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All people meet it at some point in their weight loss journey. It might come after you experience complications from surgery, or when you travel for vacation, or when you are unusually stressed at work. It might even come when you least expect it, when your diet and weight loss have been going smoothly for months. “It” is the dreaded plateau. How Do You Know When You Hit a Plateau? Simply enough, a plateau is when you stop losing weight even though you want to. It’s not just a day or two without weight loss. It’s a period of a few weeks or more when you keep trying to lose weight, but the scale does not budge. You think you are doing everything you can and should be doing to lose weight, but still you do not see results. That is a plateau. It can be frustrating and discouraging and seem to be unfair. Stay Positive Plateaus can be maddening, but the absolute worst thing you can do during a plateau is to give up. If you decide that your diet is not worth the effort, you are almost certainly going to gain weight. Going back to your old, pre-surgery diet habits, taking oversized portions, and eating high-fat, high-sugary foods will not just make you gain weight. These bad habits can erase your health gains. Worse, they could cause some of the weight loss surgery complications that you already know about, such as the following: Stretching of the sleeve in vertical sleeve gastrectomy Dumping syndrome in gastric bypass Esophagitis with the adjustable gastric band (lap-band) Feeling nauseous or having diarrhea Another reason to stay positive is to keep up your motivation to continue all of the other healthy behaviors in your lifestyle. Don’t fall into the trap of “all-or-nothing,” in which you decide to give up all of your healthy efforts just because your weight loss isn’t quite what you want it to be. These include: Taking your daily vitamin and mineral supplements Getting enough protein and fluids each day Following your regularly exercise routine It Could Be Worse And it will be worse if you give up. It may sound strange, but you can stay positive by thinking about how much better your weight is now than where it could be if you gave up trying. If your careful diet is not leading to the weight loss you had hoped for, it is still preventing weight gain. If you give up, you will gain weight, and probably be pretty disappointed in yourself. Measure Success in Other Ways Another way to stay positive is to stop focusing on the scale. Find other ways to measure your progress. Tracking your body measurements, for example, can let you know that you are shrinking and building muscle even if your total weight is not decreasing right now. Tracking behaviors instead of measurements is another strategy. For example, you assess your success according to whether you eat well, such as hitting your protein goals or sticking to your planned menu. Other successful behaviors to be proud of yourself for are planning and preparing meals ahead of time and making sure you drink enough fluids at times other than meal times. Be Honest and Go Back to the Basics “Why me?” That’s a natural question when you hit a plateau, but most people don’t ask it seriously. However, if you think seriously about what is causing the plateau and how you can fix it, this question can actually help you break through the barrier and get back to losing weight. In many cases, you can figure out “why me” by asking yourself these questions. “Am I logging every single bite that goes into my mouth?” “Am I following the meal plan my nutritionist or surgeon gave me?” “Am I measuring – not eyeballing – all of the foods I eat?” “Am I exercising as much as I am supposed to be?” “Am I getting in my protein each day?” “Have I been too busy or preoccupied to plan my meals and snacks in advance?” If you answer these questions honestly, you might discover that you have slipped up and are not keeping up your good habits quite as well as you thought you had. Go back to the basics of meal planning and nutritious eating, and you are almost sure to see the scale move again within weeks. You’re in Charge! Plateaus are frustrating and nobody wants to experience them at some point, but almost everyone does. These steps can help you when you notice that you are in a plateau. Stay positive and keep up your healthy behaviors. Focus on other measures of success besides the scale. Assess your diet honestly. Make any necessary changes. You can get over your plateau, and you will be stronger for it! Just be patient and do what you know is right for your health.

