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I sure hope so!! I have had sasquatch feet my whole life, and with my last 100 lb weight gain I have gone up a shoe size. Therefore, what goes up, must come down!

when I had the band I too was eating more than 1000 cals..and now even with less cals wt does not go down....body has adjusted to less food...unfortunately.. try some Soup to reduce your hunger pangs...I know its easy to preach....but i am sure you can over come this phase....dont be depressed...srtess and depression also causes weight gain.. all the best dear....

I've suffered from severe depression since I was 15 years old. I was "normal" weight until I hit 50 and a succession of events contributed to a lot of weight gain. I had RNY and it has not affected my medication at all. Did surgery "cure" my depression? Not at all!! But I am at least physically healthier and can get around better!! One less thing I have to worry about!! My diabetes is gone, my high blood pressure is normal and they fixed my hernia. Don't let anyone tell you what you should do!! Only my son and one sister knows I had the surgery for the very reason that I didn't want the judgement or listen to the negativity!! Good luck!! To thine own self be true!!

Hi fellow Junies! Sounds like all are doing well. I get my fill on July 31st. Everything has been going great except that I have GAINED 5 lbs. I'm so depressed! I walk 45 minutes a day and have just started to introduce soft foods. I am doing what I am suppose to but 5lbs--that means I've lost only 5 since my surgery on June 10. I wanted to start school looking a alot thinner, but at this rate I not going to look to much different. My doctor will only let me walk for the next 2 wks. Since I had a hiatal hernis removed, he's keeping me low profile exercise until the end of July. Has anyone else experienced weight gain? Boo-hoo!

My weight gain happened over the course of 15 years due to a traumatic life event, I finally received the right help to deal with correct diagnoses and then as a last step decided to deal with my weight. I fortunately didn't have any health issues besides my weight and some tolerable back issues. I wanted to act before things did get worse for me to lead a healthy life to be able to watch my daughter grow up. I never was treated differently because of my weight till the past few years my inlaws make comments, now they talk about how great I look since I've been losing weight and it sorta makes me mad coming from them lol.

@@iloveorganicmilk What sort of foods do you binge on? You mentioned watermelon (a whole one), yes it is fruit and healthy, but is full of sugar, so I can understand the cravings to have more. You also mentioned you can eat 2 large steaks. If you have a large steak, do you then have a diabolical craving for another, straight away? What other foods create cravings for you, like once you start, you have to have more and can't stop? For me, ice-cream is like that, even 7 months post sleeve. I really have to watch it, and over-indulge 1-2 per month, then I am good and just have fruit for dessert. Have you had your hormones tested, and your thyroid, as abnormalities there can create cravings and weight-gain. I don't know how old you are, but my guess is 20s to 30s. If after 40+, then hormones definitely should be tested, although thyroid disease can occur at any age. So, please let us know what type of foods create cravings for you. Thank you.

I did pretty well yesterday. I had Protein Shakes and a piece of meat loaf for dinner. I don't know what the calories for the day was but I'm more worried about sticking to low carb. I don't want that medicine the surgeon wants me on that is known to cause weight gain to do just that. Sometimes I say that my body wants to weigh 143 and I should just give up and realize that I am older and 135 is just not in the cards anymore. But I know I eat junk like M&Ms and if I just give up the junk, I'll just have to lose. Giving up the junk is so much easier said than done. The rest of the world that I live in eat junk all the time around me.

How do you even GET IN 200 grams of protein and 300 grams of carbs a day? I'm not quite six months post-op, so a bit behind you, but I still can't get in 60 grams of protein a day, let alone 200! I know I should sympathize with you more, but I'm still trying to get over my jealousy at your problem - no offense, but all my life I've dreamed of having a metabolism where I couldn't put on weight no matter what I did! Seriously, as others have posted, you should definitely speak to your doctor and have bloodwork done. There may even be medical reasons for weight loss or lack of weight gain unrelated to the sleeve, which I once found out in a not so pleasant way. So this should be checked out ASAP.

