Search the Community

I switched from splenda and went to Stevia. Splenda has so many adverse side effect and can cause cancer and weight gain.

Alexandra, I can literally feel your anguish and pain with having the weight gain, I've often thought that if I have to have my band removed they might as well do bypass at the same time because I'd gain weight all my weight back like a madwoman in no time at all. I wish you all the best in getting your new band, I pray it will all work out with your insurance company. You helped me out SO MUCH in the past with your encouragement and advice, good luck and my thoughts are with you. Hang in there!

So sorry you’ve been experiencing this. It makes me so angry for you that much of what you have experienced could have been prevented right from when you had your bypass surgery. Your surgeon should have gone through your medications, explained about absorption issues with a bypass so you could discuss alternative medications with your prescribing doctor. I’m also cranky it took so long for doctors to identify that malabsorption was causing your meds not to work. And I’m cranky that you’ve been unable to find support & answers from medical professionals. I wonder if you are are now in a viscous cycle of anxiety & anxiety causing experiences. Anxiety meds are known to cause an increase in appetite & weight gain & your anxiety increases when yiu do gain weight. The anxiety causes stress responses in your body like IBS & hair loss causing more anxiety. You’re not being supported by your medical community increasing your anxiety so you need their help more but aren’t getting it making you more anxious, stressed & frustrated. Etc.,, etc. Like @catwoman7, I too think your heart issues were more likely caused by your pre surgery status & lifestyle not the bypass. I hope you soon find some doctors who will actually work together to support you & find solutions or ways to better manage your mental & physical health issues. All the best.

Hi! I'm hoping to learn a lot of information as I begin this process. I had my first appointment at the surgeon's office this week. I'm having the required tests completed as I wait for my March appointment to speak with the surgeon directly, but the nurse practitioner seemed to think I am a candidate for the surgery. I'm excited and slightly terrified. I'm primarily considering the sleeve because I'm concerned about malabsorption along with the restricted caloric intake. I'll consider whatever options the surgeon offers, if any, but will make my decision based on what I feel is right for me. I've been working hard this year to lose weight. It's more difficult with each passing year. I've been a yo-yo dieter all of my adult life. I'm hoping this surgery will be the tool I can use to stop that cycle forever. I've always been an active person and the gradual weight gain over the past 15-20 years has really slowed me down. I just want to feel like me again. When I topped out at 320 pounds, I cried for two days. Fortunately, my blood work at that visit showed my thyroid that had been barely functional for years had decided to stop working altogether. The addition of a thyroid medication has helped my energy level and so many other issues. It's also helped me lose some weight since starting it. I have no desire to be a Barbie doll. I'll be happy to be healthier. I just want to feel better and have my life back...to not feel like I'm judged when I go out to eat...to not hear other people's comments behind my back...for people to stop asking me if I've ever tried losing weight. (Why didn't I think of that!?!) I had a patient recently tell me "You're such a pretty girl if you weren't so fat." She honestly thought she was giving me a compliment. I cried in the restroom after she left. In the past few years, I've been diagnosed with several co-morbidities- diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol and triglycerides. Depression and anxiety have been sneaking in as well. I don't want to die too young. I want to see my kids begin their adult lives and maybe be a grandmother some day. So....I've told a lot of my story. Probably more than many of you wanted to know, and most likely similar to many here. I'm looking forward to gaining some insight from the posts here. Thanks for your time.

I started 2 gain weight when father passed at 7 years old before then I was skinnier than every kid in the family!! After 7 each year I gained weight! When I was 14 I started 2 go on a diet and by the I was in the 10 grade I had got down 2 160lbs Iam not sure how much I lost because I was scared 2 get on the scale even now!!! After that I fell of the wagon and since then that's been pretty much my life!! I am getting sleeved march 15th with Dr Almanza!!! And I am so ready! I am not afraid 2 travel 2 Mexico bcuz I have already been there last year I got a TT and lipo!! When I was there everyone was asking me why I did not get the sleeve and at the time u could not pay me 2 get it I was happy with my TT and lipo! But when I was there one of the doc had the sleeve done and he was going just fine and he was not even FAT!! So I started 2 think! I'm tired of losing and gaining and I want 2 break the cycle so am getting it done and can't wait!!! If anybody else is getting the sx done in Mexico let me know my email is livechristy@live.com!

im on the pill and its working fine. NO weight gain at all.

well if she doesn't notice ( and i'm sure she will because grandma's are notorious for noticing weight gain/loss ) CONGRATUALTIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS!!

went to my psych appt. yesterday and he said I have anorexia which I find odd because I am still 381lbs! But he says with my strict eating and severe calorie counting and anxiety about weight gain accompanied by the occasional fasting to up my weight loss that these are all symptoms of anorexia! He says it is not all my fault or in my head and that he figures it began the first month after surgery when I was unable to keep an food down and lost almost 70lbs in one month. He believes my stomach has become accustomed to vomiting and the pain I feel in my stomach is real , so he is gonna get a nutritionist that specializes in anorexia to help me and get me some meds from my surgeon to help with my stomach so I can finally Begin taking my vitamins and take in he proper amount of protein a day! also he believes I have a fear of eating due to the severe vomiting I have had in the past which makes total sense to me.. I am happy that I made the decision to go to my appt. yesterday and I for once in 3 months feel hopeful on feeling better and having more energy along with being healthy and weight loss..

