Baconville

I measure or count nearly everything! I don't know how you can accurately track what you are eating if you don't. I purchased a scale at Target, about $25.00. I use it nearly every day. I don't use it for thing that are single servings like protein shakes, Greek Yogurt, and my protein bar, otherwise it is measured. Tonight I had a taco salad, I measured everything I put in it. I believe this will be vital to long term success.

My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May all the wonderful, joyful, memories you have of your mother bring you comfort. As long as we keep those memories alive, our parents will never truly be gone. Carol

I am only nine months out, but I will tell you I already wake up every morning fearing that I will be where you are. My advice to you would be to return to the basics. Are you tracking what you eat? If not MyFitnessPal.com is a free App that works really well. I would start there. Then start looking at what I call the 3 RNY Rules: How much Protein are you getting? My clinic recommends at least 80 grams a day, but never over 100 grams; Are you drinking enough Water? My clinic recommends 60 to 80 ounces a day; Are you drinking when you eat? I use to 30/30/30 rule, stop drinking 30 minutes before you eat, chew eat bite 30 times, and don't drink for 30 minutes after you are done eating. Finally, you mentioned low energy, make sure you are still taking all of your Vitamins. Of course exercise is also important. However RNY is a tool, you still have that tool, you just have to start using it better. I would also encourage you to make an appointment with your clinic. They are there to help you. They can also do blood work to make sure that there isn't a physical reason you are gaining weight. You are reaching out here, that's the first step. We are all here to help each other on this journey. You can get back on track!!

Thanks for the posts. I will give my clinic a call. I have never dumped, and like you Terry, I have really avoided anything that could cause it. I thought I would be safe with broiled fish, I have had several types of fish at home, all with no problems. It could have been prepared in a way that added a lot of fat though. I have read about delayed dumping on here. I still wonder if this was actually dumping, or another GI issue (mild food poisoning, stomach flu?). I will see what the clinic says tomorrow. Thanks! Carol

Thank you for supporting Autism awareness! My son is on the spectrum, and the disorder can use all the attention it can get! I am also finding that I am buying clothes too big. I suddenly seem to be going though sizes faster. I am close to my goal, and I guess I am afraid of buying clothes too small. Maintenance scares me.

If the back pain is happening soon after eating it can be because you are eating too fast. This is a common problem for RNY patients I am told. Try really slowing down when you eat and see if that helps.

I was under 300 calories for the first three months. When I calculated my exercise, I was often in negative calories for the day. I am now approaching 9 months, and am eating between 650 and 800 calories a day. I drink between 80 - 100 ounces of water every day. I have lost over 170 pounds. I always eat my protein first, and I get about 85 grams of protein a day. I know it sounds like it is not enough, but it is. Track what you are eating. I use MyFitnessPal.com for this. I have been eating salad since about six months out with no problems. You need to restrain your body to be happy when you are satisfied, not necessarily full. The feeling of being full, probably means that you have eaten too much.

I apologize ahead of this post, this is not a pretty post! I have been very lucky regarding dumping. I have had none of the problems I have read here that so many have. However, we went to the Wisconsin Dell's for a few days and on Sunday night I had broiled walleye for dinner. Ate half, felt great. The next morning I got up early to use the treadmill at the hotel we were staying at. Put in 40 minutes, drank Water while exercising, felt great. Walked back to our room to wake the family and get the day started. Hubby got up and went in the bathroom. All of a sudden, I had horrible stomachs cramps. Told hubby that I had an emergency and I was going to need the toilet as soon as he could be done. Went to lay down, thinking that would help. Stomach cramps just kept getting worse. A minute later I realized that I was not going to be able to wait for hubby to be done. Was going to go down the hall and use that restroom. Stood up, and had no control. liquid (diarrhea) just leaked out. Finally got in the bathroom and filled the toilet. So, here's the question: can dumping happen over something you ate more than ten hours ago? This could have been bad fish (although teenage son ate the other half and was fine), or even though the menu said 'broiled' maybe they used a fat (butter or oil) to broil it in. The fish tasted very good. Though I have not been sick since, my stomach has not felt exactly right since either. I wouldn't think dumping would stay with you. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks!! Carol

Mine is just awful. I have lost 170 pounds now, have about 15 to my goal. My arms, thighs and stomach are the worse. My doc and surgeon have both said that I will be a good candidate for the stomach surgery and have a very good chance of having insurance pay for it. I work out with weights at least once a week. I can actually see the muscle definition under the baggy skin. I am hoping that it will get a bit better with time.

This is also my vote for a protein shake. I don't mind the taste, and you get a lot of protein grams for the calories.

I am so very sorry to hear this! My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your Mom and your family. Mitz is correct, please take car of yourself. It is so very difficult during these times (I lost my Dad nearly 1 year ago). Get your protein no matter how you have to do it and make sure you get you vitamins and water. The rest will take care of itself. You will find that the caregivers that work in hospice truly are angels among us, at least I did with my Dad. Stay strong. Carol

You can (and should) change your settings to reflect your current protein and calorie goals. However it will still tell you that you are not eating enough. It is a tool for ALL that wish to loose weight, not just those who have had surgery. I find it an invaluable tool to my success and the message that I am not eating enough a pat on the back that I have had a great eating day!

