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I have a vague understanding about sleep deprivation and weight gain, but OP didn't say if his sister was only getting a couple hours' sleep a day or what it was. And I also don't like how it was his idea, and not his sister's doctor's, that she stay in bed and eat/drink. Muscle loss WOULD show a great loss on the scale, but it's the wrong type of weight to lose. I think most of us here realize that.

Insulin Resistance is on my list. I am not sure about the PCOS, although I have cysts on my ovaries (and fibriods, yea) I have never actually been diagnosed. I suspect I have it, I have other symptoms. I have never been clear on whether the fat you gain causes IR or does developing IR make it easier to make fat? My doctor has me on Actos since it is beneficial in helping high cholestorel, which I also have. Sadly, Actos usually causes weight gain.... although I have halfed my dose since banding and my BS numbers have looked good. I can lose weight when I try but it sure seems to be at a slower rate and I really have to work at it.

I just saw a "Biggest Loser" type list involving some people I know. I was SHOCKED to see I weighed the same or a little less than 2 of the girls involved! These are 2 girls I have never thought of as being very heavy or significantly over weight, as I view myself! I'm also within 5lbs of my younger sister for the first time EVER! I get the impression it bothers her. She's about 25lbs over her normal weight right now. Even with her recent weight gain, I feel waaaaaaaaay bigger than her.

Please don't stop your cardio. It is vital to your health and fitness. Quitting your cardio will accomplish nothing other than decreasing your weight loss on increasing your weight gain. Do your research. It is a fact that you cannot target weight loss. You can target toning through certain weight training and resistance exercising, but that WILL NOT affect the fat in those areas. A quick Google search for "Spot Reduction" will turn up countless reliable results all explaining that it is just not possible. Here's a quick article: http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/cm_archives11ml3p1a2.html

Being on the coumadin is difficult within itself but thus far no weight gain. Sent from my SM-P550 using BariatricPal mobile app

I think the patient can overeat excess calories and begin to regain weight and I also think the WLS can have issues and I also think the combination of patient and WLS surgery can also cause weight gain back. To gain weight, we must eat more calories than we can burn off. This is how I got super morbid obese. I wish the newer patients would not put so much (the WLS MUST work) while I dont change a thing attitude. Some are finding that WLS is not easy and its not a miracle. It will help the person but the person must also make changes. I know that as I am talking about myself.

Cheri, Thanks for this insight. I understand the control element; in so much as when I eat when I shouldn't/not hungry/'naughty' food, I feel that I have no control. Stupid as in reality, if someone was watching, they would not look at me as an out of control eater! However, I feel that I don't have control over my body - early menopause started that train of thought... and now weight gain and not being able to lose it. I've lost my mojo and am hating this head space I am in... one of constant exhaustion and disappointment (not just with weight but many areas of my life). But, life goes on and the world keeps turning... we keep on fighting the good fight! Stay safe and well my friend x

My weight gain and loss has been a roller coaster since Surgery. I have learned to accept the changes in my body and to just keep pushing forward and ignore it. I am 11 months out and have lost a total of 94 pounds. It WILL happen for you too. Just be patient with your body and don't freak out when you notice a gain, eventually you start loosing again.

Hey there, I have been away for a very long time too. I have also gained weight by drinking Frappacino's and sugary things. It is like, I just got tired and gave up. I had a vision that my body was way to skinny at 146lbs. This was really irrational thinking on my part. After reading all my old friends story, it does seem a bit normal to put on some weight, but just how much weight is normal? I am realizing now that I still need to get back on the wagon, do a cleanse (no sugar), and promote good health in my house. I find myself really really sad. My son is 34 years old and the past year or two, he has become enormously obese. It breaks my heart. So I am looking into the Paleo way of eating. I still drink a lot of Protein shakes daily. But I have let bread back into my diet. I guess what I am saying is that I am really sad over my weight gain. I hate that I am up a size. Dieting just isn't as easy as it was in the beginning. I'm also tired. Everything everyone has spoke about here, rings true for me too. I need to get back into checking in with others to keep on track. I spoke with a case manager at my bariatric center and she told me that in order to loose weight, I need to eat less than 1000 calories. I am so happy I ran into all my old friends on this post. It brings me back to reality. It is still work.......

