Recidivist

Yep it’s a just head reset. Just go back to what you were eating when you reached your maintenance weight or just before. That’s the caloric intake you need to maintain at that lower weight so if you eat at that level you will lose to get back to there.Though it sounds like you know the cause of your gain.
Hit your old Protein & fluid goals & keep your eating low fat, low sugar & low carbs (look to whole & multi grains & complex carbs not simple high processed ones) as you need. Remember that is how you will have to always eat (food choices & calories) if you want to maintain that lower weight.
If where you are now is actually your set point (the weight your body is happiest at) as @Spinoza mentioned it will be harder to maintain a lower weight.

Spinoza is exactly right. The "reset" people talk about is a psychological fresh start, not an actual physical phenomenon. I have said here before that I think it's a little extreme, but I support anything that helps people find a way to get back on track.

My sister and a very close friend, both of whom were also morbidly obese, were extremely hostile and unsupportive about my decision to have surgery. I interpreted it as their being threatened that I was doing something to take control of my life. My relationship with both of them has suffered as a result. They both continue to say they would never want to give up wine and good food and say that it must be awful for me that I can't enjoy eating. (I actually do enjoy eating now.)

My sister and a very close friend, both of whom were also morbidly obese, were extremely hostile and unsupportive about my decision to have surgery. I interpreted it as their being threatened that I was doing something to take control of my life. My relationship with both of them has suffered as a result. They both continue to say they would never want to give up wine and good food and say that it must be awful for me that I can't enjoy eating. (I actually do enjoy eating now.)

Are you working with your bariatric surgeon on this or your primary care family doctor? While this may well be unrelated to your WLS, a bariatric doctor will, of course, be more sensitive to issues specific to their specialty than a generalist.
My thoughts, not as an MD but just from having been around the WLS world for a couple decades, is that if it is WLS related, then given the fairly rapid onset of this, I would be looking for some bloodloss somewhere. With an RNY, the likely place would be the stoma, as that is a delicate structure that is easily irritated - if the semi-common marginal ulcers occur, that is where they usually happen. It may not be particularly symptomatic, but some minor blood loss can occur unnoticed until something like this shows up - one of those simple fecal smear tests can show whether there is any blood in your stool. If there is, then an endoscopy can show where it's coming from, and if there isn't any, then you have eliminated one possibility.
Iron supplements may or may not do much for an RNY person, as most of our mineral absorption occurs in the duodenum (part of the small intestine immediately downstream of the stomach) which gets bypassed along with the stomach; this is why iron infusions are not uncommon for malabsorbing WLS patients with iron problems. Were you on iron supplements to begin with and then increased the dosage, or just started when this problem showed up? I had an internal bleed a few years ago (non-WLS related, though certainly symptomatic) that sapped my iron levels, but not quite to the point of needing an infusion, and they came back after a few months of doubling my normal iron supplement (but I have a VSG, so not the same absorption problems as an RNY or DS will have,) and now I don't take any at all. For now.
Good luck in getting this worked out....

That makes sense.

My Iron levels are typically low, though not like that. To make sure there wasn't something else going on, my doctor sent me to a hematologist for additional testing. He had me go through two iron infusions and my levels have been much better.

Totally agree with summerset (of course!!). Ferritin level is just as important as the Iron level. It's the amount of stored iron in your body. Your body can tap into this storage when its iron levels get too low. And yes, it can take a long time for the ferritin level to deplete. . And also yes - there are a minority of bypass patients who don't absorb iron from oral supplements well, and therefore need to have occasional infusions to keep their iron levels up. They can bring your levels back up - but they might have to do an infusion to do it. Keep us posted...
P.S. there can be other reasons for low iron levels, which I'm sure they'll investigate, but the one mentioned is the most common for bypass patients (even though most of us are able to maintain iron levels with oral supplements)

Iron deposits need a while to drain. Some people are not able to resorb oral iron supplements after bypass. However, a fast drop over the course of some weeks isn't really explained that way.
What about the other parameters? Ferritin, transferrin, hb?

Oh, yes--along with drooping jowls. I look so much older than I did before surgery. However, that's a small price to pay for the overall benefits of weight loss. As a man, I'm not so interested in plastic surgery on any other part of my body, but I've been looking into a lower face and neck lift. Perhaps later this year.

