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Ugh, I'd definitely be up a size if I put on 5lb. I dont let my weight vary by more than 2. I'm very lucky, my weight stays VERY stable, it never goes down, but it doesnt usually go up by more than 1lb unless its period time. I take action at 1lb, I cut back for a few days. And I absolutely NEVER miss my exercise. I really believe that the true benefit of exercise in relation to weight is in preventing regain, I am amazed at how far I can push things without gaining weight, and I've had the same experience at times in my life before when I've been a regular exerciser for long periods. It'd be PANIC stations here if I gained 5lb. I dont even want to think about it happening. I must not be prone to Water weight gain becuase you're right, you're not gaining and losing fat really.

All right. So I'm due back at work next week and I'm definitely ready to get out of the house! My question is, what did you guys tell people when you didn't want to reveal the real surgery? I'm at a loss. Some coworkers can be inquisitive. I won't say "nosey" because they're all very nice, but I'm sure they'll ask where I've been for 3 weeks and notice the ~15 lbs lost! My thoughts were to say something about stomach ulcers. Or maybe something about my PCOS. I DO have PCOS and that's a major cause of my weight gain, so it's not a huge lie. And then part of me wants to just tell the truth... Worded in a way like "my PCOS was bad and my insulin was skyrocketing (all true!) so I had this surgery to help me lose weight and fix the issues." I'm sure I'm worrying over nothing but was just interested in what you guys told others. I'm a "lightweight" so I feel like this may confuse some of them or even insult some of the ladies who are larger than me. Any tips?

Hunger continues to be my nemesis!!! I just keep eating a lot of clean solid Protein to satisfy it. I know carbs food is going to feed the hunger and make it stronger, so I do not go there. A chicken sausage or a baby bel helps keep it at bay. As long as my extra eating does not result in weight gain, I will do it. I should start tracking it though as to not break any hard calories boundaries I have set for myself. It is a little strange as to where the hunger feeling comes from. It is not from the stomach, but in the back of my throat. Maybe it is caused by salivation at the back of my mouth, top of throat. No idea. What are your thoughts?

Thanks for the support! Yes, Fanny, I am sensitive to weight gain around my cycle which is due next week. I also started a new BC pill 3 weeks ago and I've been spotting off and on because of it so maybe all that is affecting me. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and maybe I'll just wake up one day and be 199. That would be nice!!

