I am still pre op but I have many friends who have had GPS. I have seen most of them gain back weight. Some are as big as they were before and some have just gained enough that they dont look sickly any more.

I think it all comes down to how dedicated you are to living a healthy life style. The one lady I work with eats candy and chips for her breaks. Another one eats normal foods, even fried foods, but small amounts. Honestly, I think everyone falls back into some of their bad habits over time. The key is how well you control them. Eating healthy can get boring , especially if you are only eating things because you have to. If you can find healthy choices that you totally enjoy, you are less likely to cheat.

I had an acquaintence who had GBS years ago. She looked phenomenal and apparently had a tummy tuck at some point.

I saw her recently, and she's gained at least half of the weight she lost if not more than that.

I think we all need to realize in this process that this change we're making is forever. We will forever need to maintain good eating habits and eat small portions.

Our pouches will stretch too much if we allow them to. We all need to stay on our game to make sure that doesn't happen!

The surgery itself is only a portion of the battle. There is so much emotional connection to food, at least for me. I worked hard on that before I had surgery and know it will be an issue in the future if I am not diligent. Feel free to message me if you want to talk about it.

Imjjforshort recently said "there is so much more to life than what you can put in your mouth." I feel these are words every bariatric patient should live by.

Linda

I am 2 3/4 years post op...and no, I haven't gained my weight back.

Can it happen, yep, over time, especially if we get sloppy,. don't take the meds, water, protein in we need, and especially MUST exercise. Walking continues to be my primary work out, though over the years I do some running (who would've thought THAT would happen to me?), some hand weights and enjoy some DVDs I have from various people I use when the weather doesn't cooperate, or I need a change of pace. Many options out there...start slow though. No pressure to compete, just do a little more tomorrow than you did today and you will see and feel successful.

Best advice I got....Remember this surgery is ONLY a tool. How well you make emotional, behavioral, and nutritional changes, and allow the tools to work for you will determine your long term success.

One last thing, my daughter is a psychologist who has researched a good bit on self control, especially where dieting, and other behaviors are concerned. Interestingly, I thought, was that STILL the best way to manage temptations, (which will return in time for most), is to walk away, change up the environment, and distract yourself. No magic cure having the surgery, just that there are limits put on us now, tools to help us manage and see positive results, which then motivates us further to push on, and later maintain.

BUT DO KNOW, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE LIFE CHANGES...or things may not remain as you hope.
Cindy

if your doing everything right it is common to gain 15-20 lbs back.

You go through the lose piriod then you up the calories and even off and try and maintain that. I am not sure i ever looked sickly. (well besides the first week) The day after i got home i went to church. and i have good makeup. lol

the right color of clothes also do the trick with yellow making you look gauntly and pinks and reds healthy and radiant.

But after your honeymoon piriod cuts off you do have to be more careful of how you eat. Hopefully you have ingrained your mindframe to keep up with your body.

It will always be a battle.

Thank you all for yor comments they have been helpful and information. For me I don't understand why after you go thru the pain, sweat and tears or the surgery and then gain all that weight back?! NO! I know I have not had surgery yet but I don't EVER EVER EVER! WANT TO BE THIS SIZE AGAIN! Once I loose all this weight and get into my size 12 I will be look out!

Your tool has a limited time for best effectiveness. After that it is exactly like it was before the surgery. Take advantage BEFORE surgery to start living your new life. It greatly increases your success quotient. People gain all back and then some, you just have to decide that you are learning what to do not to be a regainer!
RickyDee/Sleeve/ 7-28-10/-141#