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Yesterday I had my psych eval which was the last thing I needed before things got submitted to my insurance company. It took over 3 hours including a super lengthy questionnaire. I had decided that I was going to be 100% honest with the shrink going into this. I just weaned myself off of my ADHD meds and have been struggling with some weight gain and haven't been doing my best when it comes to eating. I expected a tongue lashing over that. What I wasn't expecting was for this woman to tell me that I have substance abuse problems and I have to be clean and sober for a year before surgery. Apparently very occasionally smoking weed (like, a few times a year) makes me an addict. I had told my surgeon, the nutritionist and my primary care physician that I occasionally partake and was never told that I couldn't smoke. If I had been, I would've quit, no problem. Then I admitted that my drinking was out of control as a freshman in college. I told her my mom has been concerned with her own drinking. I still drink, but like a normal 24 year old. I might have a glass of wine or beer with dinner if I'm with friends and usually about once a month I go out on the town for a night. I know my limits, I rarely get drunk. The nutritionist and surgeon both told me that you can't drink for a while before or after surgery. Sure, understandable, no problem. They also said you can occasionally drink after a period of time. I just know that I have to watch myself and limit my alcohol consumption. This woman says I can't drink ever again. I feel like I'm receiving conflicting information. She says I'm currently not a good candidate for surgery. I obviously can't submit her eval to insurance. What do I do??? Do I take 3 months and get on track with my eating and exercise and then do another eval? I feel like another year is very extreme. Maybe this is the kick in the ass I needed, but it's extremely upsetting and frustrating.

4 months since my sleeved... and yes have had a menstrual every other week with spotting in between... I'm going isane... dr. Have tried different birth control pill and not working he suggested the Depo shot just scared about weight gain...

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, and not something to be undergone lightly. Some weight loss surgery candidates know that weight loss surgery is for them, but many others are unsure whether it is time for them to get weight loss surgery. At best, it can help you lose weight and get your life back. At worst, it can cause complications or make you miss your old way of life. How do you know whether weight loss surgery is for you? Will it be the weight control solution you have been searching for for years? Or will it be a decision you regret? Nobody can answer that for you, but here are some considerations as you think about whether weight loss surgery is for you. The Qualifying Criteria You are not a candidate for bariatric surgery unless you meet certain criteria set by your surgeon or, if applicable, your healthcare coverage plan. The standard criteria are: Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or BMI 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Confirmation that your obesity is not caused by an underlying condition that would make weight loss surgery ineffective. A psychological exam to show that you are capable of sticking to the post-op diet and lifestyle changes that are necessary. Previous documented attempts at losing weight with diet and exercise. Ineffectiveness of Previous Efforts Weight loss surgery is a last resort, not a first try at losing weight. It is for patients who have been obese for years and who have tried to lose weight using lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet plan and a formal exercise program. Many weight loss surgery patients try “every diet under the sun” before deciding that it is time for WLS. They may have had trouble losing any weight at all, or may have lost weight initially but been unable to keep it off. Readiness to Change Weight loss surgery is just the beginning. The way you eat after weight loss surgery determines how well you will be able to control your weight for the rest of your life. You need to be ready to change if you want to be successful with weight loss surgery. No longer will you be able to down a pizza or hit the drive-through on a whim. Are you ready to possibly: Give up coffee and regular and diet soda? Cut sugary treats and fried foods, especially with gastric bypass? Pass on the alcoholic offerings at home, parties, and restaurants? Count protein, slash carbs, and measure portions? Addressing Other Issues Weight gain does not always take place in a vacuum, and weight loss does not solve other problems you might have in your life. First, identify why you became overweight in the first place, and what is keeping you from losing the weight. Is weight loss surgery the answer, or do you need to first deal with an abusive relationship or lack of self-confidence, for example? Emotional eating is a common reason for weight gain. If you tend to eat your feelings away, you are best off figuring out other ways to handle your feelings before you get surgery. Can you use walking as a form of therapy? Maybe you can join an in-person or online support group to turn to when you feel sad, lonely, or angry. If your emotional eating is related to a specific problem, such as stress at work, your best bet may be to handle the problem before getting WLS. That could mean finding a healthy coping mechanism, or it could mean getting counseling to help you work through the source of stress. It could even mean finding a new job, as scary as that sounds. Consider Replacement Addictions Replacement addictions are common after weight loss surgery. They happen when you give up food – which can be an addiction – for a different addiction. Instead of turning to food for comfort, entertainment, or companionship, some weight loss surgery patients turn to “replacement addictions” or “cross addictions” They may take up smoking, or start to abuse alcohol. Replacement addictions can also be healthier than eating; some weight loss surgery patients become gym rats or take up gardening, sewing, or other hobbies. As you consider weight-loss surgery, think about the possibility of food addiction being replaced by replacement addictions. What role does food play in your life now? What do you see replacing that emotional or physical role after surgery? The decision to get weight loss surgery requires a lot of soul searching for most candidates. These points can help you work through some of the doubts you may have as you try to decide what is best for yourself.

