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I'm doing well. A lot going on right now. I made my goal which was to lose enough weight to get knee surgery. Turns out I needed hip replacement and had that done three weeks ago. Not focusing on losing weight at the moment, just focusing on eating smart and healing right now. I did weigh myself a couple of days ago and as I expected, was up around ten lbs. but that's water weight. My hips and legs are extremely swollen from the surgery and that's where the weight gain is from. Again...this far into the journey, I know what healthy choices and healthy eating entails and I'm keeping to it even through this major surgery.

Hi, I am new to this site.. I have been looking for an answer all over the internet and I hope you guys can help me. I am 4 weeks post op and for the last 1.5 weeks my weight has fluctuated up and down 2lbs. I didn't think weight gain was possible with this surgery. I called and talked with the medical assistant at the office and she said to keep and eye on it. Weight everyday and if it continues then I need to come in, that this is not normal. I am not having any pain or anything like that, my weight is just STUCK! Has anyone had this? I am sticking to my stage 3 diet not eating to much ect... ect.. Help!! Total loss so far has been 17.6 lbs

I am 9 Weeks out, down 32lbs. I still worry that I wont hit my goal weight. I can tell you that you can not eat the portions you ate before. It is painful to eat too fast or too much. Every time I eat, I think about it. Not because it is a habit, but you feel it. I don't eat mindlessly. Because I eat so much less now, what I eat is a lot more important to me. Protein first, always. Yes, I've had cookies. But not a bag full, 2 little cookies. And that's all I needed. I went a couple Weeks and gained a pound! But my body re adjusted and I am back to losing. Being scared or anxious is normal. The sleeve is what you make it, it will not cure you, it is a tool. I have to re program my brain and my relationship with food. It won't happen overnight, but neither did the weight gain. Trust your doctor and when the pounds start coming off, you'll be so happy, eating crap food doesn't sound so great. It motivates me.

I think finding a hobby/activities to change your focus away from food is very useful. Some years ago I recognized this about my horse world - yes, I rode even when I was huge. Anyway, I could be out all day with friends doing a long ride, and all the logistics that go with it and as long as I had enough water, I was fine. We might take small snacks along, but food just wasn't important. If i were home that same day - trying to go say 6-8 hours without eating, I would have hunger headaches, shakey lowblood sugar, growling tummy and general feeling of low energy misery. It would trigger an overeating when i did finally eat. Anyway, I use this basic approach now - I try to do things that keep me outside of the "foodie" world. I simply don't hang around with people or put myself in situations that are so food oriented. When i did the VSG, I lived with my ex Sig Other, and my two grown sons - I didn't expect any of them to change their junky food habits because I was obese and they are in the range of trim to a few extra pounds. anyway, what i discovered is that I was the source of most of that bad eating and they have all taken it further and really don't bring junk home. They use my approach for treats and temptations - have something you want but don't bring it home. Once you bring it home you have to "resist" every minute of every day that it is sitting on that shelf. Globe - I got really constipated to the point that miralax and all didn't work since i had basically a blockage. I had to use those glycerin suppositories which was gross, but worked. Cheri - I guess for many of us there are multiple dimensions to the whole obesity story. I know that being molested as a child was a major thing that set off my weight gain. You know what, i looked at pictures of myself at 4 or 5 and I was slightly plump, cute as a bug, long shirley temple like curls. My first grade school picture shows a girl with the shortest hair cut you can imagine (I wacked it off to the scalp with scissors myself) and decidedly obese. I remember how much I was teased for both the fat and the haircut... but I have reframed that whole event to thinking about how I was able to make the molesting stop - I made myself unattractive - and it worked. I had something else really bad happen in my late teens (again when I was not so heavy) and sure enough, my response to it was to gain weight. It is a shame that something in our past may have made us feel the need to put on a fatsuit for self protection. I think that I generally worked through all that baggage a long time ago, but by then the fatsuit became very well ingrained and it was time for a physical change (the sleeve) to help me lose weight. What gives me hope about long term maintenance is that I no longer feel afraid of the world, even when I am thin.

