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I am new here, too. I am planning on having surgery in July or August, too, but Dr. Illan in Tijuana. The sooner the better but I am having difficulty scheduling around six family weddings this summer. SIX?! I have told my husband, my mother, my oldest daughter, a very good friend from high school who had RNY in December of 2015 and actually her progress was a factor in my decision and a very close friend. I maintained my weight at the high end of normal (but I'm also VERY muscular always ranking in the 95th percentile for muscle by age and gender) throughout all three pregnancies and into my late 30's, but I've always had to work at it, at least since high school. But job and lifestyle changes contributed to my packing on 10 lbs per year from 2004 to 2012. My highest weight has been 240 and I've hit that 3 times, but I'm usually around 220. But I have to eat lean protein, veggies one serving of fruit and nearly no grain at all to maintain that. Going below to my lowest weight since I started losing the battle, 207, requires nearly a full time commitment of measuring everything I consume and hellish amounts of exercise. Anyone who knows me knows I HAVE tried. I don't have the comorbitities - yet- but I'm pretty sure that's just a matter of time if I don't get this weight off. My husband has never complained about my weight gain, but I'm sure he's not happy about it. He weighs within a few pounds of what he weighed when we got married in 1989. He just said that if this surgery will make me happier then he's in full support although he's less than enthusiastic about possible moodiness and hair loss, but still willing to take it in stride and with humor. My mom, whose going to accompany me, is very supportive. I get my ridiculously efficient metabolism from her. She spent a good portion of the 60's and 70's eating no more than 700 calories a day just to maintain her size 6 figure. Of course a size 6 then was waaaay smaller than a modern size 6. She and I are both convinced that the malabsorbtion is necessary for massive weight loss with my genetics. My oldest daughter was also supportive and realizes that I've been putting in a lot of effort with very little to show for it for years. I wasn't really even ready to tell my adult children, though I will tell the other two. But she's pregnant with her first baby and I'm so concerned that she's started down the road to obesity, eating burgers, fries and ice cream in the first trimester. I wanted her to keep in mind the possible consequences of relaxing her guard so much. Telling my high school friend was probably a big mistake if I don't want my WLS to be common knowledge, at least in my hometown of 5500 people. I didn't tell her not to mention it, and she's at the center of pretty much every civic group and charity in the area. And she mentioned two other classmates who are planning WLS this year, too. Not to be gossipy, but to make me feel better about my own struggle....I don't really plan on keeping it a state secret, but I also wish I hadn't mentioned it. I don't know why I care, but I do. My other friend was also supportive. But I almost wish I hadn't told her. She was in a very bad car accident a few years ago and gained a lot of weight during her recovery. She's still not well but has lost nearly 80 lbs mostly because she can't keep her food down but also with some help from Metformin. Unfortunately, that 80 lbs. puts her current weight roughly equal to mine; similar numbers but she's 2 inches taller and I am much more muscular. After I told her, she was very supportive because that's the kind of person she is. But I wonder if I sent the message that 220-230 is just not good enough. And 220 is pretty impressive compared to 300 in one year without any surgery. I feel badly about that! I don't want to tell my sister but that's not something I'd keep from her either. She's thinner than I am, naturally, and that's always kind of been her thing. Not that we're competitive, but really that's the one part of life where she's had it easier than me. My husband, finances, kids, etc. have always been drama-free. Her's haven't. My other person I would LIKE to tell I can't really have a deep discussion with right now. Oddly, my high school boyfriend is one of my very best friends. My husband is fine with that and knows he has nothing to worry about, but my friend has recently met someone and it's looking pretty serious so far. Most people are not nearly as confident and trusting as my husband, so I tend to stay far more distant until his relationships are more established. But I'm truly feeling the loss at the moment. As far as your age, all I can contribute is that I'm sorry I've spent the last decade of my life dodging cameras and not being comfortable in my own skin. Congratulations on figuring out this is for you now! Sorry I lack brevity!