Nestlé Nutrition online offers "Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC" these are not sold in stores, but are great for weight gain. They are 8oz shakes and are 560 calories. So, 3 of these will add almost 1700calories to your diet.

Welcome to bandland Cathy. I was banded on the 27th. I came out of anesthesia early while my incubator was still in and started vomiting. So my throat is very sore. I also have the gas pains and rumbling in my stomach right after a meal. But I feel full. I also have the weight gain effect but I'm not worried at all. My fear now is that my arms, legs, and neck feel very week. I haven't had very much to eat since Monday afternoon. I hope as I keep working on the proten shakes that my strength will return. My port site is a little sore but now it's just the gas and muscle weakness that's bothering me. I'm going to take a walk today.

I was banded in Summer 2007. I've had all kinds of difficulties with restriction, life issues (dad passed away, mom cancer, moved, 5 kids, etc), and it seemed like no matter what I tried I couldn't lose more than 30 lbs and then quickly gain it back. I worked out to the point of constant pain and ate like a bird, only to lose very little. And the minute I had a setback the weight came rushing back. I'm grateful I got the band and I believe it's kept me from gaining a whole bunch more weight but it never worked for me like I saw with so many of my fellow bandsters. Good news, bad news.... (mostly good) I found out that I have PCOS and some pre-cancer symptoms. One of the main side effects is extreme weight gain and difficulty with losing weight. I've had all the symptoms of this since I was a teen but nobody ever caught it. Now, it has advanced to an alarming degree and they finally discover the issue! Thank God! I will be having a complete hysterectomy next week and won't have those issues anymore!!! I will have to have my band unfilled for the surgery and then go through the fill process again from the beginning. With a new, unhindered metabolism and a fresh start with my band... I get a do-over!!!! I'm almost as hopeful and excited today as I was when I first got banded! Woohoo!

I am officially banded as of yesterday and came home from the hospital today. Everything went smooth according to the surgeon but I am quiet sore around the cuts, of which there are 5. The most pain is on the left side where the port is. I haven't had much of an appetite yet so am trying to drink. I'm supposed to be on clear liquids for 2 weeks and then pureed mushies for 2 weeks. I didn't ask about when the first fill will be but I go back to the Dr. in two weeks and will ask then. From what everyone is saying you are able to eat quiet a bit until that fill. Hopefully there will be no weight gain. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

And omg, how he responded to Miss California, calling her a "dumb bitch" on his blog. He's a piece of crap, pure and simple. Oh, and the weight gain thing? You're so right. And until recently, he was a fatso himself. Hypocrite.

I don't think you are trying to be obnoxious. And for many to get down to your goal weight is a major struggle. But one has to remember that the band does not cure your root problem in regards to your weight gain. I know some that go up and down with their weight on the band and thats because the total concept is still not yet in place. For years I was eating the wrong food, not being active enough and doing everything wrong until I was so heavy that I was in a critical mode. The band is a great starting point and for some it will take awhile to let it go. I dont suggest that you walk away from the band but look into many other alternatives that address health and weight loss because the more you go down this road the less you will need the band and the associated problems that can occur. (food get stuck etc...)

To answer some of your questions. The weight gain (blah)...yes, it happens. I gained the 40 lbs between 2003 and 2006 and, after a significant breakup, I just needed something else to focus on. I started simple with walking and eating only vegetarian. I didn't join the gym until about 3 years ago but, since then, I am a regular and do not go less than 5 days a week/often 7. I held on to two pair of my favorite post op/weight loss pants and was determined to get back into them...they fit big now. I think the way you can get motivated is to put it into your schedule. It should be as regular as making dinner, going to work, taking a shower..the gym/working out needs to be added to your day schedule. Even if it's just 20 mins walking around your neighborhood! I have managed to avoid a bunch of loose skin and I contribute that to being active and drinking TONS of Water. I don't drink soda anymore and my "soft drink" will either be Crystal Light or iced tea/with Splenda. Also, when I got back to work after two weeks of recovery, I started walking around my office during my 15 minute breaks. Now I'm that crazy workout lady who walks during her lunch too :-) Oh and as far as hydration goes, try coconut water...if you can find it in your area. It's SO good and refreshing, with different flavors like mango and pineapple. I feel extra hydrated when I have coconut water. PS...my dear friend had GB a year after I did. At first she refused to get it done because she was going to do the "cabbage Soup diet"...well, that didn't work...obviously. She is one of the people who wasn't dedicated and has gained a lot of her weight back She had a lot of loose skin, went to Mexico to get it removed and I really think they just took her money and didn't do anything but cut her open and sew her up (swear). Now she's on the "pouch shrinking" diet. What? Yes, that's a real diet and I just let her vent and tell me she doesn't eat that much, etc. But I've seen her snack on sugary things a lot. Hope this helped! Betsie

