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I had my surgery on 11/26. I have lost 30 lbs from my pre-op diet til now. Finally, I seem to have lost the weight gain from the hospital. I am having alot of trouble getting my Protein and fluids in. Today, I've had 2 yogurts, 1 Protein shake, and about a cup of tomato Soup and about a half cup of thai ginger sweet potato soup. That's about 60 gm protein, but almost NO Water. It's really hard to eat as slowly as I need to. I tried the thai sweet potato soup because I was craving food, not something sweet, but I had a terrible time getting any down. It's soft but guess I am not ready for it. If I try again tomorrow, I will dilute it a lot. It's hard to go as slow as I need to eat, and consequently I often feel a lot of gas pain. I hope to get the hang of this soon. Feeling good, lots of energy, and have stopped pain pills today. That said, after an errand, I come home and collapse for a nap. Next week, back to work. Not looking forward to having a group lunch on Thursday when I don't know what I will be able to eat. Or what to say.....

I tried to post yesterday but don't see my comments. Oh well. My story is that I'm now 6 years out as of Jan 9. I don't struggle with weight at all. I started at around 240 and am now 136/137 at 5'7. I wear a size 4 with no changes. I have even been through menopause during this last few years with no weight gain. I don't kill myself with exercise but I do lift weights and have for 20 years and do light cardio. It's just not necessary to do more to maintain. Also, I eat a plant based diet so the majority of my intake is carbs. I've also had 2 rounds of plastics. The first one was 4 1/2 years ago and the second a year later. I just think this is where my body wants to be. I do suffer from autoimmune arthritis and osteoarthritis and need knee replacements but I'm not ready for that yet. I'm actually afraid I'll lose more weight with a big surgery. Laura

Hi ya! I think the major thing is that I would encourage ANY bandster to have a discussion with their bariatric surgeon about having the Fluid removed from their band before ANY abdominal surgery. This would especially apply to those of us ladies who have "monthly" tightness. You see, I KNEW that pre menstrual weight gain made me tight. I just didn't transfer the knowledge to fluid retention after major abdominal surgery. (I coulda had a V-8! :faint:) My program (in Cooperstown, NY) has had a lot to learn from me! I am one of their very earliest band patients, and the first band patient to reach a normal BMI. I am also the first band patient at a normal weight to undergo reconstructive surgery. We learned, alright! lol I have a friend who is going to have a hysterectomy this week. She is one who has struggled with monthly tightness with her band. So, based on my experience, she went to our bariatric surgeon and asked him to remove the fluid in her band in an attempt to avoid excessive swelling and tightness after her surgery. I think she is very wise woman. Okay... I've rattled on enough now! Thank you all, again, for your marvelous support. I just LOVE bandsters!!!

Mrs. P, I hope your friend is all right!! It is, or should be, common knowledge in the banding community that ongoing and persistent reflux can lead to significant esophageal problems. This is why everyone recommends that reflux be cured, not just treated with medications. Loosening the band is something that a lot of patients don't want to face, since they assume it will lead to stalled weight loss or even weight gain, but if reflux is a persistent problem it must be done. And if that doesn't address the reflux, band removal is the next step. But even given that it sounds as though your friend had other issues going on. She must have been having serious symptoms if her esophagus is damaged enough to require removal! And it's possible that even pre-banding she may have had a compromised esophagus or been suffering from reflux. I'm not discounting that the band may have added to her problems, and the story dramatically points up the need to be alert to symptoms and issues post-banding. I'm just saying that for the situation to have become as serious as it sounds, medical attention may not have been sought as soon as it should have been. Once again, I hope her surgery goes well and she heals quickly!!

