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For a while I thought about how much more energy I have. I recently realized that I am returning to how I was meant to be. I used to have this much energy before my major weight gain, and I am returning to that level. As I got bigger, my energy decreased. Emotionally, I am returning to my previous levels of happiness, too. It is as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders (wait, that's exactly what happened!!!). Many people from different walks of life, friends and just acquaintances have all said that I glow. I just hope that it is not from the barium in my pre-op tests! @@Icantbelieveit said they just looked forward to things again, I have to agree, big time.

I'm heading down to Miami for 7 weeks with the kids. They go to nature/archeology camp on Biscayne Bay and since the camp won't let me in (something about age limit Pffft) I have created my own Mommy Camp. I bike, collect mangos, can mango chutney no one will eat, kayak, explore, take yoga classes and tennis lessons. This is our 4th year going and the last few have been kind of rough because of major surgeries and subsequent weight gain. I'm so excited to head down his year lighter, fitter and happier than I have been in years. My husband and kids are loving the mom who is always on the go and I'm loving life. Bring on the South Florida heat and humidity! I'm ready for you this year! At the end of the summer we are going on an 8 day Alaska cruise with my husbands family. My goal is lose enough weight to feel comfortable in the wet suit I'm going to wear when we go snorkeling in Ketchikan. I have had a life long fear of wet suits (I'm convinced I will look like a seal in one) so I specifically booked this trip to motivate me to move this summer. Just the thought of me trying to shimmy into a wet suit on the shore of a freezing cold body of Water makes me laugh so hard I'm already burning calories... I love hearing everyone's plans. Be safe and wear sunscreen and post pictures! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm going to share my positive experiences with having the VSG with the hope it will ignite a spark of optimism in you about it. Besides my mild state of panic about having the IV inserted (I have a completely irrational needle phobia and always freak out about them, no matter how much I promise myself I won't) the surgery itself was as smooth as it could possibly be. When I regained consciousness I actually was confused for a moment and thought the surgery hadn't happened yet because of the absence of pain and discomfort. The anesthesiologist had done a terrific job. My period started during the surgery, and it did feel like the cramps had been amplified that first day. I'd brought a heating pad with me, and that provided some relief along with the ample pain medicine I was given. I was slightly nauseous but that abated when they increased my meds a tad. I slept for a few hours, and then felt ready to start going on laps. I actually was told I needed to slow down my pace because I was feeling so well I just zipped up and down the hallway. I slept very well through the two nights in the hospital, and during the day would snooze when I wasn't walking or watching movies. I brought my laptop and a HDMI cable so that I could hook it up to the TV and my parents (my support team since my husband was working) and I could watch them. I had the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, because my BMI was too low for my insurance to be willing to cover any of the costs, and the facilities exceeded my expectations. After I was released I felt energetic enough to go to the little touristy area and explore and shop, and then chilled out by the pool at the hotel. After we left Tijuana my parents and I went shopping at the outlet just over the border before making our two hour road trip back up to LA. We stopped at a couple of scenic places, and at Panera for dinner where I had broth. I felt completely comfortable the entire way, without being burdened by fatigue or pain. The only discomfort I experienced was from an allergic reaction to the tape used over the incisions. They caused tiny, itchy, angry welts. Fortunately they healed quickly. My recovery was easy. In a way it was even enjoyable because I gave myself permission to just lounge around the house and recuperate. I'd stocked my kitchen with Protein powders, popsicles, Crystal Light, PB2, broths, Jello, and the like before surgery, along with everything else I thought I might need, and put the house in order so I could just relax. The blog site "The World According to Eggface" has a great post about things to stock up for the liquid phase, and I recommend that you check it out. You can also find packing list for the surgery on YouTube and this forum. I binge watched Ray Donovan and all these other shows people had raved about but I never had time to watch, read books, and took gentle strolls through the neighborhood. I'm a professor, and I started teaching one month post-op with more vitality than expected. I was back on campus preparing for the quarter prior to that point. I think if I'd had another job a total of two weeks off - one for the surgery, and one for post-op - would have been sufficient. I'd worried I'd be lacking in stamina, but was already benefitting from the weight loss in that first month. I've increasingly gained energy, fitness, and confidence in the months since surgery. I learned about my appetite changes and got myself into an eating and drinking schedule during the time in between surgery and going back to work. I threw up due to having the VSG just once. I'd eaten something that was spicier than expected, and guzzled Water to try to put out the flames. That caused me to throw it up. I was really sick in December, but that was due to a virus that several of my students had, and I would have gotten regardless of having had the VSG. It was a week of misery, and then I rebounded. I'd been a tad bit concerned prior to surgery that I'd lose hair, have loose skin, and would look and feel aged. I'm grateful that none of those problems became a reality. I lost a tiny amount of hair around the four-month mark, but it was only perceptible to me. My skin isn't the least bit loose, and my scars have faded entirely. You cannot tell I ever had surgery. I'm in my early 30s and am now getting carded again, and confused for being a student. Strangers have paid me sweet compliments. I've gone from a size 14 / XL to a size 6 and am still losing. The shirt I wore today was an XS. I have PCOS and have seen an improvement in my blood work and symptoms post-surgery (no more painful acne breakouts that throb all night and make me want to hermit at home because they are so unsightly). This time last year I was incredibly self-conscious and would dread the thought of running into friends I hadn't seen in a while because I knew they'd notice my weight gain. I shrank into myself like a turtle retreating into its shell then. Now I am emerging, blossoming. I am actually living my life instead of just existing in it. I feel freed. I had mentally prepared myself to have "buyer's remorse" because I'd read that it was quite common, especially in the first month, but I have honestly never regretted this surgery. For every medical procedure there is, there is someone who has had a painful and horrific experience. Someone who has had everything that could go wrong go wrong on them. There are people who've died from having their wisdom teeth or their tonsils removed, from reactions to OTC medicines, from childbirth. And we're surrounded by risks everyday - cars, tubs we could slip in, food we could choke on. You have to look at the risks of not taking action, too. Obesity can shorten your life, and it can shackle you to health problems. The VSG is really a low-risk surgery if you chose a qualified surgeon and follow the guidelines given to you. Many of the problems people experience post-surgery have solutions to them. As an example, some people with acid reflux problems have felt better by taking a PPI. People who are very fatigued might have a Vitamin deficiency a blood test can identify, and then they can treat. I felt better when I increased my Vitamin D. You're likely to be able to make it over any obstacle you encounter, too. Hopefully you'll go for this surgery, and you'll benefit from it like I and so many others have. Best wishes to you.