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I had my bat wings, moobs, and tummy tuck all in one go. I'm now 19 days post-op. I had 6 JP drains. The 2 in my arms and the 2 in my chest came out after a week. The 5th one in my groin got clogged somewhere around 2 weeks, so it was removed. The last one is still draining about 85cc / day of a slightly yellow, mostly clear liquid, so I really doubt it'll come out at today's visit. The day after surgery, they tried to stand me up. I passed out, probably because of low blood volume. Because of that, I spent a total of 3 days in the hospital, but by the end I was doing laps around the nurses' station. I had a button for pain meds & an IV antibiotic while I was in the hospital, plus Norco (hydrocodone + tylenol 5-325). A Norco every 4 hours actually worked better for me than the button, and that's exactly what my doctor prescribed for me to use at home. I also tried 500mg tylenol to see if I could get off the harder stuff sooner, but nope. I went from Norco every 4-6 hours down to just a Norco at night, down to nothing. I've been off all pain meds since day 15. The scale numbers are just plain depressing with all the fluids (and probably weight gain from being out of the gym),. My shirt size is now a men's medium! I was somewhere between a large / XL. I started working from home at day 14. I'll start going back in to the office on a regular basis once this last drain is out. Here's some tips I learned: You need lanyards for the JP drains. The nurses will pin them to your hospital gown, but once you start showering, that does you no good. Amazon sells a box of 25 for under $10. Use Glad Cling-wrap once you've only have a drain or two to keep dry but have otherwise healed up enough to shower. Don't be afraid to cut a hole in the butt of your compression garment for #2. My particular compression garment looks like a men's one-piece swimsuit from the 1920s. It has clasps and a zipper down the front. It also has a hole in the front for #1, but no flap in the back for #2. Especially with drains in your arms, it'll be hard to get in and out of the garment to use the toilet. The compression garment I got tended to roll up my thigh and cut off the flow, so my thighs collected a lot of fluid. A bed wedge or pillow + workout tights under the garment worked wonders for this. I wish I had a tip for getting rid of the glue from all the bandages. Nothing worked. I tried water, soap, ice, oil, and rubbing alcohol. I had to scrape it off with my fingernail.

First time poster, long time lurker A bit about myself, I was sleeved in 2014 at 136kg and manged to get down to 96kg before finally falling pregnant [yay!]. Now I am 1 year postpartum and my weight is rapidly spiraling out of control again The head hunger and being home all day with bubs is my biggest problem, I graze ALL day on sugary quick grab foods. Having a little one I find myself tired and am seriously lacking motivation with jumping on the weight loss band wagon as my son is my first priority. I've always had a larger sleeve than most and was able to eat half a sandwich, now after being pregnant I can eat a whole sandwich no worries. Being pregnant was my downfall when it came to the weight gain as I was hypoglycemic and had to eat every hour, plus bubs was draining me of everything which is why I was constantly hungry and I simply cannot break that habit now. I don't believe I have stretched my stomach but I like to hear from other sleevers that have a similar story to myself and that can reassure me that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I liked the idea of dumping too, but it really doesn't happen for me. I can overeat (slightly, I still have a pouch after all!) sugar and carbs, and while I don't feel great, I wouldn't call it dumping. But I'm not that disappointed, although I do need to be more responsible for my eating now that I'm two weeks away from being two years out. It can be a struggle, but when I get back to basics, it's much easier! I have to be honest and say I have been far from perfect and even had weight gain. I'm learning a lot more about why I eat, things I'd never considered before. I admit this is something I've been working on for 30+ years but hey, I'm a slow learner!! And yes, I know I should have done that pre surgery, but I thought I had. Then I had to go back to work after a year of not working (nine months after surgery, and at my goal weight) and it took me a year of being back at work to realize how the compulsive urge to binge is directly related to work stress. Stick with the basics for as long as you can, and if you ever stray or have regain, just get back to basics again. Most importantly, no liquids with meals or 30 minutes before or after (or at least 15 minutes), meet your protein and liquid goals (whatever yours may be) and eat your protein first. That's the rest of your life. I might not be the right person to answer this because I'm still taking two steps forward, one step back getting back on track, but I do know the rules, even if I don't always follow them!! Bottom line? You absolutely have to change the way you eat for the rest of your life. I wouldn't recommend following my path but if you do, don't beat yourself up. Just pick yourself up, and get back to basics asap. And stay plugged in to groups. Socialize with other bariatric patients, in all stages of the journey. You can do this!!