I think a lot of us here feel the shame and take the blame for our weight issues. In part yes we have all made bad food choices but weight gain and our bad relationship with food are for various reasons. During this process, you will speak with a psychologist or therapist and they can help you better understand your relationship with food and how to make it better. You are taking steps to improve your health and life. Look forward to what will be and dwell on was has been. Best of luck

Right after surgery I was able to lose weight faster than a speeding bullet, my restriction was more powerful than a locomotive and my metabolism could easily leap a tall building with a single bound. Today, my kryptonite is time. Time has made me once again a weight loss mortal. I am able to gain weigh even though my diet has remained healthy. I don't lose the weight gained as fast and I am able to eat more. What to do? I actually fore saw this problem. The first year of my WLS journey when I was researching and going through the process to be approved I went to as many group meetings that I was allowed to attend. I always picked the brain of the people in attendance. Like many on this board they were ALL newbies with the success stories only newbies can tell. Not a single failure in the group. That is until one day a woman showed up and started telling us her story. She was five years out from surgery lost a lot of weight and put most of it back on. She warned everyone that things would change as you get further out from surgery and that it wouldn't necessarily be for the better. She had wished that she did not get caught up in the euphoria of her early success. She said that it's like winning the lottery. One day you have more money than you'd ever dream of having. If you don't plan on saving it you'll go bankrupt. That's what happened to her. She won the weight loss lottery. She lost more weight than she could have dreamed losing. Trouble was, she didn't plan her long term weight loss and now, she went "bankrupt". As I went through my daily routine I came across others who had WLS and many had indeed gained the weight back. I was in my doctors office and the medical attendant there told me about her failure when I told her that I was going through the process to get approved for WLS. She told me that it creeps up on you. Two pounds turns to four, four to eight than you're back to where you started. You start to Feel helpless and give up. As I went to the group meetings pre and post surgery I noticed not many people stuck around. There were no veterans in the group just eager newbies who can attest to the success of WLS. Seems as if the veterans drift away and either gain the weight back in silence or just get tired of hearing the same stories of success over and over. I knew that I would probably lose my WLS super powers someday and I had hoped to plan for it. First, I did lose a lot of weight in the mid 90's and I never thought that I'd get back to being obese. I was so wrong. Like my medical attendant experienced, five pounds turned to ten then to 20 and you know the rest. It took me less that four years to gain back the weight and then some. It took another 17 years to get WLS. I decided that I would use every tool that I could in order to keep the weight off and maintain my health. I joined Over Eaters Anonymous. It's another support group away from the support group my surgeon has. I started seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. ( I'm a compulsive over eater) and I have family and friends who have had WLS who I can call to get and give support to. I also weigh myself every week at the same time on the same scale and set a "Red Alert" weight of 160lbs. ( Have a log since the day of my surgery) If I go above the 160 I know that I must redouble my efforts. Here is where my lost WLS super powers comes in. Despite all this I am having a difficult time losing the five pounds that I am over. I feel as if I am now a mere weight loss mortal who has to work two to three times harder to lose and maintain the weight loss. I can't say it wasn't expected. From all the people I spoke to I knew this day would come. It's that, I was once a WLS immortal and now I have to struggle like all others to lose weight. My saving grace (I hope it is) I planned for it since I went through it before and I took the advice of those who went before me seriously. For all of you newbies who are experiencing the euphoria of being WLS immortal plan for day like me when you lose that super power. Just a note, there are many who do maintain their WLS super powers. They are on this forum and they are truly superstars. They unfortunately are the exception to the trend. I find their advice to be invaluable and I look for their posts for such advice. To everyone, good luck with your new found health.

Chrissy, I'm sorry your husband is being a jerk but I'm worried I might be in the same situation... I just ended a 23 year relationship mostly do to my weight gain at least that's what he blamed his cheating on... But now I have the most awesome guy in my life who fell in live with me being fat... After dating a while I told him I was having wls ( I'm still Pre op) and he said he'd support me... I mostly believe him but there's this nagging voice that askes, will he really feel the same after I loose the weight... Some guys like bigger women, don't know why but they do and I'm hoping he loves me for what's inside not outside. Probably my insecurities talking but I still am worried... Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Officially freaking out...surgery is tomorrow morning!!! I’ve been trying to get ready and have most of what I need at home. Ventured out to GNC today to look for isopure (read it’s good during pos-op liquid diet) and wanted to look at some protein powder. I am really worried about getting my protein in and it is all very overwhelming. Interestingly, while I was trying to look at all the options, a couple with a baby came in and I overheard their convo (very small store). The lady explained that she’s always had trouble gaining weight and once she got pregnant and had her daughter (super cute btw [emoji846]) she thought her ability to gain weight would get better but it actually got worse. So the husband cut her off and said they needed a weight gain protein powder and basically after that, the conversation ended up being between the GNC employee and the husband. He wanted whatever had the most and best chance and it didn’t matter how much she had to drink in a day, even though she kept telling him that she would not be able to drink that much. To top it all off, he ended up choosing her flavor and a mix cup (even though she said she didn’t like the color). Sharing bc I was put off by the husbands attitude and felt bad for her. I could be completely wrong here but wouldn’t surprise me if he gets on her about her weight, maybe about not eating enough, her appearance, etc. Most of us are on the other side of that spectrum but it made me realize that we might be going through the same things in terms of insecurities and it was eye-opening. Because I am overweight, I sometimes look at skinny people and feel jealous but didn’t really think about any struggles they might have. Thought I’d share. Anywho! Lol. They left with a giant tub of protein powder and I left with nothing! Lol. I was so overwhelmed with the choices I couldn’t make a decision. So asking for a friend [emoji3] I hope you guys can give me some recommendations of what you’re using. I worry about fat and calorie content and maybe how often you’re using the powder.....and do I really need it?? Thank you!!!!

