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Hah, loved Insanity workout and actually taught it at a gym for a bit before my injury which led to depression and weight gain. I haven't been cleared for workout yet (10 days post op) but I can't wait. When I get cleared I'll let ya know Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I too have fibro amd the meds they gave me contributed to my weight gain and itol my rheumy i refuse to take them. She gives me nembutone 500 mg 2x day and my primary doc gives me tramadol 50 mg 2xa day.....it works for me and i do hate the flares! I also have positive ANA. I suffered with manic depression for many years and took many different antidepressants to finally arrive at prozac which i took a long time...it quit working so i was on nothing. 2 yrs post sleeve i was diagnosed with bipolar type 2...i think there are 4 types. It is mostly inherited. It took me a yr of therapy and different mood levelers and antidepressants to find my cocktail that works for me and also to embrace it. I also have anxiety and insomnia...which goes along with it all. I am now back on the prozac, which is working along with depokote. I take the smallest dose of valium at bedtime for sleep and anxiety....that is what works for me. Now I only have to see my psych doc every 3 months for refills and follow ups. There is no cure and i do have some bad days when my mind gets stuck. But i no longer fight it cause that only makes it worse....i know as long as i take my meds it does not last very long. I hope you find what works for you. All the regular docs i went to in the past never mentioned i might need a mood leveler to go with my antidepressant. It took seeing a psychiatrist for my proper diagnoses. After hearing my history and family background...he hit the nail on the head. I am so grateful now. I look at it almost as a gift because it answered many questions about my self and my past. So if I had not had my sleeve and had not lost the weight at that time that I had...I don't think I would have the emotional healing that I have today. Awareness is key and you know your own body....and the stigma of mental illness is way outdated. It is by far nothing to be ashamed of....not saying anyone here is....I just will be glad when it is accepted like any disease that can actually e seen....as to look at me you would not know I am disabled. Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

I'm 2 years post op. Had horrible time the past 2 years with strictures, ulcers, and revision surgery last October. Now that I can eat I'm starving all the time. My start weight was 245 Got down to 123 now I'm at 156 surgeons goal was 145. I have fallen off the wagon any advice to get back up and lose about 20 lbs. I feel fat again and its a mental struggle now! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120A using the BariatricPal App

@@LowBMISleever "My comment was for the OP, but I don't take anything I said back. If it offends you that alcoholic beverages are empty calories that cause weight gain, then there's not a lot I can say. It's factual information. On a side note, I rescue dogs and your name implies you do too. I support that :)" You were complaining about the entire conversation and it not being 'supportive' to you. I know alcoholic beverages are empty calories and that's not something that's 'offensive' to me...I'm just not a huge believer in demonizing something that is allowed on our plans (most everyone here is allowed alcohol at some point) and something that I know is going to become a part of my long-term life. I don't like being nannied by strangers, and it seems I particularly dislike it when that stranger is calling people out for being non-supportive of HER dislike of alcohol use in a thread titled 'alcohol'. That's all. And yes, I'm a big rescue supporter and I'm glad you are, too. I've got two awful little rescues running around right now, barking their fool heads off and making my heart feel full <3 All of us have something in common at the end of all of our differences, don't we? Peace

Enjoy your alcohol. It definitely makes a ton of sense for morbidly obese adults trying to lose weight to drink empty calories that additionally impairs their judgement. cheers! I liked this app because everyone was so supportive pre-op and answered my questions honestly. Not sure I belong here anymore. I understand why the veterans don't stay. @@ShelterDog64 My final thought, we have all allowed ourselves to eat and drink ourselves obese - it's gluttony and addiction. That's why we are here. We deserve to be scolded when we go off plan, just like anyone else with an addiction would be scolded for going back to their drug of choice (mine is Pasta & wine). I understand that YOU are not going off plan for YOUR program. My comment was for the OP, but I don't take anything I said back. If it offends you that alcoholic beverages are empty calories that cause weight gain, then there's not a lot I can say. It's factual information. On a side note, I rescue dogs and your name implies you do too. I support that Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@bevmccarthy did you gain any weight on your last weigh in ??? FYI Aetna is strict on any weight gain So if you did not gain weight on your last weigh in then you are good to go. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are all so smart! I actually did find the joke funny - but then started feeling uneasy about it. I'm pretty sure that after you all have brought me back to reality, that I was feeling overly sensitive. I had just faced my doctor with the idea of Gastric surgery, thereby admitting fully to myself that I'm pretty overweight and have no control over my weight gain. I was shaking when I told her so I think my feelings were a bit raw. thanks to all of you!

