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Before certain people jump on here and start with the "you have to change the way you look at food" speeches, I should make it clear that my post about the Pasta was my experience with pasta and that it should in no way be taken as an endorsement, recommendation, advocacy, affirmation, approval, or countersignature of similar behavior. My relationship with food was apparently a lot different than some others on here. I was a "volume eater" becuase of other medical problems I had been having that were making me extraordinarily hungry all the time. But I know now, through counseling, that I really wasn't trying to fill a void in my life with food. I thought that might be the case, but it's not. I've only been obese for the last couple years when my other medical problems started. They were eventually corrected, but the weight stayed on. No, I wasn't always "thin" before my weight gain, but I had never put on that much weight. So the "void" wasn't my problem after all. However, if you think the "void" problem might be part of why you are overweight, then I'd rethink why you might be craving pasta.

Whether you are pre-op, a recent post-op or already well on your way to weight loss, exercise plays a starring role in the speed and longevity of your overall weight management after bariatric surgery. Even if you are preparing for bariatric surgery, you can start exercising (so long as you are cleared by your doctor) and lose a surprising number of pounds even before your gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or revision bariatric surgery. In addition, the better cardiovascular condition you are in before surgery, the fewer complications you’ll face during and after surgery. Not sure where to start? Here are instructions I offer to my own weight loss surgery patients here in Freehold, NJ: Bariatric Preoperative Stage Patients who start an exercise strategy before surgery have an easier time adjusting to exercising after surgery, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). But, admittedly, exercise is challenging for people who carry a lot of extra weight. For this reason, starting slow is imperative. If you are morbidly obese, talk with your bariatric surgeon about fitness guidelines for your current health situation. Generally speaking, these are reasonable goals to target: · Focus on cardiovascular exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your health and doctor’s recommendation. · Start walking for 10 minutes, twice a day and add 5 minutes each day, up to 30 minutes per day. · Realize that empowerment that fitness gives you over your body and your overall health. · Appreciate how good you feel after exercising—even for 10 minutes! Weight Loss Surgery Postoperative Stage For the first two weeks after surgery, focus on flexibility exercises, deep breathing and getting back into performing normal daily activities. · At your first post-op visit with your surgeon, he or she will carefully go over your customized exercise plan based upon your health, age and the procedure you had. · With your doctor’s approval, three weeks after your operation, begin to gradually incorporate low-intensity aerobic exercise (walking or swimming are my preferred choices at this stage). · If you feel prolonged pain or discomfort, you are doing too much too soon. · During the first six weeks after surgery, do not lift more than 15 pounds. One Month and Beyond Now your goal is to increase range of motion so you can easily take off your shoes and pick things up off the ground and move around more. · Strength-training (light weights) exercises are rebuilding muscle. · Work toward 30 minutes of continuous exercise five days per week. · Avoid abdominal exercises for the first eight to 12 weeks (allow the incision to heal). This also helps to alleviate abdominal hernias near or around the incision. · Change-up your workouts so your body is constantly challenged (walk around the park today, lift weights at the gym tomorrow and use the elliptical machine) · Introduce a wider variety of bariatric fitness options: biking, yoga, dancing, aerobics, Pilates, kickboxing. A year after weight loss surgery, you should be able to perform 45 minutes to an hour of exercise five times a week. Exercise is Insurance Against Future Weight Gain A lifelong exercise program is critical to a weight loss surgery patient’s long-term success. If a physically active lifestyle has not been adopted, weight gain will likely result. (Sadly, I have seen this firsthand on more than one occasion). Exercise is insurance for long-term weight-loss. If you have a slip, an extra 5 to 10 minutes spent working out will ensure that your metabolism stays elevated and this extra effort will burn more calories. Working out will not, however, save you if you overeat regularly—bariatric surgery or not. By sticking close to your daily calorie requirements most days, drinking plenty of water and focusing on fitness, you’ll look great, feel even better and be the healthiest person you can be. And that’s worth just 30 minutes out of your day, isn’t it? Photo Credit: Woman Exercising by Witthaya Phonsawat -FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Welcome! I'm not judging you for the weight gain. I also gained weight preoperatively due to food funerals (compulsively eating favorite foods 'one last time' before saying "goodbye"). Luckily, the operation preceded as planned and I've been able to maintain my 100+ pound weight loss. The honeymoon period of 6 to 18 months will be a time of almost effortless weight loss because neurohormonal changes have altered your setpoint. However, after the honeymoon period ends, the likelihood of weight regain is staggeringly high if you don't get your head fully into the game. Bariatric surgeons operate on our stomachs, not our brains. People have regained 100+ pounds with their bands, sleeves and bypass pouches in place. I'd say 90 percent of this game is psychological. Pre-existing issues with compulsive eating, binge-eating, food addiction or emotional eating will never be corrected by weight loss surgery. The majority of people with these issues need some professional help to avoid repeating same pre-surgery eating patterns. Good luck to you. You've got this.