@@NatashaSaysRawr Can we have sugar free ice cream? I know I can have sugar free jello. I basically wanted opinions an how others tolerate it. My sleeve can tolerate about anything..(The exception is brown rice. its not my friend) So it all comes down to food choices. (1) is it on my plan? (2) Am I getting the best nutrition to fuel my body with this choice? (3) Is their a healthier option? (4) Is this food choice going to cause food triggers and weight gain? (5) Be willing to except the consequences of your choice.

@@rebecca wills I also have Graves Disease, had it most of my life, but only got formally diagnosed last year. It kept me slim till last 2 years 2014-2016 where I gained 41 kg (90.2 Ibs) !!! I had to have my thyroid destroyed and stabilised prior my VSG, so I finally was sleeved in March 2016, instead of July 2015 ... Auto-immune diseases, hormonal dysfunctions, they all can play havoc with the body/brain/mind and emotions. I am close to 3 months post op, have lost fair bit of weight, still suffering with thyroid issues, as the more weight I lose, the more hyper-thyroid I get, and my Thyroxine dose needs constant monitoring and adjusting. I am afraid that the Ghrelin will come back, after 6 months or so, don't know how this whole journey will pan out. Just trying to do my best one day at a time, and coping with hyper-thyroid symptoms again! The heart ones are the scariest, high blood pressure again and racing pulse, plus rebound insomnia .... As for the hunger and appetite, for now I have lost most of it, and lost my chocolate and sweet cravings. I am very mindful of high Protein diet, fluids, good veggies and vitamins/supplements. As I had such a massive, rapid weight gain in the past 2 years, so far the Sleeve is really helping me. I tried Duromine tablets before, and had to stop as my Graves could not cope with the speed/amphetamine type drugs. I wish you all the best, rebecca! Providing your labs (thyroid) are OK, the surgery should help. You're welcome to PM me. Margo

I have heard that having a BMI to that extreme, it would be quickly moved along to prevent further weight gain and complications. But, I have also heard that a 3 month requirement of trying to lose weight on your own may have to be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would be skeptical that the Mirena is causing your weight problem. Yes, it has hormones, but they do not get absorbed systemically, like if you were on the pill. Therefore, in theory, the weight gain side effects would be less than with other hormonal birth control. Personally, I would take a closer look at what you're eating and exercise level. What has your nutritionist and/or surgeon said? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was on the pill for roughly 12 years. I got pregnant while on the pill twice, each time I missed 1 day. A few years prior to surgery I got a Mirena IUD. Period free, no replacement for 5 years. Yes please. I'm now on my second IUD and have not experienced any weight gain. It's wonderful. Insertion and removal is a b%&%&%, but worth it IMO.

