Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Back for support - nearly 7 years sleeved!



Recommended Posts

Hello all,

I haven't been around for a long ole time and thought I would drop by.

My sleeve will be 7 years old in July. Over the last year, I - like so many others it would appear - have started to regain; it is 14lbs at the moment. I can honestly say it isn't by eating crap food all day everyday. My diet is 85% clean and 15% rubbish. After being sleeved I turned into a food 'snob' and still don't eat a lot of processed foods and junk. Obviously I am not perfect either! One thing that has really changed though is my exercise habits. I went from being really active and strong to not doing a lot. The only real exercise I do now is walking, which as much as I enjoy, doesn't make me sweat and ache like the other types of exercise I used to do. I need to work on this.

Another area of my life that has changed in the last 18mths is work - I am a teacher and my work load has increased (with a small promotion). I work between 10-16 hrs a day weekdays and sometimes on a Sunday. I refuse to work on a Saturday! So this has really impacted on my free time and also my stress levels. I also have had a lot of stress in my home life, which I feel is lessening a little now. However, I feel totally exhausted 90% of the time. I have been to the docs and am getting my bloods tested for cortisol and thyroid next week.

I am finding it really hard to juggle work, home life, the house, caring for elderly parents and then finding the energy and motivation to move faster than a walk! Does anyone else feel like this? How do I overcome it?

I have tried to lose the regain - trying all sorts of different methods (low carb, 5:2, 16:8, low sugar etc) - over the last 4 mths but no joy. The only thing I haven't tried is the pouch reset, which I am contemplating, I have noticed that I can eat more these days, if I chose to, so I am mindful of that and I still use a small plate to control my portions.

If you have done the pouch reset, what was your experience?

One thing I have been thinking about is being resleeved - if I could ever afford it (I was self pay as I am in the UK). Has anyone had this done? What are the results? Is it worth the money.

I feel that I am at a weird cross roads... at 46 I am 'ok' with me. But I know I could be fitter and stronger. What I worry about is regaining all the weight that I have lost.

Any thoughts are welcome!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I forgot to mention the menopause... been in it for nearly 8 years and the symptoms haven't gotten any better. Tried a load of HRT and nothing agreed with me. I often wonder if that has effected my slow weight loss, lengthy stalls and now the regain? My doc says not, but I am not so sure, especially as the weight seems to have gone back on the middle section! *sighs*

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Coops it's so common to regain about that much after 5 years post op. I had gained 15 lbs but I had emergency back surgery and i was in the hospital and a rehab center for a long time. The food was awful and I lost 20 lbs. There were days I didn't eat anything at all.

Edited by Oregondaisy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, Oregondaisy said:

Coops it's so common to regain about that much after 5 years post op. I had gained 15 lbs but I had emergency back surgery and i was in the hospital and a rehab center for a long time. The food was awful and I lost 20 lbs. There were days I didn't eat anything at all.

Hey! Long time no see... I hope you are fully recovered from the back op. I remember you saying ages ago that you had regained - horrible way to get rid of the regain though. Do you still do the 5:2? Let me know how you're doing x

I am soooo disappointed by the regain because although 10lbs doesn't sound a lot at 5 2 it has put me up a clothes size and I look chunky again. Don't like it at all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This week I have gone back to a liquid/soft food diet similar to post op... my portions are larger than post op as my sleeve is now mature. So far, I have not lost an ounce - clearly I am disappointed by this as I would of liked to see the scale move, if only a little. I will continue with it for another day; I originally give myself a 5 day target and will see that through. Although, I have not seen a loss (yet - I remain hopeful as I am defo in calorie deficit) I have learnt things about my eating habits. Firstly, I don't 'need' to eat just because it is lunch time, dinner time etc. Just having liquids through the day has been a real reminder that my hunger is not 'real' per se. I have realised that a lot of the time it is head hunger. The other thing I have learnt is that I have not been drinking enough Water and I have increased this over the last week. I eat half a bowl of porridge in the evening and I can't finish the portion I give myself, which isn't a large portion! This is a good thing and has made me realise that I have been testing my sleeve and, on occasion, over eating for its capacity. I have also began to understand that I don't 'need' the food I thought I did for my body and mind to function. I am still working long hours without huge fatigue from a lack of food that I thought I would have. I am tired, beyond tired most days, but this is because I am working 10-16 hours week days and also working at least one day on the weekend.

I haven't managed to do any form of work out, however, I do at least 10,000 steps a day, average this week is 12,000. I do realise that I need to do more but with my work load so high at the moment I am fighting time.

Basically, with or without weight loss this has been a positive week for me as I feel I am re learning eating habits that I gained post op. Hopefully I will see a loss soon!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have been hungrier than usual. I never had hunger pangs since surgery but I do get them now. I never know what to eat. Nothings sounds good.

