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Hi everyone, I have been struggling with weight gain weight loss for the past six years. My highest was 230 and was able to loose about 20 lbs with diet and exercise but then the weight loss stopped despite of changing the entire diet and exercise. Currently I am 210 pounds, 5 3". There are multiple factors that have caused this of course... Eating habits and exercise habits but also I was diagnosed with resistance to insulin and at some point was told I had hypothyroidism. Over the years as I have struggled to lose weight while trying everything possible, I was told my thyroid was back to "normal". However I still cannot seem to lose weight... Several of my friends have had very successful Sleeve stories and I have been thinking about the surgery for the past two or three years. I already spoke to a surgeon but I am still feeling pretty nervous about this as it is a lifestyle change and commitment. A friend told me about this forum, so I was wondering if you guys could help me out and tell me what your success has been and if you have any regrets to your decision? Please don't sugarcoat it Thanks in advance to everyone and good luck on your progress!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Three kids, a complete hysterectomy at 32, and husband's infidelity (we worked through it) - all of these have wreaked havoc on my mind and body. I went from a healthy 110 to 240. Some of that weight gain was gradual, and not all my baby weight came off after each child. Most of my issues came after the hysterectomy, but I was covered with endometriosis so being in pain or gaining weight...not a hard choice. But, with the weight gain came other complications: high BP, swollen calves/ankles, more frequent migraines. Job stress should be included in this mix as well as it did not help. I was a branch manager for a staffing agency during this time too. I lost weight on a doctor-monitored program (that included pills). Once the pills stopped working, the weight stopped coming off. I packed on the last 50 pounds in 6 months. Everything hurt. This surgery has been a gift from God. I'm only 54 pounds down so far, but just getting back under 200 has done wonders for my health (and state of mind). I know I won't be back to my little 110 lb self, but I also don't EVER want to get up over 200 again. My little bones have hated me for the past few years - they need relief!

As far as I am concerned, the numbers on the scale are pretty irrelevant until you can reliably get in your protein and fluids every day. Getting enough protein and fluids is critical for healing and for weight loss. That said, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs and almost everyone has a stall about three weeks after surgery. Weight gain in the first week of surgery is usually because of the IV fluids and swelling (you did just have major surgery). Just follow your program. Focus on getting in at least 64 oz of Fluid and reaching your protein target. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall My protein target is 60-70 grams of pro mod liquid Protein. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

@the realmeishere I was having extreme weight gain in a short period, 20lbs in 6 weeks... As well as thinning hair and acne which I never had a pimple as a teenager... None of it life threatening but to me if things are happening that never have before you need to pay attention...no doctor before the endocrinologist ever mentioned it... It's just another test the perform on the blood they draw, don't see why you can't request to have one. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

As far as I am concerned, the numbers on the scale are pretty irrelevant until you can reliably get in your protein and fluids every day. Getting enough protein and fluids is critical for healing and for weight loss. That said, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs and almost everyone has a stall about three weeks after surgery. Weight gain in the first week of surgery is usually because of the IV fluids and swelling (you did just have major surgery). Just follow your program. Focus on getting in at least 64 oz of Fluid and reaching your protein target. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Kind of a long story.....At the suggestion of my therapist, I went in to talk about getting a prescription for wellbutrin. My depression was only getting worse. About two years earlier, My PCP's wife had been struggling with emotional issues....they actually thought she was bipolar. At some point they discovered she had really low testosterone. After consulting with specialists at the mayo clinic, they started her on HRT and she is a different person. All of her symptoms of depression and fatigue are gone. She's kind of become an expert on HRT at this point. So hormone levels and their effects just happened to be something my PCP was familiar with. I basically lucked out, no one else would have thought to test. Like @ said, it's just not something they check in women. It's too bad because there may be a LOT of women out there struggling with depression, exhaustion, weight gain, and low libido that are misdiagnosed and put on an antidepressant and diet instead of checking hormone levels. Ironically, OB/Gyn's are the number one prescriber of antidepressants when they should actually be the most aware of the effects of wonky hormone levels on women. And, BTW, my estrogen and progesterone levels were perfect, so the "normal" tests they do on women would not have indicated a hormonal problem.

