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yep! before this recent weight gain, in 2004, I had lost 180lbs (hw:346 Lw:160) with just diet and exercise (maintained for 15+years). At that time I was just 21 years old and not accustomed to the new found attention I had been experiencing. Intentionally, I got a job waiting tables to help me get (way) outside my comfort zone and learn to process people looking at me. Before when people looked at me it was to stare or make fun of me - or whatever. But suddenly, I had to adjust to what those looks meant. I have to admit, in hind sight, I enjoyed that experience. It helped me to grow as a woman. I remember I used to turn red in the face if I thought a man was attractive and talking to me. Waiting tables helped me to focus on my purpose for standing at a table and not be distracted by attractions - one way or another. Good luck on your journey to love yourself!

I am on my weight loss journey with the support of a dear friend who is on a weight gain journey. Honestly, she hears more rude comments on a daily basis than I do. People are awful. I would never make a comment to someone regarding their weight (unless it was a close family member and I knew they needed intervention) because you just don't know the situation. I was molested as a young child and dealt with a lot of death throughout my life. I ate to feel better. My friend had cancer and lost a lot of weight. While she has always been small, she just can't seem to keep up with her own metabolism. Different situations, different issues. Yet people want to judge. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Just know that people make comments when they can't seem to control what is going on in their own lives. They feel like they need to bring you into their misery.

Thanks! By writing here it not only helps me keep tract of things but I guess it can help others too. My last doc visit a few weeks ago they lowered my meds even more so I doubt they would put me back on this (I was taking this along with my Lisinopril for my high BP which has now been LOTS better which is why they lowered my meds). That's why I was wondering what else, aside from water, would/could act as a good diuretic naturally so that I don't have to worry about this water weight gain/stall again.

I saw the nutritionist today. She said that I’m doing everything the way that I should. She recommended that I only drink one protein shake a day and make sure I add some carbs to my meals. She reassured me that this phase is the prep phase for my soon to be new way of living. She said that some people don’t lose weight before they go on the pre-op liquid diet. However, when I start that diet I will lose some pounds. All in all I feel better. She has not seen any weight gain due to protein brands, but think that my lack of a loss was due to too much protein. Now I am focused on eating 2 good nutritious meals, my 1 protein shake and listening to my body. I was trying to walk 5 days a week, but it’s hard when you work overnight. So I’ll do 2 days of walking at home. When I’m at the hospital walk up the stairs, take the long way to the units… anything to get mg heart beating and steps in. last thing… I thank you all for being there. This forum has been great.

Has anyone she had a problem with their xiphoid process? The xiphoid process is the smallest region of the sternum, or breastbone. It’s made up of cartilage at birth but develops into bone in adulthood. It’s located where the lower ribs attach to the breastbone. The tip of the xiphoid process resembles a sword. Mine sticks out and feels like a half of a golf ball most days. It is hard, uncomfortable, my bra rubs on it and it makes me nauseous most of the time when eating. My doctor said it can protrude out with weight gain, but should go back down with weight loss. Mine hasn't and I only have about 35 more pounds to go to my goal weight. I am getting surgery to remove it in about two weeks. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Sent from my SM-G781U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my gallbladder removed about 10 months before getting sleeved. I gained about 38 lbs in those months and the weight gain didn’t seem to be slowing down so WLS was a must at this point. Comparing the two, I feel like I had less pain with the WLS. I actually asked my mom if she was sure they even did anything! 1. I didn’t need any painkillers after WLS, but I took them for about a week after gallbladder removal. 2. I’m typically a stomach sleeper and was also able to go back to sleeping on my stomach faster after the sleeve. 3. i only needed to sleep on a recliner for 2 days after WLS, but slept in a recliner for about 10 days after gallbladder removal. 4. Moving around was also easier for me after the sleeve, mainly because I felt like I couldn’t stand up straight after the gallbladder removal. 5. I was sleepier after the sleeve and generally had less energy the first week. 6. I had a bowel movement faster after WLS and going to the bathroom was easier in general. 7. TMI but I had sex sooner after WLS than I did after gallbladder removal. 8. Oh, my surgeon used my main gallbladder removal incision (the top one) so I only had 2 new tiny incisions for a total of 3 incisions for WLS. He felt like it was unnecessary for me to have more scars than I should so maybe that’s an individual thing that differs from surgeon to surgeon so I’d ask if that was possible. I only have the 3 WLS incisions visible and the gallbladder ones were so tiny they disappeared (you can only see them if you know where to look). So all in all I’d say my recovery from the sleeve was easier than the gallbladder removal, but of course that’s just me. I’m sure other people have it the other way around. Either way, you can do it! For me, the hardest step was actually deciding and committing to the WLS. Don’t worry, you got this!! Please feel free to message me if you feel like you have more questions or if I missed anything.

