleeve patient loses between 60-70% of their excess weight. 96-112 pounds in your case.
Your doctor was in the ballpark of reasonable expected average results.
As many others have proven, you can do a lot better than average results if you work very hard.
Your doc was being honest with you...and was even quoting you a conservative result based on average weight loss among sleeve patients.
It is true that some people have to work harder for their losses. Diabetics, PCOS folks, Older folks, People with mobility issues, People with other endocrine issues....can have a more stubborn time moving those pounds.....than say, younger, fitter, healthier people.
Most people will lose at least 50% of their excess weight. A few will not. A few will have an oustanding experience and lose 100% of their excess weight. On average people lose 60-70%.

dude/dudette
235 lbs (12/15/11)
130 lbs (12/02/12) GOAL
doc didn't require pre-op loss
I consider myself at GOAL.
6+ years PO sleeve, i have gained
11 lbs (over the past year)
not tooooo worried about the gain
need to/WILL loose that little regain
ASAP
many OP started less than 300 lb and lost 100 lb+
clean your glasses, and you'll see me & others
many OP that don't "live" on the board, also
lost 100 lb+
good luck
kathy