What does everyone mean by supervised weight loss ?? I have to be weighed for 4 consecutive months with no weight gain , I can lose but not significantly. Is this considered my supervised weight loss ? I am required to meet with a nutritionist for clearance. Or is the nutritionist my supervised weight loss ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was prepared for the three week stall. I have read numerous threads about it and know it happens to everyone. I weigh myself once every few days, sometimes up to five days. I last weighed myself on Saturday. I was 270. This morning, I am 271.4. I am still on a liquid diet, getting about 75 to 80 grams of Protein. I drink about 50 ounces of Fluid, working to get to 64 ounces. My goal is to have a lymphatic massage to release toxins and detox. Is weight gain also normal during the stall? Sent from my SM-G360T using the BariatricPal App

New to this app. Don't really have a support group to ask. Is it normal to gain 3 lbs in a week this soon? I had RNY bypass April 20th and this just really got me down today. Sent from my LG-H811 using the BariatricPal App

@ - I'm not sure it is a simple as "he dumped me because I got fat." My GF and I challenge each other all the time physically. We are both 53 and we both want to be there for each other in the long haul, and that means taking care of ourselves. In many relationships the weight gain is an overt sign that something else is wrong. I know there are superficial jerks who would leave because things are not as perky as they used to be, but I also know women who quit taking care of themselves, their homes, their relationships et.al. (same could be said for guys, but we are usually the more superficial sex) so the reason for leaving is all of the above, but since everyone else can see the weight, they assume that is the cause.

Did anyone gain on there last month of the pre-op diet? I have 5lbs to lose by my scale before Wednesday! I hate my scales I never know what I really weigh. Anyway if you gained did you not get approved at 1st or what happened? Just trying to prepare myself for the worst case scenario. Thank you ☆Jeni☆

Did anyone gain on there last month of the pre-op diet? I have 5lbs to lose by my scale before Wednesday! I hate my scales I never know what I really weigh. Anyway if you gained did you not get approved at 1st or what happened? Just trying to prepare myself for the worst case scenario. Thank you ☆Jeni☆

if you are getting all your Protein, try adding non-starchy veggies to fill you up. I had the same problem, now I eat salad frequently. I make taco salad with 93 % ground turkey, big mac salad with the same, Italian sub salads, ham sandwich salads, etc....that way I am getting all the FLAVOR of my fav. foods, without the fat & carbs. I add non-starchy veggies to a lot of meals, to bulk them up while adding few calories. http://www.hungry-girl.com/ has a lot of great suggestions If sweets are your thing, you can cook with Protein powder, pancakes, Cookies, muffins etc.... 800 cals a day is quite low, when you went up to 1000, were you eating sugar, flour, rice, Pasta or potatoes? Those things will slow down weight loss, cause cravings and possibly cause weight gain.

I lost 110 lbs during my 7-month process to get the sleeve (had to have 6 months with monthly meetings with a nutritionist). I very nearly canceled my surgery. Here's why I didn't: - The chance of losing a significant amount of weight and KEEPING it off is really low. Within 5 years something like 95-98% of people who lost weight gained it back, usually with some extra on top. Even if I lost all the weight I needed to using diet/exercise, I have never maintained a loss. My sleeve is the tool that will help me do that. - My years of overeating had really messed up my stomach. My portions of food were still too big. I completely overhauled my diet and started eating low-carb, high Protein. However, I still ate quite a lot. I would just fill up on salad or veggies, usually at least 3 normal-sized servings. If I tried smaller portions, the hunger got overwhelming and I would end up cheating. I just didn't want to take the chance. Yeah, I MIGHT be able to do this without surgery, but with surgery my chances are much, much better. I NEVER want to be 400 lbs again. Also, both my surgeon and my nutritionist said that my loss prior to surgery is a really good sign that the sleeve will work wonderfully for me, especially over the long term.

