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My good friends who have always seen me for me and not focused on my weight gains ( pre-surgery) or weight loss. I did tell them about my surgery.....

@Stevehud This is true! I still love mine, and don't want to lose them LOL! I have had them since I was in grade school, they are part of me... I agree with whoever said that if they have always been pretty big that you will lose less of them. Mine were large at a normal weight from normal breast tissue/fat, but kept getting bigger in proportion to my weight gain. When I lost to goal with the band they went back to my pre-gain size, but not as perky.

My BMI was 35 when I got mine done 4/16. I was also self-pay. In the 6 days since, I have lost 15 lbs (207-192). It will probably slow soon (and stall out for a while around week 3), but I already feel so much lighter. I am really glad I got it done now and did not wait until my BMI was 40+. I have been fighting weight gain my entire life and since I turned 40 I was losing the battle. I have no doubt I would have gotten there.

If you want to be generic about it (and nothing about the Lap Band seems generic in the slightest) - I would say between 1000 to 1200 calories a day, and at least 60g of protein a day. Those are the numbers I've read the most. Of course, you can't eat all 60g of protein at once - your body can only use 20-25g at a time, so you have to break it up into 3 different meals. And as far as calories go, by changing your calorie intake every other day (by no more than 200cals/day) you are keeping your body from getting used to anything, thus keeping up your metabolism and assisting your weight gain. Now, I've got no concrete evidence about this one - but I've read several on this site who say that works for them. Along with exercise, of course. They say 900cal one day, 1000cal the next, then maybe 1200cal, then back to 1000cal, then up to 1100cal, etc etc.

Wow, it took me a few days to figure out how to get back into this forum. I'm grateful for the many comments on here. It's gives me hope. I heard the wrong things early in my glory days of weight dropping off. " if you are able to keep the weight off 3 years you will not have any problems ". Unfortunately I took it to heart and allowed myself to eat whatever I wanted. My weight did go up and down some about 10lbs. I worked full time at a physical job and exercised my days off. I hit 40, job change, weight gain. Found out about disabilitys more weight gain. Lost our home in a house fire, more weight gain. I have always known I'm a sugar addict. Most of the time Doctors and professionals laughed like I'm Kidding. I wish, but notice they don't laugh at alcoholism or drug addiction. So long story short I lost my job, home, had a scary gun accident that left me with PTSD and 75lbs of extra fat. I'm feeling depressed beyond understanding to most. Sugar feels like my only comfort in life. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I take this mainly because I need the Wellbutrin part of it, but am terrified of taking a depression/anxiety medication on its own because of potential weigh gain side effects. My doctor thought this would be a good fit because I would still get the wellbutrin benefit without having to worry about weight gain. So far so good and I was able to lose the last 10 pounds I wanted to get off.

I totally relate to the frustration of stalls and even periods of weight gain that this graph shows. I found something that helped me deal with it the last time I was losing weight. There’s an app called a Happy Scale that uses statistical averaging to show you what your weight loss would be if you factored out the bloated days, etc. It gives you a smooth curve on the graph. It helped me a lot.

I live on the scale. I probably get my 10k steps by walking back and forth from my living room to my scale hehe. I also log every bite I put in my mouth and every sip that I take, every minute I exercise. For me, it's all about accountability. I try not to let the temporary water gain freak me out. If I'm taking in 1000 calories a day of clean food and exercising an hour a day, logically I know the weight gain is either muscle or water. I have to do this (everyone is different), or I'll find myself near 300 lbs. again. It's the only thing that works with me. It's my way of ninja. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

What has helped me the most with my menstrual pain is going on norethindrone. It's a progestin only birth control pill. It tends to have less negative side effects like weight gain but isn't as effective at preventing pregnancy than the regular pill. If you can tolerate them there are also hormonal IUDs that use progestin only.

I've been on a variety of antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds for 20 years and if I go off one for some reason or another I have terrible withdrawal symptoms unless I'm switching to another drug at the same time. I don't really feel dizzy but feel like there are weird "brain sparks" going on in my head which is very uncomfortable and hard to describe to someone whose never had them before. I'm still trying to get my drugs straight since my conversion to RNY and now take my Cymbalta at a lower dose but twice a day and that seems to be working. I belive it's considered one of the drugs that would cause the least amount of weight gain but that didn't help me when I was on the band. Wish everyone luck with their situations as it's not always easy to deal with, take care Nancy.

