Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Has anyone here gained weight after WLS after having a very good history of keeping off weight? My surgery was 2003 and in 2004 I settled at a weight of 150-155 lbs. for four years. My doctor told me this was the amount I would weigh one year after surgery and he was right. Fast forward to 2008 and I slowly started to gain weight until I was 20 lbs over! H E L P !!!! I've not changed my eating pattern nor do I eat after 6 p.m. except to drink liquids. I am miserable with this extra 20 lbs!

I have heard of some people doing that. Did you change your exercise regimen? Do you have some added stress in your life? Has your a calorie level increased? Are the after 6 pm liquids high in calories? Are you over 40? Mother Nature may have adjusted your weight for you. Without looking at the number, does the extra weight look bad on you? Can you get in with your doc or his staff to talk about it?

I'm not even at one year yet, so I don't have any experience with this. I've heard some people do a modified version of the beginning stage diet (a week in each phase) to help "reset" their system.

I think the best option would be to have a chat with your doc or a nutritionist to try to figure out what to adjust.

I am almost 62 and had the WLS surgery when I was 54 as far as aging. I need to find a support group as I never attended a WLS support group due to moving shortly after my surgery. I've had no routine for exercise and this could be the culprit now that I am older. I am on disability and it is hard for me to walk, workout except in water (lungs, heart scarred = hard to breathe when working out) BUT I can do water aerobics better. I am looking into joining a YMCA for a water aerobics class. I have changed some meds and I know that weight gain can come with meds but I trying mightily to control my intake. I drink water, V8 juice or 2% milk after 6 p.m. controlling amounts. Thanks so much for your reply - you've given me "food for thought"!

I can understand the difficulty with exercise when you are dealing with a disability. Water aerobics is a great option. Maybe even have a consult with a personal trainer to develop an exercise program that works around your disabilities...or an occupational therapist that specializes in people with disabilities.

Is there a Curves near you? They have a good program that uses your own body as resistance and they always have someone there to help you. It's a short circuit of 30 minutes and they will modify your exercises to meet your medical needs. They usually have a free workout option, so you can see if you like it. I'm 42 and I see women older (and younger) than me using the circuit. And, it's a "women only" club which is nice.

I hope you are able to find something that will work for you.

Not exercising will deffinantly make you gain weight. Your doing great and grats on the weightloss, I look forward to being 7 years out from surgery. Water arobics is the best exercise for people with physical challanges (I have.them too so I feel for you) even if you are able bodied its possibly the best execise because its so low impact. Good luck to you I just know you will take that 20lbs off!!

Hey,

Yeah, like what Barb has said already, my advice would definitely be to go to the Dr again and ask them for some advice on any local support exercise groups designed for those who can't pop to the gym and do a full workout.

I know in my area, and I live on a small island, they have a small group who do chair based, low impact exercise and also there is one that is purely in water too. Better still, it's all adults only and they do it when the centre/pool is totally empty of everyone else. So, there is nothing to worry about.

If my little craggy island does something like that, I am pretty sure there must be something similar to that in bigger places. Quite often, you can't just 'turn up' but you need a referral from your dr, so they know it's a genuine need.

So, that's my suggestion, speak to your dr or the office and see if they know where the closest one is. Never do anything that you know is too much for you, I know losing weight is important, but you do need to look after yourself as well

Thank you all for your input. I love this site for the info that can be obtained! I do have to be careful what I do with my other health issues and I do believe the water aerobics will help me -- perhaps I can check into a Curves also. Will try to find a Curves and ask about their program. I am thankful I have 20 lbs to take off and not more. Thanks much again to you all for your input!