Hormones, where you are in your cycle, can wreak havoc on weight gain or loss. Also I would take a look at the sodium content of what you are eating. I can tell you right now you mention pepperoni and that's very high in sodium. If you are using a food journal like MyFitnessPal you can look at your daily sodium intake. Just my humble opinion. Keep plugging away. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

For me (a year into maintenance now), calories continue to matter. In fact, all macronutrients (Protein, carbs, fat) and Fiber, sodium, etc. matter to me. There are a bazillion stories in the naked city about WLS patients who've regained weight who have no frickin' idea how many calories (or Proteins or carbs) they're eating. If I start gaining weight I would at least like to know why. Therefore, I track all my food / drink in My Fitness Pal. My therapist would like for me to become a more "instinctive, healthy eater." By that he means that my instincts about what I want to eat and what I do eat should magically equate and result no weight loss, no weight gain. Yeah, that ^^^^ was written in sarcasm font. I'm so not there yet.

Folks, I cringe to read the title of my own post. I think it's every Baratric patients nightmare. The mix of embarrassment, guilt and resentment that I feel is horrid. Especially because my lapband failed and the Sleeve was supposed to work. Now I'm not saying it did not work, I'm saying that I have seriously fallen from grace and need your help and compassion to get back up again I was doing great, working out North of an hour a day and loosing weight steady eddy! At my 4 month appointment my doc could not be prouder, he told me to keep doing what I'm doing and he'll see me in another six months...by month 6 I'd lost a total of 69lbs, and at 204lbs's I was just 1 lb shy of the big 70, and 4 lb's shy of the amazing Onederland that I have not seen in 16 years...life was good. And with my new found confidence, I finally made a move and took my dream job, that is a mix of stay at home and travel, and that was the tipping point... Although the best career move ever, my new regimen of working from home (moving less), but even worse the travel, with the pitfalls of constant restaurant eating, company functions and buffets, I let my guard down! One carb led to another, and the travel accompanied by sedentary tiredness, socializing and pressures of breaking in and fitting into my new job left me with less focus on my bariatric journey and not much will power to dedicate. In a short month (between month 6 and 7) I blinked and even though I maintained workouts (albiet no so intense), on sheer food alone, I gained back 10lbs!!!!!!!! Woa? How could this have happened? Surely it's Water or monthly hormonal gain, but who was I kidding...the weight stuck! In complete panic, I cut out the obvious crap that I know I was doing wrong in the carb department, and cut out the diet sodas that crept back in etc, and have lost 3 of the 10lbs in the last few weeks...but it's slow and painful and I'm so down trodden about it. How could I actually GAIN at a time when I should be in loosing honeymoon? I mean I expected this perhaps a couple years out, but the sheer ferociousness with which the lb's jumped back on is beyond scary! So here's my problem...I've cut out the crap and I'm back to my old workout routine, BUT I'm constantly craving carbs and although I'm eating the right things...I know I'm eating too much of them and in the wrong quantities.., I get full on more than what should fill me...then 30mins latter I'm hungry again, so I pop another Protein bar, or bowl of cherries, or low at mozzarella cheese stick with a wassa cracker, or cup of lowfat yoghurt and fruit., or some nuts..you get the picture, and on some mornings I can do all of the above slowly via grazing. But I just get SOOO hungry. What happened to all the Grelin being gone?? I also eat late at night as it is when the kids go to bed, I hop on my laptop to catchup on work and I like to have a nice hot cup of tea and something to munch on. Pals, Iike I said, I know I have only myself to blame and I feel horrid about it ...I've avoided even coming on Bariatric pal (did not want to move my ticker 6lb's UP, which I just made myself do!!!), I want to hide like an Ostrich and pretend this is not happening, I should be loosing, not regaining and trying to loose what I regained!!! ..but...I need you, and if I'm not accountable and if I don't plug into a source of help, well...I don't even want to think where I'm headed for. So any thoughts, encouragement, similar situations, advise...ANYTHING, would be so much appreciated in this time of disappointment in myself. PS: I called my docs office after re-gaining the first 5lbs...I don't live very close to them. The nurse told me to track all I eat for 3 days and said I'll be fine "you know what to do! You got this!". But then I suddenly had to travel for work events involving TONS of the hardest to resist food, and the 5lb's became 10lbs (3 of which I have spent the last 2 weeks loosing). It's like my stomach can eat so much more now and it's constantly wanting more...I'm quite embarrassed to call my doc's office and tell them I'm further in the hole.