First of all too many carbs. Secondly, you are still healing and weight gain does happen to some people so don't lose faith. Talk to your surgeon and find out what you can do to help with the problem.

I used to DREAD the holidays because I knew it would mean a weight gain....2, 4, 8 maybe 10 lbs by the time Christmas was over..... Now, a year out from the sleeve and it's easy to breeze right through the holidays...maybe gain a lb or 2, but not much....loved this cartoon I saw:

I had my VS in 2012, lost 150 lbs and maintained that loss almost effortlessly for 8 years, then Covid hit and in a matter of 3 months I gained 80 lbs back WITHOUT CHANGING MY EATING HABITS!!! I feel like I’ve been robbed. By no fault of my own, the weight came back and stayed. I still can only consume 4 or 5 bites to eat and I’m full. I just don’t understand why this happened and if I do a revision to a DS will that help?

This is a great post! It came right when I needed it. Been a little down, no loss in 3 wks, but I had a 4th fill today, so keep your fingers crossed! Ok, my list of things I hope to achieve/be able to do again thru weight loss: NOT have to sleep with 3 pillows, propping up so I can breathe NOT have my shirt ride up and "plub" pop out above my waistband when getting in the car Be able to buy a cute pair of boots that will zip all the way up my calves NOT be asked "When are you due?" (when not actually pregnant) Do active stuff on vacation like zip line, horseback riding, parasailing, etc Buy a cute bra with fun details, not an orthopedic, thick shoulder pads, old lady bra Be able to run into old friends without feeling the need to make an excuse for my weight gain ("been a sad couple years", "having health issues", etc)

Nanette I to suffer from severe depression, and so understand what you are saying in regards to getting out and moving around. Much of my weight gain came with the worst years of my depression. I spent weeks, sometimes months hospitalized, and when at home I was either in bed, or on the couch. I would get advice from well meaning friends and family to encourage me to become more active, and the statistics on how much exercise helps depression. It's frustrating to try to explain to someone that you simply can't. That depression affects not just your mood, but affects the way you think, affects you physically, affects everything. Everything becomes 'depressed', the literal meaning of the word, everything becomes opressed, supressed... depressed. My ability to get up off the couch to take a shower was like running a marathon. Prior to my depression I was doing my masters degree in counselling psychology, while working full time, and training in and teaching kickboxing working towards my black belt. I have never been a lazy or unmotivated person. Depression steals away your motivation, severe depression takes away everything. It leaves you empty, with nothing but pain. Not just emotional pain, but physical aches and pains too are common in depression. It also affects your ability to think and reason. Pre-depression I did the crossword puzzle in the paper everyday, it would take me about 10 minutes to do the whole thing. During the worst part of my depression my husband brought me a crossword book to the hospital - I couldn't do the easy puzzles. I couldn't figure out the 3 letter word for a female pig was 'sow' I couldn't think, some days I couldn't remember my address or telephone number. Depression is a bio-chemical state, altered brain chemistry that affects the mind and the body. No amount of good intentions, desire, or can-do attitude will magically move you towards being able to do things. Now finally with a cocktail of medication that works for me, I am stable and functioning. I am still on disability with my depression and unable to work. But I'm actively trying to live instead of trying to die. Getting banded 3 weeks ago gave me a lot of hope, it gave me a much needed tool, in a whole arsenal of tools I will need to try and move towards a healthier and happier me. I've felt better in these last three weeks than I have in years. Every day is a new day, and some days I can't get out and exercise, and some days I can, just a little, it's going to take time, years of almost total bed rest has ruined my cardio and my strength. I no longer get winded taking a shower now though, and I can hang on to the stairs in the pool and kick my legs for a solid 30 minutes! Just keep doing as much as you can do, and be gentle on yourself for it. You are the only one who understands how incredibly strong you are to be living with depression, be proud of each day, and each mini-accomplishment, and try not to beat yourself up over what you are unable to do. XO Leila

