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I'm so sorry you had that experience. I was claustrophobic during my sleep study and the anxiety had me feeling the same way! When you've been beaten down by people telling you you're fat or talking to you negatively it's easy to think that's what everyone will do. I hope you have a positive experience with the nutritionist, psychologist etc... I think most of them are working in this field because they really want to help overweight people (or were one themselves) and not because they are fat haters. I tried several times to get approval for the surgery and couldn't get it past insurance. Each time I was denied I got knocked further and further down emotionally, got more depressed and gained more weight. I was not strong enough to go self-pay and I honestly was shocked when I actually got the approval. There was no way I would have been able to save or set aside the money even if it meant losing weight to save my life. I didn't think I would be strong enough to go through the entire process another time or that I would be able to lose any weight, let alone 15 pounds before the surgery- I thought I would be the one person who forced them to cancel due to weight gain. Most of us are emotional eaters and when you take away our coping mechanism we get frustrated and scared and feel like we have failed or will fail. For what it's worth, you aren't alone, other people have felt or are feeling this way right now. You aren't alone, even though we don't always admit it, alot of us are scared, depressed, feel fat and worthless. You aren't alone, people will read this post and identify with it like I did, they will feel compassion for you and send you good wishes and prayer. You aren't alone, support may come in the strangest of places, even if it's on a message board, you deserve it, it's being given by people who know, who've been fat, who understand. You are not alone, you don't have to stand unsupported and without cheerleaders, let us support you, cheer you on and rejoice with you in your triumphs. You are not alone! Your feelings and emotions are valid and even if you feel like giving up, continue to reach out for support, there are lots of us here to provide it!

I know that lots of people are convinced that weight loss is about calories in/out and I know that that holds true for the majority of people. But I have to wonder about us Cushies. I don't think that it is a matter that we have a really slow metabolism. But the thing is, it doesn't matter how much I eat or don't eat. The calorie in/out would hold true if I gained massive amounts of weight on 1200-1500, when I couldn't lose on 1200, 1000, 800 or less than 700 calories. (I did gain 10 pounds in a week at 1000 calories, but that was one week.) It is entiely possible that my weight gain/loss has been only water, which is fine on one level because it lessens my edema problems. But not fine for why I had WLS. If my metabolism was truely that slow, I wouldn't metabolize medications as fast as I do, and I would gain constantly. But as for low calories, I just don't see how other people can function on sub 700 long term. I will give you that it is entirely prorbable that I entered into a deep Low during the month I was too restricted. But I think the lowered calorie intake made the Low worse.

So I've spent 10k on this procedure, gone through some discomfort & told far to many lies to people about how I'm losing weight then I get on the scales this morning & I've gained 1kg......WTF????

It's really strange and probably psychological, but I'm finding I enjoy cooking for other people more than I ever have! I make huge pots of vegetable soup and give much of it away. I have also been freezing berries, meatballs, meatloaves and other foods I prepare. I don't like processed foods anymore (I think this is what has caused my weight gain pre=surgery) so I'm enjoying making my own meals and freezing them.

1. I haven't noticed a change in the relationship. 2. I only told a few select people, everyone thinks I'm doing paleo diet and stopped drinking (which I kinda am). I've been a yoyo dieter for many years, so people are used to me loosing/ gaining.. But this time there will be no rebound weight gain 3. Skin is ok so far, arms are not great... But I am loosing slowly. If my boobs sag and my skin becomes problematic I plan to get plastic surgery 4. I've only just started noticing hair loss at 4months, it's not much yet.. I don't have much hair so I hope it doesn't continue.. Again I'm loosing slowly so I hope I avoid this 5. I'm a nurse, I returned after 4 weeks.. I had to be careful with lifting but otherwise my energy was good.. I went back 3 days a week for first 2weeks back. 6.worst part was my 3 week purée phase.. Just wanted to crunch on some real food. I had minimal pain/ discomfort. My nausea in first 48hrs post op was epic but quickly forgotten with all the positives from the weight loss. My weight loss is slow 1-2pd per week, but I have never stalled and my energy has been good.. I think your attitude is very important to keep in check.. You have to follow the rules and put trust in the professionals and your body... We abuse our body's for so long pre op but now is the time to be kind and gentle and trust your body.