Thank you so much Smith.99. This is exactly why this particular forum was started. We really appreciate you coming back and sharing your experiences with us honestly. There have been many on this forum and others who have been trying to decide which weight loss procedure or surgery would be best for them. I am sure you researched as much as everyone else did before deciding and people in these forums were probably the best source of information because they have been through it and can give you a real life account. Your honesty is so valuable to all of us in the planning stages. Please continue to update us on your ups and downs for your own accountability and to help us get through our stalls and setbacks. As for your discouragement I think you need to look at it in a different way. Think of where you would be at this time of year without your esg procedure. After Thanksgiving and Christmas is when the most weight gain occurs usually. If you have only seen a 1 pound fluctuation without exercise then I would honestly call this a victory. This seems to be a common theme among esgers throughout the various forums— the weight loss is slow and steady not as rapid as the more invasive methods. Please continue to focus on the positives and don’t give up hope that this procedure will finally help you maintain a healthier weight. You’ve already taken the first step in committing to a your health. You just need to continue to post and not be discouraged. Best of luck in 2018!!

Hi @GradyCat okay sooo I’ve just stepped on the scales again and it’s gone from 116.7 to 116.9 Kg. On the edge of a breakdown! How do I control this weight gain is it normal because I am seriously not even eating unhealthy or anything !

Hi there i haven't had the surgery yet i been told by others who had RNY that when you start seeing the weight gain to get back to basics. High protein low carb and water should help keep hunger away long enough to keep the snacking at bay

I had never heard that before. But after some quick google-fu, and although this truism is repeated a lot online, apparently there's no clear-cut relationship between alcohol and obesity / metabolism / weight gain or loss. In fact, the relationship sounds fairly nuanced, depending on how much you drink, how often you drink, how obese / active you are, etc.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_and_weight One of the research findings includes this one: "Alcohol also appears to increase metabolic rate significantly, thus causing more calories to be burned rather than stored in the body as fat (Klesges et al., 1994)"

Yes.. i plan to do the shots every three months. I have been managing it for a couple of years mainly through diet, and plan to do the same now that i am sleeved. I try to eat spinach, kale and greens to get my folate, i stay away from fortified foods .. basically if it doesn't come out of the ground, sea or from an animal i won't eat it. My bloods have been perfect for years, my doc says i am a skinny person in a chubby persons body. My weight gain hasn't been from eating junk... i believe is from screwing up my metabolism from my band... i practically starved for 6 years.. so as soon as i eat anything i gain... What type of MTHFR are you?