I confess that it is still hard giving away my clothes that are too big. I confess I am worried about weight gain during my hospitalization after undergoing neurosurgery again for the second time in one year. I confess that I was very annoyed that my surgeon restricted my workouts pre-op, which added to me not reaching and being stuck at 99lbs. I confess that I've had a few glasses of wine to prepare myself for going into the hospital in the morning. I confess I've been so stressed about surgery again that I haven't gotten in my usual protein and water intake over the last week.

If it was me, I would call the doctor's office. It does seem weird to me that you would gain on a liquid diet. Best bet is to call them & seek counsel since the 10 lb loss is their requirement, and it's their plan that's evidently caused the weight gain. They should be kept informed that this is going on, and can perhaps make alterations to your pre-op plan. Don't get discouraged -- they are on your side and want to help you succeed. Reach out and get some help from them.

And try not to freak out when you add calories and you see a slight weight gain. Takes your body a little while to realize its not starving. I went thru this and was so discouraged. I was stuck for 2 weeks with a 2 pound gain. I did what my NUT said and it starting coming off. We are all different and have different nutritional needs at times.

Recovery from food addiction is basically the same as other forms of addiction. Awareness is the first crucial step, and you are aware of what has happened to cause your weight gain. I am aware of how drastically my eating habits and patterns have changed over the past months. And I am a self confessed carboholic. Yes, every day we do have the opportunity to re-commit to doing the best we can to get back on track. I feel it is important to understand the reasons we allow ourselves to engage in behaviors to sabotage our efforts to remain compliant with eating. My band has been empty since June, and everyday it is a constant awareness of staying compliant to remain with good food choices and portion amounts. I have continued to lose weight, but only because of exercise on a regular basis. You have taken the first crucial step...do your best to take back control of your eating. Self talk helps...ask yourself does the sandwich, Pasta, or whatever allow me to stay compliant and reach my goals? If the answer is "no", then you have a choice to make. I hope all will be well with your band...

I feel better already (next morning). I have had a huge appetite since plastics so when i woke up starving I had a few triscuits, cheese and the other half of that ostrom stick. I am not super bloated or swollen and I just feelbetter. I think in my parania about weight gain and my big appetite I was restricting carbs and sodium too much - eating basically Protein and greens / low carb veggies only. Adding in a few more carbs and a little bit of salt seems to have helped. I drink vita Water zero but not gatorade. What does gatorade have that the vita waters dont? Gatorade many years ago upset my GI tract so havent had it since. My weight is dropping daily so the water weight gain post surgery is flushing out and I need to focus more on healing then the scale. I am down to 151 - came home to 157. I expect to settle at around 145+/- since my start weight was 150 and he removed 5.5# skin.

Hi Ladies.. I had a great weekend. LV Glad your back in the game. UK Cathy. good idea on the personal trainer. I'm still not there yet. Cheri. She is adorable and of course a good reason for a weight gain. Just think you'll be able to set her on the right nutritionists path with all you've learned and your new eating lifestyle. I may not have been an overweight adult had I had more information about eating right during my youth and especially my teens. My grandmother always told me not to eat bread, but there was no real understanding of carbs and sugar avoidance or ever really balanced eating in my household at that time. Your children are lucky they have you to teach them all of that. CGJ glad you got back safe , sounds like the trip was a success. Continue to rest, relax and heal. The 50th anniversary party I threw this weekend was a great success. I had a fabulous time. There was lots of dancing and dancing and dancing. I had on a new dress, currently the smallest size dress in my closet and I felt beautiful. Really enjoyed my self, until I got home and started to relax. Well I got the worst Charlie horses and leg cramps I have every had in my life!!. So much pain I wanted my family to take me to the emergency room!!.. Lucky hubby was willing to rub my feet which is where the pains were starting , rub my legs and help me stretch them out. OUCH!! such pain. I know.. I know... if I were exercising often that would not have happened.. I have cleared a path to my recumbent bike and might have to wrap my head around moving more than once a year. Still nursing the initial 3 pound loss. I weigh daily, and I've seen a 5 pound loss, but it goes up and down. This will be the second week of really moving the calories down under 1200 and no snacking on fast days, not even planned ones. trying to learn control. Marching into a new week..