I gained weight during my pre op thanks to the inept nutritionist. I lost 18lbs the first month on my own diet and he insisted what I was doing (low carb) was wrong and not sustainable long term. I followed his plan to a T and just kept gaining and gaining. My surgeon told me I could stay the same weight but not gain, so I ended up going 1-2 days a week with zero food just to be sure I’d keep my weight the same for weight ins for pre op. It was a horrible experience and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I was accused of lying about my food intake, had my phone ripped out of my hand while the nutritionist went through my fitness pal trying to find something to throw in my face on what I was doing wrong. He concluded my weight gain was due to the protein bar I was eating for breakfast because he didn’t know the macros (it was on my tracking app and I showed him the physical bar in my purse). Instead, he said I must eat quest bars that were higher cal and less protein. Talk about an eye roll. My last visit with him ended in him telling me I was lying about having a surgery date and me almost leaving in tears.

Hello ! sorry to hear your concern about the scale. Keep in mind all the liquids that you intake that can cause weight gain, I gained 10 pounds while in the hospital because of all the liquids they were giving me and the gas that I had . Don’t get discouraged ! Remember this wasn’t an immediate fix, it’s a tool to help us in the long run. Also the fact that you are incorporating weights you can be gaining MUSCLE as opposed to FAT . Don’t let the scale bring you down because it could be a good thing. More muscle = better fat loss 🙂 You got this ! Don’t give up, you’ve come this far !

Hi everyone, I had a slight weight gain (6lbs) between my very first visit with the clinic and surgeon ( I had my period and I was weighed at different times of the day) and I was told you can possibly be denied for that. I did call the clinic and they told me it was ok, you are allowed some fluctuation. I’m the same now. I am waiting for insurance approval at this point. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance!

I feel you. I had surgery a month ago and have only lost 10 lbs. I'm sticking to the diet with no problems, I walk briskly at least 1 hour a day and I'm getting 60-70 g protein. In a few days, I'll be cleared to lift weights, which may help. My calories are between 600-800. That said, my preop (not the preop diet, but just my usual eating habits) were to use My Fitness Pal (used it for years!) and hit btw 1100-1200 calories a day. Well I didn't lose weight on that-- no problem following it. The dietician at the weight loss center told me I could eat 1800 calories a day and still lose weight. I laughed. Not true. I'd tried everything. I can only conclude from my own and others' experience that the solution to these metabolic issues doesn't have that much to do with calorie restriction. I suspect t has more to do with hormones and carbohydrate metabolism. My surgeon tells me that I will lose the weight. She is not worried I've only lost 10 lbs, for what that's worth. The only thing that has helped me lose in the past was actual, hardcore weight lifting. Heavy weight: deadlifts, etc. ! I was not skinny, and I spent 1 hour in the gym 6 days a week. I worked very hard to be a still overweight person. I never had a problem with carbo loading or junk food. All of this tells me that our metabolisms are complex. Perhaps it is the metabolism that drives eating disorders and not the eating driving the weight gain. The science needs to do better. Until then, I've found that eating protein like crazy, lifting weights (more than cardio), hydrating, and just eating like a normal person (healthy meals) is the only way to lose weight, and I never lose much. Perhaps that will change, but for now, I really really feel your frustration. In my own case, my post op is not too different from my preop diet. Both healthy- both protein and non-strachy vegetable rich. Both pretty low in calories. But I have experienced the serios weight lifting to help some-- and I feel better when i do it-- just be protective of your pelvic floor!

