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What about the copper IUD? No hormones no weight gain ... stays up there for 5 years. Can be easily taken out if u decide you want babies beforehand .... it's the only BC that hasn't led me to gain weight. I got one when I was 22. No babies.

Hey all I'm VERY new to this whole process and am still working on getting everything ready to see if the insurance will approve me. I went to my primary care Dr. the other day for one of the supervised weight loss visits and she wasn't very thrilled with the idea. (Even though she would write me scripts for Adipex with out blinking an eye...) Anyhow, we were talking about what medications I am on and she pointed out that my mental health medicines can cause weight gain. I told her that I knew that but I can't risk my mental health just so I can look pretty. She kind of nodded like I said something ridiculous and then asked about my birth control. I'm on Implanon and one of the side effects that most women complain about is the weight gain. I've been on the shot, and the pill before but what I really enjoy about the Implanon is that it is implanted for 3 years. I explained this, and that the last time I was on the pill I would forget it fairly regularly and that defeats the purpose. I would go back to the shot but I lack a car atm so getting to and from the health clinic in town became a nuisance with school and everything else. I ended up accidentally forgetting to make an appointment for the shot too, so I decided long term methods were probably my best bet. She told me that the Implanon and the shot were the worst forms of birth controls to be on because of weight gain, and that I really should take better care of myself, and that I was just making excuses about the pill. She said that because I'm 24 I should have my life together enough to take a pill. ( I do take other pills but they aren't time specific so if I forget to take my morning dose it isn't the end of the world and yes I forget those too from time to time) *beats head against the wall* Anyways, so I didn't say anything. I just nodded and then asked her what form of birth control she would recommend that I switch to in order to lessen the side effects of weight gain. She just looked at me. After a while she said "Well... any of them." *tears out hair* I did my own research and all of the birth control methods that I found have the side effect of weight gain. So with that long story done, any one have any advice? The doctor that I've spoken with about my surgery knows that I'm on Implanon and didn't say anything about it being a problem or a hinderance. I know that hormones affect each woman differently but if there is a birth control that I can switch to that might make this process easier I'm willing to look into it. Also, I don't have any kids right now so I can't get IUD's. The whole reason for the birth control is that I don't want to become pregnant now. I'm a week away from being 25 and still in college. I don't have boyfriend or anything but I would much rather be on it than not especially if, heaven forbid, something were to happen. If you made it this far you deserve a gold star! * Thanks so much!

I Have a BMI of 45. I cant believe this has happened again ( the weight gain). Behavioral & spiritual methods have worked, for a while. I'm on the presurgical diet from north Fl surgeons. Surgery is scheduled for 2weeks. I'm hopeful & nervous. I'm on the liquid protein drink/bar 4 a day plus a broiled chicken breast, or tuna without mayo. My first day today. I'm doing this for 2 weeks for the sake of a safe surgery. Thats what they tell me. Im trying to think positive, but I find myself crying a little bit. Positive Positive. I'll make it through. Can someone respond w/ inspiring words, or not. A response would be helpful to me. Thanks. :crying:

I felt the same as you right after my surgery. The weight gain is from the iv's that you had. This gain is normal. I could not lay on my left side for several weeks (not sure if that irritated the port or what). However, with each passing day, I felt so much better. Eat your liquids, try to go for short walks to get some exercise, and stay positive. The weight will come off. Best of luck to you...you are just beginning your "new" life.