Hi! Welcome to our group! There are some amazing people here and you will find another group to offer support, encouragement, and inspiration. These are all things you will find you need along this journey that is gastric bypass surgery. I am approaching 9 months out and have lost 170 pounds. I started at 330 and am down to 158. It is a new way to live, but the rewards are SOOOO great. I will be spending a few days away from home on a short vacation for the first time since my surgery. Just another step in the journey! I am nervous and excited at the same time. You will find, I think, that this is very common too. Best of luck to you! We are here for you!!

CONGRATS!!! Did you know that we are the same hight? I am about 10 pounds behind you (I was 158 this morning). I started out much larger than you though at 330. I wish I had my surgery before I hit 300! My goal remains at 145, I want a weight I fell I can maintain. I guess we will see what happens. I agree with you about how good going this direction feels! I live in fear of waking up and finding out I am back where I was a year ago! You keep up the good work!! You inpire me to keep going!!

Happy to share mine! These are the big ones - there were many smaller ones as well! Be preescription drug free - ACHIEVED Be under 300 pounds - ACHIEVED Be sleep Apnea Free - Can't be tested until June/July 2014 Be under 200 pounds - ACHIEVED Fit into 'regular' size clothing - ACHIEVED (currently a misses 10/12) Eliminate knee and back pain - ACHIEVED Cut my BMI in half, over 60 prior to surgery - ACHIEVED (current BMI is under 30) Maintain a healthy weight between 145 - 155 - IN PROGRESS 14 POUNDS TO GO! What a journey! I am so happy to have found a place where people understand and Celebrate these victories with me. For those who have never faced needing to loose a large amount of weight, the stepping stones to good health are hard fought and worth every celebration we can give ourselves!

I followed every rule and thought I might be spared. Hair loss didn't begin until 4 months out for me, but when it did it was with a vengeance! I was afraid I would be bald for Christmas! I can tell you it does stop. I ended up with some pretty thin spots, but now it is all coming back. I purchased Awaken hair products. I am not sure if that helped or not and was expensive. I also took Biotin. We just have to get through it. It will grow back.

HOORAY!!!! There is nothing that tastes as good as that feels! Way to go!!

WELCOME!! You picked the right month for surgery because this group is unbelievably great! Congrats on your weight loss success. Keep up the great work!

Mitz, Great post! I am 15 pounds from GOAL and am beginning to have some of the same thoughts. Beautifully said!

Terry, I am not tech savvy either. I do not have a smart phone. I use a Kindle for most everything. I have the Fit Bit Force, which is the one that was recalled. I have to manually sink it with my desktop computer, which I do several times a day, it only takes a few seconds. It you have or use Apple products, it will sink automatically which would be easier. The information that I get is more than worth the effort. Just like MyFitnessPal is going to be key to long term success, I believe this will as well. Setting it up took a bit of time and patience, but it was worth it. By the way, MyFitnessPal and the Fit Bit talk to each other. It's great!

Unless I get two workouts in, I find that I don't make the 10000 steps. I usually get the active minutes, calories and stairs (I live in a split level home!). We finally were above 40 today - first time in over 100 days. Went for a three mile walk. Am only at 8600 steps tonight. Yesterday we spent the day at the auto show. Went to the YMCA after. Even after walking around all day, if I hadn't put in 35 minutes on the elliptical, I would not have made all the goals. Just proves how active you need to be to be a healthy active adult!

RJ- Glad to hear you are still with us and doing GREAT. I missed you! I got a Fit Bit for my birthday a bit over a month ago. Could not agree with you more! I am also obsessing. I am realizing I am not as active as I thought I was. I have increased the activity and the scale has been moving! Wonderful gadget!

WAY TO GO!!! Makes me excited for the day I will post that. Inspiring!!

I am meticulous about tracking on MFP. But, I have never tracked the supplements. My clinic does not require me to track calories (even though I do). I am required to track my protein grams. I like to know the nutrition that I am getting from the food I am actually eating. Listing the supplements would through that off. I don't believe that if I begin to gain weight or my weight loss stalls it will be due to my Flinstones Complete vitamins.

Hi Stacy, My name is Carol and I had my RNY on June 25, 2013, which puts me just over 8 months out. I lost 40 pounds prior to surgery (I have lost a total of 170 pounds as of this weekend!). If you have not found and started using MyFitnessPal.com I suggest you check this out. This app has been my salvation and was how I lost the 40 pounds pre surgery. Still it is hard when you have food around you that you love, but can't or shouldn't eat. I have allowed myself one or two bites of these foods. Having a taste allows me to not feel deprived of a food that is a favorite and want it all the more. I have to stress that I really do keep it to one or two small bites. Losing the 40 pounds prior to surgery was a very good thing for me. It made me start to put in place new habits and strategies that have been mandatory following surgery. This is a great time to begin working on skills like counting Protein grams, separating drinking and eating, and increasing your Water intake. Make an effort to increase your activity. It's very hard at the beginning, but it really helps on so many levels. I can tell you from the other side that this is a journey worth taking! I have my life back!! IT IS NOT EASY!! So many think that surgery is the easy way, it is not. But if you stay focused and do the work, you will have success. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!