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I had posted this on the WLS Veterans forum, but thought it would be a good idea to post this on this forum as well. I had gastric bypass surgery 5 years ago. I was incredibly determined and managed to lose 180 lbs. in a year's time. I'm 5' 9.5" and I went from a size 28 to a size 10. Now, I've regained a lot of weight and I'm starting over. I thought it might be helpful to list the steps that caused my weight gain. My goal is to tackle these 6 and starting moving in the right direction. Does anyone else have additional things that contributed to regaining weight? Stop weighing yourself Stop tracking your food intake Stop exercising Drink liquids with meals and ignore the 15 minutes before/30 minutes after rule Start eating your old favorite foods Stop visiting Bariatric Pal forums

I don't suppose anyone would think a weight gain challenge would be very funny? Cause that's one I know I could win.

Thank you, Zoe, but do I accept your weight gain challenge even though you have the steroid advantage? Sometimes ya just gotta laugh!

Boy I just killed myself this weekend. I ate all kinds of stuff that I shouldn't of. I had a little weight gain too. So back on the wagon I go! I have two weeks before my surgery to get my head together! Wish me luck!

I stalled for 2 weeks at weeks 4 and 5. Just about lost my mind but just kept with the diet. Then I just all of a sudden started losing again. I'm convinced it was my fat putting up a fight! Yea, I was stalled for 2 weeks, then had a 2.6 pound weight gain last Friday.. started my period. yay. :/ this morning I was down 2 of the 2.6 pounds.. my body is definitely fighting.

Wow...Ann looks beautiful despite the weight gain! Thanks for the pic! And how ironic....I'm sitting here listening to XM radio and "Even It Up" just came on! Happy 4th of July! Toni

Gabapentin is a seizure medication and they also use it for nerve pain as stated. It needs to be in your system for a few weeks to even work and can in some people cause weight gain. I was prescribed this for my lumbar stenosis and it didnt work at all for me.

Hi everyone...I'm new to this site. I've been reading thru your posts about weight gain. I was banded on 3/22, haven't had a fill yet. But when I went for my first 2 week visit I had lost 14lbs. Weighted this past Thursday an I've gained 6lbs. It happen when I was at the week where you start eating regular food. I'm praying that this is not a sign. I too have struggled with me weight for years. Hopefully I will see a difference after my fill next week. Any advice is greatly welcomed!!!!

Kat, as always...you clearly have a way of expressing what others are maybe thinking but cannot put into words. On the steroids...I was on them for 5.5 yrs. Really raised havoc and contributed to a lot of my weight gain. Helped with the symptoms I was dealing with but also helped add the pounds (along with the fork in my hand).

I got married the first time one month before turning 19. By twenty, I was fat. My first husband completely changed after we got married. He immediately started not coming home at night until 11:00 and was either fishing or golfing both days on the weekend. It got worse once we had kids. So, I made myself feel better by eating, eating and eating some more. I should have just kicked his butt out the door and saved myself all the weight gain. But, I can't say I have any regrets, because I did get two great kids out of the marriage.

I admire you for being able to post here about what you did, that takes courage. You have it in you to do this. Here is what I do as I struggle with foods I should not be eating. Every time I see something that is not healthy for me, or not on my pre-surgical diet and I am tempted, I visualize the skull and cross bones symbol for POISON right on top of it. After all, some of these foods are poison to those of us who struggle with obesity. Even thin people should not be eating that stuff, but some can eat away without it causing them to gain weight. That is not my luck to be able to. But then again, when I think about it, maybe WE are the lucky ones. We are learning to eat the right foods in the right portions. The people who live on fast food still pay a price, it may not be in weight gain but they will surely end up with unhealthy fat in their arteries. As the others have said, you have time to stick to the program now. And be prepared to say good-bye (at least for awhile) to those foods that are poisonous for you. Good luck. Nancy PS, I am pretty sure the day will come when I will be the one posting here about needing to stick to the liquid diet, LOL. We all have to do it after all.

