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How did you transition your pantry and fridge? What about those of you who have family members who need weight gain? Tomorrow I'm going to the grocery store for a few things to start out with but am not sure what to pick. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal

I gained 5 lbs, but my doc said it wasn't a big deal. She said that it's probably Water weight, along with the fact that I took advil and she said that can cause weight gain. Other than that, I've pretty much lost. I have my final 6 month visit March 3rd.

I went back on Nuva ring 2 weeks post op with no issues with weight gain. I am still loosing. Pregnancy soon after is not recommend and Nuva ring has one of the lower hormone levels compared to the pill.

Been back on nuvaring for a years and no weight gain

Like everyone has already said the first several days can be difficult, but it does get better. Regarding your weight gain, the surgeon had to pump you up with gas in order to visual the stomach and other organs. If your farting or burping that's good, the gas is coming out. If you were on IV antibiotics for the chest infection, that's extra Fluid you've taken in. All this should pass. Hang in there.

The first few days are the WORST and yours sound even worse than average due to the chest infection. Don't fret about the weight gain, that is all just the IV fluids and swelling. Hang in there an just try to do a little more each day. Inch closer and closer to your fluid and protein goals. Sip, sip, sip and walk, walk, walk.

Oh, how frustrating! And I hope you found a new dr after the one said, "Learn to close your mouth." I want to smack him for you. Have you talked to your bariatric surgeon about the meds and the associated weight gain? Some drugs cause weight gain by making you hungry, but others cause weight gain via other means. I've been on two different drugs that didn't make me hungry, but they did cause very fast weight gain. Not sure the sleeve would have helped me in those cases. Might want to confirm with your surgeon. Good luck!

Went to the doctor for my post op visit. I'm 10 days out. My weight was 228 which I haven't seen in years. I was 233 at the hospital the day of surgery. I gained 11 pounds in the hospital from the IVs. The doc said people usually loose more then I did which upset me because he wasn't taking in my weight gain from the hospital. I'm not gonna lie it was very upsetting. I was hoping for a good job. ????????????

May I ask how your surgery has helped your Type 2 diabetes? I am going to have bypass soon and am also Type 2 with great difficulty controlling because of severe insulin resistance. Do you still take meds and how is your blood sugar both pre and post op? Thank you. Ms. renkoss before surgery (vertical sleeve) my A1C was 12. At my last doctor's visit in December 2015, it was 6.5. I too have struggled with uncontrolled diabetes. I was even on the insulin pump before surgery. It helped control the diabetes, but I gained over 100 lbs. I am no longer on the pump and my sugar levels have leveled out. I still take 500 mgs of Metformin twice a day. Although I've been having a lot of lows, which makes me think maybe I don't even need The Metformin. My overall health has improved so much. I am so happy I had this surgery! Thank you so much for your response. This gives me so much hope that I will also be able to come off the insulin pump and only need the Metformin. I've been on so many different combinations in the past, and I've never lost weight while being on insulin. I too gained a great amount of weight since going back to insulin, and the funny thing is as I get older, the insulin resistance gets so much worse and that starts the vicious cycle of greater insulin resistance, more insulin needed, more weight gained in the stomach. It just has to end somewhere. Either the diabetes is going to get me, or gaining all this weight will.

Similarly qualified Psychs here.... I have seen no one mention meds they may be taking for other conditions that can cause all kind of munchy & weight gaining effects to the brain. Is that a possibility?