A nutritionist/dietitian and a therapist are extremely helpful in a weight loss journey. The nutritionist/dietitian helps set you up with a diet plan and helps get you into better eating habits prior to surgery so it's not such a drastic change once you actually HAVE the surgery. The therapist helps you work through if you have disordered eating (such as binging) or if you're going through some other stuff in your life such as depression, stress, anxiety, etc (which are known to add to weight gain). Weight loss is never easy and one of the most difficult things is finding support in those you live with. You'll be on a special diet and it'll be easier on YOU if those you live with aren't bringing in the things you used to eat which would tempt to cheat on your diet. Try and talk it out with them and stress how important to you it is that they don't bring junk food into the house. Willpower is such a difficult thing. I admit, that if I hadn't developed a wheat allergy after surgery what would have ruined me is the junk food that my family brings into the house. Because of my wheat allergy, I can't eat that food. Nor can I get fast food (of which they eat a LOT). So the wheat allergy is a blessing. A sucky as hell blessing, but a blessing none the less lol (there is only a 3% chance of developing a wheat allergy or Celiac's Disease after your surgery. So chances are you'll be fine. My luck just sucks. Well, maybe not, because I really do consider the allergy a blessing in disguise as it keeps me on track and stops me from cheating as I, quite literally, have to keep track of every little thing I eat and the ingredients in what I put into my mouth).

I'm so interested in what folks have to say about this. I too had the sleeve and my Gerd disappeared but now 3 yrs later and almost all my weight gained back in the past year due to personal loss that caused depression my Gerd is back worse then ever before. So I've been thinking about revision surgery.

We all are very different. We lose at different rates & our experiences of stalls can be different - longer or shorter duration, more of less frequently. I’m sorry you are experiencing this frustrating plateau. As @ms.sss asked, what are your stats? What is your caloric intake? Do you track your food & does your nutritionalist review it with you. There is a lot of variation in food portion size & calorie recommendations. Personally, I only got to around a cup of food at 6 months when I reached goal. Those first 3 months I was only eating 1/4 to 1/3 solid food so my calorie intake was lower than others. Are you on any prescribed medications? Some can slow or affect your weight loss rate too. I can track my biggest weight gains to changes in my hormones - puberty & menopause were the biggest - so there could be something in what you said about the article. (Could you include a link to the article please as I couldn’t find it in their site - looking in the wrong place most likely 😉.) I noticed that Sage offer a resting metabolic rate assessment. Did you do one before surgery? If so it may be interesting to see if there has or hasn’t been a change.

@Paul.VDH No worries - OK, my 2 cents on "pouch reset" and "counting calories" - Let's look at it logically.... We all know you have to consume less calories than you burn - Otherwise = weight gain. At 10 months out, let's face it, you're bored with the "diet" and ready to venture into new foods. At least I know I was. For me, I simply had to come to a compromise with myself and knock on wood, so far it's working. You can do the pouch reset, and you WILL lose weight by going through the phases again - IF you're doing that to get back on track, then go for it. IF you're doing it to lose 5-10 lbs quickly and then go back to what you're doing today - It's a temp fix. No different than what many of us have done before on previous diets. Use the app to make yourself AWARE of what you're doing to self-sabotage and make realistic modifications from there. If you want something that's "forbidden" (cake, alcohol, fried food, etc.), have it - BUT, in a reasonable quantity - I was just talking to a friend last night who also did the surgery and we were talking about these things - Instead of eating something like it's the last time you will EVER have it again (food funeral?), have a bite or two and then put it up and replace it with something more reasonable if you're still hungry. Example - Last night my husband had country fried steak (one of my all time favorites - can you say comfort food!!) - Rather than have 3-4 ounces of it - I had two bites and was still hungry so I had a protein shake. A month or so ago, I would have eaten it until I was stuffed and then swear I wouldn't indulge again (and of course I would!). Drinking... well, again, I told myself that if I was going to fall off the wagon, I should make it worth it and over do it. I'm consciously working on enjoying a glass of wine (vs. a bottle) or a glass of bourbon (vs 1/2 a bottle!). At just over a year out, I pretty much eat and drink whatever I want. It's been an adjustment, but slowly but surely I'm getting where I want to be. Many days/weeks I don't track. When I find that I'm self-sabotaging (I get on the scale each and every day), I go back to tracking. Seeing it in black and white (both the scale and the tracking) helps me get back on track to maintain and/or lose. I may or may not ever get to my goal weight, but I'll be damned if I'm going back to where I started.

