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I'm down to the wire--and the days are taking LONGER and LONGER to go by. I am at strict liquids for these last two days. I've lost almost seven pounds on this preop diet in the past five days doing strict Adkins. My goal is to be at 205 the day of surgery. I have 1.4 pounds to go--but think that should be attainable doing all liquids. My clothes don't feel so "poured into" feeling--and so I'm glad I didn't splurge and buy some last week when they were all straining to keep up with my last supper weight gains! I'm regretting not exercising as I had vowed to do--haven't so much as walked..but am planning on doing that the day of surgery! Wednesday, June 17th, 2009.... is the first day of the rest of my life. With the force of all my past failures, the suction of the hopes of a new unburdened life, and the grace of God...I will make it thru this transition and finally, for the first time in what seems like a lifetime away, will look in the mirror and see someone "in control" of my self---confident, vibrant, alive. I go to visit my family and friends over Christmas vacation and I am SOO excited about that! I will look at pictures taken of myself from this time and not die an inward death--or try to hide behind someone. I've learned alot this past week of pre-op dieting...I have really felt a slipping of the grip that food has had on me. I really WILL do this this time!

Yeah I don't really see the problem either. As long as you are holding yourself accountable throughout the whole day calorie and protein wise by keeping track of everything you put in your mouth. Right now we cannot eat very much so the snacking will not add on the calories. If it is a habit a year out, then your snacking might add more calories than you expected which could cause weight gain. I keep track of my calories etc. on myfitnesspal. If I don't reach my protein by late afternoon I usually drink one of my protein shakes to up the numbers.

This surgery isn't new, it is the first part of a duodenal switch which has been around for a long time. A couple of facts about weight - Men generally have male pattern weight gain which gives them a spare tyre rather than an hour glass shape. After menopause women don't have as much oestogen so they accumulate weight around the middle whearas previously they may have gained it more around the hips. You can't predict or influence where you lose weight - the flat belly diet etc are all a load of hype for the purpose of selling books. It will come off where it wants too. You can influence your shape by targeting muscles in certain areas You can also reshape your body with plastic surgery if you can afford to Most people that are obese or morbidly obese have large stomachs to start with so even after weight has been lost it stands to reason that there will be an accumulation of fat and or loose skin in that area.

Today I am up a couple of pounds from the water weight gain from salty foods and junk over the weekend. Today I am feeling more in control:clap2: , I hope it lasts., I will try hard. I went grocery shopping and bought my protein. Those out of control, need to push food into my mouth are so intense and sneaky that they are here before you know it. Missed the onset cue. :phanvan AM 3 bites cereal and millk coffee, splenda, cream

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Don't do it girl. You're off the junk, stay off. Aside from the differing opinions of various surgeons-some say it will stretch your sleeve slowly over time (like mine) and some say it doesn't at all. ( I am NOT going to take that chance under any circumstances!)- aside from that- That crap is no earthly good for you. The phosphorus acid will rot your guts and the sweeteners still contribute to weight gain like real sugar. It's just not a nutritionally sound decision. Try to replace that craving with something else. I don't know what, but my opinion is don't do it!! (not that I feel strongly about it or anything

i had UHC Only.... i went to the free seminar, got the packet, met with the surgeon, they set up all my appts. I asked for as many in one day as possible. So i did the bar-am swallow, nutritionist, and the nurse in one day. Did the cardo and sleep study in the same day/night. Went from the Cardo to the sleep study that night. got my referral from my family dr that show the 5 year progression of weight gain. They complied all the info along with a surg. day and submitted it to UHC..... got approved the first shot out. I really think having the dr. compile everything and sending in all together with a date was the key. UHC likes to "lose" paperwork. It's easier to lose one sheet than a whole packet...... First dr. visit was in Aug. and my surg. was 11/10/09. Normally, you have to submit to your primary insurance first... if you have insurance on you thru your work, and your husband has insurance on you at his work..... your insurance will be primary for you and your husbands will be secondary. For your husband his work insurance would be primary and your insurance would be secondary. You can't choose which one you want to be primary. UHC required that i call before they started any test so that they would be covered. Hope that helps

My stall came with a weight gain, too. It was close to 3 pounds, I think? Since then I've had mostly loss, but occasionally I'll have a couple days where I don't lose, or a day where I put on a pound and take it right back off the next day. Bodies are strange >.>

I'm on Camila daily and have had no problems with weight gain or loss. (Although I was just banded last week on 4/18.) I did have a concern about antibiotics weakening the strength of the pill. I'll be checking with my doc this week.