I to some degree have the opposite problem. My husband used to weight 285 lbs at 6' tall. Over the past few years he has gone down to between 205-210 lbs without weight loss surgery. While he has lost, I continued to gain because of my insulin usage being so great. Other than the insulin, I really did cut my eating amounts down to half of what I used to eat, and had cut out most carbs such as breads, pastas, rices, potatoes. I stopped eating fruits and dairy. I used good saturated fats from things like avacadoes, coconut oil, olive oil. I was exercising at least 3-4 times per week for at least 45 minutes each time. I did not lose one pound. However, I wasn't gaining at that point either, but I hurt my foot while exercising and I had to stop for several months. My blood sugar became out of control even on an insulin pump, and I fee like I'm stuck in hormonal hell. I've tried every thing there was on the market and what my doctor/endo gave me. Nothing. So this is where I'm at. Of course during this time the different medications I had been given caused weight gain (and let's face it, once gained it doesn't automatically drop off when you quit that drug). So my husband went from being a big guy to being a much thinner version, who is always cold now (he used to radiate heat) dresses in long johns, sweat pants, quilted flannels, and sits on the couch with a blanket over his legs! He looks like a little old man, yet he's only 52 years old! Needless to say our sex life has dropped off considerably. I mean it went from him being a horn-dog to months upon months of no interest. He said it is not my size that has caused his interest to be so lackluster. He said he just lost his sex appetite. We've literally had sex twice in the past 8-9 months. I of course don't believe him about it not being my size and it makes me cry a lot. I am trying to lose weight; it just doesn't happen on my own! Now that the diabetes is beginning to affect my organs, I have to do this surgery. It is about living longer healthy rather than being thin. So I sympathize with you, but mine really has nothing to do with the weight surgery. I have two more appointments and then I go for final insurance approval. I'm hoping by March/April I'm scheduled for surgery!

And Ms. Borgia, topomax does not cause weight gain. In fact, the generic name for topomax is topiramate and it is one of the components of Qsymia, a weight loss drug. So whoever told you that is wrong. Or perhaps its another med you are on? And no, you cannot and should not have sugar. Deal with stevia or move on. The whole point is to cut out sugar altogether. Also, please try to determine if the weight lost will only come back on if you are staying on the meds?

I had mine on 1/18/16, lost 20lbs in the first 10 days, then gained back 6 and have stalled. I'm encouraged that at least I'm not the only one who has stalled, but the weight gain is what has me worried. Guess we'll have to have patience and wait it out, which is always fun...

Insurance Carrier Medically Supervised Diet Diet History Notes Aetna 6 Months OR 3 Months 2 Years 6 Months-nutrition and exercise OR 3 Months-dietician, primary care physician & exercise regimen Blue Care Network 6 Consecutive Months (180 days) 2 Years BMI ≥50 criteria for diet waived Blue Care Network Advantage Documented unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity 2 Years At least one co-morbidity related to obesity Blue Cross Complete (Medicaid ***) 6 Months Current (Greater than or equal to 6 months) BCBS MI & BCBS Messa 6 Consecutive Months (180 days) 4 Years BMI ≥50 criteria for diet waived BCBS Out of State Contact Insurance Plan 2 Years Champ VA Failed attempts-non surgical medical treatment 2 Years Cigna 3 Consecutive Months 1 Year Cofinity Contact Insurance Plan Connect Care 3 Months 2 Years Health Alliance Plan (HAP) 6 Months 2 Years BMI ≥50 criteria for diet waived HealthPlus (*** and PPO) 6 Months 2 Years (Unless deemed High Risk with co-morbid diagnosis) Medicaid (Straight) What efforts have been taken for weight reduction 2 Years Documented medical diagnosis that may be life threatening as result of obesity Medicare Documented unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity 2 Years At least one co-morbidity related to obesity McLaren Health Plan 6 Consecutive Months. Food & Exercise Journal Current Showing a consistent weight loss with no weight gain Molina-Medicaid 12 Consecutive Months 2 Years Showing a consistent weight loss with no weight gain Priority Health Commercial 6 Months with 12 Months (waived if BMI is > 50) 1 Year Accept commercial, PPO & Medicare only (Not contracted with Medicaid Priority Hlth) Total Health Care-Medicaid 12 Consecutive Months 1-2 Years Counseling with Psychiatrist 6-9 months and 6-9 months nutritional counseling Tricare (Standard & Prime) Prime ***-6 Months Standard-Not Specific 1 Year Sleeve is now covered effective 9/2014 United Healthcare Commercial 6 Months (not specific with consecutive) Current Check Benefits. We do not accept Optum Health through United Health Care United Healthcare Great Lakes-Medicaid 12 Consecutive Months 2 Years Showing a weight loss and no weight gain [*]Bariatric Center [*]Getting Started [*]Insurance [*]Prepare for Surgery [*]Attend a Seminar [*]Life and Success After Surgery [*]Bariatric App [*]Newsletter [*]Meet Our Team [*]Contact Us [*]