Does gastric dilatation limit the success of sleeve gastrectomy as a sole operation for morbid obesity? http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16469218 Research Study http://www.weightlosstriumph.com/does-gastric-dilation-limit-the-success-of-sleeve-gastrectomy.html further discussion of research results Great news! This research indicates that dilataion (stomach streching) does not necessarily lead to weight gain. In fact, most of the research that I've done (scientifically based) parallels the results of this study. The reason I've researched this topic is because my capacity has increased after one year post op and sometimes wonder if my stomach is dilated. I don't think my eating behaviors caused dilatation because I can only remember 3-4 times that I ate to the point of discomfort in the past year. Even if my stomach is dilated, I can still keep the weight off. The surgery did its job by helping me lose over 150 pounds and now I have to put my effort into overdrive during the maintenance phase. For me, this maintenance phase is actually harder than the weight loss phase because it is less structured and I really have to watch my portions because my stomach can hold so much more than before. The article recommends revision surgery through bypass or duodenal switch if the stomach becomes dilated. However, according to Dr. Weiner (well known bariatric surgeon, search on youtube for his videos), most patients that undergo this revision only lose an average of 15-25 pounds afterward. He often notices (during the revision surgery) that many patients DO NOT even have a dilated stomach. FYI: Dilation (stretching) does happen, but mostly to larger sleeves. You are going to have many people tell you that it just can't happen, they are wrong. This seems to have a great deal to do with how much of the fundus is cut out. The remaining fundus can stretch up to four times it's original size. Research shows that about 50% of the ghrelin is still produced in our bodies. I can also attest to the fact that my hunger and cravings are about at 40% compared to before surgery. I've read that most sleeves hold about 2 ounces after surgery but will eventually hold 4-6 ounces. This means that it is normal for the sleeve to enlarge 2-3 times its original size over time, despite not overeating. Really, what counts is NOT the size of our stomach, but what we put in it. I've seen patients regain weight no matter what their sleeve size. It's interesting to note that I've lost much more weight than those that boast at meetings that they are full after a few tablespoons. Even if your capacity has increased, the key is to stay positive! You can and will be successful! Further info: http://myaceinhand.blogspot.com/2012/01/bougie-size.html

Yes, the weight gain has slowed down significantly. I think (more or less) our free ride has ended. Now we have to do some serious work. Exercise and watching what we eat is key. The good news is exercising is a lot easier now and the weather will improve very soon. Perhaps we can use the natural Spring boost to get going on our journey with renewed energy. This has been a long winter for us. But there's hope ahead. Lets' not get discouraged because our weight loss is so slow. We have come too far to just go, oh well! Come on Gladiators, Lets' battle. Here's my challenge for today. Let's do two things that help us. Today, I pick an afternoon cup of warm tea and 30 minutes of walking. That's what I will do to "love" myself. What can you do?

Hello, gladiators, It has been a while, sorry, life just got busy. But I think of you often and wonder how you are all doing. I am at 154lbs. Gained two pounds. I have read that it is pretty common for that to happen. To reach a low and then clim up to a more realistic weight. Of course any weight gain brings on the stress of thinking, I am going to gain it all back. It is very scary, I must say. I can eat a lot more then I should. At times I am astonished. I think the pouch opening streaches and the food keeps pushing out. Also, if you take a little break during your meal, 10 minutes later I find I can eat some more. I never felt the full feeling. I always went from hungry to sick. It's still hard for me to tell. The only thing that works is to have a plate with a reasonable helping and not have seconds. I can't do alcohol. I go from fine to roaring drunk to fast asleep in 5 minutes. I am exaggerating but it sure feels like it. My biggest problem is snacking. I can't seem to stop the munchies. Every hour I feel like I need to have a little something. Sometimes a little something is a lot of something. I had a restaurant size salad (big) for lunch then of course I could only eat about 1/3. I had leftovers, an hour later I had another 1/3 and finished it off another hour later. Wow! It's like I completely bypassed the physical limitations of my surgery. Not doing that again. However, if I do get a proper meal 3 times per day and a couple Snacks, I am fine. Why, why is it so hard to just do that? It's like I am ADD about eating. I can't focus on it. Other then that, everything is great. I feel great and my hair is coming back. I am at about 17 months past surgery and my new hair is like 2 inches long. I can see there is lot of hair that length throughout. It's coming in nice and strong. My energy level is great and I feel positively great.

I'm feeling frustrated. Surgery (banding) was the 16th. I'm not hungry and not eating that much but I'm still not below my pre-surgery weight. I've been taking the milk of magnesia (so things are moving). I'm struggling to get to 800 calories but I'm just so frustrated that I'm not even back down to surgery weigh in. Anyone else have this problem?