How Do You Know When You Hit a Plateau? Simply enough, a plateau is when you stop losing weight even though you want to. It’s not just a day or two without weight loss. It’s a period of a few weeks or more when you keep trying to lose weight, but the scale does not budge. You think you are doing everything you can and should be doing to lose weight, but still you do not see results. That is a plateau. It can be frustrating and discouraging and seem to be unfair. Stay Positive Plateaus can be maddening, but the absolute worst thing you can do during a plateau is to give up. If you decide that your diet is not worth the effort, you are almost certainly going to gain weight. Going back to your old, pre-surgery diet habits, taking oversized portions, and eating high-fat, high-sugary foods will not just make you gain weight. These bad habits can erase your health gains. Worse, they could cause some of the weight loss surgery complications that you already know about, such as the following: Stretching of the sleeve in vertical sleeve gastrectomy Dumping syndrome in gastric bypass Esophagitis with the adjustable gastric band (lap-band) Feeling nauseous or having diarrhea Another reason to stay positive is to keep up your motivation to continue all of the other healthy behaviors in your lifestyle. Don’t fall into the trap of “all-or-nothing,” in which you decide to give up all of your healthy efforts just because your weight loss isn’t quite what you want it to be. These include: Taking your daily vitamin and mineral supplements Getting enough protein and fluids each day Following your regularly exercise routine It Could Be Worse And it will be worse if you give up. It may sound strange, but you can stay positive by thinking about how much better your weight is now than where it could be if you gave up trying. If your careful diet is not leading to the weight loss you had hoped for, it is still preventing weight gain. If you give up, you will gain weight, and probably be pretty disappointed in yourself. Measure Success in Other Ways Another way to stay positive is to stop focusing on the scale. Find other ways to measure your progress. Tracking your body measurements, for example, can let you know that you are shrinking and building muscle even if your total weight is not decreasing right now. Tracking behaviors instead of measurements is another strategy. For example, you assess your success according to whether you eat well, such as hitting your protein goals or sticking to your planned menu. Other successful behaviors to be proud of yourself for are planning and preparing meals ahead of time and making sure you drink enough fluids at times other than meal times. Be Honest and Go Back to the Basics “Why me?” That’s a natural question when you hit a plateau, but most people don’t ask it seriously. However, if you think seriously about what is causing the plateau and how you can fix it, this question can actually help you break through the barrier and get back to losing weight. In many cases, you can figure out “why me” by asking yourself these questions. “Am I logging every single bite that goes into my mouth?” “Am I following the meal plan my nutritionist or surgeon gave me?” “Am I measuring – not eyeballing – all of the foods I eat?” “Am I exercising as much as I am supposed to be?” “Am I getting in my protein each day?” “Have I been too busy or preoccupied to plan my meals and snacks in advance?” If you answer these questions honestly, you might discover that you have slipped up and are not keeping up your good habits quite as well as you thought you had. Go back to the basics of meal planning and nutritious eating, and you are almost sure to see the scale move again within weeks. You’re in Charge! Plateaus are frustrating and nobody wants to experience them at some point, but almost everyone does. These steps can help you when you notice that you are in a plateau. Stay positive and keep up your healthy behaviors. Focus on other measures of success besides the scale. Assess your diet honestly. Make any necessary changes. You can get over your plateau, and you will be stronger for it! Just be patient and do what you know is right for your health.

Yes I know the feeling. I was banded in Aug 2010 lost about 60 lbs then started finding ways "around" the band. I gained weight about 40 lbs and recently went back to get a fill. After over filled and then an un-fill I think I'm finally back on track. I'm eating better logging my meals and exercise and am determined to lose again. It's difficult to start again but I'm going to start nursing school and am not gonna fall into the 25 lb average weight gain I hear about. I found that I do better eating 3 meals and 2 Snacks a day. I make sure to drink my Water and most of all I don't deprive myself. If I want some chocolate I eat some (not the whole bag like before ) Good luck!

Hello friend! I'm sorry you are struggling! I found the months of pre-OP preparation extremely uncomfortable emotionally, which I'm guessing must be the same for you? My partner at work, who is a health care provider like me, actually gained 10 pounds the 2 months prior to her surgery. She's been wildly successful since her sleeve, tho. You may be in for a question or two about the weight gain, but you can just be honest and tell them what has been stressing you out. Once you get that surgery date, the stress of waiting for approval will be behind you and you can focus on the future with great encouragement! And truly, once you have the sleeve on your side, you can spend more time focusing on healthy, non-food ways to soothe yourself when times get tough. You'll even have the energy to work out, which is awesome for mind as well as body strength! Blessings to you!

I agree with both comments...romance her, take it back to how you got her in the first place but most importantly, talk to her as pdx stated. Weight gain for us women is a major buzz KILL when sex is involved and her being tired doesn't help matters either. But make time for a date night and let her know up front that ud like to talk to her about you guys relationship and how you both can pitch in to make it stronger. Although I'm sure she's proud of your weight changes, I'm also sure that it may be a little upsetting to her since u stated that she's gained weight. Even though WE are excited about our journeys, it may take our loved ones longer to understand what our bodies are going threw, heck, we r still learning, so be considerate and patient concerning that. But like I said, make time to talk to her and with her and don't make it about you feeling like a teenage boy again bc no woman wants a boy for a husband. God bless u both. Dee Dee

I am just home from the hospital yesterday and I got on the scale and I gained 18 pounds since I left for surgery last Thursday. Feel so bloated and gross now as well as sore from the surgery. I have not seen any mention a weight gain for people and I was curious....