I haven't had a Protein Shake since I got home from the hospital but I think I'm going to try to do a few days of mainly shakes. I am starting to gain again.

I can't exercise at all. I see the surgeon this week. I can't wait to see the xrays. I want to know what's going on. I had a hole in my back because when I fell I broke L3 and it was just in crumbled up pieces so they had to take it out.

Hang in there. I know exactly what it feels like to not have your clothes fit.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just a quick update... I completed my 5 day liquid/soft food and felt it went well. My hubby joined me and he was also surprised at how he 'functioned' on it - including 3 training sessions.

The results, for me, weren't what I wanted on the scale... I lost half a pound! I was really disappointed. Hubby on the other had lost 10lb. Hmmm, that just isn't fair...lol! But, as I have said before, I will keep on keeping on!

Then, on Saturday whilst walking the dog, I tripped on his lead and landed on my right knee cap. Wow! The pain was incredible and made me feel sick. Needless to say, I am now hobbling along using crutches - luckily there is nothing broken or fractured so it is just a case of rest and letting the swelling and bruising go down. Not great for activity levels though!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So the weight loss isn't going great... in fact, I have put on another two pounds... this is a bit annoying as it doesn't reflect my eating habits. I haven't been 'perfect' but I also haven't been over eating and binging on junk food either! But hey-ho!

I have just joined my local gym, so I am going to try a few different classes and see which ones I like the most. Did my induction yesterday and enjoyed going on the treadmill again and getting a sweat on. Perhaps, I just need to move more and increase the quality of exercise - perhaps just walking isn't enough?

Anyway, I will let you know.

If anyone has any handy hints, please share... cheers!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Coops, you know I have had regain and in my case it is down to what I drink (it's not Protein drinks!). Along with a drink we also seem to get out the crisps (chips) and the chocolate. So any evening where we share a bottle of wine we are consuming hundreds of calories and not one bit of goodness in any of them. Is it possible that uncounted calories are creeping in with alcohol or Snacks that accompany it?

I am trying by not drinking in the house and as we don't go out too much to the pub it has been cut down.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hiya Cathy... I don't drink in the house! I do however, enjoy milky coffee/latte -so perhaps this is the problem? Hidden calories in liquid form right there! Thanks for the heads up!

I went to a class call Pump fusion - it is weights with music! I have to be honest, it was great and I enjoyed it - I've already booked for next week. At the beginning of the year, I went to a yoga class... this gym (a local leisure centre) also do yoga and Pilates, so they are on my list to try too!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's amazing how the extra calories creep in without use realising.

Good for you for getting on with exercise. I know I need to do this regularly but I'm not[emoji853].


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hoping that it's because you're building muscle and having some hormone fluctuations before you see a couple pound drop.
Good job finding movement that you like and will hopefully bring you joy.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey everyone! Good to see some old timers here :)

I have also suffered some regain. I'm up 20 pounds (or a little more) from my average of three years. It just packed on over a couple of holidays, (5 pounds here, then another 3, and so on) but I can never seem to get if off. So frustrating! It doesn't seem to matter what I do, what I eat, it just won't come off.

I find myself getting frustrated and not watching what I eat because I feel like its a losing battle. I'm also a stress eater, and boy, do have stress! Hi pressure job and husband with early onset dementia (in mid to late stage). So, between all of that and a body that just wants to be fat, it is an uphill battle. Even with surgery, I was always one who had to count every calorie. The only way I ever lost was to eat around 900 calories a day, and I guess that's what it still takes but I have a hard time sticking to that.

So, thanks for listening. I've gotten back on track and hope I can continue to be successful. While I'm not sure how much weight I might lose, at least it can prevent more gain! I'm considering converting to a gastric bypass, but I really hate to. Has anyone done that, or considered it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice to see you are still around MC !
20 lbs is not a lot compared to where we started. It is all relative.
Your sensibly advice is missed. You are also a true veteran!!


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow, coops and UK Cathy and MichiganChic - like a tiny reunion!

I saw this and had to say hello. Sorry to hear about the regain struggles. I think over the years (I'm coming up on 7) we've all gone up or down a bit. It's whether or not we let it slide into 50, 60, back to where we started. We don't. It's times of stress that get me, like when my father passed years back. I put on 20. Took a bit to take it off. No exercise, I'm still rotten on that, kudos to you that do it, you're better than me.

I'm actually quite small now. Partly due to medication. It's odd, what becomes normal. Just being a little person and people assuming you've always been that way. I had my gallbladder out earlier this year. My husband retired after 23 years in the military. That about sums up my eventful life. :)

Hope you're all well. You were a great support early on, truly.

Cheri

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×