Anyone 3+ years out?
fit_chickx
Posts: 569 Member
Just watched my 600lb life. They followed patients to seven years out. Gave me a reality check. Many have just decided to give in. Wondering how the senior bariatric patients are doing years out from surgery.
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My 2 year surgiversary is next week - every day I need to keep myself in check. Even though Im able to be more active now I have lost over 120lbs it's still so easy to slip into old ways... This definitely a lifetime challenge
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I had RNY in December 2012, so I'm almost five years out. I lost for two years (100+ pounds), then didn't work at it but didn't put any more weight back on, I just didn't lose. Then I got serious about a year ago and started working at weight loss and general fitness levels again. I'm down another 45+ pounds, but I work for every pound lost.
I want to lose another 70+ pounds, then have a body tuck (skin reduction to get rid of all the loose skin, I'm 64 and it ain't gonna shrink on its own.)
The RNY surgery still helps me tremendously; I try to keep my stomach small, and I still get nauseated if I eat too much carb. I've broken myself of sweet cravings; I no longer put even stevia in my morning coffee, and I eat ONE mochi ice cream if I want a little sweet - they are 100 cal apiece with little sugar. I'm now trying to watch my carbs, and stay between 80 - 130 carbs / day, on the advice of my doctor. (She told me to avoid ketosis because of the stress passing ketones puts on the kidneys, and I prefer to keep my kidneys, thank you very much.) But I know that this is a journey I will be on the rest of my life; I'm just trying to establish a healthy routine that includes healthy food, exercise daily, and a good mental attitude.
I weighed 430 when I started this journey, and I now weigh 280+. I've got a distance to go, but I walk now without either a walker or a cane, I have energy, and (because my doctor gave me less than five years to live if I didn't have the surgery) I'm grateful for every day. I have longevity in my genes - Dad is 91 and going strong, dancing three days / week, and we lost Mom at 80 to cancer, but Mom's mom made it to 91. So I figure I have another 30 years on this journey!
I no longer watch My 600 Pound Life, I get nightmares. Seriously. But they help motivate me on my journey, so I guess there is some positive there.5 -
Tomorrow is the 4 year anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I can hardly believe how time flies! At about 3 years out, I slipped for a number of reasons and gained back about 35 lbs. of the 202 lbs I lost. It was surprisingly and frighteningly easy to do. I suppose I could have given in at that point but that's not really who I am. I chose surgery for a reason and to me a setback is NOT a total failure. I have been able to get back on track by going back to basics and just doing what I am supposed to do and I am down 18 lbs of that 35, and still going in the right direction. All this reminded me of is that I am going to have to just be focused and mindful always. My surgeon still considers me a success, and so do I. I am healthy, active, and I have an amazing quality of life, and having a better life was the reason I decided to have surgery to begin with.
I watch My 600 Pound Life occasionally. Sometimes it's so heartbreaking, and hits home. When I see how they just kind of throw away the surgery by giving up and giving in, it almost has an effect of negative reinforcement for me, like, I am NOT going to do what they are doing. That show can be inspiring or totally frustrating!5 -
I am almost 3 yrs out. I have gained because I didn’t stay vigilant in what I put in my mouth. I plan to change that in year 4. The surgery is a tool, but it is what you think and act on with your brain that will ultimately determine your success.3
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boncharlie wrote: »My 2 year surgiversary is next week - every day I need to keep myself in check. Even though Im able to be more active now I have lost over 120lbs it's still so easy to slip into old ways... This definitely a lifetime challenge
Glad to hear you are keeping up on this. Congratulations on 120!1 -
I had RNY in December 2012, so I'm almost five years out. I lost for two years (100+ pounds), then didn't work at it but didn't put any more weight back on, I just didn't lose. Then I got serious about a year ago and started working at weight loss and general fitness levels again. I'm down another 45+ pounds, but I work for every pound lost.
I want to lose another 70+ pounds, then have a body tuck (skin reduction to get rid of all the loose skin, I'm 64 and it ain't gonna shrink on its own.)
