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It seems like you are saying that you had gastric bypass surgery 8 years ago and gained some of the lost weight 52 pounds back. I am only 3 years post-op, so you are much further along than I. I looked at the question "Does birth control cause weight gain?" This is a link to an article on the subject. https://bedsider.org/features/328-gaining-weight-is-it-the-birth-control

I am looking to see if anyone has gotten sleeved with the minimum bmi standard. I have tried so many diets only to have them ending in more weight gain. I wouldn't even be as upset about my weight or bmi number if it weren't for HOW i carry the weight. I am a big ol apple! Im looking to find others who are in my boat and what their outcomes have been post op.

Well, long story short. I started my diet in October. I also started Lexapro in October. As of yesterday, I have officially gained 20 pounds since October. Anyone see a connection?? Unfortunately, I cannot even credit the Lexapro with making me feel better as it is not...I am SO depressed right now. Is it even possible insurance will think about approving me with weight gain on the 6-month supervised diet??? :scared2:

My whole life I grew up living in fear. We lived in a bad neighborhood and young males were killed frequently. The sound of a pop or firecracker would make me dive to the floor. Spent a lot of time indoors because I was afraid to go outside. Probably how my weight gain started. Also find this walking down the street thing interesting. Here it is generally considered safer to walk close to the street or even in the street.

Your PCP may or may not have much experience with weight loss surgery. What about your endocrinologist? I doubt very much that they would not check your blood sugar before sending you home without your insulin and other meds, as @RickM said. But talk to your surgery center about what your PCP said and your concerns, but don't cancel your surgery. Even if you can't immediately go off your meds, there are lots of other health benefits to surgery and you might in time be able to go off the meds. The goal in life isn't to have the fewest pills; it's to live the best life, with or without pills. I take about 18 pills a day, none of which I will be able to stop after surgery because they are for a condition that is not caused by my weight. (The meds cause weight gain, but that's another issue.) I am still having surgery, because it affects my quality of life to be so heavy, and is going to lead to other health problems down the road.

My husband says I need to exercise more too. I walk about 45 minutes to a hour a day and that’s about it. The thing is I lost the weight without doing any more than that so it doesn’t make sense that I am gaining now because of that. The doctors keep blaming my antidepressants and my bipolar I just think that there is more to it. The weight gain did all start around 25 though which is also when the symptoms of my illness began so idk. I don’t need a referral for a specialist though, so I think I am going to see one just to rule it out if nothing else.

In my experience, exercise is the most powerful tool ever in preventing weight gain. I think it has more value in preventing weight gain than it does in losing weight. I hope you're better really quickly.

@CamillaCallie just done all my pre op testing. It was really just blood work more ? From the Dr. EKG that's it. I have to start my clear liquid diet tomorrow because of the weight gain I have to do 3 weeks. But other then that it was fine.

I relate to what your saying. Having been in a bad marriage which largely contributed to my weight gain, feeling depressed and the lowest ugliest most difficult time of my life- getting out of that and losing weight was like getting out of jail. The relationship I was in smothered the hell out of me and it felt so good to get free. When I started dating again I went a little crazy. I did eventually end up with a boyfriend- not hard to do looking like this. But I haven't been a very good girlfriend. I crave men's attention. It makes me feel so powerful,so wonderful. When I was overweight I felt invisible to men which was crushing. Especially because I'd only been overweight for five years and I was used to being much more attractive. So to have that back now feels awesome!!! I don't play with men's emotions but I do enjoy letting them take me on a date and getting their appreciation. I think their are lines you can't cross here. Enjoy the attention of men, that's fine- but keep it professional. You don't need to sleep with everyone you meet. Look for one you actually want to be with, or keep it casual with all of them. You can enjoy sexy and your body, but make it clear to them where your at if your not looking for a relationship. There is nothing shallow about enjoying your sexuality, your beauty, and your freedom. I am woman hear me roar!! But whatever you do, don't forget about or screw over your female friends. They are the ones we need the most in life!!! Don't chose men over them or let men become a bigger priority.