Topamax is an anti-seizure drug that is also used for migraines and drug-induced weight gain. One of the major side effects is the complete inability to taste carbonation. You can't even feel the bubbles in your mouth. The soda tastes very acidic and outright disgusting.

My body has never been thin and I've been OK with that. I'm 5'3 and the last time I weighed what I am supposed to was in the 5th grade. Size 10-12 is perfect to me. Towards the end of high school though I started to slowly gain. I didn't know it at the time but bipolar disorder was settling into my bones and I wouldn't be properly diagnosed or treated for 10 years. So I did what any insane person needs to do to slow things down: drink myself into oblivion or Ambien. Two problems with these choices. With drinking you can drink too much and the next think you know your cooking a 5 course meal in the kitchen or you've decided to order takeout. With Ambien you do all of the above as well as eat ALL.THE.SNACKS but you won't remember any of it. Manic? Sure you eat less but again if drinking is involved so is food. Other people go on expensive shopping sprees when manic. I would go to expensive eating establishments, especially sushi and bring 3 friends. Finally get diagnosed. Get put on a med that caused me to gain 20+ lbs in a month. Dr's response to my complaint? "Learn to close your mouth" Drug almost kills me. Find my miracle drug but at a cost. A slow process over time. I would never feel full. I was always feel hungry. The few times I lost access to this drug this sensation goes away. Unfortunately another drug will not do. For a long time I though I had two choices: fat or crazy. Insurance doesn't pay for wls if it's drug induced. Finally in the 250s I developed sleep apnea and qualified. In the time from my sleep study to my referral for wls I developed psudotumor cerebri and gained to my highest weight of 277. During my search for treatment of the psudotumor I was put on topamax and currently it completely counters my psych meds hunger effects. I don't want to be on topamax forever tho and it's not enough to get me to a healthy weight. Years of antipsychotics and dieting have proved that. Currently I weigh 245 and am hoping the sleeve will bring me down another 100 lbs!

Has anyone experienced weight gain from going to the gym? I know it's better to exercise for many reasons but boy does it ever hurt when you step on the scales and you've gained a few pounds :/

Tho I qualified for surgery because of apnea, I'm mostly having it because the weight is medication induced...which led to apnea, psudotumor cerebri, and a bunch of other fun issues. I don't understand why insurance refuses to recognize the health risks of medication induced weight gain. My surgeon hopes that I'll be able to significantly cut down on my medications. I'll gladly trade them for supplements!

1. I didn't have a pre op diet so I just had broth after I first got home and it wasn't just broth but broth, sugar free Jello, Protein shakes, v8 juice, Water...and I had no desire to eat so it wasn't miserable. 2. That will depend on your doc and his/her instructions. 3. I'm 3 months out and I don't snack. Snacking can lead to grazing and grazing to weight gain, so I just stick to my plan. I'm never hungry so the desire to snack has gone away which really helps. 4. My scars were all closed on the outside within 9-10 days except for my drain hole. That one took about 2wks to close. My scars are really tiny, but will probably remain dark purple for about a year then fade to a pink and hopefully disappear in the stretch marks like my gall bladder surgery scars did. 5. I don't have cravings...so that changed, but my taste buds completely changed. Before surgery cherry anything made me gag and throw up. Since surgery it's my favorite flavor! I also find that chocolate tastes like dirt...it did when I was pregnant too, but now it's all the time so I had to ditch all my chocolate protein shakes because of the taste. 6. It depends on where you go. I love sushi and sashimi so when we go out for like Chinese food, we'll go someplace that does Asian fusion and has sashimi. I'll have a couple pieces of that and maybe half of a crab Rangoon if I'm in the mood and that's about it. If I'm going to an Italian place, I'll look for a fish or something non breaded and take the rest home. If we are doing a burger place, I'll do a bun less burger with condiments on the side and give the fries away to the kids and take the rest of the burger home. You'll be surprised how long leftovers go. I had a ribeye steak one day and it lasted me 6 meals with plenty leftover for the dog. lol