I try to not weigh myself very often, but I have had one appointment with my nut since my surgeon, and when I went to my primary care I gained 12lbs. My doctor said when I took you off a medication there is a chance of weight gain. Wtf. Now I'm further behind is the surgeon going to deny me.!!!!!!!!!???????? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Don't remember how much I gained in swelling but instead of my usual 00-2 i was wearing size 4 for many months!! Keep following your plan, get your protein and liquids. Also, wear compression as long as you can, the longer you do, the better the final result will be. Once I could wear my own, I bought extra firm compression garments, which I wore for about 6 months. The weight gain is very scary, but it's just swelling. Congrats and best of luck for a smooth recovery.

Hi all: On May 20th, I had an abdominalplasty and brachoplasty. So far so good, except that I have gained about 10lbs! I am scared of my mind. Has this happned to any of you? Any suggestions as to what I should do? I was thinking of doing my post WLS diet. Just Protein shakes and Soups. What do you guys think? Thanks!

After surgery, I discussed the issue of weight gain with my nutritionist. Her recommendation for those that have reached maintenance phase is to eat a balanced meal of Protein, carbs and fat. Immediately after RNY gastric bypass surgery, the part of your stomach that processes fats and sugars was cut away. Therefore if you ate fats or sugars, it would pass through your new rerouted stomach and into your intestines and you could experience dumping syndrome. But after about the first year, your intestines realize something is amiss and evolve to process fats and sugars. I feel fats are important in the maintenance phase because the goal in the maintenance phase is hunger control. One of the properties of fat is to satisfy hunger cravings. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf

When I first got my band I was 325lbs. Up until about 280lbs I hadn't really felt that bad and considered myself a 'healthy' fat person. As I got closer to 300-325 I started feeling worse. I got banded, lost 127lbs and stayed happily between 200-225lbs for about five years. However, I had constant reflux and heartburn from the band. About a year ago I finally had enough and had some Fluid taken out of my band. Holy crap did I gain weight fast!!! I went from 213 to 293 in less than a year and felt miserable. Gaining weight at the rate of 10lbs per year allows your body to adjust and get used to it but gaining 80lbs quickly made me feel like I was trapped in a fat suit and couldn't get out. I'm now having revision surgery next week on Tuesday, June 7th and I cannot wait! I'm so excited. I just wanted to share a brief synopsis of my journey and encourage anyone out there that is unhappy with their chosen weight loss surgery to never give up!

Hi, looking for a place to discuss weight gain after five years. First I had the Lap Band and when that had to be taken out, a few months later I got the Gastric Sleeve. I notice a big difference between the two, I was never hungry with the band and I am not sure if I am hungry with the sleeve or just back to wanting to munch all the time. It has been two years with the sleeve and I know I can eat more. I never reached my goal and had 40 still to go after both surgeries, but I know I have gained just from my clothes and the way they fit if not so much the scale. I am so disgusted with myself after going through all of this that I cannot finish. I was looking for a local support group in the NJ area, still looking. Or a group on line with long term surgery people. Anyway that for listening, write me back if you are having the same issues. Or know a place to go or a on line group.

In general, they are looking at whether there is a psychological component to your weight gain over the years. They are more about trying to treat any conditions that might interfere with your weight loss after surgery. So just answer their questions honestly.

feel frustrated and worried at the same time.. Just hit the one year mark with my sleeve. I'm 6'1 male and I was 179 lbs but for the past 10-14 days days I have gained 6 pounds but nothing has changed from my routine. I do my intake of Protein (70-90g), Water (64-80oz), exercise (2 hour walk) but it seems strange to me and odd that i have gained weight when nothing has changed. i don't want to start worrying about something being wrong with my sleeve but any feedback from all of you out there is much appreciated. I know that it is normal to fluctuate with +/- pounds but for almost two weeks now i just been gaining weight and it does not show sign of coming down.

