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I tried all of the above mentioned solutions...raised the head of our bed, Nexium 2X a day, restricted eating and drinking in the evenings, avoided acid producing foods. Nothing helped until my band was totally unfilled. I understand concerns Bandsters have about restriction levels and gaining weight. I was able to continue to lose even with an unfilled band. Every one is an individual, and my solutions may not work for others. Removing Fluid does not need to mean weight gain. Best wishes to feel better...

1st off, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all of this, and without your surgeon's team for support! You really have an uphill battle!! Prednisone will work against you - it will cause cravings and weight gain all on its own. My rheumatologist (I have RA/PsA) won't give me prednisone unless I'm in a huge flare. If your rheumy hasn't started working you towards other anti-inflammatories, find a new rheumy. Methotrexate didn't work for me (and then I had an allergic reaction) but sulfasalazine is helping quite a bit, and we're considering plaquenil. We'll move to biologics before we'll do prednisone again unless I get a horrendous flare. I know how awesome prednisone is, I just got through telling my PCP that I wish it was safe to take long-term because I feel completely human on 10-20mg a day. But the side effects long term are awful, and it will absolutely work against you with weight loss. I can't do ultra-low carb like many of the people here, but I work to keep my carbs moderately low (I usually get 70-80g a day) and make sure I'm eating complex carbs like whole grains and Beans and not eating simple sugars. I focus mainly on getting my Protein and Water in, though some days it's very hard and I fall short but I keep working to do better the next day. If I get all my protein and fluids in, I often don't have room for a lot of carbs. I am so out of shape, have a reconstructed knee (not artificial, but they had to repair/replace cartilage and re-structure the joint), and the best thing I have found for exercise is to get in the pool. I found a close gym with an indoor pool. I can't even kick laps yet, but just get in and walk. The cooler water keeps the inflammation down, and the buoyancy keeps from overloading my joints. When I had my knee reconstructed in 2008, I couldn't afford a gym, but found that my city had an indoor pool at the senior citizen's center, and was able to go water walk there. So I highly recommend finding a pool you can use to get some exercise in and get those joints moving. I don't know what your options are for finding a doc since you don't have your original one. If you can't find a bariatric surgeon who will work with you, try and find a good PCP who is educated about WLS or maybe a gastroenterologist. If you can't find one to follow up with, there are a lot of resources online. Which isn't the best option, but it's better than having no support. I have been very impressed with the videos by Dr. Weiner https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4qN8k1ix0DoCLM6VhDvz8w for example. Several bariatric centers publish their post-surgical programs. I highly recommend that you get on one and work really hard to follow it. Even though I can't follow the ultra low-carb programs that most here are using, I'm working really hard to change my eating patterns and my relationship with food permanently so that my tool will work. Best of luck to you!

I lost 1206 lbs in 19 months, I loved my band but I eroded, and I have no regrets. My band and I worked wel ltogether, it did its' job and I am happy to report in the 2 months I have had no band I have had NO weight gain. I learned from my band and got my head on straight.

what is smartlipo?? ive had some problems with my arms getting saggy. ive never had big arms before my weight gain and now they are looking pretty awful. i dont want them looking this bad when i go on the cruise with my grand daughter... i want to swim a lot. so... what is smartlipo please

HI Your intentions are wonderful, but weight, weight loss, and weight gain are very personal and intimate subjects. You can never know how someone else will interpret what you say, good intentions or not. Telling someone how they can lose weight is also telling them they are not "ok" as is, unless they have asked for your advice. You have a good heart; just pay attention to being sensitive from the other side ~hiddn

I haven't been around in a while, just now able to really sit at the computer for long. Congrats to all of those on the losers bench and to those joining us soon. I'm still having pain and needing Tylenol every 4 hours, but I am getting around well. I was up and walking a lot right after surgery. They called me their star patient, but I seemed to have a lot of pain and bruising. sleeping is a challenge, but I have no hunger and have not regretted this once. I actually gained 12lbs overnight from all of the fluids. It took quite a while to lose that, but the pounds started melting off within the last 3 days. I am 8 days post op and down 7lbs even with the 12lb weight gain, so 19lbs in 8 days. <laugh> I was able to start mushies yesterday. Everything is going well so far, but I eat very little. I don't want to over do it especially since it's only 1 week since surgery. I can see my muscles wasting away already and cannot wait to be able to exercise and lift again. GL all.

