Search the Community

It could be anything. Water weight (especially if your cycle causes weight gain at particular times), constipation (yes *that* weighs a lot), not weighing at the same time each day, broken scale, body just being weird . . . and hang on, because your body will continue to be weird. Minor fluctuations like this will continue to happen. What you really need to pay attention to is long-term trends. I would suggest either weighing yourself less frequently or using something like trendweight.com to see the bigger picture and get away from having little blips stress you out. Good luck!

Weight loss AND weight gain is very personal.... But I chose to tell only a select few int he beginning... of course my employer, because I was already out on a LOA- but wanted to explain my decision. I HAD to improve my life to be able to continue to work. I didn't even tell my kids until a few weeks before the surgery so I could get transportation to the hospital!!:blushing: When I did go back to work... I had lost about 25 pounds, and people noticed "something different" I decided to tell whoever asked... there is not "Secret Cure" for losing weight, and I wsn't trying to "fool" anyone... I felt that at least I was in controll of what was said. Alot of people didn't even notice until i lost a signifigant amount! And would ask how I did it... well.. working in retail.. i figured by the time I told ONE person... the whole store would know it! But I have alot of support there.... people I didn't think would support my decision have! The only problem with people knowing that you had weight loss surgery is they all say " don't get tooo thin" That TOO... is a personnal decision. And thats what i tell them. They have only known me as obese... so of course seeing me lose weight is different for them too. Chancie

I just wanted to post a follow up on this thread. I had a support group meeting at my bariatric center and asked one of the nuritionists specifically about the no weight gain aspect during the medically supervised period., She said it does vary from insurance policy to policy but most of them would make you start the medically supervised period over again from the beginning if you had a weight gain at one appointment compared to your weight at the previous appointment. So as an example if you have a 6 month supervised period required, and at appointment 4 you had gained weight compared to appointment 3, you would would have to start all over with a new a new appointment 1.

I'm 2 years 1 month out. I reached my goal of 150 in August. I am at 146.6 ATM. I've read it can happen 2 to 3 years out. I read weight gain can average at or around 20 lbs. I'm not sure if this is true or not.

I can attest to the pms weight gain. Every month it just soooo hsppened i was scheduled the week of my cycle, pure coincidence, to have my monthly meetings w/ the surgeon..!!!!! For this 3 month period ot actually looks like i gained weight from my initial appt. I just took some diurex or ramped up my Water intake from 64 to 80oz a day.. it helps!!!!! Best of luck and you should be fine Sent from my SAMSUNG GALAXY SII Skyrocket using LapBandTalk

A hernia doesn't cause weight gain. Calories do.

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.

Wow, thats amazing (maybe there isn't as many problems with the sleeve as with other WLS). . . with the sleeve the death rate isn't that big, head hunger of course but then you would get that with ordinary dieting as well. . . that is the reason most folks are not very successful doing it the traditional way. . .the weight gain, sure if your not careful and eat everything your not supposed to. . . this is JUST a tool, not a miracle thing! As with a hammer, it won't bang the nail into the post without you doing the work. . . the sleeve is the same, it won't MAKE you lose the weight, it helps you lose the weight but you MUST work on it. . . you have to watch your intake all the time! it's just easier having restriction to HELP you not overeat. . . my DH is an occupational therapist and hasn't seen the problems with all your sister says. . . so this must be different areas. . . I am out 15 months and the only problems i battle with at times is head hunger. . . but who isn't. . .you have to be able to combat it. . . obesity is a health problem as well as a psychological problem, you need to work very hard to help yourself with it. . . and the other is a problem that may have already been there but was never tested prior to the WLS is Vitamin D deficency. . . we're working on that now. . . but other than that, I've lost 150 lbs of fat that i will never gain back UNLESS I will it and don't work on it . . good luck to you on your future endeavors

Well I will be banded monday and I have to say I have often wondered myself about the weight gain but my doc said as long as I listened to him and had my band in good working order I will be fine hope this helps

I weigh once a week. Period. And FWIW, here's how jacked up it can be: surgery day: 245, 1-week follow up: 232, 2 weeks post: 235. Am I concerned about that weight gain? Not a bit! I went from about 100 -200 calories a day after surgery to 800-1000 a day this second week. That 232 was partially water. It was like getting the flu. This is a marathon, not a sprint. "Finishing the race " (weighing a healthy weight) is what matters, not how fast it's done.