How many pounds should you fluctuate in the same day? Weighed 224 this morning and now weigh 228??? I know normally you shouldnt weigh twice so close together but my son said stand on it mommy lol so i did...is this normal? Sent from my DROID BIONIC using VST

Sbee, I really appreciate you posting this, because I'm post-vacation and so bummed. I was away for three weeks, and we either had to eat out a lot, or the people we were with were terrible eaters (heavy grease, old food, etc.), so I ended up eating out some more. I was fairly active, but I came home with a 9-pound weight gain. If that's not bad enough, I CANNOT get back on track. I'm scared to post this, because I don't want a gazillion lectures, etc. I've been banded since December of '06, and I know what to do. Why am I having such a hard time getting back to doing what's right? Could anyone else, who has had this happen, share what toasted their buns back to eating like a bandster? Thanks.

I don't think you will be 'successful' until you get to green zone. That's when the band is working at it's full potential. You've come too far to stop trying now, get back in the saddle now and get a fill asap, before the holidays get here. IMO you putting off a very needed fill, will lead to more weight gain and more regret, which it sounds like you don't need any more of at the moment. But, why would you say you're so hungry and say you're not at green, and say you're not happy with the rate of weight loss you've had and then say you don't want a fill until after Christmas??? Are you just giving yourself some "room" to eat more and eat things that you want that are not as easily eaten with more restriction? I think you need to see your surgeon and let him know how you're feeling. No one wants to see you down on your band and not succeeding. But you really should ask yourself what your motives are cause I'm just puzzled why you wouldn't want a fill now asap. Best wishes.

I am a 37 year old male that has always struggles with my weight. Multiple diets that did nothing more than induce degrees of yo-yo weight gain/loss. I have been a type 1 diabetic since age 7, and now deal with type 2 as well. I have finally made the decision to consider VSG. I am in the baby stages. I have gone to the first seminar and have scheduled my first appointment. I am a bit nervous of the road ahead, but with a brand new baby at home, and my co-morbidities, I fear not seeing her graduate high school even more. I am seeing Dr. Jeffrey Johnsrud at St. Josephs in OC. The whole process is intimidating to me down to and including complications. I am an ICU Nurse and see a lot of normal procedure go wrong, but I keep telling myself I only see a small fraction of bad when overwhelmingly results are great.

I had a bad experience removing the band as well and have livid abdominal scars to prove it. The most weight lost for me was 64 lbs down from 280. The surgeon refused an instant revision because of the mess I was in with adhesions and embedded band. He then offered me a clip sleeve only. Another surgeon offered me the sleeve or bypass BUT said ALL bariatric surgery is only effective on most people for two years so I refused further treatment. I was fully self- funding throughout. Since the removal of the lapband I have gained 25 lbs max but on a new diabetic drug have shed 9 recently. High weight gain after removal of the band is normal. For one thing I found a vastly increased appetite. For me the band was a dream that totally failed to deliver.

What are you on steroids for? Is it a condition that may improve after weight loss, allowing you to discontinue the pred? Even if you have to remain on pred the weight gain from steroids is something you can control. Steroids dont magically make you gain weight.....it happens due to Water retention (which isn't "real" weight) and eating too many calories. Steroids increase sodium and decreases potassium, thus causing you to retain water. To help with this, you need to eat a sodium restricted diet and either take potassium supplements or eat potassium-rich foods. Since steroids can increase appetite, overeating is the other main reason for weight gain. Obviously this is the reason everyone gains weight....eating too many calories. The sleeve surgery will help with your portion control, but in the end it's all up to you how much and what you eat whether you are on steroids or not. Has your surgeon or gastro talked to you about being on the steroids post VSG? They can cause gastric ulcers just as easily as NSAIDS which are "forbidden" by many surgeons after bariatric surgery. If you haven't already, I would discuss precautions to take for to help protect your sleeve from ulcers.