The RNY surgery still helps me tremendously; I try to keep my stomach small, and I still get nauseated if I eat too much carb. I've broken myself of sweet cravings; I no longer put even stevia in my morning coffee, and I eat ONE mochi ice cream if I want a little sweet - they are 100 cal apiece with little sugar. I'm now trying to watch my carbs, and stay between 80 - 130 carbs / day, on the advice of my doctor. (She told me to avoid ketosis because of the stress passing ketones puts on the kidneys, and I prefer to keep my kidneys, thank you very much.) But I know that this is a journey I will be on the rest of my life; I'm just trying to establish a healthy routine that includes healthy food, exercise daily, and a good mental attitude.
I weighed 430 when I started this journey, and I now weigh 280+. I've got a distance to go, but I walk now without either a walker or a cane, I have energy, and (because my doctor gave me less than five years to live if I didn't have the surgery) I'm grateful for every day. I have longevity in my genes - Dad is 91 and going strong, dancing three days / week, and we lost Mom at 80 to cancer, but Mom's mom made it to 91. So I figure I have another 30 years on this journey!
I no longer watch My 600 Pound Life, I get nightmares. Seriously. But they help motivate me on my journey, so I guess there is some positive there.
5 years out! Thanks so much for responding. Congrats on no gain and working hard on the 45pounds. I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I love learning more talking with senior patients.
Has the weight loss significantly slowed down?
Keeping your stomach small. I hear conflicting information on if you can stretch your stomach. Is it small or is it that you kept the feeling of restriction?
Holy cow. You are the first person I've talked to that mentioned ketosis and kidneys. I'm a type 1 diabetic. My kidney labs are not great. I have done low carb throughout this process. I still do low carb to lose weight. I'm still trying to balance my carbs they send me into weight gain. Always a work in progress to do this healthy
Thanks again!
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Tomorrow is the 4 year anniversary of my sleeve surgery. I can hardly believe how time flies! At about 3 years out, I slipped for a number of reasons and gained back about 35 lbs. of the 202 lbs I lost. It was surprisingly and frighteningly easy to do. I suppose I could have given in at that point but that's not really who I am. I chose surgery for a reason and to me a setback is NOT a total failure. I have been able to get back on track by going back to basics and just doing what I am supposed to do and I am down 18 lbs of that 35, and still going in the right direction. All this reminded me of is that I am going to have to just be focused and mindful always. My surgeon still considers me a success, and so do I. I am healthy, active, and I have an amazing quality of life, and having a better life was the reason I decided to have surgery to begin with.
I watch My 600 Pound Life occasionally. Sometimes it's so heartbreaking, and hits home. When I see how they just kind of throw away the surgery by giving up and giving in, it almost has an effect of negative reinforcement for me, like, I am NOT going to do what they are doing. That show can be inspiring or totally frustrating!
4 years out. You are definitely a success. :-) Congrats on 18 pounds down~!!
I'm three years out. I agree 100%. It is frightening how easy I gain now. It comes off at a snail's pace. You said it well. Going back to basics, working the program, forever mindful and focused.
This is what maintaining weight looks like for the long term.
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Thanks to all of the senior members that remain on the forum!2 -
loriloftness wrote: »I am almost 3 yrs out. I have gained because I didn’t stay vigilant in what I put in my mouth. I plan to change that in year 4. The surgery is a tool, but it is what you think and act on with your brain that will ultimately determine your success.
I'm also in the third year. I'm struggling with a gain. I'm working to get it under control. Like @garber6thgarber6th said Its NOT a failure, it's a setback.
It was easy for me in the past for a gain in one year 15. THe next year another 15. I've also lost and gained it all back in my past. I think the fear of that is keeping me on track.
The mental part of weight loss is always something I have to work on. But well worth it.3 -
I'm between years 2 and 3, surgery was February of 2015. I watch My 600 Pound Life and celebrate their successes and sadly I use their failures as a 'what not to do'. No one I know that has weight loss surgery wants to regain the weight. Regain was my biggest fear and still is. I managed to stay within a few pounds of my low weight for a full year then I gained 7 pounds. It doesn't sound like much but all of you know that 7 can easily become 14, 28, etc. until I've regained every ounce I've lost. I've gone back to the basics, even looking back at my early food charting when I was in the weight loss phase to see exactly what I was eating.
I've looked at the keto diet but I'm afraid that having butter, bacon, etc will just get me back where I was before WLS. Maybe if I had more than 7 pounds I would consider it but I believe I can lose the 7 by just going back to the basics and getting back on track with exercise.