@@sallo Hi Sallo, wonderful to meet you! It is a great site for info and support. I don't dare having any sweets anymore, as they set up a craving for me for more and more ... I have been having melons and berries for Desserts. Tonight I had honey dew with blueberries and bit of Chobani yoghurt. It tasted delicious. I have ran out of blackberries, so I will get more tomorrow. Yes, lately I have been losing weight quicker myself. From 101kg down to 75kg today. At 74kg I was told I'd be classified as success. I want to get back to 65kg, or stretch goal of 60kg. Basically I want to fit back into my clothes again. I was only obese for 2 years, had a massive, rapid weight gain. Some of it due to my auto-immune thyroid disease. Ironically, this disease kept me slim all my life, and turned 180 degrees 2 years ago. So, I am just very grateful that I had WLS, and can get my health and my life back. Nice to hear from you, and best wishes with your weight loss

From what I've read, a co-morbidity is a co-morbidities no matter how you put it. I'd look up insurance requirements and whatnot before gaining/faking 20 pounds. Some Won't allow any weight gain. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ditto (you are beautiful before and after)!!! Its normal to be nervous...this is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make and it is indeed permanent. It was the tool I needed because I had my thyroid removed 7 years ago and nothing else was working to stop my weight gain, Its a life change and more than a notion to stay focused in doing everything your surgeon and NUT tell you to do.... but I can tell that you will look even more stunning (and much happier) after the surgery! I get "approving" looks and comments every day (friends and family esp.), cat calls (which I can do without) from men young and old, and my husband is once again chasing me around the house (wink-wink). God will bring you thru this with no complications, just name it and claim it!!! Keep me posted on your progress cuz I'm here for you girlfriend! #VSGworks

