Now that I'm more then 2 1/2 years out, I have been struggling with gaining back 5 lbs and then 5 more....etc. and have put on about 15 lbs now. I eat about the same amount of calories and have not lightened my exercise routine. I fear that I may have been dipping into my genetics and have employed my inherited "starvation mode". Something I became aware of during my slow weight loss after surgery. I did lose the 140lbs but it took longer than expected.
In an effort to figure out what to do, I called my NUT. She asked me if I was still doing those things that I was supposed to do after surgery. I answered that I have been focusing on protein, eating well, and exercising. The only thing that I have not stuck to is not drinking during a meal. At first, it hurt to drink anything but after a time it became easier and I stopped worrying about it.
She seems to think that this is my problem. Not drinking 10-15 minutes before and at least 20-30 minutes afterward seems to be crucial to letting the brain know that you have eaten enough. When I drink, it liquefies the meal and it moves out of the pouch quickly. Not giving the meal enough time to trigger the brain that I am full, causing cravings and triggering my body to store whatever I do eat in case of "starvation".
Well, I have been trying it these last few days and it's strange, at about 20 minutes after finishing my meal and not drinking anything, I suddenly feel full!
Though I am enjoying not having the amount of cravings I was having, what I am waiting to see is if this is going to affect the scale.
Angela