Same here! Dry, brittle, awful. My guess, in my case anyway, is the (drastically) reduced fat intake, about ready to work a few slices of avocado back in. Holding me back is avocado is def a trigger food for me....love, love that stuff. Argan oil treatments would likely cause less weight gain.🙄

I finally lost a whole pound over the weekend but unfortunately, it found me again We also went to dinner at friends' home and I grazed/ate over a few hours...got in a LOT of calories and way too many carbs. They didn't know I'd had surgery so it was a teeny bit awkward. I told them about it and they were super supportive but I didn't prepare well for being in a situation where we sat and chatted, nibbling on food and drinking wine. Not as much exercise as I should get, either, so not my best weekend. I'm back on track this week! I did have a lovely NSV, I had ordered some denim capris from Talbots end of season sale in a 12 and a 10...I wore the 12s this weekend! I haven't been out of plus sizes in forever, so that was great! Focusing on THAT and getting over my food stupidity is what I'm planning for the coming week. @@magoosmom I'm so happy to hear that you're seeing good results on the scale. I don't envy you younger women who have to contend with your cycles while doing this weight loss thing...I've been menopausal for about 18 mos (although the hormone dumps have caused some bleeding ) and it's nice to not have to deal with the water weight gain. @@suzzzzz That's tragic about the popsicles...I've been eating them too and had no idea they have that many carbs. May have to reevaluate them, but they've kept me sane at times! I hear you about the shot metabolism...all those years of losing/gaining/losing have destroyed mine.

Ooops didn't mean to hit POST yet... School is still going well, I have A's in both classes. The nutrition class is pretty interesting. My teacher knows I've had the bypass surgery and said we talk about that at some point and asked if I'd like to share. I said, sure! She's already called me out a few times in regards to my high Protein diet. In general, the US eats excess protein, which leads to weight gain if people aren't active enough, or don't burn off what they don't need. But obviously my case is different. She always adds, "and you're under a Dr.'s care with your high protein diet, correct?" Yeps!! I think I had mentioned before my knees were giving me issues. I've only been back to my "intense" workout class once since then. I really think I'm not quite ready for that class, unfortunately When I dread going....it can't be a good thing. All I've done is walking lately. Need to get in some weights or something! I might end up going back to my other gym I'd been going to. Frustrating because I really wanted to be able to handle that intense class. Ugh... we're supposed to go tomorrow morning, we'll see what happens. Maybe if I try it once more, I'll make my decision for sure. Okay--so a couple of "skinny person" issues I've come across. It's SO weird to have "skinny person" issues!! (sorry if I've already whined about these, LOL) Shaving my arm pits!? I don't know how to explain it, but there's like a deep concave area that I just can't get the razor into, LOL!!! Bleacher sitting....OMG, that tush padding came in a bit handy evidently!!! My butt bones literally feel bruised the next day after sitting at my son's football games! I am FREEZING all of the time!!!! I am seriously going to die of coldness this winter I think....I think I'll have to move to a warm, beach island, for sure. I was thinking I had another one, but I can't remember right now, LOL. Ok, I'd better go get some work done! I need to figure out how to make a picture thingy that shows a "Before and After" picture all in one?!

Well, the advise wasn't just for you, it was also for the other people who read the posts. I don't think you're rude, just ignorant and judgemental. I'm sure there are some readers who think...what the hell did you do to gain the weight back? Then, hopefully they don't start freaking out. The VGS is a tool not an end all to weight loss and neither is the DS. I clearly answered you; however you didn't get it. I did PM you and due to your avoidance, I didn't disclose everything that you wanted to know that that time. My girlfriend had a VGS & DS 7 years ago, spent over $10,000 cash and had the surgery in Brazil. She was there 30 days. When I asked the previous questions, it was for me to understand your situation and to be able to relay to my friend so I could give the best information to you. Actually, I've been on another sites that have years of success. Actually, you are the first one that has "struggled" and gained the weight back that has posted about it. I'm not saying there are not people out there in your situation, just saying your the first that has this issue on a post that I've read. I know I don't know everything; however I know more than you think. Like I've mentioned before, I've seen first hand what my friend went through (did I personally experience that...no). Also, I never had a weight problem growing up or most of my adult life. It wasn't until I experienced serious injuries: fractured back, fractured pelvis, bilateral fractured wrists, and bilateral sprained ankles which put me on the weight gain track. I understand your frustration when it comes to working out and not being able to lose the weight...s/p injuries. And other stuff that's not relavant. Cockiness is projection from you my dear. Just because I "joined" this site a few days ago and was sleeved 7 months ago, is not where I base my information from. I have practiced medicine the past 6 years (I have prescribed and recommended this procedure to my patients) and have worked in the medical field the past 20 years (EMT/Firefighter, ER RN, helicopter/fixed wing flight nurse) along with 12 years of law. It's your assumption that I don't know anything and regret you're annoyed. Good luck to you and God Bless.

