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Do I regret every having surgery......Yes I do very much but there is nothing that i can do now. I'm somewhat independent and like you try to get my exercise in daily. the symptoms of low thyroid for me are brain fog, tiredness, weakness and weight gain i've gained 6kgs in just two months and am sitting at 70kgs right now which with your pounds conversion is 154 also my immune system is out of wack at the moment and i'm just getting over a 5 week old cold/flu in summer mind you. Don't forget too that the cramps could also mean a deficiency in magnesium and potassium. If i remember correctly you should notice a difference in three months unless of course the doctors decide to give you the calcium intravenously in which case the results would be instant.

You are fortunate you were diagnosed very early - at least you know why you are the way you are....I was diagnosed with PCOS at the ripe old age of 42. I have lived with excess hair (feeling like a freak), irregular and very heavy periods (even though I told every doctor I came across), problems getting pregnant, unexplained weight gain, etc. It wasn't suggested by my PCP, but once I told her what I was doing she was so happy. She said, "You have worked so hard to lose weight and I believe you will not be successful on your own. You need this and I think it's the best thing you can do." (My only wish was that we would have talked about this years ago - I've wasted a lot of time!) I'm 10 weeks post op now - I'm off Metformin now (I stopped taking it the week before surgery - doc approved). I feel so much better - I have more energy. I said before surgery that I hope that my only regret is that I didn't do this sooner - it is. Best of luck to you - you will know if and when this is the right decision for you. You will feel it.

Funny I also started out with Graves' disease and was at my high weight of 302lbs I weigh less now. Usually we are suppose to be so skinny because our metabolism is moving so quickly. Haha...I am always the exception to the rule. Then did the radiation and left with hypothyroidism. On levothyroxine now among other things. Looking at a march surgery RNY...I have met others with the hypothyroidism that have had the surgery and they have done great. I think one of the key things we need to do is stay on top of our situations by getting our thyroid panels done regularly...and be very familiar with what the symptoms are of the disease other than weight gain, hair loss, depression etc. Your gonna do great--we all are!

While the old me is still fresh in mind, I thought I'd share a list of all the little things (mostly good, a couple challenging) that make getting sleeved an unbelievable experience. First the good (really great): The numbers: I weighed 256 pounds when I decided to get sleeved (all time high was 272). Surgery weight (Nov 25th 2013) was 246. Today, I weighed in at 212. Eating: It's REALLY nice not obsessing about food. I used to wake up every morning praying that I wouldn’t overeat and then go to sleep most nights regretting what I ate. At buffets, I’d worry about how many plates I was consuming. At family style dinners, I’d worry about how big my helpings were and if I’d go for seconds. When I did manage to eat a healthy properly portioned meal, I felt completely unsatisfied. It’s been 9 weeks since surgery and I don’t believe I’ve been hungry once – seriously. Instead of lusting after food, I mostly concern myself with the Protein content and how hard it might be to digest. The food addiction is over and I feel like the monkey that’s been on my back for 39 years is gone. Clothing: My waist size went from 42 to comfortable 36. I went from 2XL to large for shirts. Over the last few months every week, I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that were too big. I wouldn't have done this on a regular diet fearing that in a subsequent weight gain, I'd need them. I've pretty much exhausted my existing "skinny clothes" and am having to buy transition clothes -- I'm sticking to cheaper stuff for now. Clothes "fit" so much better now. It's not just the waist -- it's the thighs, butt, crotch, etc. I didn't realize how badly clothes fit when you have to start with something that fits a 42 waist. Lastly, at a size 36 I can shop at any store I want, which was not in the cards previously. Travel: I travel a lot for work. Sitting in an airline seat is soooo much easier now. I used to feel like they were oppressively small torture devices. Not saying I want one for my home recliner -- but I no longer dread stuffing myself into one. Sleeping: I used to sleep horribly, frequently waking up with headaches, and was in the process of getting used to a CPAP machine. I sleep great now with no CPAP. No more headaches either. That means I’m not tired all day and don’t have to drink 12 cups of coffee and 6 Advil’s just to function. This is probably the single best benefit so far. Comfort in my skin: Just about every activity -- walking, sitting, crossing my legs, standing, exercising, sex, drying off after a shower, going up stairs, getting dressed – is easier and more comfortable now. I really didn’t realize how taxing some of these things were prior to surgery. Every one of these things is easier (by a lot) now. Now for the challenges: Eating: It’s taking me a while to learn how to eat slowly. I’ve found that speed of eating has the highest correlation to digestibility and comfort, even more than type of food. Like a lot of obese people, I used to cram food down really quickly. That doesn’t work with the sleeve and is a habit that has to be broken. Social stuff: I haven’t told anyone but my wife a few family members about my surgery. I used to be the guy that everyone wanted to dine out with for food extravaganzas. This change has been manageable but definitely takes effort. I still go out a lot and most people are so busy shoveling food in their mouth, they barely notice what I eat. Other times, I use the “I had a late lunch/dinner” excuse as to why I’m eating like a bird. Since I’ve chosen to keep the surgery to myself, this is just a new reality. As you can tell from the above, I’m really happy with the surgery and only regret not having done it sooner. Would love to hear other peoples revelations good and otherwise, post-surgery.

