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Zoe, I'm sorry to hear about your back trouble. I really hope that the steroids help you asap so that you can feel better and not have to worry about those things causing any weight gain. I'm struggling a little also with weight gain, but mine seems to be attributed to lack of finding the oh so ever sweet fill spot A little background... I have the Swedish band that holds 10-11cc's, so it's the larger band... I flew back to Monterrey for my first fill. I was filled to 5.0cc's (no significant restriction felt) A month after that, I had my second fill with Dr. Houston. He filled me to 6.4cc's. (perfect restriction, a little too tight at first, but I hung in there and it loosened up) On February 19, I was in Monterrey with a couple of ladies who were getting lapband surgery, and Dr. Rodriguez said that he would give me a fill if I wanted/needed one. Since I was already planning on getting another fill soon, I took him up on his offer. (No restriction at all after this fill, as a matter of fact, I felt wide open again) A week ago Friday I went back to Dr. Houston for another fill. (Still no restriction) He said that I only had 4.5cc's in my band. I knew that my restriction had disappeared, not sure what happened in Mexico. Dr. Houston filled me to 6.2cc's using flouro. He said that he didn't want to go any tighter than that based on what he saw on the screen. Last Friday I went in to Dr. Houston for yet another fill, this time he filled me to 7.8cc's! I thought for sure this would do the trick, but to no avail, I still have very little restriction. I'm kind of giving up (for now) on fills....I'm going to see how I do over the next 4 weeks. I keep gaining a couple pounds, then putting myself on a stricter diet and it taking a couple weeks for me to lose those two pounds. Hopefully I will reach that "sweet spot" again with my fill level and start the losing ways again. For now, I'm just kind of frustrated, but have worked too hard to start gaining weight again so I'm going to be extra careful about what I eat and start moving (ugh) a little more. At least the weather is starting to get nicer, maybe I'll be more enthusiastic about riding my bike again. Hang in there! Hopefully you can discontinue the steroids soon~

This is INFURIATING to me! The first endocrinologist I was referred to in my new insurance network upon moving to OR last year told me that "if I can't lose the weight on my own, surgery won't help." This is a man who deals with obese people with diabetes all day long...and he knows damn well that insulin and other drugs make it even harder to lose weight. For him to tell me that my problems are because of will power makes me sick. When I was a fat four year old, what was the problem then? What was my personality flaw then, Mr Biased!?? Then, then! I go for my annual pap and the guy wants to give me a hysterectomy because I have a soggy uterus from adenomyosis - no pain, nothing, he just wants to cut but is worried about how fat I am. He tells me I'm so obese that I have to worry about cancer at this point. I mention having the bypass and he literally guffawed. He said that "there's no such thing as magic." I wanted to punch him in the face. Did I say it was magic? No. Did I say I wasn't willing to remove my uterus on his nine second whim even though the last time I saw him, he said he wouldn't do any testing on me to insure a HPV stage 1 cancer scare hadn't reared its ugly head again after a lot of weight gain in a recent pregnancy? - - he said even though the LEEP procedure I had to get rid of it was 10 years ago, I'd be "silly" to think I'd actually be the 1 in 15 million who would test positive again (even though his statistic was for over a five year period). AAARGH. You know, there was a time in this country where doctors deserved to be revered - or heck, maybe we were all just blind sheep without the power of the internet and they never deserved it - but I tell you what. You sound like you care WAAAAAY too much about what this doctor thinks. The only people you should be discussing weight loss surgery options with is a weight loss center of excellence staff member and/or surgeon. If you want positive encouragement (or honest feedback), go to a support group. But to allow people who don't support your endeavor to get healthy rock your confidence to the point of seeking advice on a website for it....? This doctor needs to be cut from your life. She had the nurse call? Are you sure you have a great relationship? We cannot have it both ways. We cannot change without changing everything, including the people we surround ourselves with who can't support us (and who are usually in relationships with us because we're obese to some degree because it makes them feel better about their own insecurities), and then be surprised or concerned and get upset when these people who keep us - fat, self doubting, depressed, confused - reveal their biases. When I found another endo, by the way, she said gastric bypass is the closest thing in the world to a cure for diabetes and that she was utterly floored by the PA who spoke to me so unprofessionally. She was so angry, she is taking action in her own office and is going to be a stronger advocate for her patients on this issue. Progress somewhere is better than haters who have no specialization or true knowledge of the surgery/process/outcomes/etc. I don't mean to sound insensitive to YOU or cynical, but I have just HAD it, especially with male doctors, who feel it's their right to put me down no matter what I do.