Sorry to hear of your condition, and yes as you know the weight gain is because of the medication. Be encouraged because you know that you can lose the weight again. You already have the tool in place and once the medication and treatment is done you can go back to losing. I know it sounds like a step backward, but really you're the encouragement and testimony to the band. Yes you're going through this now, but you'll lose not once but twice because you have the tools and knowledge on how to do it, and do it successfully. You're a testimony and inspiration to others. Yes you may have some tough times, but get back on it, as soon as you're able and do what you can... setbacks are part of life, but it's when we overcome them that make us great!

If you are taking any medication whatsoever, get in touch with your surgeon and ask him/her to review the prescriptions in order to determine if any have weight gain as a side effect. In particular, there are several prescriptions prescribed for psychological/psychiatric issues that can cause great weight gain. There are other non-psyche meds that, while not causing weight gain, tend to inhibit losses. For example, in one interesting study, researchers found that WLS patients who took Metformin post-surgery lost much less weight and plateaued while those who didn't take it showed much more drastic weight loss.

Wow, been a long time since being banded in April '07. Done really well, stopped smoking, gained some back and am losing it again. Fellow long time bandsters can probably agree with this from experience....it is a life long battle with the band as well as without. It is just easier to win a battle when you have a weapon. And the band is our weapon. BUT, do not break the rules and lay the weapon down cause then you are in trouble. You have to be vigilant, day in and day out unless you want to get beaten. For example, if you would have told me this time a year ago that I would gain back 40 pounds I would have called you a liar. Sure, I quit smoking and that was the main reason for the weight gain but I mean really...the band did not keep me from gaining weight....the band HELPS to LOSE weight. So, I learned the hard way. I learned a lesson that you would think is common sense? Yep, but it happens. I forgave myself. Now I know...I have to WORK it. I have to work it today AND I have to work it tomorrow. And tomorrow I will tell myself to work it the next day...and so on and so on. I have 2 rewards in this...#1 I still do not smoke anymore and #2 I am smarter about my weapon. OH and #3 I did not have to gain ALL the weight back to realize my mistakes. I stopped the bleeding in time. The first few months with 'the weapon' was tough...losing it twice and keeping it off is tougher. BUT, it is going to happen. Once I learned that this is my life with the band and I learned to accept it, life has gotten better. I went through the 'oh, screw this' phase. You know, the inner fat girl saying "eat it, its OK". I wish I would have woke up before I gained 40 pounds but it is what it is and I am changing it. Like my violet friend Judy says "its not how you run the race, its how you finish". True, and I am running right now:tongue2:

Hello fellow sleevers, I was sleeved march 15th 2012 and it was the best decision i made in my life. I lost weight and felt great about myself. Most of all i got pregnant and now have an angelic baby girl. After my pregnancy i gained weight and its now a year in and it's proving to be rather difficult to lose the weight. Currently i'm at 78 kilo's. Pre pregnancy i was at 72 and my goal weight in life is 60. Will i ever get there. Is there any advice any one who has been in my position can give me?

Hey everyone, was looking for a lap-band buddy. I was banded January 2007, lost weight, gained, and now I'm back on the "bandwagon", just looking for someone for support and accountability especially with excercise (I'm usually motivated, but I fell this week in the snow and in a lot of pain, I'm afraid that I'll lose my motivation) Thanks for reading!