@@Christinamo7 - Well I have often heard many doctors (plastics and bariatrics) said you had to be at a stable weight for at least 1 year before they would do plastics. My NUT says you will typically be your smallest at 18 to 24 months post-op and then will experience (most likely) a weight gain (albeit hopefully very little). Even the plastic surgeon said I would need to make sure to be stable after surgery because a significant gain or significant lose after plastics could affect the results. I think my NUT is concerned about potential gain. I'm kind of thinking my therapist really knows me best since I have seen her the most so I will definitely spend a lot of time talking to her about it before I make an decisions.

During my initial consultation, I wanted a sleeve. My family was very anti-sleeve because it is permanent. My doctor actually agreed, saying my health was fine and that I didn't need to lose so much weight that I would need a permanent surgery like the sleeve. When I saw my doctor last, I asked about revising to the sleeve as I have concerns about the band longterm. She said again that if I was having no problems, I did not need to revise. Maybe the weight gain since then would change her mind? In the band's defense, despite not being great for actual weight loss, I did not experience many of the horrible complications I have read about online. My gallbladder actually had nothing to do with the band, but with years of extreme high protein/low carb dieting and quick weight loss. Still, I want to lose weight! Maybe I will see what she says. I don't really have time right now for a revision, but I want to be healthy and if that is what it takes... It is hard because she is so glamorous and I can really tell when she is disappointed. Well, I worked up the courage to reschedule the appointment I cancelled this week. I have one in a few weeks. Maybe by then I will have lost a couple pounds from restricting calories? Yeah, that feels right to me! I am shooting for that as I find it difficult to meet Protein requirements (and be a pleasant, functioning human person) at 600-800. If I find that I'm not losing weight, I can restrict down.

I hope you consider seeing your dr. They have seen it all. And they are paid by you.... Maybe a fill? It could be helpful. Please do not be embarrassed by weight gain. It is a common refrain on these boards, and many people work through them. Just know we all have good times and some not so good times. Please reconsider another visit and fill. Your band has to work with you!

I'm 3 years post surgery. I've recently been able to eat whatever I want and I have no will power! I've gained 12 lbs in one month. Anyone have suggestions? Advice? I've heard some pills can be taken. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Weight regain is based on a patient's ability to make the necessary lifestyle changes and continuing to adhere to a bariatric friendly diet plan, NOT what kind of surgery they had. The type of surgery doesn't dictate success or failure, an individual's behavior does that. I will add in an exception....with the malabsorption of bypass, you may be able to get away with eating off plan without regain more so than a sleeve patient. I have two good friends that had bypass almost 10 years ago and I would certainly regain if I ate like they do. However, they suffer from a variety of illnesses related to nutritional deficiencies. Personally, I'd rather take on the added accountability and stick with the healthier lifestyle required in order to maintain my loss. And as for studies comparing weight gain between the two surgeries you probably won't find that many. VSG just hasn't been around long enough to have accumulated enough long term data. But really, that data is only going to tell you what OTHER people have done, not what YOU are capable of.

@ChooChi73 wow, tomorrow is your big day!! How do you feel? I am so tired of people telling me that I am not big enough to have WLS! How big do you have to be for people to be happy for you and the fact that you want to take preventative measures that will prevent further weight gain and assist me in finally being successful in getting this weight off? I am 38, 5 '3" and 246 lbs, I wear size 18/20 pants and 2xl tops. I think that is large enough, right? I am on the pre op diet right now and it is driving me crazy, like i am getting headaches from my sugar withdrawals. I am not hungry, but the headache just wont go away. How is everyone else doing? @onmica

@@AmyMarie79 You are on the right path. Keeping vigilant will pay off. Are you setting mini goals as you lose weight? At each goal treat yourself to something special.(non food) one of mine was toenail polish when I could easily bend over...I hope you find your honeymoon phase. I agree with @Babbs. After you reach goal, Maintenance is a whole new situation. I have had weight gains. I think that's why I keep up with the new people. Love the enthusiasm. They remind me that this is a lifestyle. The goal for me is healthy not a pant size.