I think you had a unique situation because you needed to get off a drug because of bad side effects and having withdrawal symptoms that were not helped with the paxil. I've been on both drugs and have had good results with both. Of course one size does not fit all. I've totally gone off my meds before to go on Meridia and I remember how uncomforable the withdrawal phase was and then the un-med phase was just as bad or worse. Dizzy is one way to describe it although it's a different kind of dizzy. I also got what I call "brain sparks" which happened over a course of a couple of weeks and that is really awful. Even today if I miss a dose by 12 hours I'll get them, it's a little reminder of sorts I suppose. Recently I was researching on line because I was having those "brain sparks" and found all sorts of blogs from people describing issues they had going off effexor, so that must be one of those drugs that a lot of people have had probs with during withdrawal. Now a days if I'm going off an antidepressant I'm usually switching so depending on which drugs they are it can be done at the same time, lower dose of the first drug and adding the new one. My doctor usually informs me of the proper way to do it and I usually have no probs. I'm kind of surprised that a doctor wouldn't know about side effects on withdrawals from these types of meds. I have been on those "zombie" type drugs but mainly they were anti-anxiety types. Forgive me if I ask or re-ask if you're seeing a psych doctor or a regular doctor. Have you been diagnosed with something in particular? I think sometimes a lot of people don't like taking these types of drugs because they don't like the feeling like they're losing control of themselves. When I was first seeing my psych I believe I was crying at almost every visit in the beginning, my emotions were running rampant and I also had a very agitated side that was not good. Once she put me on my first antidepressant, sorry don't remember the name as it was a long time ago, those tears dried up and the lashing outs, diarrhea (yes that too) and the vulnerable feelings I was having disappeared. It's not to say that I don't ever cry but I cry when I'm supposed to, not all day long! I admit the loss of sex drive, plus I'm perimenopausal so could also contribute and weight gain are things that do bother me but I could not live without my meds anymore. Your doctor has to find the right diagnosis for you and the right combo of therapy and meds and of course the right combo of meds. Some people being misdiagnosed can be a problem, for example people who are bipolar and put on antidepressants. Not all bipolar people are alike. You typically think of manic highs and lows but some never have the highs only the lows so it can be tricky and if they're put on antidepressants it's not going to help and could do harm. Plus it takes awhile for you to get the full effects of the drug once you start. I went from Cymbalta to Pristiq but they are very similar in drug class and I've had the Cymbalta in my system for years but when you start it's a different situation. For some people they may have a bad reaction and need to stop like you did on effexor but there's no reason not to try another one. Some people do feel good right away and some it may take awhile. Anyway my big mouth has rambled on enough, lol. But I do hope you can find the right help for yourself and the right med that will help you feel better soon, nanook:smile:

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

We were both banded about the same time (I was the 28th of May) and I understand how you feel. I think what you are going through is a major adjustment to a different life, but it can be an awesome life! This is part of bandster hell, the period between surgery where you are healing before your first fill, where it is impossible to follow all the rules. Dont let it get you down, this will get better and once you have your first fill you should start seeing more results. As for weight gain we are all going up and down as we heal, some days water weight some days a bit too many calories, but it is a learning experience and once you get it figured out you will be stronger. Hang in there you are doing great.

Hey kkelly what did your gyno say about your bc. Idk what I'm gonna do. Can't take the pill anymore after surgery. I've tried the ring hated it. Can't get the shot cuz it causes weight gain. I can't get my tubes tied cuz I work for a catholic hosp and they won't pay for it and I can't afford it help!!