I was having strong doubts about whether I was doing the right thing right up until surgery. Before going into surgery I had a complete meltdown, started crying hysterically and had to be sedated before even going in. Here I am four years later, thrilled with my results and wishing I had done it years (decades) earlier.
The two-week pre-op diet is way harder than the post-op liquid diet (when you won't be hungry at all).

Hi, Devi. I went with the RnY in large part because of GERD. As others have said, the sleeve can actually cause GERD, although I'm certainly no expert on that. I can say that I've had no GERD issues whatsoever with RnY,
As for whether or not to get the surgery: that's a very personal decision. I can tell you that I tried for decades to lose weight, never successfully. Over the years I lost the same 50 pounds more times than I can count--and then gained back even more. Statistics show that most people who lose a significant amount of weight without surgery don't keep it off. Your body will always want to return to the weight at which you started.
I can also tell you that my only regret about surgery is not having done it many years earlier. You look relatively young, so having surgery could give you a lifetime of health and well-being. As you will see on this forum, almost nobody regrets their decision to have weight loss surgery.
As for having surgery in Mexico: please make sure you research the doctor and facility before committing to it. I know that some people have had less than optimal outcomes after having their surgeries in Mexico.

Oh, yes--along with drooping jowls. I look so much older than I did before surgery. However, that's a small price to pay for the overall benefits of weight loss. As a man, I'm not so interested in plastic surgery on any other part of my body, but I've been looking into a lower face and neck lift. Perhaps later this year.

Hi, Devi. I went with the RnY in large part because of GERD. As others have said, the sleeve can actually cause GERD, although I'm certainly no expert on that. I can say that I've had no GERD issues whatsoever with RnY,
As for whether or not to get the surgery: that's a very personal decision. I can tell you that I tried for decades to lose weight, never successfully. Over the years I lost the same 50 pounds more times than I can count--and then gained back even more. Statistics show that most people who lose a significant amount of weight without surgery don't keep it off. Your body will always want to return to the weight at which you started.
I can also tell you that my only regret about surgery is not having done it many years earlier. You look relatively young, so having surgery could give you a lifetime of health and well-being. As you will see on this forum, almost nobody regrets their decision to have weight loss surgery.
As for having surgery in Mexico: please make sure you research the doctor and facility before committing to it. I know that some people have had less than optimal outcomes after having their surgeries in Mexico.

Hi, Devi. I went with the RnY in large part because of GERD. As others have said, the sleeve can actually cause GERD, although I'm certainly no expert on that. I can say that I've had no GERD issues whatsoever with RnY,
As for whether or not to get the surgery: that's a very personal decision. I can tell you that I tried for decades to lose weight, never successfully. Over the years I lost the same 50 pounds more times than I can count--and then gained back even more. Statistics show that most people who lose a significant amount of weight without surgery don't keep it off. Your body will always want to return to the weight at which you started.
I can also tell you that my only regret about surgery is not having done it many years earlier. You look relatively young, so having surgery could give you a lifetime of health and well-being. As you will see on this forum, almost nobody regrets their decision to have weight loss surgery.
As for having surgery in Mexico: please make sure you research the doctor and facility before committing to it. I know that some people have had less than optimal outcomes after having their surgeries in Mexico.

It’s all skin that has been over stretched much like an old well used hair band or old well worn knickers. Your skin will bounce back a little but factors like age (we stop producing elastin in our early 20s), how much weight you carried, how long you carried it, genetics, etc. impact how much loose skin you end up with.
There’s nothing you can do about except have it surgically removed. Exercising works on the muscles not the skin so the scaffolding underneath might be better but the skin will still be loose except for what you fill out with muscle. collagen & retinal creams won’t really help with the laxity (certainly not how much we can have). They will make your skin smoother, even out skin tone & texture. Same with collagen supplements.
Honestly I’ve tried a few things for various periods of time and I still have loose skin. I’d give it 4-6 months & if no change I gave up on it. My skin quality has improved & my arms are nicely shaped but I still have bat wings, marionette lines on my face & a little waddle. Initially after my loss I had a number of fine lines that ran from under my chin. They’ve reduced dramatically but whether it was RF, collagen serums, collagen supplements, UV lights, my remaining body fat resettling & a better diet I don’t know but there’s still loose skin. I had some filler put in the side of my face just in front of my ears - was sunken there as I had no fat left in those pockets at all. Thought we ‘d try it to see if I got a little lift too - not noticeable if it did give a lift but my face shape is better.
I’m trying dermal needling RF (Secret RF) at the moment. Predominately for acne scarring but if I get a little tightening that’s a bonus. I know it won’t get rid of it. I mean I am almost 58 & naturally should have some laxity & saggy skin. Aging & gravity are hard to beat … except with surgery.
The loose skin is way better than being obese.