I experienced some weight gain after Bypass surgery I just want to lose my weight again. Sent from my U307AS using BariatricPal mobile app

I experienced weight gain pre op and it was because I was mourning the future loss of food. I ate things I shouldn’t because I was worried I would never be able to have them again. I did manage to lose the extra weight really quick on the pre op diet but I probably could have lost more had I not had all the food funerals. One thing that may be helpful in avoiding that is that if there is a food you have an intolerance for post op most likely you will also develop a taste aversion for it so it’s not like you will be craving it and never be able to eat it again. I didn't realize that so I wanted to eat everything I loved one last time before surgery and I packed on the pounds.

Hey fellow Wisconsinite! I just had to say I can relate to many things you are saying. I had my band removed 3 years ago after 10 years. I was amazing to to eat a cheeseburger with a bun! I couldn’t have a revision at the time because my BMI was too low, but after too many cheeseburgers I am scheduled for RNY in October. I also had/have issues with acid reflux. If I could have done it 3 years ago I would have and not had to go through all of the weight gain.

I have BS of CA PPO and also got the gastric sleeve. If you have a bmi of 40+, then you qualify. If you have a bmi of 35 with at least one comorbidity, then you will qualify too. They require a psychological evaluation, nutritional support, proof that you have attempted to lose weight in the past, particularly within the past 3 - 6 months (primary doctor can provide that information - pretty much just showing weight loss and weight gain again). I also had to do multiple tests, but that was due to my surgeon's requirements, not insurance. My surgeon's office told me that Blue Shield of CA is one of the easier insurances to work with. They don't make you have to jump through as many hoops as other insurances. Once my paperwork was submitted along with all my requirement documentation, I got approved in less than a week. Here is a link to a pdf on Blue Shield of California's website. It shows the requirements for weight loss surgery, to help give a more thorough idea. https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/public/common/PortalComponents/provider/StreamDocumentServlet?fileName=PRV_PA_Bariatric_Surgery.pdf

Lizonaplane, My daughter may be atypical, but she is bipolar and had a RNY bypass over 10 years ago. She was on three meds; antidepressant, psychotic and anxiety. They tried crushing the tablets which made her throw up, so they changed her to Epilim as it was a liquid. Part of her weight gain had been the bipolar drugs. After her surgery she started to lose a lot of weight. Unknown to me, she weaned herself off the drugs, going cold turkey with the anti anxiety meds, because she started running. She found the endorphins from running made her feel good and moderated her condition. At her peak running she was doing 2 marathons per weekend many weeks. She is highly unusual as a Bypass patient in being able to do this! She injured her hip, and couldn’t run, so now she lifts weights. She was determined to take control of her life in every way. She has been drug free for years and is fit, healthy and active. I wanted to share because her psychiatrist at the time said the Bypass would not help her with her mental health, and refused to sanction the op. We paid a psychiatrist to assess her and they concluded she was sane enough to make her mind up. As a person who had previously attempted suicide on more than one occasion, she is an example of the positive outcome possible from gastric surgery. It saved her life, literally, and has given me my daughter back. I wish you all the best.

I remember my second month with VSG, and I had lost only 4 lbs. I remember feeling disheartened as well but the weight loss continued steadily every month. Unfortunately, a person's body mass is the main determinant of one's metabolic rate. The heavier you are, the higher your metabolism, more calories you will burn. Although lower carbs and protein are important, the fact is If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. People on keto, for example, won't lose weight if they are eating too many calories. I would talk to your team and surgeon about your concerns as well. Perhaps they need to rule out other reasons, like water weight gain (I'm familiar with that one hehe). The weight will come off. It just may not be as quick as someone who is 600 lbs. Hang in there. Things will improve.

