weight gain after 4 years

Question
what can i do to get back on track? I am gaining my weight TRYING TO STOP IT. DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE ANY MORE TO SEE A DOCTOR THINKING ABOUT TAKEING DIET PILLS?

Answer
Hi Sherryl:

You must be so frustrated.  Sadly, some weight gain after 2-3 years is not uncommon.  I'm going to assume that you've had a RNY--but it really doesn't matter much (unless you have a Lap-Band, then I'd suggest seeing a doctor for a fill).

Your tool will still work.  The problem is that a lot of people kind of get away from their surgeon and nutritionist's recommendations as they get further away from surgery.  So, one way that many get back on track is to try the "5 Day Pouch Test".  http://5daypouchtest.com/

Basically, you're going to go back to protein shakes for a few days, and then gradually add in some veggies and lean protein.  Many many WLS grads report that this really helps them "reset" their pouch, drop some weight, and get back on track.

Other bariatric patients find great success with Weight Watchers or NutriSystem.  This gives you accountability--and your small pouch (plus malabsorption) makes sticking to the diet much easier than as a pre-op.

You could also simply go back to a protein first mantra.  So eating five small meals of protein first, followed by fruits and vegetables, and then whole grains if you have any room.  Get back to drinking lots of water, exercise, etc.

You can also go for online accountability through the Obesity Help Grads board http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads or through YahooGroups http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG/

Exercise too is important--both for losing weight and maintaining weight loss.  Depending on how large you are, there are some new plus-size exercise videos out there:  One is called "Shapely Girl: Let's Get Moving" http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/shapelygirl-lets-get-moving-5548  The other one is "Plus-Size Pilates." http://www.collagevideo.com/workout-video/plus-size-pilates-5533

I would try all of these before even considering diet pills.  To be honest, very few are effective--and the side effects can be dangerous.  Even the best, only show a 10% reduction in body weight after 6 months--and you need to stay on the pills to maintain.  So, IMHO, you're wasting your money.

Oh, one more thing... please see your surgeon or primary care provider for bloodwork if you haven't in awhile.  Often times, long-term post-ops stop taking their vitamins or forget about regular bloodwork once they stop losing weight.  So, if you haven't had your bloodwork done in a few years, please do so.  That might reveal some nutritional issues that you need to address to be healthy as well.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,
Karla

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