did you check your hormone levels. you may have estogen dominance. too much estrogen makes you store fat. even if you eat tiny amounts. check your thyroid and glucose. work up your cholesterol. if you have metabolic syndrome you may have insuline resistance. all these factors contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. i reccommend also keeping a food diary. i hate that . but it does keep you on track. i lost 85 lbs in a 14months. i work out and eat well. but i had to get some help when i wasnt losing anymore,. so now i take progesterone and metaformin. i think it is working so far. also i work out even more. i hate that too. sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. that totally sucks. maybe your port leaks and your not staying filled. i dont understand why you are not shrinking. i hope you get the right help and let us know what happens. keep strong.

Whether you’re young in age or young-at-heart, there are a few key steps you can take to keep your metabolism motor humming so you are blasting away calories at the highest rate possible. As you age, your metabolism slows down. Older people also tend to have less muscle mass than younger people, which also reduces metabolic rate. This is why we encourage older patients to add light weight-bearing exercise to their fitness routines. So how do you keep that furnace burning in order to burn calories, even if you’re already achieved your goal weight? There are many simple tools to accomplish this task. I’ve outlined my favorites below: Exercise This weapon is key to maintaining and increasing metabolism. Seniors, take note−The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 and older get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and perform weight-bearing exercises on all the body’s major muscle groups at least twice a week. At any age, indoctrinate a 30-minute daily work-out, just like brushing your teeth and eating lunch, into your daily routine. Sleep To increase the chances of boosting metabolism, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting too little shut-eye can significantly alter your body’s processes enough to predispose you to gain weight. (Do you ever feel hungry for no reason when you’re exhausted and then reach for the wrong foods to boot?) De-Stress When you’re tense, your body releases cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal system that is linked to weight gain. It can also significantly weaken your immune system and open the door to acute and chronic illnesses. Turn to regular physical activity, deep breathing, a quiet evening stroll, or professional help from a psychologist or counselor if you are experiencing chronic stress. Eat and Drink (First and foremost, follow your bariatric practice's instructions on post-op nutrition.) Eating the right foods−clean proteins, fruits and vegetables−fuels your metabolism firing on all cylinders. As soon as you awaken, charge-up those calorie burners by feeding them a protein and a fruit (think omelette with feta cheese, spinach and veggies and a cup of berries). Eat small meals throughout the day but stop by around 7 p.m. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining good health. Keep a glass or refillable water bottle with you throughout the day. You are properly hydrated if your urine is nearly clear. Other than choosing the right foods to eat and finding spiritual solace in your life, these tools serve as a roadmap to good health, including maintaining a healthy weight. Best of all, once you’ve adopted these tips, you will look and feel better--sooner than you think.

Harley - youre completely amazing. You look great. I was a 36DD before this weight gain - went to a 38F and I am now on the way back down. Hoping to look as good as you when I am done. Please post more photos once you believe you are at your final size.

I know several people with PCOS personally, although I don't have it myself. It seems that PCOS, insulin resistance and being significantly overweight all go hand-in-hand in every case. What I am not sure about is which came first, the chicken or the egg. Does being overweight lead to insulin resistance and PCOS in people that are predisposed to developing it? Or is PCOS the primary issue and weight gain and insulin resistance are side effects? In my friends that do have it, they can go on extreme diets, exercise an incredible amount and only have a very small impact on weight. It is almost as if traditional weight loss methods are minimally effective when PCOS is an issue. Does that also seem to be the case for those of you who have it?

