Caruth,

First and foremost: You are just 3 months post op. You have lost 63 pounds. That's no small success. My GBS teams says the average they expect to see is 50 pounds after 6 months. You are in fact FAR ahead of the curve. With respect to weight lost so far, please give yourself the credit you deserve. Celebrate that very, very important victory. Go do something TODAY to celebrate that fact. Go see a movie. Visit a friend and share.

Next, do yourself a favor and forget you ever heard the term 'dumping' - not all GBS patients experience it and you should NEVER depend on it as a tool or any kind of a gauge. Just forget about it. Stop trying to eat 'anything' - when you do eat, make better choices. Worry only about making better choices TODAY. One day at a time.

Also, at 3 months out, it is not too soon to begin exploring the deeper issues that contribute to your obesity. I cannot tell you what those are. I have no idea. Only you can do that and it may take asking for professional help from people knowledge about such things. I can tell you that exploring takes time and you should not expect instant answers. But it is not too soon to begin that process.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, love yourself and believe in your ability to face this challenge.

I only lost about 70 lbs at the 3 month mark....and I had more to lose than you..I'd say your on track....even ahead of alot. Keep doing what you know you should and it'll come off.
"They say" that if you lose it slower/steadier than it is easier to keep off.
Congrats on your success so far...remember to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so you don't allow yourself to slip into old habits.
All the best
Karla

I think Jerry's comments were heart-felt and spot on! I also want to congratulate you on the weight loss so far.

I do, want to add though, that after all you've gone through to prepare, please do not allow yourself to feel you have a free ticket to eat anything! I think a mistake many make following surgery is to try and eat some of those dangerous/trigger foods we ate, and got in trouble with prior to surgery. Whether you have dumping or not, many don't, and you sure don't want to depend on that, as Jerry also said.

It's a lot about choices, just that with the smaller stomach, and the ability to "feel full", we should find it a bit easier to say no to some of those foods. Some days it is not easy at all, but that's where good habits, eating enough protein, exercise program in place, drinking fluids, and just making overall good choices, is key.

Try developing some new "spare time" activities or interests. Get up and move, if nothing else, put music on and dance, or take a walk. I started by literally walking around my backyard, doing my laps that way. Private, in my case, and I could sit down if I got tired, which I did. Point is, you have to find what works for you and what you can commit to doing regularly, in place of eating, except at those meal times"or planned snacks.


One last thought...in the beginning it does feel a bit like snacking, compared to eating a "full meal." That is because your pouch can literally only hold a small amount at that time. That's as it is suppose to be. It will stretch some, also as it is suppose to be, but you just want to be sure to be getting in protein and vitamins from veggies or fresh fruit where you can.

Keep us posted on how things are going. It will take time to feel confident, but I hope you will hang in there.

Hi C,

Snacking seems a little common at the time you are, Please hun make any snacking healthier options, please dont go onto the plateau I did.

So much has gone on for you recently, just try to make better selections...... trying the boundries is not good....

As one of your biggest supporters I care and want you to do well...

Buzz xx