Hi everyone, I thought I would just give those of you who might be interested a not so quick update!!! Be warned that I have written a bit of a novel. I had my mega surgery on September 9 and the 2 surgeons were able to do everything (yeah!!!!!). I have been told by about a dozen nurses and doctors that having everything done like that was probably as big of a surgery that could ever be done. Both of my surgeons have been positively giddy since the surgery, and I think they are very impressed with themselves :cursing:. I had: Anterior bowel resection (took out about 1 foot of my diseased colon and reconnected the remaining pieces) Reversal of my ileostomy – which means reconnecting my small intestine with my large intestine (for the last 2 and ½ years I had not been connected and was managing my bowels through my small intestine which had been poked through my abdomen and I “pooped” into a pouch that was attached to my abdomen – I had no bowel control). Repair of two huge hernias (one in my belly button and the other a peristomal hernia which was as a result of my ileostomy) Panniculectomy – the plastic surgeon removed about 5 pounds of excess fat and skin in my abdomen. I was in hospital for 10 days and had a wound vac for that time – special dressings attached to a type of vacuum that sucks out Fluid and guck (frangi has one) to help with wound healing. I had 3 drains across my abdomen and 46 staples. The wound line is about 28 inches from one back side of my hip to the other (the line is straight across the hips but then goes up and around my genitals – the doc said he had to take the cut a bit higher than they usually do). I believe he went higher to assist with the bowel surgery and to be able to remove the bad skin where my ileostomy site had been – I had a whole there plus some wounds that had not healed for a couple of years). When I left hospital they removed about half of the staples and two of the drains. The other drain I was supposed to keep – it ended up coming out (with some assistance from me) about 4 days later. I was noticing a bulge on my other side (which I was worried was a recurrence of the hernia), but when I went in to see the plastic surgeon to get the rest of the staples out it was a build up of fluid. He ended up draining 360 cc’s fluid that day, the next day 190 cc’s of fluid. I then went and saw him last Tuesday (four days later) and had 2 separate pockets of fluid (800 cc’s of fluid between them), so the decision was made to “reinsert” 2 drains again. To drain the fluid, they stick a really big needle into the wound line and start pulling out fluid – not a really pleasant experience. I was told it is not really unusual to have fluid build up, but the amount of fluid I have is unusual. Radiologists reinserted the drains this by ultrasound. They froze the areas separately by needle, cut two new wholes and inserted the new drains, which they stitch to the skin to hold it in. This time they used industrial size tubing and drain bags (the bags can hold up to 600 cc’s which is more than 2 cups), which I strap to my leg. What can I tell you – I am a fashion statement!!!!! I will likely have these drains for a couple of weeks. Worst thing – I can’t shower now until they are out). I have lived with an ileostomy for 2 ½ years, so taking care of the drains is really simple. My other main complication has been fluid retention in my legs. I went into surgery weighing 164 pounds and left hospital at 194 pounds :cursing:– all fluid being held in my legs (NOTE - I am NOT changing my ticker ). It is incredibly painful and uncomfortable to carry that kind o fluid. The docs finally put me on a mega dose of Water pills (80 mg per day). I have lost 17 pounds in the last 3 days – which really drains you (literally and figuratively), but at least the legs are starting to look and feel a little better. I am trying to sleep with my legs above my head - interesting position let me tell you). I have an appetite, but can’t eat much (which is pretty ironic considering the weight gain – I mean REALLY - gain that much weight but not with anything good to eat sucks horribly :smile:). I had very little restriction before the surgery, and I didn’t get any solids (clear fluid only) for the first 8 days after surgery. My band is being pretty picky right now – for the first time since being banded I am struggling with bread and some meats- although some days I can eat quite a bit and others almost nothing. Ironically, Pasta seems to slide right on down. I have been told to load up on Protein, so I am back on Protein shakes. My port feels like it didn’t move at all as a result of the surgery (I was not unfilled for surgery). It is hard to really say what my body looks like now, with the drains, fluid retention, etc., but the first time I put pants on I was incredibly excited because I had no extra stuff hanging in my abdomen to stuff into my pants. I could feel it was flat before, but wow it felt different and great when I put on pants :cursing:!!!! Because I didn’t have any lipo, my mid section is pretty square and boxy (I have never really had a waist though). I will never be able to wear a bikini (oh yeah – I also don’t have a belly button any more), but I am excited about what I can see (or not see). Sorry for the length, but I wanted to get it off my chest (or thighs or ankles :cursing:) and I have always felt very supported here. The first week or so after surgery was very rough - but I would gladly do it again. I hope to get my arms done in the next year (no hurry though). Thanks for listening!! Jacquie

Another afterthought...I want to provide the actual numbers associated with glycogen stores that results in weight gain. The important thing to consider is that you are likely NOT gaining fat. Your body stores 2+ grams of water for every 1 gram of glycogen stored in tissues. This results in increased body weight as well as potential bloating. However, it is water weight. You are not gaining fat. Remember that 1000 grams of glycogen needs 2000+ grams of water for storage in your tissues. Also, under-eating can result in weight gain. You are more than two years out. You should not be restricting your intake to the 600 to 1000 kCal range each day. You are doing metabolic damage by restricting so low and combining it with exercise. read the article below if you have the time. http://strongfigure.com/why-under-eating-is-making-you-gain-weight/

post op weight gain 8+ yrs. Need fitness, nutrition, work out group. Rochester, ny 14612 anyone? Desperate, need support to get moving! Help! TY, Sharon

So...I went on low dose oral steroids less than a month ago and while my pain has lessened...I've gained nearly 7 lbs. I'm going to start to titrate myself off by going to one pill every other night and tell my rheumatologist I want off all together. I think I'd rather have the pain than the weight gain and all the potential side effects.