@@Lexigurl82 First of all... you are beautiful. I know you can't see this right now because you're so broken but you really are. Your ex is a straight up BUSTER. Know that you have done the absolute best thing for you and your daughter and I just want to applaud you for having the COURAGE to take such a huge step. Many women live in this kind of turmoil and because they really don't believe they deserve better-- they stay. YOU made the first step and not only did you leave-- but you filed for DIVORCE. Please know that This too.... shall pass. Lexi, this is your time. I know it doesn't feel like it right now but in time you will be able to look back on this day shaking your head and smiling at the same time. It's time for you to start loving YOU. You've had the WLS-- and been quite successful thusfar. Congratulations!!!! Continue with healthy activities it's this kind of thing that can derail us back to bad habits but DON'T EVEN. The 5 stages of grief associated with dying apply to Divorce just the same. Some stages you will skip past quickly, some you will linger around in longer. It's ok to be sad. To cry. To break things. To be ANGRY. But then you must move on so that you can grow as an individual and transition into the next phase of your life that GOD has waiting for you. It is amazing. Don't worry about dating right now. You're no where nearly ready for that. You have to heal first so that you are ready for the right one. OR else you might find yourself back in the same situation. First and foremost allow me to recommend personal counseling/therapy. I know this is not a very popular option but-- check your insurance benefits. Many plans have a Mental Health benefit that most of us never take advantage of. If your co-pays are too high, reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Its a great resource available to employees to help you cope with stressors in your life. If you belong to a church you can also seek pastoral counseling. I went through therapy for about 4 months. One night a week. 1 hr. No judgement. Psychologist was neutral and helped me to identify reasons that led to my thinking and behavior, and provided tools and behavioral exercises to help improve my thinking patterns, and responses. I had to DO THE WORK chile, because she couldn't be with me 24 hours but there were things I would work on until my next visit and we would review and move forward. This helped me to look at life with a new perspective, see the positive in myself so that I could focus more on becoming a better version of myself. That was the mind part. I began eating healthier, exercising, taking care of my body. Then I had WLS. That was the body part. Many men who are themselves insecure, will prey on others with insecurities as a method to inflict control. He had not problem with your weight gain because it was no threat to him. He asked you if you were going to leave after having WLS because this was a threat to him. That's his problem, not yours. Then the soul... whatever helps you to tap into a higher power, spiritual connection-- meditation, prayer, scriptures-- Bottom line all things need to be in check mind body and soul. Spend some time to yourself to do some reflecting and create a vision board for what and who you want to be. Fit, stylish, Social, Traveler, whatever. Create a list of things you want to do. Yoga, Spa, re-connect with old friends, visit a new place, get your hair, nails, feet done. Go to the mall buy a new lip color, let them makeup your face. LOVE on YOU. IF you look good, you'll feel good. Spend time with your daughter. I encourage you to work on yourself first and foremost because everything you do affects her. If you're moping around and depressed-- mad at the world, mad at her dad. She's taking it all in. Trust me kids pick up on these things and when mommy is sad... she hurts too. Be open to discussing her feelings. I understand your feelings toward his friends and family but at the end of the day... their loyalty is to him. My sister in law and I are very close but I KNOW-- if there were something going on... her loyalty will always remain to her brother. Sometimes people just don't want to get involved or cause drama. That doesn't make it right, but this is a time for you to purge individuals out of your life and its up to you to pick and choose who you want in your life. I do wish you the very best. I have a feeling this time next year for you will be much different but it is a process and there is light at the end of the tunnel. But it starts with you! Best wishes Lexi! thank you so much, I needed to hear those words. I am doing a little bit more, going out with my roommate and just trying to have fun. it is a process and I just want to heal. I know it's going to take some time and I guess it is something I just have to go through. I am actively looking for a job in the new city I am in and as soon as I find a job I will look into getting some additional counseling. Thanks again and God bless you

I'm so short that even a little weight gain/loss is very noticeable so my friends and family have all commented on it (they don't know I had WLS.) Unfortunately my driver's license photo is from 10 years ago when I was 21 and under my current goal weight......LOL

Not everyone that has a low BMI gets WLS because of the laziness of putting a "little effort" I had wls at a BMI of 32, this was because i completely screwed up my metabolism from having the band. I was a BMI of 23 and jumped to 32 in less than 12 months since having the band removed. Basically i can not eat above 800 calories without gaining. My exercise and diet remained the same, i did NOT gain from lack of effort. Please do not generalise without knowing peoples history or story, a blanket statement like that isn't useful to anyone. And as you say, being 200lbs, you lose with very little effort, this may be the case for you, but you will find that weight loss is slower the lower BMI one is. Better to do something about it sooner than later right? That's like us (low BMI'ers) saying "we don't understand how you can gain so much weight & take so long to do something about it". To be honest there's no reason for anyone to be 600pds... Sorry. Heavier people lose weight faster than we do actually that why there's drastic weight loss for them, the weight moves slower for low BMI's so we actually HAVE to work super hard. I don't understand why anyone on this site would be harsh toward anyone. We are all here because we made bad choices & want to be healthier. I don't see a purpose for dissension on a "support group". Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App 600 lbs is a little excessive and i feel you were being mean spirited. Im not trying to be harsh im trying to understand. I understand if you have a health issue or rapid weight gain for no reason. But i do have an idea of the struggle because i have been that size most women in my family are that size and dont have trouble losing if and when they want to. I see that this is not the case for everyone and my apologies for generalizing. My concern is that surgery is becoming a go to option instead of a last option. But who am i?? This is just my opinion on an open forum you dont have to agree with me.And also ive been "doing something about it" since i was 13 im 30 now. I exhausted EVERY other option before i ended up hear. Every diet known to man trainers, nutritionist, tons of time in the gym. so it took so long because i busted my ass first landed on my face too many times. And here we are.