I'm 4 weeks post op today. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in the recommended intake of 600 to 800 calories. I was pretty excited. That was until I got on the scale this morning. I've gained 4 pounds. . Since starting this whole process, all I've heard from acquaintances is that I either won't loose, or I'll gain it all back. I WANT TO CRY!!!!Please tell me I'm freaking out for no reason.

I too am having revision surgery on 05/30 because I regained 200 lbs. yes, 200! It worked for me until it didn't and it seemed I gained weight no matter what or how little I ate so its time to do something different. I've had an endoscopy so we know what went wrong where with the surgery as a tool and I have had 14 years (12 as weight gaining) to examine my role in the failure of myself and my tool. I am determined not to make the same mistakes that I can control this time around. I am 53 and don't want to go into old age as a fat woman with a bad knee limited in how i live my life.

Normally following a tight regime of a controlled diet and regular exercises are the measures prescribed for weight loss. Most of the people find it difficult to follow these measures over an extended period. It is claimed that with Alli you can escape these grating restrictions and can follow near-normal routines; slowly but steadily you can manage to lose weight and lead a healthier life. Alli is a FDA approved OTC weight loss product. Alli is not a dietary supplement; it is claimed to help you lose weight gradually; by working as a fat binder or fat blocker. Excessive intake of calories causes increase of weight; and fats contribute far more calories in food-intake as compared to Proteins and carbohydrates. Fat in our diet is the main culprit in weight gain. When taken in the prescribed manner, the active ingredient of Alli attach themselves to some of the natural enzymes in the digestive system; this prevents these enzymes from breaking down over 25% of the fat you eat. This undigested fat cannot be absorbed by the body and it passes through the body in the natural way. This excess fat is prevented from contributing to weight gain. Alli only works on enzymes that would normally help in digestion of fat. So carbohydrates and proteins are not affected and these nutrients are absorbed by the body in the normal manner. Alli works only in your digestive system; it does not act on your heart or brain. You would not feel unsettling effects such as sleeplessness, racing heart or jitters which are commonly experienced with other weight loss drugs or supplements. When you use Alli to lose weight, you may have to observe certain drastic dietary restrictions, depending on your existing diet. Manufacturers of Alli advise you to consume reduced-calorie meals of 15gms or less of fats on an average. For some this may be a rather severe restriction, but that is the price to pay for being able to have the option of slow but steady weight loss leading to a better life. You may suffer certain side effects such as loose motion, frequent bowel movements, gas, etc. if you do not observe the restriction of 15 gms of fat. Obviously if you are able to adjust to the dietary limitations and put up with the side effects – “treatment effects” as the makers of Alli call them – Alli should be able to work for you.

I have a friend who is getting VSG (she doesn't have an acct here) and she wanted me to ask you guys a question. If you gain roughly 5-6lbs BEFORE your surgery will it be cancelled? I personally have no idea because my surgery is scheduled for next month but hers is NEXT week!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/23110-weight-gained-since-having-gastric-sleeve-surgery/page__pid__375054__st__240#entry375054 Here is another thread besides the one you are on...

So, least to say, this week has been eventful, and I want to thank you all for the messages, good thoughts, prayers, and support sent our way this week. I apologize I haven't replied, it's just been hectic. Sunday, I woke up feeling very exhausted, and feeling lots of pressure in my pelvis and back. I just kept on getting things ready for the week, checking things off the list, and hanging out at the house. I laid down for a nap around 1pm, and woke up at 4pm to lots of pressure, and general cramping, just thinking it was normal Braxton Hicks pains, I didn't reallze I was in full active LABOR. Around, 5pm, we headed to Labor and Delivery just because I started feeling pretty weak. We get there, get hooked up, I'm having major contractions, and they checked me, dilated to 3cm, 50% efaced and already at -1 station. WHEW, I do admit I have a huge pain tolerance, and I never labored with my son so I was pretty oblivious to what all labor entailed. The doctors were amazed that I was tolerating everything so well. But, they knew I couldn't deliver vaginally so the pressure was on to get me prepped. Now, the time crunch begins to get me to the OR. Prepped and ready to go, Csection went off without any issue, my labs looked stellar, and at 9:33pm, Tatum entered this world screaming, kicking, flailing and ready to bring joy into our little world. We just arrived home today, both of us are doing great. I've already lost about 12-13lbs of the weight gained, but I'm retaining fluids, weaning off the prednisone. Breastfeeding has been a great success except my supply is way down, and we're supplementing due to her weight dropping pretty quickly. We're doing 70/30 breast/bottle. It's what is best for both of us. I'm trying ot eat more food since they would like me to hit about 2500-3000 calories a day to support both of us, but as we all know that's pretty touch without eating pure slider foods, and junk. However, I'm doing what is working for both of us, and confident with our choices thus far. She came out rooting around, latched immediately and has made it very easy on me and her. Our nights and days are mixed up, but I've gotten good at napping with her. 30 October 2011, 9:33pm, Weight 7lb 4.9oz 19inch long Perfect in every way. So far, blonde haired, blue -eyed ! ! ! "I'M HERE"

