Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

what do u do if you "fall off the bandwagon"



Recommended Posts

I've been watching sleevers on YouTube and one girl said she's fallen off the wagon and is eating eating eating and is really struggling. She's had the sleeve for a year or so. Now she said that she still can't eat as big a portions as before the surgery, but she can eat two servings at dinner.

What do you do when this happens? Does your stomach stretch out a lot? What if you start re-gaining weight?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it's grazing that does us in. I can't eat any more now than I could a few months ago and I know some people 2 years out who can't eat any more than they could at 6 months out. But there is nothing to stop you from eating 1/2 c. at dinner, waiting 30 min. and eating another 1/2 c.

In fact, sometimes I do that to get all my Protein in. (Well, not 1/2 c. two times... but I'll put out 1/4 c. of veggies and 3 oz. of chicken and eat it in two sittings.)

The difference is that I'm in control. I'm still tracking my food and I'm still aiming for certain nutritional goals. I am eating to a plan because I decided to do this before I did it. I didn't put out my dinner, eat it all, and then go get more even though I hadn't planned on it and don't need those calories and nutrition.

It's the out-of-control eating that causes problems and I'm not sure exactly what causes that. Maybe head hunger. Maybe ghrelin coming back. Maybe some kind of unhealthy relationship with food.< /p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Mac but it also depends on the size sleeve the person received as well as the skill level of the surgeon. When it comes to eating, you can have a full portion of food that is 300 calories or you can go high fat & calories. You're in control of what goes into your body.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been watching sleevers on YouTube and one girl said she's fallen off the wagon and is eating eating eating and is really struggling. She's had the sleeve for a year or so. Now she said that she still can't eat as big a portions as before the surgery, but she can eat two servings at dinner.

What do you do when this happens? Does your stomach stretch out a lot? What if you start re-gaining weight?

One of the things the band did to me was teach me to eat too slowly. Unless it is something like a piece of steak I can eat all day long if I want. Soft foods go down pretty easily and since I take forever to eat now (since banding it did something to my head, it still takes me 45 minutes to eat 1/2 cup of tuna salad, I can't force myself to eat fast) I could eat for hours. The key is to eat normally and in about 20 minutes or so, stop.

Surgery doesn't fix head hunger, that one is on us.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Since I began eating solid foods, Ive always been able to eat more than what most Sleevesters can eat.

I still, to this day, eat things that I shouldnt. I fall off the wagon on a weekly basis, hence the reason I havent lost more weight..

However, I have found that even with those problems, its truly not so hard to get back on the wagon...it just takes some willpower..which Ive never had before, but am learning.

My biggest issues is carbs....when I eat too many, I either gain or defintly dont lose...when I can cut those carbs out for about 2 days, I dont really want them as much. So, it makes it easier to get back on it.

This journey defintly doesnt end when u have surgery. Surgery is not the "cure-all" that many think it is..including me, which is what I stupidly thought before surgery. Sure, I knew I would have to do my part, but always thought it would be easy. Its not! Its a work-in-progress...an every day thing for the rest of my life type of thing. The surgery makes it easier. For those that can eat more, sometimes its due to the size of bougie that was used by the surgeon...for others, its a matter of eating way too much. And for some of us, I just think, even tho my surgeon used an average sized bougie, I believe he just made my Sleeve alot more loose than others. Sometimes I wish I could go back and get him to "tighten" it up...but I cant afford to do that....so I make the best of what I have.

So....when u fall off the wagon...get back up and try again...bc it will happen....Ive never met anyone who eats perfectly 365 days out of the year...ya know?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What size bougie do you have? You're right about everyday being a struggle and the surgery not being a cure. It's all about choices.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

WASa is right about the calories too. I tell people that when I was eating 1200 calories a day that I could easily eat 1500 just by making different choices and not changing my frequency or volume or I could eat 800 a day just by making other choices.

Right now I'm actually trying to eat more so I stop losing weight, but I want to do it in a healthy way that doesn't encourage bad habits.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 7 months out now, and I too have a problem with eating, but it is mental more than anything.

There are times when I forget to eat and other times, I just eat, due to habit.

If you can't control what you eat, or how often and aren't losing weight, then you may want to consider doing the DS.

There is now another thing out there that is supposed to help if things get to out of control and your stomach stretches is the Stomax I think it is called, where they put something in your stomach and it makes zig zags to make your stomach smaller.

I lost 81 lbs since Nov 3/08 but still have 160 lbs to go, and it is hard, I just have to watch my calorie and fat intake better and if that doesn't work, my surgeon said from day one, I would probably need the 2nd stage of the DS, due to the fact that I had so much to lose.

Nancy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Stomaphyx is for RnY, btw. It wouldn't work with a sleeve.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Stomaphyx is for RnY, btw. It wouldn't work with a sleeve.

Sadly, it doesn't work for bypass either. It's turned out to be a huge failure.

They use clips and essentially tack the folds of the pouch to tighten it up. They have Stomaphyx, Rose, and Revise. None of them work. It appears the tacks break as soon as the person starts on solid food.

People usually lose about 20# on the post op diet and as soon as they start on solids they regain their 20#. Very sad considering most people are self pay and the procedure is anywhere from $5K - $10K. Honestly, I do not understand why doctors are doing a procedure they know is not going to work.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Stomaphyx is for RnY, btw. It wouldn't work with a sleeve.

I didn't know that, see, lol.

Thanks for letting me know, cos I thought it was for our op as well.

Nancy:tongue_smilie:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It IS possible to fall off the wagon, especially in my line of work - I'm a pastry chef:) I always struggle with carbs!!! I have finally come to the conclusion that if I'm going to have to test product that I have to do WAY more excercise. The trouble with carbs is that once you start back in it's hard to stop. I am trying to move my biz into a retail location so that the bad stuff is not always around. I'm not particularly tempted when I'm busting my butt to get a cake done, but afterwards if there is leftover buttercream and cake or other crap it calls my name:(

Wish they would do a lobotomy with the procedure! LOL!

Tammy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

LOL - that's gotta be hard, being a pastry chef and trying not to eat carbs :confused1: I run a small side biz, making "comfort food" casseroles for my computer geek friends in the area (they're single and don't really cook) so they aren't eating out every meal. It can be difficult not to eat it all myself - I'm pre-op, so it really is hard not to just keep packing on the pounds tasting my food.

I'm remembering the mantra of a couple friends of mine - three bites Protein to one bite of anything else. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, that is good advice! Also an old WW trick - chew gum while you're cooking to avoid BLT's (bites, licks and tastes).

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hummmmm, chewing gum while cooking, never thought of that, and it just might work, lol.

Thanks for the idea.

Hugs,

Nancy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×