Not everyone that has a low BMI gets WLS because of the laziness of putting a "little effort" I had wls at a BMI of 32, this was because i completely screwed up my metabolism from having the band. I was a BMI of 23 and jumped to 32 in less than 12 months since having the band removed. Basically i can not eat above 800 calories without gaining. My exercise and diet remained the same, i did NOT gain from lack of effort. Please do not generalise without knowing peoples history or story, a blanket statement like that isn't useful to anyone. And as you say, being 200lbs, you lose with very little effort, this may be the case for you, but you will find that weight loss is slower the lower BMI one is. Better to do something about it sooner than later right? That's like us (low BMI'ers) saying "we don't understand how you can gain so much weight & take so long to do something about it". To be honest there's no reason for anyone to be 600pds... Sorry. Heavier people lose weight faster than we do actually that why there's drastic weight loss for them, the weight moves slower for low BMI's so we actually HAVE to work super hard. I don't understand why anyone on this site would be harsh toward anyone. We are all here because we made bad choices & want to be healthier. I don't see a purpose for dissension on a "support group". Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App 600 lbs is a little excessive and i feel you were being mean spirited. Im not trying to be harsh im trying to understand. I understand if you have a health issue or rapid weight gain for no reason. But i do have an idea of the struggle because i have been that size most women in my family are that size and dont have trouble losing if and when they want to. I see that this is not the case for everyone and my apologies for generalizing. My concern is that surgery is becoming a go to option instead of a last option. But who am i?? This is just my opinion on an open forum you dont have to agree with me.

I have an IUD (Copper). I had normal cycles, and I have had my IUD so long that my periods are light again after initially being heavy. I have always had regular periods my entire life, no lady issues, no PCOS anything like that. At first I still has normal periods, then once I dropped a lot of weight (over 100 pounds at about 9 months) I started having periods every 2 weeks almost. It seems to finally being almost normalizing, but my body is still trying to adjust to the weight I am at now. My periods are light so it doesn't bother me that they are every 2 weeks, except for the weight gain or stall that comes with them. It makes it hard to see progress on the scale, even though I can see and feel the inch loss.

@@SD123 My initial BMI was 32.3 last year. Surgeon was happy to operate on me to prevent future complications. I had a massive, rapid weight gain between 2014-2016. So, I would have been operated on last July 2015, but the team's endocrinologist diagnosed me with Thyroid disease. It took 9 months for my thyroid to stabilise, and in that time i piled on another 29Ibs, making it a total of 90Ibs weight gain, and BMI of 37.1 My pre-op weight was 222Ibs. I am now 5 months post op and lost close to 60Ibs, and still losing. My excess weight put me in a pre-diabetic stage, and I had beginnings of non alcoholic fatty liver disease. My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol levels were very high, and emotionally I felt completely beaten down. If I did not have this surgery, my weight would have doubled, and more. Even though I was only obese for 2 years, it played havoc with my body and emotions. Now, I am feeling so much better! And yes, had a few people tell me that they wished they did WLS surgery when they were at my BMI level, and not waited when their BMI got much higher. Good luck to you, and no-one has a right to tell you what to do or not to do. Any negativity is only someone else's opinion. It has nothing to do with you!

