Expert: Cathy Wilson, ACC-ICF, CLC - 4/24/2009

Question
It will be years in Sept 2009 since my gastric bypass, I was doing so well and losing weight until I started taking a particular medication and then here comes the weight. I have gained about 30 pounds and I have lost my motivation and I am limited in the types of exercises I can now do because of some health issues.  How can I get back on track and not feel like a failure?  I am considering a revision but is that what I really need for only gaining 30 pounds?

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

Congratulation on your surgery and your success.  You are NOT a failure.  It is common to experience a weight regain.  You are not alone in regaining some weight.  

30 pounds is doable.  Just remember that you lost it once and you can and will lose it again.  It will be slower than the first time but you can do it.  Return to the habits that worked for you to achieve your weight loss success.  Along the way, many of get a bit off track.  Rarely is the road to maintenance is without obstacles and a few detours.  That's all you've done - you came up against a speed bump but getting back on track is returning what worked for you before.  

One of the contributing factors to weight regain is grazing.  If you are grazing, simple cutting that out will be a huge step.  Make sure that you're drinking a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day.  That helps with your appetite and also assists in helping you lose weight.  Whatever exercise you can do helps.  Rather than exercise, think being active.  It can be walking around the block or around the house.  Whatever activity you can do counts.

Revisions are usually not done for 30 pounds.  Revisions are in order when a mechanical issue with your surgery has occurred.  From that you describe, it isn't a problem with your actual surgery but getting back on track and staying there.  Check with your surgeon or primary care doctor's office for any medical issues.  Once you've been cleared from any concerns, it will be returning to what brought you success before.  

Obtain a support system whether it is a friend, family member or a support group, that will help you with motivation.  Join an online support system with a bariatric website.  

Think of getting back as you would with a new job.  You make a commitment to do your "job" of getting back on track and you do what you need to in order to succeed.  

I believe once you've been on track for a few days, you'll create a momentum of being back on track and feeling that old feeling of doing the right things for yourself and you'll obtain that motivation again.

All the best of health to you,
Cathy, CLC
Certified Life Coach, Weight Loss Surgery Coach
Certified Back On Track Facilitator