I have lost 25 pounds since surgery November 19th. That includes the weight gain from the IV. I have not been 216 pounds or in size 16 pants in ten years! I am not complaining but it does cross my mind that the loss should be faster. I examine myself all the time to see what I can do better or differently. I work out 4-5 days a week for a hour or two . I am trying new things at the gym all the time. I do not feel well if I eat below 800-900 calories, so I stick with that most days.

On feb 7th will be my one month post op. The first two weeks I lost 15 lbs... Now I've gained 4 lbs! My doc gave me no restrictions on food except steak and tough meat, which I haven't consumed. I make healthy choices... For example, I will chose salad over pizza or grilled chicken instead of fried. Anyone else going through or have gone through what I'm going through? Thanks! ❤️

Yes and yes! You have to have the mental fortitude to be stronger then desires. It would be so easy to just have one, but one leads to 2 and 1 week of bad eating leads to 3 months of bad eating if not careful. And that is where the weight gain will occur. Be strong! Put your health goals ahead of desires. True story today. My wife and I were at an aquatic center grand opening today and their idea of refreshments was 1000s of little cupcakes and regular size Cookies. Go figure. Ignoring for a moment of how such food ended up at a place of fitness,I just want to say how easy it would have been to eat 1-3 cup cakes (bite size) and/or a cookie or two. There is not any aspect from surgery that would have prevented me from doing this. No restrictions, no slimes,etc. I had to make a decision of not indulging even though I could probably had gotten away with it due to my fitness levels. I had to leave the room. It just was not worth it to start down that slippery slope so +1 for mental fortitude. Put your health goals first before your desires and you will be strong enough for when those temptations arise.

So I finally have a surgery date (3/10) and I guese it's time to tell my story. I have not been overweight my whole life. I was an athlete in high school and that carried over into my adult life. I've never been "skinny" just fit and curvy. Then suddenly about 10 years ago I couldn't eat whatever I wanted without gaining weight. Ok no big deal I ate better and exercised more and lost the weight but since then it's been a struggle up and down constantly dieting. The final straw came when I had to quit smoking for a job I wanted. I gained 50 pounds in less than 2 months and no matter what I do its here to stay. Since the weight gain ny self esteem has plummeted. I no longer leave the house because I'm ashamed of how I look. I go to work and come home. Because of this I feel every aspect if my life has suffered. I dont feel like a good wife, because I never have the energy to do anything with my husband and I always feel like im just the fat employee. In short I was tired of sitting around watching my life pass me by. I started with research to find out what my options were and settled on the lap band for 2 reasons. 1. Less invasive and 2. Its reversible. I understand the lifestyle changes I need to make and bad habits that need to be broke. I feel like this is the start to finally being able to look at myself in the mirror again.

HW: 285 SW: 266 CW: 252 Still much slower in coming off and it is a bit disappointing. I am telling myself it is because of no exercise and hope that really is the reason. Only 11 more days until hip replacement surgery and then therapy and exercise can start in full. It has been a 2 year journey of increasing pain to finally have this hip surgery done. I think back to all of the ways my life became more and more limited during this time and wonder how I let it go for so long before getting something done. I haven't been out for a day of shopping, for a visit to a museum, on a trip that included walking or even a comfortable visit to the grocery store in 10 months. And this inactivity only led to weight gain during this time. It was actually preparing for this surgery that opened up the door to VSG for me. My Ortho said he would not do the surgery until I lost some weight and he suggested having this procedure. So I'm grateful beyond belief and am so ready to get this final piece done. I have really stepped out and given myself what I truly need to get "me" back. I have taken leave from my job since November to concentrate on myself. I used to travel across country every other week (airport walking was a killer) and my company accommodated me by having an apartment for me out there. It took me a while to realize they weren't really doing this for me but for them! I was a compliant workaholic. So I am taking all the time I need, without pressure, to focus on what is best for me. And it's not been easy to place myself first. I have replaced all of the emails that were generated by my job with emails about your postings here. What a positive change! Your encouragement, success stories, challenges have all provided me with the support I need and I appreciate each and every one. Thanks for being here and being a non-judgmental group of people. Only 11 more days (with hopefully a few more pounds gone) and then BRING IT ON!

