Search the Community

Hello from another that was in the same situation as you . . . Banded and lost 83 and gained back 35. . . . never received restriction from the band and like you did a little cheating on the band and that's why the weight gain. I also, had the same thoughts prior to sleeve surgery last week. My thoughts just before surgery were "I will never give up on myself because I am worth it and others are depending on me to be there in the future" . . . that should be enough to put your fears to rest. I believe everyone of us that are banded, sleeved, and RNY'd have cheated on the diet. I can guarantee you that each and every one has done it. so, don't feel like you are the only one that let things slip. But, it is what you do with your life after the slip. Never, Never, Never give up on your WL journey. You have done great with the band. I was sleeved last wednesday and everything is going so well right now. I am walking daily and keeping to my healing meal plan. Getting in my water and protein and staying with the program. I will overcome my excessive weight with this procedure. You should feel this way and believe in it. You are worth it. . you health will be so much better. Good luck with your surgery.

I went for my check up and my doctor realized that after several blood tests over the last year that my TSH levels were high. I didn't know what that meant but I realized that I am almost 7 weeks out and I am so tired that I can't even get up and walk around without feeling like I did a 5K run. I know my vit-D levels are low. I now have to take a 50,000 IU's of Vit-D once a week. My B-12 came back up to normal, now I have to take a B-12 shot. I have to also continue to take Calcium and Iron and I still feel very week. I was put on an anti-depressant which helps a little. The doctor then checks my last blood test and said to me " I think you have a thyroid problem. I replied " I thought high levels of TSH means high functioning thyroid. However, high TSH means low functioning thyroid. After the doctor goes back into my record and realizes that all my blood test from last year showed a problem with my thyroid I had to take another blood test to see if the TSH levels are still high. High TSH levels leads to the following You may experience chilliness or sluggishness or feel weak, depressed and tired, symptoms often labeled as chronic fatigue syndrome. You may have problems thinking and with cognitive functions, have difficulty breathing or experience muscle cramps with vague or specific joint pain. You may be plagued with uncontrollable weight gain, dry skin, constipation, menstrual problems, hot flashes, PMS, increased menstrual flow or have a miscarriage or be diagnosed with infertility. The list of common symptoms of high TSH levels includes weakness, fatigue, difficulty waking up, difficulty losing weight and/or weight gain, roughening of the hair and skin, hair loss, a pale or yellow tinge to skin, brittle nails, intolerance to cold, constipation, depression, mood swings, abnormal menstruation, decreased sex drive and memory loss. High TSH levels can affect a person's overall outlook and mentality. I had all these problems pre surgery. Now I thinking did I have to do this surgery at all. I hope this test confirms my worst fears so I can finally feel normal again. I don't have any energy. Read more: Symptoms of High TSH Levels | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz23woxuHNH Read more: http://www.livestron.../#ixzz23woj9MJF

I saw a story about Christina's 'massive weight gain' too and it pissed me off. A skinny celeb puts on 10 lbs and everyone is screaming that they're obese. Please! People wonder why so many young girls are dieting at younger and younger ages and no matter how skinny they get, they think they're fat. It's because of crap like this feeding their insecurities and poor body image. I recently saw Pitch Perfect and I was pleasantly surprised that they had some leading characters who weren't twigs. It's nice to see larger girls carrying a movie.

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.

Apparently heredity factors add to it. It looks like I may have a gene that predisopses me to being likely to have diabetes. Weight gain seems to trigger it. I'm not 100% I'm understanding it correct but it does look that way. If that's why some get it when overweight and other don't it clears up one reason and problem for me. My Doctor told me my body holds onto sugar and that's why I gain weight and have diabetes 2. It's all so confusing to me, hard for me to understand. I need diabetes education for dummies.

Thanks. And it's not like i have to stay with this doctor. If he see's weight gain, it he is annoyed. I told him the lap-band is not the magic cure all to weight loss. Thanks again.