I just got my authorization for an appointment with the biatric team. Now its up to the case manager. I am crossing my fingers and hope she approves my revision !!! i really hope my Gerd and weight gain qualifies me to get REVISION !

Denise - I am glad that I can eat - what I consider a Normal about of food and still lose weight- I don't know how I would do if I had to eat less - NMSunshine - Yes I saw it the 1st time it was on - Oprah pisses me off some times - she seems to puts down people who have WLS - it's not just people who have WLS that can have transfer addicitions - people who lose weight without surgery can have the same issues too. Look at her she looses weight - gains weight back loose it again - want to talk about yo-yo - and she has the benefit of personal trainers and chefs where we don't - OMG if i could have someone else cook all my meals and a trainer to help me exercise - I would be in hog heaven. Notice how she talks about WLS she is negative about it - IMHO she needs to be banded Phyl - you DH is a very nice man I though his controlling was done with luv:) - I think you have a keeper in him... Have you called Dr B - I am scheduled to go in on the 19th but don't know if i need to - I have pretty good restiction when I eat really solid foods - soft go through but the solids keep me full for quite a long time and sometime if I drink to fast is sticks a little - Call him it can't hurt...

I'm checking in at 193 today. I'm pretty sure I'm up a couple of pounds since this started. I honestly can't even remember if I checked in last week. I was on vacation all last week, so I'm not beating myself up about the small weight gain. I'll lose it this week. :-)

ok ok.... seems like we have a good group of "newbies" July banders I have high hopes of this working out for me (and you all) but I still worry about my history of losing weight, gaining it back, losing weight.... and so on.... I'm guessing I may have lost and gained several people by now. My mind is starting to play tricks on me.... like... "hey matt, isn't this the time you eat potato chips?" "hey matt, remember mcdonalds...mmmmmmm big macs" obviously I'll need to retrain myself on eating habits.... but dang.....*sobs* I sooo sooooooo likey sour cream and onion potato chips! then there is the burden of the "pressure" that I feel family is adding to me. I mean, they are watching to see how I do. My dad offered to pay for my brothers banding if I am successfull. (which I'm not complaining, however I saved it all by myself for 3 years) Then, being so far from my doc, what happens if I mess up and have a slippage of the band? hmmmm mo money mo money fills, fills, fills, that's the rub isn't it..... you think you are done paying ... then the fills.... sure... I have free fills from my doc.... but I have to spend 400 for the flight to get there..... grumble grumble grumble I WANT MAGIC DANGNABIT..... a automatic pill to lose all the weight I want without working to dang hard to do it basically this was a complain session and worry session... I'm happy I chose to be banded... and I made a life choice.... it's the unknown future that concerns me what happens if I still have the band and turn 70 and start forgetting about it..... ooops... pb pb pb... *lol* I think to much!! what are your worries? however crazy *s*

I was on Prozac, i did gain weight on it, but i blame myself and not the pills. when I asked my doctor about anti depressants and weight gain I was told Paxil tends to make people gain the most weight and Wellbutrin tends to make people lose weight. Prozac can go either way.

Good morning all, and Happy Friday!!! SLG - Your trip sounded marvelous; hope you took some great pics! And as for your weight gain - you should be so proud of yourself! SHM - Congrats on the house! Now, I can focus all my good wishes on the promotion.... So, where is everyone else? How are you doing? If you are 'lurking', could I entice you to post even just once a month - I miss my VVs. And now for todays news bulletin - it snowed last night!!! ARGHH I don't have the garden winterized yet.....:scared2: