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Hi brittani, I know its frustrating gaining weight the whole point of the op is to lose.. However weight gain once you start eating again could be due to your glycogen stores replenishing. The pre op diet gets rid of them but they do return. Secondly I'd like to introduce myself Frances 37 Ireland Op. 3rd july 2013 Start weight. 350llb Current weight 276llbs Goal for september lose 14 llbs Goal weight. 170 llbs Reason for banding. To love myself again see my daughter grow up and become a woman and live her life. So hi everyone..... Sent from my GT-S5830 using LapBandTalk

Yes, go ahead and start your vitamins now, for 2 reasons: getting used to taking them and to hopefully help with the hair loss. I started taking a multi-vitamin about 2 months before my surgery (GNC Hair, Nails, and Skins brand is good; about $20.00 for a month supply). Yes, I have had some hair loss, but not as bad as I thought it would be, and I like to think it has been because I got a jump start on the vitamins. As you know, vitamin imbalances can cause weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, aches, etc. So, the better in balance your body is, hopefully it will help you heal quicker, maintain muscle, and lose weight steadily. Taking vitamins responsibly is always a good thing. I am 9 months out from my surgery and I faithfully take an iron pill and 5000 mg biotin once a day, and a hair/skin/nail multivitamin 2 times a day. I have had labs done twice, and my numbers are perfect---no vitamin, iron, or any other deficiancies of any kind. Of course, for at least a month after your surgery, you won't be able to swallow a pill, so prepare to buy liquid vitamins or be prepared to crush up (nasty) and swallow your pills. But, you will have to do this, so just prepare yourself. If you go the crushed up pill route, mix it with a spoonful of applesauce and it will go down lots easier. Best wishes!!!

I've been on the depo injection for the last 16 years. I'm 33 now. I've never had issues with the injection and was big before I started on it. I didn't need to come off for the op, and have no side effects. Weight gain has been linked to the fact it can speed up your metabolism, I'm not sure how true this is. I don't want any children and most definitely don't want any accidents so for me this was the most reliable form of contraception. Since my op, I've lost 104lbs in 7 months and I've had the shot twice post op, so I don't feel it is having an impact on my weight. Downside, it can take time for your monthly to start again so if you're in a rush for a baby then that's maybe something to consider.

Okay, this has been on my mind big time lately, as I'm sure it was on many others pre-op. I've been trying to decide if I want to do this. I've been fat ALL my life, always. I never knew anything else except for a brief period of time in high school when I was biking all the time and hardly ate anything. Otherwise, yeah, I was the fat gal everywhere I went. My weight is currently 250 and I'm 44 years old. Sooo, tired of it. When I read about people on here really struggling with keeping weight off a couple of years out and more, I keep wondering, what was the point, then? If you have to watch your food like a hawk, get on the scale a great deal, fuss and worry about weight gain...why not just do all those same things with all of your stomach intact? If you're willing to do it now that you've had the surgery, why don't we just do all those things NOW and keep our stomachs? So what I'm not hearing in the posts is WHY having had the sleeve done was beneficial for you. Do you feel you are living the same way afterwards as you did before it? Does it help you keep your weight in line, even years later? People keep calling it a "tool", how is it assisting you later on when the weight gain becomes a worry? Before I do something this drastic, I would want to know that even when weight gain became an issue a few years out, the sleeve was still helping me in some way while I exercised and ate right. If you start to gain some weight, is it easier to get back off because of the sleeve? Because if all I'm looking at is this dramatic weight loss for the first couple of years and then I'm back to white-knuckling my existence with food, then what were the expense, pain, and possible risks for? I hope this makes sense. I'm tired of being tired, being the fat lady in the group, losing and regaining, and watching my weight issues get worse over time. I don't want to waddle my way through the rest of my life. I want to feel good and look good and avoid diabetes and other issues. I'm a nurse and know what I'm looking at if I stay at this weight. Sigh! Thanks! Cara