Negative progress (yes, that means another gain!) for the second week in a row. This is the first time this has happened in the 8 months since my surgery. Still, there are 2 things that are keeping me from stressing over this. First, by being a part of this site I've seen it happen to plenty of others so I was expecting it. That's really one of the GREAT things about bariatricpal...I am almost NEVER surprised by what happens in my own case as I'm able to take advantage of the experiences of others. That's just SO cool! But the second reason is that I have some indicators that my shape is changing. My pants have been fitting different in the past 2 weeks and I've gotten compliments from people who see me every day. So I really think this little plateau (including just a bit of weight gain) is not hurting me at all and will be over soon. So...I'm just hanging in there and being patient. I probably won't make my goal this time but I'm still feeling incredibly good. Yup, that's right...it's really no big deal (never thought I'd be able to say that!)

i am going for a revision after gaining back one hundred pounds after gastric bypass.i will be having a lapband. one more appt with doctor and then waiting for approval frooom medicare/medicaid. am very nervous about losing weight presurgery diet. will i be able to do it? must get off 3meds that cuse weight gain before surgery will start weanig off in two days. am concerned about hypogycemia and hair loss and costs of diet. i hope my shopping costs go down as i will be eating less. i have leiminated sugaar adn white foods. must get off caffeine too. are htere any revisionists in here? thanku abbagirl

"happy losing to all my losers!!!!!!! @@BabySheldon Who are you talking to???? we're not "losers"!!!! we're all winners!!!!! good for you on realizing your "goof" its done, over with, can't go back!!! but more importantly nipping your weight gain in the bud i think by telling "us" that you screwedddd up, your apt/might be more diligent in the future you know we are all watching you!!! i know where you live!!!! only kidding bud not sure if going back to "yeachy" shakes et is necessary after gaining one pound but if that "punishment" encourages you not to eat "badly" again - whatever works for you is good Wishing you and "Felipe" the best for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer lives!!! keep up the good job (both of you) 59 lbs down!!!! kathy congrats

Im working on 30# loss as of 4-5-14. Banded on 8-23-13. Slow loser. Now at 180 #. Slow but sure. It is exasperating at times when I can go a month with no loss. The psych dr just added another weight gaining pill. But only taking 1/4 of it each night. Now up to 25+ pills a day.

I think more interesting is that 1 out of 14 didn't experience weight gain, as they defined it. Granted, it is a small sample, but it lends itself to what I also hold true. I am not stretching my sleeve out, and if it were to be larger than it was in the few months post op, it is by no means responsible for any weight I gain. I guess I will have to blame it on the fork if I should begin to gain.