I found myself sabotaging myself also. But then, I was having trouble seeing a thinner me. The weight gain in part, was to be invisible , and I just was not ready for all the attention that loosing weight was creating. Crazy huh? I'm a bit of an introvert, it's sort of like learning to swim, take a big gasping breath of air, then plunge head first back in the water!

Stay hydrated for sure. As for the bm, try Smooth Move tea. It has Senna in it which is a laxative. I took it 3 days post op just to nib things in the bud. Don't stress the weight gain, I gained 3 lbs and all of sudden it was gone. Good luck!

@@Inner Surfer Girl I agree with what you're saying in part. Insurance in relation to weight loss surgery definitely needs a total rehaul. In my "track" composed of the people I was grouped with also seeking surgery, for six months of classes, I personally know of two who ran into insurance firewalls even "after" having jumped through all of their mandated hoops. One was laid off a week after graduating and lost her coverage. The other was told in JULY just before she was to get her date, that her husband hadn't worked enough hours in May & June to cover the premiums, so her insurance was deemed inactive. During class one gentlemen had to drop out because his company was changing insurance. And another had to postpone hers because she couldn't arrange time off for the endless pre op appts and surgery recovery time. In a very real sense they're hoping to wait us out. Make us give up before we ever even make it to the OR. We, the obese, aren't treated as second class citizens. We're treated as disgusting blights on society. That premise is what has to change first. When I was growing up, smoking was still in fashion. They unabashedly showed cigarette commercials on TV, and they were even sold openly in vending machines. It took decades before worldwide change came about, when lung cancer was undeniably linked with tobacco use. Initially there was a lot of push back though. Change never happens without a fight, without sacrifice, especially when bottom line profit and big money is involved. It took a very long time before big corporate tobacco was made to bear the brunt of blame and reform. Only then did things start to noticeably change. Well the same thing is happening now, with the so called "obesity epidemic." And in the exact fashion that tobacco head honchos tried to shift the blame to the smoker, saying their product wasn't addictive, today, fast food, sugar additives, and the like, along with the diet industry would rather zero in entirely on the fat person for being fat, as opposed to accepting any part of the blame themselves. They produce addictive products that are scientifically proven to cause weight gain. Then they price it low enough to keep you coming back for more. And after you're completely hooked, then they try and sell you a cure all in the form of Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. It's the very definition of an endless cycle. I'm not saying that everyone's obesity is solely caused by junk food, as we know better. Genetics is a major factor as well, among others. But it being our fault entirely is the prevalent outside notion, isn't it? If we'd all just eat less and exercise more we'd all be thin right? Well, that's the misconception that has to be changed first, before we'll ever have widespread reform on more easily obtaining WLS. If WE, the obese are entirely at fault, than why should other people, thin people, have to put their insurance or tax dollars towards our fat? Personally, I think we need more and more obese people to come out of the shadows and demand WLS, not less. We need more medical studies done showing the medicinal cost savings between patient care pre and post op surgery too. In the same way that all those who began the process before us, by first seeking out a surgical option, who underwent the experimental procedures in the past with less than desirable results - we have to keep it alive too. In this forum and in other places. Only then will the proof that the demand far exceeds the supply of knowledgable surgeons and center of excellence facilities. Only then will real changes begin to be made. Our surgical wait time today can be measured in long arduous months, sometimes years, before we ever even get a bypass, sleeve, band, or whichever procedure chosen. But the fact that the numbers, the obese people, who are seeking it out are growing exponentially gives me infinite hope that those who will come after us will benefit from what we've done today to further promote the monumental need.

I know that years of yoyo dieting has made losing weight slower and harder for me. I actually decided to have WLS after following a 1200 calorie a day plan for almost three months and only losing 5 pounds. I think the drugs you mentioned cause weight gain because people on them eat more calories. Ask your surgeon about your meds and slower weight loss, he/she will know if other patients have this concern. Consider keeping a two week food journal (keep track of carbs, Protein and fat) and review it with the NUT to see what you can change up. I know I started to lose more weight when I added fat to my diet.

