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3 weeks I'm a wine drinker 99% of the time Very rarely, like once a year I might have a cocktail Since surgery I have had 1 glass of wine 4oz No issues, didn't feel tipsy or anything after No weight gain No addiction issues

Mine are over the muscle - which is not considered good by all plastic surgeons. i dont have any visible scarring as they were able to do this just via the nipple. I know that mine look and feel much more natural than some women have. My advice is to make sure your surgeon's "asthetics" align with yours. also, be sue that you get multiple consults... that guided me alot in determining size etc. I was told the same thing that many hear - that people regret going to small. I had plans to go much bigger than I did until a woman PS asked me how I would feel about needing to wear a large top considering that my butt is like a size 2/4/6 range. She made a compelling case once I looked at it from an overall "look" perspective. My lover at the time tried to talk me out of doing it at all. He said something that influenced me too... I was on my way to a vacation in NYC - and he told me to notice all the 60 year old women with huge implants and with age and weight gain, perhaps look way heavier due to the implants. I did notice it, and recognized with my body type,i could someday look like that - which i didn't care for. Even though my implants are small, I am considered big breasted in my circle of friends and get more attention about it than I would actually prefer. I am one of those who does NOT regret keeping the implants a modest size. Just another voice to the conversation - it is a very personal decision.

I'm worried about this! my weigh in is Thursday and I'm starting my period soon and I'm already feeling bloated and I checked my weight on my scale and I'm up 7lbs from last week! That can't be right I'm working out everyday and eating right. I'm scared I'm going to gain weight and be kicked out of the program. I'm not aloud to gain any weight.

Good afternoon/evening, My name is Brad and I am a Microbiology research student at our state university. We are in opening talks for a "new" research direction, and I mentioned gastric bypass to the group of fellow researchers. (Back Story), My mother, her identical twin sister, and another sister (also my aunt) ALL had gastric bypass surgery on the same day at the same hospital, in 2002. The results were amazing and I'm convinced that the surgery prolonged my mother's life by decades. So this topic is both interesting as well as near and dear to me. Our research is mostly focused on how dietary changes affect the microbial life living in our stomachs and intestines. Within the last year, research as been pointing strongly toward overall body health being at the whim of our microbiome. Some of the research has been nothing short of miraculous. What we are trying to further understand is how an artificial sweetener (aspartame, saccharin, etc) rich diet post surgery may or may not lead to desired weight loss within an estimated time frame. Also, if a probiotic rich diet post surgery leads to more or less desirable weight loss within a defined time frame. Not to necessarily taint the waters with expected conclusions, but here is where we are LEANING. To date, research has been done regarding the affect of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbes. What the cursory research is showing us is that the artificial sweeteners favor a particular species of microbe living in your stomach. Since the species is favored, it is no longer held in check and their numbers begin to grow exponentially with the altered environment. These microbes are more capable of extracting greater nutrients (calories) from our eaten food. More absorbed calories COULD mean more weight gain or a slower weight loss. The most interesting part is how they are changing this behavior. Researchers are delivering high dose antibiotics to the test subjects to kill off all (most, anyway) of the microbes in the body, both good and bad. They then inoculate the test subjects with known "good" bacteria which establish a foothold in the gut and proliferate. This action, coupled with a change in diet away from the microbe altering foods, has shown some promising results. What we are trying to determine is, post gastric surgery, if there is a correlation with antibiotics given in recovery followed by the altered diet required by the surgery. My family well remembers the dietary changes we all undertook, but the idea of Probiotics wasn't even in an infancy phase. It was just too new. So, the crux of this entire post, is about post surgical dietary guidelines and if they include probiotic use. Have probiotics or prebiotics been making their way into gastric management in the 15 years since my family delved into the procedure? To those whom perhaps used probiotics, did you notice a weight loss change at a different rate than expected? Also, my mother had several other symptoms associated with her initial weight. Diabetes and hypertension were the two most prevalent. Within a short period of her surgery, before much weight loss, those symptoms had subsided. While we are not aware of any current links between hypertension and microbes, we cannot rule it out. I would be curious if people on this forum had similar results. I welcome any comments and feedback, Thanks, Brad

2/29/16 222 On new meds, I believe causing weight gain! Grrrrr!! Good luck everyone!!

