My name is Toni and I have a rare story I would like to share and need insight on what to do next. I had the sleeve surgery Nov 5 2014. My starting weight was 241, on Jan 6 2015 I was at a 32lb loss. Except on that day I was sentenced to 195 dys in jail. I didn't lose another pound in those 6 1/2 mths. I came home 2 weeks ago at the same weight I was at in Jan. I can eat more than when I went in now and wonder have I botched surgery and will I begin back to losing now that I'm in control of what I eat again? Can we shrink our stomachs? And how much should I have been down 9 mths post op?

Hi Toni,

The important thing is to go back to a healthy post-wls diet. For me, that is high protein and low carb. I stick to 3 ounces of lean meat and a couple ounces of green veggies for each meal. For snacks, I have things like a piece of fruit, a small handful of nuts, or a protein shake. I am sure you were fed all sorts of unhealthy crap in jail -- carb-heavy stuff like bread, noodles, and potatoes. Cut out all that and focus on lean meat and green veggies and carefully watching your portions. If you do that, you should lose weight -- but the first several days will be HARD! Your body is used to getting a bunch of carbs and it will protest with "head hunger" -- cravings for carb-heavy foods. If your body is telling you, "I am starving" -- ask yourself if you would be happy to eat a piece of lean chicken breast and some broccoli. If the answer is no, then you aren't really hungry, you are just having a craving. If the answer is yes, go ahead and have the chicken breast and broccoli.

How much you "should" be down is irrelevant -- there is no such thing as "should" be down by a certain time for anyone, whether they have been incarcerated or not. That's past -- don't focus on it. You haven't destroyed your surgery. You do need to honor it by focusing on lean meats and green veggies and curbing any tendencies to over-snack, graze, or drink liquid calories (other than protein shakes). You can do this. Good luck!

One thing you should probably do is get bloodwork done to make sure you haven't developed any deficiencies. Post-op, we are supposed to be taking a lot of Vitamins and I doubt you had access to those while in prison. And like @@Bufflehead said, you should try to get back to putting Protein first at all times and strive for around 100 grams of protein per day. Try to avoid carbs and slider foods.

@@t.deramo12@icloud.com - both @@Bufflehead & @@JamieLogical - gave you a correct answer IMO. Get checked out by your surgeon - you probably are overdue on BW anyways.

Keep us posted!

Thanks so much for these responses, I did just jump right in, started the vitamins and stocked up on veggies,fruit, and salmon, turkey, and chicken breast. I must admit I haven't hit the protein like I should but that's next. So theirs light at the end of the tunnel. Again thank you

Well I've been back on track for 1month and down 13 lbs!! I am optimistic after all

Congratulations on this month's weight loss and for not gaining over those previous six months. You have received some great advise. In addition to blood work and checking in with your surgeon you might also want to check in with your NUT.

Focusing on getting in your Protein and fluids is the best way to stay on track.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

That's great news! Glad to know your tool can still work for you even after a major set-back like that.