GREAT TOPIC!! Isn't everyone different? There is NO way that I could fit into a size 5 bottom at 136. The only benchmark that I have to try to set a goal is from my past weight. My entire teenage and adult life, my body naturally wanted to weigh 125. I'm scared to admit this, but I actually worked as a swimsuit and fitness model for several years in ads and television. Even after having my babies, my weight was down within 6 months or so. It was just part of my life, and I never knew how much positive feedback I received because of my looks. Like Julie, I had some devastating circumstances and ate myself into oblivion. (I can relate!) Every diet I tried was followed by a rapid, uncontrollable weight gain that led to self-doubt and loathing. The band is not only a tool for me to lose weight, but is also forcing me to live again. I'm starting to believe in myself again socially, instead of letting others walk over me. So my goals are a bit unsure. I definitely don't want to EVER forget where I have been. There is a compassion for this illness that I could never have realized without this experience. A year ago, I would have given anything to drop 42 pounds. Now, I want it all, great physical condition, positive attitude, outgoing and caring personality, AND ideal weight. My ultimate goal is to be in the thirties, but I may be happier in the forties or twenties...? So for now, My goal is 156 by April and 142 by the end of July. After that, I'll take it as it comes! The BIGGER goal is to continue to exercise and be active, and to confront the emotions that eat me up inside.

I just received my Tricare approval on September 17th. I was first denied because I didn't weigh enough and no co-morbids. After two plus months of medical records, weight gaining, etc., I am now qualified on my weight and have been able to show two co-morbids (Sleep apena and arthritis in knees). Plus I am pre-diabetic, have a heart valve issue, and hypothyroidism. I don't have my surgery date yet, I am hoping to find out today. Good luck to everyone and thank you for your support and a special thanks to Suzanne for her appeal letters.

I was diagnosed with PCOS around May of this year after 5 years of not know what was happening with my body. I gained 80 lbs in less then 2 years (which felt like a snap of the fingers) and it continued going up and up. I was never overweight so gaining so fast and so much was definitely a shock to my system. I tried and tried to lose weight but couldn't. I was never able to yo-yo diet because I could never lose any weight. I remember right before my sister's wedding in 2007 I worked out with a trainer, went to the gym 5-6 times a week and ate PERFECTLY and lost 4 lbs in 3 months. TALK ABOUT DISCOURAGING!!! Anyway, fast forward to May of this year and I'm sitting at the drs office as she tells me that I have PCOS and it is a major contributor to my weight gain and lack of weight loss (along with the dozen other side affects it comes with) and there's nothing I can do about it. That's when I decided that I needed lap band surgery, not only to repair my self-esteem and confidence but to allow me to live a healthier life. I didn't want to live and feel that way any more. Come October 6th..surgery date. YAY! I can truly say it's the best thing I've ever done. To date I have lost 35 lbs, including preop, slowly but surely. Now I didn't start this post to tell my not so exciting story but to ask a question. I know that I wouldn't have been able to lose the 35 lbs without lap band surgery, but I've noticed that my weight loss has begun to slow down…wayyy down. The dr said I should be losing 1-2 lbs a week, ideally. That's not happening. Of course I've been doing my very best to follow the plan but I'm not perfect. I have my weak moments as everyone. I have been exercising 4 days a week for about 1.5 – 2 hrs a day. The scale barely moves. I'm wondering if any ladies out there with PCOS have noticed that their weight loss has been slower then what seems to be the norm. Of course I am not comparing myself to everyone else but I'm just wondering if it has to do with that, because if it doesn't then I really need to sit down and reevaluate what I'm doing. Thanks for reading guys and I hope to hear from ya'll soon.

Make that sleeve quadruplets. I was told to expect a 10-12 pound weight gain after surgery. I'm very thankful that that didn't happen to me. I'm down 8 pounds so far, but I have a feeling that starting tomorrow it will slow down because I'm starting my full liquids.

My twins were natural and a blessing. I read that many woman that are in their prime stages 28-35 are the ones having the sleeve done get pregnant fast. Most that are in their early-late 30s have a higher chance of conceiving twins. I read something like that lol 5 mos today and ill be told their genders next Friday. No weight gain yet either so in Super Excited!!

