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So far I am the first person on this thread to say this but until I was 32 I couldn't keep weight on. I grew up in a house with what I thought of as normal sized people. My family was all healthy weight. I was called names because I was so thin and I promise it hurts just as bad. Now as a obese person I have had a hard time feeling bad about the weight gain. I don't make fun of obese people in fact I tend to be attracted to heavy men. I guess everything is in how you percieve it. I am having lapband because I want to stop taking all this medicine that I am on. I am 5'7" and I would be happy at 160lbs all day long. Personally I am a happy fat girl but it is making me sick so the time has come to do something and I don't seem to be able to diet and excerise to lose it. I joined Curves today and have surgery Dec. 4 so wish me luck!

My doctors require 14 days of low fat liquid diet before surgery and they like to see 10 pds off (& at minimum no weight gain). All this is due to fatty liver dangers. Surgery is 1/31/07 so I have to start all liquids on Wednesday. :hungry: I started this week during a liquid fast all day with a meal at night and not only do I feel better but the mystery pain in right side has gone. Since I don't have gallbladder I bet it was my liver hurting this past few months...hmmmm...

The extra air thing I don't think is true if your conscious about HOW you drink. The air would only be excess at the bottom of the cup slurping the last of the drink. As far as carbonation, it won't stretch the stomach but it is very much a concern of becoming addiction. Soda isn't good out of moderation and most people form an "addiction" and drink too much soda not enough water. This will cause dehydration and can cause weight gain. This is where the main concern is.

taken from: http://www.teeccino.com/weightloss.aspx The following characteristics of coffee have an adverse effect on weight loss: Coffee Elevates Stress HormonesCaffeine in coffee elevates the stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine.^{8, 9, 10, 11} These hormones are responsible for increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a sense of "emergency alert". Circulation of oxygen to the brain and extremities is decreased and the immune system is suppressed. The purpose of this "fight or flight" response is to provide the body with a temporary energy boost for intense physical activity. With today’s sedentary lifestyle, the continual state of increased stress resulting from caffeine consumption can negatively affect weight control through disruptions in normal metabolism. [*]Increased Cortisol Levels Lead to Abdominal Obesity Chronically elevated blood cortisol levels that are caused by frequent stress or regular caffeine or coffee intake lead to an increased buildup of fat in the abdominal area; this type of weight gain further stimulates the release of additional stress hormones.¹² [*]Increased Stress Leads to Overeating This chronic state of increased stress caused by caffeine is associated with a markedly increased tendency to overeat. CNS stimulants stimulate anxiety and caffeine consumption increases the tendency of people to overeat or binge-eat and abuse laxatives and diet pills.^{13, 14} Coffee drinking increases physiological measurements of stress, and although this effect is greater with increased caffeine levels, decaffeinated coffee may also influence stress as factors other than caffeine in coffee are associated with stress.¹⁵ Elevation of stress hormones leads to fat cravings.¹⁶ Elevated levels of cortisol increase appetite.¹⁷ [*]Caffeine Exacerbates Insulin Resistance Syndrome Caffine ingestion contributes to insulin resistance and impairs glucose and insulin homeostasis as part of the stress response.^{18, 19} Even moderate amounts of coffee can have this effect.²⁰ Obesity, high blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism and elevated LDL and lowered HDL blood lipids cluster to generate insulin resistance syndrome. Stress and the release of corticosteroids contribute to the pathogenesis of this syndrome. When people with this syndrome drink coffee as a weight-loss aid, it negatively affects all the conditions associated with this syndrome. ^{21, 22} Drinking coffee can cause insomnia and sleep deprivation, both of which have been found to increase insulin resistance.²³ People who are deprived of adequate deep sleep, and are in situations of sleep debt have lower levels of glucose tolerance, greater insulin resistance, increased concentrations of blood cortisol and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.^{24, 25} [*]Caffeine Stimulates Appetite Although caffeine is included as an ingredient in many weight-loss aids, it actually stimulates appetite, and organizations including the Mayo Clinic²⁶ discourage the use of caffeine as a weight-loss aid. Initially, caffeine may decrease appetite through its central nervous system response. However, subsequently caffeine increases cortisol levels, and higher levels of cortisol stimulate appetite.^{27, 28} Caffeine triggers hypoglycemia through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal glands, causing an immediate and sustained constriction of blood vessels, decreased circulation to the brain and a heightened feeling of low blood sugar.²⁹ The body’s reaction to hypoglycemia results in food cravings and increased appetite. People often crave higher fat foods resulting in increased caloric intake, further interfering with the body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight.^{30, 31} [*]Coffee Increases Serum Cholesterol Levels Lipid metabolism is an important factor in weight loss, and drinking cofee is linked to higher levels of serum cholesterol, with particularly high levels noted in people who drink boiled coffee or coffee processed at high temperatures (which includes espress and espresso drinks).^{32, 33} Other forms of coffee including decaffeinated coffee have also been shown to increase serum cholesterol levels.^{34, 35} Coffee drinking also demonstrably raises blood levels of low density lipoproteins in one lipid research study³⁶, although results in other studies are inconclusive. [*]Caffeine Interferes with GABA Metabolism GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the brain and nervous system as well as the heart. It plays an important role in mood and stress management and influences a persons sense of well-being. Caffeine has been found to interfere with binding of GABA to GABA receptors, preventing it from performing its calming function.³⁷ GABA’s role in stress management is compromised in the presence of caffeine, and increased physiological and psychological stress lead to overeating as well as difficulties losing weight.

