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@@tracy amanda. Eating the occasional treats vary from person to person, so the decision to occasionally eat unhealthy choices is up to you. What has worked for me: I ate very strictly while I was in the "losing phase". I never had any treats or even the occasional cracker, rice, bread. However, once I entered my maintenance phase I incorporated some healthy carbs such as whole grain rice, sweet potatoes, beets, more fruit, etc. I also will eat the occasional treats such as cookies, chocolate, doughnuts, etc. I have always logged my food so I have been able to see patterns and identify how many calories and carbs I can safely eat before the weight gain starts. For some eating unhealthy carbs can be a trigger to go down a slippery slope. However, if you are able to eat them and immediately get back on your normal plan then the occasional treat isn't bad.

Seroquel was actually the only thing that helped me sleep through the night. Unfortunately, it does cause weight gain. It made me crave carbs like crazy. I hate to start taking it again because it's quite a powerful drug. The same goes for Trazodone. I think I'll be weighing the benefits against the risks if I continue feeling like a walking zombie during the day. I have gotten a little better about what I choose to eat at night. It's usually cucumbers or lettuce with vinegar. It is possible for me to eat a whole head of lettuce throughout the night. When I confessed these habits at my OA meeting, everyone looked at me like I was crazy or needed professional help. If my weight is still stable, despite these habits, then why is it such a big deal? I do tend to eat less during the day when I eat at night. My recent labs were nearly perfect. I'm questioning the OA abstinence program because its just a big ball of guilt for me.

I had my thyroid out last year after my PCP and I fought with know-it-all ENT doctors for seven years. My PCP knew something was wrong. I knew something was wrong. The insurance-authorized ENTs only saw a fat woman "looking for an excuse." Argh. I want to say it took two or three weeks for my levels to be acceptable. Well, they're actually high because turned out my little butterfly gland had turned into Mothra and was cancerous. (Thyroid cancer is probably the "best" cancer you can get because it seldom ever spreads.) I'm sorry about your surgery, but the thyroid governs a ton of different things in your body. Bad levels can cause insomnia, depression, weight gain (or loss)--all kinds of stuff! So do make sure you follow up and find out just why your levels are off. Your surgeon is looking out for you even though I know it must not feel that way. You will get it under control soon and then on to surgery.

What you have is Hashimotos disease it causes weight gain! Once on your mess your weight will decrease because your levels will normalize. Your thyroid manages your other organs so it's very important on how the body works. I would say about 4 weeks but keep having bloods tested as your meds may have to me adjusted. I have had Hashimotos for 25 years. Even after your op you may still have to take meds. It's an immune thing. I take 200 but if you're only on 50 maybe once your weight is off you may not need it. I also read but it could be wrong as it was a dr on the Internet! lol That the majority of immune sufferers have a lot going on in the gut once this is cut off the problems i.e. Hashimotos goes with it.. I hope so Good luck stay focused its only another 4 weeks or so and be deluge the with your meds empty stomach 1st thing in the money ..

I wasn't sure which surgery I wanted when I first started this journey. After attending the informational session I was 100% sure I wasn't going to get the Lap Band (high rate of returned weight gain, poor long term loss). After talking with my surgeon I decided on gastric bypass. Primarily because everything is still there and can be reconnected to God's original configuration if need be. Once you lose 85% of your stomach...it's gone. Additionally, I had done research on my own and found some great benefits of GB over Sleeve gastrectomy. 1. GB has been shown to restore normal ghrelin hormone regulation. 2. GB patients lost more belly fat and had improved insulin secretion rates compared to SG.

