AmiLou

GeTNbackup, I wish I knew what was going on with my legs. It existed prior to the surgery so I was treated for restless legs with increasing doses of medication that never helped. Pain was primary at night. My thoughts were that perhaps it was the excess weight so the doctor approved the weight loss surgery which I paid for out of pocket. The surgery didn't help the pain either. I quit taking the restless medications. Later they did ultrasounds and found an old blood clot in my leg and some plaque. I am on Xalrelto and they have seem some improvement in the size of the clot. However, there is NO improvement in the pain and I now suffer during the day. I don't think the clot is the source of the pain. I am seeing a cardiologist and next step is a vascular doctor. I really don't trust doctors. They sent me to that hematologist and I noticed that he billed an enormous amount of money and also had indicated "COVID" related on the bill. I had COVID in December and this was July!!! I retired in June so most of this is out of pocket now. Without sounding too political, I call BS! My husband thinks I complain too much and I probably do. I am in pain in more ways than one.

So, I have gained 40 lbs back since my surgery five years ago. I find myself eating for comfort again and have basically forgotten (and broken) ALL the rules of the bariatric diet! I welcome any encouragement, tips, and advice. I remember the keys to early success were: protein shakes, water, extremely small portions, balanced healthy diet, walking, and taking supplements. I quit taking the bariatric supplements after a couple years and uh... well the small portions have gotten bigger (I no longer vomit). I crave sweets and I allow myself to eat them! Ugh... I still take regular multiple vitamin but nothing else other than prescriptions for depression, thyroid and a blood thinner for clots. My legs absolutely hurt ALL the stinking time so there is that. I am seeing doctors to try and figure that out. I've seen my primary doctor, a hematologist, and a cardiologist. It does interfere with my desire to walk or exercise. It is just too painful. I think I am at the point I am ready to start again though to work through that pain.

I would think that you are probably consuming less calories than you should? Did your doctor or dietician recommend less than 800 calories? I would literally be a grizzly bear! Hangry! Especially if I am exercising as well! That just isn't enough fuel for the body. 1200 seems much more doable.

Hi there, Mommy! I know I'm only a year late to this. I hope you succeeded in losing that additional weight. Having two little ones to chase after "may" have just done the trick. I'm long past that stage of life but remember how busy I was with my two boys back in the day. Just wanted to offer a word of encouragement to you. I am five years post gastric sleeve surgery and really disgusted with myself right now. I'm looking to this website for some support too! I have gained back 40 lbs and really only lost 80 when I should have knocked off 100! I guess I just became content with "better" than I was... If you found something or someone to help you in your journey?

Thank you for the encouragement. I need it!!!

Funky_Monkey 800, Thanks for the encouragement. You did great reaching your goal! In 2 1/2 years, I still have not met my goal. I came close and got discouraged when nothing happened! I had a plateau that lasted for months with lots of back and forth gains and losses. Complacency is the easy route...and it happened. Like you said...old habits crept in. Man, did I enjoy the holidays! I'm going to try to reduce the carbs again, make sure my protein portions are reasonable, green stuff should take up the largest portion of my "small" plate, walk more, and go to the gym! I can do this. As you age, it really is a "do it or die" situation.

Just curious if there is anyone out there who is two years or more post surgery. I'm gaining and quite sure that I have stretched my tiny stomach. I need strategies to turn this around and refocus on my original goals! If you're out there...What is working for you???