Search the Community

I drank Cokes for 40 years. When weight became too much of an issue I switched over to Diet Cokes; which I drank for another 10 more years. Usually around 6 Cokes a day. I still gained weight. As I entered my 6 month supervised exercise weight loss program which was a prerequisite for the operation, I went cold turkey and gave up all carbonated beverages and caffeine. On that change alone, I lost 20 pounds. It is now 6 months (pre-op) + 11 months (post-op) and I have not had any carbonated beverages since then, and I don't even miss them. I went through a rough week or two after I went cold turkey. I experienced severe joint pain. But that went away. I suspect why this produced weight loss is due to the carbonation. As the small carbon bubbles explode in your stomach they microscopically increase the size of the stomach which in turn allows you to eat more food which in turn is responsible for weight gain.

I was sleeved Oct 17 in South San Francisco, CA. My journey has taken several years and I've had to switch surgeons. (The first required me to lose 85 lbs pre-op and even after I lost 50lbs he said to keep going, and stop eating fruit... needless to say I got a 2nd opinion) I was originally scheduled for June 20 but got sick, then I was put on steroids for my asthma, so my rescheduled date of July 22 was canceled also due to weight gain (due to the dang steroids!!!) So I'm now happily post op!

@gabrielle2014: So glad to read this and to know you are doing a little better. I'm glad you have a good, supportive therapist. I'm leaning heavily towards an ablation myself, as I really hate the side effects of my beta blockers. Depression, weight gain (Water weight, but still...) and all I want to do is sleep 24/7. I feel like my baseline personality has completely shifted. If I'm eligible for an ablation, I will move forward with this, too... Let us know what the cardio recommends for you, and I hope you feel better and stronger with each passing day. Yes, you can't eat to comfort yourself through this. But you could turn that into a positive by reframing the thought: "I feel badly and I've had a heart attack. But at least I'm working towards better health with each bite, instead of digging myself into a deeper, more-unhealthy hole." Because you ARE getting healthier with each pound you are losing!

I'll bet it's the steroids. They're famous for weight gain.

Now is your healing time. You have been on a liquid diet and it is normal to gain some weight when you start on solids, but it's water weight because you do not lose or gain a pound of fat in a day. My dr told me to expect a weight gain between that post op app. and my first fill. Don't stress about it and stay off the scales. The weight WILL come off!!

I was so happy to see your post when I logged on this morning!! I too, have a lower BM I(33.3) but I feel very passionate about fighting for this surgery. I have been in the support group since Oct and fighting with insurance, etc ever since. I have gained almost 70 pounds over the past 6 years and it won't budge. I have recently been diagnosed w/ a blood clotting disorder which significantly increases by heart attack/stroke risk. But when paired w/ my weight gain I am even at greater risk!! So... I had the MD write another justification letter so now I am waiting again from insurance!! There are some amazing books out there they go through all the pros/cons, list hepful tips, websites, etc I have found it to be inspiration to attend the local support groups out hospital has. Its one of the best programs I have researched and I have done a A LOT!!! I wish you all the very best...keep us all posted!!

We think alike , I have not hide the procedure from anyone, I have so many people that are looking at me as the guinee pig, lol. but if my surgery goes well and it will I have many that will follow. I ask what is there to be ashamed of, I am more ashamed of my obesity. I was always a large guy but after I quit a nasty tobacco habit 3 yrs ago the weight gain started. every time i stepped on a scale it was a larger # than before , i started going into a depression and quit doing allot like dancing (which I love) and many other things. Finally I hit 343 and a good friend of mine had pass away and I didnt have clothes to fit loosly to attend his funeral. At that point I said enough is enough. I want to help myself and help as many as I can. I am a leader and cant wait to share my success with others.I am down to 298 now and getting more excited . Wednesday is my sleeve day, leap year, well I want to leap by the end of the year without scoreing numbers on the richter scale.