I had an identical experience to what you are describing after having an unfill, and then refills. When I asked my surgeon why we "refillers" seem to report a lack of being able to refind original sensations of fullness/lack of hunger between meals/restriction, he answered "We don't know." It's a drag, but it may be helpful to get in the mindset that your band ultimately doesn't do the bulk of the work after the initial, glorius first year (or so). Mine ran full power for the first year, making the weight drop off with little effort on my part, other than eating in a band-friendly way which was super easy due to my perfect restriction. Then I started having complications and a first unfill. I never found the original restriction once I was cleared to start refilling. As time went by, and my weight started slowly climbing, I told myself I had to throw out the fantasy that my band was going to do all the work for me. So I brought in my old tools (from my dieting years) and polished those off. The weight gain halted (I've been at the same weight for more than a year now--no losses, but no gains). I had to let go of feeling badly that I was "back to dieting" but you know what? At the end of the day, it still is easier, at least for me, to do this with a band (mine is now unfilled completely, due to other complications) than to do this as an unbanded person. In short, I understand and have lived exactly what you are experiencing. My only "tip" is to "live like you have an active band" even if you aren't feeling it. (I know, it's not as easy as when the band was indeed active.)

I have Aetna. Did the 3 month multi-disciplinary requirements. Approved 4 days after my dr office submitted to insurance. No issues at all. I had no net weight gain during the 3 month period and was over 41BMI at the beginning.

You are not consuming enough to be worried about weight gain at this stage of the game...don't obsess.

It depends on what kind of work you do. Personally i would try to take a little longer if you can. But at about 2 weeks i felt capable of doing everything minus extra bending and don't lift ! The binder was on me when i came out of surgery. You can buy them also at a home medical supply store. Also i wanted to mention you might have some serious swelling afterwards for a couple days. So dont freak about weight gain. It will come off.

I had posted on another forum, but also now posting here to see if anyone else can share their experience or interested in chatting regarding this issue. How long did it take to get back to a point where you were losing weight again?? I have had to have a complete unfill (due to major restriction and complications) and have since gained 25lbs in the last two months. I am now close to where I was before I had the unfill (previously at 5.6 and now at 5.0) and while I feel closer to 'green' I know i am not quite there. I go for another fill next week and will reach the max capacity my surgeon wants me at (5.5) since the episode. I am trying to eat the right foods, lots of protein and veggies, but I am still constantly hungry and not feeling near enough restriction (next to none). And despite the fact I am exercising daily, the scale still isn't moving! Anyone else have a similar experience? I am personally horrified by my weight gain and feeling very much a failure right now. I could really use some advice, motivation, etc from someone who has been through the same. Thanks.

Your story is my story ...had my revision surgery December 28.I was in lapband misery since 2004....total failure...revision to bypass and getting that crap out of me is the biggest and best thing I have done for myself in years.The years of torture ,sliming,vomiting,slippage,weight gain....was back fat as ever...Gerd....High chloresterol,PCOS,fatty liver,fear of reoccurrence of breast cancer,joint and muscle pain....flipped ,eroding painful port area...just so many problems....I HAD TO DO IT!Get it done!!!!Take back your body and your health.....do it fast!

I also was pretty irresponsible NYE and had some (ok alot) of doritos and half a shot glass of coffee patron to say goodbye to 2015. I'm still paying for it!!! Not only did I have a weight gain of 6lbs. YES!!!! 6lbs, but I haven't come out the bathroom since then! I've been back on the magic carpet ride (my term for this journey) since but my body is still not very happy

I too am dealing with an adult son who lives at home with a drug problem. he was placed in a rehab facility, court ordered, on the 22nd of December. i have been struggling since he was arrested in Aug 2015. it is a disease and as his only living parent I feel the sole responsibility to help him. my weight loss has stalled, stopped, etc. I am not focused and it's hard to do that when you feel all of your energy, focus, is on their well being. I was reminded yesterday to use this time (rehab) to get my own personal health both mentally and physically so that when he is released (July/Sept) I will be strong enough to not be an enabler. bipolar disorder can be very erratic, like drug use. I recommend getting some time for you and seeing a support group. I am going to a NA or AA meeting today. I cannot do this alone I know my weight gain was in part related to his legal issues.