I gained all of the weight back that I lost during the months before. One can also have a situation that is called last supper syndrome. You eat all of those foods you feel you won't be able to eat afterwards. The initial weight gain before the surgery has not stopped my weight loss afterwards. I am down 74lbs in 5 months. Everything will work out in the end. Good luck and keep us updated! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

Judyd, I think what you are asking is after your band was removed 3 years ago and your upcoming sleeve surgery, will you still have slow weight loss with the sleeve or is the slow weight loss because you get both surgeries done at the same time or closer to each other. A very good question. The little I've read and understand is that a WL surgery patient's metabolism changes in time, thus, weight loss slows down. Because you had this time gap between surgeries and have also gained weight you may be a normal weight loss candidate as if you were getting WL surgery for the first time and I say this because your metabolism again has changed since the band was removal and the weight gain. Now, I'm just completely guessing this and am now curious. Please, anyone out there correct me or does anyone have the correct information on this. I'm super curious now. jake

welcome to the site. Congratulations on the weightloss so far. Weight gain is not a good thing but it happens and I`ve had my fair share during the course of my weightloss journey. Are you due a fill? If you`re not restricted enough, my advice will be to get a fill instead of struggling along. Good luck and Happy New Year to you.

Attagirl! Here are some dancing bananas to bolster the spirit of the "attagirl." :) I hear you, Kat. food is a big part of the holidays and I don't plan to forego any part of it. It's not Christmas without my grandmother's fruitcake Cookies. She's no longer with us, but I made them with her every year. Last year my Mom made them for me and I cried. My Mom cooks solely by saying "waiter, please bring me the..." so the fact that she remembered to make them (and successfully executed them) makes me well up just sitting here! Anyway, I don't think any of us think differently than you. The holidays aren't about counting every calorie. They're about friends and family, food and warmth. With the band, that will mean that we will forego the 10+ lb weight gain that usually accompanies the season. All that said, in December I will commit to (1) exercising as much or more as I do in any other month, (2) drinking my Water every day and (3) not going to holiday parties/events hungry. If I eat a well balanced bandster meal ahead of time, how much damage can I do, you know? Food and weight has dominated too many holiday seasons for me. In past years, I've been worried about going home -- worried about what my family will say or think about my weight gain. Worried about keeping them entertained at every minute with witty conversation to distract them from my physical challenges. The holidays will be much nicer this year. Much more about what they're supposed to be about. Boo, my hair quit falling out about 6 weeks ago. I can't tell that it's coming back in yet, but it's definitely back to falling out at only a normal pace. It was scary there for a while, but I promise it does stop!

Thanks for getting back on track all you May bandsters! I think the farther I get out of surgery the harder it becomes. I tend to lose some of that rigidness and can become softer in following the rules. Listening to your stories/successes/struggles help me out tremendously. After all, we are all going on this journey together. I, myself, just had a 1 pound weight gain following vacation. I could look at it as a failure that I didn't lose weight but I can also look at it as it could have been a lot worse. Back in the day, I would have had the mindset that I could eat anything because I was on vacation. I didn't this time, or rather, I couldn't. Did I make the best choices? No, not 100% of the time but I did make much better choices than I would have had I not been banded. Thanks to y'all for your support.... Katie

I am now at 24 weeks, half unfil and 7 kilos (not sure of pounds) weight gain. Can't wait to have bubby in my arms. found out I am having another boy

Oooo, tbh protein shakes are good for convenience, but I gotta learn about my protein sources to stay healthy inthe long run. I need to weigh things and etc. I definately calorie count everything though. Dumping syndrome sounds like a neat deterrent for weight gain, but wouldnt want to get an episode of it in public though.