I understand your frustration. However, 20 pounds is definitely not "gaining like crazy." It's fairly common to gain +/- 20 pounds in the second year after surgery and beyond. Very few of stayed at the low weight we reached in the year after surgery.
Your focus now should be to stay more or less where you are without gaining more, and your best bet would be to consult a nutritionist. Your surgeon wouldn't be very relevant at this point in your journey.
Many people claim they have "stretched their pouch" and can therefore eat more food, but my surgeon claims that is an urban myth and is essentially impossible. Our restrictions do ease over time and we are able to eat a greater volume and variety of food than we could at first.
Also, a "pouch reset" does not shrink your pouch and increase your restriction. It's really just a psychological/motivational tool to get you back on track with healthier eating habits. Personally, I think it's a bit extreme, and you can do the same thing by simply re-focusing and shifting your mindset. However, if it works for you, then go for it.

I understand your frustration. However, 20 pounds is definitely not "gaining like crazy." It's fairly common to gain +/- 20 pounds in the second year after surgery and beyond. Very few of stayed at the low weight we reached in the year after surgery.
Your focus now should be to stay more or less where you are without gaining more, and your best bet would be to consult a nutritionist. Your surgeon wouldn't be very relevant at this point in your journey.
Many people claim they have "stretched their pouch" and can therefore eat more food, but my surgeon claims that is an urban myth and is essentially impossible. Our restrictions do ease over time and we are able to eat a greater volume and variety of food than we could at first.
Also, a "pouch reset" does not shrink your pouch and increase your restriction. It's really just a psychological/motivational tool to get you back on track with healthier eating habits. Personally, I think it's a bit extreme, and you can do the same thing by simply re-focusing and shifting your mindset. However, if it works for you, then go for it.

My surgery was four years ago, and at this point I don't really remember. (Those first few weeks are a blur.). I want to say about a week, give or take a couple of days.

I had one of those installed as well at the end of surgery, and you are the first person I've heard from who is also getting it!
I had essentially no pain after surgery, so I assume it worked, although I can't say whether that was directly attributable to the pump. Like you, I was completely freaked out at the idea of removing it myself. However, it turned out not to be a big deal at all. In my case, the nurse was on the phone with me and talked me through it, which helped a great deal in terms of my anxiety.

That requirement started in 2007. I know because I did a two-month stint at the National Passport Center in New Hampshire to help them cope with the huge demand.
It is currently taking six to nine weeks to get a new passport. You can visit the Passport Center's website for details on how to apply:
https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/national-passport-center.html

That requirement started in 2007. I know because I did a two-month stint at the National Passport Center in New Hampshire to help them cope with the huge demand.
It is currently taking six to nine weeks to get a new passport. You can visit the Passport Center's website for details on how to apply:
https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/national-passport-center.html

I was having strong doubts about whether I was doing the right thing right up until surgery. Before going into surgery I had a complete meltdown, started crying hysterically and had to be sedated before even going in. Here I am four years later, thrilled with my results and wishing I had done it years (decades) earlier.
The two-week pre-op diet is way harder than the post-op liquid diet (when you won't be hungry at all).

My sister and a very close friend, both of whom were also morbidly obese, were extremely hostile and unsupportive about my decision to have surgery. I interpreted it as their being threatened that I was doing something to take control of my life. My relationship with both of them has suffered as a result. They both continue to say they would never want to give up wine and good food and say that it must be awful for me that I can't enjoy eating. (I actually do enjoy eating now.)

My sister and a very close friend, both of whom were also morbidly obese, were extremely hostile and unsupportive about my decision to have surgery. I interpreted it as their being threatened that I was doing something to take control of my life. My relationship with both of them has suffered as a result. They both continue to say they would never want to give up wine and good food and say that it must be awful for me that I can't enjoy eating. (I actually do enjoy eating now.)