I was 59 I turned 60 in June, I never gave it a thought but I had to have the surgery because I was developing type 2 diabetes and my thyroid was causing the weight gain and even though it was controlled with meds I have gained 80lbs in 2 years but last December I was gaining 5lb a month. My weight lost has been slow I have only loss 28lbs. but I feel a lot better and my blood sugar is normal. I am not noticing and wrinkles or sagging skin. I think the slow weight loss also aids with stopping sagging and wrinkling

Thanks Stacy!! I was born and raised in New Castle County Delaware and had 3 of my 4 kids in Christiana Hospital!!! Nice to meet a fellow Delawarean!!! I live in WI now While my insurance won't cancel the surgery due to weight gain and my surgeon told me he expected me to bounce back a few pounds, like you said, I need to FOCUS!!!!!!! 8 pounds is NOT a few!!! I really NEED to practice my new habits. Tiny bites, chew chew chew, eat SLOW, etc. My goal is to re-lose those 8 pounds before my pre-op physical in two weeks. I know I can do it (and then some) by going back on medifast. SO, that's what I'll do. Thanks again for the encouragement :girl_hug:

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 everyone, I have been struggling with weight gain weight loss for the past six years. My highest was 230 and was able to loose about 20 lbs with diet and exercise but then the weight loss stopped despite of changing the entire diet and exercise. Currently I am 210 pounds, 5 3". There are multiple factors that have caused this of course... Eating habits and exercise habits but also I was diagnosed with resistance to insulin and at some point was told I had hypothyroidism. Over the years as I have struggled to lose weight while trying everything possible, I was told my thyroid was back to "normal". However I still cannot seem to lose weight... Several of my friends have had very successful Sleeve stories and I have been thinking about the surgery for the past two or three years. I already spoke to a surgeon but I am still feeling pretty nervous about this as it is a lifestyle change and commitment. A friend told me about this forum, so I was wondering if you guys could help me out and tell me what your success has been and if you have any regrets to your decision? Please don't sugarcoat it Thanks in advance to everyone and good luck on your progress!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I need to remember sugar free Popsicles more. I know that I'm not getting enough food in and what I'm putting in my body isn't the right food so I think you're dead on about the starvation mode. I need to get on track and today is a new day! I'm focusing today and going forward on putting the right things in my body. I'm getting nervous about my month follow-up surgery visit on the 22nd and having weight gain. I can't let that happen because of my poor decisions.

Thank you, Zoe, but do I accept your weight gain challenge even though you have the steroid advantage? Sometimes ya just gotta laugh!

Well yes to gain a pound you still need to consume 3500 extra calories. I guess also though that any weight "gain" that we have has to be related to water. I can eat 200 more calories than normal and gain 1.5 pounds! It is frustrating but I guess I keep my carbs low and my excess water is nil at this point. So water fluctuations it is!!

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1993. I've been on medication ever since and regardless of how much weight I've gained or lost, the need for medication hasn't changed. I still go in every 12 months for re-evaluation and testing-- and sometimes more often if I'm feeling like it needs to be adjusted. I was banded in December, and though I've only lost 50 pounds, I'm currently weighing in at my lowest in 15 years. Once the medication is properly adjusted, I feel much more like my old self. I still struggled with carrying extra weight and all that entailed until being banded. I was more tired, less likely to engage in anything physical--just getting up every day was a struggle at 300 pounds. While I'm sure my thyroid contributed to my initial weight gain, I can't claim that I got to 300 because of it.....my meds are on target and I still kept the weight. I had to change my lifestyle, and only the band helped me do that. Good luck. It does take a while to get your medication on the right track--like upwards of 6 months, but it will make a huge difference. It just requires patience. Hope it all works out for you.

I don't suppose anyone would think a weight gain challenge would be very funny? Cause that's one I know I could win.

Great posts everyone!!! In addition to all the others: If you are struggling (even if you are not): Journal what you eat and how much. This will help you be accountable to yourself and more conscious of the choices you make. I know most of my eating issues are around my "unconscious" (or maybe just "oblivious") eating. Plan to learn to eat the way you want to eat for the rest of your life as soon as you can after banding. Don't go on a diet - develop an eating plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Once you get to your goal, you can introduce higher quanitities of food, but if you haven't learned what to eat and how much, that is recipe for weight gain. Know yourself and your challenges. Then make a plan to accomodate those challenges. I am an evening eater and experience lots of head hunger in the evenings. Refusing to snack is not realistic for me. Instead I plan Snacks that are low calorie and low fat, but that still satisfy my urges. In a nutshell - gain consciousness and plan!!!! Don't expect the band to do the job for you. Good Luck!!!