I think it's a hard situation because when you lose a lot of weight, of course many things change. The good ones will stick around, so it's nothing to waste any energy or too much thought over. Personally, I lost most my friends when I gained weight. Some made the decision, but when I lost my self esteem I realized that life is too short to be around people who hurt my feelings or weren't pleasing ... So, it ended! I've had trouble meeting new people since the recent weight gain, mostly because I'm scared of social situations. I look forward to the banding and the loss, so I can meet new friends.

went to my psych appt. yesterday and he said I have anorexia which I find odd because I am still 381lbs! But he says with my strict eating and severe calorie counting and anxiety about weight gain accompanied by the occasional fasting to up my weight loss that these are all symptoms of anorexia! He says it is not all my fault or in my head and that he figures it began the first month after surgery when I was unable to keep an food down and lost almost 70lbs in one month. He believes my stomach has become accustomed to vomiting and the pain I feel in my stomach is real , so he is gonna get a nutritionist that specializes in anorexia to help me and get me some meds from my surgeon to help with my stomach so I can finally Begin taking my vitamins and take in he proper amount of protein a day! also he believes I have a fear of eating due to the severe vomiting I have had in the past which makes total sense to me.. I am happy that I made the decision to go to my appt. yesterday and I for once in 3 months feel hopeful on feeling better and having more energy along with being healthy and weight loss..

No who are banded. I am just curious what a normal weight gain should be with someone who has undergone the procedure. My OB would like for me to eventually get another slight defill but I think I have gained properly as of now....That's why I was asking Sorry I know I'm new to the board so I don't want to sound pushy just noticed a few people read my post so was curious if maybe people were hesitant to reply due to me being new here

I'm feeling pretty depressed and guilty and discouraged and and and... and I'm tired of feeling this way! I've got my band in april of last year and didnt get my first fill until 6 months later. I've lost 55 pounds since but just cant seem to stay on track these days. Ice cream.. crackers.. mini candy bars at work... sometimes in the afternoon at work, I cant stop thinking about a snack. I obsess over it and end up becoming grouchy because I cant stop thinking about it. I end up feeling deprived and punished because I cant eat what I want... then the guilt that I even feel like that in the first place makes it worse. sigh... WHATS WRONG WITH ME??? I'm so happy with my success so far, but I feel I cant do it anymore. I was going to the gym 3 times a week, so even when I cheated, I wouldnt gain. Unfortunately I fell and hurt my ankle 4 weeks ago and can only do so much before I'm in too much pain.... so now I only go 1 or 2 times a week. I was working back to my consistency, but then I must of reinjured it because it started swelling up and hurting so I am back to square one. Boo! Although I know my depression meds contribute to my weight gain and my lust for sweets, it doesnt make me feel any better. Feels like excuses. Its my 41st bday today and I had wanted to reach my first goal of 200 pounds by today, but am 11 pounds short... and its my fault. I get up every morning and tell myself that today I wont eat anything I am not suppose to and that I will go to the gym and be proud of myself... but that never seams to happen 100%. I'm sorry I didnt have any words of wisdom or positive energy to contribute... maybe I shouldnt of posted at all... anyway, good luck to you...

Hey Stephen! So glad you're home safe and sound So you're only a day behind me. I can tell you everyday gets a whole lot better. I'm feeling good today, lots of energy and stomach muscles are starting to feel better. As far as the gas, besides walking try drinking something warm and then walk around. It worked really well for me. I have made it a point to walk 1 mile everyday and I really think that's why I'm feeling so good. I walk slow but I always feel good when I get back and am sleeping better too. And ya gotta love the hospital weight gain, it will come off pretty quick once you're up and about again. Yay for us! We're on our way! Keep in touch and let me know how you're doing--Corey

So I was having some problems with my lapband. One day I can eat anything and the next day I can?t eat at all. I went yesterday and had an Endoscopy done. Much to my amazement, I have an eroded band and a small pouch dilation. I was already contemplating taking the band out and putting the sleeve in due to decreased weight loss. I got my band in June, 2007 and have lost about 60 pounds with it. My doctor does not want to remove the band and do the gastric sleeve at the same time. He wants to remove the band and wait 6-8 weeks for me to heal. Of course I want to do what is safe, but I worry about weight gain. I have come so far with this and don?t want to be back at square one when the gastric sleeve is done. Can anybody relate to this? Any suggestions?