Hi Jackie! It sounds like we have a lot in common I'm 28, BMI in the upper 50s, and doing the bypass on 8/8. I didn't even think about the gas and swelling causing weight gain I bet that was a nasty surprise. It sounds like you did really well losing weight before the operation though. I'm struggling with that, myself. I think I'm going to try to weigh myself less, actually, and just try to trust that it will come off in its own time, as I make good choices. Otherwise, I think it's too easy for me to get obsessive about the numbers. How are you tolerating the post-op diet so far? Are you doing the Protein drinks? I'm pretty nervous about what it will feel like to try to drink after surgery. Anyway, I hope you keep healing well. Stay strong! Amy

Yeah my doctor even gave me papers explaining how quickly it's in your system. My doctor doesn't like soon mirena or any other IUD on people who haven't had any children yet. As far as weight gain goes I gained tons of weight when I took bc pills. I haven't gained any weight due to mirena yet. I took my bc pill until the day I had surgery. I started my period the day after surgery so 4 days later I got my shot.

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

This is such a fabulous topic. When we got married I was overweight and he vowed to love me through thick and thin....or so I thought. 18 months ago I lost a substantial amount of weight, my husband became OBSESSED with my progress. It is all we talked about. Then as per my usual behaviour pattern the weight slowly but surely crept back on and all of a sudden the person who he pledged undying love to changed. He was disappointed and really questioned my committment to my health. I need to add that during the months of weight gain I had opened a new bridal shop and was continuing my current job as a flight attnedant....there was noooooo freakin time for exercise. I felt like a failure and I spiralled into a bit of a funk....well quite a deep funk. The I found out about the Sleeve. Yes, I am doing this for myself first and foremost. Will my marriage survive...I hope so but I have learned that I am a wonderful person whether I am 210 pounds or 150 pounds. I need to do this for my health....moreso my mental health and I will go from there. Thank you for starting this topic. I can really relate to it.!!!