I had to tell a younger person what Memorial day was for. She didn't understand why she was getting a day off work. Went out with the artist and I couldn't wait to come home. I think he has Aspergers or something. He's one odd duck. I hope he realized the date was awful so I don't have to tell him we aren't a match. I agree Sheryl that by 61 people need to start having an exact idea regarding retirement. I get really sick of men that are penniless at that age and I know a lot of them. Most of them will say their ex wife has it all. I'm glad I got Match for half price.I wouldn't have paid if it hadn't been a better deal than full price. They are different than the ones on POF. Some are the same. I'm getting a lot of interest from out of town guys. That's ok cause they are either retired or getting reading to. I wish I wasn't so picky. I hate 61 year old men that look like an old man.They look 80 to me. My trainer looked up gabapentin and he said it does cause weight gain for some people and also makes it difficult to lose. I just wish I could get addicted to exercise the way I used to be. I wonder how Kim is doing. I think she's really to be admired for supporting her man while he travels. I would not be that strong. I've had a horrible weekend. All my friends were busy with their families and I basically watched tv non stop, other than my bad 2 hour date.

@@moorecr I understand the struggle, weight gain can happen to any of us. You might try a counselor to deal with the emotional eating and stress.. You are in the right place for support. Find your motivation of why you had surgery to get yourself and your head back in the game. Here are a few topics in bariatric pal that may help. You can use SEARCH box at the top right side of bariatric pal. This will help narrow down what you are interested in. Also helps from posting repeat topics. Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Health and Wellness http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1253-emotional-mental-and-spiritual-health-and-wellness/ Accountability group. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/329299-accountability-group/page-103?hl=%2Baccountability+%2Bgroup#entry4146871

Hi, I don't know if this is anything other people think about but here goes. How do you single gals out there deal with explaining scars and your new body to somebody new?? I used to be pretty confident before my epic weight gain and now I'm wondering if you choose to tell a new man in your life or if you lie?? I have no intention of jumping into anything for quite a while, but eventually would love to. I broke up with my ex about a 1.5 months ago when I had some other medical issues and he was unable to be supportive and turned out to definitely not be the person I thought he was. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's a great post and terrific questions! I've found just the opposite- I'm finding myself reconnecting with friends I've let go as I went into hiding the larger- and more depressed because of it- I got. My weight gain came over the course of nine years, with years 3-7 being the worst. I began "hiding". This spring, after about a month after surgery, I came out of hiding. Friends were excited to see me! They missed me!!!! How happy I was, not only to pick up where we left off, but that I was finally feeling good. I was never a drinker, but most gatherings do revolve around great food. I ate before I went out, and didn't think twice. No one noticed I wasn't eating because we were too happy chatting. It is certainly liberating to be out and about. Now, almost 10 weeks out, the difference in me is very noticeable, and when I see someone I haven't in a couple of years, usually it's accompanied by a "Lisa, you look great! Are you feeling better??" I've not opened up about my surgery. But they knew I was sick. I simply reply "thank you, yes, feeling much better and I'm finally off all the steroids. ". My advice- surprise yourself with the people who were/are close to you. They will simply be happy you are feeling better, motivated, etc. and likely just accept the fact that you are THERE.

I am with you on the first 6 months. I lost my maximum weight the first 3-6 months. Then it slowed down when I reached 175 lbs. Then I kept it off, until I had complications with internal bleeding from gallbladder surgery. Then, soon after that, I had my tubes tied and I started to gain. I don't drink carbonated drinks. But, I do drink sweet tea occasionally. I do live in the south, so sweet tea is our choice of refreshment. Lol I am NOT complaining about my surgery at all, it has helped me keep my diabetes under control. My biggest problem right now is carbohydrates. Mostly snacking in between meals. Ive started taking CLA and Fat Burner along with a lean muscle mass supplement. And drinking at least 3 route 44 waters a day from Sonic. Lol hahaha I really love the crushed ice, reminds me of a slushie. I think its a mental thing, the crushed ice makes the Water exciting. My workout schedule needs tweaking. Mostly hit and miss when it comes to the gym. I have been trying to start walking around every day at our local park. And along with the water, and whatnot, I have noticed a significant impact on my bloating and weight gain. Starting to feel light on my feet again. I created a secondary page on Facebook, to use as an journal just between me and my counselor. I can keep up with my meals with posting about my meal with a picture. I need a few buddies on Facebook to keep me motivated though. Barbie Ann

I was denied due to weight gain. I really think it depends on who reviews your paperwork. I've seen some people talk about how they gained weight and Aetna still approved them the first time. I would suggest trying your best not to have any more gains and make sure at your last weigh in that you weigh less or the same as your first weigh in.