I would love to meet up with you anyway later in the week maybe. I just emailed my health questionaire to Janese and put September 16 as my surgery date by accident. That was the day I wanted to fly out but I am not as time limited as you. I understand how long hours at a job could make this surgery difficult. ...my hat's off to you! I was a nurse and worked 2 jobs over 60 hrs a week for many years til I hurt my back. Broke it in 2 places so I can't get around like I used to but the drastic weight gain in the past 3 years has created a whole new list of pains and difficulties. Right now my job is watching my 4 week old grand baby while my daughter works....but I really do not want to have surgery on a Monday for many reasons...I guess Tuesday will be ok. I hope to see you in Tijuana, Cody's mom! I hope to make many new friends during my trip...I truly love people! Guess that's why I'm a nurse. If this surgery helps me lose weight it may help my back enough to go back to work and that would be truly life changing!

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

It’s not about the food, but it’s all about the food. Wait a minute -- if it’s not about the food, then why do we (the Post-Op & the Doc) keep talking about the RECIPE for Recovery? Don’t recipes involve food? Not always… Think about it: Don’t you have a recipe for success? How about a recipe for the perfect day? …A recipe for family fun? …A recipe for a natural spot remover? …A recipe for composting? What the…composting?! Remember, the Post-Op is from Southern California, where recycling is the law. Well – you may or may not be into recycling, but we’re pretty sure you’re into living fully. If you really want to live fully during and after the process of weight loss, then the RECIPE FOR RECOVERY is something you need! Over the course of the year, we are looking at ways you can combine the ingredients for the recipe (AWARENESS, ACCEPTANCE, COMMITMENT, ATTITUDE, ACCOUNTABILITY, and EFFORT) to create your very own, personal, healthy life in RECOVERY – from…whatever (obesity, unhealthy relationships, habits, and behaviors)! In last month’s article (Six Simple Ingredients to Get the Weight Off and Keep it Off) we introduced you to each of the ingredients in the RECIPE, and briefly discussed the how each is required to live fully in Recovery From Obesity. This month is all about the “essential” ingredient: AWARENESS. We refer to awareness as being “essential” because you have to become aware of problems (food and non-food related) needing attention in order to work on them…which can be tricky… After all, some things we are aware of and some things we might not be… AWARENESS of things we don’t like A food-related example: eating simple carbs usually results in weight gain [*]AWARENESS of things we may be powerless to stop A food-related example: what other people serve in their homes when we’re invited to a large dinner party A non-food-related example: how others react to our weight loss [*]AWARENESS of things that are scary A food-related example: knowing that many holidays mean tempting foods will be prevalent in the media, at work, etc. A non-food-related example: experiencing the feelings that accompany significant weight loss [*]AWARENESS of things that seem overwhelming A food-related example: avoiding unhealthy “treats” in the work break room A non-food-related example: beginning and maintaining a regular exercise program Fortunately, the RECIPE FOR RECOVERY is perfect for addressing all of those “things” – you know, those thoughts, feelings and behaviors that can distract us from making healthy changes in our lives. That’s precisely why we are presenting the recipe for you to follow! Note: We are deliberately using the verb phrase “to follow” in relation to the Recipe for Recovery because the success of the recipe in creating what it is intended to create requires your ACTION. In this case, the recipe is intended to help you create a healthy life that allows you to live fully at a healthy weight. Just how much “action” is required depends on what you say you want for your life! For example, You decide how much and what type of exercise you’ll do, depending on how physically fit you want to be. You decide how much and what type of food you’ll eat each day to manage the healthy weight you desire. You decide who you associate with and how