I am three weeks post op, started work on Monday, since then I have gained each day!!! What the hell!!!!! Need to quit work?

You are probably on antibiotics and pain meds. Surgery can really mess up your body. They also gave you 4 bags of solution. Your body is in shock after surgery. I would say, the surgery is the main reason for the weight gain. It will pass. Parts swell, the body is adjusting. I would also suggest you follow up with your primary doc. It's always best to have a second opinion.

My mum lost my dad 4 years ago and had been adapting to living alone and finding it very hard actually. She used to be very careful about her flood intake and was always watching her weight now she lives for food and has gradually been gaining weight. She's only 5'1 so even putting on the 30 or so pounds she's gained really shows and now she breathes really heavy going upstairs and her general health has declined. She's now 73 and has developed asthma and lately if she goes on any long walks she becomes bowel incontinent! I'm so worried about her. She's watched me lose weight and cut down my food intake since my surgery and now she jokes that she's picked up where I left off. She's now paying large health bills to have her incontinence investigated as its horrible for her but I wonder if her weight gain might have something to do with it? I'm also now paying to have her house cleaned as she's stopped doing it and with a little dog it needs to be done! It's so sad. I can't suggest this surgery to her she often says she lives for her meals now what a sad situation.

Excellent post! I appreciate your perspective a year out and hope I have the same as I reach that point. I'm only a couple months out but already am starting to experience some of the things you mentioned. Your comment about the sleeve always being available as a tool is spot on. I had to travel for a 10 day business trip over the last two weeks and in the past that would have resulted in a 4 or 5 pound weight gain. Even though I wasn't able to totally follow my nutrition plan, because of the limitations of the sleeve I was still able to lose two pounds during that trip. I also agree with your thoughts about setting short term, achieveable goals. I've decided that instead of setting scale goals I use clothing sizes. Setting a target of reducing to the next lower size seems like a reasonable target. I've already been able to hit two of these and am just a week or two away from another. Keep up the good work!

Your nut defines a stall as no weight loss in a week? I think that's a bit harsh. I've dieted pre-surgery 6 months pretty seriously at 800 calories 80 grams of Protein and 45 carbs. I had a hysterectomy so I don't get the hormonal issues others get, I watched my sodium everything. I had days I gained 2 or 3 pounds. Then a few days later lost 6. I don't consider the gain important or a stall. If I know I'm doing what I am suppose to be doing, there are days that you have Water weight gain, or something is not flowing exactly right. There are days your body decides to hold onto everything too. Sometimes upping my calories or adding more carbs will help me eliminate the extra weight. I have a few days that go by without losing an ounce per my my scale, then I will lose a pound. I am sure I will have days that I go up 1/2 pound because of lack of bm or water retention. I would consider a stall 3 or more weeks, then before I call it a stall I will go through my fitness pal and check to make sure I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing, then I would measure myself to see if there is anything going on there.

This WLS is a life long process. We just shift from loss to maintain modes. We must watch and manage our food and activity daily, else the two headed dragon of weight gain will catch back up with us very quickly. I sill have a short while to go till I hit maintenance, but know it will take a while to correctly dial in my diet and watch daily to insure I never fall back again. As a note: My son had sleeve 3 years ago, and stopped his diet management about a year ago, thinking he knew what was needed. He has gained back 30 lbs. and I hope he gets back on track before it gets too far away from him. Good Luck