My doctor told me most people gain between year 2 and 3 and won't show up for their 3rd year follow up. He told me that if I started to gain and didn't seem to be able to stop it to call the office for an appointment. Said they were there to help me be successful.
I did start back to attending the monthly dietitian meetings. This week we are meeting at a local grocery store. I'm curious as to what we'll do on that visit but I'm open for anything that will help me keep the weight off.
Congratulations on all of your successes.3 -
fit_chickx wrote: »I had RNY in December 2012, so I'm almost five years out.
5 years out! Thanks so much for responding. Congrats on no gain and working hard on the 45pounds. I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I love learning more talking with senior patients.
Has the weight loss significantly slowed down?
Keeping your stomach small. I hear conflicting information on if you can stretch your stomach. Is it small or is it that you kept the feeling of restriction?
Holy cow. You are the first person I've talked to that mentioned ketosis and kidneys. I'm a type 1 diabetic. My kidney labs are not great. I have done low carb throughout this process. I still do low carb to lose weight. I'm still trying to balance my carbs they send me into weight gain. Always a work in progress to do this healthy
Thanks again!
Yes, the weight loss has slowed down significantly. I'm trying to lose 1.5 - 2.0 pounds per week, but I've plateaued several times in the past six months. I tried eating Paleo, and immediately dropped 10 pounds on that, but I've slowed down again. I talked with my nurse specialist about using a keto diet, and she is the one who cautioned me about being a diabetic-in-remission and spilling ketones in my urine. (I was a Type II diabetic prior to RNY; the day after surgery all my diabetic symptoms disappeared.)
My nurse specializes in geriatric patients and diabetic training; she works at several of the Senior Centers in my area, that's where I meet her. According to her, ketones are larger than glycogens and are harder for the kidneys to filter and pass, thereby putting a continuous additional strain on the kidneys. She told me that, if I wanted to use even a moderately-low-carb diet, I should get those ketone urine strip testers to verify that I am not spilling ketones in my urine. She gave me the limits for carbs from a whole group of associations, as follows:
"How many carbs do the experts recommend for diabetics in a maintenance diet:- Joslins: 40% carbs, minimum of 130 g/day
- ADA: no % yet, but no less than 130 g/day
- AAFP: 40-60% Carbs
- AACE: no less than 90-120 g/day
- RDA: >+=130 g/day
- AND: 45% calories from carbs (DM)
- IoM: >=130 g/day
For a Moderate Low Carb diet, to enable weight loss: 26-45% of calories from carbs, but at least 80-130 g/day (avoid ketosis)"
She recommended that I try the Moderate Low-Carb diet, and test my urine.
Also, I was told by my surgeon that it is possible to stretch the stomach out temporarily while eating a meal, and if I kept eating too large of meals, the stomach would continue to stretch out to accommodate that meal. However, it is not possible to stretch a stomach out permanently after having surgery. If I reverted to smaller meals, the stomach would happily reassume the correct shape and provide restriction. In other words, I would have to fight restriction to stretch out my stomach temporarily.
The other great advantage I found after the RNY, which I did NOT enjoy with my lapband, was the feeling of satiety. I never felt sated prior to my RNY. Even with my lapband, I still would want to eat, even after just eating. That chemical that said "hey, we're full!" never went to my brain. I guess it had something to do with that six feet of small intestine removal again. Now, I feel sated when I'm full. So no temptation for me to stretch out my stomach any further. I know my stomach has relaxed some from my original surgery, since I can eat more than 1/4 cup of food; I can now handle about 1 cup of food before feeling sated. But I can feel restriction then, and I feel sated, so I quit.
Hope this helps, and I didn't overwhelm you with too much info!
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fit_chickx wrote: »I had RNY in December 2012, so I'm almost five years out.
5 years out! Thanks so much for responding. Congrats on no gain and working hard on the 45pounds. I hope you don't mind me asking questions. I love learning more talking with senior patients.
Has the weight loss significantly slowed down?
Keeping your stomach small. I hear conflicting information on if you can stretch your stomach. Is it small or is it that you kept the feeling of restriction?
Holy cow. You are the first person I've talked to that mentioned ketosis and kidneys. I'm a type 1 diabetic. My kidney labs are not great. I have done low carb throughout this process. I still do low carb to lose weight. I'm still trying to balance my carbs they send me into weight gain. Always a work in progress to do this healthy
Thanks again!