@@Lexigurl82 First of all... you are beautiful. I know you can't see this right now because you're so broken but you really are. Your ex is a straight up BUSTER. Know that you have done the absolute best thing for you and your daughter and I just want to applaud you for having the COURAGE to take such a huge step. Many women live in this kind of turmoil and because they really don't believe they deserve better-- they stay. YOU made the first step and not only did you leave-- but you filed for DIVORCE. Please know that This too.... shall pass. Lexi, this is your time. I know it doesn't feel like it right now but in time you will be able to look back on this day shaking your head and smiling at the same time. It's time for you to start loving YOU. You've had the WLS-- and been quite successful thusfar. Congratulations!!!! Continue with healthy activities it's this kind of thing that can derail us back to bad habits but DON'T EVEN. The 5 stages of grief associated with dying apply to Divorce just the same. Some stages you will skip past quickly, some you will linger around in longer. It's ok to be sad. To cry. To break things. To be ANGRY. But then you must move on so that you can grow as an individual and transition into the next phase of your life that GOD has waiting for you. It is amazing. Don't worry about dating right now. You're no where nearly ready for that. You have to heal first so that you are ready for the right one. OR else you might find yourself back in the same situation. First and foremost allow me to recommend personal counseling/therapy. I know this is not a very popular option but-- check your insurance benefits. Many plans have a Mental Health benefit that most of us never take advantage of. If your co-pays are too high, reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Its a great resource available to employees to help you cope with stressors in your life. If you belong to a church you can also seek pastoral counseling. I went through therapy for about 4 months. One night a week. 1 hr. No judgement. Psychologist was neutral and helped me to identify reasons that led to my thinking and behavior, and provided tools and behavioral exercises to help improve my thinking patterns, and responses. I had to DO THE WORK chile, because she couldn't be with me 24 hours but there were things I would work on until my next visit and we would review and move forward. This helped me to look at life with a new perspective, see the positive in myself so that I could focus more on becoming a better version of myself. That was the mind part. I began eating healthier, exercising, taking care of my body. Then I had WLS. That was the body part. Many men who are themselves insecure, will prey on others with insecurities as a method to inflict control. He had not problem with your weight gain because it was no threat to him. He asked you if you were going to leave after having WLS because this was a threat to him. That's his problem, not yours. Then the soul... whatever helps you to tap into a higher power, spiritual connection-- meditation, prayer, scriptures-- Bottom line all things need to be in check mind body and soul. Spend some time to yourself to do some reflecting and create a vision board for what and who you want to be. Fit, stylish, Social, Traveler, whatever. Create a list of things you want to do. Yoga, Spa, re-connect with old friends, visit a new place, get your hair, nails, feet done. Go to the mall buy a new lip color, let them makeup your face. LOVE on YOU. IF you look good, you'll feel good. Spend time with your daughter. I encourage you to work on yourself first and foremost because everything you do affects her. If you're moping around and depressed-- mad at the world, mad at her dad. She's taking it all in. Trust me kids pick up on these things and when mommy is sad... she hurts too. Be open to discussing her feelings. I understand your feelings toward his friends and family but at the end of the day... their loyalty is to him. My sister in law and I are very close but I KNOW-- if there were something going on... her loyalty will always remain to her brother. Sometimes people just don't want to get involved or cause drama. That doesn't make it right, but this is a time for you to purge individuals out of your life and its up to you to pick and choose who you want in your life. I do wish you the very best. I have a feeling this time next year for you will be much different but it is a process and there is light at the end of the tunnel. But it starts with you! Best wishes Lexi!

Quick question that I'm hoping somebody can help me with..............I am a borderline candidate for weight loss surgery; my BMI is about 38 with a couple of co-morbidities..............I have Aetna insurance and I went through an entire 6 month program at Geisinger hospital to have this process done. They kept telling me with every visit that I needed to keep my weight about where I started, 296.....I would fluctuate up and down a couple of pounds throughout the program, and they assured me I would be approved. I submitted my pre cert to the insurance company in December of 2015 and got denied in early January because I had actually gained 3 pounds during the program. I wish I had know the criteria, or at the very least the hospital would have. The hospital suggested that we do a 3 month weight management program to show the insurance company that I was capable of losing the weight....we submitted the appeal at the end of April and it came back with the insurance company upholding the appeal based on the original weight gain. I have since been back to the hospital to continue my weight management program and have been doing very well holding my weight steady. My question is this............Can I submit a completely new pre cert since it has been 6 months after my original denial? Does it matter that I was appealing during this 6 months? I just called Aetna and the operator on the other end told me to submit a pre determination with the new information..............is there a difference? My hospital insurance lady doesn't seem to have a clue; the ball is in my court to make this happen.....she will re submit if I want her to. Any help would be great.............I have been working to get this surgery for 13 months now...........it's really getting frustrating.