Hi everyone I'm sorry if these questions have been asked before it's been a while since I've been on this site. I had my sleeve surgery done 5 years ago so I have been through a lot of ups and downs and I would say I'm on the more experienced side of being a sleever..... I am at a stage now where I have put on quite a bit of weight, probably over 20 kgs since I hit my goal weight. I lost overall 55 kgs on the sleeve and I was so happy. There has been a few complications such as a hiatus hernia operation, appendicitis and I've recently had surgery on my ankle which has made me put on even more weight. I am trying to get back to my goal weight and I am finding it difficult to shift any weight. I have POS which makes it hard too. I've tried shake diets, low carb diets and I lose maybe a few kgs, then put it back on if I even have one day of eating something such as bread. I'll admit I'm not in the best place the moment, most days I'm sad and down about this and all I want to do is get back to what I was. I wanted to know if anyone has gone through what i am currently going through and have you been successful in losing weight again? I really need advice and some tips and the best people would be the ones who are going through this journey with me. Thank you.

Hey all, I have my 6 week follow up tomorrow and I went down some weight but gained weight back. I'm not doing anything I shouldn't be and am pretty nervous with some weight gain. What is the typical weight loss at the 6 week mark? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

"Almost a month out" - virtually everyone experiences a stall around week 3. With my band I hit in from about week 2.5 to about week 4.5. It's your body reacting to the "emergency" you've just put it through. Remember your body doesn't have a brain. It can't rationalize, it thinks it is starving, and is going to react in a way so as to preserve itself. That reaction (unfortunately for our frail psyches) usually includes a postponement of weightloss, and quite possibly a slight weight gain. Two very important things to remember when you start to despair... 1. Weight is not the same as fat. You can weigh the same, or more, and be less fat than you were. This will almost guaranteed be true multiple times. 2. Like investments, you can't look at things in the short term. This is why I hate the scale, it's such a short term de/motivator. You're looking for a sustained average of a couple of pounds a week. So far, you're way above that average. 5 lbs a week cannot be sustained.

I jumped on the scaled and saw that I've put on 2kg is this normal ? I don't understand how I could put on weight I was eating the same food I eat last week ?? Last week I lost 4kg and this week I've put on 2kg , I felt that I didn't lose weight ? I'm getting worried that I'm gonna start putting weight on again

Thank you all for your insight! I double and triple checked with my insurance, even read the medical jargon 14 page breakdown of coverage and requisites for it, and no time threshold was set. They only request proof of continued weight gain with attempts at weight loss, which I have. Here's to hoping that may speed up my process!

"Have you ever thought about trying to lose weight with diet and exercise?" This is what one of my good friends asked me as I told him that my initial consultation is tomorrow. He then went on to tell me of the friend we have that has lost 60 pounds with exercise and diet. I actually laughed when he said it and mentioned to him how my weight constantly fluctuates b/c of trying to diet/exercise but it always ends up coming back ... Plus some... I know he didn't mean any harm, but if he truly took a minute to think he would realize I have tried MANY times... But he is the same height as me and couldn't hit 200 pounds if his life depended on it Lol. He is the only friend that I have told, and went on to tell me that he wants to help me in any way possible. But I think that people that have been skinny their entire lives don't appreciate the struggle or the ups and downs of weight loss/ weight gain. I sure wish I didn't!!