I was finally able to get some clarification regarding my coverage. Knowing what to expect puts me at ease. Gastric Bypass Surgery (Bariatric Surgery) is covered only if specific medical criteria are met:  Bariatric surgery may be indicated for patients 18 to 60 years of age. Requests for bariatric surgery for patients less than 18 years of age should include documentation that the primary care physician has addressed the risk of surgery on future growth, the patient's maturity level and the patient’s ability to understand the procedure and comply with postoperative instructions, as well as the adequacy of family support. Patients above 60 years of age may be considered if it is documented in the medical record that the patient’s physiologic age and co-morbid condition(s) result in a positive risk/benefit ratio. • The patient has been clinically evaluated by an MD or DO. The physician has documented failure of non-surgical management including a structured, professionally supervised (physician or non-physician) weight loss program for a minimum of six consecutive months within the last four years prior to the recommendation for bariatric surgery. The six consecutive month weight loss program listed above is waived for super morbidly obese individuals who have a BMI ≥50. Documentation should include periodic weights, dietary therapy and physical exercise, as well as behavioral therapy, counseling and pharmacotherapy, as indicated. • Documentation that the PCP and the patient have a good understanding of the risks involved and reasonable expectations that the patient will be compliant with all postsurgical requirements. • A psychological evaluation must be performed as a pre-surgical assessment by a contracted mental health professional in order to establish the patient’s emotional stability, ability to comprehend the risk of surgery and to give informed consent, and ability to cope with expected post-surgical lifestyle changes and limitations. Such psychological consultations may include one unit total of psychological testing for purposes of personality assessment (e.g., the MMPI-2 or adolescent version, the MMPI-A). • The physician needs to be aware and follow-up with individuals who have had gastric surgery for any long-term complications. • In cases where a revision of the original procedure is planned, documentation of all of the following is required: - Date and type of previous procedure - The factor(s) that precipitated failure - Any complications from the previous procedure that mandate (necessitate) the takedown - If the indication for the revision is a failure of the patient to lose a desired amount of 51 weight then the patient must meet all of the initial preoperative criteria. Note: The following surgical procedures are considered experimental/investigational because their safety and/or effectiveness have not been proven: • Loop gastric bypass gastroplasty - also known as mini-gastric bypass • Stomach stapling Endoscopic procedures to treat weight gain after bariatric surgery to remedy large gastric stoma or large gastric pouches are considered experimental/investigational.

HI there, My doctor just removed my band three weeks ago and will do the second surgery for the sleeve in October. I just completed a 6 month prep program for the sleeve that was required for my sleeve surgery by my insurance company. I had my Fluid removed in March and the band removed on July 29th. Per my doctor the reason for the two surgeries is due to letting the stomach go back to a normal size, this way when they do make the cut for the sleeve, they get a better shaped pouch, which in the long run makes a difference in the success of your weight loss. if they did the surgery all in one, the stomach would be misshaped. When you think about it, it does make sense. They have seen better results with the sleeve revisions when the surgeries are done in two steps. If it causes me to have better success, then I am for it. Since March when the fluid was removed I have gained almost 45 pounds back. It is very disheartening, as I have tried everything and have been watching my Protein and calorie intake and still gaining, I feel like there is nothing I can do to stop it. I know this weight gain is only temporary and look forward to starting my life with the sleeve. Having patience is hard, but will be worth it.

Having my surgery on the 18th of May... FREAKING OUT!!!!! food is my coping mechanism, so... Hello binging time! I just keep asking myself how I ever let it get this bad. Why did I let myself go? How did I get to this point? I'm a 20yr old needing bariatric surgery, who was about a 100 pounds lighter 2yrs ago. And I'm also having intense guilt... I did this to myself. Why am I taking the 'easy' way out? I know the weight gain was a consequence of the depression I went through, and still dealing with... And it's not entirely my fault, but gosh the guilt is almost crippling. Anyway. Anyone having theirs around that time too? Wanna be buddies ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Do you know that God loves you? Do you know you have a purpose on this earth? Do you know that we all fall down at something? Your strength lies in your ability to get up. A 20lb weight gain is not enough for your friends to be ragging on you about. Maybe, you use the term friends to loosely. You've had your share of struggles. Exhale and love you. You deserve a good, healthy life and it is worth the sacrifices you've decided to make.