Definitely over-enjoyed my band freedom and regained 17 pounds eating without abandon. Some problems persist: Pills are still tough to get down. I can eat raw carrots and radishes, but they do get a bit stuck if I'm not careful. Had to give up tomato juice - acid reflux. Have to take an antacid before eating something with tomato sauce or anything remotely greasy - surprise! turkey bacon is a bit too fatty for me. Still feel banded when I eat with a bra on The weight gain gave me that out-of-control feeling and I started considering the gastric sleeve or the full bypass until it dawned on me that neither restricts your eating persay. It might take you longer to get it down and you might end up vomiting or dumping, but if you're an emotional and/or binge eater, you're likely to press on. Actually started missing my band with the thought that at least it kept me from blossoming back to 283. Then I started listening to myself and it sounded like I wasn't taking any responsibility for any of my weight issues, but I still decided I couldn't trust myself. I mentioned to my husband that I was thinking of going to an informational seminar at a new bariatrics practice which just opened locally with a highly respected surgeon. He said he thought I was, "nuts" but he'd go with me if I really wanted to go down this road again. Still on the fence when I got a call from an old friend who was aware I'd had the procedure, but not the complications. We got to talking. He begged me not to go through another surgery - he and his wife just lost a good friend who'd gone in for the sleeve and died several days later from a blood clot. Yes, I know, all surgery has risks but it sat in the back of my mind... About a week later, I had lunch with a new friend who didn't know I'd had the procedure, but was aware of my apparent inability to eat much of anything. When I ordred something besides my usual soup, she mentioned it was good to see me actually eating something. This opened the door and I told her about my band experience. Her response surprised me - she commented that I was "lucky" to have made it!? Apparently, she has a friend who'd used the same surgeon as I. Her friend also was banded, and ended up in the hospital for over a month with complications. She survived but continues to have troubles. Again, Yes - I know, all surgery has risks but it sat in the back of my mind... Yesterday sealed the deal. One of my business associates had sleeve surgery about six weeks ago. He seemed to be doing fine. We were schedule to meet yesterday afternoon to discuss a proposal. When he didn't show, I called his office. His assistant told me he'd collapsed at work in severe pain and they had to call 911. I'm still waiting to hear what happened - all I know is he's, "stable". Maybe it has nothing to do with his sleeve surgery - but is that likely? That old saying about things happening in threes got me thinking that maybe this is a sign and I should pay attention. I've decided it's time to parent myself. If I won't feed my nieces and nephews crap, why am I feeding it to myself? I've begun working through various self-help books on disordered eating. One amusingly but perhaps accurately pointed out that a binge is an adult form of a temper tantrum. I'm scared, angry, not getting my own way. I'm too old to throw myself on the floor kicking and screaming, so what can I do? I'll stuff myself with the kind of food that sooths the child in me - Candy! Ice Cream! Junk Food! until I stuff down the fear, anger or disappointment. Interesting idea. I've gone back to Weight Watchers and am embracing a more vegan diet. Not a bad idea as a cancer survivor with a family history of heart disease. I'm finding that by focusing on whole grains, limiting processed food and added sugar plus nixing coffee after 3pm, I'm not feeling bloated and sluggish. With meals in the 300-400 calorie range, I'm able to go about four hours without needing to snack. If I do need a little something, I've got string cheese, carrots, celery, fruit on hand. I don't feel guilty when I eat and I'm not skipping meals so that I get to the point that I'm ravenous and looking for candy and fast food. Am I a saint? No. Will I slip? Of course. But when I lay the cards out on the table, I realize it's up to me to save my health. So far, I've lost seven of the gained pounds. I'm taking it one day at a time.

I doubt you are adding a lot of muscle mass at this point. Running doesn't really bulk you up ... at all. What it does do, though, is help store glycogen more efficiently in your muscles. Glycogen is mainly stored in your liver, but when your body sees it needs more resources, due to additional exercise, it will begin to also store glycogen in muscles. One of the differences, though, is when it is stored in muscles, it must also bond with Water in a 4 to 1 ratio. So, if you are storing an additional pound of glycogen, you also have to store an additional 4 pounds of water. This equates to 5 additional pounds! So then you think, "Woa! I'm giving up all exercise, then!" Well, as you mention, your clothes are fitting better. I'm also guessing you have great energy and have a better overall feeling of wellness. Not even to mention the heightened metabolism. I know when I was running regularly, my body was a furnace and my weight loss was incredible. Don't worry about the scale or your doctors if you decide to stay committed to this. They will understand what exercise is doing for you. And ditch the scale. It measures weight, not fat. What are you looking to lose? Another great post by PdxMan! Thank you for explaining it so well! My typical response is that the body is holding onto water more (in a non-bloated way) with the exercise. This is so much better! Bottom line.....the weight gain is not fat and that's the main thing. Dr's who ONLY look at the number on the scale and judging their pateints by that are not really looking out for their patient's best interest. Again.....great post!

I had a slip...all saline removed from band three weeks ago, and I've gained 15 lbs. (liquid/soft food) but I've been eating and drinking way too much, I can eat just like before the band, and never feel full. I have also made poor choices, butter, mashed potatoes with cheese and the like. I also think part of the weight gain is finally being rehydrated. But my pants are definitely tighter. Going for fill/check up on Thursday. Good thoughts to all of us.

I echo all the above posters' comments. Remember: our goal is to keep our bands for life, which means respecting them. I suspect much of the failure rates for lapbands are due to keeping them too tight. But I understand your fear. I'm now up 2 pounds from the day I had my partial unfill; that's one pound a week. I'm hoping this is just the normal thing happening when you drop a lot of weight under abnormal circumstances (you know, like when you have the stomach flu and are thrilled to see you lost 5 pounds...5 pounds which comes back on once you return to your normally-scheduled program). I know that I lost around 5 pounds in the two week period my stoma had closed up, so I guess this weight gain is just the rebound of that. I know I'm sticking to my usual diet, although with larger portions because I'm hungry all the time. I'm still not touching any of the stuff I stopped eating the day I got banded: bread, Pasta, white carbs in general. My goal is to maintain my loss until I get my band filled back to my optimal level. I'm freaked out by this gain, but watching things closely because I sense this will even itself out and I'll maintain the weight I was at before this little complication set in. But I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I really really miss having my band at the proper fill level. I am very depressed being back in the dieter's mentality of always thinking about food.