I agree with everyone about going back to speak with your surgeons office and getting your fill adjusted as necessary. Sweets and slider foods are a risk for every one of us. It is easy to bypass the band. Some of us, like me, are also carb/sugar addicts. If I eat some, I need more and more because of the highs/lows in blood sugar. If you really want to get in control of your weight again, some good first steps would be: 1) Make an appointment with your doctor concerning band and fills. 2) Cut out the sweets - they are jeopardizing your health and causing weight gain. You can start with small goals as in, "I will only eat Proteins, vegetables and whole grain non-sugary carbs today," and worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. 3) Recommit to banding - you can always go back on your post-banding diet to get yourself back in the "banded state of mind." There is also a really good option called the 5 day pouch test (you can google it and it was created by Kaye Bailey). This is a diet plan that tests the capacity of your pouch and helps with rapid weight loss and getting you back in the right frame of mind over a very short time frame. This is excellent for R&Y or banders who need to get back on track and I highly recommend it. There is no cost involved and the diet plan is clearly detailed on the website. 4) Start charting what you eat every day. If you have 1 bite of cheesecake, document it. You can use fitday, the daily plate or a whole host of other resources. Even a pencil and paper can help if that is more your style. This will help you to analyze what you are really ingesting daily. This can also be something to share at your doctors appointment in step #1. 5) Get some support through posting on this or other support forums regularly, meeting other bandsters in your area, maybe even getting your family involved if possible. You can get back on track and we are all rooting for you. It is hard, but very possible. You found success before, you can find it again. Best of luck to you.

To make my long story as short as possible. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2008 the onset was an extreme weight gain that I had no idea how to control. So I started going to mediplan weight loss clinic got me some diet pills too curb my appetite and a B12 shot. I began to lose weight but after awhile the weight began to come back even though I was working out regularly but the pills no longer suppressed my appetite. I kept trying different diets but nothing seemed to work. So in 2010 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 25. So again I changed my eating habits continued to workout but the pounds kept adding up until I was almost 300lbs. My diabetes was completely out of control so for the next 5 years I stayed in and out of the hospital battling my diabetes and my weight would drop 20lbs and I'll gain 20lbs back. Until November of 2013 I was crying because I had been once again hospitalized for my diabetes and I was truly afraid I wouldn't live to see the New Year and it was right around the corner. I went to see my PCP for a follow up visit and was talking to the nurse and she suggested weight loss surgery to me she said it would help with getting all of my medical problems under control. I began to do research on WLS, I talked to my mom about the benefits and risk of WLS and my mom told me she'd rather see me trying to do something about my condition instead sitting around waiting to die because she was not prepared to bury another one of her kids. That conversation with my mom encouraged me to go through with WLS. SO I went to two different weight loss seminars that informed me about the Lapband, Gastric Sleeve and the Gastric Bypass. With both seminars I knew right away that the Lapband wasn't the option for me. So I was left to choose between the sleeve and the bypass. I heard so many good things about the sleeve and so many scary things about the bypass until I chose the Gastric Sleeve. Which was really the wrong choice for me. I was sleeved May 2014. So I'm now 14 months out from my original surgery date and has been very unsuccessful with the gastric sleeve. The morning of surgery I weighed 268 and I'm now 215lbs. I've followed my diet exactly as it is in my binder. I've been dealing with a lot of vomiting and my acid reflux is 10times worse than before I was sleeved. My diabetes is still a major problem. After 14 months of struggling with my sleeve my doctors have now just decided to scope me to see why I'm having issues with my stomach. I still exercise 3-5 times a week and I have yet to have a significant weight loss my sleeve hasn't helped as promised. Now I'm looking into a revision to the RNY bypass hoping it will fix my issues and assist with my weight loss. My gastric sleeve was an epic fail..... Am I the only person that hasn't been successful.

Congrats on making the decision! I too made the decision back in October, the time will pass very quickly. You touched on some of the emotional aspects of weight gain and weight loss, I have read many great trheads on this subject here. They really opened my eyes to the person I have become and to the road that I am about to travel. Good luck on your journey and dont be a stranger. :frown:

I have an IUD - Mirena. However, I am 37 and have had my kids and am married. Talk to your OBGYN about what your options are. There are a lot of choices. But most do have a side effect of weight gain.

A few months ago, I changed up my workout routine. I now do 10 mins each recumbant bike and treadmill then various strength training exercises, working most every muscle group. I do this 7 days a week with very few exceptions. Recently I've noticed a 1-2 lb fluctuating weight gain and my pants seem really tight on my thighs. How do I know if I'm gaining lean muscle or fat?

