I am 2 1/2 years out. Weight loss was fast, relatively easy, and for two years was always down. Then something happened and I am now gaining weight - up 20lbs. Yes I am not eating perfectly, but the really scary thing is that I feel like something major has switched. Before if I strayed my weight would go sideways and then easily return its downward direction if I got back to eating right. Plus, my old, life time struggle with cravings and "needs" to eat and deprivation that was so beautifully on hold after surgery, seems to be back and like it was my whole life before surgery. Now no matter how little or much I eat, my weight will at best be flat but more than likely go up... That whole pattern of starting every day with the promise that I am going to eat right today, followed by uncontrollable craving and eventual snacking, and then feelings of hating myself and actual weight gain is back, like I never had surgery.

I am really sad and discouraged.

Two things that have changed that could be a factor but not really consolation are (i) I have been having insomnia for months which I hear (sleep deprivation) can effect hunger hormones, and (ii) I have been having regular abdomen pains, like hunger pain, gnawing feelings that docs say is acid - yet I am on tons of acid blockers (double dose prevacid, have tried tons of prilosec and others)...docs don't know what this is or what else to do - for me it is not normal heartburn, actually only thing that helps is eating...? I am seeing docs about this for past year, but they don't seem to have a clue.

I exercise every day, a lot. I have cut all alcohol out since before surgery.

What is happening? Is this just the way it goes after a few years? I have tried restarting everything, going back to basics, doing food diary and then with no improvements after days and uncontrollable cravings (like pre-surgery), I go back to snacking. I am getting into a very bad pattern and worry if I am just doomed to go back to where I was all my life. Plus - for the 1st time, I have gone up a notch on my belt and my cloths are getting tight....YUK!

HELP....

Thanks all for the very helpful words, support and advice. I am discouraged, but appreciate everyone's help and concern. Take care.

I'm curious of the results of the 5 day pouch reset? Were you able to do it?