It's funny that you say that. I didn't have my P since February 15 and then suddenly on Saturday I started spotting. Since then I have continued to spot. I've only lost 17 lbs so far. I'm 50 so I thought maybe it was menopause, could still be. Weight gain/loss does affect hormones.

hi i am going into my 8th year with the band, i will be having it removed 7/12 due to erosion, then 3 months post protonix i will have another endo to see if i can have the sleeve (well they will deny me on investigational and depending on how long to get it appealed) i started having problems last year, lots of them. i have gained 65 lbs in 1 yr 3 months i had lost 166 lbs. so now i wait, i have significant long term complications and my esophagus is jsut too damaged to do surgery all at once, as mortality rates increase with all my post band complications i have....it is a scary thing to gain weight. do some reseach about rebanding, i was also rebanded and hiatal hernia repaired in 4/26/10 keep in mind my band has not been functioning in over a year, it feels good not being sick everyday all day, but the weight gain is tough, but i have to thinka bout my health-if you want the sleeve then get the sleeve don't do what your surgeon wants you to do..contact me private message if you would like.....

Hi there, I’m glad to see some posts on this hunger issue a few years after the first one. I’d like to add a few things here after years with the sleeve. If you google “hunger after the sleeve”, you’ll more than likely end up on sites talking about “mental hunger” and trying to distinguish the difference. I’m here to tell some of you that there is something else going on with a few of us sleevers that is not being researched from what I can see. Before I had the sleeve, I had mild acid reflux and was on acid reducers. After the sleeve, I thought I could come off the acid meds but I was SO hungry after the surgery that about a week post-op, I was back on them. This did help me to stop feeling hungry ALL the time. However, it didn't take away the starving feeling throughout the day. In the first post-op year, I thought nothing of the times when I’d have to get to a convenience store, supermarket... any place close that served food at times when suddenly I had hit “starvation mode”. All that time I told myself it was because I had a small stomach and I just needed to eat more often. I guess I can be slow on the uptake because it took me 4 years to figure out that I had serious issues with hunger. One day, I had eaten a pretty good breakfast, was starving by 10:30 AM so had my lunch at work, and by 1:00 I was starving again. I was ticked off because I didn’t want to leave work to get food and it suddenly hit me…after a few years post-op with the sleeve, I was able to eat a lot more food in one sitting. So, from what I had eaten that day, why was I as hungry as I was less than 3 hours after my decent-sized lunch? I am now 7 and a half years post-sleeve and realize that my weight gain and eating habits are dictated by my hunger issues. No matter what I eat (dense protein, healthy fats, light carbs, etc.), I will be starving about 3 hours later. If I don’t plan right, I have to get up out of bed to eat and it’s really frustrating. I go out to eat with friends and then a few hours later, I have to tell them I need to eat more. I am on acid reducers because I do have acid reflux and more of it since the sleeve. I am 100% convinced that the hunger is an overabundance of acid build-up in my stomach. There have even been times when I have been starving and can hear the gurgling sounds in my stomach. Coincidentally enough, a year back, I had a conversation with a colleague who had just had the gastric bypass surgery. Without sharing much about my own surgery, she told me that one of the reasons she had had the bypass was because she had had the sleeve before that and was “hangry” every two hours. I didn’t know what “hangry” meant and she explained it is when you are so hungry, you get angry. I was stunned as she described my situation perfectly…except for me it’s every 3 hours. Post-bypass, this colleague no longer feels “hangry”. She knows when she needs to eat but that gnawing feeling in her stomach is gone. I have been in touch with a few bariatric surgeons because of my acid reflux and all of them have suggested I have the RNY bypass. I will have it in the near future and am hoping that the surgery will help my hunger issues go away. After 7.5 years post-op, my sleeve is still intact and I don’t eat an enormous amount of food at one sitting. Of course the first two years post-op are considered the "Honeymood Phase" and so I do eat more than I did back then, but still, it's not crazy amounts. I’m very happy with that but what I learned is that when you end up having to eat every 3 hours, you can really take in a lot of calories during the day. My weight issues were always due to bingeing at night, but never grazing during the day. Now, I find it really frustrating having to eat during the day when I really don’t want to…because I’m starving. (And a light snack when starving doesn’t do much for me at all. I’ve played around with calories and if I don’t take in about 300+ cals at these times, I’m starving even earlier than 3 hours.) So, I’m writing this because when I asked the last bariatric specialist I went to see about whether he knew of any research done on hunger issues post-sleeve, he said no. (I’m not talking about research regarding reduction of hunger…I’m talking about those of us who end up with MORE hunger.) This post is not meant for those of us who have had bariatric surgery and aren’t sure if they are really hungry when they eat. That sounds more like head hunger to me. This posting is for those few of us with the sleeve who know we’re starving all the time. I hope I remember this site after I get the RNY. If I do, I promise I’ll leave another post to tell you if the RNY actually did relieve my hunger issues. Stay tuned!