No, it doesn't have to happen. It happened to me though, and it was hard to take it off. You have to be vigilent, and not snack or think you can make a whole lot of changes in maintenance. The farther you are post op, the harder it is to take off weight gained back. Whatever you're doing now, tracking your food, counting your calories, etc, it's pretty much a life long plan. If you keep losing and you don't want to lose, you can add in a healthy snack, like avacodos, nuts, etc. You'll find your calorie range.

After talking with my doctor I opted not to get the depo. She said the average weight gain is 5lbs a year and she said she didn't want to set me back. I ended up with the lowest dose of hormone pill available.

I've heard good and bad things about that birth control. My bestfriend was on it and it effected her badly. Weight gain and she had periods on and off sometimes 2 times a month. Have you thought about the one they put in your arm? I was looking into that one for myself.

I've had one for almost 5 years and it is due to be replaced. I'm having it removed entirely. My NUT and ARNP who acts as my OB have both strongly suggested I have it removed and that while there is no data that the Mirena causes weight GAIN, both told me that a large percentage (OB said 60% roughly) of patients report difficulty losing. For the record, my ARNP and NUT do not know each other but they are both women. With Obamacare, it will only cost me my dedictible to have my tubes tied as sterilization is a form of birth control and entirely covered. I plan on doing just that later this year. I realize this isn't an option for everyone but I am most definitely done having children!

I have not had VSG yet. I am in the beginning stages. I will be going to my second appointment soon. I have to be on a weight loss program for 6 months. I have been trying to research this surgery. Somewhat obsessively.... From my research, it appears the majority of people gain weight back. I hear alot about 5:2 diets, lots of exercise, lots of Protein and Water. I hear repeatedly that this is just a tool. But what is our stomach before the surgery. I would think it is a tool to begin with. I am not very good with the tool that I currently have. I would think if I would cut out my calories drastically and start exercising, drinking water, stop caffeine and carbonation that I would probably lose a substantial amount of weight, for a while... I'm really confused as to how the sleeve is different. It seems from my research that the sleeve jumpstarts weight loss for about 2 years and after that most people are struggling to keep weight off or trying to lose the many pounds that they have gained. I have been watching videos on you-tube and many people have negative things to say. The last I watched was about how bad the Vitamin deficiencies made her feel. Most people seem very happy for the first two years but after that it seems I'm finding a lot of negativity. I would like to have more input from some people that have had surgery a few years out. I am currently 5'7" and 250 pounds. I told my doctor my concerns. He assured me that I would lose to 150 and as I get older I might put on 10 pounds. He said I would need to exercise, but walking around my neighborhood 3-4 times a week would be sufficient. I'm not sure this is accurate, bariatric surgeons do make their living by performing surgeries so he may tell me this because I will easily qualify and have good insurance. Please give me feedback!!!!

Good morning, all! I had my post-op visit yesterday with the nurse, and she said everything looked great (I was banded on 1/10/14). I finally found out where my port was! I am still losing weight, albeit more slowly, and am really trying to watch what I eat, although the nurse said that a weight gain is fine at this point. She said the main idea is to heal. Right now, I've lost a little over 23 lbs. She also moved me off mushy foods and onto soft foods - yay! I'll stay on those until the 31st, and then get to move to regular foods. I've decided to make this my week for really planning my diet in the weeks ahead, so I'm sorting through recipes and making my grocery list. I feel like this is a whole new life for me! My first appointment for a fill is on February 18th - I asked that it be after the weekend of the 14th because I will be out of town at a business retreat, and will be eating out a lot, so I figured that would be easier. Hope everyone here is doing well!

Normal. Many of us hit the 3 week stall which is common. You also need to consider surgical weight gain from Fluid retention. Your TOM will cause Water retention as well as any excess in salt from bad food choices. Hang on, follow plan FOR REAL, and move your body. The weight will come off.