Cindy, First I want to say DONT GIVE UP! Loosing 55lbs without a good fill is excellent! Everyone here have given you great ideas! PLEASE get some blood work to check your thyroid function, hormone levels and your blood sugar and have them check for insulin resistance. If they find an inbalance it could be easily fixed with medication and you'll be on your way to loosing again! DId you know that one of the side effects of birth control pills is weight gain? This could be hindering your efforts. I know the pills are important for you to have but maybe you need a different kind of pill. I also think you need a good fill. Making better choices is much easier when you can only fit a little food in your pouch! I was making bad choices too before I was restricted. Sometimes we have a little tinkering to do with our band before it works well! Hang in there. Please let us know how you're doing. Marsha, RN

^^^^This a thousand times! I honestly think if you are having this issue, you must treat food as you would a prescription. You will need to be regimented, and determined and disciplined to go on a weight gaining program, but not just any weight--a muscle gaining regimen. And for that you really need a trainer who understands sports medicine and bariatric medicine. Cuz you do face challenges. For instance, are you logging? Do you track every bite that goes in your mouth? If you do, then you at least know a baseline both calorically and from a macro prospective. So you can alter your plan to increase your nutrition. The most obvious ways are NOT to add sugar. That is a recipe for RH. I have it. It sucks. Juice is TERRIBLE for that! But the most obvious way to add back cals and nutrition are to add back your protein drinks as supplements on top of your food. And eat very nutrient dense and calorically dense foods that allow you eat more of them cuz they are hedonic stimulants (lasagna casserole without noodles, casseroles, gooey things with cheese). Also adding in psyllium and miralax have been lifesavers for me... Hope those ideas help. If you are losing, I'd personally up my cals by 10-15% for the day...and get at least 1 meal in that had 30g of protein for that meal, cuz Dr. Longo says that aids in muscle building...

Hey everyone! I’m new here, but have come to this site because I’m getting scared and am trying to find some help. I had a gastric bypass over 2 years ago going on 3 and had been doing really well with keeping my weight off. Then I became pregnant and had my beautiful baby boy this December, but I just cannot seem to lose my baby weight. Has anyone else had this issue? Is the pouch reset something to consider and does it really work? Any thoughts on how I can start gaining control back of my gastric bypass and lose this weight? Thanks! 🤗

It would be nice if you would have posted more than just "Weight Gain in 3 Days". That doesn't mean much to anyone. Are you pre-op or Post-op? what was your weight when you started, what is it now. What diet are you on?

Totally normal and it's to be expected. Most people, myself included, didn't start noticing restriction until my 4th & 5th fills. Especially if your doctor is conservative with your fills like mine was/is. A weight gain is common too. Try not to get discouraged. Start making good habits and choices now. You're REALLY early in the game and I PROMISE the weight will start falling off before you know it!!! I was where you were back in August, September, October. I thought for sure the band wasn't going to work...but everyone told me to hang in there and be patient!! They were right!!!!!!!! Best of luck!!!!!!

I have been trying to get a surgical date for almost a year now. I was getting little progress from my first surgeon so I switched to another that was recommended. My insurance says they will approve the surgery. I have taken all the preop tests and exams. I just can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone. I also was told by a physician that the bariatric surgeon I am working with was having problems getting hospitals to work with him due to paper work issues, not his qualifications as a surgeon. I was also told that in the Raleigh Durham area that the hospitals are trying to stop bariatric surgery from being performed in the area? Is that true? I also have two friends who had the rouxen-y surgery and now 4 to 5 years later they are both fighting weight gain. I have opted to have lap-band. I would like to hear from some people who have had positive outcome and their challenges. I have a great desire to get this done and get on with my life, but it seems like there is a block in each path I turn. My insurance says they will cover the procedure, so what's the problem? My standard answer back from the doctor's office is that the office is in chaos over the change of the way they process insurance. It seems that they have had surgery dates set up and the patient shows up on that date only to find the surgery has been cancelled because the proper paper work was not processed to the hospital. What can I do? I am a patient person, but it seems I have had my patience stretched. Does anyone know if their are problems between the bariatric surgeons and the hospitals in the Raleigh Durham area of North Carolina? What can we do about it? Thank you vericks

I'm 2yrs into the lap-band and I'm gaining how can I get control of it before it's too late?