It's interesting, because my current "whatever-he-is" was a football player, but since coming home from college, while he still EATS like a football player, he doesn't work out like one. Even before the sleeve, I had healthy eating habits, and exercised regularly. He sleeps through his gym alarm every morning, and I hear him order his food after work at Jack in the Box: "Two extreme sausage sandwiches, 4 tacos, jalapeno poppers, and fries." Really, AND FRIES??? He has gained a lot of weight, which really doesn't bother me. I just get so frustrated, because he is so concerned with it, but he doesn't ACT like he cares. He is the only person I have EVER met who orders carne asada nachos with EXTRA meat, and EXTRA cheese. I can't even get him to touch veggies, and when he does, he makes a big production of it, like I'm forcing him. Do I feel disgusted? Maybe. But moreso, it's hard for me with this new lifestyle to imagine us going much further. Being supportive because he is excited I'll be thinner is one thing...but what about being supportive because he sees the difference good choices can make, surgery or not? It's not that I'm not attracted to him, so much as I just am frustrated with his lack of motivation, although he harps about how much the weight gain bothers him. Now I've babbled. But I feel better!

I am a year post op and am gaining weight. Are there others who this has happened to and what can I do to get back on track? I only lost 52 pounds in a years time and feel as if I lost control over my eating. Exactly how much should I be eating per meal - how much protein? 3 ozs meat? 1 cup of veggies? Can someone help me out? I was told to "reset" my pouch by starting the 5 day diet - liquids on the first day, etc. Thanks!

You may see weight gain during this phase. You are consuming more calories than you have since your preop phase. Your body is also going throught a lot of changes too, it is trying to keep all the reserves it can. It does not realize you are trying to do it good. Be assured this shall pass, and soon you will see a nice drop when you don't even expect it. The scale can be a blessing and a curse. Try not to obsess over it, don't let the number ruin your day especially during these holiday. Merry Christmas everyone!! Here is to a New Year that is filled with a lot less (weight wise) of each of us.

About the cancer fear, with the sleeve your dr can scope you... not so easy with the RNY. With RNY, a big piece of the stomach is left in the abdomen with no way in to take a look with a scope. There is an increased chance of GERD with the sleeve. Taking antacids all the time make it more difficult for the body to use calcium as well. This being said, what you eat has something to do with it, and the return of GERD to sleeve patients is correlated with weight gain... (perhaps food choices are at least part of the fault in this as well?) I did not have constant acid before surgery, but sometimes did.... used antacids for 6months after surgery, went off of them with no problem. If I eat junk, I may get a little acid... with chocolate mostly! I LOVE the sleeve.

I have no weight gain to report, but no loss either. It seems I'm holding steady and can't break the 190. I've been fluctuating between 190 and 192 for the past month. I get a 5th fill tomorrow so I'm hoping that will really kick it off.

weight gain is NORMAL right after surgery. I think about 97%- 99% of all people that will give you feedback will tell you they gained weight right after but lost it quickly. Good Luck on your journey

My BMI is high enough. They can deny me because my thyroid levels are not in the normal range, even with medication, which causes weight gain. They can say WLS won't be successful. Hopefully I'm just stressing because of being so close. Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I had to laugh because I have not gotten that 'holy crap' moment I've been waiting for from anyone either. The other day someone at work took a good look at me and said your ponytail looks nice lol. I'm like really that's the best I can get out of people! I keep thinking 5 more pounds, 10 more pounds and then it will come. I think maybe people don't want to acknowledge my weight loss because they politely ignored my weight gain. Loose skin, wrinkles and hair loss but I just keep truckin along. Maybe a summer tan will do the trick lol .....signed, Hopeful

I am 5'6 and weighed 252lbs at my highest(1 week before surgery) and 242lbs on day of surgery (7.27.20). You won't regret surgery. Since i have always carried my weight well and had thick thighs and a booty, I wondered if surgery was really the way to go for me too. I knew i was unhappy and overwhelmed by my weight gain but I was afraid of lose skin too. I have lost 60lbs in total and 50lbs since surgery a little over 3 months ago. I am 192 today and feel amazing. I am a bit concerned about lose skin on my arms but I'll take it with how confident I feel now. I feel more confident today at 192 then i did at 145 before i had kids! Lol. It makes no sense but I've had a complete mind shift with this surgery lol. Best of luck to u! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