I'm the opposite of Jacqui, I carried most of my weight in my tummy and torso and still carry most of the last 20 pounds I want to lose there. Do I NEED plastic surgery? No. I had a PS consult early this year and the cost ($20,000 Australian for a lower body lift) just wasn't worth it, it was purely cosmetic and vanity driven for me. I don't wear tight figure hugging clothes because I have a few lumps and bumps, but I don't know that I would if I was smooth anyway. I don't have loose skin as such, but I could use a little tightening all over to be perfect (but then, who is perfect??). I guess the best way to put it is that while some weight loss leaves a person looking like a fully deflated balloon, I'd probably be at about only 10-15% deflated. I got out of this as one of the lucky ones I think. Weight gain/loss take different tolls on our bodies and each journey is SO unique, it would be SO hard to even fathom a guess at what some body's body will look like after a massive loss.

Nothing I've tried (except time) has made my saggy skin shrink, though I didn't expect it to. Lots of moisturizers have improved the texture of my skin, which improves the overall look, but I had a lot of stretch marks from weight gain--I already knew my skin wasn't all that elastic!

You are hooked up to IVs when you have the surgery. It's done so you don't become dehydrated. Those fluids can cause a weight gain. You can also have Fluid buildup from the trauma of the surgery itself. I'm not a doctor so I can't explain it in detail but for me, after I had the bi-lateral hip surgery, I gained 15 lbs. It wasn't from food....I was very swollen and that's where the gain came from.

Just wanted to throw out there that my starting BMI was over 49, and now look at it ! ! ! I wouldn't really be too concerned with a 10% of EWL after 5 years, think of what's going to happen in 5 years with bypass vs. VSG in ways of nutrient/vitamin deficiencies. Don't sell the sleeve or yourself short! ! ! I know that statistics are a great resource, but let's be honest, those stats are only as good as the people questioned. I would recommend checking out the revision and complication forum on obesityhelp.com so you can see for yourself the number of people that are looking at revising from RNY to either DS or ERNY because of weight gain or pouch issues. I won't try to convince you that the sleeve is your best option because you have to make the choice that is best for you, but I challenge you to really think about the fact that with RNY you get only 2 years of malabsorption of calories/fats then after that time period, the intestines adjust and start absorbing everything you eat calorie/fat/carb wise and you get a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. Plus a pouch can and does stretch, our stomach stretching is so minimal and we get to keep our pyloric valve which is a big plus. . . Also, no medication or food restriction for VSG. So, with VSG, you get a non-stretching stomach, no malabsorption, can take all meds, no food restrictions, and you get to keep your pyloric valve (I know I said that twice, but it's really important LOL). . . I had a pouch with my band, and it sucked. My body hated it, it wasn't natural, and nothing feels as good as being able to eat all foods without issue. I know I'm biased, but it's hard to argue that I might have made the wrong decision with VSG when I stare my size 0 Gap jeans ! ! !