much time you spend with those people to live as healthy an emotional life as you want to live. You get it! So, we’re clear that AWARENESS is the essential ingredient in the Recipe for Recovery because, well… nothing can be changed if you’re not AWARE that it needs to be changed. If you’re not aware that starches have little nutritional value, then you won’t reduce the number of starches you eat so you can maintain a healthy weight. If you aren’t aware that you have a habit of talking negatively about yourself and/or others, you can’t change it. If someone brings that negative habit to your attention, then you can make a decision about the type of person you want to be and put forth the effort and action needed to make those changes! Awareness IS the first step and the essential ingredient for change. AWARENESS without ACTION, however, is like a treadmill with a bunch of clothes hanging on it – you’re aware that the treadmill is there, but you aren’t using it. We are providing you with the ingredients to include awareness, but it’s up to you to put them into action. We know that being aware of things can be difficult and uncomfortable. This may be the reason so many people focus so much time and energy being aware of things in others rather than focusing on their own problematic behaviors! How often do we know what others must do to change? How much time to do we spend telling others how to fix their problems? We are aware that the neighbors need to mow and water their lawn, but happily ignore our own weeds! Hmm, that might be why one of the main tenets in the 12-Step Recovery world is: Sweep your own side of the street (mind your own business). If you’re more worried about what others are doing wrong, the first step is to become aware of your own “stuff.” To do that, turn those binoculars you’ve pointed at the neighbors directly around and look at yourself. You know, like the “selfie” button on your camera phone…uh, but this time, you don’t have to post your “self-examination” on Facebook! How do you begin to USE the essential ingredient, awareness? Well, if you’ve decided that you want to live fully in Recovery and want to follow the Recipe, we suggest you start by paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – especially when you eat. Start writing down the circumstances surrounding your eating and see if you spot trends. Remember to focus on yourself and what you need to do to live fully. Let others follow the recipe for themselves! Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll be posting some questions on our Facebook wall to help you identify areas of your life that will benefit from healthy change, so be sure to check in regularly to A Post-Op & A Doc on Facebook. And join us on March 18th for our March APODCast, which will be all about AWARENESS. Be sure to RSVP…it’s totally free (http://www.spreecast.com/events/apodcast-awareness-essential-ingredient)!

I'm 17 years out...About 6 months after my surgery in 2004, I developed consistent, debilitating migraines. I also started developing attitude issues, and was diagnosed bipolar. The theory was that my body chemistry changed after the surgery, causing these issues. I've had weight gain due to bad nutritional info, and have also developed Asthma. I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for... There were other medical issues, I had cancer, but I don't think that was related...

As stated above, square inch for square inch Muscle weighs more than fat. So as you reduce fat stores and increase muscle mass, you can see weight gains. That's why I've pushed so hard for people to stop tracking weight as a specific number and start looking at the trend. I've tracked weight and body fat my whole process, not really caring about the numbers exactly, but what I was doing and which direction those numbers moved. The more I work out for muscle, my body fat drops and my weight gains. When I focus on cardio, my weight drops, sometimes body fat does as well, but not as fast as when working out for muscle gain. This is because larger muscle mass requires more energy in rest than smaller muscles do, so, bigger muscle mass, larger fuel requirements, faster fat breakdown. Plus,our bodies get used to what's going on and start to level off. Check into Intermittent Fasting if you haven't yet, really get me through some serious stalls.