Hello I wanted to respond to you mostly to validate what you are saying. I have worked for over 20 years with juveniles with mental health issues. I have seen first hand the weight gain with the psych meds. I really commend you for staying on your meds to deal with your bi polar. I know this must be very difficult for a young lady such as yourself. I think if your doctor believes it will be ok then why not? I would just make sure your meds come in liquid form or can be dissolved. I know many of those meds are very large and time released. Great job on your journey to wellness.

Haha! I guess you should not worry so much about the scale weight duing TOM. And just realize it is TOm causing weight gain. Good luck.Karen

Hello. First-time poster here. Had sleeve surgery February 19, 2010. Lost 20 pounds in 5 weeks. Was on blood pressure meds and was taken off due to much better readings. Then the water weight pounded on me. I've gained 6 pounds since getting off the Benicar (bp meds) a week ago. I'm so discouraged. Not losing anymore. Eating the same. I am a huge fan of fish...eat it daily. Very few carbs. Hoping it's the water weight gain and it will even off soon and I'll start losing again. I drink water all day long...I mark my cup with a marker as I drink all day making sure I drink plenty! I know it's water weight gain because Benicar is a diuretic...and suddenly I am no longer taking one...plus I can't get my rings on my fingers! AND my eyes are SO puffy! Thanks for listening!

I weighed myself and the scale showed I gained 6 lbs. I don't eat much, barely 4 ounces. I eat healthy, when I can eat. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I can see I lost weight, I wear a size 18 - 20. I was wearing 24. I don't want to gain back the weight.

I have always gained three to five pounds when my period hits. This has stayed true since surgery. Once it is over I will loose the weight gained plus another pound or two. Hope this helps.

I have some good news for you. After a month of blended food, a piece of baked fish will taste like a bone-in rib eye! I am 5 weeks out and just got okayed for some solid food. I bought a container of Lloyds pulled chicken BBQ and it tastes heavenly. I know it's nothing compared to the real thing, but it's still Great. I am also looking forward to some wine in the not too distant future. When I do, my plan is to eat before I drink and go slow with Water on the side. I think the key to wine (or any alcohol) is: 1. Pick your poison wisely. Red Wine is probably the best choice. I lost a lot of weight on Sugar Busters and red wine was the only permitted alcohol. 2. Count the calories in booze. An ounce of distilled alcohol is around 60 calories - the same as one of those Jello SF puddings. Find a very low cal mixer (or water) to mix with and then count your drinks and calories. 3. My #1 source of extra calories pre-opt was the food I would eat while drinking. I think I started drinking thinking I wouldn't eat so my brain was already compromised before I set foot in the kitchen. During my pre pre/opt diet I discovered Jolly Time 100 calorie pop corn. I plan to have that and a couple of other safe Snacks planned before I start imbibing. One last thing, there appears to be no consensus on when to start drinking. Talking to doctors, there seem to be two issue that we have to watch out for. From a medical perspective, it boils down to ulcer avoidance. Booze, coffee, tomatoes, citrus, all can overload your sleeves ability to resist ulcers. My plan is to avoid all of these when I do have some wine. The other is weight gain. But I think my plan (listed above) will help me avoid it. Good luck...

There are two phases to weight loss surgery - the Weight Loss Phase and the Maintenance phase. This is the approach I used in the Maintenance phase. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf It is common to have some limited weight gain after gastric bypass surgery. They call it a 20 pound bounce. The important thing is not let go beyond it. According to my nutritionist, meals should consist of equal parts of protein, fats and carbs after the first couple years post-op. Snacks should be limited to primarily whole food options: nuts, natural nut butters, fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt with berries and almonds, tuna pouches. Avoid processed packaged foods as much as possible. Also do not expect to lose weight at a rate similar to right after surgery. There is no quick fix. Generally if you gained the additional weight over a couple years, then it may take a couple years of watching what you eat to get back down.