I weighed 355 (Nov '16) Surgery weight 338 Current weight 283 (I didn't track very often before so I would disregard previous data points.) But you can clearly see sudden drops, weight gains and stalls. Rarely matching my consistent dedication to my plan. I know as I change my relationship with food and make good choices in each moment and day, the rest will take care of itself. Just not in a perfect line. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am scheduled for surgery on October 28. I'm self pay (in US, not in Mexico) and have my second appointment with my surgeon in a few days. The problem is that I have been gorging on food because I feel like I'm saying goodbye to a lifelong friend and habit. I'm so ashamed that I've gained at least 5 pounds and maybe more in a month and feel like the surgeon is going to be upset. Did any of you have any weight gain in the weeks before you started your pre-op diet?

So I am going to have my Gallbladder removed on Thursday. In my research I keep finding that people who have had theirs removed, complain about weight gain in the following years. Are there any bander's out there who have had GB Surgery (after the band) and are you having a difficult time with weight loss now????? Anything I should know???? Thanks for your replies and advice.

Hi Judy, I completely understand. My Dr. didn't require any special diet before the surgery and Boy did I have a party. I tried to eat all the foods I thought I wouldn't ever be able to eat again. Steaks, fries, pizza, subs, fried chicken, Hardees biscuit's and more. I guess it was my way of saying good by to a lifestyle that I loved -- being able to eat what when I wanted (spoiled that way ) but, the weight gain I hated! By the time of my surgery I had gained almost 15 pounds and I remember thinking "man it sure wasn't worth it, because now I have to lose more weight than I had planned." We've all struggled with food that's why were here. So, know this -- you are not alone and it does get better -- much better! I wish you much success.