Thinking Wellbutrin, it is the LEAST likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain, which those two things are more important than the obsessive. Also, maybe combined with an ADHD medication, to help with energy and focus. Here is an exerpt from: http://www.bipolar-lives.com/benefits-of-wellbutrin.html (Note, I am not bi-polar) We know from clinical studies that Wellbutrin is more than just an effective medication to take if you suffer from bipolar depression. Wellbutrin is as effective as an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil, and is more effective than Effexor. Additional Wellbutrin benefits: Helps compulsive gamblers who have other bipolar disorder symptoms Helps smokers kick the habit (under the name of Zyban) Used as a treatment for ADHD Unlike so many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does NOT induce fatigue Increases alertness and energy It is on the FDA approved list for treating Major Depressive Disorder as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Reminder: Wellbutrin is FDA approved for treating major depression but NOT for bipolar disorder. ... There is evidence that Wellbutrin medicine can help with social anxiety and generalized anxiety. However, it does not help against panic attacks and may even make them worse. (This is why I stopped taking Wellbutrin. For someone who does not have panic problems, Wellbutrin may still be a good option, especially in combination with an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer or with lithium.) Substance abuse? One of the best known benefits of Wellbutrin is how it helps folks quit smoking cigarettes – and marijuana! It may increase sensitivity to alcohol – or it may not – the evidence is inconsistent. Impulsive behavior? Wellbutrin has been shown to be helpful for compulsive gamblers. It should be kept mind though that Wellbutrin is a medicine with stimulant properties and there is not enough data at this time to understand how it may either fuel or control impulsivity. Obesity? Wellbutrin has been trialled as a weight loss aid and is unusual in being an antidepressant that contributes to weight loss rather than weight gain. This is extremely important as people with bipolar disorder suffer from higher than normal rates of obesity and are up to 3 times more likely to die from related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

I also have a leaking port or band. Dr. had to fix my band last January 2011 and since then I haven't held a good fill and have not lost weight. I had only lost 40 lbs total in the first 6 months then gained 10 of it back and have stayed there until now. Its been over 2 years now. I am fighting to keep the weight gain from happening and its now getting to hard. I have started gaining and hunger is out of control again. I have had several fills since January and I lose fluid each time. Yesterday I went to the Dr and he was in the room when they pulled out the fluid under fluoro and he said yes I have less fluid. I told him everytime I have come in it hasn't held. He was mad because I didn't come to HIM and let him know I was having problems. I thought his nurses would tell him. Anyway, I have to wait 2 more weeks and he will check it again himself. He said I may need a port change but I want him to put contrast in the tubing to see where it is leaking because I don't want to have a port change and find out it is the band not the port. My band was causing me horrible pain when they would unfill. It was so bad that he agreed something was wrong and went in and fixed it.I didn't get a new band. He adjusted the band and I wonder if he nicked it or something and thats where the problem is. He is working hard with me on my issues and gave me hope again yesterday that my HUGE cash payment for the band was worth it. I hope to lose 40 more pounds in the next year. Not asking to much but sure want the band to work properly so I can use my Tool as they constantly say. Hope is in the wind. He hasn't talked about money to do this so I don't know how much it will be. My insurance now coveres Lapband and they will cover me also after appeals on my part were done when I found out they covered the surgery when I had it done. They told me it wasn't a covered expense and the book said that and so did the on line benefits. So I paid out of pocket for it. We must keep the faith. I read so much about it not working and all the problems. I am counting on my DR to get me back on track and he seems to be willing so we will see.

This is a valid concern of mine. My weight has fluctuated my entire life. I once lost over 90lbs and I got a breast lift, no implants. I LOVED my breasts, even with weight gain. I loved them. Now... they are already changing. I will probably get another lift, no implants...... 😕

Wow, a broken back! Ouch!! I imagine the weight loss has greatly improved your situation, but I can totally understand your caution. I have back problems as well, which also contributed to a lot of my weight gain. I hope wls will greatly improve my mobility. I've lost 30 lbs pre-op and it's already helped me so much! I can't wait to see the difference 100 lbs will make.

And Ms. Borgia, topomax does not cause weight gain. In fact, the generic name for topomax is topiramate and it is one of the components of Qsymia, a weight loss drug. So whoever told you that is wrong. Or perhaps its another med you are on? And no, you cannot and should not have sugar. Deal with stevia or move on. The whole point is to cut out sugar altogether. Also, please try to determine if the weight lost will only come back on if you are staying on the meds?

Mimi, that unconscious food fest is so well known as to have a name: it's the Last Supper Syndrome. We all go through it. Sometimes twice--once when we make up our minds to have surgery and then again, much later, when we actually get the surgery date. It's very hard to conquer, I know--I gained 7 lbs in the last two months before surgery. But it really is important not to let it get out of control, since you want to be as healthy as possible for the procedure and healing. Take comfort in knowing that our food choices are the same after banding as before, and the behaviors that will change are those that MUST change if we want to leave our obesity behind us. So eat what you want, but try to practice not gorging. That will set you on the right path and possibly abort your weight gain in the process. Good luck with this!!

Good luck to all of you on the 14th! I will be banded on the 26th of April. I was wondering what these protein shots you are talking about? By the way I am a nurse too, do you think they should of told us in nursing school that nursing adds to weight gain. All that food laying laying around on the break table it seems I was skinny and 20 and I blinked my eyes and am fat and forty! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers on the 14th. dont forget to let us know how you are doing so we know what to expect