I haven't been on in quite a while...

My surgery was in March 2021. I have since lost almost 90lbs, but my weightloss has completely stalled. I've been in the low 270s for months. And I do know why.

I have essentially stopped following all recommended healthy eating habits and work regimens. I've also noticed that I can consume more in one sitting than I was able to do just a few weeks ago.

I'm nervous. My annual follow-up is in about a month+ and I am ashamed of the fact that I haven't lost any additional weight since I was last there 6 months prior.

Has this happened to anyone else? What did you do to get back on target? Has anyone ever done a successful "pouch reset"? I'm currently maintaining my weight, but I know it's only a matter of time before I start gaining.

Hey there. I have not had to do a reset but I think it’s not too late to go bk to basics -log, excersise, weigh food for portion control and of course the support group you have here.
You are still maintaining so nip it in the bud now. You can do it!!

This has happened to others. Part of the human condition is that we often fail. You should not feel shame that you haven't lost more weight. Shame related to weight is counter productive.

The pouch reset, of course, is nonsense. It want's people to think that the draconian diet they put you on for weeks or months has a purpose. You don't consume calories and lose weight? Amazing stuff there. So they try to reframe it as breaking & building new habits. You can do that without the draconian measures, probably better if you're not lying to yourself about what you're doing.

Now down to the important issue: How do you get back on track? Get back on track.

Think of this as a marathon. You've run a few miles then fall. What do you do? Do you get up and go back to the beginning, and start again? Do you go through your pre-race rituals? No. You get back up run. You don't warm up again, you don't strip down and redress? No. You just get up and get going. One foot in front of the other.

So, you figured out you fell. Get up and get going again.

Good Luck,

Tek

Edited January 29, 20224 yr by The Greater Fool

Well at least you realized you need to do something before you gained weight. You can turn this around and start losing again.

Been there, done that. YES you can reset your pouch by going back to basics in terms of food portions, tracking, protein, water, and exercise. YES it can be done. I just lost 25 pounds since October after gaining weight during COVID.

Don't be like me, though, because I skipped an appt with my surgeon and nutritionist because I was embarrassed about the weight gain and didn't want them to see me. I should have gone anyway. That's what they're there for, to help and guide us. So please go to your upcoming appt and just accept any advice they give.

Life happens, we get complacent, say tomorrow I’ll get back on track, ... I’d say many of us would put our hand up & say yep, we’ve been where you are in some way or another. Knowing why you’re not losing is the first step. Making the changes is the next step. Even making one change today is a start.

I agree with the posters above: get back onto your plan & track, meet your protein & fluid goals, watch portion sizes & calories. Make an appointment with your dietician too.

Have to admit I was surprised that you only have an annual check up with your surgeon & you’re not even a year post surgery & not at goal. I know all surgeons are different but I still see my surgeon or his support doctor every three months (though as I approach my three yr anniversary we’re trying 4 months). Still have regular blood tests too. Maybe ask for more frequent appointments with your surgeon & dietician. They are supposed to be there to support & encourage you & ensure you’re keeping healthy.

All the best.

Edited January 30, 20224 yr by Arabesque

This TOTALLY happened to me! The good news is that the wagon is still there. You’re WORTH it!!!! Don’t give up. Stop/drop/roll - call your dietician immediately! ?. I waited 3 months because I was embarrassed. Had my 1 year surgery follow up. Was so nervous - I put myself in a total panic and broke down crying. The surgeon kindly laughed and was like you LOST 97 Pounds - that’s 77.8% of your EWL. He explained that EWL is the Excess Weight Loss. Ask for your percentage. He said that as a surgeon, they anticipate/ hope that in 18 months you lose 75%. The dietician came in who I’ve been in amazing contact with until I stalled. I was embarrassed. I haven’t lost a pound in 3 months. We talked - came up with a solution and it’s working. They see this ALL the time. It’s not a personal failure. They will help if you ask- I promise. You’ve got this!!!!! You’re amazing and so is your body!!!! Everyone’s journey is different. Have you heard of Unjury? They have an amazing viritual support group and bring in incredible professionals to chat about stuff like this.

register for the Wednesday nights (you can do both - but Wednesday night is for post op) - https://unjury.com/newsletters/join-the-best-support-group-now-for-best-results/

You’ll see me there - Christina B. Say ‘hi’- you’ll feel so loved and supported.

You’re not alone in this!

Whenever I feel like I’m off plan for too long, I meal prep (vs pouch reset). Having the foods ready and available makes it hard to justify going out if my way for other foods. You can definitely get back on track anytime you want. Good luck ❤️

You can do this. You've identified the problem and you already know how to fix it because you did it and lost an amazing 90lbs!!! You're like a professional athlete who has taken a few months off. You've still got it (because you went to the trouble of having surgery so it's always there for you). Track every mouthful, protein first, veg second, chew like the blazes, eat slowly. No liquids for at least half an hour. You know it works. You own that diet.