Regain?

[moppet 19]

Hello friends. Would/could someone please explain how people regain 50+ pounds? This is a genuine question. Not a judgement at all. Does your pouch expand? Are you no longer full? Are re-gainers simply eating thru the pain?? I'm terrified of gaining the weight back!

THANK YOU

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[Waler 330]

There are ways to do it. Don`t stay on plan and become a couch spud and I am sure it can happen. Keep in mind the sleeve is only a tool. If you chose not to use it, and not change bad habits it can happen.

[SuperDave 1,115]

I think people believe that having weight loss surgery is a one time magic cure that will fix all problems for life. It is not. You have to use the surgery as a tool to change your habits. I only eat about 6 ounces of food per meal, which is not a lot, but you could pack a lot of carbs and calories in to 6 ounces if you wanted to. For example, for 6 ounces I could eat 12 oreos for around 250 carbs. Or I could eat 3 ounces of chicken and 3 ounces of veggies for 5-10 carbs depending on the choice of vegetable. An hour after eating the oreos, I will crave more oreos. An hour after eating a healthy meal, I will still be full and have no cravings. But still, I only ate 6 ounces either way.

It is possible to stretch your sleeve, and you should definitely be aware of not forcing yourself to eat more than you should, but the bigger issue is food choice. And just as a side note, I am not picking on oreos. I love those stupid things! But everything in moderation.

On another note, I have not gained any weight back. Not even a pound. It takes constant work, but it can be done.

[perspectiveiseverything 105]

I'm still pre-op but the program NUT is fond of saying that the vast majority of the time that people regain, it's due to snacking and/or "drinking your calories." They strongly recommend three high Protein meals per day - no Snacks. And no drinks with more than 5 calories ever.

[Babbs 14,681]

Believe it or not, you're not always going to be able to eat itty bitty portions. Also, what we call the honeymoon period ends and hunger and cravings may return. So basically, as time goes on, we still have our smaller stomach, but can put away more food. Add to that the cravings and hunger, and people run the risk of falling into old habits such as too much sugar, processed foods, and drinking calorie laden drinks. By years 3-5, some can eat up to a half a plate of food. And grazing all day long becomes much easier as time goes on. I could easily put away a whole pizza in a day if I put my mind to it!

So it's pretty simple. You will gain weight consuming a half a plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and washing it down with a soda, as opposed to a piece of grilled chicken and a green veggie. Add lack of physical activity, and boom. Weight gain.

Sticking to the rules of WLS (Protein first, lower carb, healthy fruits and veggies, move more, lots of water) helps people keep their weight off long term.

[Raynbolite 302]

I am scared I won't be able to do this long term. I'm almost done with my 8 wks post op diet. Now it will be in my hands, my choices. That scares me more than the surgery did. I am doing what needs to be done, I hope I create the habits I need to succeed.

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[Anna Nim 196]

Wish I was able to get my act together and lose some weight BEFORE surgery to take advantage of Honeymoon. Knee surgery, then a double semi-injury AFTER knee surgery plus a very, very intensive job (worst. year. ever.) is not helping it. I so want the never ending mental thing with food to be GONE.

[Dairymary 533]

Sticking to the rules of WLS (protein first, lower carb, healthy fruits and veggies, move more, lots of water) helps people keep their weight off long term.

Nothing truer was ever spoken (or typed). I am almost 6 years out and Up until a couple months ago I have been attending a WLS support group on a regular basis. I can tell you EVERY SINGLE PERSON THAT REGAINED did so by slipping back into their old routines of eating, at least to some degree. No one regained by eating the way they did that first year postop. Three years ago I regained 15 pounds during an extended hospital stay with non-bariatric hospital food and limited movement. Had I stayed on that course I Would have easily hit the 50 pound regain mark. It took a lot of work and willpower to get that 15 pounds off but I made it a priority and the basic rules of WLS that Babbs mentioned were the key. In the end, It's your choices that determine your success, and it's far easier to regain than not.

Edited September 27, 2016 by Dairymary

[Babbs 14,681]

@@Dairymary

Wow. What an inspiration you are! I'm only 2 years out, but I hope to be as successful as you have been maintaining at 6 years out!