Now that it is morning, I want to summarize my first fine dining experience post op: 1. One glass of wine is enough to get really intoxicated. It lasted about 45 minutes before wearing off. I sipped it before eating. I could experience all the "full" flavors of the fine white Chardonnay. 2. Two glasses was too much. I only got 1 sip into it and my body said " no." I wasted the money on the second glass, but at least I know now. 3. Had a nibble of bread for first time. No issues. 4. Had a small bite of spaghetti. No issues. 5. No hang over in the morning. Feel fine. 6. lips are slightly burning. I do not know if this was from wine or not. Anyone know? 7. Had 2-3 small spoonfuls of my wife's dessert ( some round chocolate ice cream scoop with chocolate powder on outside). No issues. First "sweet" since surgery. No issues. 8. No weight gain in the morning. In fact, down 2 lbs. it was probably from waking up my metabolism from all the new food experiences and lots of dancing and jumping around at the Muse concert we went to last night (by the way, most awesome concert, epic). Maybe it was from my 5 mile run yesterday. Don't know. I am going to run again today perhaps even further (training for upcoming race). 9. Only had room for about 3 ounces of veal Parmesan after the pre dinner wine. Rest of it was put on ice for future meals. Overall, sleeve was ok with wine, bread, spaghetti and sweet dessert. No rejections, but a little slime after done eating and some uncomfortable cramping for a couple hours. Feel fine today except the slight tingly feeling on my lips. Eating at the Italian resteraunt was completely worth it for the fine food and drink selection. It won an award for Best Italian in America for 2012. Would I drink wine, eat Pasta or dessert again? Probably not. I didn't enjoy it as much now as I did 2 years ago when dining in Roma. It was good for me to at least find out if I would enjoy it or not by taking a small bite of each. What a night for "first experiences" as a seasoned post Sleever!

153 today. I was afraid to step on the scale because, due to a back problem, I have not exercised or even moved much for a whole week. Better get back on track before my weight gain fears materialize. My back is better but still painful. I'm going to start slowly.

I have been 150.4 all week... Then went on a 17 mile hike two days ago and since then my weight has been up to 153-154! I know better to freak out as I have had plenty of BP support reassuring me its my muscles repairing themselves and the weight gain is temporary. I didn't make goal... But I'm hiking 17 mile hikes!!!! Living life at goal! Loving life at goal! Now on to the next challenge to get me to my stretch goal! I just want to see the 140's... Even if it's just for one day!!!!

I didn't manage the insomnia very well. I honestly think the insomnia contributed to my continuing weight gain through my 50s and 60s. There's all kinds of research that links insomnia and weight gain. Here's what I'm doing these days that's helping a lot: * Post-WLS I'm drinking less coffee than I did before -- no more than a cup a day. That is helping. * I'm exercising a lot more than I did 100 pounds ago -- and that physically "wears me out" and lets me rest better at night. * About 50% of the nights I take either a Melatonin or half an Ambien. It helps. Sometimes. * Since WLS I go to bed when my husband goes to bed, in other words -- at the same time every night. Following that sleep schedule rule really does help. * I manage my reflux a lot better since WLS -- meaning that I actually take my H2 blocker antacid (Ranitadine) every day and on time. * Since losing 100 pounds, I don't have stress incontinence and don't have to get up during the night to pee anymore. Not a single time. * Finally, I'm just a lot less stressed at 100 pounds less than I used to weigh than I used to be. I fall asleep easier and generally sleep better throughout the night. However, one thing I have NOT conquered that still messes with my sleep is to deal with the damned cat who always wants out when I'm sleeping soundly; I then have trouble getting back to sleep. I think the cat and I are going to have a serious discussion. I think he's going to have to spend the whole night outside from now on. Thanks for making me focus on this a little better. The cat won't appreciate it, but I do.

Thanks for that information. I'm hoping I miss the insomnia because one thing I couldn't live without is constant coffee throughout the day and night. Menopause is something I Guess I will bring up at my 3 year appointment with my surgeon. What I can expect and what I can do to minimise any weight gain. Better to be prepared I think. That's one think I can add to my list of things I am great full to the sleeve for I am now so Organised and always planning ahead. So different from my previous lifestyle. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have PCOS and it was the reason for my weight gain, I tried everything including eating air and I still couldn't lose weight, I am coming In to my ninth month post surgery and I am 4 kilos to goal weight yay, I still don't get my period though only had it once since surgery, but planning on baby number two hopefully it doesn't take 7 years to fall this time with the added help of the weight loss. Lilly