So glad you're doing well! I'm sure the weight gain is just the fluids like you said. Do you mind my asking what your pre op diet was and for how long? I am doing this nine day liquid protein only thing and its killing me. I am having trouble understanding the point.

Hello, everyone! It is great to be back, I haven't seen you all in almost two years. I had the sleeve in 11/2015 and to date, I've gained 40 pounds. I'm not happy with the weight gain, but I'm thankful it isn't a huge amount to lose. I had one bite of cake and you know the story, I was back in that crap routine of eating, crap. I'm focused now!! Alright, the point of this post. I'll get to it. ☺️ Keto or no Keto. Last October, I had to get my gall bladder out and since then, whenever I go overboard on fats, I know about it within hours. Therefore, 100% Keto isn't for me. HOWEVER, I read about Dirty Keto. Have any of you tried that and if so, what are your thought? Also, I downloaded Carb Manager, but I can't seem to get the numbers where I want them. This is what I'm aiming for: New carbs: 35 Fat: 23 Protein: 80 Calories: 80 Because this is set for Keto, it isn't letting me hit the numbers exactly. Do you think MyFitnessPal, would be a better fit? Thanks so much and again, it's great to be back! 🤗

Copied and pasted from my comment on "Restriction Riddles" There is another factor that affects restriction: My gastroenterologist told me that he's seen many pts like me who have developed GI motility disorders causing us to feel overly restricted. Also, the stomach can spasm due to being irritated by the band. This feels like tightening, because it is, but it's not your band that tightens, it's the stomach muscle. It's not necessarily a "fickle" band as much as an irritated stomach. Since going on a low Fiber, low residue diet almost 2 weeks ago, I can eat again and I'm not vomiting, PBing, or otherwise having "stuck" episodes. I'm eating rice, noodles, potatoes, breads. No problems and no weight gain, since my portions are small.

Hi my name is Mary. I am 53 years old and had Gastric Bypass surgery on Sept. 28th at York Hospital in York, Pa. My surgeon is Dr. Garber. I have been struggling with weight gain over the past 5 years. I have tried numerous diets but would only lose 5 or 10lbs and then it would stop. All my weight is sitting in my stomach. I am 5'2" and weighed 230 prior to surgery. I have struggled with sleep apnea, acid reflux, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. I am married to a wonderful and supportive husband for 7 + years now. I have 2 beautiful daughters from my first marriage. My girls are 18 and 21. I work full time with York County as a Aging Care Manager. I am determined to be healthy and follow through with all the post surgery guidelines and hope to find support in this community. So far, I have been in little pain, except when I go from sitting to standing. I am able to keep the clear liguids down and have a strong support system.

I have taken gabapentin used to take 2400 mg before I switched to lyrica the weight gain was minimal it can be managed by decreasing your calories a bit its a very good drug. Although I would ask about lyrica because its been way better at managing my pain than gabapentin did

So I'm pretty bummed right now. I got an unfil for plastic surgery may 1st, brachiplasty may 3rd. Since then I have gained 30 lbs!!!! Wtf! I realize I haven't been eating the healthiest but dang thats a lot of weight in 2 wks. I do have quite a bit of swelling still which accounts for some. I'm also not supposed to exercise for 3 wks minimum So I decided to check my eating habits & I'm going to adk my ps if I can @ least start walking or riding a recumbent bike a little. I was feeling super good prior to this... down 120 lbs in 13 months. I feel like a failure right now

Thanks, Brandi and Ms. Maui. I have FM and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I have other conditions that are "part of FM and CFS", such as Neurally Mediated Hypotension (drops in blood pressure), Reynauds, irregular pulses, and so much more. I don't expect these conditions to change. I do expect my comorbidities of Type II Diabetes, Reflux, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and some fatigue due to weight gain to go AWAY! I am aware of that warning, Ms. Maui. I think the sleeve would be worse as there is a longer recovery time, the stomach being cut and stitched to not allow me to ever use an anti-inflammatory. With the band, my surgeon and others have said it as well, that I can use these sometimes. My achiness just needs an anti-inflammatory medication sometimes. I am trying to use it less now and hope to continue doing so. With the sleeve, there are too many internal changes to my body to be potentially problematic for me. That is my thought. The least invasive and reversible is the best choice for me. I will continue to ask lots of questions! You can never know enough! Thanks again!