I weigh once a week. Period. And FWIW, here's how jacked up it can be: surgery day: 245, 1-week follow up: 232, 2 weeks post: 235. Am I concerned about that weight gain? Not a bit! I went from about 100 -200 calories a day after surgery to 800-1000 a day this second week. That 232 was partially water. It was like getting the flu. This is a marathon, not a sprint. "Finishing the race " (weighing a healthy weight) is what matters, not how fast it's done.

I would check with your doctor again. Tsh blood tests are backwards. When the number is low your level is high( hyperthyroid) you are getting to much thyroid they usually decrease your dose. When your level is high you are not getting enough thyroid( hypothyroid) and then they increase your dose. Hypothyroid can cause weight gain, hyperthyroid weight loss. Both can make you tired.

My dr gave me Seroquel XR to help my bipolar and anxiety but I've read that Seroquel slows your metabolism and I want to know if anyone had these issues and what meds are you taking that seems to work. I have Xanax for my anxiety but I need something for my bipolar issues. They said even if you don't eat with the Seroquel you're still gonna gain weight. I need some insight. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Kind of a long story.....At the suggestion of my therapist, I went in to talk about getting a prescription for wellbutrin. My depression was only getting worse. About two years earlier, My PCP's wife had been struggling with emotional issues....they actually thought she was bipolar. At some point they discovered she had really low testosterone. After consulting with specialists at the mayo clinic, they started her on HRT and she is a different person. All of her symptoms of depression and fatigue are gone. She's kind of become an expert on HRT at this point. So hormone levels and their effects just happened to be something my PCP was familiar with. I basically lucked out, no one else would have thought to test. Like @ said, it's just not something they check in women. It's too bad because there may be a LOT of women out there struggling with depression, exhaustion, weight gain, and low libido that are misdiagnosed and put on an antidepressant and diet instead of checking hormone levels. Ironically, OB/Gyn's are the number one prescriber of antidepressants when they should actually be the most aware of the effects of wonky hormone levels on women. And, BTW, my estrogen and progesterone levels were perfect, so the "normal" tests they do on women would not have indicated a hormonal problem.

Hi, we had our surgery on the same day do not worry about the stalls, they're totally normal. Weight gain sometimes as well, during menstrual cycle is normal too. Even if you are eating, you are only getting 1/2 of that in because the rest is being bypassed (where they got the name from). So it's double penetration toward weight loss since not only are we eating small amounts, our bodies aren't even absorbing all of what we put in...which is why it's so important too to take our Vitamins everyday. Let's keep in touch! You are doing great.

For me the band was not worth the physical pain, shame, and discomfort I have felt about the band itself. I have had a difficult time eating since I got the band, and I finally admitted to myself after a year and a half with it that I had an eating disorder. I wanted to lose weight, however inside I was dying and I was using food for comfort. So when I thought losing weight would be the answer, it was a decision based on the idea that "if I look better I'll feel better." Not true. We feel confident when we take care of ourselves and look healthy and beautiful, however that is a daily task that requires much more than a number on the scale or my body size. Emotionally, physically, and spiritually I must love and respect myself. I think getting the band was a drastic measure on my part. I got frustrated with eating slow and not being able to eat what I wanted and I reverted to eating sugary and snacky foods all the time partly because it went down my stomach easier. I even smoked weed partly so I could calm down, and then eat easier. (when I was sober I was more tense, and my band would be tight feeling) I think anyone thinking of getting this band should see a therapist and explore their issues with eating for at least 3 months first. If at that time you determine you have healthy motives and still want to move forward, I would proceed.......however I think probably many people with the band have deeper reasons for their out of control eating and weight gain. Take care- Nicole V.* recovering anorexic, compusive exerciser and compulsive eater

A little straight talking: Loose skin versus your health & well being? Personally, I think it’s a simple decision. I have glaucoma & the medication gives me dark, purple shadows under my eyes which nothing will cover (spent a fortune on different concealers). I’m very fair & it’s very obvious. People think I’m sick. But my choice is dark, purple shadows or my sight. Sight wins every day. How much loose skin you will have depends upon many factors like your age, general skin elasticity, where you carry your weight, how long you’ve been at your weight, your history of weight gain & loss, & how much you lose. I don’t have a lot of loose skin - just sort of droopy, loose, crepey bits on my inner thighs, inner upper arms & on my belly. A good pinch but not a handful. It all hides well in my clothes. I wear fitted knit dresses without any type of shape wear & even wear tops with wide straps - I just don’t wave my arms in the air lol. I’m not someone who’d have my body on display anyway - no shorty shorts, bikinis, plunging or strapless tops for me at any weight. 😁 So the loose skin doesn’t really impact my clothing choices at all. I was almost 54 when I had my surgery so I had age against me in regards to my skin bouncing back. Honestly, when I hit my goal I had very little loose skin - was pretty cocky about it too. But the extra 11 kg loss gave me what I have now. I’ve decided I won’t have any surgery to remove the excess skin. I earned that skin & a part of me, for good or bad, thinks I deserve it too. It’s a good reminder of where I was & where I am now. But it is your decision. We all have things that are personally important to us (for me it is my hair). I hope I haven’t belittled yours.