I know someone who was sleeved and this became an issue for them as well. It was the psychological component of increasing calories and fear of weight gain that kept the loss going - sounds like a similar issue. My friend was also concerned about possible anorexia. We haven't spoken in a few months so I am not sure if the issue resolved - but I can say you aren't alone. I agree with the previous post, counseling is important - preferably someone with experience with bariatrics, if not then someone with eating disorder experience. This is usually not a case of simply "eat more" - as you already know that is the solution but can't get yourself to do it.

Thanks everyone...Fred he has mentioned surgery but I don't think mentally he can do what is required. Atleast at this stage. He has a well check this month and I think he knows he is not healthy. Last year he was 20lbs lighter and more active yet his cholesterol blood pressure and liver levels were all pretty high he was also pre-diabetic. This year I am sure the numbers are worse just from weight gain. My hubby will always be the best thing since sliced bread no matter his weight! However it is hard to see him go from a healthy fit Marine who ran 3 miles a day, to now with all these looming health problems. I have always been the one in our marriage that had the weight problems. The roles have reversed some what and it takes an adjustment. Crazy the dips and turns life throws your way! He was there for me and still is, so no doubt I will be there with him!

I thought the Ladies would appreciate this information!!! Menstrual Cycle and Weight Article By: The Weight Watchers Research Department While there may be minor changes in metabolism, food intake and cravings throughout the menstrual cycle in addition to possible Water retention, these will not impact weight-loss success. Food cravings, overeating and weight gain are commonly reported during the one to two weeks before menstruation occurs. But what is the science to support these symptoms, and what is their impact on weight-loss success? Food Intake and Metabolism While overeating is the popular perception, research has shown that there are only minor changes in actual food intake throughout the menstrual cycle. Most studies suggest an increase in eating of around 100 to 200 calories in the days before bleeding occurs,1,2 but this appears to be offset by the small rise in metabolism (around 5 to 10 percent)3 that occurs during the same time period. In other words, the body tends to adjust the calories in/calories out on its own. Therefore, in a weight-stable state, no changes in weight will occur. However, if actively losing weight by following a restricted-calorie food plan, the likely result would be a slight (but hardly noticeable) increase in weight loss due to the increased metabolism without the usual increase in calories. Alternatively, the result instead could be a slightly greater difficulty in following the food plan because of increased hunger during that period. Food Cravings Although food cravings are commonly reported during certain times of the menstrual cycle, the scientific evidence on the subjects is limited. Some smaller studies suggest a link, particularly a craving for high carbohydrate sweets.4,5 These studies also show that cravings tend to occur more often in women with <A href="/health/sciencecenter/Glossary.aspx#premenstural">premenstural syndrome (PMS) and that the cravings increase as symptoms worsen.6 While more research is needed to understand food cravings, the good news is that they do not appear to translate into large increases in calorie intake and subsequent weight gain. Water Retention The most likely reason for a weight gain is water retention. While this is a common symptom that can be particularly discouraging when following a structured food plan,7 the weight gain is usually minor and temporary (that is, any weight that is gained is lost around the time of menstruation). Furthermore, water retention can be lessened during this time period by making small dietary changes, like reducing sodium and increasing fluids. Bottom Line: Major fluctuations in eating and weight during certain periods of the menstrual cycle are a common perception, but studies done in the area find that the changes are minor, temporary and will not impact weight-loss success. This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated September 24, 2009.

yaborhoo I have attempted the 5 day pouch test and lost 3 lbs that was 10 lbs ago:(,Im not having any ill side affects from the medication I started today, the other medications that has weight gain warnings I cam off of 4 months ago,and the new medication for BED is the only one on the market as of now,I have also tried kundalini yoga, Miss Mac I haven't meet the bariatric Dr yet,More like the game Frogger ,me being the alligator trying to eat the frog,I only meet with a nut once or twice so I am so lacking in that department any advice would help, FrankiesGirl that is a great question my beloved husband does the food shopping I have been fired because I try to get more fresh fruit and veggies he dosn't like it retired cop needs his donuts,and he is constantly telling me I have to eat something I cant not eat.he also gained some weight ,Freshman 15 ha more like FL 30.but he has a 6'3"height advantage. BLERDgirl ED oh had to think about that for a moment ( I dont have those parts) eating disorder yes that I do have,I figured I would try here first.but that does sound like a good idea, thank you all so much