How do you know whether weight loss surgery is for you? Will it be the weight control solution you have been searching for for years? Or will it be a decision you regret? Nobody can answer that for you, but here are some considerations as you think about whether weight loss surgery is for you. The Qualifying Criteria You are not a candidate for bariatric surgery unless you meet certain criteria set by your surgeon or, if applicable, your healthcare coverage plan. The standard criteria are: Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or BMI 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Confirmation that your obesity is not caused by an underlying condition that would make weight loss surgery ineffective. A psychological exam to show that you are capable of sticking to the post-op diet and lifestyle changes that are necessary. Previous documented attempts at losing weight with diet and exercise. Ineffectiveness of Previous Efforts Weight loss surgery is a last resort, not a first try at losing weight. It is for patients who have been obese for years and who have tried to lose weight using lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet plan and a formal exercise program. Many weight loss surgery patients try “every diet under the sun” before deciding that it is time for WLS. They may have had trouble losing any weight at all, or may have lost weight initially but been unable to keep it off. Readiness to Change Weight loss surgery is just the beginning. The way you eat after weight loss surgery determines how well you will be able to control your weight for the rest of your life. You need to be ready to change if you want to be successful with weight loss surgery. No longer will you be able to down a pizza or hit the drive-through on a whim. Are you ready to possibly: Give up coffee and regular and diet soda? Cut sugary treats and fried foods, especially with gastric bypass? Pass on the alcoholic offerings at home, parties, and restaurants? Count protein, slash carbs, and measure portions? Addressing Other Issues Weight gain does not always take place in a vacuum, and weight loss does not solve other problems you might have in your life. First, identify why you became overweight in the first place, and what is keeping you from losing the weight. Is weight loss surgery the answer, or do you need to first deal with an abusive relationship or lack of self-confidence, for example? Emotional eating is a common reason for weight gain. If you tend to eat your feelings away, you are best off figuring out other ways to handle your feelings before you get surgery. Can you use walking as a form of therapy? Maybe you can join an in-person or online support group to turn to when you feel sad, lonely, or angry. If your emotional eating is related to a specific problem, such as stress at work, your best bet may be to handle the problem before getting WLS. That could mean finding a healthy coping mechanism, or it could mean getting counseling to help you work through the source of stress. It could even mean finding a new job, as scary as that sounds. Consider Replacement Addictions Replacement addictions are common after weight loss surgery. They happen when you give up food – which can be an addiction – for a different addiction. Instead of turning to food for comfort, entertainment, or companionship, some weight loss surgery patients turn to “replacement addictions” or “cross addictions” They may take up smoking, or start to abuse alcohol. Replacement addictions can also be healthier than eating; some weight loss surgery patients become gym rats or take up gardening, sewing, or other hobbies. As you consider weight-loss surgery, think about the possibility of food addiction being replaced by replacement addictions. What role does food play in your life now? What do you see replacing that emotional or physical role after surgery? The decision to get weight loss surgery requires a lot of soul searching for most candidates. These points can help you work through some of the doubts you may have as you try to decide what is best for yourself.