Hello.. I am 22wks and I am still really nauseous.. eating consistently is the only thing that helps me. with my first I threw up every day for 7 months and with this one I am just very nauseous.. I have tried all the tricks and I even have medication this time around that I only take when I am really bad and need to function.. but YES I totally feel the way u do.. and because when I got PG I opened the band I gained weight faster in the beginning because I went from eating 1/2 cup a day to a plate of food and just the shock from the extra calories caused a little jump in weight gain.. I didnt gain a ton.. just more than with my first and it was a little disheartening after losing 33lbs.. BUt I am just trying to make good choices and eat good things and hopefully this next week when I go in I wont have gained 5 more lbs or something! :blushing: I just try to do the best I can and be realistic about the fact that my eating will be different from when I was tight and banded.. I just keep praising God that the band will be there for me when this baby is out.. and I wont have to lose this weight alone. I just try to eat when I am truely hungry or nauseous and try to make good choices. (like I eat salad with chicken on it and not a bowl of icecream :w00t:)

@@F_it thanks for chiming in on your experience with Cymbalta. We are all so different and such bags of chemicals. Like you, I am very sensitive to drugs of any kind so my trial with low-dose Cymbalta for arthritis relief didn't last very long. I felt like I needed to give it a go and I do think there was some perceived relief, but it didn't agree with me. The first night I took it I felt like I was tripping so I backed off to a lower dose to begin -- that should have been a signal right there. The thing is, at 53 with this much pain if there's anything out there that may possibly work then I want to make sure I've at least investigated. Unfortunately we have to be our own guinea pigs sometimes. So sorry for everything you went through with the Fibromyalgia and your experience on Cymbalta. We have got to do something about these auto-immune disorders, for crying out loud! I have had horrific experiences with steroids -- in fact the overnight weight gain I had from Prednisone (ha, that just auto-corrected to "prisoner") kicked off twenty years of overweight and all kinds of other complications in my body. The arthritis has been really flaring lately and I know that has to do with the change in weather. I have been walking outdoors most and now that the temps are under fifty (we've had the thirties here, eek!) I find that cold really exacerbates the joint pain later in the day. Last night I took a couple of Tylenol -- has never done much for me -- and a couple of tequila cocktails. That is something that helps, and I figure alcohol as a drug is better than a lot of what gets prescribed by various physicians even though they generally disapprove of that. But you got to do what you've got to do! I use ice packs, too. Seems so ironic that cold makes arthritis worse yet ice packs reduce inflammation -- makes no sense!

oh also, you're supposed to take the shots for a couple months and then go off of them for a couple months so your body doesn't get immune to then. I didn't do this and that was probably another reason for the weight gain.

Indeed, its one of the reasons I have chosen to undergo surgery, although I could work at it myself, I cant garantee I wont regain at some point, and I am undergoing surgery in 2019 after which I will have to keep my weight down perminantly to avoid problems. So WLS for me is an added support to help me keep my weight as low as possible. My disinterest in cooking is currently greater than my need to satisfy my pallet. In recent years I have avoided cooking and rather look to quicker alternatives. Bread, rice and potatoes also store longer, and I dislike crowds and shopping, so keeping stocked with fresh vegetables is difficult for me. I have become reluctant to push myself out of my comfort zone, when I do it life is better, but It gets the better of me at times. Essentaily I have social disorders that make me more inclined to behaviours what would lead to weight gain. What I call lazyness is probably anxiety and avoidence. my bmi is only 31, took me a while to climb to this weight again but here I am. If it wasnt for my future surgery |I probably wouldnt be going through with WLS.

Well heck yes you want both and you will get both!!!! My calorie intake has fluctuated by 200 calories or so per day depending on what's going on and the scale doesn't seem to reflect either higher or lower (I like to think that by confusing my body I can lose faster). BUT, my water intake does reflect in my weight gain or loss. Our bodies are very interesting and very different. It's actually fascinating. Keep up the good work! Short and bathing suit season is right around the corner!!

I love my Wellbutrin-I had no weight gain with it....