Hey all, Im in month 1 of my pre op program because my insurance requires 4 visits/2 months. I had my first visit and met the dietician and surgeon. I wasn't technically told to lose weight yet, but I already started to try and diet because I knew that is going to be asked of me at some point. But...somehow, with my luck, I gained like 3-4 lbs. Has anyone else gained after the 1st visit. I go on Tuesday back for my 2nd appt and im somewhat embarrassed that I actually gained weight. Do they weigh you with every visit and report it to the insurance company, or do I have time to save myself and be more strict with dieting over the next two months. Do they actually try to get approval from the insurance right away, or you go thru the 3 months first then they try and get approval. I just don't know if im gonna be denied right away because I already gained a few pounds. Anyone go thru this?

Have you considered pregnancy? Food cravings and weight gain? You're probably not but just something to think about.

It has been soooo long since I posted here, probably not since I was a few months post op back in 2016. I am now 6 years post-op (July 26) and have found myself really really struggling. I have gained 15 lbs. I know that may not seem like a lot to some people but I feel like I have made it so far and damn, why is this starting. I mean I know why. I'm eating poorly, I am relying on my sleeve to trigger my full feelings but I am def eating whatever I want, dumping, and doing it again. I am going through a rough time emotionally and I have restarted therapy but man I am finding it hard to not to eat my feelings. And what I eat is what I call punishment or self hate food: anything fried, fettuccine Alfredo, pizza...etc. I'm just so in it right now and the weight gain is compounding it. I stopped working out because of the pandemic, my studio shut down...sorry feeling so sorry for myself but I am scared I will end up looking like I did 6 years ago and hating myself even more.

I think the fact that you are trying to address any weight gain is the most important part. You will be fine with your positive attitude. Much respect for tackling cancer and the weight at the same time.

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I lost 20 pounds during the 6-month weight loss program, which was at a different hospital--it was not connected with my surgeon's office. I first met with my surgeon about three months later, and during that time I had gained back those 20 pounds. However, I did not gain weight between the time I first saw the surgeon and my surgery date. Nonetheless, I don't think your weight gain would be enough to delay your surgery. However, you should discuss it with your surgeon. Just tell the truth and don't try to "cheat" by starving yourself before your next appointment.

First of all great news on beating cancer! Were you are are you currently on steroids or any meds that can contribute to weight gain? I had surgery 6 years post cancer, so it’s different than your experience. I went from 150 lbs at breast cancer diagnosis to 225 Lbs, 5 years later. I gained at a quick pace and while the (hardcore) treatment saved my life it zapped me for quite sometime. I’m only mentioning this so you can ask your Doctor, it’s frustrating and it helps to know what you’re up against. Here is what I would do. Talk to my Doctor Take vitamins Research any current meds and talk with your Doctor about any concerns. subscribe to a fitness routine or app at home Journal everything you eat in My fitness pal. Limit your calories wear a Fitbit or a comparable device Drink water until it’s coming out of your ears stock up on lean meats, fruits, yogurt and veggies. Acorn squash is my go to when I want something starchy. Keep yourself accountable. Congratulations again, You’ve proven your tough, you’ve done this before and you can do it again. It will probably take longer since you have less to lose but you’ll get there. Im rooting for you!

I too was supposed to fax in my last 5 years of medical records to my surgeon before my initial consultation...I told the nurse that it would be a blank sheet...she said well if you havent been to a doctor you cant make up the records...but you will have to go in anyway for a checkup so the sooner the better as that can be the start of your 6 months of dr. supervised visits that most insurances require as mine does too. My doctor was thrilled to hear I was looking into WLS and had started the process and was behind me 100%. Knew I needed to have a checkup as it had been 5 years since my last child was born so went ahead and made all the appts including my first mammogram and am on my way with my 6 months of supervised visits. Everything came back good to excellent (believe it or not) ! I just want to do something about my weight before I have any major issues...we have LOTS of diabetes in my family and am hoping I can prevent it if at all possible. On a side note.....my personal doctor was not encouraging at all about having lapband and is really pushing me to have gastric bypass...well outright said I should have gastric because better results...That made me torn between the 2 surgeries. I read so many people frustrated on the boards here about not losing etc but also the good too. I know that goes with both surgeries...good and the bad. I think it will be lapband for me....I just hope I can do it with the aid of the band when my time comes. I have been trying to eat healthier, cut the sugars ... trying to cut soda which isnt going the best yet but hopefully by the time I can have surgery i will be there. In a nut shell Kristy...I dont think the 5 years of records is really a big deal. I think you will have previous records that will show your weight etc if they want to look at it. I think they just really want to see that it has been an ongoing issue for awhile and not just a recent weight gain. Keep the process going...there are lots of things to complete in the coming months so time does go fast. I have 4 month left of supervised visits and hoping it will be approved then. You can do it....good luck to you and keep us posted

Hey guys! So I’m showing my stomach today. Haven’t done that since surgery.. sometimes I am ashamed of my surgery scars but at the end of the day it’s my body and I love myself and I’ve learned not to care about anyone’s negative opinion. Self consciously of course no one can see too much but it still feels good to dress like the old me, before the weight gain. I’m going out with 2 old friends today and I’m excited. Stomach doesn’t look too bad right?? I’ve been using dove lotion with pure coconut oil from whole foods and coco butter to reduce visibility of stretch marks on my stomach as well. goal - 140 sleeved on - 121416 ! (Idk my measurements now they are prob still the same, for those who do ask whenever I post pics)

Gaynor, give yourself credit. I am sure you lost alot of weight with the band. You have managed to keep most of that off and know your limitations. Just knowing that any cheating has a price is something most of us forgot before. I just lost my band 11 weeks ago and I loved my band. I am struggling to like life without it. Stopping the weight gain, trying to figure out what I can eat, and exercising are consuming my life. I hope to get where you are soon - knowing your stabized weight and how to maintain it. Hang in there and recognize the good you have done.

I guess I'm lucky as far as it comes to the process. I've met my surgeon and really like him! It has been pretty easy and pretty fast. I am just ready for this change, i'm ready to star seeing results. I feel so lost, I have gained so much weight I don't even recognize myself! I'm recently single after 5 years and I am afraid to visit with old friends (guys and girls) because of the weight gain!

Good Morning It has been 3 years since I was banded and I just cannot get this last 8 lbs to get to one of my goal points. I had gotten off track for a while and since about May I have been back on track. I found a new doctor, and it was found that I am deficient in many Vitamins. So back I went to the nutritionist and she and I discussed all this. She has me on a 1200 calorie regimen daily but sometimes I really just don’t get in those 1200 calories worth of food. Could this be causing a weight gain? The band had been checked and the doctor seems to think I am tight enough by the way the Fluid flows through. I do have a 10cc band and right now I am at 8.5 cc full. He will not fill it again as he don’t want to cause any problems for me, I can totally respect that. Although I am very health conscious as to what I put into my mouth and I did find this app for my Iphone called My Fitness Pal and I keep track of everything, even the one or two packets of Splenda I might use in my tea. Even the things I think are BAD foods I keep track. I am not big on caffeine’s; I am not big on sweets although a cookie now and then (which is counted) is very yummy. I have not had my Ice Cream or Starbucks since May so going on two full months and really I do not miss it. I make my own coffee, and eat fruit pops if I feel like I am in need of that Ice Cream fix I gave up. I do not eat out at all; I cook everything fresh and from scratch. I just do not understand how I could be gaining weight! Could it be my hormones (going through the change) I have pumped up on the Proteins I intake as well although I am certain that I am not getting in all they recommend. I hate exercise and that might be a downfall I don't know. I am simply at a loss any input anyone might have as to the same struggle you had like this and how you overcame it would be helpful. Thanks so much for your help Michele

Nope no soda for me. It was a bummer and I still on occasion really want one but I don't partake. I too have read the information that diet soda does cause weight gain. More than anything I gave it up and don't want to start it back up. I have taken to drinking tea and half decaf coffee (1 in the morning) and obviously Water.