Congrats! Don't be scared. PLENTY of women don't wait the required 12-18 months. If you have had good progress with weight loss, life adjustment, psychological needs, etc that come with life with a band, then you can relax. I think the complaint I hear most from newly pregnant bandsters is they didn't lose enough weight beforehand, or they are scared of the weight gain that they worked so hard to lose. I got pregnant 8 months out after losing about 50 lbs. Depending on your restriction, your band doc can't "require" an unfill. This is your body and your baby and your choice of weight management. I had decent restriction but not overly tight prior to pregnancy and I haven't had tons of issues with the band so far, so I'm comfortable leaving the fill in as long as possible, hopefully the whole time. Some of us have VERY tight fills, and I think you may run into some issues if thats you. Other women found their band incredibly tight in the first few weeks and had to get unfilled simply to be able to eat at all. My advice would be to watch your band, if it gets too tight for too long, then unfill. I have days where mine is tight, others it's fine. I've never gone more than 1 or 2 days at a time with it being super tight, or I would unfill. Also, if you get major morning sickness, UNFILL! You don't wanna have to have band revision surgery due to a slippage.

I haven't been here in five years, but I thought I should share what I've learned on this journey... 1. My sleeve was a very minor surgery. Less than 30 minutes passed between being knocked out and the recovery room. Quite frankly, I think this option should be more widely available for marginally obese people. Unlike the other bariatric surgeries - which change your plumbing, this is simply the removal of the stretchy part of the stomach. 2. Think long and hard about who you tell. I told a handful of family members and I think that was a mistake. I suggest you either tell everyone, or just the absolute minimum (spouse or care giver). Within the first year I was sure everyone knew and I felt I was being dishonest. 3. The honeymoon is real. For 18 months it's virtually impossible to gain weight, but after that, you most certainly can. My smaller stomach can hold 8-10 ounces of food and get refilled after about an hour. If you fill it with sugar or fat and keep refilling it, you can certainly get back all your weight. I initially lost about 90 pounds and that was too much. People kept asking me if I had cancer. I've since put 25 pounds back on and while I wish it was 15, it's fine. My weight is what it was when I was an athlete in college. I have used my reduced weight and energy to excercise and I think that has helped. I generally do 100,000 steps a week. Again, eating/drinking the wrong stuff and not exercising would surely lead to more weight gain. 4. I no longer count calories, but I do have a few tricks to keep things in check. I have designed a menu with a lot of 200-500 calorie meals and I have 3-4 of these every day. I burn enough EXTRA calories a day exercising to offset the calories I drink (I only drink 100 calorie cocktails - nothing sugary). 5. There's a lot of good and bad information on alcohol on this site. I waited 6 weeks (the European guideline) and the eased in with weak cocktails and wine. I don't think it hits me harder, but since I'm likely to have less food in my stomach, the effect is to be hit harder. I can see no reason to wait 6 months or a year other than minimizing caloric intake. The Sleeve is a timeout from your bad lifestyle, but it's not a permanent timeout. At some point you'll create a new lifestyle that will include birthday cakes, pizza, French fries and booze. You need to manage around all of these risky consumables. You should think about it ll as you enter your journey, never stop reevaluating, and constantly adjust. I hope this helps someone...

I am self conscious, to the point, that I need surgery. My stomach looks worse than WWI trench battlefield. When, I was 23 I had open surgery on my intestines. The way they closed me up and the subsequent weight gain over the years my stomach almost looks like a bell pepper. I am married. My wife does not mind it that much. But when I go to the Doc's and swimming, it bothers me a bit. I am looking forward to surgery to get rid of it. I hope next year this time to get it done.

I see my surgeon team today for a follow-up. Last month was my initial visit with his team and I have about 1 more month of nutritional follow ups with my PCP before it can all be submitted to insurance. I quit smoking 3 wks ago (after smoking for about 10 yrs). It wasn't hard when they told me I had to for the surgery. Believe it or not, I am very motivated! But now I've gained about 15lbs in 3 wks ????. I'm nervous about seeing the surgeon team today because they told me in my initial visit not to gain any weight. I was told to lose 10-15lbs before surgery. I still have 2-3 months before I go under. Did anyone else gain during the 6 month diet stage? I am busting my rear to lose that and the 10-15lbs before I go down but I'm freaking out a bit about today's weigh in! ????