It's been an exercise in frustration, vomiting, regurgitating and doctor's visits. I have had it prolapse and then replaced. Initially lost 60 lbs, but after the prolapse, weight keeping coming back, even w/the vomiting. In an effort to protect my stomach and esophagus my dr decided to unfilled me, which then led to additional weight gain.. Bottom line, band has not been successful for me nor have I been successful with it. Regardless, I need to have it removed. Why keep this foreign object in me if it is doing me no good?

How can erosion and slippage NOT have to do w/ fills??? So what exactly happens when you overfill?? I mean, besides the obvious discomfort, if your band is too tight it is the main reason for erosion, and the gag factor that would be increased with an overfill, causes the stomach to contract, and absolutely can cause slippage.... I understand the need to vent, and no one should be judged...not judging the person, just the rather irresponsible actions.....the reason something does need to be said, is because there are newbies out here, who may be newly banded, or looking to be banded, or just struggling, and perhaps having issues of feelings of failure and having difficulty facing their surgeons (perhaps due to weight gain) who may read this (and not be a medical professional) and say, "hmmm....I could do that..." and so it goes, and it probably isnt going to be good..... there are a *LOT* of us who have had our bands for some time, and are having great, safe, success with it, and at least for me, that is because of follow up, and a great practice. We need to let folks know, that this *is* possible....but so much more possible if you make sure to get a great, accessible team.... so this whole thread is a great argument for well, not getting this done abroad....sometimes, apparently, you do get what you pay for,...

I weigh everyday to, but I know it is just a number and if it goes up that just tells me I have to watch what makes it to my plate. It really doesn't bother me that much. If it helps put the scale away for a while. I always weigh in the mornings and sometimes I will weigh in the evenings but I now know about how much the scale will go up durning the day and it doesn't make a difference in how I feel about myself. But if it bothers you, you need to get rid of it for a while as stress can/does cause weight gain!!

I cant thank you enough for the encouragement. I physically feel a little better since the band is open ( except for all the weight gain) but mentally it has been very challenging. I have always considered my band just a tool and really have worked long and hard to reach my goal. I am very encouraged and motivated by so many people in the same boat who are sharing their story and that the sleeve is an improved option for long term success. It is definitely reiteration that even after all these years of lifestyle modifications and hard work I still need it! I really appreciate it, I feel much more at ease that I have made the right decision. Here is to new beginnings!

Update from a previous post: I got really swollen, they actually brought me in for a problem OB expecting pre-eclampsia because of how swollen I was, and that I was going up about a pound a day. But my BP and everything else was fine so I was sent home with advice to wear support hose from the moment I get out of the shower until I go to bed (no thanks). I've now lost the fluid (and the weight, I'm back to being about 15 pounds below my conception weight, so no weight gain yet - I'm just bouncing back and forth between the same 4 pounds), and have found that I only swell when I'm sitting. I haven't done that since I lost the weight to begin with. Bad flashback. If I can remember to get up and walk every hour or so, I do fine. I've also cut way back on my sodium, just to be careful.

I gained 5 lbs, but my doc said it wasn't a big deal. She said that it's probably Water weight, along with the fact that I took advil and she said that can cause weight gain. Other than that, I've pretty much lost. I have my final 6 month visit March 3rd.

what a marvellous job he has done.. was it hard for him?/ like you, im sick of the see sawing involved with weight loss and weight gain. its really demoralising

I don't think you are going to find them on this group, because most people are here because they want to keep the weight off and succeed after surgery. There is a steep drop-off rate on this board as time goes by post-op. I would guess there are less than 15 people who are more than two years out. Here are some articles that support the fact that weight gain is possible: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Fitness/story?id=4444057&page=1#.UYgaNbXbN8E http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856611/