I love to cook. I don' think that's something that goes away after surgery, at least it didn't for me. I'm a great cook, which also contributed to my weight gain. Now when I cook, it's usually something special for the family, otherwise it's just something small for myself. My husband and son don't really like many of the same foods as I do, particularly anything healthy like vegetables. I love vegetables but can't eat enough before they go bad in the fridge, mostly any lettuce or like items that you have to buy in a package like mushrooms or carrots, that sort of thing. I have to admit that I still enjoy some not-so-good-for-me foods, but I can't eat much at all so when I do indulge, it's now one small slice of pizza (if that) versus 3-4 slices of pizza! Big difference. Last night we had ribeye steak and mashed potatoes. I ate a very small portion of steak, about 4 small bites and two tablespoons of mashed potatoes. It was an indulgence, but I felt like I ate a TON of food and felt bad like when I would binge before the surgery. It's always been difficult at our house to make what everyone likes. Now it's twice as difficult with my limitations.

Not sure if it has anything to do with weight loss or weight gain but I have the same kind of tongue. I was told it was a fissured tongue but I have always had it and you probably have too, its just that I never realized my tongue was different than most others until I was older. I have often wondered if that is why I am not a fan of very spicy food.

@@mckwestla I think it is a personal decision and each of us has our own reasons for our selection. For me it was the fact that long term data about the sleeve is showing almost as good total weight loss as the bypass, using a simpler procedure with less risk and less side effects (malabsorption, dumping syndrome, etc.) I also consulted with my surgeon and based on my weight, health and reasons behind my weight gain he agreed that the sleeve was the best option. If you haven't already, a good conversation with your surgeon should help you decide. I would ask about the residual effects of both procedures. For example, the sleeve removes about 75-80% of the stomach, including the fundus which is where ghrelin (hunger hormone) is generated. Thus, sleevers have relatively little actual hunger. The bypass does resect the stomach but leaves the old stomach, including most of the fundus in place. I think it would be worthwhile to know whether the same ghrelin reduction occurs in the bypass. Also, I've heard that the sleeve has, over time, less risk of stretching than the bypass pouch. I don't know this to be the case, just have heard it and it is worth asking about. Hopefully the surgeon you select can help you choose the best procedure for your needs.

Hi all, Today marks 5 months since I had an emergency operation to remove my lap-band due to over-restriction resulting in a pouch dilation. I pleaded with my surgeon not to take it out. When they put me under I still thought they were just going to re-adjust it. When I woke I was told it was removed. I vomited and cried with the shock. My recovery was incredibly slow and far more painful than the initial operation to have it put in. Since that time I have been working hard not to gain any weight. Exercising, watching my intake etc, but just talking about it gets me upset. My surgeon and the clinic gave me no support and denied all responsibility, blaming it on me. I want to reach out to other people in sililar situations to discuss coping mechanisms and look on our experiences together with a positive edge. It has been a real challenge for me and I'm sure I'm not alone. I know there have been many great things happened as a result of having a band for 11 months, losing weight, gaining confidence, taking up sports etc, but I still find it hard to 'get over' the horrible experience of having my band taken out against my will. All advice, stories, and general support are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you

I had my VSG done on 12/21/15. I spent one night in the hospital. At the time I thought that was great but now I wish I had stayed another night. For the most part I feel fine. I tired very easily the first few days but that is getting better every day. I have one incision that is still very painful. It is the main site where my excess stomach was removed so I expected it to be sore longer; but not this long. I was so glad when I hit week two and could start drinking protein shakes and could have thicker soups! I'm still dealing with cravings and what I'm told is head hunger. I'm hoping that will begin to fade soon. I've read it takes about 30 for your gherlin levels to drop and you will have to remind yourself to eat. I hope that is the case because at this point I feel the only thing that is keeping me from eating bad stuff or over eating are the surgical restrictions. I am so looking forward to eating something I can actually chew. . I have averaged 2lbs of weight loss the last few days. I'm down 10 pounds in 8 days....that's after a 9lb weight gain in the hospital from all the fluids....so I'm excited about that.

@@M2G so nice to hear from you! The group is not so active anymore, so checking in weekly would be a short read. I have to say, a desk job ( which I have!) is killer. It is killer on your back and it encourages weight gain. You need to fight it extra hard. My year in review: Weight: I got 10# over goal this summer, now back to goal! Fitness: Not so hot. I got out of all my routines due to some physical issue and I now longer have those defined muscles I loved! Health: A year of challenges, right breast implant had to be removed after a very scary several month period of trying to figure out if I had some dreadful cancer or something (I don't). Hip is bad but I found a better doctor and am rehabbing it well. He guesses I have another 3-4 years before replacement. Emotional: I finally decided to go on wellbutrin for my anxiety. In GENERAL it is so much improved. I still have 'bouts of problems but it is like a burden lifted that has allowed me to progress on on other areas of my life. Home: remodel mostly done. New countertops remain. I love the new look/new floorplan Work: I hate it, but assigned to a new project in 2016 so hopefully re-energized Horses: Sold my young mare as she was too aggressive on the ground and other people couldn't handle her. I need easy. Living situation: Boys are rent paying roomies now. I fear I am holding them back from moving on in life, my counselor fears I am being held back. Dating: After a very discouraging time dating Scott from late Feb to end of May who turned out to be crazy and (side note, no sex!). I wasn;t in love, but this failure, this realization of how someone could seem so sane and even fooled my friends really discouraged me. Since then, I have had a lot of fun casually dating - not serious about anyone. I turned down two date requests for New Years Eve and doing stuff with girlfriends instead. I hate to admit it, but I feel myself giving up hope on EVER finding a good, serious, healthy long term relationship. I don't know why this bothers me, I don't know why I can't just let go and accept spinsterhood (haha) but so far it is something I still want. Plans for 2016: Reduce my body fat %, get a few pounds under goal, get my hip rehabbed enough I can hike again, keep trying to learn to dance, give golf a try. with the help of wellbutrin I have been able to address many lingering nagging things in life, but 2016 is the year I really want to figure out my retirement/next steps in life ideas. Wellbutrin can give a person impulsive thoughts and I just increased the dose.... so last night I thought about "selling everything and becoming a vagabond" - keeping my job, which is portable, but really, see more of the country, maybe even of the world while still working. The thing that holds me back is I fear I will become lonely not having my social network around me.... so, probably wont do that, but it is fun to dream, isn't it?

Yes, right here! While I lost 85 lbs initially, the complications I had with the band (inability to eat due to getting stuck on freaking Water, constant vomiting, hernia, constant pain, etc) caused me to have to get the band completely unfilled. This lead to a 50 lb weight gain. While my band was unfilled, I did three rounds of Insanity, Weight Watchers, South Beach Diet, T25, did 5Ks twice a month, and STILL gained all that weight back. Now that I've had the sleeve about two months, I've lost 57 lbs with very minor issues (reflux, but it's treatable with an acid blocker). I wish I'd done the sleeve the first time, but I always have to do things the hard way. Do what is right for you, but go in with your eyes open. I wish you the very best of luck! Heather

Congratulations on your weight loss thus far. Pre-op and post-op weight loss both counts towards your goal and 121 pounds is significant. It is common to hit stalls during the "Weight Loss" phase and even gaining a few pounds during the process does occur. The three most important requirements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are meeting the daily Protein, Fluid, and Vitamin requirements. It looks like you are getting good exercise. Sometimes individuals after surgery go all-out on exercise, they convert some of their fat into muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Thus they may experience a slight weight gain in the process. But your level of exercise does not appear too strenuous. So let us look at protein. Your daily protein requirement is satisfied by the protein you obtain from meals combined with the protein from supplements (Protein shakes and protein bars). In the beginning the amount of protein from your meals at a 1/4 cup per meal is so low that it is negligible. But as time goes on and your meal volume increases, the meal portion becomes important. The protein shakes that you are consuming contains calories and they can add up. So an important strategy as you progress to larger food volumes is to concentrate on meals that contain significant amount of protein so you can start to reduce the amount of protein shakes you take each day (and the calories these shakes contain). As my meal volume increased, I went for 3 shakes a day, down to 2, down to 1 and then down to none. When I hit my first stall, this was the strategy that I used and it worked for me.