When I asked the psych why we had to come see him he said that among other reasons 70% of women wanting the LB have gotten to that point because they had been sexually abused at some point in their lives. That weight could be a way to feel like it won't happen again so they like to make sure there aren't any underlying issues that caused the weight gain. I guess that made sense, I didn't have any weird questionaires I had to fill out......

I'm a little over 2 weeks post op, and I've been sticking to the foods In my diet plan. I've dropped a total of 19 lbs but today I weighed myself again and I've gained back 3 lbs.. could this be because I'm about to get my period in 3 days? Please tell me it's just hormones and I'm not messing this up somehow Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am a former LapBand patient. I unfortunately had to have the LapBand removed in February of 2009 because of complications that my surgeon didn't catch early on. Because of the complications (the band slipped, causing an extra pouch above my stomach and severe scarring on my stomach), I cannot get another band put on. I recently heard of the VSG on TV and have been contemplating this surgery. When I had the band removed, I was told my only option was a gastric bypass, but I have not met one person that hasn't had to be re-hospitalized because of severe complications with the bypass - so that just isn't an option for me - scares me a little too much. So, I am wondering if this surgery would be a better fit. Through the different forums I have read throughout this web-site, it does seem like there are a lot of similarities in the side-effects with the 2 surgeries. So, I guess I am wondering if there is anyone out there that also had the LapBand removed and had this surgery done? Or, if anyone that has had this surgery done, can you tell me a little bit about your experience -- how the weight loss has gone, how much you are eating, etc. I have gained 85 of the 120 I lost and it really is depressing. Especially when I try my hardest to eat healthy and exercise. I really want to run with my kids again and have the energy back that I have lost with this weight gain. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and any information you could provide -- that would just wonderful!!!

Don't do the last suppers!!! My friend did and put on 18 pounds in two weeks. Her op was a few years before mine. And now if there is a weight gain between the first consult and surgery, they stop the surgery. This is the surgeries rules, as the want everyone to get on board mentally before the op. I agree best option is eat health and similar to want is expected afterwards, although your portion pre-op are going to be alot larger. I'm 5days post op my meals are 4teaspoons of soft mushy food.