I thought that sounded a little familiar, so I pulled out my paperwork I got from the patient education seminar and saw a slide that read this: We expect weight loss prior to surgery Even a few pounds (5-10) can make a difference - Liver Do not gain weight May cx (cancel) surgery if there is weight gain ... So yeah, I need to be extra mindful about that.

I was so obsessed with weight loss that it consumed my life till the point of me purging everything I ate, unfortunately in the long run I had to get my bad removed. I am still obsessed with weight gain I was down to 103 pounds and I still thought I was fat. My family and friends kept telling me how sick I looked but I just didn't see it. I am now almost 4 months out without band and been so depressed with weight gain. I'm at 115 to 118 and I feel like a slob. I do everything in my power not to eat anything but the weight is still there. I don't know if I'll ever be happy with myself but I pray to God some day I could look in the mirror and say I love myself no matter what, I have a husband of 26+ Yes and 3boys and I should be happy they love me know matter what. What in the hell is wrong with me. 😥😥😥

My stomach is round too!! I was upset the other day because I got on the scale and I was up almost 10 pounds from the day of surgery. I haven't eaten a darn thing and haven't had enough calories to justify the weight gain. Others on here have said retaining fluid is normal so I haven't freaked out too bad. It's scary going in for WLS and within a week weighing more... I'm looking forward to the puréed stage of food. Can't wait for applesauce!! and cream of chicken soup!!

I too have the same issue and it was right about the same year. Of course the eating was snacking on things that weren't good for me and thus the weight gain came. I don't think it is conscious until after you grab the snack or food. I would wake up repeatedly during the nights, so I thought well I will stop buying snacks and so therefore the issue will go away. It did for awhile after I cut out all sweets and breads. But, over the years I went back to buying sweets, but in less moderation. It is psychological, because its like my mind or body know there is something in the kitchen to snack on; not sure which. Nevertheless, it has plagued me for so many years, then the last 2 years my body failed me. I was constantly tired, to the point of being physically drained. I stopped wanting to do things. I wanted to sleep late everyday and would hit the snooze button, because I was just too tired to get out of bed. I had to force myself to do things. It was very debilitating. At that point I knew something was wrong, this isn't right and I shouldn't feel like this. I decided to see a weight loss doctor, because I attributed my issues to my weight. My doctor did every test there is to give a person. I found out that my Iron, Vitamin D3 and testostorone was low. Who, would have thought low testostorone, because we attribute it to sex. So my doctor I prescribed me testostorone medication and I researched it and thought ok I have most of those symptoms. I was also put on bupropion, naltrexone and phentermine compound, which helped tremendously. I researched those as well and thought why would she prescribe this to me. I was hesitant, but gave in and told myself to trust my doctor. I thought wow I have found my cure after all these years. I had NO cravings for junk, but most of all I slept all the way through the night. I got approved for my surgery, got laxed and started back buying and eating junk food. Now the medication is no longer as effective, because my mind and body has taken back control even over the medication. I say this to say after this looooong message, that it is psychological and medication is not the cure, although, it is an aide or maybe I failed me, because I became laxed. One thing I have learned is that discipline is the key to success. I have a sleep study scheduled for May 17th and hope that once done I can get to the root of the issue, without the medication.

I am a grazer so I never ate huge portions. I actually envy non grazers because it's more dangerous (weight gain wise). I wish I ate big meals although now that I'm reading this it's clear we all have a cross to bear. My NUT told me that nearly everyone has a moment of regret but she also said in nearly everyone it passes and they move to elation. I hope that's what happens for you. 9 days till surgery for me. I'm having all kinds of nerves.