When you say you can eat more than you should be able to on what are you basing that? Are you really eating a lot or is it just that you have heard/read/been told that you should be satisfied on 1/2 cup of food or something similar? You have to be able to eat enough to keep you from getting hungry and to get good nutrition. If you serve your food on a small sized plate , eat that and are satisfied then you are doing great. Don't go getting overfilled just because you think that you should be satisfied on a miniscule amount of food.What is more likely to happen if you do this is that you will eat high calorie sliders that can cause weight gain, or you could get reflux or worse. Your loss of 5lb certainly sounds like you are in the green zone to me.

Sounds like you have soft calorie syndrome from being too tight (or having a lot of inflammation in there from so much vomiting). As you've discovered, that can cause weight gain instead of weight loss, and you're probably hungry because soft and slider foods provide virtually no satiety. So going back to your surgeon, 'fessing up about what's been going on, and getting a small unfill is probably the best course of action. Under no circumstances should you let anyone not experienced with band fills, least of all your own child, attempt to add or remove saline from your band. Someone without experience in that is too likely to fail to access your port and can puncture your tubing. Also, band fills are done with a special needle, and I'm not telling you what it's called because that's not something your daughter needs to know unless she plans a career in bariatric care. If your surgeon yells at you, it'll probably be out of sheer frustration that you didn't come back for help earlier. The surgeons I've talked to all hate it when patients are lost to aftercare, because it's impossible for them to help a patient who never comes back for follow-up.

Hi, Trisha You need a New Start. You need an INTENSIVE new beginning. I would strongly recommend a few months with SmartBandsters - a top choice. It is hosted by Jessie Ahroni, PhD RN/Nurse Practioner who has been banded since 1997, who happens to also be the long-time fill technician for a WLS practice in Seattle. Her PhD is in Diabetic Care, so her nutritional and metabolic educational background is top-notch. There are many returning long-term bandsters who have been without good follow-up care, with weight gain or with little loss, over-restricted or under-restricted. Sometimes they used to be active, but drifted away and stopped losing weight. GOOD QUALITY AFTERCARE IS CRUCIAL to LapBand Success. If your doctor doesn't provide an on-call therapist, an on-call nutritionist, a support group hosted by his RN, fills with a tech who can spend time teaching you what you need to know and asking questions, then ANYONE, no matter how motivated, no matter how disciplined, can end up not losing. This is not your fault. But the rest of your banded life begins today. It's time to be pro-active, to take on the responsibility for your own aftercare. From your doctor's website -- ONLINE SUPPORT WEBSITES: LapBandTalk.com ObesityHelp.com SmartBandsters -- (my recommendation) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SmartBandsters/ local support groups: BAYTOWN San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Classroom B 4401 Garth Road – Baytown first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. HOUSTON AREA BANDSTERS 1:00 pm every third Saturday at H3-Health, Hope & Happiness. 9950 Westpark Dr, suite 425 also active online group - many of Dr. Spivak's patients PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT: Dr. Kevin G. Smith, Ph.D. 4318 Stanford 713-795 5151 Andrea Pucciarello, LMSW-ACP 4265 San Felipe, Suite 500 713-622-7002 Cindy Kilroy, M.S., L.P.C. 5810 Wanakah Dr. 281-798 5505

We are back from our 2 weeks in CT. The cold weather was a wondeful change to our 80s in Florida. I was so excited to see my sister and friends and to get their reactions to my new look. Everyone cried when they saw me. Good tears, thank goodness. They were very proud of me, which made me feel wonderful. I was very worried that 2 weeks away would cause me a weight gain. I tried to sign up at LA Fitness for the 2 weeks, but they wanted so much money, I decided against it. My aunt had a treadmill in her basement - a very old one, but it worked. And my cousin lent me some weights. So I went down into the cold cellar every other day and worked out for an hour. I also did not cheat on my food in take. I stayed on track and when I stepped on the gym scale today was thrilled to find I had a 3.1lb loss. I have just over 1 lbs to lose to hit the Onderland. I have lost 67 lbs since my journey started and feel amazing. And I have to say I got whistled at in the supermarket! We had a great Thanksgiving. Now I have Christmas and New Year's to get through. And because I am hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at my home, I can control what gets served and eaten by me. All is good. I think 2011 will be a good year for us all.