I had 15 pounds of water weight gain when I was released two days later. It took over a week to lose it. The weight will come off

It's really important you find a bariatric surgeon. I know it can be hard, but your health depends on it. Right now, you are clearly too tight and are having soft calorie syndrome and weight gain as a result. This is explains why you've gained back 75 pounds. Plus, you're putting yourself at serious risk for complications. Tighter isn't always better when it comes to the band, in fact it can be dangerous to your health and sabotage your weight loss.

Hi. I am sorry you had a weight gain. I never heard of PGX. Have you thought of going back to your surgeon and dietitian for help? They maybe the best people to help you get back on track. Good luck.

Indeed she is -- and I never comment on her continuous weight gain

Good read.. Compulsive overeating, also sometimes called food addiction, is characterized by the compulsive eating of food. Professionals address this with either a behavior therapy model or a food-addiction model.[1] An individual suffering from compulsive overeating engages in frequent episodes of uncontrolled eating, or binge eating, during which she or he may feel frenzied or out of control, often consuming food past the point of being comfortably full. Bingeing in this way is generally followed by feelings of guilt and depression. Unlike individuals with bulimia, compulsive overeaters do not attempt to compensate for their bingeing with purging behaviors such as fasting, laxative use, or vomiting. Compulsive overeaters will typically eat when they are not hungry. Their obsession is demonstrated in that they spend excessive amounts of time and thought devoted to food, and secretly plan or fantasize about eating alone. Compulsive overeating usually leads to weight gain and obesity, but is not the only cause of obesity. While compulsive overeaters tend to be overweight or obese, persons of normal or average weight can also be affected. In addition to binge eating, compulsive overeaters can also engage in grazing behavior, during which they return to pick at food throughout the day. These things result in a large overall number of calories consumed even if the quantities eaten at any one time may be small. When a compulsive eater overeats primarily through bingeing, he or she can be said to have binge eating disorder. Signs and symptoms.... Binge eating, or eating uncontrollably even when not physically hungry Eating much more rapidly than normal Eating alone due to shame and embarrassment Feelings of guilt due to overeating Preoccupation with body weight Depression or mood swings Awareness that eating patterns are abnormal Rapid weight gain or sudden onset of obesity Significantly decreased mobility due to weight gain History of weight fluctuations Withdrawal from activities because of embarrassment about weight History of many different unsuccessful diets Eating little in public, but maintaining a high body weight Very low self-esteem and feeling need to eat greater and greater amounts. Addiction During binges, compulsive overeaters may consume from 5,000 to 15,000 food calories daily, resulting in a temporary release from psychological stress through an addictive high not unlike that experienced through drug abuse. In bulimics, this high may be intensified by the act of purging. Researchers have speculated there is an abnormality of endorphin metabolism in the brain of binge eaters that triggers the addictive process. This is in line with other theories of addiction that attribute it not to avoidance of withdrawal symptoms, but to a primary problem in the reward centers of the brain. For the compulsive overeater, the ingestion of trigger foods causes release of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. This could be another sign of neurobiological factors contributing to the addictive process. Abstinence from addictive food and food eating processes causes withdrawal symptoms in those with eating disorders. There may be higher levels of depression and anxiety due to the decreased levels of serotonin in the individual.[2] There are complexities with the biology of compulsive eating that separate it from a pure substance abuse analogy. Food is a complex mixture of chemicals that can affect the body in multiple ways, which is magnified by stomach-brain communication. In some ways, it may be much more difficult for compulsive overeaters to recover than drug addicts. There is an anecdotal saying among Overeaters Anonymous members that "when you are addicted to drugs you put the tiger in the cage to recover; when you are addicted to food you put the tiger in the cage, but take it out three times a day for a walk."[2] The physical explanation of compulsive overeating may be attributed to an overeaters' increased tendency to secrete insulin at the sight and smell of food, though medical evidence supporting this is controversial.[3] Research has found a link between the sugar and fat content of foods and bingeing behaviors.[4]