PCOS, insulin resistance, dodgy boderline thyroid issues (with horrendously strong family history) and all the other associated horrors here. Does anyone else, like me, get bored of listing it all?! Gave up taking Metformin 1,700mg per day 2 months ago in preparation for the op. May sound odd, but because of the lack of conclusive findings on whether PCOS causes weight gain, or whether weight gain causes PCOS - I am approaching this as well, 'me'. Besides, Metformin is a bloody horrible drug and makes me feel extremely icky, crotchety and gives me the constant runs (although I concede this might be helpful with all the Protein we're supposed to be consuming). So, I'm just going to see if the weight loss will improve/rectify my symptoms naturally. Additionally, Metformin makes you VERY fertile (if you do have sporadic periods). I don't fancy my body responding positively to the weightloss (if albeit a bit slowly at the start due to the insulin resistance issue) and then the Metformin boosting my fertility out of the ballpark leaving me with an unplanned pregnancy! I don't know whether this is the right thing to do, as not taking it affects your HDL/LDL levels/ Liver Function, etc. I don't have access to my consultant gynae where I am. However, based on what my surgeon said about this surgery largely reversing 'most' 'issues' which present themselves and are enduring to significant excess weight - I'm willing to give it a go. Surgery is on Thursday - so it won't be long till I find out! Who knew I'd become a 'tree-hugger' in my old age? I will not, however, be going so far as to grow my armpit hair... That is a step too far. Even for me! Best of luck to all xx

Hey kkelly what did your gyno say about your bc. Idk what I'm gonna do. Can't take the pill anymore after surgery. I've tried the ring hated it. Can't get the shot cuz it causes weight gain. I can't get my tubes tied cuz I work for a catholic hosp and they won't pay for it and I can't afford it help!!

I have been in prednisone for 6 years now. It is doubtful that a med pack will cause that much weight gain. You are only taking it a few days. Whatever you gain you will lose again. It would be like Water weight. If your doc thinks you need it then take it. Don't suffer with back pain. It will only be temporary if you gain weight. You might notice that you feel hungrier, but your stomach will not hold what it used to. Relax and take care of yourself!

My doc (not surgeon) just prescribed a steroid dose pack for me b/c of my back but he mentioned possible weight gain! Well that's the last thing i want! Has anybody had to take something like this? I am debating if I should just wait out the pain and skip the meds or take a chance but I would freak if I gained weight!

Hi Ladies, I am sorry to hear about the struggles and weight gain. I am right there with you! Mostly, I have been at the same weight for the last two months. I'll gain a few pounds and then struggle to lose it. I'm headed in for a fill soon. But I am looking at all the tickers showing all the weight loss. And I think about what that means in clothes size! I bet most everyone has lost 3 clothes sizes! And I think about where I was at last year and will take the slow progress. Hang in there. I am trying to up my exercise. i am registered for the SF half marathon in October. I'd hoped to loose more weight before then. I'll walk a lot of it but its a good goal for now! xoxo Melissa

I want to know if anyone developed asthma do to massive weight gain and does it go away with weight loss from the sleeve. Ps I'm miserable.

This post highlights the fears so many of us have on the physical and emotional side of this journey. Your surgeon and his/her office should be able to assist you with the fears of surgery (especially those with other health complications). I do not have much data on the chances of becoming anorexic. Since anorexia is an eating disorder that is not about food - it is about someone's coping with emotional problems by losing weight/increasing exercise - I think the probability of developing that is extremely low. Saying that, it is very true that people replace some bad habits with others so it is important to consider the emotional consequences before undergoing this surgery. I would encourage anyone who is considering this surgery or scheduled for surgery to ask upfront for information on coping with this new lifestyle and its challenges. That would include asking about all area support groups, online options, psychologists/counselors, mentors, etc. Putting a plan in place to assist you with this part of the journey - the emotional one - is a smart move. If you have a good support network or can build one, I encourage that for after the surgery. As many of us are finding - this surgery does not take place in a vacuum - life goes on. People face challenges and dark times - many not anticipated - following this surgery and I recommend having a plan in place in case life hands you lemons. That being said - most people are not facing their biggest fears - loss of income, job, spouse, loved one. But life happens - so being prepared to face life after is critical. Having doubts is normal and a very healthy way to approach this surgery. This process of critical thinking is a good one. If your gut instincts tell you this is not the right choice for you - then follow them. You know what is best for you. We tend to focus a great deal on the weight loss and a little less on the positives that come with the weight loss. We celebrate the pounds off - many of us with the assumption that people understand what less weight means. I encourage people who are concerned about moving forward to dig through these postigs and see the results people are getting beyond the pounds. (Not to say that the reduction in pounds is not also fun to look at). What have I seen by other posters - MORE self esteem from achieving goals - fitting in the airplane seatbelt, onederland, shopping in the regular size department, having doors opened for you, getting a family portrait taken, finally able to stand looking at yourself in a mirror...... MORE energy - Many people remark that they finally "FEEL ALIVE" again. COMPLETE recovery from co-morbidities, including Type 2 diabetes, high BP, sleep apnea to name a few MORE active lives - from exercise to just being out of the house more MORE happiness enjoying time with family and friends, getting rid of the self-hate, removing the guilt associated with their weight gain Dig deep....the results are there beyond the pounds. Have a well thought out plan for emotional support if you go forward. Trust your instincts. Deciding not to go forward with this surgery now or ever may be in your best interests. This is not for everyone. Either way - take good care of yourself.