I had an identical experience to what you are describing after having an unfill, and then refills. When I asked my surgeon why we "refillers" seem to report a lack of being able to refind original sensations of fullness/lack of hunger between meals/restriction, he answered "We don't know." It's a drag, but it may be helpful to get in the mindset that your band ultimately doesn't do the bulk of the work after the initial, glorius first year (or so). Mine ran full power for the first year, making the weight drop off with little effort on my part, other than eating in a band-friendly way which was super easy due to my perfect restriction. Then I started having complications and a first unfill. I never found the original restriction once I was cleared to start refilling. As time went by, and my weight started slowly climbing, I told myself I had to throw out the fantasy that my band was going to do all the work for me. So I brought in my old tools (from my dieting years) and polished those off. The weight gain halted (I've been at the same weight for more than a year now--no losses, but no gains). I had to let go of feeling badly that I was "back to dieting" but you know what? At the end of the day, it still is easier, at least for me, to do this with a band (mine is now unfilled completely, due to other complications) than to do this as an unbanded person. In short, I understand and have lived exactly what you are experiencing. My only "tip" is to "live like you have an active band" even if you aren't feeling it. (I know, it's not as easy as when the band was indeed active.)

I told my husband, but do not plan to tell anyone else. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what to tell my boss. So far, I'm going with - I'll be out for a few days because I am having elective surgery for a minor medical issue. If pushed, I will say it is of a personal nature. Thoughts? Omar from Dr. Kelly's office just called me and was giving me pre-surgery instructions. My son overheard and asked - "Your having surgery? When were you going to tell me?" He's not great a keeping secrets, so I told him I just told him I was having surgery on my stomach. He kept pushing so I said the doctor was going to remove some things (non cancerous in nature). He kept pushing - so I said like cists and I added that they may be the cause of my weight gain. He's 15, so he was kidding around and said, "Eww. You have pimples in your stomach?" Oh well, I'm not sure if him telling people I have pimples in my stomach is that is much better than just telling people about the WLS

My Doc believes there are 2 groups of people. The sweet eaters and volume eaters. With past results she recommends the sleeve to volume eaters generally. One reason many slider foods (sweets) can be consumed with the sleeve and actual weight gain can be accomplished. With the other surgery you would have instant dumping syndrome from the sweets. One other item I myself looked at was the sleeve was a less invasive surgery compared to the other. Also, I am a volume eater so both myself and Doc agreed that would be the best route. I understand you have to decide but have you asked or considered your Docs recommendations?

Whew - you're going to have a tough time but try not to stress too much. It's hard enough to eat in the beginning months post op, and to add in a pregnancy (and the worries about eating for the baby) I'm sure can't help. Every single person and every single pregnancy is different. This time around the morning sickness was awful for me. It lasted until about four months, went away for just over a month and is back now that I'm in the third trimester. That's just me pregnant with this baby. I actually had an easier twin pregnancy than this single baby! You probably cannot eat much at a time. If you aren't already, you really, really need to find a Protein shake that you like that doesn't cause you problems. Dairy can be an issue, so if you don't like your shakes try mixing them with something else. Because you're expecting, I wouldn't go for the lowest carb and calorie shake you can find. Something I'd normally consider a splurge, like the BSN Syntha-6 brand, would be IDEAL for you right now. The higher calories are something you need because you're growing a baby and you're not going to be eating many of your calories. I'd pair a scoop of the Syntha-6 with a scoop or two of the Syntrax unflavored for a protein heavy shake that will help boost your caloric intake. I'd drink at least one a day, but I might try for two if you're really having trouble eating. You need to eat slowly, chew thoroughly and try a variety of different foods. Certain things do tend to feel like they get stuck in the beginning when your new sleeve is still swollen. I'm not saying you should live on mushies but you need to pace yourself and take it easy. eggs are a huge issue for a lot of people around this time, so if you find they aren't going down well, back off of them and try them again each week until you can tolerate them. It's the opposite of typical sleeve eating, but I found that the only thing I could really keep down with morning sickness were carbs. Small, thin slices of toast, crackers, grits, oatmeal, etc. You may find the same. The reality is that your priority just shifted - now your goal isn't to lose weight. Your priority now should be to heal and eat enough to have a healthy baby. You WILL lose this weight afterward. There isn't a magic window with the sleeve, and you'll find that your restriction is very much still there once baby arrives. I've gone back and forth during this pregnancy with restriction. At times I'm amazed because I can eat an entire sandwich and other times I can only manage a few bites before I'm stuffed. Oh, and watch that acid. I was off my PPI for years and now I'm back on it again. I could have sworn I was starving to death around the clock...and you'd think as a sleeve vet I'd know better ('specially since I'm always reminding people that are newly sleeved to take their PPI) but as soon as I hopped back on my omeprazole I felt so much relief. So make sure your OB knows you need a PPI and make sure you're taking one. As soon as I got on mine again the daily heartburn and around the clock stomach rumbling went away. Good luck to you, and to all the ladies here expecting! Oh, and since this is a thread about weight gain, I'm currently 27 weeks and I'm up 20 pounds. I'm not thrilled but I'm not worried, either. Compared to my past pregnancy gains (97 pounds for one girl, nearly 80 pounds with twins) I'm kicking butt this time around. ~Cheri