I had my RNY surgery on May 4th, 2004 to be exact. Like everyone on this site, my weight had been an issue for many, many years and this surgery seemed to be the only option I had left. In fact, a close friend of mine had the surgery before me and it was due to her positive experiences that I began looking into it. Ironically, at the time time I began investigating this surgery, my mother was a nurse working in bariatrics, working for the doctor I would later have the surgery from. I will be the first to tell you, that choosing surgery is a very personal choice. I do not think it is for everyone and feel one should look at all options before choosing surgery. I have not always been open in talking about it, as I was fearful of others negative comments and even more so, my own fear of failing. What if the surgery did not produced the results I want? Before deciding on her surgery, I will admit I was just completely lost. I hated what I looked like and felt just completely out of touch with my inner self as compared to my outer appearance. I would lie to my friends and family about my work schedule simply to miss having anyone see me. I would often times avoid phone calls so that I could not be available. As with any family, I had major issues with facing certain people because it was never good...or made me feel worse. I have a number of family members who never suffered with weight issues....my brother for example has always looked great....my mother and aunt always looked great....my grandparents too. There were people in my family who tried to diet with me, or point out every food item I was eating, saying, "that is your third dinner roll" or, "do you know how many calories are in that?". It was just one comment after another. I was ashamed of what I looked liked, and angry/jealous of others who were skinny or seemed to have no weight issues. Being overweight, simply sucks! Being the fat girl, the one with the great hair and funny personality Sucks! I was sick and tired of being the third wheel, the girl who had a lot of male "friends", or the one who was just a great person to talk to. I had enough! I wanted to change. When you are heavy, there are common comments you tend to hear day in and day out. Some are self generated, while others are said directly.....of course, those comments become our daily motto (at least for me they did). Instead of, you are so beautiful....I would be told "I love your hair", "you are just big boned", "you have your dads figure" (by the way not a compliment...love my dad, but really!". The comments people make are really unbelievable. Ok so I finally decide on surgery. I was approximately 220 pounds before surgery. At this point, I was told by some in a support group I was not heavy enough to have the surgery! Such a crazy response to make in a Support Group session. I stayed 5 days in the hospital....and my weight loss process began. The first year after surgery had its moments. I cannot say it was always easy. Yes, the weight came off....incredibly fast. I was so happy with the results. Eating, that was different and often times a big struggle. I had a very hard time keeping food down...and finding food I was able to tolerate. Overtime, this improved. So much so, that I no longer suffer from the same restrictions as I did in the beginning. I think this was something to expect, but am now facing some realities I truly did not think about as the beginning stages of my weight loss were so successful. My lowest weight was 124 pounds, but that only lasted for half of the day. My stable weight stayed between 132-140. After approximately 3 years after surgery I began gaining weight. Each year there after seemed to be more and more difficult. I remember weighing 138 pounds and visiting my grandfather. Spent a long day with him, only to have him tell me at the end of our visit that I was getting fat! Truth be told, I was gaining weight, I just hated hearing that I was fat! After all, I had a surgery to help with my weight. At approximately 5 years after surgery, I weighed 150. Not a horrible weight, but something definitely needed to change. So, I started running. And got into swimming again...and eventually took up triathlons. I completed 5k's, 10k's, sprint triathlons, half marathons, a swim around the florida keys, half iron-man...the list goes on. I just readjusted my life. Well now, 10 years out from my surgery, I am at an overwhelming weight of 172! I am getting back to the basics....And trying to get back on track. I have joined this site for additional support and to find others just like me. I knew I would gain some weight back, I just never expected to get to where I am now. Yes, I have taken the liberty to eat the wrong foods, to eat too much, to snack...and just simply stop doing what I am suppose to do. I have allowed outside stress and daily life stuff get in the way of my past successes. I am now focusing on me, and what I need to do to get healthy! I want to lose this weight and am determined to be successful. **quick advice for anyone in the beginning stages or ones noticing a weight gain..... Weight loss is not magic, the surgery only works as successfully as You follow it! Be mindful of what you eat, and never take it for granted that it will be the solution you are seeking. I am learning this and am taking full accountability for where I am now. Sorry for such a long post....but thanks for letting me share....

Has anyone else experienced weight gain right after the surgery? I was banded on 11/20 and in just a few days I've gained 6 pounds back from what I lost pre-op. And yes, I've been sticking to the post-op diet of just liquids and calories under 1,000/day.

I had my first drink (diet coke and rum over ice) at 4.5 months out. I felt a little tipsier than I would have felt from one drink before, but I've never been a big drinker. Several weeks ago, I attended a bachelorette party where I drank 8 drinks over the course of about 7 hours, along with several glasses of water to combat the diuretic effects. I felt buzzed for a bit, then sobered up REALLY fast. I'm sure my liver hated me, but I had no adverse effects. No weight gain, no hangover and we had a blast. I did dance all night, so maybe that affected my alcohol absorption.

Sunshine: If it helps, try weighing yourself precisely on the same day every week at the same time in th same state of dress. Keep a record. Nothing wrong in weighing every day if you like, but that can be distressing to some and weight goes up and down all the time. Once your find your pattern of weight loss you will be more relaxed with gains. For instance, I start of real low at the lst of the month, and gain in the 3rd week then show my true weight at the end of the month. For fun and to keep me focused, I weigh in every few mornings to keep me on track but discount any weight gain. Others feel it better to throw away the scale and only weigh in at the doctors. Whatever suits you but remember you will show weight gains sometimes. Hope this helps