I apologize in advance for what is about to become a novel. So, some of you may have seen on other posts where I am/was having issues with my insurance company and the uncertainty of when I could actually have my surgery due to odd verbiage in my policy. I called UHC tonight to get names and dates of when I called back in October for my HR rep who has been working with our UHC rep to find out the specifics. That was the ONLY purpose in my call tonight. While on the phone with Patricia, my new best friend, she told me that she wanted to call Clinical Services just to check on the status of my file that I thought SHOULD have been submitted this week. I waited for a few minutes for her to return to the line. When she came back, she made a statement and told me to write a Case # down, so I did as I was instructed. And paused. After a few seconds of silence, she asked if I was still there. Once my mind wrapped around what she said, I asked "Did you just tell me that I was approved for surgery? I am approved to have the Gastric Bypass? That case # you just read to me is my proof of approval?" To which she responded with "Yes!" Of course, this then prompted the flood gates to swing wide open and allow the tears to fall. A little back story to help you better understand where I am coming from- I would have to say that my life (27 years young) has been challenging. I don't want pity, because as tough as the trials have been, they truly have made me stronger. They have made me ME! And I'm grateful. My sister was killed in a car accident when I was 8. There was an 18 year gap between us as she was from my father's first marriage. But my mom was basically her mom and played a huge role in her growing up. I never viewed her as a half sibling. She was a single mom of a 3 year old at the time. So, we adopted her son the day she left this Earth and I went from being the baby and 1 of 2 girls out of 3 children, to the middle child and only girl. It was a huge adjustment that I struggled with. My grandfather passed that same year a long with my father having his first heart attack months after. Fast forward a few years, I became involved with a guy who was emotionally, mentally AND sexually (yes- it's possible even if you're in a relationship with the person) abusive. I was 14 and truly believed that the behavior I received from him was due to my own mistakes. I was brainwashed and blind to the severity of the situation. Throw in two more heart attacks for my daddy and open heart surgery for 5 bypasses during this time as well. Children are very impressionable at that age, and it has taken me 13 years to forgive myself for sticking with him for 2 1/2 years. From that relationship, I dove into another one with a guy who was great at first. And then the physical abuse presented. I loved him. I NEEDED him..or so I thought. After all, he was the one who helped me move past my previous relationship. Finally, after a year and a half of hell with him, things ended. These two relationships, all before I was 19 did a huge number on my self confidence and damaged me emotionally. And then I met my husband. My saving grace. We have been married for 8 years. Things have been tough. We have experienced every hardship imaginable with the exception of infidelity. The biggest challenge being our inability to conceive due to my PCOS. I have wanted to be a mommy for so long and this surgery is my last hope at becoming one. But the straw that broke the camel's back and contributed to my weight gain began back in 2011 when my daddy was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. We quickly learned that his diagnosis and prognosis were not promising as the cancer had already metastasized to his bones and his spine/ribcage/shoulder blades were covered in cancer. I literally watched him wither away for an entire year before he passed. I helped Mama as we became his caretakers when he became too weak to care for himself. He passed away 10 days shy of his 1 year anniversary from being diagnosed. On January 18th 2012, I lost my safe haven. And a part of myself. I have ALWAYS been a daddy's girl and did not handle his death very well. So I tell you that all, to tell you this- I truly did not expect to receive approval. Not on the first attempt or without having to put up a fight first. I have had the cards stacked against me what seems like majority of my life, and believed this would be a similar situation. To hear Patricia confirm my approval....I am in utter shock. I have read a multitude of post on here where people are posting their approvals and surgery dates and while I have been so happy for them, a part of me felt envy. Because I didn't think I was ever going to be THAT person. THIS person. I am so stinkin excited that I don't even know what to do with myself!!