It can be difficult to maintain especially if your not consistant and continue to follow this lifestyle change. I remember I was around 185 before my cruise next thing u kno 1 week later im back in the 90's! no way!!!! LOLThats too close to 200...I want to go as low as possible without looking sick. I do believe 160 will look good on me, so I can have a gap to play with (between 160-170 for weight gain) You always want to leave enough room to play around for weight gain bc nobody truly stays the SAME weight forever...If you want to stay away from the 200's, I would say 160 would be extremly safe. For a person whose 5'8, 160 is a good weight

I recall being in college and happy about weighing 145lbs. Had nice curves, but was not fat. My surgeon's office set my goal weight at 155 and said I could go lower if I chose to. The way I figure, when I get to 145, if I seem sick looking I could gain a few pounds. Heck, I am a weight GAINING expert! Putting on a few pounds shouldn't be a big deal!!! Just want to be at a stable weight.

tiffany1406[/b] welcome to our happy "little" group ask any and all your questions - you'll get good answers read the boards - you'll see a lot of good information sorry your hair hasn't grown back yet - hopefully it will soon weight gain, 7 lbs.............. good for you - you are being pro-active/wanting to nip this in the bud!!!! as Arts137 correctly suggested - go back to basics like going back to kindergarten!!! maybe do only liquids for a week, get a little jump on weight loss, then get back to all the rules If you forgot any............... stop drinking about 20 minutes before you eat never, ever, ever drink with your meals/food wait 45-60 minutes after you eat before you drink drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day eat very slowly put utensil down between bites small mouthfuls chewed to a zillion pieces Protein first - 60 gr a day watch the carbs and sugar do you/can you still go to a NUT??? you've lost 144 lbs thats wonderful!!!! you were successful before I know you will be successful again!!! get back on that horse - and ride to the finish line I have confidence in you i see the determination in your beautiful eyes - and more slender body good luck kathy congrats

You just had major surgery. Your body is healing right now. It will take some time for your body to fully heal and you a little bit of weight gain is normal due to swelling and excess gas. Keep following Dr.'s orders and taking care of yourself. The weight will come off. Now is the time to focus on healing, and eating mechanics. Your doing great! Keep up the good work!

I am 3 weeks post op and from when I started my pre op diet until now, I had lost 17 lbs. I weighed myself this morning and I have gained 3. I have followed the doctors instructions and diet very closely :-(

Post-Surgery Weight Regain: Mental Health Regular readers will appreciated the importance of mental health factors both as a promoter of weight gain as well as an important barrier to weight management. It is therefore no surprise that in our systematic review of weight regain after bariatric surgery, published in Obesity Surgery, we found substantial evidence for the role of mental health factors both in failure to lose adequate amounts of weight or to regain any weight lost. Out of the sixteen studies included in the review, all studies that examined this factor, implicated uncontrolled mental health issues as an important cause of weight regain. These included, binge eating disorder, depression and addictive behaviours (alcohol and drug use). In fact, there was a linear relationship between the number of reported psychiatric diagnoses and the magnitude of weight regain. Overall, patients with two or more psychiatric conditions were approximately six times more likely to either lose no further weight or regain weight than patients without psychiatric problems. At least one study reported that 80 % of patients identified pre-operatively with an eating disorder, and who did not receive any treatment pre-operatively, had recurrent feelings of binge eating at 6 months post-operation. In addition to binge eating, some researchers describe a new sub-clinical disorder described as “grazing” (consuming multiple small meals with feelings of loss of control with eating), the incidence of which appeared to increase after surgery and was associated with an increased tendency for weight regain. Interestingly, one study found that completion rates of behavioural modification therapy increased to 91% when performed post-operatively, compared to 14 % when done pre-operatively. Nevertheless, it probably makes more sense, when possible, to address mental health issues prior to undergoing surgery. In summary, our review finds ample evidence that a wide range of mental health problems can lead to maladaptive eating, which if unregocgnised and untreated will prove a persistent impediment to surgical weight loss. This is why extensive mental health assessments and interventions both prior to as well as following surgery should be a routine part of bariatric care. If you have experienced specific mental health issues to be an important factor in weight gain after surgery, I’d like to hear about it. @DrSharma Edmonton, AB Karmali S, Brar B, Shi X, Sharma AM, de Gara C, & Birch DW (2013). Weight Recidivism Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review. Obesity surgery PMID: 23996349

