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That's what I was thinking as well. I think my best friend and I have discovered something that could cause this and that's the good old menopause! The weight gain as only been in the last month but scary I must admit! Back to the basics I go

Most are new on here... or at least what I have seen. I hit my year mark on Feb 21st but have no experienced and yoyo weight gain. Maybe going back to basics and writing everything down??? Good luck and welcome to the boards

I went to my surgeon in Feb 2013 and now I'm going back next week (post 6 month program) I don't remember how much I weighed but I think since Feb I've gained some weight. I've been battling 5-7lbs (which is actually an amazing improvement for me since I could easily gain 50lbs in a year if I'm not careful...) anyway... At this appointment I was told they will either clear me for surgery and call insurance for approval or they will require I do a few months of supervised diet. Do you think if I show a weight gain at all that I'm going to have to do more diet classes, or do you think I'll be ok? I'm so nervous.. This whole process has felt like its taken years and I'm just ready to be banded and start my new life!!! I know that it's a tool and I know how I should eat but without the tool it's so hard to feel satisfied so I eat too much. Hence the weight battle.. Nervous!!! Anxious!!

I thought it would be good to see what others use as motivation. Of course the scale is a big motivation, but I like using other things as well. My goal weight is just too far away for me to even imagine it as a reality some day. Examples of things I use as motivation: :biggrin: I keep a piece of clothing near the front of the closet that I would like to fit in next. One that is just a little too tight to wear in public. I try it on once a week and when it fits, wear it ! :smile: I stopped wearing my wedding rings a couple years ago because of my weight gain. I try them on once a week. They are still a little too tight for comfort, but when they fit, I will wear them again ! I love my rings and will be so happy to have them on again ! :biggrin: I am currently in "Banster Hell" , but am trying to take off 2 more pounds before my next fill appointment ( when I'm sure they will have me step on the scale) on the 25th. Please share things you use as motivation.

One year ago I was rolled down the isle in an 2XL gown, big ole booties and a smile because I knew my life would change. I went in prepared to face the challenges and joy that this decision would cause me. The first month I survived the liquid diet, post-surgery pain and discomfort and lost bonus 10 lbs that I have yet to see again. The second month I noticed my clothes getting looser and another 5 lbs gone, I can eat but the problem was I wanted to eat everything so I was welcomed to Bandster-Hell. The third month I had gotten my first fill 2ccs humm felt tight for like a day then back to eating it up… good thing no weight gain and another 2lbs gone. Month four, I noticed my size 22’s are falling off of me literally and another 2lbs gone, this is going slow I thought time for a fill and off I went another 2cc’s now 4ccs in a 10cc band. Month five another 2lbs goneI am still hungry and my 20’s are fitting loser, food still goes down pretty easily, and I have yet to experience a stuck episode I was so happy. Another .5 ccs in the band. 4.5 ccs Month Six no weight loss nothing, not a pound, I am starting to feel full faster but I can still eat two burritos and taco bell. And my workouts are sporadic time to make an appointment with the doctor .5cc’s he said I say more but I will see. Month Seven, Had .5cc’s in my band I don’t think that will do much of anything for me, but I took the doctor said wait another week and if it doesn’t work out then I can come back however, I got really busy with life and alas no weight loss but bread is off the menu forever, I experienced my first episode of slime and stuck with a piece of pork chop, and then a piece of bread. 5.5 ccs in the band I am halfway full that has got to count for something. Month eight, I am feeling discouraged I ended up not losing any weight this month, I lost 5lbs with my fill and I gained it back. I don’t know why because I can’t eat as much, and I am moving more it is spring and hot around here. I ended up having hernia surgery and couldn’t get a fill until I recovered from my surgery and I finally got the fill I wanted 1 cc’s now I am more than half way there 6.5cc’s and I am really feeling that day to day stuff that I have read about on the boards, feeling tight in the morning, I can eat a yogurt and be stuffed, and be satisfied for hours oh and my 20’s are now gone, I am now in a very loose fitting 18…I can’t wait. Month nine, it has been a few weeks since my fill I lost another 5lbs which is nice and my 18’s are gone I am in a 16 which I haven’t been in since 2003, I still have a ways to go I somehow thought I would have gotten further in my pounds lost but it is not that bad. I would have hit this point without my band. My eating is good I think I have hit my sweet spot but some days I am a little tighter I have learned to eat slow, I can’t eat fries, bread, and dry turkey oh and nothing on the McDonalds dollar menu goes down… so no bad foods for me. Month ten, weight loss has slowed down I think my body is doing the starvation hold, so my goal to combat it is to increase my exercise. Month eleven, I have increased my exercise and I am starting to feel better, I went shopping and no matter what store I went in I fit the 16’s and some were even loose and I lost another 5lbs this month. Now at month twelve I don’t regret my decision to have the band, my life has changed in my activity level my confidence I am still struggling or say dealing with the consequences of not planning my meals, eating too fast or trying those forbidden foods, but I know I am this for the long haul which is awesome to me. I have increased my activity level and plan to keep that up, I will be at my goal weight next year this time and with my band to use as my food tool, and my motivation as my next I will be there… Happy Bandiversary!!!

Sugar is a major reason for weight gain. And has zero nutritional value. You need to focus only on foods that nourish your body after wls. That is how I approach food now. Does it provide nutrients or is it filler. If it the latter I'll take a pass. Google is your best friend on the sugar question.