I think most of us that are here are... Otherwise we wouldn't do this radical surgery. Some (very few if you ask me) just don't understand proper nutrition... So that could be the case for some. Here a some general guidelines.... 1. Increased Consumption Over Time. Have you been steadily increasing your food intake over time? For example, do you eat significantly more on a daily basis now than you did 1 year ago? A food addict will have gradually increased their intake over time, particularly of the refined foods. 2. Tolerance is when you need more and more of a substance to achieve a desired effect. Often the desired effect in food addiction is emotional, such as calm or relief from anxiety or depression. A sign of tolerance is when you begin to notice that you can consume amounts of food that are much larger than most other people can in order to feel “satisfied.” 3. Withdrawal is when you experience negative symptoms when you are unable to eat. Although we all feel a little uncomfortable when we are hungry and unable to eat (e.g., light headed, stomach growling), the difference with food addiction is that you may experience symptoms of anxiety, panic, and/or irritability. 4. Preoccupation. Addicts spend more and more time obtaining, consuming and/or even thinking about food, to the point of spending less time doing usual activities including social, work and recreational activities. 5. Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Down. Addiction is also characterized by unsuccessful efforts to cut down. However, just because you have not been successful at dieting does not mean you are a food addict. The difference with food addiction is that dieting attempts are short-lived and end in out-of-control binge eating episodes. 6. Continue Despite Consequences. The food addict will often continue to overeat in spite of physical, psychological and/or relationship problems that develop. For example, one might develop type 2 diabetes or gain a large amount of weight in a short period of time (e.g., 50 pounds in a year) but still persist with their eating habits. Eventually the individual may even refuse to change their eating habits or may seem unaware of or very resistant to acknowledging health problems or the weight gain.

This will do... The most commonly consumed slider foods include pretzels, crackers (saltines, graham, Ritz, etc.) filled cracker Snacks such as Ritz Bits, popcorn, cheese snacks (Cheetos) or cheese crackers, tortilla chips with salsa, potato chips, sugar-free Cookies, cakes, and candy. You will notice these slider foods are often salty and cause dry mouth so they must be ingested with liquid to be palatable. This is how they become slider foods. They are also, most often, void of nutritional value. For weight loss surgery patients the process of digestion is different than those who have not undergone gastric surgery. When slider foods are consumed they go into the stomach pouch and exit directly into the jejunum where the simple carbohydrate slurry is quickly absorbed and stored by the body. There is little thermic effect in the digestion of simple carbohydrates like there is in the digestion of Protein so little metabolic energy is expended. In most cases patients in the phase of weight loss who eat slider foods will experience a weight loss plateau and possibly the setback of weight gain. And sadly, they will begin to believe their surgical stomach pouch is not functioning properly because they never feel fullness or restriction like they experience when eating protein. The very nature of the surgical gastric pouch is to cause feelings of tightness or restriction when one has eaten enough food. However, when soft simple carbohydrates are eaten this tightness or restriction does not result and one can continue to eat, unmeasured, copious amounts of non-nutritional food without ever feeling uncomfortable. Many patients turn to slider foods for this very reason. They do not like the discomfort that results when the pouch is full from eating a measured portion of lean animal or dairy protein without liquids. Yet it is this very restriction that is the desired result of the surgery. The discomfort is intended to signal the cessation of eating. Remembering the "Protein First" rule is crucial to weight management with bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass, gastric banding (lap-band) and gastric sleeve patients are instructed to follow a high protein diet to facilitate healing and promote weight loss. Bariatric centers advise what is commonly known among weight loss surgery patients as the "Four Rules" the most important of which is "Protein First." That means of all nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat and alcohol) the patient is required to eat protein first. Protein is not always the most comfortable food choice for weight loss surgery patients who feel restriction after eating a very small amount of food. However, for the surgical tool to work correctly a diet rich in protein and low in simple carbohydrate slider foods must be observed. The high protein diet must be followed even after healthy body weight has been achieved in order to maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight regain.

Mrsto is correct with regards to specialist physicians not aware of or understanding the special nutrition needs of a bariatric patient. Those physicians usually have their focus within the parameters of their specialty practice. That said, everyone is unique at what foods they tolerate, and certainly a priority needs to be getting proper nutrition. There are never ending debates regarding the role of carbohydrates for a Bandster diet. Certainly, whole grains are preferable to processed white grains. However, my surgeon has stressed to me the extreme importance of understanding that carbs are our enemy when it comes to reaching our weight loss goals. He has also stressed the importance of meeting the daily goal for Protein grams. I believe is is a misnomer to believe we can eat anything we want and expect to continue with weight loss. Eating carbs can lead to craving carbs, and couple that with fats from oils and you can have a prescription for weight gain. It would be best for you to consult with your nutritionist and/or bariatric surgeon to discuss what they feel is the best diet for you to follow. If there are serious medical issues which your cardiologist feels need to be addressed, perhaps the two physicians can discuss your situation.