Mari3997, Pre-op diet will definitely help you and helps get "your head" into the right place for your new fabulous healthy life. Support system? I have no one. My husband tried to talk me out of it, NOPE! My body, my life, I make my own decisions...autonomy. Find support groups here, Facebook, IG, etc, research youtube videos on bariatric surgeries. Some FEAR is normal but still wasted energy and can become crippling. Find a way to reduce fear to a reasonable concern. I responded to another post with this...it might help you, I hope so, just do it. Definitely do it! At 71, 100lbs overweight, in pain constantly, both knees destroyed by arthritis, peripheral neuropathy in both feet with hot burning pins and needles when standing and walking, back pain. My journey started in orthopedics with knees, steroid injections, worked well most of the time, but didn't stop the occasional fall [3 to 4 times a year]. I knew sooner or later something would break. I would have had knee replacement sooner except for covid & elective surgeries were cancelled for two years [socialized medicine ***] weight gain, but developed hypertension. Researched weight loss thru ***, and because I had obstructive sleep apnea, I would qualify, and found this bariatric surgery should be first before the knees. I researched, attended classes, youtube videos, surgeons, after care, supplements etc. I wanted the Roux-N-Y but at my age surgeon said no, VSG. The surgeon recommended to me, is EXTREMELY strict and no BS kind of guy, he canceled my first surgery date because he didn't like something I did, so I really buckled down to his protocol. I knew I would have nausea and vomiting from anesthesia so I told EVERYONE, to give me whatever so this didn't happen. Well...it happened, no medication, and postop recovery the uncontrollable violent projectile dry heaves started, nurse good, gave IV Zofran, the IV Reglan and within a few minutes it stopped, but it was bad. I went home the next day. I had all my foods for week two, supplements etc. I am keeping up with supplements and fluids but not hungry. Dr said eat 1/4 cup every 2-3 hours otherwise your body will try to hold on to everything and the metabolism shifts. I'm going to add the vitamin patches from Bariatric Pal to my daily regimen of chews and capsules, [ I am very fatigued] for a while and see how this works. I use Mira Lax/:axa Clear equivalent in my morning water bottle and use a stool softener at night. Find whatever works for you, the stool softeners alone did not work for me. Trying to find my new normal, I knew it would be a process. I have NO regrets, and would tell anyone considering surgery to 'go for it' and FOLLOW directions strictly. Once I pass the phase of full liquids and get into pureed foods it will be another advancement. During surgery found a hiatal hernia and did the repair. Who Knew?! I didn't, glad it's done. My significant weight loss will help me in recovery for total knee replacement. I'm looking forward to repairing the rest of my body in my older age. Best wishes to you. Surgery May 15. 

How long before you were able to kick BP Meds to the curb? I have been on them about 10 years and have had some really low readings at times since surgery. I also suspect they create a little weight gain. Looking forward to being off these in the near future!

I just have to "weigh" in. This is based on no real knowledge, training or education. (That's my legal disclaimer:)). What I have a problem with is people complaining about "only" losing X amount of weight. We had WLS, not quadruple limb amputations, or a magical procedure. While 100 pounds in 4 months would be awesome, and I have read of a few who have done it, I just don't think it's realistic for most people. If we could just pour off the weight at lightning speed, none of us would be here. Our species would be extinct. A few bad winters in the past and our ancestors would have all promptly starved to death. Our bodies are amazingly and awesomely designed to keep us alive, through feast and famine. For most of us, this is the first famine we are experiencing and our bodies are responding beautifully, and as designed. Some people lose weight at a steady rate. Some drop a good amount rapidly, then "plateau", like stairs. Neither is better or worse. I think everyone needs to take a deep breath and GIVE YOUR SELF A BREAK! Our poor bodies have been through a major trauma, but they are still showing up for us, doing their job, day in and day out. Not to mention, we have abused them and treated them like crap for years to get here. They aren't complaining about any of it, or the fact that we cut out a perfectly healthy and non offending organ, while leaving the guilty party intact (nobody wants a lobotomy, I guess). If you lose "only" 15 pounds a month on average, that will still be 180 in a year. We are all successes. Use reason when the scale shows a weight gain. Even if all 7 or 8 hundred calories came from pop rocks and cotton candy, you could not possibly gain 5 pounds of fat. Its not possible. That gain is simply water retention or your crazy ass digital scale. We get this hyper focus on the scale. Don't do it. It diminishes what you have accomplished. We have all suffered so much being overweight and being judged. Don't do this to yourself when you are finally, finally doing awesome. Use your head and self talk to build yourself up, not to introduce fear of failure and recrimination. Even the "slow losers" seem to be about 30 pounds down by now. We've got this! We didn't gain 100 pounds in 4 months (I don't think), and we aren't going to lose it that quick either (I'm more certain). But, If we keep focused, keep making mostly good choices, and keep moving, we ALL, have to lose weight and have success. Figure out your average weight loss, think about the last time you lost that much in that amount of time, pat yourself on the back and repeat, "I am strong, tough and have taken back control of my life. I will do this, I AM doing this, I will succeed and I will not berate myself or waste precious time with negative self talk!" And all God's people said, "Amen!" Sorry so long. This is a Rah! Rah! Post. It's not intended to rant:) Elaine

I agree it possible some gain could happen to me down the line.. but the essential thing is I’m leaving that up to my body. I won’t diet again because I’ve decided to allow my body to regulate my weight and not try and interfere. Dieting was making me terminally unhappy no matter how thin I became. I have accepted I may gain weight but I know I will love myself regardless and still be healthy because the weight gain won’t be from binging, dieting, or food obsession. It won’t be from eating things I don’t want or don’t make me feel good. It won’t be from eating things only because I feel like I shouldn’t eat them. If I gain weight I will embrace my new body and love myself. your post was fine. Thanks for the thoughts.