lovegrapes.. way to go! and have fun! AND everyone.. I found something and I wanted to share.. I have been trying different ways to get the water in and I am sick to death of crystal light.. I am not a good fake sugar person and after awhile it burns the back of my throat and taste nasty..plus the fact that its bad for you... and I dont want to drink things with extra calories I dont need.. so I found something that might be help if you are like me.. its a herbal tea that tastes sweet and has NO SUGAR.. it has nothing artificial in it and I got it at my grocery store.. it can be made hot or like ice tea and its very flavorful.. its sweet tasting and I have checked the box several times and there is no sweetner in it.. its by Good Earth and its the sweet and spicy herbal tea... here is a link if you want to get an idea of what it looks like.. I know the package has changed several times.. but it gives you an idea Good Earth Original Sweet & Spicy Tea & Herb Blend -- 18 Tea Bags - www.Vitacost.com anyways.. its a little spicy too.. its helping me get my liquids in. and it tastes really good. thought I would share.. still really discouraged at the moment.. dont really want to do anything.. i feel like if I have good restriction and its not helping.. what will.. I know I need to just keep going.. that weight gain is really messing with my head..:bored:

I'm a guy about an hour northeast of DFW.Commerce Tx.Feel free to lean on me a bit.Ive had my 10cc realize band for about 2years.I lost a lot of weight for the first year.Then in January of 2012 I had a fill to 6.5.I was complacent up to fri October 12.Then I went in for another fill.im sitting on 7.5cc right now.I do work out and I lift heavy.So I don't know if my weight gain could be attributed to that.I feel good and my friends say I still look good or even better.So this has been my life changer and story.I think this last fill will hopefully put in my sweet spot.By no means am I an authority on this.Still practicing to get it right

....and WTH?!?!? i totally forgot about the weight gain after surgery (fluid i guess, plus air) i almost had a fricken heart attack when i got on the scale this morning!!!!!

I am currently in the same situation and I feel like my ship is sinking fast... I was banded December 7th 2009, and I have lost about 8 pounds since then! I am up to 9cc's in an 11'cc band and I can still eat bread, have never had anything get "stuck", never slimed or PB'd or anything that lets me know I am in band land. I can not eat quite as much as I used to pre-band, but I can eat ALL the same foods. I had taken up walking 3 miles a day 3-4 times a week and I did this for a month thining that would give me a "boost" and when I went to the doctor last month - again - NOTHING. I don't have any motivation and I am starting to regret putting my body through this for it not to work. I have ugly scars in my stomach from this operation and only 8 pounds to show for it. I didn't tell many of my friends or family about having surgery, but those that I told didn't think I "needed" it and now that I'm six months out and still look the same, all I am getting is "I told you so's"... I did my research and I thought I was making the best choice for me to FINALLY get a hold of my weight gain and after being initally denied by my insurance, when my appeal got approved I was rejoicing!! I thought this was it and all the years of battling my bulge would soon be behind me as me and my band tackled the never ending world of food... NOT so much. I am torn between going for my appointment next week and just saying "to hell with it" and not going back at all anymore. The doctor has already told me that I am the only patient he has ever had that has had this much fluid in their band and still not be fully restricted. ~sighs~ :thumbup:

Indeed she is -- and I never comment on her continuous weight gain

Ok I've been reading this thread for days. Round and round we go. This is my personal experience with carbonated beverages post sleeve. It is not to be construed as advice one way or another. Just one person's take on this subject. I drank a few sips of Dr Pepper about a week post op. Only 3 or 4 small sips because the carbonation made me feel like I'd explode. Nothing bad happened. I drank a little of it here and there, never could manage more than a few small drinks but I certainly had some any time I wanted it. Nothing bad happened. At 3 years out I will sometimes get a small Coke or whatever at 7-11 if I want one. I can drink the small size but it takes a while due to the carbonation making me feel like a big balloon. I prefer Slurpees. I can drink a small one in about 30 minutes and it satisfies any urge I have to drink Cokes. I have one or 2 each week ( ok maybe 3 sometimes) and they are delicious. Again, nothing bad happened. My sleeve works great, it sure as heck hasn't stretched, and I do not have a problem with gaining weight. If I gain a pound or 2 occasionally I just cut out the candy and slurpees for a few days and the pounds fall off. I eat what I want, drink what I want, and have done so since week 2 post op. I'm healthy, have a fully functioning sleeve, and am doing very well. No stretching of the sleeve, no uncontrollable weight gain, no adverse consequence.