I am almost 5 years post op VSG (surgery date: 06/2013). I started at 272lbs and was at 268lbs the day of surgery. I was able to get down to 199lbs but I seemed to plateau at 215lbs. I stayed at 215 for about 1- 2 years and then all of a sudden the weight started to come back. Today I have gained about 95% of the weight back and I am not sure why. I went back to the doctor and they did the barium test(?) to see if my stomach stretched and they said it did not. They said it was the same size it was after surgery, the doctor was actually quite impressed by it for some reason. I still eat small portions, so much so that my friends that don't know I had surgery think something is wrong when I don't eat all my food. I've tried a few different things to lose the weight but I can't seem to lose more than 20 lbs and it always comes back.

I've considered that there could be something else wrong. I have been symptomatic of Hypothyroidism for years now, however, when my doctor runs blood tests (TSH and Free T4) it comes back normal. My doctor refuses to give me a referral to an endocrinologist (I had hormone problems when I was a kid) or do a full thyroid blood test.

I feel like I am out of options and I am not sure what to do. Any advice or words of wisdom are welcome!

Thanks!

It is common to have some limited weight gain after gastric bypass surgery. They call it a 20 pound bounce. The important thing is not let go beyond it. According to my nutritionist, meals should consist of equal parts of protein, fats and carbs after the first couple years post-op. Snacks should be limited to primarily whole food options: nuts, natural nut butters, fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt with berries and almonds, tuna pouches. Avoid processed packaged foods as much as possible.

So I guess my advise is to document what you eat in a food journal and figure out what is the cause. I had RNY gastric bypass whereas you had the sleeve. I am 5 years post-op and this is the approach that I use.

http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf

Are you eating only three meals a day? Start tracking your calories and see if that’s the issue.

I don’t understand why your doctor won’t refer you to an endocrinologist. I think I’d find a new doctor if mine was blocking my access to specialists I thought were necessary.

Do you need a referral for your insurance to cover it?

Everyone has made good suggestions to confirm if your intake is on point, but just in general I want a doctor who considers me a partner in my own health care

Can you give us an idea of what you eat and drink in a typical week?

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