Hi Shelley - With the exception of the Gourmet Chef Husband... we could be twins! :biggrin2: My weight gain started in my teens, I was 5'6 and 140-160. Then in college.. another 50 or so pounds. Finally I decided to get into shape and join the Army. Which I did great and my low was 123lbs. When I got out, I went right back to my old bad eating habits. I only knew two food groups.. Fast-Food and Happy-Hour! I also have very bad genetics. Everyone in my family, at one point or another, has been 75lbs overweight or more. I'm talking Aunts, Uncles, Cousins.. everyone! I was raised with my Mommas down-home-country cooking so of course those are the foods that I crave. I use to never eat Breakfast, had fast-food for lunch and a big ol' comfort dinner with all the fixin's. :biggrin: I didn't need to snack in between because I always had that over-stuffed feeling, or right on the verge of.. :drool:. Finally, as I've aged and moved away from Momma :sad:, I eat much smaller meals. My heaviest was 340lbs, I'm now 280. But it's too late, the damage has been done. I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, a hiatal hernia, and had reconstructive surgery on my left foot/ankle because my weight was forcing my ankle to turn inward. So, if I don't loose weight.. I'll be having surgery on my right foot/ankle, and my last recovery took over a year! So, weight lose surgery is not an option for me.. it will keep me on my feet and save my life!! :smile: Thanks for letting me share my story! Tina

I did the same thing in the last 2 weeks -- ate small portions but more varieties of things than before so that is probably why the weight gain. I haven't yet had a fill so hopefully that will make a difference in feeling more restricted so I will eat less again -- and I will probably go back to the liquid proteins and then mushies to get back into a more conscious eating pattern -- we still need to make the right choices (protein and veges rather than carbs) and get the exercise in -- I hope to start a better routine with going to the gym a couple times a week to start and building up -- don't fret, I'm sure with a fill and getting back on track you will start losing again -- I think we all go through this at different times and just need to get back on track. Good luck and hang in there! Deb

With the sleeve, she felt the restriction when eating right away. Not as much now with the bypass. I had a mini gastric bypass and I feel the restriction, but it’s also the only weight loss surgery I’ve had, so that may play into it. Also, I love sweets and savoury, cheesy goods. But they played a major role in my weight gain over the years. Along with little exercise, they helped make me fat and unhealthy. Yet I still miss them. Where’s the logic in that?

I have been thinking about getting banded for a while now. Went to the info session back in July and got a little freaked out so decided to go to the nutritionist on my own to see if there was anything I could do to change my diet... found out I’m doing what I’m supposed to with food and exercise. Went to the Dr and got tested for just about everything that could cause weight gain (I have always been heavy but gained like 50lbs in 4 months... odd). From that I found out that I may be diabetic (second test is still being run). The whole reason I wanted to get banded and lose weight was to do it BEFORE I became 'unhealthy' (i.e. diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, ect). So Monday I decided I’m sending in my application. At 5'4 and 250lbs I know I’m a candidate... and looks like my current insurance covers surgery so I should be all good Of course Monday I also found out we have to change insurance coverage which means I have to pay WAY more out of pocket and I don’t even know if the new plan covers it:thumbdown: Hope all go well in the end though... I’m ready to live again!!!!

You can't change your body shape through weight loss or weight gain and pics don't lie. You appear to have great legs (jealous!) and carry more weight in your middle. I'm not seeing a big booty or a big chest and you look like you will slim down beautifully. I consider this kind of like getting my hair cut. It looks awkward at first, it grows out kind of funky until I get used to it, and then it will all fall into place.

Yes thank you!! I was sleeved May 16th 2013..i have Hasimoto's which can also make it hard to lose. I have lost 35 pounds so far due to having it under control along with surgery. But i can not say that for me my weight gain was all due to my thyroid....that's why i was just wondering how this surgery would still help you. Congrats and i am glad you have found a solution!! Best of luck!!

No one tells us that weight loss after surgery is not always fast. It may be slower than the average person on a diet. You may have intermittent weight gain despite sticking with your program. That's how it was for me. It took 17 months to loose 97lbs. I did everything "right". I exercised to my level of tolerance daily as I've done since my teens. The surgeon called me metabolism challenged while the nutty nutritionist assumed I was a liar. Fortunately my surgeon had been where we are. Over six years post op I'm maintaining in size 0-4 at shops like GAP & Old Navy. I still struggle with sudden weight gain & metabolic issues but I work my program for life anyway. You will lose the weight over time. We've been deprived of what some call that honeymoon period when the fat easily melts away. Don't sweat it. Persistence pays off. At under a pound a week on average I still lost it. You can and you will as well.