Why did you increase your carbs? Glycogen in your liver and cells, creating water weight after coming off low carbing. That is your weight gain right there. Increase your protein and try to keep your carbs at 25, max 50. That is pretty easy to do. Meat and green veggies, that is all you should be eating, and the odd protein shake if you are running low on protein for the day.

So I have Highmark BCBS and I have completed everything and had my pre-op appt with my surgeon this pat Monday 5/08/17. She said they would be submitting everything to my insurance for approval. Today is Friday and I found out surgical coordinator has been out sick all week (God bless her soul) but the wait is killing me. I'm so anxious and worried I may not get approved. Patient Selection Criteria for Adults The patient is morbidly obese and is at least 18 years of age. Morbid obesity is defined as a condition of consistent and uncontrollable weight gain that is characterized by a weight which is at least 100 lbs. or 100% over ideal weight or a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 with ANY ONE or more of the following comorbidities: Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite concurrent use of 3 anti-hypertensive agents of different classes); or Cardiovascular heart disease (with objective documentation by exercise stress test, radionuclide stress test, pharmacologic stress test, stress echocardiography, CT angiography, coronary angiography, heart failure or prior myocardial infarction); or Hyperlipidemia; or Diabetes mellitus type II; or Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); or Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS); or Pickwickian syndrome ( a combination of OSA and OHS); or Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); or Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Patients should have documented failure to respond to conservative measures for weight reduction prior to consideration of bariatric surgery, and these attempts should be reviewed by the practitioner prior to seeking approval for the surgical procedure. As a result, some centers require active participation in a formal weight reduction program that includes frequent documentation of weight, dietary regimen, and exercise. However, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal timing, intensity and duration of nonsurgical attempts at weight loss, and whether a medical weight loss program immediately preceding surgery improves outcomes. The patient must complete a psychological evaluation performed by a licensed mental health care professional and be recommended for bariatric surgery. The patient's medical record documentation should indicate that all psychosocial issues have been identified and addressed; and Patient selection is a critical process requiring psychiatric evaluation and a multidisciplinary team approach. The member's understanding of the procedure and ability to participate and comply with life-long follow-up and the life-style changes (e.g., changes in dietary habits, and beginning an exercise program) are necessary to the success of the procedure. If the patient does not meet ALL of the patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery, the procedure will be denied as not medically necessary. Procedure Codes 43644, 43770, 43775, 43843, 43845, 43846

I has the sleeve in Sept 2015, its been 1 year 8 months and I was maintaining for a while. I noticed my weight at 155lbs last June to April this year 139.4lbs. I weighed my self today and I am 143.0lbs.. that is the 1st time I have seen a weight gain and it makes me nervous, I know its only 4lbs but just seeing the weight go up is freaking me out.... I need to get back down and I know I have been eating not all the healthy lately due to being busy. I have fell off track for the last year or so.. what I do : I eat anything I want or crave just not big amounts I eat protein 1st all the time carbs last I eat every 3 to 4 hours depending on what I eat, sometimes every 2hrs. I can only no matter how hard I try drink 36oz of water, during the week 16oz of coffee and here and there 20 oz of life water. I have been super tired I take vit d, b12 complex, b 12 sublingual, a hair and nail collagen pill and estroven. I drink socially( always with people I trust) I never have problems. I do not have a exercise routine nor a gym membership, just do squats and walk and punches. I do have a sweet tooth nibble here and there but not whole candy bars or anything. Please no rude comments this is for support and I know no one is perfect. I knew this day would come and it could be just because I am older and in menopause. But 4lbs to me is 100 Thanks

I am so dissapointed with myself. It has been a rough year for me and I have returned to seek comfort food. As a result, I have gained 10lbs back.