Exercise is not my favorite thing by far, but walking is something I think I can do. Right now I am on vacation from work, by usually work is a really active place for me as I am rushing from one place and thing to the next. I do feel like i have good restriction as I am full after eating about 3/4 of a cup of food and don't need to snack between meals, but this weight gain is getting the better of me.

I think since I am self pay, and insurance isn't covering it I might be successful with the sleeve even though people have experienced weight gain. Maybe if you don't have to pay out of pocket you don't treat it as seriously? I don't know. I have a really bad sweet tooth, and when I get a craving for it, I can be really mean if I don't have it. I want the gastric bypass, but with less recovery time and not having to take vitamins forever, it might be the one for me. I really hope after I do this, I don't have to go back in for something else, because that would have been such a waste of money. I am leaning towards sleeve, but am still not convinced. For those of you having surgery or are going back, I wish you guys so much luck for a speedy recovery!!

It could just be your PCOS, unfortunately. I just read another post of someone who had unexplained weight gain with it the other day. Try not to feel defeated or give up though. Even if you didn’t lose another pound which hopefully you will you are still better off than you were before surgery. Or at least that’s what I try to tell myself (I have bipolar and it’s similarly difficult for me to lose it all and keep it off because of the meds and depression). I would keep asking the drs and nutritionist for advice and try what they are suggesting (hopefully something does work for you) but don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t. I know that for me that if I hadn’t done surgery a year and a half ago I would probably be even heavier now than I was before I started all this (I was gaining about ten pounds a year) so the fact that I am somewhat smaller instead of even bigger is certainly better than nothing. I may not fit into my skinny jeans but at least my knees don’t hurt when I exercise like they were beginning to pre surgery. Trust me, I know it doesn’t seem fair and it gets to me some days too but I just try my best to maintain what I have lost because I know that every pound I can keep off is better for my health. You are currently down 57 pounds!! That is definitely something you should be proud of and if I were you I would celebrate that loss. Don’t just give up on losing the rest by any means, but at the same time don’t be too hard on yourself either. Our bodies and circumstances are all different. Try to focus on the non scale victories that I’m sure you have already seen with a 57 pound loss when it starts to get you down.

Treating yourself occasionally is one thing, a morbidly obese person eating ice cream pre-op regularly is another. That should be a time to be very focused on learning the new food and lifestyle guidelines, giving up the old habits that caused weight gain, and creating new healthful habits. Once the weight loss is complete and healthy habits are ingrained, then have an occasional treat.

Thanks for your reply, feedyoureye. My husband had prostate issues recently, so he started into natural methods of getting that under control which worked for him, so he is big on that approach. However her also had skin cancer and when green tea and all the other things he took didn't work, he did have it surgically removed. There are too many people out there that desperately want to be thin and who diet constantly and are still overweight. It is our bodies working against us, so I want to circumvent my bodies natural weight gain plan with surgery!

I had lap band in February 2011. My work insurance didn't cover it. But I wasn25 and learned my moms covered it. So she added me thankfully. Then during surgery my surgeon aimed a little high and hit my lung cavity. So I had a collapsed lung and had to stay over night. Then because the port was hitting my rib that had to be moved. Thankfully that was under insurance as I lost my parents insurance when I turned 26 in sept. In December things started going down hill with an emergency unfill. I was ver fortunate because my doctors wife was available. Then again in the spring it happened. My dr and his wife were out of town on a weekend but they were coming home that night and I met them at the hospital for an unfil. Fast forward. After a July vacation I came back in for a fill. He couldn't get the port to accept a fill. Kept hearing a metallic sound and bent the needle. He fiddled around and poked me (I gave him permission to keep trying) for at least an hour. Next week I had a swallow test and reg X-rays and the band had slipped and the port flipped. I was the first port flip he had ever had. I had to pay over 7k out of pocket to have it removed. I could have kept it but didn't want to pay to fix then pay to remove if something else happened. I had lost 100lbs since I signed up for the first seminar. So I think that was 70 lbs with band counting the week after surgery. I was miserable and didn't realize how bad it was. Contortion tricks were used to try to get unstuck or throw up. Hanging over the end of the sofa to remove whatever plugged the whole to my stomach. It was horrible and I didn't see how bad till I had relief. I also gained back all but 30-40 lbs. I had pneumonia that required daily outpatient treatment. All my doctors said that all the antibiotics caused such a weight gain. Been to thyroid specialist as I have all the symptoms only to be compared to a cow receiving antibiotics to gain weight. Needless To say 2012 sucked. I just noticed in January that my insurance no longer had the big red exclusion for bariatric surgery and emailed. My company is literally 500 feet from my old hospital but since they aren't blue certified I will be going two hours away. I wish you luck in getting your surgery. Thankfully the sleeve seems to not have the long term complications that the band has. I have submitted my paperwork to the hospital to get the first appointment. My email from bcbsil didn't list the 6 month diet so crossing my fingers.