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? My doc said do one week of liquids but if I HAD to eat I could have one small meal per day - I found that it wasn't too hard if I ate a protein shake for breakfast, some blended liquid soup for lunch, a light meal at about 4 pm, and maybe another shake or soup at 8 or so. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Some people way way way cheat, but I felt like it was easier not to cheat by allowing myself that one healthy meal per day. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? I had never had surgery before my LB, but the paid wasn't too bad. The 1st few days I felt pain, but 3 days after surgery I went to work for 1/2 day. 3. Now this is one I really haven't seen at all and am a bit shy to ask, but it's better to ask now then end up in the ER. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I waited about 1 week to do no frills stuff - after 2 weeks, no problems doing it any which way. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I plan on eating only healthy (low carbs) on the liquid and solid stages and fear that once I go on solids I may actually gain weight. Should I jus eat whatever I can tolerate on liquids and solids and worry about losing the weight and low carbing after I go on solids? I did gain back a few lbs after going back on solids, maybe 3 lbs. I'm a slow loser. It's good to know and expect that you will gain back a few at 1st b/c it's discouraging but it's totally normal. Also, some people need several fills before they can lose any at all. It can get frustrating but just remember that maintining some weight loss is better than gaining, and that MANY people require seevral fills before they lose.6. For some reason it is very easy for me to lose 40lbs (after each of my 3 pregnancies I have lost all of my pregnacy weight which has been 40-45lbs within 2 weeks after delivery AND each time I have done Atkins I have lost 40lbs and then I stall). Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? Or is it a matter of just being patient and waiting it out? Can't help you on this one - I'm at a stall right now. I'm hoping adding more exersize will help, but haven't gotten off my lazy ass yet to try it! Welcome to bandland and good luck!

Okay, you've asked lots and lots of questions that can easily be answered if you do a simple search 1. I didn't do a pre-op diet. I was too sick. 2. I had my gallbladder out lap, and the pain from that was more than the band. I think. I remember it hurting more than being banded, but I had to have it out because it was full of stones and blocked and I was sick from it. I went shopping the morning after I was banded. 3. Sex... WOOT! okay, don't do anything before you feel like it. And if your hubbie is disturbing your band while making whoopie, well, maybe he's got a promicing career in Porn? 4. Yup you gain weight when you transition from liquids to solids. Weight gain doesn't mean fat gain. Here, your colon has matter in it again. 5. I don't know how long the longest time folks went without a fill. Im a turtle, so I'm not the best person to ask this. Kare Bear and Capt'n Jack spring to mind. 6. I have yet to lose 40 pounds so I cannot answer this.

1. How difficult did you find the pre-op diet? * I did liquids for 10 days and after about day 3 it was easy. My family lived on frozen meals and take out for that time, my hubby didn't want me to have to cook and then not eat. 2. I have had 3 cesareans and my gallbladder laproscopically removed. Does anyone know how the pain and/or recovery is in comparison? * I had natural child birth so I can't help there, and i still have my gallbladder for now. 3. How soon can one umm hmmm be intimate and are you limited in well you know <WHISPERS>positions? I waited almost 2 weeks, I was gluded not stitched and I was worried about the glue popping open so I was a bit over protective. 4. After going on solids, is there a weight gain? I didn't gain when I went to solids, but I made that transition pretty fast, I was on soft solids in less than 2 weeks. 5. What is the longest a person went without any fills (after surgury) and STILL lost weight? * I think Dylansmom is the longest and best losing that I know of, she still has no fill and is losing fine, not to mention she is looking just fab! 6. Do people stall on this and if they do and it has nothing to do with the restriction, how can you tweak your program to break the stall? * Like Alex said it is a plateau and yes you will hit one at some point, everyone does. I do a day of liquids and then a day of mushies and then a day of soft foods and that seems to jump start my weight loss again. I have lost 51 pounds in less than 5 months, and that is my method for breaking a plateau. I hope you are finding the answers that you are seeking here. Never be affraid to ask questions, that is what we experienced bandsters are here for. The only stupid question is the one that you never ask. I am in Chicago so if you ever make a visit home, let us know maybe we can plan a lunch while you are here, there are loads fo chicagoans here. Keep us updated on your progress. ~Mandy