Yes, the weight loss has slowed down significantly. I'm trying to lose 1.5 - 2.0 pounds per week, but I've plateaued several times in the past six months. I tried eating Paleo, and immediately dropped 10 pounds on that, but I've slowed down again. I talked with my nurse specialist about using a keto diet, and she is the one who cautioned me about being a diabetic-in-remission and spilling ketones in my urine. (I was a Type II diabetic prior to RNY; the day after surgery all my diabetic symptoms disappeared.)
My nurse specializes in geriatric patients and diabetic training; she works at several of the Senior Centers in my area, that's where I meet her. According to her, ketones are larger than glycogens and are harder for the kidneys to filter and pass, thereby putting a continuous additional strain on the kidneys. She told me that, if I wanted to use even a moderately-low-carb diet, I should get those ketone urine strip testers to verify that I am not spilling ketones in my urine. She gave me the limits for carbs from a whole group of associations, as follows:
"How many carbs do the experts recommend for diabetics in a maintenance diet:- Joslins: 40% carbs, minimum of 130 g/day
- ADA: no % yet, but no less than 130 g/day
- AAFP: 40-60% Carbs
- AACE: no less than 90-120 g/day
- RDA: >+=130 g/day
- AND: 45% calories from carbs (DM)
- IoM: >=130 g/day
For a Moderate Low Carb diet, to enable weight loss: 26-45% of calories from carbs, but at least 80-130 g/day (avoid ketosis)"
She recommended that I try the Moderate Low-Carb diet, and test my urine.
Also, I was told by my surgeon that it is possible to stretch the stomach out temporarily while eating a meal, and if I kept eating too large of meals, the stomach would continue to stretch out to accommodate that meal. However, it is not possible to stretch a stomach out permanently after having surgery. If I reverted to smaller meals, the stomach would happily reassume the correct shape and provide restriction. In other words, I would have to fight restriction to stretch out my stomach temporarily.
The other great advantage I found after the RNY, which I did NOT enjoy with my lapband, was the feeling of satiety. I never felt sated prior to my RNY. Even with my lapband, I still would want to eat, even after just eating. That chemical that said "hey, we're full!" never went to my brain. I guess it had something to do with that six feet of small intestine removal again. Now, I feel sated when I'm full. So no temptation for me to stretch out my stomach any further. I know my stomach has relaxed some from my original surgery, since I can eat more than 1/4 cup of food; I can now handle about 1 cup of food before feeling sated. But I can feel restriction then, and I feel sated, so I quit.
Hope this helps, and I didn't overwhelm you with too much info!
Great information and perspective on your experience.
Thanks,
Jenn1 -
Im just over 3 and a half years out
I lost well for the first 9 months, fell pregnant despite being tokd i definitely couldnt have more kids and my weight stayed static until i lost baby at 13 weeks
I had 2 months of not giving a *kitten* about anything in life at all before i took up running for my mental health and lost another 2 stone
I fell pregnant again and lost a few more stone due to how ill i was. I could eat a bit of meat and veg and be hypo in under an hour
Had bubba at 25 weeks but the hypos continued and the biscuit pushing continued. I hypoed so many times in the nicu that they started watching my intake too. Biscuits and full fat milk hourly along with 3 full meals a day....... by his first birthday i had gained 4 stone
Hes breastfed so i have to be so careful to only have a very small deficit or my milk tanks
In the last 6 months im down 2 stone of that regain. Very hard fought with lots of up and downs thanks to the hormones making me retain water too
I have an appointment with the dietitian in january who suggested i give up and accept the regain is where im meant to be.