I read a couple of posts from people who were told by Kaiser that skin removal and other post bariatric plastics are not part of their plan. I don't want anyone to suffer for years as I did because of being told the wrong information! I'm learning to push back when told NO since often times the people on the other end of the phone tend to not have all the answers or are told to derail people with questions from learning the real truth in order to save $ Anyway, there was a class action in 2015 against Kaiser sparked by post WLS denials. And as it turns out this can have repercussions for insurance that systematically deems skin removal as an elective surgery that isn't covered in cases of extreme weight loss. Link https://blog.cvn.com/kaiser-ordered-to-broaden-reconstructive-surgery-coverage-after-class-action-trial https://legalnewsline.com/stories/510629463-calif-judge-rules-that-insurer-at-center-of-class-action-over-skin-removal-surgeries-must-broaden-coverage When I went to be evaluated for plastic surgery in 2017, we were told we could have one procedure. Dr said I didn't qualify for a panni because it didn't quite hang low enough, just to clarify...their measurement is 'abdominal skin must cover pubic region entirely'' which is BS with the years of skin rashes I have had. He said I just barely qualified for breast reduction surgery which I had 5 months later, the waiting list was long. He said I would be a C cup (from a DD) and I wasn't happy when I ended up a B but worse things could happen. I'm 16 years Post Gastric BP and should've had a revision 4-5 years ago when weight gain started creeping up, no longer going down... about 15 lbs a year since 2018. I could never break past 170 to reach goal of 155 but I'm goin to pursue the distal revision as of this week. It's now or never, I have to get a social life! The rule is you have to be at your goal and stable for months before a skin removal surgery will be covered by insurance so I'll have to wait longer even longer for that as consequence of procrastinating on a revision! I've been disabled with an autoimmune illness so I never returned to the job I enjoyed after the WLS. I didn't put much effort into pursuing solutions for skin removal after research showed it would be very costly out of pocket expense and not covered by insurance. So I haven't really felt the freedom of losing 140 lbs because I still cover up my body! No swimsuits, no sleeveless anything or clothing that accentuates the possibility of a waist, LOL. I wish I had the confidence of those who wear what they want, no matter their size! I've wanted to leave Kaiser to return the awesome Dr I previously had who actually listened and treated me like a human being. Staying with Kaiser only until these surgeries are done and I'm out of there! Kaiser ruling.pdf

I was downing carbonated drinks very early on, I had no specific prohibition. Probably week four? I drink several cans of diet sodas a day, it’s how I get my water intake needs met. never had an issue with bubbles or cravings or weight gain or blood sugar levels etc. ymmv and your doctor may not approve…

I just wanted to note, for anyone that is stating that artificial sweeteners can cause weight gain and don’t drink diet because of them, I would absolutely not use this as a reason or to drink diet soda. There are artificial sweeteners in your protein shakes, protein bars, yoghurt, jello, pudding, Gatorade, mio/water flavorings, and many others items you consume. These are all foods and additions that are heavily relied upon on almost every single post op diet I’ve seen here.

I have read A LOT of research studies on the theory that diet soda causes weight gain, and the evidence is far from convincing. Dr. Matthew Weiner (a bariatric surgeon with a huge YouTube presence) says he doesn't mind if people drink fizzy water, but doesn't want his patients drinking diet or regular soda. The belief that it stretches the stomach isn't really true from what he says, and from other evidence, but also it just doesn't make sense. But he says, many people just find it uncomfortable. Like @PolkSDA said, it can be hard to find non-carbonated unsweetened drinks on the go other than water. I travel a lot for work, and I had given up soda 6 months ago as I prepared for surgery, and when I started to travel more again, I gave up and started drinking diet soda again. I've stopped now that I'm on my pre-op diet. One thing I did at first was carry packets of sugar free drink mix (like crystal light, but I don't like that brand) and a water bottle and just refill it and add a packet of drink mix. That worked when I didn't want plain water. I met a woman on a trip who drank Coke Zero from day one and drank it with her meals. She said she had gained some weight back, but she felt it was from too much alcohol.

There is a lot of conflicting stories & advice out there about whether you can drink carbonated drinks after WLS, but apparently there’s little scientific evidence to support either the yes or no position. The only evidence is that drinking carbonated drinks increases weight gain. There’s also information coming out that artificial sweeteners are just as bad if you go down that route. (Basically they trick the body into thinking it’s getting sugar but isn’t so it stores more fat to compensate for the perceived reduction of glucose - which the body does need.) Plus artificial sweeteners continue to feed your craving for sugar. As with many things after surgery, some can & some can’t. It’s really your choice if you can & it works for you. Personally, I gave up carbonated drinks years ago because they aggravated my reflux & gave me horrendous hiccups. I only had bubbles in a gin & tonic & champagne but too many of them & urrgh! So no change for me (though I drink less alcohol & drink it less frequently now).