Do I regret every having surgery......Yes I do very much but there is nothing that i can do now. I'm somewhat independent and like you try to get my exercise in daily. the symptoms of low thyroid for me are brain fog, tiredness, weakness and weight gain i've gained 6kgs in just two months and am sitting at 70kgs right now which with your pounds conversion is 154 also my immune system is out of wack at the moment and i'm just getting over a 5 week old cold/flu in summer mind you. Don't forget too that the cramps could also mean a deficiency in magnesium and potassium. If i remember correctly you should notice a difference in three months unless of course the doctors decide to give you the calcium intravenously in which case the results would be instant.

I spent 2 nights in the hospital & when I got home I was 10 lbs heavier - I was totally dumbfounded!! Thank goodness for this website. After reading what others had posted about this weight gain I felt better & a week later it was off. Thank goodness!!

I think some people are unfortunately prone to developing them. My best friend gained 60 lbs with her son and within 4 months had a flat stomach and not ONE single stretch mark. Lucky her. I have no children so I dont know what my body would have done, I fear I would have them all over also. I have some older ones due to teenage growth spurt and some from my 20s around my lower stomach, but they are barely visible now. Mine faded so much that I dont think others would really notice them, but I know they are there. I think the only reason I didnt develop them horribly with the weight gain is because it has been slow and steady and my skin gradually adjusted. Too bad there is no way to get rid of the things.

I was "sleeved" on this past Friday - feeling better just low low energy. I've been on a all clear liquids diet since then - just jello and broth til tomorrow and then I can add protein shakes back (yay - substance!) I was in the hospital for 24 hours and came home weighing 7 pounds more than I went in with! And it's not like I binged on anything other than iv fluid. Slowwwwly that weight has come off and I'm finally at where I started - 6 days later. I was expecting to have dropped some weight this week - it's very discouraging. Has anyone else experienced a weight gain right off the bat?

My surgery was March 7th, and I've lost 33 pounds so far (starting weight 193). Lately my weight has been doing a weird thing where I will gain and lose the same half a pound or so for a few days in a row. (I typically weigh the same time every morning) I don't understand how I could gain ANY weight when I'm barely eating anything. Has anyone else experienced this?

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 had my VSG done on 12/21/15. I spent one night in the hospital. At the time I thought that was great but now I wish I had stayed another night. For the most part I feel fine. I tired very easily the first few days but that is getting better every day. I have one incision that is still very painful. It is the main site where my excess stomach was removed so I expected it to be sore longer; but not this long. I was so glad when I hit week two and could start drinking protein shakes and could have thicker soups! I'm still dealing with cravings and what I'm told is head hunger. I'm hoping that will begin to fade soon. I've read it takes about 30 for your gherlin levels to drop and you will have to remind yourself to eat. I hope that is the case because at this point I feel the only thing that is keeping me from eating bad stuff or over eating are the surgical restrictions. I am so looking forward to eating something I can actually chew. . I have averaged 2lbs of weight loss the last few days. I'm down 10 pounds in 8 days....that's after a 9lb weight gain in the hospital from all the fluids....so I'm excited about that.

My BMI was 36.6 barely over the threshold and, I did add about four pounds in the early months to make sure I was close. Each test I had, I prayed for a comorbidity. (Sounds so crazy). Each test came back darn good. A brother though, had survived a heart attack, and parents had some diabetic type issues. I had sore joints and a long history of slow and steady weight gain. My insurance approved with 48 hours. I felt like I won the lottery. So, muster up all the familial medical issues to document on your medical history and don't give up!! Good luck!