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

Female Height: 5’ 6” Starting Weight: 250 Starting Clothing Size: 20 Surgery Weight: 228 Surgery Clothing Size: 18 Current Weight: 140 Current Clothing Size: 4/6 In the beginning: • I had a lot of restriction due to (I am assuming) increased swelling from the additional procedure of the hiatal hernia repair. I am comparing myself to 4 other family members who had the surgery with the same doctor and described their post-op experience as feeling sore and having the ability to drink 2-4 ounces of Fluid without difficulty. It was difficult to even consume 1 ounce. Week 1 post-op was what I called “hell week.” I was very weak due to the lack of ability to consume fluids/calories and remain properly hydrated. • The 6 week post-op diet was difficult, but I reminded myself that I ate whatever I wanted (and in copious amounts), whenever I wanted for many years. • Once I was released to a full diet, foods did not taste the same. Some of the things I use to think of as delicious, were now bland and without flavor. I read a study that links your sense of taste to your stomach lining. However, this “lack of tasting” does go away and food eventually does taste great again (uh-oh!). • I monitored my calorie intake. I did, however, have my ups and downs. I slipped and fell into crappy eating habits. Despite the food restriction, I found that I could slowly graze on things and that the “bad” foods tend to be the “sliders”. • However, I constantly caught myself falling back into consuming these bad foods and I would work on redirecting my behavior. I was constantly “checking and balancing” my eating habits; trying to change my way of living. • Exercise started with walking (1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, and as my endurance and ability increased, 4 miles in one hour). As the weight began to melt off, along with my increased endurance, I upgraded to intervals of jogging (I would jog the straight-a-ways and walk the curves at the local school track). I would also use my elliptical trainer at home and by the time I reached my 6 months post-op point, I could complete a one hour, high intensity cardio session on my trainer. Feeling great! 6 Months Out: • As the weight began to melt off (I was weighing 167 pounds at this point!), I did have that “fallen” face look. My skin was saggy and loose. So, I decided I wanted to fill up my loose skin with muscle. Weight lifting slowly trickled its way into my weekly workouts and—at first—it was about a twice-a-week affair. I also upped my Water intake and made hydrating my face, neck and body with creams and lotions a daily and nightly ritual (as hydration helps to increase elasticity in skin; my face doesn't look fallen anymore...it takes time, but it does retract!!!). • My ability to consume fluids and food had greatly improved by this point. I seemed to be able to consume fluid the best after a good workout. I could drink water faster and in greater quantities! I continued to monitor my calorie intake and tried by my best to refrain from eating bad foods. Even when I did succumb to eating unhealthy foods (which happened on a weekly basis), I stayed within my calorie range. • My Protein intake was still around 60-80 grams per day. I really like the Premier Protein shakes. They come in ready to drink 11oz containers, they are only 160 calories and pack 30 grams of protein. About 12 Months Out: • 153 pounds; size 10 • By this time I was lifting about 3x per week at home. I began to notice my skin firming up around the muscles I was developing. At this time I began taking pre-workout supplements (NO-Xplode), post workout supplements (Cell Mass) and I upped my protein (100-120 grams per day). My goal with the supplements was to create longer workout endurance, quicker muscle recovery repair. I knew that the more muscle I had, the more my calories my body would burn due, as well as a better a metabolism. Even though I wasn’t really dropping that much weight at this time, my waist size started to go down with the increased muscle mass. • A little after the 12 month mark, I went down another 3 pounds, but I also went down an entire size! Typically, before the weight lifting, I would see a size drop about every 20 pounds. So, this was awesome! • Still working on eating clean at this point. I probably ate clean about 80-85% of the time. Weekends were a killer for me! It was hard with the weekends off, kids at home, and being out and about. No routine! Now, 22 Months Out: • 140 pounds • Size 4-6 misses • I eat clean foods 90-95% of the time. “Dirty” foods tend to make me sick now. • I have one cheat day, and I still limit myself and stay within my calorie range • I consume 150-170 grams of protein (still drinking the Premier Protein) • 1800-2000 calories on my cardio days (twice a week) • 2200-2500 on my weight lifting days (5 days out of the week). YES…I do more weight lifting than cardio! And carbs (good carbs, not dirty carbs) are your friend!!! Key for energy retention/endurance and muscle building! I consume more on my weight lifting days. Key intake is about an hour/hour-and-a-half prior to workout. • I still have really good restriction • My skin around my face has firmed up! It doesn’t look fallen. I’m a high school teacher and I get mistaken for a student all the time! • I do have some extra skin (and very little) in my upper arm area, upper thigh/groin; however, it isn’t that much! The muscle I have built really helps! The belly area has a little “apron” and—of course—the stretch marks from weight gain and 4 pregnancies make it look like a very wrinkly old grandma; but other than that, my stomach is flat! I do plan to have a tummy tuck this summer… so bikini here you come! All in all, I LOVE my SLEEVE!!! I would do it all over again! They key thing—and most doctors tell you this from the get-go—you HAVE TO CHANGE LIFESTYLE for LONG-TERM SUCCESS! The weight will come off that first year, but once you’re in that maintenance mode you can easily put weight back on. Especially eating dirty foods that are higher in calories/sugars/fats. They slide through your restriction, they are full of empty calories (no nutritional value), and they will be your downfall. Does that mean you cannot enjoy a piece of cake, chips or some other dirty food? No, but you have to teach yourself to say “no” most of the time; and when you do say “yes,” limit yourself and eat in small quantities. Don’t make it a daily thing, make it a once-a-week kind-of-thing. EXERCISE! You don’t have to turn into a gym rat…in fact, you don’t have to go to a gym at all, but find some kind of active activity that you can engage in at least 3 days a weeks, for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes. It can be hard at first (grueling even), but before you know it—with consistency—your body will crave it! YES!!! Literally, your body will crave the activity! I wish all of your sleevers and soon-to-be sleevers the best of luck! I hope you find your success in this life changing journey!