I love short hair on me but with all the weight gain my face is too round for short hair right now so as soon as I feel my face is slim enough (my sx is in May) I am probably cutting it off again. The first time I did it I wasn't sure how it would look as was afraid since I had hair just past my shoulders all my life but I looked and felt amazing with short hair and knew regardless it would grow back if I didn't like it

Well, went for my wellness check up this past Wednesday and my family doctor brought up the dirty "S" word. Surgery. Not just surgery but weight loss surgery. I'm not even sure why, but the whole idea scares the crap out of me. I think if a surgeon said "knee replacement" or "midfoot fusion" or "hip replacement", I'd be nervous but not so scared if that makes sense. I've done nothing but obsess since Wednesday. Checked with my insurance and bariatric surgery is covered. I was kinda hoping it wouldn't because I wouldn't have to consider it which would decrease my anxiety and result in less emotional eating which will result in even more weight gain. Don't ya just love vicious cycles? I now have a bookmark folder just for bariatric surgery. That's serious for me. Hope I can get advice from all of you as I go through the decision-making process and then through the journey itself if I decide to make the journey. Thanks for listening.

Okay. I just finished reading her next post where it clarified that she had not told him she had weight loss surgery before he bought the Valentine chocolates. Sorry for jumping to conclusions before having all the facts! My surgery was just 9 days ago (gastric sleeve) and I'm feeling irritable (not hungry but mourning the taste of foods that caused my weight gain in the first place). Just started eating pureed foods and can't eat more than 2 ounces without my stomach hurting. I have a "First Bite" class to go to at my surgeon's office tomorrow. I'm assuming it's with their nutritionist. Hopefully I'll get some help with what and how much to eat so my stomach won't hurt. Please keep me in your prayers.

I have been on Wellbutrin for 3+ years. The first 6 weeks it caused nausea and I had problems eating. After I got used to it, I think it has caused weight gain. The only one that caused me to lose weight is Cymbalta. I am still pre-op though (surgery 4/17), I don't know what the effects will be after.

Here are the requirements through Mclaren: 40 + BMI with no comorbidities 35 + with 1 or more 6 months medically supervised with no weight gain Psych evaluation Meeting with nutritionist

I've had my VSG for about 3 years. In the past year I've put on 44 pounds. I just started an all liquid diet again will that help re shrink my sleeve. I'm a driver so I'm behind the wheel of a car all day. The hours I work leaves little time for exercise. Any help will be appreciated.

I have a hiatal hernia now pre surgery. Usually weight gain contributes to the development if a hiatal hernia not the other way.

Yes I was pretty excited I could possibly have surgery in April now, and I thought it would be end of May, or June. Congratulations to you. I have been worried alot about the weight gain, but I have been hearing alot of people do gain. It's so exciting!!!

I haven't regained much weight since having the VSG in August of 2015, but I can relate to feeling severely depressed and like a major failure. I squandered much of the earlier years of my youth being miserable about my weight, and so self-conscious I became a bit of a hermit. I declined social invitations because I had nothing to wear. I now waste time feeling angry at myself and regretful for having wasting time earlier on, even though I realize how counterproductive that cycle of thinking is. I try to remember that quote about how success is not final, failure is not fatal, it's the courage to continue that counts. Have you discussed this with your surgeon, or even just with your general physician? It might be wise to get some blood work done, including having your hormone levels checked, if you haven't done so recently. It's possible there's an underlying medical condition that is contributing to your cravings and could be treated. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, but was not on the proper medication for it for a long time. I was taking far too high of a dose of one medication (Spiro) that was causing weight gain. PCOS itself was making me crave carbs. Since starting Metformin I broke a long stall and lost the final amount of weight to reach my goal. It caused unpleasant side effects (nausea, insomnia) at first, but then once I was acclimated to it I no longer had any problems. I also am taking a really low dose of Wellbutrin. I've found that it helps me with depression, as well as helping to curb my appetite a little. A higher dose made me more jittery and caused weight loss, but the lowest dose has still been effective. Maybe something like sugar free popsicles could help you to prevent dehydration when you're having a hard time getting enough water. In my first couple of months post-op plain water would make me nauseous, so I drank a lot of sugar free lemonade and Crystal Light. Peppermint might help to settle your stomach, too. Best wishes!

