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I did not know what side effects gabapentin might have, so I looked it up. http://www.rxlist.com/neurontin-side-effects-drug-center.htm Generally speaking, the drug has a lot of bad side effects but weight gain is generally not one of them. In a controlled trial only 2% of patients identified weight gain as a problem. As far as type of surgery, I would probably recommend either gastric bypass, sleeve or duodenal switch. If you have severe acid reflux, I would recommend against the sleeve because the sleeve will only make that condition worse. Although some have success with lap band, many have experienced problems with that procedure. One of the individuals in our bariatric surgery support group, had a lap band, but after several years that band started to erode and eat through his stomach, it became life threatening, so he had it removed and replaced with gastric bypass. For that reason and others, many doctors are no longer performing that type of surgery today.

I'm only 1-1/2 years out. I'm considered a success because I'm 80%+ of weight loss. I self sabotaged with alcohol and that has created a big stall though no weight gain. Why did I do Sleeve over other procedures? The Mayo Clinic was in year four of a five year follow study, and the results were nearly identical to the bi-pass with fewer complications. I also had a fear of dumping. Despite the stall, I could not be happier with the results, I climb mountains, run 5K's and have enjoyed the best sex of my life. I did recommit to breaking the stall, quit drinking and I joined the Memorial Day challenge. Let's see if I can get to goal by my 53rd birthday.

I’m 12-13 months out and I’ve regained about 2kg (5lbs) in the last 2 weeks. It’s seriously not that hard. I’m terrified! I’ve mostly stuck to healthy food I’ve previously eaten but in larger quantities. I’ve been snacking all day (lots of peanut butter and bananas which is only good in moderation), halo top and tons of dark chocolate (OK, not so healthy). My sleeve is not restrictive on halo top and chocolate. I need to refocus but it’s very difficult at the moment. I’m seriously struggling. I’ve had plateaus before but not gains. I’m devastated. I keep dreaming of hitting that elusive “healthy” BMI but it seems impossible. Is this self sabotage? My steroid medication? My weight doesn’t want to be this low? I have no idea! But yeah, not to alarm anyone but weight gain is not impossible. It’s not even that difficult!

I've been "fat in the head" my entire life. I have not, however, always been fat; that came in adulthood. While I accept responsibility for my weight as an adult, I do believe that irresponsible adults in my childhood set the stage for this. Being fat was such a part of my self-image that the weight gain I experienced with children (and after) was very difficult for me to actually see. When I did see it clearly, I was able to lose. Maintenance was a real issue, though. So now I'm working not only on my weight, but also my head.

I don't know why it works for some and not for others. All I know is that so far, it works great for me...no band complications and as long as I do my part, no serious weight gain since hitting goal. I'm hoping to one day get to the same marks as our founder Alex, who has his band for around ten years now. I'm not far from my four year anniversary so I've a ways to go yet.

JustWatchMe!! 95 pounds in six months is incredible & exactly what I'm driving towards. Congratulations! If you have any "real food" advice, please share. I transition back to "solid food" on October 4 & am having anxiety about weight gain after sticking to liquid & puréed all of this time. Thank you!

Hello All I Need Some Input and/or advice, Had Lap band in 2007 did really well on it and lost 122 Pounds 288 down to 166! Last 18 months My weight has gone up, but was unable to be adjusted, Radiology MD said I was to tight and would not adjust me. I attempted multiple adjustments and every time the Radiology MD said no Im to tight. Went to my Bariatric surgeon and he finally removed all the fill and said rest 30 days and lets try a fill. That was before Thanksgiving. From then until Mid January I packed on 30 pounds! Finally got a fill of 1.5 CC (my band holds 4CC) and... nothing. It should be noted that I have no problems with GERD, reflux or any other issues - just no weight loss. Went to a new doctor (only changed because he is closer to work/home) recommended revision to BY-Pass, but I was thinking sleeve. He says if I want to get back down to 166 by-pass is the way to go. I know some people that had By-pass started off great and then gained weight. Here are my questions: Which way to go Sleeve or By-Pass? If you converted from band to sleeve how much did you loose in total? Did you loose as much as you had with the lap band? If you chose By- pass how much did you loose in total? Im not worried about the surgery or recovery - Im just worried about living with my choice how it will affect my eating and possible weight gain - I do not want to have a third weight loss surgery. Thanks in advance for your help.

I was in the same boat as you when I first started, I thought I wanted the sleeve but after a little more digging and reading people's (long term) journey with the sleeve, I knew bypass would be best. I am now almost 2 weeks post op with bypass and so glad I made my choice. I've had zero complications no nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea nothing! I have NO issues with any foods I've tried so far which hasn't been much but I can tell I'll be one who can tolerate pretty much anything. I know if I had the sleeve I'd be like so many (not all) on here that have issues with weight gain, because I can see how the head hunger will get you even after surgery and if my pouch was the size of a sleever I could definitely see how most either stop losing after 5-6 months or slowly gain weight back. I would continue doing your research and ask your doctor, ALL of mine encouraged bypass. Just do what you think is best for you. You know your eating habits and patterns better than anyone. Oh and I'm a Teacher so I'm off for the summer but if I wasn't I'd need at least 2-3 weeks unless it was a desk job.

Hello Everyone, I just joined this forum. My Doc has the same policy of waiting in between both surgeries. I think it makes a lot of sense. If you are going into someone's stomach and going to staple all this tissue into a shape of a banana , you would want it to be good tissue and not want it to come apart and have problems down the road. This is what we pay good doctors to do. So I don't mind waiting If the Job is done RIGHT. However, I do worry about the weight gain just like the rest of you. My Doctor, when dealing with the Ins company wrote them a letter and ask for approval for BOTH SURGERIES AT THE SAME TIME. So i got the approval for both surgeries already. He said he wanted me to have my band in while I was getting approval for these surgeries. Now I will have my Band removed on Oct 9th 2013 and Jan 1014 have the sleeve done. I will do my best not to gain, but I know it will be hard over Holiday time....But I want good tissue for him to work with.. and after having a band in for so long, it can only be wise to let good tissue grow... I do want to ask "what is "BCBS" THAT you speak of?? I don't think I have ever heard of that? Wishing you all well Jewel J

I was on insulin injections twice daily and had become 'insulin resistant'. I also had ballooned up to 373 #. Through madness and desperation I eased down almost 20#. Went to the Band clinic, consulted, went on pre op diet, lost another 20 #. 8 months after Band surgery, I was completely off insulin. Started Metformin. A1c dropped to below 7 for the first time in years. Other blood values normalized. Metformin doesn't do anything to decrease weight for me....but it does moderate my blood sugar without insulin injections...which after all is a hormone that produces weight gain among other things. By the way, after 10 years on CPAP, I tossed that out 7 months postOp as well. I continue to live the Happy Bandster lifestyle....and I'm still "35# from goal". cheers on your journey

Thanks so much for your encouragement guys. You're right Jachut, I am an Aussie. I live in Brisbane. Do you know of good surgeons that I could maybe go and see around my area? I'd like to at least meet with one and just discuss it. I think that would be the first step. I've battled my weight for many years, I have always been on the large size, but since entering my teens to now - It's gone up heaps. The side effect of PCOS is weight gain, and I think that's part of the reason why I find it so difficult to loose weight. I know that it's going to be a tough journey, but knowing that my parents are behind me, and you guys too! I think that I will be able to make it. My best friend is also obese, but I don't think she's ever going to consider lap-banding. I don't think I'm going to discuss with her about getting it done because I'm really scared she's going to talk me out of it. And so I'll tell her after it's done, or maybe when I'm in hospital or something, but not before hand. Thanks for the encouragement though, I really appreciate it. ! And and so you know. 125kg is about 275.5 lbs.

I think it's good that you are reaching out! Do you have a dietitian whom you can go see for advice? i would also focus on Protein, Water, and track you food in myfitnesspal.com. How can you eat portions close to the size you were eating before surgery--do you not feel restriction? Wishing you all the best--youc an do this! Even with your weight gain, you are 1/3 of the way there!!

I came across a study this morning on Cancer that was rather interesting, so I thought I would share it. But first I might discuss the implications as it applies to me and other that undergo weight loss surgery. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 5 years ago. Prior to surgery I was diabetic. This condition went into remission right after surgery and I went off all my blood sugar diabetic prescription medicine the day I left the hospital two days after surgery and haven't taken any since. I periodically test my blood sugar levels once per month and they remain fine. In tandem with my surgery, I changed my eating habits. I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. O.K. now onto the study. Basically the findings of this study indicate that people who rely on artificial sweeteners experience a 20% reduction in cancer rates. Now, researchers claim that artificial sweeteners prevent cancer. Do they? It's biologically plausible. Cancer cells undergo what is known as the Warburg effect. Typically, our body cells generate energy through a process known as aerobic respiration, but cancer cells ramp up fermentation, instead. Just like a muscle doing vigorous exercise, cancer gobbles up glucose (a sugar) and spits out lactic acid. Hypothetically, depriving a cancer cell of sugar could remove an important fuel source. A team of researchers conducted a cohort study that examined the self-reported dietary habits of 1,018 patients during and after chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer. Their main finding was that artificially sweetened beverages lowered the risk of cancer recurrence or death by about 23%. Do Artificial Sweeteners Prevent Cancer?

Hi Everyone, I could really use some input, if you'd be willing to share your thoughts. On Friday (6/24), I had my first appointment with Dr. Hoehn (in the Kansas City area). Was really looking forward to getting a surgery date maybe as early as August, when he told me he had a cancellation for (gulp) this Wednesday (6/29)! I was instantly thrown into a half ecstatic state/half panic, thinking maybe this all had gone too quickly, especially since insurance won't cover and we're self paying ($16K). My questions: --I never seem to hear anyone regret the surgery--why not? --If I'm 5'3" and 210 lbs, I obviously love to eat. Will I ever get to eat yummy food again? Maybe after the weight is off? --My weight gain hasn't been due to extreme overeating/bingeing... more of a sedentary life style. Does this mean I might not lose weight with the band? Maybe I should just hit the gym HARD (for once) instead of going through with the surgery? --Since this has gone so quickly, I haven't made it to a group support meeting. Bad decision to go through with the procedure without talking to a support group first? Panic... panic.... thanks, everyone! Lisa

I am 19 months post op from DS surgery. I’m SO happy with my weight loss. I’ve been fluctuating between 140-144 for a while now (months) this week out of the blue with no change in my diet (which could definitely be better) or exercise (which is always good) I’m up to 145 146 148. Should I be worried this is a wall I’m hitting? Wil I be 175 by the end of the year? Not that I’m emotionally scared from my pre surgey life or anything ha! Or is this just normal and keep on truckin’ and expect to be back in the 140-144 zone in a week or so. Argh so nerve wracking!

From what I understand is that almost all BCBS requirements are pretty much the same with the gastric surgeries...I have a BMI of 37% and I have 2 co-morbidity issues and I was approved...but the other requirements are >40% BMI or 100 pounds overweight, but you can't have weight gain due to a metabolic condition. When i talked to them, and the doctors, they told me if you have a BMI of over 35% and no other issues besides being overweight, then its not medically necessary to get any gastric surgery. But if your BMI is higher than 35% you probably have something else going on. I would get a full health screen by your PCP and you may find tryglyceride problems, blood pressure, cholesterol....It can't hurt. Good Luck!

I'm thinking of going the IUD, I'm currently on he Nuvaring, while it's convenient I thinks it's caused my hair to thin, weight gain & a low laws drive .... Hoping for something w/o hormones

So I just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant, I'm currently 8 months post op and in total has lost 81lbs....oh yeah just gained back back a few in the last few weeks alone. Not sure what the average weight gain is & if the weight was lost quickly after? If anyone has had their baby, can you tell me if the weightloss continued on after the baby was born......

Oh goodness. My surgery is Sept. 13th. I went to the pre-surgery class on Tuesday and I gained 5 lbs. from the day I saw the surgeon. I have exactly one week to lose the 5 lbs. otherwise they will cancel the surgery. The pressure is on. I started having 2 protein shakes and a small salad for lunch and lots of water and hot tea (still sick I caught bronchitis).And I will start the back at the gym today. Any suggestions? Thanks

Peace with food and weight loss that lasts are possible, and yet, these aren’t the places where most women who struggle with overeating end up. Emotional eating and overeating can feel like a never-ending battle and a roller coaster ride of diets, gimmicks, and “new” approaches that don’t take you where you want to go. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some common traps that even the smartest women fall for and the success strategies you can use to avoid them: 1. Getting too focused on what to eat. Cycles of overeating and weight gain are rarely fixed by focusing only on the food. A focus on what to eat doesn’t address or fix the situations, feelings, or relationships that may be triggering overeating. Yes, portion size matters and sometimes food intolerances or metabolic difficulties cause weight gain. However, even these situations become clearer and easier to sort out when you start listening to yourself and paying attention to how you feel, instead of focusing your attention on every bite, calorie, or fat gram that you put into your mouth. 2. Disregarding what you really need. You know yourself better than anyone. Instead of focusing on what “should” work and what you “should” do, take this bold step that many high-achieving women skip: Ask yourself what you really need to be successful—and then give it to yourself. You’re likely to spend less time, energy, heartache and even money in the long run when you trust your inner wisdom. Do you need the help of an expert? Be honest about that. Better tools to deal with stress or difficult emotions? Do you need some one-on-one mentoring or support? Don’t cheat yourself. Investing in what you know to be true and getting the targeted help you need will likely make more of a difference than all the self-help books you can’t figure out how to make work for you. Too many women spend too much money on solutions that aren’t comprehensive or individualized enough and don’t really meet their needs. Not only does this lead to failure, it burns up your hope and your sense of effectiveness. Do you feel like you know what you need but it isn’t possible? Don’t let that stop you. Ask yourself what it would take to make it happen and ask what is do-able that would start allowing you to have more of what you need. Start believing that you deserve to get what you need and start asking for it. You might be surprised what shows up. 3. Refusing to ask for help. High-achievers can fall into the trap of believing that lifestyle change has to happen solo. Many women who are successful in other areas of their lives feel embarrassed and even ashamed of their struggles with overeating. They feel like they are alone in their struggles. Unfortunately, not reaching out for help increases the sense of isolation and decreases your potential effectiveness. Asking for help might be the scariest step you take in order to make peace with food, but stepping outside of your own head, your own mindset, beliefs, and traps, can start change happening—and quickly. 4. Not addressing time issues. My heart almost broke when I heard an outwardly successful professional woman tell me that given the hectic state of her life, she believed that she wouldn’t be able to focus on her own goals for the next ten years. Really? What kind of life is that and what kind of example are you living? Change requires a commitment to making it happen. Whether it’s taking the time to attend a class, listen to audios, create a plan for healthy meals, or meet with a coach, if you don’t create the time, it isn’t really a priority. Honest truth. If you need help learning how to make or find the time, or how to put yourself first, make this your first action step. Coaching Challenge: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to making peace with food? Where do you get stuck or thrown off course? Please join the conversation by sharing a comment. I’d love to hear from you. Then, be bold and share one step you will take to start doing it differently. Peace with food is possible. I challenge you to go for it.