I agree with a lot of the above posts. All I can really add is to ask yourself this... If you have the band removed, then what? Will you then be able to stick to a diet long term, to take off the weight? Will you be able to maintain that weight loss for a long, healthy life? Be really honest with yourself, and take a close look at your life long history with obesity. Now ask yourself, if you have the band removed, will your weight continue to climb? Is this "temporary" physical and emotional discomfort worse than living your life obese? Try to relax a bit, and let your body heal. The surgery is a huge assault to your body, and the anesthesia and pain meds can do a number on your mind. SO many of us went through a short bout of depression, but it does pass. I've had other major surgeries, and I really thought this one would be a slam dunk. I was really surprised at just how long it took for me to get back to feeling like myself. Granted, I also had plication, my gallbladder removed and a hernia repair, but even still, I thought I'd be feeling pretty good after a couple of weeks. It really took a good month, but never did I regret any of it. I thought long and hard before having the surgery, and in the (close to 12 months) of me deciding to move forward, I gained more weight. It was painfully clear, after I don't even KNOW how many failed attempts to lose weight, that I needed to do this to save my life. Now, close to 50 pounds down, I wake up, and don't agonize about what I'm going to wear. I go up and down the stairs without issue. And it will only get better. Please get some support, and hang on for another 2-3 weeks. This was a huge step, and I fear that if you reverse it so soon, you will regret it as continued weight gain becomes a reality. Feel better.....

Congratulations on making goal! That's so exciting and you should be very proud of yourself. I am almost 4 months out and I have no doubt that I will get to where I want to be because of this tool that I chose to utilize. That said, weight loss can be done without the sleeve, it's just a lot harder to maintain. In turn, weight gain CAN occur with the sleeve if we don't do what we are supposed to do. What are we supposed to do? Make good choices and exercises. It's hard work and it's mental as much as it is physical. The sleeve is a tool to facilitate weight loss but it is NOT the solution. WE are the solution, some of us just need a little more help getting there.

You go, girl!! Your friend sounds a bit green-eyed to me and not much like a friend at all! You don't owe an explanation to ANYONE. Your business is YOUR business and your decision to have surgery was a very personal one. Congratulations on your 50 pounds lost! You are doing an amazing job! You are absolutely wrong. I once lost 80 pounds in three months on WWs and exercise and I kept it off for a year. I was eating micro amounts and going to the gym twice a day. There was no way I could maintain that pace (and the hubby knocked me up) but I did do it and I lost a lot faster than I am with the sleeve. It is not my job or hers (or yours for that matter!) to "inspire" anyone. If it happens, awesome! I would love to think that I could help someone else get healthy but it's not my duty. It's up to each individual to find inspiration in his or herself. I am no more responsible for anyone's weight loss than I am for anyone's weight gain. (Except maybe my husband because he keeps finishing my leftovers.) I am utilizing a tool that is available to anyone. Even with this tool, I track every bite that goes into my body. I exercise at least an hour a day. I wear a pedometer so I can make sure to get in my steps each day. I make great food choices that meet my nutritional needs and that will help me hit my weight loss goals. Most importantly, I have dropped the excuses and THAT is where I will win.

I have Cigna and gained as well. My surgeon's office said that some insurances will deny you if you gain but that Cigna is not known to deny for weight gain. Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk

I use to wear a 9 or 9 1/2 but now I wear a 10 sometimes a 10 1/2 but I'm guessing that is weight gain. I have some Skechers and they are good but hurt after a few days. I'm going to check out the synergy shoes though :-)

Weight gain is due to all of the fluids they pump into you at hospital.

I had post surgery weight gain too...think that it was the gas that they blow you up with. I came home thirteen pounds more than I left here at. But it went away quickly. 4 days post opp and I am down 17 pounds from the day after surgery. Glad that was posted I thought it was just me.

I'm a slow loser I have lost between 55 and 60 pounds since 12/28/12. If I have a water weight gain it could go up as high as 8 lbs so be patient. I get frustrated a lot but decided as long as I follow the rules it will come off even if it takes time. Patience is a virtue!