Weight Gain after Weight Loss Surgery. Let's support each other

I had a sleeve gastrectomy in 2010, and went from 216 lbs. to 146 lbs. I slowly put some weight back on, and reached 177 lbs. The only solution that worked was going on a very low carb, and no-sugar food plan. My partner lost 50 lbs. and I’ve lost 20 lbs., and am currently 157 pounds. Our weight loss has stopped, as we’re eating keto bread (1 gm of carbohydrate in each slice, vs 15 carbs in regular bread) and fruit, but we still do not bring anything into the house that has sugar in it, and no snack foods, except for (measured) nuts. We have dessert every night, of zero calorie jello and sugar-free Redi Whip in the aerosols can, which is our only “treat”. If it isn’t in our house, we don’t eat it!! We have huge salads with many different veggies just about every day; we used to eat a lot of deviled eggs in the beginning, but we grew sick of them. I cook from scratch and make use of no-sugar barbecue sauce for my crockpot, and Splenda in my tea and coffee. We enjoy our meats such as steak, and cooked veggies, and have almost no cravings now. Eating sugar and carbs makes you crave more and more of it! I don’t eat until I’m hungry and usually eat in late afternoon or dinner time. We have been on this for 10 months…it’s actually doable!

Also 72, had surgery a decade ago, went from 220 to 150, gradually added 30 back on, basically because life happens. Other than dumping syndrome, the surgery was a great success. However, when I was told I would be a terrible candidate for a knee replacement, I knew I needed to revisit the weight.

Never considered revision surgery, to be honest -- perhaps I should have -- so I'll be curious to see how this post unfolds.

I did, however, bite the bullet and start tirzepatide (zepbound). It was profoundly strange to have the "food noise" in my head go away -- I now have a reminder on my calendar to have breakfast. It was also extremely helpful to have gone through all the prep and followup from the prior surgery; I fell right back into appropriate eating habits that prioritize protein. My goal was to get back to 150 (really not interested in replacing my wardrobe again) and overshot, so I'm now at 136.

On the one hand, it really helped my arthritis pain. On the other hand, I've been a poster child for side effects. (My prior experience with dumping syndrome was quite helpful in that regard, actually -- I have much better coping skills for GI issues than I did before the surgery.) I'm now on a quite low dose of semaglutide (ozempic, because I'm a complete fan of the control a multi-pen gives you) which was a productive switch for me.

As far as I'm concerned, the big difference between revision surgery (assuming you are a good candidate for it to begin with) and the GLP-1 RAs is that the first is one-and-done major surgery, while the other is a drug I will be on for life. I'm old enough now that I'm more skittish about elective surgery, but hey -- people replace their knees in their 80s, so that's just me. Both of these choices are also expensive, so it may be worthwhile to really dig into your insurance coverage if you haven't done that.

I just knew that self-discipline wasn't going to cut it -- spent most of my life intermittently succeeding and failing with that approach, and I'm done with pretending it will work over the long haul for me.

Hi, @dlc1953 - you mentioned that you met with a nutritionist and a psychiatrist before and after your weight loss surgery and that that is really important.

Will you talk more about how your meetings pre- and postsurgery with these professionals were helpful to you?

I had surgery in 2005. Lost 80 pounds, but, did t hit my target weight. I was up and down by 10 pounds. I am a diabetic and my Dr. put me on Ozempic before everyone learned about the weight loss powers of this drug. I even had trouble getting my meds because everyone wanted it. However, I lost an additional 20 pounds. No more. My body is staying right where it wants to be. I’d like to lose another 10 pounds to hit my goal, but, it isn’t happening. My Dr. explained to me that Diabetics don’t lose the same amount of weight that non diabetics do. I will be on this drug for the rest of my life for Diabetic reasons only. I know if got off of the main topic, but, when I did put on weight (before the Ozempic) it was totally my own fault. Also, before and after my surgery I had to meet with a Nutritionist and Psychiatrist. That part is really important. Good luck.

@mcordeiro
I went up and down in weight after surgery. I lost around 120 lbs originally but have gained some of it back. It sounds like your doing everything right with exercise and healthy eating. You asked about revisional bariatric surgery. I have not had it, but searched in this group and did not find a discussions addressing this topic. It is mentioned in some comments in other discussions.
You may want to start a new discussion specifically asking about revisional bariatric surgery. You may find members who have had or are considering it.

It's been about 10 years since I was sleeved. I lost 90 lbs. I gained approximately 7 lbs. I ate well and exercised on and off. I had several health issues along the way. I was able to not gain more than the 7 lbs. That was until 2022 when my husband died. I was only able to eat comfort foods and keep it down. Over time, I gained about 20 lbs. I couldn't get it off. Nothing worked! I finally decided to do the shots. Even with it it took time to take that weight off. I am now almost 10 lbs. below my lowest weight. That makes a total of 100 lbs. lost. I am looking to lose another 5 to 10.

Hi. @mcordeiro - that would be so disappointing to have weight loss surgery, lose 175 pounds and have 60 come back. I've not had a weight loss surgery, but I've experienced yo-yoing with my weight, and it's very discouraging.

Your exercise and eating habits sound commendable.

Hoping members in this discussion to which I merged yours like @grandmar and @missstephyl will have input for you on gaining weight after a weight loss surgery and whether you might consider revision surgery. I'd also love for you to meet @roch, if you've not already encountered each other.

mcordeiro, what aspect or aspects of regaining weight after weight loss surgery have been the most challenging for you?

Had surgery 2005, lost 175 pounds, gained 60 back. I am 72 years old and exercise 5 days per week, mostly eat well and having a heck of a time losing. I can maintain my weight but that's about it. Any others in the same boat? Considering checking into revision surgery? Any thoughts or experiences with a revision?

I should have explained it a little better 🙂. 16 hour fast/ 8 hour eating window, 18/6 or 20/4. I use the free Zero app to keep track.
https://zerolongevity.com/

I've heard of it, but never tried. I will look into it. Thank you for your suggestions. What do you mean about 8 6 or 4? Is that how many hours you can eat or how many hours you don't eat?