I am in urgent need of a mentor/support buddy. I am several years post op. I was getting comfortable with my size about 18 months after surgery. I really don't know what happened after that. I know that I got super busy with work. I got laid off. I have a gazillion responsibilities with the kids. I have four children, one about to start college, one sophomore, one 8th grader, and one in elementary. I became a PTA president ( dumb, I know ). I did TONS of volunteer work until I started my new job. Somewhere in the span of these past 6 years, I have been a faithful wife of a deputy who has had four episodes of unstable angina, and has undergone 4 PTCAs and has had 7 stents placed. That was a bit distracting. Long story short, life happened. I know that life happens to everyone, but I let myself forget that I'm a lap-band patient. Sure, I was used to everyone commenting on how little I ate, but I could usually explain all that away. I ate what I wanted when I wanted, and I didn't bat an eye. I really didn't notice any difference in my life. But I had a reality check recently when I couldn't fit into one of my old scrub tops. What the hell??? I realized that for the last 5 months, I really have packed on some weight. I hadn't weighed myself in over a year. Since I got down to 175, I was pretty satisfied, so I just stopped doing it. I went in to work and weighed myself, and I found that my new weight is 202! I thought about things. I've been having severe reflux, to the point of waking up choking on my own vomit (essentially). I gained 27 pounds in 5 months. I was just a hot mess. Clearly, I know better. So I FINALLY went in and saw by surgeon. He remarked how proud he was because he hadn't seen me since 2008, but I was at the same weight as I was in 2008. I had to explain to him that I had gotten down to 175, and had a recent issue with weight gain. I realized, as I drove home yesterday, that I really did fool myself into thinking my relationship with food had changed. And really, it has in some ways, but I guess not in a good way. I developed a passion for the culinary arts about two years after surgery, and have become quite the food snob. I make my own EVERYTHING from scratch. I use fresh ingredients. I use (GASP!) butter, half and half, and real, honest-to-goodness eggs. I know! I drink great wine. I know! I'm a crazy lady. I thought that since my portions were so small, it wasn't a big deal for me to enjoy good food. Clearly, 27 pounds later, I was wrong. My relationship with food is just as unhealthy as ever. I just eat better food. My doctor said that the reflux and tenderness around my port was due to the weight gain. He unfilled me and placed me on a liquid diet for 2 weeks. I haven't even made it one full week, and I've eaten 3 meals. They were not unhealthy at all ( for example: grilled tilapia and steamed veggies when we went out for the boss' birthday yesterday), but I had ZERO self control. Why didn't I stick with Water? Because I suck at this! I WANT to be healthy. I WANT to be sexy. I WANT to feel comfortable in my own skin. But I have come to realize that I SUCK at self control. I would love to lean on my husband for support, but 1) he doesn't understand this struggle, and 2) he's hardly ever home. Seriously. I feel like (and get confused with being) a single mom the majority of the time. So please, is there anyone out there who gets me? I need your help. I need to share email addresses, etc. I need help from someone. I have been a good girl today. I've only had coffee with Splenda and ff non-dairy creamer, 1 Atkins shake, and chicken broth. I'm good right now. But who knows about tomorrow?

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

back to 160.2, my low of 5 days ago. In the past 3 days I have stayed at 650 cals or less and part of the problem was really painful constipation which I believe is a side effect of low cal/low carb. Not to be too blunt but things er, resolved, this morning and I lost an entire pound from that alone All of us here know just how little 600 calories is, for a fitness buff or athlete that represents one meal! Yet if I eat more than that, I don't lose weight. And if I eat more than 800 cals and don't work out, I gain. Nobody should be stuffing their faces full of carcinogen laced heart clogging evil, but this just feels ... punitive. Chimera (I think it was), I have yet to find any data regarding a correlation between weight gain/loss and MS, but I completely agree that stress does horrible awful things to our bodies minds and weight. I have been under an extra amount of stress lately, I am still going against Drs orders and not taking the 3 days of brain rest because I am the only one in the office, I mean, what can I do! SherylJane we definitely need to see 6 month pics, post-op pics don't do his work -or yours!- justice