While my husband never said anything mean, or criticized or insulted me, he just quit being interested in me. He didn't touch me, hug me, cuddle me. In one year, I think we had sex about 5 times. It was awful. It hurt so bad. I constantly tried to be affectionate, like we always had been, and I started to think he had an affair. to this day he denies it. Despite this, he always told me he loved me. It was so confusing. Yes, I had gained 100 pounds. I was well aware how different I looked, but it still hurt. I came out and asked him about it, and he said that for me, sex is a visual thing, and with my weight gain, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get past it. It had nothing to do with me personally. I started to think about getting a band at that point. Then one night he dissolved in tears and blubbered about how much he loved me, and it hurt him to the core to think that one day he was going to have to wheel me around in a wheelchair, and that he was terrified of losing me to ill health. THAT hit home. I started the banding process the very next week. It was the best thing I've ever done. We're like teenagers again. The sex is great and all is well. I feel good. I have confidence. I'm happy and no longer depressed. I have energy. We do things together again. We travel and go places because I'm not tired. We're like newlyweds again. I didn't realize how much my weight affected our marriage. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

Hello I just recently created an account in hopes of receiving some help and advice from gastric sleeve patients (It took me a lot of courage to decide to do this though). I hope I am asking in the right place though hehe. Anyways, I have had my vsg on August 4th 2014 at the age of 17 and so far I am over 80 pounds down! My sw was 220lbs and I am hoping to be near 102-110 pounds (I am only 4 foot 10). I have a few questions so bear with me please I have had my vsg in a different country than in the one I currently live in so I do not have anyone to kinda follow up with. I was also given a nutrition plan for the first 6 months only(although it was quite vague). Right now, I am currently struggling with a lot of grazing. I have never been the one to actually eat a proper meal before my surgery and I grazed instead, but right now I am grazing non stop through the day especially on sweet things. Sadly, this has resulted in me in stalling for a few months and then putting on 2 pounds and i decided to seek advice before I gain more. Also, my family eats completely different things than I do, so I am literally left on my own to figure it out and it is hard to cook and such since I was busy with my last year of high school and I will be starting university soon. I looked up online and a lot of surgeons or nutritionists say no snacking while others encourage it. I believe that maybe having 1-2 planned Snacks would help since I am awake for a long period of time and if I try only sticking to 3 meals I feel like gnawing my own arm hehe I am sticking to Protein but sometimes I am just overwhelmed or bored because I keep eating the same things everyday (I do love chicken though!). I was hoping if someone could share their food choices/meal plans with me if possible or maybe easy things I can cook for myself? Lastly, I was hoping if there are other people who have lost weight everywhere except for their belly. I have lost weight in my whole body and a bit in my belly, but it seems to be the only place where there is stubborn fat (I am apple shaped) and my belly is just hanging and nothing seems to help.( I am guessing that's why I am a bit carb sensitive and I need to completely cut carbs out if i want to lose weight.) Thank you very much in advance and hoping to meet other people as well

I’m just starting out but I have read that it helps to do a pouch reset. Having hormone, metabolic and other medical issues I can relate. Try to pinpoint what medication might be affecting your weight and why. For example I needed beta blockers and the generic caused more side effects that included slowing my metabolism. Once I got on the name brand and also adjusted my calories it helped. If you can pinpoint the medication ask the doctor about switching to something with less side effects of weight gain. Also see an endocrinologist to have hormones checked and anything that could be throwing off your weight there. You might try some natural hormone supplements ie. Wild yam, black cohosh, (my head isn’t working to think of them all) 15 years a lot can change and it takes time to re-evaluate and adjust. 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you if your weight loss stalls after getting gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap-band, or another type of weight loss surgery. There may be a time after weight loss surgery when you wonder whether your pouch has stretched, or when you get off track with your eating. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet mimics your original post-op diet, but it moves through the stages more quickly. You start with clear liquids, move to full liquids, then progress to pureed foods, semi-soft foods, and solid foods. The 2-Week Pouch Reset Diet can help you: Break the pattern of off-track eating. Remember what it feels like when you feel restriction from your pouch. Practice stopping eating before you feel overly full. Diet Guidelines: When you get to the solid foods diet, this is the time when you will feel that your pouch is working again. Eat slowly and mindfully, and focus on the feeling you have when you stop eating just before you are full. You can continue on the solid foods plan (repeat Days 10-14) for as long as your doctor agrees. Drink plenty of water and other calorie-free or low-calorie liquids to stay hydrated. Only use under the supervision of your doctor. Day 1: Clear Liquids Breakfast ½ cup apple juice, ½ cup decaf green tea Snack 1 1 sugar-free ice pop, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Lunch Tomato Basil Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar-free gelatin Snack 2 ½ cup decaf coffee, Lemon Iced Tea Fiber Drink Dinner Delight Pho Sipping Broth, ½ cup sugar free gelatin Dessert 1 ice pop Day 2: Full Liquids Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Decaf Protein Cappuccino (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Broccoli and Cheese Protein Soup (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Meal Replacement Chicken Protein Soup (160 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Banana Protein Shake (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 910 calories, 142 grams protein Day 3: Full Liquids Breakfast Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Vanilla Cappuccino Hot Protein Drink (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Tomato Meal Replacement Soup (160 calories, 15 grams protein) Snack 2 Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner Corn Chowder Protein Soup (110 calories, 15 grams protein) Dessert Cheesecake Protein Pudding or Shake (90 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 930 calories, 130 grams protein Day 4: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Peaches and Cream Protein Oatmeal, ¾ cup pureed canned or frozen peaches (150 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 1 1 container plain non-fat Greek yogurt, ½ pureed banana (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Pureed tuna salad with 3 ounces tuna, ½ cup cooked or canned green beans, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Vanilla Meal Replacement (240 calories, 35 grams protein) Dinner 4 ounces pureed canned chicken breast, ½ cup pureed cooked carrots (130 calories, 19 grams protein) Dessert Protein Cheesecake Pudding with ½ cup strawberries, pureed (120 calories, 16 grams protein) Totals: 970 calories, 126 grams protein Day 5: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Shake with Peanut Butter Protein Powder, ½ banana, 1 5-oz. cup vanilla Greek yogurt (200 calories, 20 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed egg salad with 2 hard-boiled eggs, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, pepper (180 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch ½ cup non-fat pureed cottage cheese, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (140 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 2 ¼ cup hummus with 1 scoop, (220 calories, 32 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, pureed with ½ cup cooked frozen cauliflower and ½ cup cooked brown rice (220 calories, 18 grams protein) Dessert Mocha Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1060 calories, 114 grams protein Day 6: Pureed Foods (Mushies) Breakfast Vegetable Protein Omelet, 1 ounce cheddar cheese, melted, ½ mashed banana (260 calories, 23 grams protein) Snack 1 Pureed Protein Chili with Beans, 1 cheese stick (string cheese) (180 calories, 22 grams protein) Lunch Cream of Mushroom Protein Soup, ½ cup mashed potatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil (200 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 Maple Brown Sugar Protein Oatmeal, ½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese (250 calories, 28 grams protein) Dinner Chicken with Pasta Protein Soup, 3 ounces pureed cooked ground turkey meatballs blended with ½ cup tomato sauce, ½ cup cooked pureed fresh or frozen winter squash with 1 teaspoon olive oil (220 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Strawberry Banana Protein Gelatin (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1180 calories, 117 grams protein Day 7: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Buttermilk Protein Pancakes, ½ cup blueberries (240 calories, 21 grams protein) Snack 1 Protein Hot Cocoa (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Beef with Pasta Protein Soup, with ½ cup cooked or canned beans and ½ cup cooked vegetables (240 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup cantaloupe (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Dinner 1 veggie burger, 1 cup cooked green beans, 1 medium cooked sweet potato (250 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Soft-Baked Protein Brownie, ½ cup vanilla yogurt (180 calories, 20 grams protein) Totals: 1150 calories, 108 grams protein Day 8: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Southwestern Protein Omelet, with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, ½ cup cooked spinach, ¼ cup salsa (270 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 Hazelnut Cocoa Cream Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Spaghetti and Meatballs Protein Entree, 1 cup cooked frozen broccoli florets (260 calories, 18 grams protein) Snack 2 Berry Delicious Protein Smoothie (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces broiled salmon with teriyaki sauce, ½ cup cooked brown rice, 1 cup cooked cauliflower florets (350 calories, 23 grams protein) Dessert Double Chocolate Cake (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1200 calories, 105 grams protein Day 9: Semi-Soft Foods Breakfast Chocolate Chip Protein Pancakes, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (300 calories, 22 grams protein) Snack 1 (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Creamy Chicken Pasta Protein Entrée, ½ cup cooked zucchini (240 calories, 16 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup cut watermelon, 1 ounce feta cheese (120 calories, 4 grams protein) Dinner 1 cooked bell pepper stuffed with 3 ounces ground turkey, ½ cup stewed tomatoes, 1/3 cup cooked quinoa or barley, and Italian seasoning (280 calories, 27 grams protein) Dessert Creamy Cheesecake Protein Dessert (120 calories, 12 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 96 grams protein Day 10: Solid Foods Breakfast Berries ‘n Chocolate Crunch Protein Cereal with 1 container Greek yogurt (230 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 1 Chunky Crisp Peanut Butter Protein Bar (160 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Tuna salad on lettuce leaves, made with 3 ounces tuna, diced celery and onion, ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons black olives, pepper (180 calories, 25 grams protein) Snack 2 Caprese salad with 1 ounce mozzarella balls, 1 large tomato, sliced, 2 teaspoons olive oil, basil leaves, black pepper (210 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner 3 ounces Mexican seasoned shredded chicken mixed with ½ cup pinto beans and 1 cup cooked bell pepper strips, topped with ¼ cup avocado (350 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Tropical Banana Protein Pudding (100 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1230 calories, 105 grams protein Day 11: Solid Foods Breakfast Breakfast sandwich with 1 whole-grain English muffin, 1 slice fat-free cheese, 1 cooked egg (230 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 Fruit salad with 1 cup cut fresh fruit and 1 ounce sliced almonds (240 calories, 8 grams protein) Lunch Five Bean Casserole Protein Entree (240 calories, 11 grams protein) Snack 2 1 large whole-grain high-fiber wrap spread with 2 ounces fat-free cream cheese plus shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes (170 calories, 18 grams protein) Dinner Protein Pasta with 3 ounces lean ground turkey, Tomato Parmesan Flavor Pack , and 1 cup cooked broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix (300 calories, 41 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie (150 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1330 calories, 110 grams protein Day 12: Solid Foods Breakfast Crispy Lemon Meringue Bar (160 calories, 14 grams protein) Snack 1 Pineapple Orange Fruit Drink (70 calories, 15 grams protein) Lunch Roll-ups with 2 ounces all-natural sliced turkey breast, 1 ounce swiss or cheddar slices, and ¼ cup avocado slices (260 calories, 24 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup baby carrots, 1 tablespoon peanut butter (140 calories, 8 grams protein) Dinner High-fiber wrap with 3 ounces tilapia or other white fish, grilled eggplant, and Honey Dijon dressing (250 calories, 30 grams protein) Dessert Chocolate Protein Cereal, 1 apple (210 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 106 grams protein Day 13: Solid Foods Breakfast Strawberry Meal Replacement Shake (250 calories, 35 grams protein) Snack 1 Caramel Brownie Protein Bar (180 calories, 14 grams protein) Lunch Greek chicken salad with romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, 3 ounces cooked chicken breast, 1 ounce feta cheese, 2 tablespoons vinaigrette (250 calories, 26 grams protein) Snack 2 1 cup bell pepper strips Meat Snack (120 calories, 15 grams protein) Dinner Pasta Fagioli (210 calories, 14 grams protein) Dessert Mint Hot Chocolate, 1 apple (80 calories, 15 grams protein) Totals: 1090 calories, 119 grams protein Day 14: Solid Foods Breakfast Golden Protein Pancakes ½ banana, ½ ounce pecans (240 calories, 17 grams protein) Snack 1 2 hard-boiled eggs (140 calories, 12 grams protein) Lunch Salad with spinach leaves, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1 ounce shaved parmesan, 2 tablespoons light dressing (230 calories, 10 grams protein) Snack 2 Protein Chips (130 calories, 10 grams protein) Dinner Protein Chili with 1 ounce cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked carro (280 calories, 24 grams protein) Dessert 1 small pear, 1 ounce blue cheese (170 calories, 7 grams protein) Totals: 1190 calories, 80 grams protein