First, as a disclaimer, this post is under "General WLS Discussion"....and my surgery was the Lap band. So different people with different surgeries will have different experiences, and different stories to tell.... No one wants to have to resort to surgery in order to loose weight...at least I didn't. But I tried and tried over years of dieting...and failing all the time...Up-down, up-down...gain weight, loose weight, gain it all back again.... Plus it was really staring to effect my health, in a very serious way.... So yes, for me it was a last resort...perhaps a desperate resort....as hesitant with 2nd thoughts as I was, what was the alternative? I wanted to be skinny and fit! I wanted to be healthy...I wanted to dance at my daughters wedding.... Know what? I got all that...AND MORE....I am absolutely ecstatic with my decision, and THE RESULTS! It CHANGED my life in ways I can't put into words at this moment. So what if it is the easy way out...EASY IS GOOD...what's wrong with that? Some people think that's a bad thing....I DON'T....and look at what I got in return! Where would I be today without this surgery? Probably 6' under, or ashes in an urn...not kidding! Weight loss surgery is not for everyone...it is not about the surgery, but it is about LOOSING WEIGHT! However you do that, it's all good. I needed my stomach tied off, restricted...after 4 years I'm still good with it! Like I said, I have been down all those other roads, and diets do not work for me. Perhaps for the first few months, then it all come back......surgery is permanent!

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.

The same thing happened to me when I started running. When you first begin exercising it can cause some water weight gain in your muscles. It will come back off in week or so. Exercise stresses our bodies and that plays a roll.

It really doesn't matter what WLS you have, if you don't change your attitude about food and your eating habits, you may be able to lose in the beginning but you will not keep it off. I've seen this in my own family. My sister had bypass about 8 years ago. She's since had 3 kids. She's doing great! Her DH had the surgery after she did. He lost a lot of weight. Then started eating til he puked, then went back for more. Disgusting. AND he's gained most of his weight, if not all, back. My mom had bypass about 5 years ago. At the age of 61, her chiropractor says she's working out too much at the gym at an average of 12hrs a week! She just did her first bike race in August. She and her boyfriend are heading out this weekend for a hike they signed up for. She's back to horseback riding, which she hadn't done in well over 40 years!! Between the 3 of them, the difference in attitude is huge. Mom and sis knew they had to make changes in order to make their surgeries work for the rest of their lives. Sis's DH expected the surgery to do all of the work and now blames the surgery for his weight gain. (Of course, that's how he is in real life anyway, never his fault, it's always someone else!) I've also been on this site for awhile now and have seen the stories of people not losing and/or gaining and come to find out, they're eating too much, have no restriction or are eating a lot of garbage. Now there are truly people on this site struggling and I'm NOT talking about them. I'm talking about the ones who aren't using their tools and then wonder why things aren't working for them. So, like I said, a really long time ago (above!), it's all about changing your attitude and how you look at food. Doesn't matter what WLS you have.

@@feedyoureye Surgery date: 1-18-2011 High weight- 259 two days before surgery- 247 one year after surgery- 174 two years after surgery (3-12-2013)- 196.3- back on the wagon, trying TDEE then Southbeach phase1. start the 5:2 plan (6-11-2013)- 190.9 almost 3 years after surgery Goal!, (11-7-13) 168.7 Three Years- maintaining...still on the 5:2! luv your pic and stats!!!! thanx, i'm back to being perfect as i realized i was falling i said/screamed the same old phrase i've said before "NOT again!!! " anyways - over and done with!!! i have a bad/sad expression i have said "I never realized how bad i felt - until i realize that i feel so great now" i actually wake up looking/excited about the day in front of me in my case my life with hubby has improved unfortunately tom needs to lose about 75 lbs - not gonna happen but thats another day and story we are better together in many/most ways you might find this hard to believe, but i didn't really laugh that much before quite a different story now losing weight, gaining alittle, getting back on the wagon now maintaining GOAL how great are you??? 91 lbs gone keep up the good work (i know you will)_ kathy

Okay, here's the deal. When you're stressed (such as the worrying you're doing now), your cortisol levels increase. High levels of cortisol cause weight retention and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. You're self-sabotaging with stress. Put away the scale. Cortisol is a steroid. Steroids cause weight gain.

Thank you!!!! The way my doctor has me set up is, one week clear liquids, second and third week full liquids, meaning all kinds of broths, protein shakes and drinkable yogurts. Then from there I go straight to solids.. So was not sure about the weight gain, and how it will affect my tummy...I guess time will tell!!!

A friend of mine that is rather robust in the bust department has a winnie-the-pooh on the top of her left breast..........over the years pooh has gotten taller and thinner It just sort of happens even without weight gain/loss. Mine are on the back of my neck and my foot so I don't anticipate any problems.......will wait to get my next one after I reach goal, maintain it for a year, and pay for my new boobs