I'm one week post op and I've actually gained two pounds. Been on jello and shakes for two weeks. [emoji20]

amazing. I came here after a hiatus to say almost the same thing except I haven't been able to get on track. I was divorced in January, have been battling for custody of my children and have alot of new stress at work. I have regained about 50 lbs I had worked soooo hard to lose. I need an adjustment but am so ashamed of myself I can't make the appointment. I met a wonderful, supportive woman and she has watched me fail. she hasn't said anything but I fear she's not happy with my weight gain wich adds more stress that the relationship could falter. I am unsure what to do. I am sick of being like this and every day tell myself I am going to get back on track only to fail. I am very depressed and the only thing holding me together right now is the love of my kids. I am hoping that coming here and reading the success stories will motivate me to call my doc and get the band adjusted and get myself out of this rut.

So sorry for all you have gone through but at least you understand and fight all this. Depression and three months of Prozac mouth me to my highest weight ever. I was more depressed from the weight gain. I am free of meds now, still have lots of days of depression, especially the holidays when my son passed away, but I het through it. The psychiatric Nurse Practitioner was so gentle with me, and I am horrified some said shut your mouth to you. From our experience, my surgeon didn't want to hear about problems except the sleeve. I hope you find the right combination of doctors who can help you. Keep up the good work!!!

My body has never been thin and I've been OK with that. I'm 5'3 and the last time I weighed what I am supposed to was in the 5th grade. Size 10-12 is perfect to me. Towards the end of high school though I started to slowly gain. I didn't know it at the time but bipolar disorder was settling into my bones and I wouldn't be properly diagnosed or treated for 10 years. So I did what any insane person needs to do to slow things down: drink myself into oblivion or Ambien. Two problems with these choices. With drinking you can drink too much and the next think you know your cooking a 5 course meal in the kitchen or you've decided to order takeout. With Ambien you do all of the above as well as eat ALL.THE.SNACKS but you won't remember any of it. Manic? Sure you eat less but again if drinking is involved so is food. Other people go on expensive shopping sprees when manic. I would go to expensive eating establishments, especially sushi and bring 3 friends. Finally get diagnosed. Get put on a med that caused me to gain 20+ lbs in a month. Dr's response to my complaint? "Learn to close your mouth" Drug almost kills me. Find my miracle drug but at a cost. A slow process over time. I would never feel full. I was always feel hungry. The few times I lost access to this drug this sensation goes away. Unfortunately another drug will not do. For a long time I though I had two choices: fat or crazy. Insurance doesn't pay for wls if it's drug induced. Finally in the 250s I developed sleep apnea and qualified. In the time from my sleep study to my referral for wls I developed psudotumor cerebri and gained to my highest weight of 277. During my search for treatment of the psudotumor I was put on topamax and currently it completely counters my psych meds hunger effects. I don't want to be on topamax forever tho and it's not enough to get me to a healthy weight. Years of antipsychotics and dieting have proved that. Currently I weigh 245 and am hoping the sleeve will bring me down another 100 lbs!

I am sure the weight gain from being re-hospitalized for the pancreatitis is from the IV fluids they pump you full of. And yes, there is a week 3 stall, pretty much everybody goes through it. Just stick with the program, keep doing what you are doing and it will work...I promise!

The weight gain is from the Iv fluids

Surgery in May. Doing well. Lost 55 pounds so far!!! Been at a stall for a couple weeks- so I tried extra hard to get in my Protein and fluids and I've gained almost 3 pounds. I trying not to flip out. Curious if anyone can relate? Thank you Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is to those of you how have done this already. I'll give hard numbers so it makes sense I hope. My surgery was two weeks ago tomorrow. The morning I went in I weighed 143. I don't know how much he took (I'd guess 6 pounds, I forgot to ask). Today I weight 144! I know I'm getting NO exercise, obviously, but I'm also being very careful about what I eat. I'm eating less than pre surgery to try to balance the lack of calorie use. I know once I can start even walking things will get back on track, but is this normal? Is this fluid? I have one drain still in, but it has finally stopped much output so it will be removed Tuesday. FYI, I feel like the weight is going to my thighs. Is this some weird head game I'm playing on myself, is this normal, did you guys go through this as well? I'm torn between eating to recover and not eating to take the weight off! Help!