You are so welcome. Too bad you are in NH. Iam a very good listener and a great believer in everyday accomplishments whether mental or physical ( the latter not so much...........lol) I had GBS in 2006. Higher weight 311 lowest 187. In stating so, current weight bounces from 230 - 235 I seem to be stuck, but just can't be at peace with this weight gain. However my scale says "just live with this and move on" ! So hard headed! (and italian to boot!) Such is life. Love this site and just so happy for some that have made their goal above and beyond. Encouragement abounds!! Keep the posts coming! Thanks, Sharowna

As others have stated, this is an extremely personal decision that only you and your husband can make. (well, and your surgeon if you go for surgery first, since many require 2 years, but you'd want to know what your specific surgeon has to say about it). Since you did follow up and ask specifically what we would do - personally, if I was healthy enough to conceive and carry a child before surgery, I would do that. If I had 'baby fever' now, it would be excruciating to wait to have surgery (especially if there was a 6 month diet, like my insurance requires), then 2 more years on top of that (as my surgeon would require). Then, time to conceive, 9 more months until delivery, etc. I also have a fear of regain post-surgery, so I'd rather be done with intentional weight gain, like with pregnancy, before having surgery so there won't be any other instances looming in my future where I KNOW I'll need to gain some weight. But again, this is an extremely personal decision and only you know what's right for you. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I just had gastric sleeve surgery on Dec 17, 2015 and I the only ones who know are my husband, our twelve-year-old daughter, my mom and my best friend of 30 years. I went in to surgery weighing 279, and today, twelve days later, weigh 266. Post-surgery is going well. I'm feeling better and still on the bland, mostly liquid/pureed diet, and thankfully, haven't had any real issues with portion control and keeping things down. My husband, daughter and mom are 100% supportive. My best friend's reply to the surgery news, however, was that I was "lucky" to be having weight loss surgery. She's a petite gal, and when we were in college, was a size 4 (me, a size 14). At age 50 now, she's probably a size 10. So, I don't see her as ever having had much of a weight issue that a little diet and exercise can't fix. Me, I went from 135 lbs in college to a whopping 308 lbs before deciding to have surgery. Like many of you, I've struggled since puberty with weight gain and health issues and have battled my way through POCS, infertility, fibroid tumors, gerd, gout, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, RA, anxiety, etc., and finally sought bariatric surgery for some relief from all of it. At present, I have chosen not to tell my extended family about my surgery. Even though no one on my side of the family has had to deal with obesity, I know they will be supportive because they've always been supportive of me and each other (and, if for nothing else, my four normal size brothers will stop feeling embarrassed about their "fat" sister.) But, I know based on past history, my in-laws and my husband's siblings won't be. Some of them are obese and miserable, so not being overweight anymore will definitely ruffle some feathers with both the skinny and not so skinny ones. Heck, my MIL was jealous that I got a new (used) car for Christmas. (Didn't matter that it's 9 yrs old and we desperately needed a decent second vehicle so my husband can get to work.) She couldn't even be happy about that!!! So, I'm not looking forward to a conversation about anything personal like my weight loss or appearance. Wish me luck new bariatric weight loss friends.... and please let me know how you've handled your friend/family struggles with this topic. I really could use some support and encouragement and specifically what effective responses you gave to others in handling your version of this problem. I know I'm in for a bumpy ride when the weight starts coming off and I can't hide that I had surgery! Thanks