Firstly I know this is a question for the Veteran page but for some reason I can't post on there.

I was sleeved 2 years ago and have lost in total 59 pounds.

I'm finding that I have recently put on 6 pounds since Christmas.How do I get back on track?

I've done the 5 day Pouch Test about 6 months ago which I found kind of got me back on track..but somehow I have slipped into old habits.

My biggest problem seems to be snacking after dinner at night.I'm always looking for something sweet...and usually end up with chocolate,dessert,ice cream...or anything that I have baked(since I love baking).

I don't measure my food,but have switched to smaller bowls,and side plates for all my meals.

For Breakfast I usually have a small bowl of Cereal with almond milk or baked Beans on toast or 2 eggs on toast.

lunch is usually a sandwich(and I usually can't finish it) with turkey or tuna and salad and cheese.Sometimes it's left overs...sometimes sushi (usually 1 roll)

I don't have morning or afternoon tea.Usually a few espresso coffees through the day with one sugar.

Around 5 pm I get ravenous and start the unhealthy snacking like Peanut Butter pretzels,crackers with peanut butter whilst I wait for the family for dinner.

Dinner is fish and veggies or chicken and veggies...sometimes pasta(not very often though).I will occasionally have a few sips of coconut Water or water with my meal...yes I think I already know this a BIG NO NO.

After surgery I strictly followed the 3o mins before and after meals liquids regime.

I also usually finish my meal in about 5-10 minutes.

I haven't found anything that I can't eat,except I don't eat red meat.

Then around 8pm I start looking for sweets.I've always had a sweet tooth but after surgery I never had any room for snacking now 2 years out I'm finding the sweets too hard to resist.

The other thing I'm not so sure about is the sipping of water.After I had surgery I was told to sip,sip, sip...was this meant to be only after surgery...or something to follow forever?

I'm fortunate that when I feel like I have had enough I get the unusual symptom of my nose starting to run...which must be my bodies way of saying you've had enough...and it happens often and I can simply stop eating.

I have never been into exercise and didn't start any exercise programmes after my surgery...I work as an air hostess and this keeps me pretty active....though I do walk a lot when I'm away for work.

I haven't been back to my surgeon in over a year.

Should I just go back to basics?

You know the answer. Yes, go back to basics. Protein first, low carb, no grazing, measure your food....you know the rules. 6 pounds isn't the end of the world, but it's enough to strike fear in our hearts, for sure! I'd also suggest keeping tabs with your surgeon's office. Get the support you need to stay on track. It's a lifelong commitment, and you can do it!

I think the reason you can't post in the vets forum is the number of post you've made.

I'm not a veteran, but it sounds like you know what to do. It's a tool, not a miracle cure. It's so easy to eat around the sleeve with sliders and liquids. Sounds like going back to the basics is your solution.

Good luck. I don't want to discourage you, because I know weight loss and maintenance will always be a challenge.

At least for now, stop eating the high carb foods like cereal, Beans, and bread. Stick with lean meat, green veggies, and fresh fruit. Get the junk like pretzels and ice cream and Cookies out of the house completely. Your family will not wither away and die if they don't have crap in the house for a month or so -- they can eat that stuff elsewhere if they just can't manage without it. Going low carb will help cut the cravings for sweets and other high carb, high sugar, low-nutrient-value type foods. When you get hungry, allow yourself to eat lean meat or green veggies to your heart's content. If you don't actually want to eat chicken breast and broccoli, then you aren't truly hungry, you would just be indulging head hunger and carb cravings. Good luck!

PS you need a certain minimum number of posts on this site to be able to post on the vets' forum -- maybe 100?

i am 9 month out and have found myself slipping too. it seems to get a lot easier to eat as time goes on.

go back to basics, measure, weigh, etc. use small plates, bowls. cut carbs WAY back. i have done this and it really helps.

also, keep coming to these forums and check in. being here is a good accountability tool. good luck!

I would go back to the basics and if you need to set up a appointment with your surgeon then do that too.

I am still pre-op but I think I can answer your question about sipping Water. The reason they tell you to sip-sip-sip after surgery is that it is a challenge to get your water in and stay hydrated while you are swollen and healing. Two years after surgery you shouldn't have that problem. All you need to focus on related to water is getting enough (at least 64oz plus).

Best of luck and congratulations on your progress and for sticking around!

I am still pre-op but I think I can answer your question about sipping Water. The reason they tell you to sip-sip-sip after surgery is that it is a challenge to get your water in and stay hydrated while you are swollen and healing. Two years after surgery you shouldn't have that problem. All you need to focus on related to water is getting enough (at least 64oz plus).

Best of luck and congratulations on your progress and for sticking around!

Thanks Inner Surf Girl. I somehow thought it was so you wouldn't stretch your sleeve.I have already lost about 2.6 pounds just from returning to Protein first.So am sticking to this for a while :-)

Good luck with your surgery