Interesting article. Basically supports what my thinking has been. I just wonder how long does the procedure have to be done before it is no longer referred to being "in it's infancy"? They state numbers referring to patients 6 years out, so, that would appear to me to be out of it's infancy ... But, I reached goal 8 months post and have been maintaining the same weight for over 2 years now. In the article, they state "failure" of a procedure if you have regained 22 pounds or more. That seems like a heavy statement because I have read on here many folks who have regained this and more, but were able to lose it again when they recommitted to comply with the basic guidelines. To me, that is not a procedural failure, but rather an issue with the patient's compliance. As far as why there is weight gain, the article states: There have been so many pissing matches on this forum with regards to the "cheating" question. I'm not going to get into that battle again. Just be ready to accept the consequences. It is difficult for me to support an alcoholic who won't stop drinking ... Bottom line, IMO, is that if I were to gain 30 pounds, it will be due to my "cheating" the sleeve, not the failure of the procedure. I also believe that if I were to return to rigorously following the guidelines, I would drop that 30 pounds. Does this point to a failure of the procedure?

I recently started running again, I keep my calories at around 1200 and it seems like my scale is moving in the wrong direction! My clothes a fitting better though... But then there is that constant pressure to lose weight by my next Dr. Appt which has me stressed out! Have any of my fellow bandsters gone through this?

After putting it off for 2 years because I didn't want to be lectured about gaining weight back, I went to see my surgeon last July. She cheerfully informed me her practice had stopped doing bands in 2010 because the success rate is so low! Based on my severe GERD she unfilled my band right then, rather than adding fill like I'd expected. It was an immediate relief. From 2 Prilosec/day to 1 every 2 days or even longer. Since then I've done all the steps and paperwork (tedious!) to get approved for a revision to the vertical sleeve. My plan said 'okay', and my surgery is set for April 30! While I'm not looking forward to the surgery, I am really hopeful I'll be far more successful with the VSG. In the meantime I've been working out with a trainer since September and am as strong as I can be, even if my weight has stayed the same. With no fill in the band, I'm grateful for no weight gain at this point. I'll let you all know how it goes, please all of you do the same!

From my own experiences, I know that if I eat carbs from candy or fruit I tend to hold or gain weight and experience sugar cravings. If the same amount of carbs come from beans/vegetables I don't experience weight gain and I don't get sugar cravings. The guidelines I was given said try to have 75% Protein 25% carbs per meal. And by carbs they were referring to fibrous vegetables like greens/beans/squash/eggplant - nothing that could be quickly converted into sugar like fruit or potatoes or Pasta or rice.

I weighed in daily while on the losing part of the journey. As with others, I did not let a weight gain derail me as long as I knew it wasn't due to poor decisions on my part. Now that I've transitioned into the maintenance phase, I weigh weekly. If I find this is enough to keep me accountable, I may move to monthly as well. There's a wonderful thread out there...i wish I can recall the topic title but it's all about the NSVs and the positive changes that happen while you are losing. It's a much healthier way of looking at the journey rather than doing it by focusing on the numbers.

I was admitted to the hospital yesterday and had my gallbladder removed. I was discharged today and while I'm in pain, I'm recovering nicely. BUT I'm pissed at the scale because it shows an 8 pound gain. I haven't eaten any food since Sunday afternoon. I know it's from the IV fluids but it still really upsets me.

I quit on Super Bowl Sunday, 1985. I had a horrible sore throat and it hurt to swallow, much less smoke. I thought, I wonder how long I can stay off cigarettes? The answer is 29 years and counting. It wasn't easy when the sore throat cleared up. Habits were hard to break. Everything I did with a cigarette in my hand had to be relearned. This was back in the day when you could still smoke at your desk at work. Driving, out to dinner, out to a bar, watching tv, you name it. It hits you like a ton of bricks how often you reach for a cigarette. Mine was cold turkey from about two packs a day at age 23. I started in high school. My high school actually had a smoking lounge for students. I had never really tried to cut back or quit before then, but I was getting winded on stairs, etc., and it wasn't all from my weight. Once I quit, it only took a few weeks to begin to see the benefits. My sense of smell came back, things tasted better. I don't recall a big weight gain, but I was already obese. I had dreams occasionally for years that I had sneaked a cigarette. I'd wake up sweating. One thing I know is that quitting cigarettes was a cakewalk compared to quitting overeating. I've done both in my life and the food was much harder. I'm proud of being smoke free and now on a journey to healthy weight as well. You can do it. Think of the years added to your life the moment you quit. You will have a cleaner car, a cleaner home, your coat won't smell. If you can change your eating, you can do this. Good luck.