I have been experimenting with Chia Seeds and Quinoa based on the recommendation of the people who did my blood work. My doc has signed off so I'm starting to put these in the mix. So far I'm just putting Chia Seeds in my yogurt (tablespoon) and mixing Quinoa with beans for a high protien starch. Any known problems? Any weight gain after adding them to your diet? Any improvement in blood work? Bang for the buck in terms of protein seems really good, but always looking for other people's experience.

Your plan should mention something about weight gain. My plan required an exercise program with documentation. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App Guideline says "there should be no net weight gain". I hope that means over the entire 90 day process. It's not that specific so I am keeping my fingers crossed and was wondering if anyone else had experienced any issues. Sent from my SM-T230NU using the BariatricPal App

Your plan should mention something about weight gain. My plan required an exercise program with documentation. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

@@Katy Walton Yay for you, Katy. CONGRATULATIONS on an amazing decision. Welcome to the other side. Should you have tried harder on your own? Well. Many of us, if not all, have asked ourselves the same question. Like most of us, you probably yo-yo dieted and experienced weight loss and weight gain and frustration and heartache until you just couldn't take it anymore. Chances are, YOU DID INDEED try hard enough. Now you have a tool that will help you FINALLY get where you need to be. What a great decision. Like you, I love to cook and experience new foods. For me this has NOT CHANGED. I'm 14 months out from being banded, and I have cooked loads of new things this year. I've been diving into the glorious world of Indian food and have made lots of new dishes this year. The thing is, I eat much less than I used to, and As for drinky-poos ... I had a few months there while I cut out wine completely. This helped me kickstart the weight-loss process when I hit a wee stall (where you don't lose weight for a few weeks). I now enjoy a glass or two every few days just as joyfully as I did before being banded. No cocktails for me, though - too much sugar/carbs. So life is good, Katy. I still love food but use it for nourishment now rather than therapy. The band has eliminated the 'hunger monster' that used to dominate my life. I am now in control, with the help of the band, and experience long periods of satiety and have NO CRAVINGS. Finally free! And 73 pounds skinnier for it! My husband and I still go out to dinner and have a great time. (And we go with friend, too, even though they don't know about my surgery). Dinners out are terrific as long as I follow my "new" way of eating - ordering appy sized portions and eating slooooooowly. I skip the bread, butter, rice, Pasta and potatoes. Instead, I hit the Protein - fish, chicken or red meat, and round out my plate with salad or veggies. I enjoy eating meals out just as much as I ever did before. You will adjust, you will heal and you will lose weight. Trust the process, be patient, be kind to yourself and get ready to watch the magic as the weight begins to fall off. Woo wee - - excited for you, Katy. You are doing great!

I'm 11 days post op and behind what I can eat. I haven't eaten in 2 days cuz I've been severely dehydrated so I been drinking as much water and powerade zero as possible so I have no room for broth or anything.... I stepped on the scale and I'm up 4 pounds from yesterday how does this happen any advice?!!

Fried shrimp is not a sin. I know you are being facetious, but the drama decreases your ability to put things in perspective. Less than perfect choice? yes. Going to cause weight gain and undo your WLS? no. Put it in perspective, learn from it, and move on. Maybe you are not a horrible person because you ate fried shrimp. Maybe the truth is that you gave in to a craving and you are panicked that this is the beginning of the end for you? The thing about humans is that we are not perfect. The thing about successful WLS is that it's what we do 95% of the time, and that we do it for the long haul. One last word of advice - be honest with yourself. Was it 3, 4, or 5 shrimp? As you get closer to goal, it gets harder and harder to lose. If you don't learn in the early days what it takes for your body to lose, you'll find yourself befuddled as to why you are stuck. I do applaud you for taking it seriously. You'll be fine.

I am so glad all of you had such a WONDERFUL experience w/ FEP BCBS. Here's my story: I had a lap band in 2005 that I paid cash for here in the US. I LOST a 132 pounds I kept my wait off even after my port broke. I had some weight gain and had my port repaired in 2012. It has not been right since that time and last April I suffered my first slip....So in April of last year my doc scoped me and unfilled my band. In a month my band returned to position and a way I went. I haven't felt well since April and in November I went and saw my surgeon and decided to go for a sleeve as I am now having on going issues w/my band. When I feel I slip I go back on Clear liquids and my band calms down(I am 3 hours from surgeon and am a nurse), So they submitted everything to my primary Insurance the end of November and I was approved on 12/5....However here is the catch My doctor was approved but not the hospital. So now here I sit 2 doctors later and a surgery date coming up on March 1st about 5.5 hours away from home. So now please realize I have 2 insurance and BCBS is not my primary. So I literally saw the doctor on the 2/2/15 and was approved on 2/3/15 by my primary. So when they went to submit it to FEPBCBS. Which most offices and Insurance companies here is the 21st century accept electronic records or faxes. FEP BCBS said...OH NO HUH-UH, you have to go to the post office and mail those records to us.(Ya know????SNAIL MAIL). People, the government if fining hospitals who are not getting on board with ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS and FEP BCBS won't accept a PRE-DETERMINATION electronically or fax??????????? Wouldn't you think this would be important as I AM having a serious complication from my device???????? REALIZE the codes for bariatric surgery are all ELECTIVE procedures no matter WTH is going on with a person. So the representative asked when my surgery date was and she assured my coordinator that they would NOT get to my approval that soon since it is a PREDETERMINATION and they don't have to give a time frame since it is a PRE DETERMINATION! Plus, she wanted to make sure the coordinator is familiar with the FEP BCBS guidelines and that they more than likely would want to meet all of FEPBCBS criteria again. THERE GUIDELINES ARE BS. They have no clause in there GUIDELINES for complications of a bariatric surgery....SO I have to meet the same criteria of someone who is either a failed Bariatric surgery(even though I lost 132 pounds) or a new Bariatric surgery....My BMI is 35 - 39 this year. They don't consider my comps complications(plantar fasciitis) or I would have to have a BMI over 40!(FORGET THAT!) In my H&P due to my intermittent lap band slippage I am at risk for necrosis and other life threatening issues. I feel like CRAP! My primary insurance recognizes this and approved me, ( I walked out of the office at 3:30 and got an email the next morning at 7:00 that I was approved) within 14 hours! I am really glad you all feel really supported by the FEP BCBS because the gals answering the phones won't do anything but quote the damn manual and I don't fall into any of there categories and they won't put a RUSH on anything or for anyone. So my primary insurance is covering it but I have a 5000/copay. So hopefully I will be feeling better in a couple of weeks....if you are curious or care Medicare, VA and multiple other insurances have a provision in there GUIDES for complications arising from a prior surgery. God forbid any of you experience a complication and need a revision of your bariatric surgery! Because when the office calls to get pre-auth they are going to be quoted the manual and you will be expected to meet all of that criteria again(Seems ludicrous to me) then they will have to MAIL your records for your pre determination!......Good LUCK everyone and GOD BLESS! Sorry for the NOVEL but I am angry! I know I know at least I have insurance!

There are only a few things that most of us have total control of.....total decision making ability. One of those is what goes into our mouths. It is a simple truth. Simple doesn't always translate to easy, though. Examine the why's behind your weight gain. Why are your behaviors not in line with your desires to lose weight? Why haven't you exerted control ? What will it take to reach the point where you are in control ? The surgery is not the prime mover. It is simply an aid.....a tool. It can be defeated if you allow it. Once you truly gather your resolve to lose the weight you will employ whatever tools that are available for you now.....pre-op...and the weight will begin to fall off. The surgery + your resolve will amplify the results.

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

There are two places your body stores sugar as fuel: your liver, and your muscles. Stored sugar is called glycogen. Glycogen molecules are attached to Water molecules at a ratio of 1:4, so for every ounce of glycogen you've got in your liver, you've got another 4 ounces of water. Much of the weight loss on a preop diet or other low-carb diet initially is the glycogen and the water. Once you deplete glycogen (by limiting carbs), eating carbs again causes you to restore glycogen and water - so the "weight gain" from going off a low carb regimen is actually lean mass and water, not fat. Hope this helps!

This is the first time I've visited this forum. I was looking for a place to share my story with other RNY patients, and here is where I landed. So, first off, the basics. I had bypass surgery 6 years ago at the U of W Hospital. The surgery was straight forward and I suffered no complications.My pre surgery weight was 355. During the first year post op I shrank to 217 (which contrary to all obesity tables was thin for my build). I was 60 at the time of the surgery. During the first year, I ate whatever I could tolerate, and drank no alcohol at all. I was pretty gruntled over the results. I tossed by CPAP, as the decrease in fat around my neck cured me of the obstructive aspect of my apnea. I was on a low dose of blood pressure meds, and I no longer needed to continue that med, as my BP dropped with my weight loss. I never could tolerate sugar after the surgery and found I really needed to limit any carbs a couple of hours prior to doing physical activity to prevent lightheadedness--although, I continued to eat a lot of high carbo foods. After the first year and the highly satisfactory weight loss, I started reintroducing alcohol. I had, for over twenty years, been a daily drinker-- usually a couple of cocktails in the evening with friends. I found that alcohol after surgery was different. I got drunk much faster, sobered up much quicker and never suffered a hangover, no matter how much I consumed. This was great fun, as I'm by nature a happy drunk, pleased to make people laugh and enjoy the company of friends and alcohol together. This behavior went on and I started to gain weight. I wasn't overly alarmed by either my alcohol use or my weight gain, as I had been told that studies indicate that RNY patients suffered a 10% weight regain after reaching their highest weight loss. Well, pressures of life mounted, I daily traded in the Stock Market, and found with the advent of the Fed's QE programs and the advent of ALGO trading, my trading strategies suffered considerably. Over the course of the next 3 years I lost $10s of Thousands of dollars in the Market. So, I sat at the computer 14 hours a day watching the evaporation of my money as it went to money heaven. It was disturbing and depressing--to say the least. My alcohol consumption increased, as my activity level decreased. In fact, I started adding a daily bottle of good red wine with dinner to enjoy and make me feel better. This escalated over the months. On top of my own Market disasters, our Family suffered some terrible tragedies and losses in the course of an 8 month period in 2014. My Wife, of 46 years marriage, had suffered clinical depression bouts and hospitalization a number of years ago. With the family loss, I constantly worried about her mental health, and as she increased her wine intake (she is on Wellbutrin), I viewed it as not a bad thing, as it helped her cope with the immediate pain and depression. My weight gain continued. I found myself back on my BP meds. and, back on the CPAP machine--which I hate with a passion. Finally, towards the end of 2015 we had a discussion about our health and what to do about it. On Jan. 1 we both stopped drinking and started dieting. At that point I had ballooned up to 278! I was embarrassed by my weight gain and felt I had failed myself and my Wife in my presurgery promise to get healthier in order to have longer and happier life together. So, on Jan 1. I got the Fitbit App and went on a 1500 cal. a day eating plan. I cut out alcohol, all starchy foods, most meat and very little fried food prep. I take a couple of Premier Protein drinks a day and eat a lot of raw veggie salads. I have to say, I couldn't be happier. Since Jan. I've lost 32 pounds and have a goal to drop another 30 pounds before Fall, I've put away my CPAP machine, I sleep better and have less aches and pains in my joints. My wife has also lost weight, although only 8 pounds, which is very visible on her, as she wasn't overly sized to begin with. I have to admit that I have an easier time with the diet, as I don't experience hunger pains, and often view eating as necessary rather than desired. My activity level has markedly increased. I've started woodworking again (just finishing up a stunning dining room table of solid black walnut) --I had stopped for about 6 years. And I am currently building a deck on the south side of the house that I had been putting off for the last twenty years! I wanted to share this with others in the hope that it might inspire anyone that fallen into a similar situation and despaired of regaining their health and happiness. So, my first recommendation is the Fitbit App to monitor and track your food intake. And, to be honest, the first week of big change like this is a bit of a hurdle, but, put your head down and power through this period and you'll find it will be easier going forward. Life will get better. Best wishes to all.

There is no universal answer to this question. It varies considerably. Your own surgeon's requirements and your own insurance company's requirements re weight gain pre-op are what will govern the decision re surgery. Other patients' surgeons' and insurance companies' policies don't matter. Find out what your surgeon / insurance company require.

I have been on depo for 12-years-ish, which is notoriously associated with weight gain. I use it primarily for control of my cycle- you never get a time of the month, it's awesome! I can say that in the end it all comes down to how much you eat- the bc itself doesn't make you gain, it just makes you hungrier, especially if you aren't used to it. I have been fat and thin on birth control and I have gone off of it for a few months at a time 2-3 times over the last decade and the only time I notice weight fluctuations is when I legitimately eat more. I've been at goal for about 10 months, but if I don't weigh everyday and make immediate adjustments I start gaining. This week I hit 133, which is the "time to stop eating so much" weight for me, so I dropped my intake, was careful with logging my calories, and this morning, two days later I'm back to 131, which is a weight I'm going with fluctuating around. The best way to maintain is to make is an every single day thing. Also, I noticed the idea of being "fat and happy" when you're in a relationship isn't entirely a stereotype. It's nice to sit at home, hang out with your man, skip the gym sometimes, eat yummy food, go out to nice dinners, and generally be in such a good mood that you don't realize you're gaining weight. You can get back down to where you were- just really start logging all of your food and workouts and hopefully you see the scale start to move.

I am 38...had surgery in April of 2015. Made goal within 8 months (over 150 pounds lost). I went on birth control (ortho-tricyclen) 3 months after surgery. My doctors and nurses assure me that BC does not cause weight gain. Literally ever since I have been on it, I ONLY lose weight during the week of my cycle. The day I take that first white pill I gain 2 pounds and it stays until the day before my cycle starts and then it's gone. Before I was losing 10 to 15 pounds that week. This past month I only lost 4 and have already gained that 2 back. What's even crazier is that I go crazy on carbs during my period usually. This past time I didn't because I had a stomach virus and ate NOTHING. I like the BC because I have PCOS and my cycles were crazy before I had surgery. Since you don't have to be careful about getting pregnant (due to BF) then I would probably go off of them or get a different kind.

I been cleaning my closet monthly, in the past I always saved it and that's how I ended up getting in trouble again cause I would gain some weight and I would get the big clothes out. I'm hoping this time as soon as I see some change on how my clothes fit that I will take control of any weight gain.

I was aware of my weight gain but I just tried to ignore it. When I finally realized how much I gained I was upset only with myself. I know I have caused harm to myself. But I can't cry over my past the surgery is a new beginning for all of us. Stay encouraged your surgery day is coming.

My main problem is that I eat too much at every meal. I'm not an emotional eater, but I am a celebratory eater. However, celebrations don't happen every day so I don't think that's a big problem for me. I was raised with a lot of brothers, and eating was a competitive sport. I ate as much as possible as quickly as possible, because I knew there wouldn't be any later. I haven't been able to break that habit. That's why I think the sleeve will work for me: it will limit how much I can eat at any one time. Oddly enough, I think my biggest caloric "sin" is milk. I drink a lot of it every day, and that's a lot of calories. I am cutting back there. I do love ice cream and baked treats, but I don't eat it every day. I don't especially like fast food, fried foods, chips, crackers, etc. I actually have a pretty good diet. I eat more fruits and veggies than most. What really bothers me about my GP's comments is that he's never even asked me about my diet. And, ironically, most of my weight gain can be attributed to medications I've taken, one of which was prescribed by him. So for him to tell me to get my eating under control leaves me in a state of disbelief.

This is a tough question. I am not a mom, but I am a daughter and I know first hand what a mine field food and body image issues can be between mothers and daughters as well as fathers and daughters. As a former college student and also someone who has worked with a lot of college students here are some of my initial thoughts. College is the time when she really does need to learn what works for her. Trying new things and making mistakes is part of the process. Some of the danger areas related to weight gain as well as other risks that I see in college are: excessive drinking, lack of sleep, learning disordered eating behavior (dorms and sororities can be really dangerous places for anyone who is susceptible to eating disorder behavior), freedom to eat or not eat whatever or whenever you want, and lack of money/scarce funds. College is a time where she is learning to be independent. A parents role shifts from that of close supervision to trusted advisor. (That shift can be smooth or rocky depending on a lot of variables.) Good habits like a regular exercise routine, time management, and nutrition skills and knowledge can be helpful. What she has learned up to now and what she is learning in school both formally and informally will come into play. In my opinion, many of the key success skills related to succeeding in college are time/life management/balance issues. What can you do? I think the best thing you can do is love her, and be supportive in a nonjudgmental way. Instead of focusing on what you think she should do, work on developing an open and honest dialogue with her. Be honest about what you are going through: struggles and successes. Listen carefully to what she is concerned about but instead of telling her how to handle something, help her to explore solutions. Some recovery phrases come to mind: Your role as mother is shifting more to that of trusted advisor, so sharing your experience, strength, and hope is what is important. Hopefully, as she sees the changes you have been making and the results from those changes, she may be interested to learn more about what is working for you. Be open and honest but try to resist the urge to tell her what she should do. I know how hard it is to refrain from advice giving and try not to do so unless asked. But, look for openings when she is genuinely interested to talk about what you have learned along the way, whether it is related to nutrition tips or even sharing an easy recipe that you found that might be easy to make in the dorm, etc. I know this is disjointed. After thinking about this more I may have more thoughts. I would love to hear what others have to say.

I had my gastric sleeve in 2011 and lost 120 pounds but now Im gaining it back. Does anybody know if I can restart the beginning phase of the diet to fix this?

When you go to the Bariatrics doc and you keep gaining weight is that bad and what will they do to you will they cancel your surgery