Renee, you REALLY need to read Crosswind's post "I left my stomach in Mexicali". It's normal to be wondering if you've lost your mind making this decision. Drastic times call for drastic measures. You've tried everything else, right? And you're tired of being a failure at something so many other humans seem to do effortlessly (lose or maintain their weight), right? Welcome to the club! Life isn't fair!! Some chicks get fantabulous bods and are "bootylicious". Other chicks (like me) get fat reading a grocery list and are relegated to nicknames like "eartha-quake". So, after determining that I've thrown a boat load of money at fighting this "problem" over the years that I could have paid for the surgery 10 times over, I've FINALLY said "stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!" So, while I don't know how things will ultimately turn out (my surgery is April 26th) I do know how it's gone for me in the past -- unrelenting struggles resulting in unrelenting weight gain and self loathing. I'm way too old and way too tired to keep fighting the insanity scenario. I'm going for it and I'm NOT looking back. Empress

Can someone please share what is meant by 5:2 eating plan...? I see some use it for stalls or if there is weight gain. Thanks. I

Your plan should mention something about weight gain. My plan required an exercise program with documentation. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

You need to figure out why you are not caring anymore. Why you are trying to subconsciously sabotage yourself? The emotional eating you are doing is not because you are hungry, but seems to me like self defeat/ personal pain attached to the mind set, "Because I'm told not to, I'm going to." "I'm a failure and always will be..." This is too difficult." What you have is head hunger due to emotional suggestion. I have had those feelings for so many years and I used food as my feel better, until guilt arrived shortly after. My issues were insecurities due to being molested, which led to weight gain, depression, anxiety... I urge you to identify your main pain source and once you deal with that, you will not want to cheat!

I hope my boobs get smaller post surgery. I'm only 16 days out, so too soon to tell. I always liked my A/B sized breasts but with weight gain they got up to a D size.

Part of the mental health evaluation of people seeking surgery is whether or not they have a rational and realistic view of what is possible In terms of weight loss with the bariatric surgery. Of course some people lie about that (health care professionals aren’t psychic after all). And the fact is that it is unlikely that people who have WLS will reach their full healthy weight, but will instead lose only a percentage of that (for many, 60%). That’s not my opinion, that is a scientific fact (ask any Bariatric surgeon or expert). When people have expectations that exceed that (and I have seen it many times on WLS boards, patients talking as if they are Joan of Arc determined to defy all odds), But it’s a real problem when people have unrealistic expectations as they can lead to significant disappointment, or depression, and sometimes weight gain. I don’t understand people thinking they’re surgeons are somehow it gets them, or have a low bar for them, or just know less than WLS patients. I have lost 100 pounds and kept it off for six years (and got a leg injury for the effort) and then regained the weight. I hope this surgery will give me a tool to keep it from happening. And if I get anything remotely close to being normal again I’m going take that and be thrilled beyond words.