You should be physically capable of eating pretty much anything eventually. Some people do develop sensitivities to some foods post-op, but that's not the norm. However, you obviously want to be smart about what you eat in order to lose weight and maintain that loss. Can you have pizza and cake every once in a while? Sure! Should you eat it every day? Obviously not. You should forever be putting Protein first and striving to meet your protein goal every single day, whether you are a month post op or 10 years post-op. Doing so will leave little room for the crappy, carby stuff. I'm 17 months out. Have been maintaining at goal for 5 months. I eat pizza fairly often (maybe 2-3 times a month?). I can usually eat one whole small piece with the crust and then the cheese and toppings from another piece or two. Crust (or anything with yeast) fills me right up, so I usually can't do more than one piece with crust. I'll certainly never be sitting down and eating a whole large pizza at one time! Last weekend was my mom's birthday and I had white cake with white frosting. It was delicious! But only after I'd eaten my chicken at dinner and waited a good 45 minutes to an hour. So, yes, you can have treats on occasion in the future. You just have to be smart about it like any normal non-WLS patient does. Think of yourself as a skinny woman trying to maintain her weight. She can have the occasional indulgence, but doing it every day will lead to weight gain.

And there it is, ladies and gentlemen. This is the reason people gain weight after repeating what Jamie did day after day when we get further out, NOT stretching the sleeve. I have a sneaky suspicion people get grazing all day and sleeve stretching confused. The further out we are, the more tolerant we are to most foods, get a bit hungrier, a bit more comfortable, and that coupled with crappy eating causing even more hunger leads to grazing with us thinking we are eating more because of a stretched sleeve. I guarantee most people, even years out, can still only eat at the most 2 cups of food in a sitting. 6-8 cups of food a day will not cause weight gain. As a matter of fact, it's still less than what a person who hasn't had surgery eats when they're on a diet! So thank you Jamie, for being the guinea pig and proving that yes, even without a 'stretched sleeve', you can in fact eat a large amount of calories if we really want to.

I have banding from 22 years ago and been struggling with it, and constant weight gain and loss from just after 3 years after getting it. Until the end of last year I was told I had to put up with this, or only have band removed, but learned I can have revision to bypass and in process of having it done now. A new spring of hope has arrived, and thanks to all hear for your input.

That was what my research found as well. People eating around their sleeve: grazing, eating slider foods, eating and drinking at the same time, drinking their calories... This sleeve stretching as a real, actual thing and not just a myth is news to me. Everything I'd ever read led me to believe that stretching the sleeve significantly enough to really make a difference was impossible. I am very curious to hear more about the OP's journey. What potentially caused the stretching, how significant is the stretching, and whether or not anything can be done after the fact. I consulted three surgeons before making this decision. They all had very different outlooks on things, but the one issue they agreed on is that sleeves don't stretch if they are done properly. A well cut sleeve removes the majority of the fundus (the stretchy part) and leave mostly muscle (which does not stretch). If the surgeon leave a lot of fundus, that CAN stretch, but the sleeve was not done correctly. I am almost three years out and cannot eat more than 1/2-3/4 cup at a sitting. I've not always been perfect on my plan and I've gained weight from time to time but my PORTION SIZE has never increased because I physically cannot eat more. My weight gain has always been because of carbs and grazing.