Hello! Sadly my baby is 5.5 months and I only BF once in the early morning now. Baby boy won't take the boob bc he got so used to the bottle. I don't make enough to save but I'm thinking about taking supplements again to get my supply back up. I would just have to really commit to pumping at work which is really hard for me (and my pump is manual and it sucks!) I would say just try your best to eat healthy in terms of hating the weight gain. Hopefully your breastfeeding will help you shed the pounds. It didn't for me but that's bc I never made enough to start with If I can get my supply back up I may wait to get a fill ... My doctor said I could come in whenever I wanted though. We'll see! Good luck! And congrats to you too!

NOw I was told to go on the liquid diet and lose weight for my next appt or AETNA won't approve. Talk about motivation!!

I got my APAP machine in January 2013 and have never slept better. I wish I'd have gone for my sleep study long before that. All those years without sleep really was one of my biggest contributors to my weight gain. Getting clearance for surgery from my pulmonary doctor was a requirement for WLS. When I had my upper GI endoscopy and when I had my WLS the hospital told me to bring my hose and mask with me. They said they had machines and would adjust the pressures as needed. But in both cases it was never used. Funny thing is when I went in for my surgery this past Monday I was admitted to the hospital for the night and it wouldn't have mattered if I had used the machine. They never let me get any sleep anyway. I was getting poked, prodded and checked every 15 minutes by one member of the staff or another. It ends up that I had become famous with the surgical staff since I woke up during the surgery and started having a conversation with the surgeon. I don't remember a dang thing, but I guess it freaked them out a bit.

you will be able to enjoy food again, just not in the quantity you were consuming before the surgery (I had the same worries). I am 5 months out from the sleeve procedure and I had my first slice of pepperoni pizza today (my birthday celebration at work) I was able to eat the entire slice (the most food I have eaten in 5 months) and though I was worried about weight gain, I wanted the pizza and allowed myself to enjoy the party. You will have days when you doubt the decision, and worry you will never enjoy a meal again. The time after the surgery is short considering the rest of your life at a normal weight. Hang in there. List the pros and cons to the surgery. If you still have doubts, postpone the surgery till you feel it is right, but don't let this be the sabotage that keeps you from meeting your goal to get down to a healthy weight.

I am here at the dr office. And I have seen a weight gain of two pounds. This month I have really been a slacker. One day of exercise if that and not watching my food as well as I should and it shows...... I need to meet my goals or I may fail. So sad....

On Nov 6 I will have my one year. I had lap band with plication. I have been very successful. I guess I was just ready. I followed all the rules. I haven't needed a fill yet(which my True Results doctor says I'm only one of three) but I knew my stomach was small not ever thinking about my band, which was only lubed during surgery, but my thought was I don't want to stretch my small stomach! I weighed in at 215 lbs 5 1/2 in short fought my weight since 1972 (1st. Child at 18 Gained 72lbs. ). That was back when doctors didn't say much bout weight gain! That was 41 years ago. I've been at weight now since Aug. My goal was 145 but my body stopped losing at 132. But folks I just followed the rules. Low carbs small portions and my weight fell off. I'm nothing special but my sister had it dine 11 months before me my 3 months after me....all successful. If we can do it anyone can! Best of luck! I just celebrated my 60 birthday! And 42 years of marriage!

I was banded back in 2007. I have a 4 cc band. I did good first few years lost over 100lbs and had a tummy tuck back in 2010 I was doing great. Then in 2011 I was having some issues with depression and a bad marriage. I was in the hospital twice and not able to keep anything down. Long story short I was very ill and had dilated esophagus and my band was emptied. It took 6 months before fills could start again and I'm currently at 2.5 cc for last year and a half. Since this happened...I divorced and remarried.. and am much happier except about my weight. When I was sick I got down to 143 but I wasn't healthy now I'm up to 186 and healthy but I am struggling to loose weight. I'm happy at 165. You'd think loosing 21 lbs would be easy seeing my highest was 319 but it isn't. Has anyone else experienced weight gain? I just feel sick about this weight.