bless your heart! I can totally relate with you though! I am out now 2 years and when i hit 200 that was it, never made it to onederland, but whatever. . . at least i don't weigh 350 lbs! and i think that once we hit a certain place, our bodies do stop everything. The weight gain is only 5 lbs, could be water weight too, mine usually is. . . i don't exercise and that is now my news years resolution. . . i eat everything there is too (except lettuce, that hurts a lot) just be really careful with the goodies. Christmas time is a very very junk filled season. . . hopefully after the holidays you'll get back into the swing of things. . . we all get that blahhh feeling and just are tired. . you'll be ok, your human and just look how far you have come. . . you lost a whooping 124 lbs! that is a hugh accomplishment. . . you have a great tool to help you and you'll do fine. . . just rest for now, maybe that is all you really need. . .

I am psyched for this and can't wait for surgery so I can put the last 15 years of see-sawing weight gain behind me. Now just turned 41, I know I won't ever get back to that 25 year old fit footy player but I am very excited about making permanent changes that WILL have results. My dream is to be able to buy clothes from a 'regular' menswear store instead of having to find "high and mighty" (big men) stores. Currently 130kgs (286 pounds) I am hoping to lose 35kgs (77 pounds) but most of all being able to run around the park with my daughter climb rocks with her and race her in the pool etc. I can't wait for the change. I have already given away drinking in preparation (losing 3 kgs/6.5lbs) in a short time. I meet with the Dietician next week and then on to the 2 week pre-op diet before surgery on June 3 with Dr Copp here in Brisbane. Happy days ahead!!:confused:

Thanks for that share. I was a normal weight child before I started school. My first grade teacher would not let me leave the lunchroom until I finished my food. She would leave me alone sometimes until the bell rang to go home. I didn't know how to tell my mother and started gaining weight to not get left in the lunchroom. I gained 30 pounds that year and that is a lot for a little kid. I remained the biggest kid in the class until after the sixth grade. I got my beloved horse and she helped me slim down. It was after my dad died in 1992 that my weight problems started again. I was the apple of his eye and it devastated me. In August 2011 I had gastric sleeve surgery. I started at 269 and had lost to 185 in August 2012. I was out of work from January 2012 to August. I think going back to work that August contributed to my current weight of 220. I have been out of work again since the end of December and can't get this weight off no matter what I do. I am starting back to work this Monday July 13 and I am terrified this is going to cause more weight gain. I have done nothing but Protein and a couple of cantaloupe slices this week and lost 3 pounds. My injuries from a car accident and chronic anemia (it is genetic, not Iron low) prevents me exercising enough to help add muscle and burn some fat. Sorry I got off topic but I needed to rant.

New to the board and find the information very helpful. I had my VG lapband removed (after 2 years) on October 19, 2010. Had major slippage with 40% of stomach going through-band. The band had only a small fill may have had something to do with it? No erosion or complications during removal. (Glad it is out - knew it was not the long term answer). I did well with the band losing most all desired weight but feel as though I need to move forward with VSG too not allow any weight gain. I want to get VSG but have been told to wait 6 weeks - 3 months. What have you been told or what is most common in this scenario? In advance thank you for the input. I am also considering Dr. Rod or Dr. Aceves for VSG - they both seem to have a good reputation. Thoughts???