I'm 2 months post-op. Lost 35lbs since surgery and 40 on my own. Two weeks ago, oh happy day, family doc took me off Metformin(diabetes). Also had my first fill that day. I have a bad habit of weighing everyday. So imagine my surprise when one day I gained a pound. Didn't panic, probably just Water weight. Well 2 days after that I was up a total of 3lbs. I am doing everything by the book. Weighing and measuring. 800 to 1,000 calories a meal. Getting all my water and Protein. Exercise 5 days a week. Cardio and weights. The only thing different is I'm of the metformin. Talked to my nurse. She said this could be the culprit and not weigh and not to worry. Well I am worried. I went so far as to have my husband hide the scale. I thought being taken off the medication was a good thing. I'll get it figured out. My question: has anyone else had this problem?

I have the Mirena along with hormone Patches. Mine was given to balance out hormones when I developed peri-menopausal symptoms. This is my second Mirena coil and I have never had a problem with it at all. I think I can safely say that any weight gain I had was not due to the Mirena. Good luck X

I have the Mirena. While it hasn't caused weight gain there are a lot of other side effects. I suffer from sever migraines which the Mirena made worse. It's been five months and I still suffer from breakthrough bleeding everyday along with horrible cramps when real period comes. I plan on getting mine removed after my surgery. If it wasn't for the Mirena rendering my migraine medication ineffective and worse I would keep it longer. Give my body more time to adjust to it.

Your stomach is permanently small. I'm still less than a year out, and I'm back up to near 1000 calories a day. I think as you shift from loss to maintenance you can eat more - but you still can't fit more than 1c of food at a time, and eating too often leads to grazing which leads to weight gain. You don't want to be back for a revision (I actually met someone who has had all three surgeries - band revised to sleeve revised to RNY!). It's a lifelong journey. If you aren't prepared for the lifelong changes, make sure you get the facts and really think. It's a tool and it's not removable

POOP QUESTION ALERT So I've been clogged up. Had to go the fleet route to get things flowing but it was still bad. So I started taking colace 1x day and that did nothing. So now I'm tAking 2x day. I've noticed that I've GAINED 2 pounds since doing this. Is it making me retain Water? Why the weight gain?

Sorry so late. Yes I have co morbidities. I have arthritis and moderate sleep apnea. I was denied because I gained weight during the 6 months weight management and they said it was not medically necessary. I appealed. I was not able to exercise or be active due to my back. I have arthritis and degenerative disc disorder and bulging disc in my lower back. So I had my pcp to write a letter, I wrote a letter and I got all my medical records dealing with my back as well. I also have PCOS. So weight gain comes with that. I got my records showing a VERY LONG history with that. Sent all that in and the denial was reversed. But my husband was approved with no problem. So dont worry you will be fine! Im in South Carolina!

It’s tough being around loud, pushy people who voice every emotion they feel when they feel it. On the opposite end of the spectrum and easier to be around are quiet people who don’t complain and keep their feelings to themselves. As it turns out, your body begins suffering physical symptoms when you hold unresolved emotional feelings inside. Research supports that the more the emotional baggage is felt internally, the worse it is for the body. Nowhere is this demonstrated as clearly as heart disease or with emotional issues such as depression and anxiety. Women’s bodies are another area that suffers from emotions held in is. According to experts in mind/body medicine, our emotions affect our bodies because they are linked to our bodies via our immune, endocrine and central nervous systems. Just as a broken heart affects our heart and can lead to death, what we feel affects our body and how effective it works. For women, emotions such as unresolved grief or anger at a partner can cause intestinal problems and headaches as easily as it can cause chronic pelvic pain, and many other bodily issues. Holding in emotions weakens your body’s immune system which make it tougher to ward off colds, infections, and when you do get sick you have a more difficult time getting well. Observing a list of body functions affected when women (or men) hold in their emotional baggage is staggering. This is why when you become ill it is so important to evaluate what you are feeling, and what you have been feeling for the past six months because some illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may take months to become symptomatic. Constipation or diarrhea, as well as stomach pain/ulcers Back/Neck pain Depression Insomnia High blood pressure Anxiety/Depression Weight gain or loss (eating disorders always have an emotional aspect) Sexual problems Rheumatoid arthritis Fibromyalgia Asthma Cancers (for example, pancreatic cancer may present with depression before the patient is symptomatic with cancer) Emotional healing is very different from physical healing. When I worked with cancer patients I was reminded of this fact many times. The tumor went away, and the body healed, but the mind lingered sometimes for years over the experience of losing hair, a body part and/or trust in your body. Counseling becomes a wonderful way to release pent up feelings so you can heal emotionally. There are many ways you can help your loved one or yourself unpack your emotional baggage. Try these suggestions and practice them frequently. Laugh as much as you can. Watch funny videos and allow yourself to laugh out loud. Cry when you need to, don’t hold it in, and just let it flow. Practice voicing, “I’m angry.” You don’t have to do an action with it, just say it out loud and say why. Mindful actions. Before you take any medication for a headache, tummy ache, backache, to stay awake, or to fall asleep, ask yourself what am I holding on to. Begin jotting things down. This small action offers huge rewards. Massages are a common treatment for people who have gone through horrendous crisis, and they’re also a wonderful treatment for fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Breathe and let go of held in emotional pain as the therapist works on the body part that holds the physical pain. Medical care has come a long way with advancements in treating so many illnesses. Your body is more than physical though; there is an emotional and soulful part, which is more complicated to treat. Knowing yourself and being able to express uncomfortable feelings is healthy, not only for your mind, but for your body and soul as well. –Mary Jo Rapini