I refuse to accept that and am hoping i can get the last of the regain off by then ( hormones and milk production depending, i wont take his nutrition away )1 -
I had lapband surgery in 2014. I had lost close to 50 lbs, but have gained some back this year due to a car accident I had early in the year that caused a foot injury that prevented me from doing exercise. I let stress on top of that influence bad food choices. I'm trying to get back on track now. Glad I found this group. My surgeon is longer doing the lapband surgery, not by his choice, the hospital decided to get rid of the program. I've been looking for another doctor to go to, but it seems there aren't as many in my area that are doing the lapbands anymore. Wish there were more support locally, but haven't had much luck yet.1
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My 6 year surgiversary is 10/31/17. I had the gastric bypass. I lost 140 lbs, regained 47, and lost those 47, and have been maintaining at my goal weight. Surgery is not the answer, it just a very excellent tool that will rust and not work properly if you don't use it properly. You really DO have to change your entire lifestyle and mindset for it to work and stay effective.5
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I'm 4.5 yrs out, lost just under 100lbs, gained 13lbs back after 3 yrs and now I'm down 8 of those regain pounds, still working on the other 5. It's not easy. It's a constant struggle. Especially now, with recent marriage issues, it's really a struggle to not eat my feelings. I have to make a conscious effort every day to make better choices and to not give in to cravings or temptations..5
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I met my bariatric surgeon January 2015 and had surgery two months later. Since that initial meeting I'm down approximately 200lbs. I've pasted a link to the website that I track my weight on. It's pretty cool because it averages recent weights. You can see every weigh-in I've logged since that initial meeting. I gained a few pounds late last year when I was battling a case of shingles but other than that no significant weight gain.
I'm 31 months post-op but still consider myself in the "early" stages of life after surgery. I'm 45 and plan on living many more decades.
I've read many books, listened to lots of podcasts about bariatric surgery and health. And in general am always trying to educate myself about nutrition, exercise, etc. I've found a simple way of living that works for me and I believe can work for most bariatric patients.
The day I met the surgeon I started WALKING. If I had to guess I've probably walked 10,000+ steps 95% of days since then. I think consistent movement throughout the day is very important. I also started cutting down on my sweets. In the two months leading up to surgery I lost 35 pounds just doing that. After the shingles last year I tightened up my processed carbs consumption. I lost those few "re-gain" pounds and kept going. I'm currently the lightest I've been since I was a teenager. I still eat lots of carbs, mainly from fruits and veggies. If I had to guess my macros it's probably something like 45% Fat, 20% Protein, 35% Carbs. I don't count calories and take a few vitamins every other day or so. I try to get my nutrients from food. All my blood markers are good and my Vitamin levels are in normal range. Three years ago I was diabetic and taking 7 prescription drugs. I don't take any now. I dont' have any "off-limits" foods (I had nachos and beer last night) but try to limit the "junk". I probably cook/make about 90% of my food.
I'm in a unique situation where I live alone so I have total control of the food in my house. Not much temptation if it's not within reach. I don't have any kids and the person I spend the most time with (my girlfriend) had bypass back in 2001 so she has a similar way of eating as me. I live in a great climate in a safe neighborhood so I have ample opportunity to walk/run/hike outside. I've never had a gym membership. I ride my bike and do some resistance exercises frim time to time, but mainly I walk/run. I'm fitter and weigh less than my wildest dreams when I started this process. As some of you know, I recently ran my first Half-Marathon. I'm signed up for a 20-miler next month and a Full-Marathon next year. Life is good. If anyone wants to know more specifics about my eating or exercise habits feel free to friend and/or message me. I'm always looking to support others and get support for myself!
https://trendweight.com/u/366d57a9670d41/6 -
I'm 5.5 years out from RNY started at 308 pounds and never actually made it to goal (target=150 lbs). I cam close at 153, but then had some bounce-back weight, had 2 years of thinking I was "cured" and could eat like a "normal" person. Got up to 173.8 and freaked! Couldn't believe I put on 20 lbs in what I imagined was overnight...it was more like 2 years. So last week I went back to basics. No soda. No white sugar. No white flour. Lots of protein. Lots of water. Vitamins.
I'm happy to say that as of last week Wednesday, 10/18, I am down 10.6 pounds!! Now I know probably half of that is water weight, but it feels great to be back in control.
It's VERY easy to try and keep up with the Jonses (friends/family) and think that you can eat like them. But what I've discovered is that not only did eating like that make me gain 20 pounds, but I really felt like crap. When I eat like I'm supposed to, I feel great!
I've enjoyed the last 5.5 years of my life more than I enjoyed the first 36 years...it's amazing. People say they got their life back, I say...I got a life
So 150 is still my ultimate goal (I don't know why...just always fixated on that number), but honestly, at 5'8" and big ta-tas, I look and felt great right around 1556 -
I had the sleeve done May 2014 first year I lost 87 pounds. I maintained weight for 2 1/2 years. Then life happens and I gained 30 pounds back. I am back to my heathy lifestyle! Down 14 pounds!3
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