I'm a former bander too. It caused all kinds of problems and then the weight gain. I had my sleeve done about a year ago and love it. I knew how to eat and what to do it was like riding a bike. I'm really happy now! Good luck on your journey!

I'm not banded yet, but my mom is and has been for 3 years this month. For a while there she was eating candy like EVERY DAY. Lately she's cut back, I'm very proud of her, but in my opinion, your sweet tooth will not be a major problem, just monitor how much sweets you're eating, limit yourself when you need to, and keep your activity level up so that you're not just taking in empty calories and doing nothing which will lead to weight gain.

I was sleeved on October 11, 2017. I feel good about my decision. I am down 75 pounds since surgery. Down 100 pounds from my heaviest weight. Weight loss isn’t as easy now. I really have to work hard on the head game portion. Eating is too easy and nothing bothers my stomach so I really need to pay attention to avoid old habits. I still feel some restriction but I push the limits a lot. I also recently started taking some medication that causes weight gain but so far I have been able to keep my weight in check. So bottom line is, I have done well but it’s getting harder but I refuse to give up. This was a lifestyle change that I must stick too. How is everyone else doing?

Definitely wait until you have reached and maintained your goal weight. Your body is going to change so many times before you reach goal. In addition remember when you take fat cell out of one area of your body your body will readjust and any weight gain will be in another part of your body (not that you will gain). Extra weight on the body is always better in the lower extremities than the middle. By the time you reach goal your thighs will be so much thinner and you will probably just want to get rid of the extra skin by then.

Here is what I have found--- When you lose the weight, YES others are attracted to you simply for the PHYSICAL change(s). I have always had an outgoing, engaging personality. It may have been muffled under the excess weight, but that was more due to my withdrawal from life. Do I find myself approached more? Yes. Unequivocally yes. Did I have a hard time "accepting" this fact? Yes and no. Here is why- prior to weight gain, I enjoyed a great deal of interaction socially ( not romantically- being married and all) from both sexes. It was my normal. Do I sit and think "well screw you, you uppity socialite who NOW speaks to me"? Yep. I live in a community that is both Upper Middle class and extremely wealthy. We all intermingle, but the "super wealthy" women didn't give me the time of day when I was overweight. Now they fawn over me. Ha! Screw them. Didn't need them before, certainly don't now. Here is also something I've seen--- There are those out there who will want to "score" with you, emotionally, physically, whichever, JUST for the hell of it...the game. You MAY find someone who "tells" you things just because...but don't fall for that BS. Be your best person, emotionally, physically, spiritually. Don't derail your happiness and success based on "what if". Don't let anyone or the fear of someone hurting you dictate where you eventually land weight-wise. YOU CHOOSE who you want to let into your life!!!! I'd go so far as to say when the time is RIGHT, choose people who didn't know you pre-op Finally, you only become as invisible as you want to be. Having an outgoing, life-loving personality draws people to me. I don't say this to feather my own cap. It just is what it is. If you are outgoing and engaging, you don't disappear, you THRIVE. If you prefer to keep to yourself, then do that. Summed up/-- you get to call all of the shots. How, when and with whom is up to you. Just don't fall prey to men who promise love and adoration just to score...no different now or thinner. Jerks abound. You're doing this for you. No one else and you don't need their validation. Totally agree with everything you said here. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App