Many people don’t understand the obese person’s journey with food. Nor can they relate to actually being under the influence of the intense food cravings, but ask any alcoholic or drug addict what these cravings feel like, and a food addict will be able to recount a very similar craving. The substance most craved with food addicts is sugar, and anyone who has tried to remove sugar from their diet knows how incredibly difficult that can be. The majority of food addicts have been brought up with another addiction. Maybe their parents were alcoholics, abusive, gamblers, smokers or hoarders. The child learned it was safer to turn to food or some other substance for comfort, because turning to a human for a hug or soothing words was impossible. Many food addicts lose weight to get married, only to find that they don’t have the skills to communicate loneliness, boredom, or anxiety to their partner. They slowly begin to turn to what has helped soothe them in the past, which is food. Before long, communication is compromised in the relationship. There is severe weight gain, which begins a disastrous cycle of withdrawing from sex, and turning to food. Soon the partner isn’t happy and the food addict feels shameful and guilty. These feelings of guilt and shame lock the cycle of turning to food even more securely. Weight loss surgery can help minimize disease and help people become more confident and mobile, but if there is an underlying sugar or food addiction, the weight will be re-gained. Sometimes that is in excess of eighty pounds. How can you help if you are addicted, married or know a food addict during the holidays? The key is to plan now. Realize that your partner or friend has a bigger problem than just eating too much. They need professional help, and they need it now. Find out who is on your plan for insurance and what it allows for help with eating disorders. Begin journaling your intake and talk to your partner about journaling theirs as well. This helps you become a team and to feel supported. Encourage your partner to begin turning to you for comfort or if you are alone, have someone who can accompany you to the party. Stay close to them, and when you feel alone turn to them for conversation or hold their hand. This helps delay your sense of needing food. Help them join a food addiction group, and if they are your partner, go with them if they need your support. There are several in Houston, and “Over Eaters Anonymous” offers a 12-step program for food addicts. Your partner suffers shame and guilt every day. Try to remember this, and be gentle. There is a lot of secrecy in this disorder. If they let you in, respect that. Food addicts are hurt, and we as a society can become part of the problem or part of the solution. Most addicts of food (and other addictions) have an enabler. The enabler complains about the behavior, but also supplies the fix. People who are co-dependent or have a low self-esteem may derive their security from enabling an addict. If you live with a food addict, or you suffer a food addiction, the best thing you can do prior to going to the party or being with friends where a lot of food will be present is to have a plan. Set a time limit for yourself at the party and have someone you are accountable to who helps you stay on track. –Mary Jo Rapini *As with all addictions, interventions only work if the addict wants to heal. Harping, nagging and pleading will be met with resistance to change until the addict is ready to make the change.

What's interesting is that no hunger didn't mean no weight gain for me. I'm up 22lbs and I'm pretty sure the twin culprits were not eating Protein first and constant snacking. Jenny Craig is going well this week - helping with the head hunger because I'm eating plenty and have options for snacking. I'm going to add 5:2 to my program next week. It'll give me something to look forward to and another variant to keep the weight loss going. Funny that I lost 20lbs when I was a teenager on something called "the bread diet". I lived in the Cook Islands at the time and it was popular there and in New Zealand. Every other day you just ate whole grain bread. I always knew I could eat again the next day so it was manageable. If I'm able to get down to my goal weight with JC and 5:2 then I think I'll just keep going with 5:2, protein first, and limited snacking. It was so great being at goal weight. I really, really want that feeling back. Plus I want the reconstructive plastic surgery on my ugly legs and I can only do that when I get this weight off.