For the past month and some change I have been following a strict pre op diet consisting of 1 meal a day and two Protein shakes. I lost 28 lbs in 40 days and worked really hard. Dealt with everyday headaches and still am. The program requires that once I reach 5 lbs within goal weight I get weighed at a Kaiser facility and speak to a psychologist, get my chart reviewed by the surgeon and get scheduled. The scheduling person told me a week ago I I hurry and lose the last few pounds I can be scheduled for August well one week later today I speak to her and told her i reached my weight goal and she tells me the doctor is on vacation and he's all booked for August and I need to wait till september to have surgery This is so discouraging because im afraid of gaining weight. I've been waiting for so long and im just frustrated at this point. It seems like this process is never ending and with my luck I have a feeling something else might stall the process. Anyone else experience difficulties during the wait time of getting surgery date? or weight gain?

Good morning.... So happy I found this site and have the opportunity to share my weight loss journey. I had surgury last August and have lost close to 70 pounds. My story is not typical although I have struggled with weight all my life. At 20 I lost over 100 pounds and kept it off for 10 years. At 30 illness entered my life and I gained it all back plus. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to lose weight once again. But I have a fear of the success.... since I know nothing in life is guarenteed. I suffered for 8 years with my weight and my illness and now have the freedom to make the best of my health and I'm scared. For many reasons... but most of all, deep inside, I am indignant. Meaning that I know that the outside is only a shell for what's inside. I was forced to recognize this and accept that no matter how thin one is... it does not solve everything. So this morning I faced this fear that I face everyday.... but today I am chosing to throw caution to the wind and begin to maximize my weight loss potential... taking on an exercise ROUTINE and hoping for the best. My motivations for weight loss are difficult to manage. I am not a vain person but appreciate physical beauty. Somewhere along the line in my struggles I gave up on my own.... as if I was not worthy to enjoy that. I have an emotional and psychological illness that forced me to focus on my mental, emotional and spiritual health. I had to let the physical go... the medications played a huge role in the weight gain and my depression and anxiety kept me from trying to exercise to conteract what was happening to my body. I had to find self worth inside and let go of the rest. As I am losing weight, these issues are surfacing and my fear of success and having it taken away again is huge. Also, having experienced this medical/spirtual transformation... I know in my heart that people will be drawn to me for vain reasons and that upsets me. The advice I try to give myself is to stay in the moment and just do my best which is great... because I am maximum capacity person. I was wondering if anyone out there has a similar challenge/fear going on. I would love to here from you. I don't want to waste anymore time on waiting for the right motivation to come along.... This fire needs to be walked through and I welcome your support. Peace, love and understanding, Robin Marie Coley

Hey guys at the gym now on my favorite machine the elliptical of course! ! I get on here at least 4x a week for 35 minutes. I am still pre op and just wondering if anyone experiences this. For the past 4mo the first 3 toes on my right foot have been numb. I asked my PCP about it and he says pinched nerve. The real reason I'm nervous is because after my c section with my daughter I had Bels palsy (temp paralysis to the left side of my face) it lasted for 2 months. At that point I lost all taste on the left side of my tongue and mouth. (I think getting the full taste of food back definitely contributed to my 60 pound g Weight gain. Anyways luckily things are back to normal despite my toes. I'm nervous and surgery is coming up soon. My shoes fit fine just wondering if any of u had this and if the feeling came back? LOL thx Sent from my SCH-R720 using VST

My weight loss has been pretty steady at about 2lbs a week until I started exercising this week. I have gained 2 lbs. I haven't changed my eating habits. How do I keep my weight loss from stalling while including exercise? I'm 16 wks post surgery