I'm a 34yr male. 6'1 and currently weighing 225 pounds. I had succesful lap band surgery in march 2007 and lost 80 pounds. From 265 went down to 185. I had maintained overall weight loss success until sometime last year in january 2014 when i started to notice the GERD getting worse and also some weight gain. For the first time in 5 years when i hit the scale i saw numbers over the 200 range. I started to worry because i knew something was not right. Got an upper GI series done and all it showed was mild pouch dilation. Doctor left band as is and never suggested any course of treatment for the dilation and for the GERD. Fast forward now to 2015 and I seeked a second opinion from another surgeon. Surgeon performed an EGD and it shows that there is band slippage, gastritis and presence of GERD. Surgeon suggested a revision for the lap band and to convert it to either a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Insurance has approved the revision but need guidance or help in deciding which one is better for me. I see soo many mix responses from people suggesting or prefering one over the other. I will say that yes the band did work for me and do its job. It improved my health alot but now is the GERD that is just kicking me in the rear end very bad. Like stated before I weight 225 now and for the long term success and achivement I'm undecided as to what procedure is more suited for me at this point of my life. I do need the surgery to aliviate the discomfort plus without any bariatric procedure on me I would go back to how i was prior to the lapband. I tried it all before deciding doing bariatric surgery in 2007. Thank you.

I to some degree have the opposite problem. My husband used to weight 285 lbs at 6' tall. Over the past few years he has gone down to between 205-210 lbs without weight loss surgery. While he has lost, I continued to gain because of my insulin usage being so great. Other than the insulin, I really did cut my eating amounts down to half of what I used to eat, and had cut out most carbs such as breads, pastas, rices, potatoes. I stopped eating fruits and dairy. I used good saturated fats from things like avacadoes, coconut oil, olive oil. I was exercising at least 3-4 times per week for at least 45 minutes each time. I did not lose one pound. However, I wasn't gaining at that point either, but I hurt my foot while exercising and I had to stop for several months. My blood sugar became out of control even on an insulin pump, and I fee like I'm stuck in hormonal hell. I've tried every thing there was on the market and what my doctor/endo gave me. Nothing. So this is where I'm at. Of course during this time the different medications I had been given caused weight gain (and let's face it, once gained it doesn't automatically drop off when you quit that drug). So my husband went from being a big guy to being a much thinner version, who is always cold now (he used to radiate heat) dresses in long johns, sweat pants, quilted flannels, and sits on the couch with a blanket over his legs! He looks like a little old man, yet he's only 52 years old! Needless to say our sex life has dropped off considerably. I mean it went from him being a horn-dog to months upon months of no interest. He said it is not my size that has caused his interest to be so lackluster. He said he just lost his sex appetite. We've literally had sex twice in the past 8-9 months. I of course don't believe him about it not being my size and it makes me cry a lot. I am trying to lose weight; it just doesn't happen on my own! Now that the diabetes is beginning to affect my organs, I have to do this surgery. It is about living longer healthy rather than being thin. So I sympathize with you, but mine really has nothing to do with the weight surgery. I have two more appointments and then I go for final insurance approval. I'm hoping by March/April I'm scheduled for surgery!

@@mnmlst I am 9 month's out from surgery. I follow my eating plan that has been modified by my surgeon. I exercise more than what is required . My weight loss has not moved in months. Not keeping up on my plan I believe would send me into weight gain mode

My doctor told me to crush metformin He refuses to give me glucaphage (I think cuz it leads to weight gain??) the pill is much smaller and thats what i want, I HATE crushing pills and honestly.. I just stopped taking them at all.. and I have been fine. (NOT that a reccomend that)

OMG yay you!!! Don't be sadden by the small weight gain you have done AMAZING!!!! I agree with maybe making some small goals so you don't feel stressed about the 30 pounds. I like to make my next goal hitting the next set of ten's as I go. If I get on the scale and It's 248 I say YES!! Now 239! Just get me to the next tens lol Also I know sometimes we get burned out on what we are eating. Get a great cook book or search out some recipes that are different and incorporate the foods you like to make something new. I find I cook more now that I am making better food choices and the family loves it too!!! (thumbs up) YOU ARE DOING AWESOME!!!