But if she knows it's a trigger food and that might ultimately cause weight gain, where is the pleasure? Should an alcoholic have an occasional recreational martini? Everyone has a trigger food.. I am not suggesting anyone eat a box of cookies or a whole cake... I acknowledge that trigger foods should be avoided until you deal with why you over eat... but my point is.. one should use this process to teach ones self to control their portions and have balance... there is no need for deprivation I don't think the occasional cookie is going to cause weight gain... unless you are overeating or having them too frequently... what will you gain weight is when yopu deprive yourself for so long that you go on a binge day after day because you have not dealt with your food issues. Remember they did surgery on our stomachs not our head.... these issues should be addressed for long term maintenance

But if she knows it's a trigger food and that might ultimately cause weight gain, where is the pleasure? Should an alcoholic have an occasional recreational martini?

I am sorry. So very, very sorry. I hate to say this, but it there is likely far, far more going on than the 'past few weeks' and has NOTHING to do with weight gain nor loss and I hate to say it, but he will be back and/or keep you on a rotten carrot string as a back-up. I used to be afraid that my ex would leave me, then when I talked to the "other one", I was told.."No, you should be afraid that they do NOT leave". My son would have the rest of his childhood sucked away by this person.. IDK your situation at all, but as I just got out of a relationship with a narcissistic or some kinda Cluster B personality disordered person, your story is a red flag to me, so I will encourage you (or anyone in a relationship that makes no sense) to go to the Facebook page or Webpage called; "Let Me Reach" by Kim Saeed. Her site has magical articles that explain what I suspect was going on for a while, mainly her focus is narcissism in relationships. Note: Not all narc people have "all" the traits, but it is a great place for support and information. Good luck.

It is a hard question for me. Do I regret surgery? No. Would I do it again. I really don't know. Probably. Number one thing to take away from my post: do as VSG Anne has done. Put yourself into therapy from day one. This is a major life decision. Weigh not just yourself- but all your options. I would never recommend doing this if you are currently healthy and only mildly over weight. I do not believe BMI 40 is overweight enough for this drastic measure to be taken. There is a very good chance you will not lose much weight, or that you will regain if you go into this with the wrong mindset. Here are some pluses and minuses for me: Plus: I am able to walk and run without difficulty. I have a very physical job that I am now capable of doing much more easily. I can squat and jump etc which I could not do before. I do not sweat profusely like I used to. I look quite attractive and can wear almost any clothing I wish. Some people treat me differently (better) due to my appearance. I don't have to worry about binge eating huge amounts -my surgery stops me. If I eat I have very good energy. Cons: I'm uncomfortable eating 80% of foods. If I am not very careful I will vomit. I dump at least 3-4 times a week which involves excessive nausea and urination, drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, sweating and flushing. It is brought on by foods high in both fat and sugar and is very hard to predict when it will Happen. I still have bad back pain. I still am hungry if I do not eat 1800 or more calories. I am very tired either from dumping, vomiting, or simply not eating enough. Eating causes a great deal of stress for me. If I eat too fast or don't chew enough I throw up and it is difficult for me to eat around people for this reason. I always become very stressed with family meals. I try but I still end up having to vomit at least 2-4 times a week. My eating disorder is triggered by all this. I have huge anxiety around eating and weight gain. I still don't feel thin enough. I have body dysmorphia from being overweight and I still feel overweight much of the time. I have bradycardia (low heart rate). I have lost half my hair. I am freezing cold all the time. I have to sleep with a heat pad. Some people treat me worse or differently when they don't know my history. They assume I am naturally thin. My dating life sucks because when men discover my baggage they don't want to deal with it, or they are freaked out when I don't eat enough. Or they become obsessed with me and fixate on my looks. I spend too much money on clothes lol. Just grains of salt for you all to think about. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App