The longer I stay on this site the more I convinced I am that the norm is for a lower weight at year 2 with a regain in during year 2-3 to a stable weight. So many people are posting about 5-20 pound gains in that time. Makes the slooth in me wonder. *dear Internet, I'm not saying this is true for everyone* I stay really active and any dip in that activity brings weight gain. It's a trade off 6 days a week in the gym or weight gain. I can not control with diet alone. For me that's okay. I love the workout. I've just had several surgeries since maintenance and I've experienced what sedentary does to my body. Anyway, I take probiotic, fish oil, multivitamin (gummy), b12 (gummy), Vit D with Calcium, and Vit C. Hope you find what works for your body. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am sorry that it has taken so long for me to update everyone. One month ago I was finally diagnosed with SLE (lupus), and also have the fibromyalgia cross over. I have continued to gain weight. I am now up to a 25 lb weight gain, not matter how much I cut carbs, and raise my Protein intake. I am extremely depressed not just because of the weight gain, but also because of the diagnosis. It is really imperative that I lose weight. I have begun trying to be more active, but no change on the scale. I am now considering revision surgery from the gastric sleeve to RNY. I don't know what else to do at this point. I know that it can cause many complications. I am not sure if there is any other procedure that might help, but am trying to contact my original surgeon, as well as some of the best surgeons in my area. Looking for any advice that you ladies might have. I really would appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much, Jennifer

@@jaysmm I am similar height and also low BMI. Been slim all my life till 2 years ago when I had massive, rapid weight gain. This put me in a pre-diabetic state, beginning of non alcoholic fatty liver disease and other issues. I have been losing weight at a nice pace, not too fast, but good enough for me. The only loose skin I notice is in my arms, everywhere else my skin is tight. Slower loss can help the skin to stay tighter. As for hunger, I was hungry for weeks post op, till I moved into soft/mushy food. I also had bad reflux that can mimic hunger, so I was put on Nexium, and that helped. In my opinion, for me, the surgery helped to stop developing complications and now my glucose levels are great and my liver is healthy. Hang in there, it gets better with time

Keep moving forward. I am 2 years post-op and did a big cheat for several months and paid a big price in weight gain. Don't be like me! One of the biggest things that kept me in that cycle of eating junk (and too much of it!) was the shame and feeling that "Oh well, I blew it. I might as well eat what I want now!" Just go right back to doing what you should! You'll get there.

Thank you, that's very kind. I'm sorry to hear about your loss as well, and the weight gain you experienced. I appreciate the offer of messaging you, I may just do that.

Hello to you, too, Jaysmm. I can tell all the way from here that you're a "she," not a "they." I shall not venture a direct response to the title of your topic, as I have no idea and, more to the point, I believe you intended the question for yourself. Please banish "only" from your weight-loss vocabulary. Weight lost is weight lost: That is the goal. In fact, you're off to a good start. I don't know what you were expecting or why, but for your own comfort level, it's important to have realistic expectations which is another somewhat vague thing. We all lose at different rates and patterns and it's common for people of lower weight to lose more slowly. In the case of similarities, someone else of your height and starting weight will also lose at a rate and pattern different from yours. You're in good shape. There's no turning back. This is a good time to regroup, reorder your thinking and claim your power. If your surgery practice has a support group, you might find it helpful to talk with others in the in-person setting. You can also benefit by sharing experiences here. May I ask why you had surgery? [You're under no obligation to answer.] Hello, you're right i should not overthink or worry about my weight loss as long as i am actually losing weight. And as of why i had the surgery, it was because i a short period of time i gained 40lb without changing anything in my lifestyle. I'm diagnosed with pcos as well so the doctor suggested that i would get the surgery done before it gets worse as i am prone to weight gain and that the chances of me having diabetes are high. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Why not go ahead and have a good cry? You've earned it. Relish it. Then: Put your think'n cap on. Get more professional opinions. If your doctor is stumped this time, seek another. It's not being disloyal. It's enlightenment. And don't give up until you feel better. There is a "cocktail" out there somewhere for you as the unique individual you are. You just have be assertive and insistent long enough until you find it. Don't give up on yourself, my friend. There is a path out of the "med change/weight gain quagmire that you find yourself bogged down in now. You just have to find the correct "GPS" setting to get you on that "right path". Keep posting. Keep calling. Keep asking. The answer is out there. You'll find it. I know you will.