Peace with food and weight loss that lasts are possible. Here are some common traps that even the smartest women fall for and the success strategies you can use to avoid them: Peace with food and weight loss that lasts are possible, and yet, these aren’t the places where most women who struggle with overeating end up. Emotional eating and overeating can feel like a never-ending battle and a roller coaster ride of diets, gimmicks, and “new” approaches that don’t take you where you want to go. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some common traps that even the smartest women fall for and the success strategies you can use to avoid them: 1. Getting too focused on what to eat. Cycles of overeating and weight gain are rarely fixed by focusing only on the food. A focus on what to eat doesn’t address or fix the situations, feelings, or relationships that may be triggering overeating. Yes, portion size matters and sometimes food intolerances or metabolic difficulties cause weight gain. However, even these situations become clearer and easier to sort out when you start listening to yourself and paying attention to how you feel, instead of focusing your attention on every bite, calorie, or fat gram that you put into your mouth. 2. Disregarding what you really need. You know yourself better than anyone. Instead of focusing on what “should” work and what you “should” do, take this bold step that many high-achieving women skip: Ask yourself what you really need to be successful—and then give it to yourself. You’re likely to spend less time, energy, heartache and even money in the long run when you trust your inner wisdom. Do you need the help of an expert? Be honest about that. Better tools to deal with stress or difficult emotions? Do you need some one-on-one mentoring or support? Don’t cheat yourself. Investing in what you know to be true and getting the targeted help you need will likely make more of a difference than all the self-help books you can’t figure out how to make work for you. Too many women spend too much money on solutions that aren’t comprehensive or individualized enough and don’t really meet their needs. Not only does this lead to failure, it burns up your hope and your sense of effectiveness. Do you feel like you know what you need but it isn’t possible? Don’t let that stop you. Ask yourself what it would take to make it happen and ask what is do-able that would start allowing you to have more of what you need. Start believing that you deserve to get what you need and start asking for it. You might be surprised what shows up. 3. Refusing to ask for help. High-achievers can fall into the trap of believing that lifestyle change has to happen solo. Many women who are successful in other areas of their lives feel embarrassed and even ashamed of their struggles with overeating. They feel like they are alone in their struggles. Unfortunately, not reaching out for help increases the sense of isolation and decreases your potential effectiveness. Asking for help might be the scariest step you take in order to make peace with food, but stepping outside of your own head, your own mindset, beliefs, and traps, can start change happening—and quickly. 4. Not addressing time issues. My heart almost broke when I heard an outwardly successful professional woman tell me that given the hectic state of her life, she believed that she wouldn’t be able to focus on her own goals for the next ten years. Really? What kind of life is that and what kind of example are you living? Change requires a commitment to making it happen. Whether it’s taking the time to attend a class, listen to audios, create a plan for healthy meals, or meet with a coach, if you don’t create the time, it isn’t really a priority. Honest truth. If you need help learning how to make or find the time, or how to put yourself first, make this your first action step. Coaching Challenge: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to making peace with food? Where do you get stuck or thrown off course? Please join the conversation by sharing a comment. I’d love to hear from you. Then, be bold and share one step you will take to start doing it differently. Peace with food is possible. I challenge you to go for it.

Linda, Hello... I was browsing around and was so glad to see this post. I am not sure if I mentioned this before (when we have talked) I am a diabetic on insulin. In November 2012, I had been rushed to the hospital for DKA and was in diabetic shock... I was literally out of it for 3 days *which i am still unable to recall*. Doctors told my husband at that time that my sugars were so high they were literally off the charts and I was lucky to be alive. When the #s finally started to register it was 815. Long story short, I truly thank God I am here. Anyway, the reason I told that is to lead to the following. With that episode happening, my previous endocrinologist thought perhaps I was type 1 diabetic, (instead of type 2,as previously diagnosed in 2003) they ran the specific tests and I was told that I was not type 1, but definitely type 2. Time went on and I am no longer seeing that doctor and now have a new endocrinologist.... and well seeing my history on record and blood sugar issues, he also wanted to test me to see if I was type 1. Longer story short, at my last visit I was told that the blood tests confirm that I am type 2 but I also have traits of type 1 diabetes... which makes my case of diabetes different.... He further told me to inform Dr. Uchal that more than likely i have impairment going on with my pancreas (which of course is nothing new as diabetes effects the pancreas) but he then told me that with my upcoming bariatric surgery, not to expect to be off of my insulin completely... (which didn't shock me, as I know how the slightest intake can make my sugar go up). I say that full, long story for this reason... in finding out the recent info, I started to worry about the "what if's" again... thinking what if this surgery will not work because I am remaining on insulin (as insulin can cause weight gain). It truly started to upset me so much to where it prompted me to search for info on this site... (that is how I found the above post and your reply) May I ask, "has the insulin hindered any of your husband's progress/weight loss?" I am trying not to worry but I want to be prepared. I told my husband my fear would be that I do the surgery and that the insulin sabotaging my results, especially since I have a lot of weight to lose.... (my apologies for the lengthy story...lol... but any reply would be helpful..) Sincerely, Angi Angi, Sounds like you have type 1.5. Certainly sounds like it. (You can google it! )