First let me say I LOVE YOU GUYS! Everyone of you. To address some of your very helpful responses and questions: Dylan, Carolina girl, -I don’t know about the inches yet. I will measure and watch and wait. I forgot to do that before starting exercise. Excellent reminder, thank you! I doubt I’ve lost any inches yet, but will keep an eye on that so I don’t keep getting so discouraged, if I am indeed shrinking. Terry: BMI, BMR -I see what you are saying, makes perfect sense! I had my BMR tested last week, at my doctor’s apt. Resting I burn 1728 in a day + 516 for lifestyle and activity, not including exercise. According to the testing, I should be able to take in 1384-1728/day and loose weight slowly (without exercise). So, it seems like I should be able to take in 1600 and exercise, and loose weight. That would put me at burning 2400/day (when I exercise) according to this testing. According to the test (that one you breathe into for 12 minutes), my metabolism is between normal/high and high. Of course, all of this is assuming that the testing is accurate. Big IF, right! Catfish, -UGH the adjustments! I have had super struggles with this! I’ve been bouncing around in single CCs the last few visis. One time too tight, the next time too loose…fill, unfill, fill again…Here’s the thing….I get stuck easily, but I’m hungry all of the time. The band does what it is supposed to do – restrict my eating (I guess) but I’m so stinking hungry! Seroius tummy grumbling hungry – not just “I feel like eating” hungry. I try to not eat late, but I wake up, in the middle of the night, so hungry I can’t sleep. I’ve settled my stomach with Water, but I just feel like I’m always hungry. How can that be, especially on 1400 calories! I try to avoid the sliders and stick with real food, but I find that I need those Protein shakes to really satisfy the hunger. This has been an issue for about 6 months. Can’t get to the sweet spot where I don’t get stuck on everything (and tempted to eat sliders), yet, the band is restricting me so I don’t get hungry. Grown, -Yes, banded 10 months. I had lost 38 pounds. I lost the last 5 in March-April, but gained that 5 back last week. My doc gets me all confused. He says…eat 1000-1200 calories per day, eat when you are hungry, eat solid food. If I ate when I was hungry I would eat 2000 calories a day. So, I try to eat as little as I can, of healthy food, and not get so hungry. I’m crabby with everyone right now because of the hunger, and weight gain makes it worse! I’m starting to wonder if I have PMS? I never know. All I can think is that one of these 3 things may be true…. I may be miscounting my calories or forgetting to record things I eat. I will be more careful and track more meticulously. I may be destined to be this weight. Maybe I need to have a fill – but dang! I don’t’ think I’ll be able to eat much if I get any tighter…and then I slip into eating too many slider foods. Perhaps I’m doing that already. So see point 1, track better. Perhaps I need to eat less food, but eat more often (but I do feel like I eat often enough) Perhaps I need to tolerate the huger???? Ugh I will fail for sure if I try this route. I don’t know what else to say. I totally appreciate the help though, and have been encouraged by your input!! More is welcome!!

My surgeon warned me about the 3 week stall and said he found that many times it was due to you having too few calories. Being newly sleeved we tend to not get enough nutrition the first month due to several factors such as pain, nausea, fear of weight gain, etc and we tend to only get about 500-600 calories in our daily intake. He says that the bare minimum the human body needs for survival is 600+ calories, and when you stay below that mark, your body will go into starvation mode and will reduce its ability to lose weight as a protection measure. His advice to all his patients is to up your caloric intake to the 800 range if you can handle it.

Hi Trish, I've heard nothing but good things about Dr. Kuri, so I think you've made a good choice. Let us know how you are and ask anything you'd like to know here, everyone is so supportive, and caring. No subject is taboo here... (see previous thread titles) NOTHING band related is too sensitive, nor too gross, nothing weight gain or loss related is attacked. Nothing presurgery is considered a dumb question, hell nothing post-banding is considered a dumb question. We're all here for each other, welcome aboard, and good luck on your upcoming banding!

I have been gaining and lossing the same 10lbs for 3 months. I can not keep most meats down. I almost always PB my first meal of the day and then it seems I can eat like a pig. I think I am to tight for a fills but I am having trouble reaching my goal. I am 9 months post op. And I am so happy with my weight loss, but could use help in getting off the last 30 lbs.