I say the same thing, about a 3rd revision, but for different reasons than most wls peeps. I gained almost 100 lbs (was "only" a 100 lbs overweight with no cormorbidities when I had my rny in 12/2001) starting at 6 1/2 years post rny, due to medications that caused both a chemically induced obsession with food and effected me metabolically, even though I threw up almost everything I ate, due to a gi bleed history from rny, for years. And my gastric bypass was reversed in 9/2010. I remain though in the wls communities to be a supportive peer, even though my responses are not necessarily popular. I'm not anti-rny, though nor anti-wls . I am saying that is it possible that you're on medications that can cause either weight gain or stalls weight loss. Or do you have a health history such as PCOS, thyroid, etc that sometimes can be problematic, as far as easier weight gain and/or slower weight loss? There's not much I haven't seen or heard in the almost 15 years I've participated in wls communities. I've seen people not be able to eat much and regain all their weight back. I've seen people be able to eat everything, i.e. my 13 1/2 year post rny sister who's maintained 95% of her weight loss and doesn't follow a bariatric regimen at all, but she does work out A LOT and is tiny, is super healthy and has never had one complication, doesn't dump, etc, as well as some other people I know. I don't talk about how I lose weight, but it wouldn't work for me, to follow a newbie bariatric regimen, even with thyroid and metabolic issues.As starvation no longer works. I'm OK with being 65-70 lbs lbs and almost 10 sizes smaller than my biggest both before bariatric surgery and after bariatric surgery (I was a size 24/3-4x both in 2001 and in 2009). I'm on average now of 12/14 and misses XL in most clothes. Sometimes smaller, sometimes bigger, depending on who makes the clothes. If you feel overall good, it might be easier on you both physically and mentally to concentrate on weight lost, not weight found. I choose to concentrate on being a 12/14 vs a 24 than the 2/4 I was, at my smallest. But if you do want to lose more weight, maybe it might help to rule out obstacles such as medical and medication issues that can cause weight gain or hamper weight loss. Hope this helps... Best of luck to you...

Is this normal? I am day 3 post-op and I weigh 4lbs more than on my surgery day.

This is a difficult one.... A close friend is going through the same thing. She went back on Lexapro, and gained over 50 pounds. Unfortunately, this is a problem with certain types of antidepressants. You might want to talk with your doctor and see if he/she can try something else. There are a few that I know of that don't cause weight gain. I believe Prozac and Wellbutrin don't have this issue. Also, Effexor. But if what you're currently taking is working for you, then switching can be a problem. The only other thing you can try, is to beef up your exercise routine. If you're walking 30 minutes a day, bump it up to 30 minutes twice a day......something along those lines. You may be able to reel it in, but it's going to be a challenge. Those drugs slow everything down, and that's why the weight comes on.

Hey Girlie- We're surgery sisters having been sleeved on the same day. So, I am literally right where you are. And, I can say that I honestly go through the same thing as you. I can blame mine on a mulitude of issues. Here's a quick run-down: 1. I killed my best friend when I was sleeved. Sounds nuts I know, but I turned to food for all of my emotional comfort. Sometimes, I feel sad that it had to come to this to get healthy. And, it's taking my awhile to make new "friends". 2. I'm surrounded my social eaters. Everywhere I turn my friends, family and co-workers mark life by what we're serving and who's bringing what dish. When you can't eat a lot and focus on Protein and no carbs this can get depressing. 3. I'm realizing that I blamed a lot of issues in my life on my weight and that simple isn't true. I can't blame my weight for things like my marriage hitting the skids anymore so I have to figure out how to fix it now. It's depressing to realize that I was lazy and blamed my weight and it's depressing sometimes to wade through the crap necessary to fix it all. 4. My mind is ahead of my body. I'm ready for the journey to be over and to begin living life in a normal BMI body. Even though I'm losing weight at warp speed it still doesn't seem fast enough some days. On those less rational days when I see that I haven't come as far as I want, it bums me out. I think the best thing we can do is take a deep breath and face our personal challenges head on so we can begin to sort them out and ensure a future without food and weight gain as a crutch. For me, that means journaling, talking with the BFF, an occasional therapist visit and venting on here. It's nice to know this group is here help. Best of luck to you! Amanda