Thank you everybody for your help. I declined surgery ladt minute that was set to happen yesterday, I am working hard on weight loss and will potentialy have the sleeve surgery in October. I currently weigh 190 pounds, I had been able to maintain 150 pound weight loss for 14 years until right after I started taking gabapentin. My doctor said that gabapentin can infact cause weight gain for some. Thank you again for saving me from a bad choice!

Hi everyone! I'm 5'2 236 lbs BMI is 43. I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve on August 9th. After doing some research I'm seeing that many gain back if not, all their weight. I totally understand that this surgery is merely a tool, but up to me, to change my bad eating habits. I'm just wondering if anyone had permanent or serious health changes due to the surgery? Eg; fatigue due to vitamin loss, hormonal changes, permanent hair loss, no weight loss at all, etc. And anything you would share with me! Thank you!

I've got to agree with LJB on the weight gain thing. A lot of them say they cause weight gain in the list of side effect. I've been on a variety of psych meds through my adult life and have always found I put on weight with them, or maybe it is just eating away my depression?? I'd say to follow your doctors orders. Even if the xanax is helping you, being addicted to it is not worth it. You will lose the weight anyway...it may just take longer.

Well, went for my wellness check up this past Wednesday and my family doctor brought up the dirty "S" word. Surgery. Not just surgery but weight loss surgery. I'm not even sure why, but the whole idea scares the crap out of me. I think if a surgeon said "knee replacement" or "midfoot fusion" or "hip replacement", I'd be nervous but not so scared if that makes sense. I've done nothing but obsess since Wednesday. Checked with my insurance and bariatric surgery is covered. I was kinda hoping it wouldn't because I wouldn't have to consider it which would decrease my anxiety and result in less emotional eating which will result in even more weight gain. Don't ya just love vicious cycles? I now have a bookmark folder just for bariatric surgery. That's serious for me. Hope I can get advice from all of you as I go through the decision-making process and then through the journey itself if I decide to make the journey. Thanks for listening.

prozac can cause weight gain, but the majority of gain usually happens in the first few months and it generally is around 10 lbs total throughout the course of treatment. it shouldn't keep you from losing with this surgery, however. If you are concerned about the meds and your doc is open to it, you could talk to them about switching to a non-SSRI, like wellbutrin/bupropion. people tend to lose weight on it and it has less libidinal side effects. if you have ever had anxiety or manic symptoms, however, it is not a good idea to switch to this med.

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