Expert: Karla K. - 2/1/2009

Question
my question:  how do you know 3.5 years post op if you are settling into your weight or gaining weight back.  

i had the gastric bypass in June 2005.  I lost 120 pounds and was quite happy with my weight.  i eat not as well as i would like to - but no where near what or how i used to.

my weight in the first 6 months went from 260 to 128.  i finally settled for a little while around 140 - now im closer to 150.

my clothes size has gone from 6-12 depending on what it is but typically i purchase 10/12 to feel the most comfortable - too tight or nearly tight just make me feel like there is pressure around my waist all day long - like a too tight robe tie.  

Answer
Hi Nikki:

Congratulations on your success.  I think in many ways, weight is a personal preference.  You need to take into account where you feel your best, in addition to your BMI and any health issues you may have.  

I don't know your height, so I can't figure out your BMI.  What it was at 128, and what it is today.  I would also like to know how long you stayed at 140.  If it was 6 months to 1 year, that could very well be a good weight for you.

Most RNYers do gain a little over time.  Jones in his look at 10 year effects, showed %EWL was 78% after the 1st year, 59% at 5 years, and 62% at 10 years... so regain definitely does happen and is a concern.   

If I were you, I would try to get back into a protein first mentality, followed by fruits and veggies and then grains.  Watch your protein, watch your water.  Try and get into a regular exercise program (cardio and aerobics), if you aren't exercising already.  And see where this takes your weight.  

I'm also going to remind you that you need to get regular (annual) blood work, so you should have had some taken at your 3 year anniversary, and you'll be due again in 6 months (4th anniversary).  That will give you the opportunity to check in with your surgeon and his/her nutritionist and see what they think about your weight as well.  

It's key to address this now, when you're only facing 10 pounds vs. later when it could be 30+.  The good news is that you're only facing losing 10 pounds!  That's what normal people face.  So, it really shouldn't be that difficult.  A lot of grads also find success in undertaking a commercial weight loss plan like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, or NutriSystem--simply because it gives them regular accountability and support.  You can also check with your surgeon and see if s/he has a specific support group, either in-person or virtual(Yahoo!Groups), for long-term patients and the issues they face.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Karla