Hi Everyone, i had my sleeve done approx 3 years ago. I lost soooo much weight very quickly & went from 94kg down to 59kg within about 5 months. My weight stabilised at 62kg & I lived quite happily for the next few years. The only issues I had were significant (I'd say 70%) hair loss which has still not returned and reflux/nausea. If I drink alcohol I get so sick. I start sweating and feel like I'm going to vomit. So I have had to give that up too but it's not a problem. Over the last 6 months I have gained about 12kg. I constantly feel like my stomach is in my throat & keep eating food to push the stomach back down. I even get up at night and eat. I get a bit of reprieve from the symptoms then it happens again so I eat more. I also feel like eating settles my stomach. Water is so hard for me to drink that on days when I force myself to drink nothing but water, I'll be lucky to get a 750ml bottle down. I find diluted juice is okay & for some reason I can drink more of this. I feel like such a failure. The weight gain has made me severely depressed. I don't want to leave the house because no clothes fit me and I feel like a massive failure. Even though I am still 20kglighter than when I had the sleeve, my body image is worse now than it was before. I feel like there is no hope & no use trying anything else. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms?

Perhaps put the situation in a letter to the surgeon. Lay out what your weight was before starting your low carb diet, your carb, protein, fat, and caloric consumption. Then describe the nut's plan. Explain you are willing to try the new plan, but are concerned about potential weight gain on that plan, and the willingness of the surgeon to perform the surgery if you have gained weight.

Clients who regain weight after bariatric/weight loss surgery often ask us about the ‘5 day pouch test’. This much debated ‘test’ promises to ‘reset’ your stomach and help you lose more weight. It’s so popular in fact, it has its own acronym – the ‘5DPT’. So what’s the deal, is it too good to be true? Let’s start with a bit of background The pouch test was ‘created’ in 2007 by a fellow gastric bypass-er named Kaye. She struggled, like many, with discouraging and disheartening weight regain after bariatric/weight loss surgery. In an attempt to recreate that ‘tight newbie feeling’ again, she developed the pouch test. To start off the 5 day pouch test, she instructs you to ‘get back to the basics’. Or in other words, she wants you to return to the post-op liquid phase that is required in the first few days after surgery. She then recommends that you progress slowly from soft/puree protein, to firm protein and then lastly to solid protein (what’s the difference between firm and solid protein? We don’t know either...). Following this, you are supposed to feel a renewed sense of self. MYTH... The 5 day pouch test WILL NOT... - shrink your stomach - reduce hunger and increase satiety (feeling of fullness) - ‘reset’ your body - cut your cravings for carbs and sweet/salty foods FACT... We do however agree with some of Kaye’s suggestions. 1. Always delay your fluids from your solids foods. --> Stop drinking 15 minutes before your meals/snacks and wait at least 30 minutes after eating to start drinking again. WHY? - Drinking and eating at the same time ‘flushes’ the food out of your stomach too quickly. This causes you to feel hungry soon after eating. 2. Take your time to eat. --> Eating slowly and savouring your food without distractions increases satiety at meal times. WHY? - This gives your brain time to process that you are eating and lets you get the flavor fix you’re looking for. 3. Ask yourself if liquid protein snacks (aka ‘slider foods’) keep you full long enough (Ex. milk, yogurt, soft cheeses, cereal). --> While these foods are nutritious and provide good quality protein, they may not help you feel as full as you felt in the first few months after surgery. WHY? - These liquid foods spend less time in your stomach which is why you maybe feel hungry soon after eating. 4. Include a high protein food at every meal and snack. --> WHY? – High protein foods help keep you full longer. In our opinion, the ‘5 day pouch test’ is just another diet in disguise. Anything that promises to ‘reset your system’, ‘boost your weight loss’, ‘cut cravings’, ‘kick start your metabolism’, ‘burn fat’, etc. is unfortunately wishful thinking. There are no short cuts to healthy eating and lasting weight loss. There is only you, your pouch (i.e. your little stomach) and knowing how to use it! How do I know if my pouch is still small? Believe it or not, the majority of weight regain after bariatric/weight loss surgery is NOT related to having stretched your stomach. This is good news! In our experience, weight regain is more related to what you eat, the timing of your meals and snacks, and how you are eating. For example, if you feel comfortably full for 2-3 hours after eating the amount of food that fits on a bread plate, which includes a combination of protein, a small amount of grains, and some vegetables, your pouch is likely perfectly fine. We even asked one of our favourite bariatric/weight loss surgeons about the 5 day pouch test! Here is what he said: Need help? If you are looking to get back on track with your weight loss and healthy eating, sign up for our Get Me Back on Track package. Whatever the cause of your weight gain, we will give you realistic strategies and tips to tackle your triggers and barriers to healthy eating. Even simple changes to your home and office environments can make a big difference.

