I had my surgery a little over two years ago, and did really well in the first 6 - 8 months, losing around 65 lbs. Since then, I injured my ankle, quit working, all while completing my BS degree to become a teacher. Now the little bit I lost (which was no where the amount I was shooting for) is starting to creep back up and I'm becoming deeply depressed that I got this great gift and I'm a complete failure at it! I was limited in my exercise due to my injury and the eating habits, even though the amount was limited, was going in the wrong direction. Is there anyone who may have been in this case that has been able to bring themselves out of the depths again whom I can talk to??? I know the fault is mine and I'm having a hard time with motivation and feel like that there is just no use anymore!

I just started this journey but I can understand your concerns from my past. You have this, just focus back on what works for you and kick ass. It's not over till its over!!

I had my surgery a little over two years ago, and did really well in the first 6 - 8 months, losing around 65 lbs. Since then, I injured my ankle, quit working, all while completing my BS degree to become a teacher. Now the little bit I lost (which was no where the amount I was shooting for) is starting to creep back up and I'm becoming deeply depressed that I got this great gift and I'm a complete failure at it! I was limited in my exercise due to my injury and the eating habits, even though the amount was limited, was going in the wrong direction. Is there anyone who may have been in this case that has been able to bring themselves out of the depths again whom I can talk to??? I know the fault is mine and I'm having a hard time with motivation and feel like that there is just no use anymore!

Have you considered a revision surgery to a bypass or DS? Maybe the malabsorbtion along with restriction is more the answer for you?

Have you considered a revision surgery to a bypass or DS? Maybe the malabsorbtion along with restriction is more the answer for you?

I have thought about maybe the bypass would've been a better choice but until I get finished with school I won't be able to try another surgery. I want to start now getting back on board and I was curious to see if anyone has been where I'm at and could "talk me off the ledge" so to speak.

I know many people do well with a "restart" where they go back to the liquid diet for a few days. I even do it occasionally myself if I see that carbs are creeping back in and my cravings start to increase.

I will do a couple of days with protein shakes only and that seems to jump start my metabolism and kick the carb cravings to the curb. Also, after a day or two on liquids my restriction seems to be more which helps me stay on track.

After a few days of liquids you could then try going back to basics for a few weeks where you focus on protein first.

Also, tracking all my intake helps me. It keeps me accountable.

Hang in there you can do it!!

Exercise really has very little to do with weight loss, so take your mind off your injury and your inability to exercise. Don't feel like, I can't exercise so I will never succeed and should just give up. People who are quadriplegic can lose weight -- it all has to do with what you eat, and you can control it. Here are my rules for myself when I find myself straying and need to get back on track (and trust me, I have been there). They are a complete pain in the butt and it isn't fair that I have to do this kind of work -- but life isn't fair and the truth is I am going to have to work hard at my weight for the rest of my life. So I whine a bit and then I get over it.

--set specific, firm, daily goals for calories, carbs, and protein

--weigh or measure every food that doesn't come in single-serve portions (yogurt container, jerky stick, egg)

--track my eating every day on myfitnesspal

--plan what I am going to eat in advance each day and write it down in a schedule. Then when I get hungry or tempted by something in the middle of the day, I can tell myself, "it sucks to be hungry, but you can wait until your 2 pm snack, you will have an apple then"

--eliminate high carb and sugary foods that trigger hunger and don't satisfy: all grains, refined sugar, and high carb veggies such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. Focus on lean meat/fish and green veggies, with smaller amounts of dairy, nuts, and fruit.

--get foods that don't meet my nutritional goals out of the house

--don't take money or any way to pay for things with me when I go to work.

Good luck to you!

I would also suggest seeking out a therapist that specializes in bariatrics. If you saw someone for approval before surgery, call them. They can help you get back on track.

I totally agree with @Bufflehead. It's hard. It's my reality, and I can choose. I know that I have to do all the things she listed, including eat under 1000 calories a day to lose. I think people may sometimes overestimate the amount of calories it takes to maintain weight. I know I sure did, and WLS is the only reason I was able to figure it out. During my weight loss, I was able to eat 400 calories at first, and eventually worked my way up to 800. Once I got over 1000, my weight loss stopped.

Grazing is the other thing that is a killer for me. It takes a lot of will power not to do that, and the sleeve does not help with it. And if I graze, I sure do get up over 1000 calories in a hurry. In other words, it takes lots of energy on my part to prevent weight gain.

All of this is to say you can do something about this. Start counting your calories and follow the general rules of bariatric surgery. While exercise is great for lots, I agree that it contributes about only 20%(from what I've read) and in my case, it contributes 0%. It's up to you. Now how empowering is that?