Because of how rapid my weight gain was, I was in the fortunate (if one can call it that) position of having a lot of new clothes (in one US visit went on a small spree of like $3,000) that suddenly were too small for me. Instead of throwing them out or donating them I kept them stored away until I lost weight again (whenever that would be). I remember even 50x32's were way too tight on me only a couple months ago, now I fit in 40x32 and 42x32 pants with some extra room to spare (a couple need belts). Added like 15-20 (all hardly worn) pairs of shorts back to my dresser, 15 pairs of pants, 30 pairs of boxers, and 20 t-shirts.. so f**king stoked.

I am sure we have all realized that the sleeve is only in the stomach and not in the brain. I had my surgery in February of 2015 at 23. I was so focused on getting back to "normal" that I pretty much left my program behind. I am so lucky that I did not stretch my sleeve back out or irreparably gain weight. I was eating more often than was needed and not tracking anything. I had a wake up call with a 15 pound gain, after getting within 10 pounds of goal weight (which I never did reach). I experienced the nightmare of once again not fitting in my clothes, something I prayed to avoid at all costs post-op! I discovered after getting back to basics and tracking what I ate that the issue was that while I ate often, I was not getting nearly enough calories which resulted in my weight gain! Some people are not aware that this can be an issue! If you have stopped tracking or have started deviating from your program it is never too late to get back on. Always be honest with yourself! Changing your lifestyle is hard! You have to believe it is the right thing for your life! The doctor modified your stomach but YOU have to modify your brain.

I was sleeved 4/17/17 and, after a 10 day stall w/ walking 2-3 miles per day for the last 2 weeks, the scale finally moved today. Do not be disappointed as your body is just trying to catch up w/ the trauma it just endured. It will get better as your body heals, you will see the loss reflected on the scale. Rejoice in the non scale victories. A thinner face, looser pants and being able to resist temptation, as hard as THAT can be sometimes! I think when people ask "how much have you lost so far", I might just reply w/ "enough" as the change I see does not match the # reflected on the scale. Besides, I can't expect to lose 30 years of weight gain in less than one month. I know they are just curious but ask me in a year and I will give them a #. You will get there, just give it some time to work.

Hi! I had my sleeve done 3/27 and initially lost 30 ponds in 4 weeks. YAY! Then I didn't lose anything and now I've gained a few pounds. It's possible that I'm PMS'ing but I'm SO sad/frustrated. I've been very vigilant w/what I'm eating and trying to exercise. I've had a few complications since the surgery including getting a kidney infection and getting put back into the hospital. I haven't been going to the bathroom which worries me. My dietician at my hospital is not very helpful and just wants me to see someone else. It's quite upsetting because I really want this to work. My drs are aware of all of this but man is is this frustrating. I did drink one day but only vodka/water and am freaked that I ruined this. I don't feel like I really know who to talk to about this with because I'm feeling like it's not working now w/the stall/weight gain SO early on. Help! Height: 5'10" Surgery Weight: 264 Current Weight: 237 Goal Weight: 160

My requirements, between insurance and the surgical center: 5 Year weight history from PMD 6 month supervised diet Enrollment in the insurance bariatric program - basically had to schedule two phone calls with an insurance nurse and answer all the questions Psych Eval Sleep Study EGD Labs 3 Nutrition Classes with one more pre-surgery 2 Support Group/Education meetings 3 visits with surgeon No weight gain after starting the program, preferably weight loss The requirements were a real hassle, but in retrospect, necessary to ensure that I was ready to make the commitments needed post surgery. I have learned a lot, and I go into this surgery knowing that it will be a lifelong commitment and change is needed to be successful. The classes really motivated me to make changes in my diet and start exercising again, so while I wished the whole time that it was an easier process, I'm glad in that I feel very prepared for what I have to do.