Im also 2 mos post op. Been on stage 4 over 2 weeks. No weight gain, still losing just a bit slower. Your body is already becoming conditioned to eating less. This is the trial n error stage. Atleast 3 incidents of getting sick and projectile vomiting. Thats a swift kick in the butt to let u know stage 4 or not, pace urself, cant eat that yet, maybe next month. LOL. Just have to keep up the protein n water intake. Good luck. CW 203 VSG 1/6/2017 SW 242 GW 140 Woohoo ...summer 2017 here we come :-)

My primary Dr will send it to the Bariatric Surgeon for consult. My insurance requires more than one Drs Opinion for bariatric issues. Have you yourself had this issue that I'm speaking of? Also should I give my daily menu so that it's clearer for those of the group that are just going to try and imply I'm eating incorrectly. Again I'm quite clear in my above post.. this isn't about the WEIGHT GAIN. This is about developing a hernia after being sleeved and what others have done. This is my first post on here since 2012 and I can see why I left the group before.

Maybe I should have gotten a little more detailed.. I have to force myself to eat.. there are many days the Hubs asks have you ate yet well into the evening and my response is.. uhmmmm.. no?! That's when I realize I haven't. So over eating is not an issue here. As I said before I am good about not eating what I'm not supposed to be and the weight gain is still there. I am well aware that the general cause of weight gain is caused by eating the wrong foods.. calories and carbs. This post wasn't about how did I go wrong or what am I potentially doing wrong, it's to ask others who have had the revision and repair how THEY came out of it.

I do not believe that the hiatal hernia is the cause of weight gain.....i have GERD. And a hiatal hernia. This has not caused ne to gain weight and if anything it makes me NOT WANT to eat. The weight gain is more than likely due to overeating and stretching your pouch. And maybe the hormonal change from the hysterectomy could affect your weight Basically...weight gain is caused from eating too much of the wron g foods. Too many calories and carbs. Try a low carb diet. It works.

I take the same medication. I had bypass on 11/14/16 and have lost 57 pounds so far. No problems with weight gain.

I get dumping syndrome from even 1 chocolate chip! Or from even skim milk or anything with sugar elements in it! I get the sweats feel like I am gonna puke and feel like I have the very worst hangover I ever had for an hr or two. As far as weight gain well grazing is the most common reason or eating past full.

Thank you so much . I'm glad to inspire someone but I just feel I am doing average. I want to do way more and be that girl who defeated all the statistics about heart disease, sleep apnea, joint pain, liver issues, edema in extremities, chest pain and generalized depression due to weight gain ( because that is so real whether or not docs acknowledge it or not it is real). Everyday that God gives me strength, I am doing my best to make a difference in my life and I want to be a blessing to others as well. I truly thank everyone here because whether or not you all know it, you have been my source of strength and inspiration throughout this journey and even before I started the journey. So I thank everyone who has commented on a post or sent me a private message to encourage me. I am forever in your debt.

My surgery date is March 24th and currently I have to take Seroquel, which is an antipsychotic medicine that helps with my moods and to help me sleep. However, a side effect of Seroquel is weight gain and I believe it may have been a small culprit with me as well as my PCOS. I want to talk to my doctor about switching me to another sleeping/anti depressant mediciation without weight gain as a side effect, but I have a high tolerance to certain medications and seroquel has been the only one ive tried to work on me. I've tried ambien, but i had hallucinations with it and I slept walk. Trazodone did not work. I've been on Prozac for anti depression and Celexa but both turned me into a zombie. My goal is to find something that doesn't turn me into a zombie, but will help me sleep without hallucinating and sleep walking or waking up feeling hung over. What's worked for you?

Juices are high in sugar and no good. Unless you make your own veggie juice with a juicer or limit your juice to very small portions and make it yourself. Fruit juices are high in sugar. Pop is no good either, bad nutrition and sugar content is off the charts. Diet pop is as bad as non diet pop, the aspartame can cause weight gain, stroke, and a myriad of other issues. Plus carbonation is uncomfortable for some sleeved patients. Eventually the carbonation will stretch the pouch as well if consumed too much in one sitting, just as regular water can if consumed too close to eating time and in one sitting. Both doctor and dietician said as much regarding all this.