Well, after a week of having my 2nd fill, I finally called the doctor and told them that I was miserable. I was burping constantly and vomiting after every meal. I couldn't hold anything down until late at night. I would find myself not eating all day and then by 9pm starving b/c I could finally hold down food. I even gained a couple of pounds. They said I had too much of a fill and took out 0.4 cc's today. What a difference! I am on all liquids and having broth for lunch and no discomfort or burping!! I am hoping this might be my sweet spot. She had mentioned that this could be it due to the fact that I was slightly over filled this time and underfilled last time. :blushing: Anyone else had to go through this??? I am not going to get discouraged b/c of the weight gain b/c It happens. Today is a new day and going to just keep moving along!!! :w00t:

Good job getting the fill out. Sounds like a pretty bad PB episode and your band and body needed the rest. You weight gain can be avoided if you'll do the work of eating well, eating less, drinking your Water and exercise. If you get another fill, cutting back your eating will be much easier. However, you must must get your head around the idea of slowing down, chewing well, and taking smaller bites. This is the only way to avoid another PB episode when you are properly restricted. It's a dance with the band. If you want the band to work for you, you have to work with it by 1)getting the right fill level 2)slowing down, chewing well, taking smaller bites 3) making the right food and exercise choices. In some ways it's simple, but in other ways, it isn't always easy. Go back in your mind to when you got banded and use your band to start over fresh. Don't gain back that 50 pounds! It isn't worth it! Get your spunk back...it's in there somewhere!

Katydotrn - especially with an increase in weight and reps, your weight gain was probably new muscle mass. Formation of muscle mass is a little more straightforward than fat loss. You damage the msucle, new muscle comes in place. It happens, period. Breaking down and metabolizing fat reserves, and then getting that change accurately reflected on the scale, is a much more mysterious (aka random) beast.

Anyone who is in maintenance - how long did it take for your body to get past the ups and downs of carb weight gain when you added them back in at maintenance? I am where I would like to maintain but as soon as I add in carbs, even staying well within my calories for maintenance I gain 3-4 lbs! I am sure this is a blip but it completely freaks me out and sends me straight back to a strict low carb diet.

If this type of exercise is not what you are used to doing. I would say that 5 lbs gain from building muscle is very realistic. It does vary per individual. Most people will see an initial weight gain within the first 4-5 weeks of intense training and then will drop the pounds and inches within the next 4-6 weeks. Again depending upon their body and what level of training they are participating in. When I started interval bike training sessions, I gained 5 pounds within 3 weeks and did not see weight loss / inches lost until week 6-8. From various reading, research and observations of other's trials and challenges, there is not one way that will work for any one person...You have to experiment to see what type of changes (dietary, exersising) works for your body. Some folks increase / decrease their carb intake, some their fat, and some their Protein, some their overall calorie count is increased or decreased. For myself, I have found that carbs are not my friends and exercise is to be experimented with. For my loss to continue...I have to exercise at minimum 90 minutes for at least 5 days/week of some type of vigorous exercise and then walk for the other two days of the week. I increased my fat and protein intake and keep my carb g down to approx. 60g give or take a 10g lee-way and maintain (for me) between 1,000 - 1,100 cal / day intake. Anything higher and I stop losing weight. Good luck John.