So I'm not off the rails by any means, but struggling to get even a few lbs off. I'm 2 yrs & 8 months post VSG. And 4 months post LBL. Up until my LBL I'd consistently maintained a 130 lbs weight loss. Maintaining that loss was not without effort. My diet in check, track everything I eat, exercise 6 days a week. Immediately after LBL I feel like a switch got flipped. My weight bounced around a bit with the expected weight loss with my skin removal (which was minor as it truly was just skin being removed) and then the expected gain with swelling and of course lack of activity while I recovered. Nothing that concerned me. But now I'm up 7 lbs and I can't seem to shake it. I've locked down my eating, increased my water intake, I've been back to previous amount of cardio for over two months, I'm keeping a tight control on sugar and carbs which is much harder these days, getting in all my protein and still the scale isn't moving. It's like my body is intent on holding onto the extra weight. What gives!!!! I feel like if my calorie intake goes above 1,000 a day, I gain weight which is crazy. I was able to maintain eating 1200-1400 a day before. I know it's just 7 lbs, but 7 becomes 10. And fear of returning to old habits and regaining weight is always top of mind with me. I'm sure I'm not alone. Hoping this is just part of the recovery.

I have PCOS I found out after I had the mirena taken out and I just wasnt getting my period, the weight gain was crazy, a beard on my chin and acne like I was a teen uggh I hope the sleeve helps with some of these symptoms... Sent from my SM-G900P using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone, I'm a 21 year old considering the sleeve. I've struggled with weight loss since I got my period. I went from being quite slim to gaining weight rapidly in a year, and haven't been able to lose any since, gradually gaining. I am currently at 76kg (168 lb), 159cm tall. I did find out I had PCOS when I was around 17, which explained my sudden weight gain after getting my period. I have had high cholesterol since I was 19, and have been on simvastatin 20mg since. Recently I started noticing my fasting glucose was getting a bit higher each time, up to 6.8 (122) fasting one morning, although mostly around 5-6 (90-110). I am also on metformin for my PCOS. Diabetes runs in my family, my mum, dad, uncle, grandma etc. all have it, with my mum recently becoming completely insulin dependent (previously T2). Although my BMI is low, around 30-31, as I am of asian descent, the BMI cut-off is lower too. I'm really considering doing this early, so I can prevent all these co-morbidities occurring later in my life. It's frustrating, I am technically "not heavy enough" but those who are are probably healthier than me. Has anyone my age/bmi had this surgery?

I am dealing with something similar. I have a lady who seems determined to make me feel deeply flawed for gaining 100 lbs since my last child. Apparently she thinks my weight gain is caused by my childhood. She sent me to be evaluated for an eating disorder and the institute staff said I didn't meet the criteria. Apparently, this lady disagrees with the leading eating disorder institute in our metro area... the same one she sent me to! I have had my personal therapist (seen her weekly for 3 years) submit a letter at this women's request. That's not good enough either. I have had the inital consult, plus 2 appointments with her, plus the mmpi, then the mmpi results meeting where she said it was inconclusive (which I know 80% end up inconclusive b/c she told me), and now she wants to meet for 30 mins in May and 1 hour in June. WTF! I feel your pain. I have done everything else since January and this women (desribed by me as about 110 lbs wearing 4 inch heels everyday - bugs me but not sure why... lol) seems bent on stalling by making up "what if's" every time we talk. I even called my insurance company thinking she was just trying to charge up as much as she could as she's contracted by the surgery clinic. Ugh! Rant over! Hope you have better luck.

Do you have kids? They said it is easier if you do so was curious... I was suppose to get the skyla this past Tuesday but as I stated before I couldn't don't know if it was because my period was here or of the medicine they gave me to soften my cervix but I couldn't do it. Yes! I was beyond scared but days passing I have been thinking about weight gain on pills and other complications that may occur. And I'm hitting the gym tonight [emoji1491](period slowing down)

I will reiterate that two slices of pizza does not result in 5 pounds of fat gain. To gain 5 pounds of body fat, one would need to consume and store 17,500 calories as adipose tissue. Two fully loaded slices of pizza on a hand-tossed or deep dish crust contains 800 to 1,000 calories at the most, depending on the toppings. Your 5-pound pre-op weight gain was almost assuredly all water weight due to the high carbohydrate content of the pizza. And yes, it takes a while for some people to lose the bloat and water weight gain, especially if they do not engage in vigorous physical activity to use up those water-heavy glycogen stores.