Our stats are very similar. I'm 4'11 and I'm at my highest weight of 218. 70 extra pounds is a lot to carry around on our small frames. Thinking back to when I was a healthy weight: I had the energy to be involved socially and participate in activities I was more present in my relationships and that made me a better wife, mother, and friend Since the weight gain, I've experienced back and joint pain, and now mobility is starting to be affected. Like you, I also have a few comorbidities. The progression has been predictable. First no symptoms, next from mild to moderate, and lastly severe. These are a few critical questions I asked myself when deciding to pursue surgery and the answers are what keep me moving forward: How satisfied are you with your physical health? How will that satisfaction be affected if other comorbidities develop? Is there a chance I will lose the ability to remain independent or care for myself if I continue on this path? As others have said, it's important to ask if the risks of obesity such as high cholesterol, cancers, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder/gallstones outweigh the benefits like freedom from or reduced impact from diseases, a longer life span, improved personal relationships, and better mental health. Self-reflection is important. Maybe along the way you've forgotten what your motivation is or it's changed. Why did you start this process in the first place? Is what motivated you then still relevant now? Whatever you decide, please don't punish yourself, it will erode your confidence.

Hello Kristi, My name is Carrie - and I am excited about having a buddy also. I know how important it is to have a support person with you as you go on this journey. I have seen the weight gain program myself, but overweight my entire life from 8th grade 220 pounds, 12th grade 300 pounds then lose 75 pounds before meeting my husband, the maintained for five years then each year it increased by 20 for the next five years. 2 1/2 months ago I reached my breaking point of 300 pounds and said this is enough for 1 1/2 year I could not fit my clothes in the closet so I didn't buy new ones because I didn't want to face that I could not fit my clothes (size 22) I went up to size 26/28 and said what am I doing with myself this is crazy. But kept on eating and eating! Just depressed at what I have become and look like its really said, but today is another day now. I am excited about me! Please don't forget to email me at c_monestime@yahoo.com

Hi! I'm new here but I can attest for the weight gain. I had RNY in Feb 2004 starting weight was 320 and lost down to 190. Well, slowly but surely, I gained weight and began taking up bad habits and not exercising and ended up back to 274. I went to my surgeon and was able to have a revision on 6/28/12..... So I am starting this journey again and for the last time. It isn't easy and I am scared sometimes afraid it won't work or I won't lose anything. I'm trying very hard. I'm glad I found this group because I will need lots of support.

I don't know of anything that will get you back on track and keep you on track better than logging your food. My Fitness Pal highly recommended but there are other apps that do pretty much the same thing. I've been logging for over two years and would be lost without it. I manage my weight. Literally. It's been well over a year since I hit my maintenance weight of 155 lbs. In that time my weight has never been outside of a 151 to 156 window. This morning it was 153.8. And I never experienced any "bounce back" weight gain. Log your food, weigh yourself often (I weigh daily since reaching my maintenance weight) and respond quickly to weight changes approaching the limits of your window. If your weight is a little too high, reduce your daily calorie goal by 100-200 calories for a day or two and it will come right back down. Weight a little too low (it does happen), increase your calorie goal by 100-200 calories for a day or two and it will come back up. I've done both. Many times. And it works like a charm. But it all starts with logging your food. Commit to logging for 90 days and you'll be amazed at how fast, easy and effective managing your weight can be!!

I have heard many people on this board getting so upset about weight gain and lack of weight loss. And don't get me wrong, I completely understand. I have gotten on the scale myself and had that sinking feeling in my stomach when I saw the number. I have wanted to scream and cry when I saw the number go up. Trust me, I understand. But there is something that I was missing, and that was Godly love. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was four years old. I don't remember if I even understood what that meant at the time, but it was what the grown-ups wanted from me, so I did it. I went to church with my mom until my pre-teen years. But then things started to fall apart in our family and we all lost our way. I don't want to get into it all right now, but there were many things that happened that were emotionally painful, and I felt like God had turned his back on me. I felt lost and abandoned. So I gave into the world's way of living, doing basically whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I still felt like I was a good person, and I believed in God, but felt like he didn't want much to do with me. After years of living this way, I noticed that He was showing up in my life more and more. Little things that would happen, little comments that people would make. I felt the need to go back to Him, but I didn't. I thought that after all of the bad things I had done, all the commandments I had broken, that there would never be a church that would accept me. After all, you can't be a Christian without going to church, right? But God kept insisting, kept calling me. Eventually I went out and bought myself a Bible and started to read. It took me a while, but it finally dawned on me that I didn't have to go to church to be a Christian again. I didn't need other people to accept me to be a Christian. I didn't have to be perfect. I didn't have to have a perfect past. Jesus did most of His work among the people who the church considered "undesirable," like prostitutes and tax collectors. If Jesus could accept them and love them, maybe He could love me too. Several months later, I was watching a television show on Daystar network, a Christian station. The woman who was speaking was talking about God's love. She said something that changed the way I looked at myself forever. "God loves you just the way you are," she said (paraphrasing.) "You don't have to lose ten pounds, you don't have to do anything different for him to love you." The woman was Joyce Meyer, and I have watched her regularly ever since. But that message really opened my eyes. It's really true. God loves you exactly the way you are right at this very moment. He loves you just as much as he loves anyone else. You are His child, and he made you knowing that you would be just who you are right now. He knew you would do everything you have ever done, good and bad, and he loved you just the same. When you feel the most unloveable, He still loves you just as much as He ever did. Even if you don't believe in Him, He still loves you! How wonderful! If you take anything at all from this blog, I want you to know that you are loved. You are loved more than you know, more than you could ever believe possible. And this love is not dependent on how much weight you lose, what kind of clothes you wear, or even how you act. You are loved simply because you exist, and you are important simply because you were born. God does not do things by mistake, and He would not waste time creating something that He was not proud of. It is important to take care of your body and make sure that you stay healthy, because our bodies are our home until we are done with our journey on the earth, but your weight is not everything. It is part of you, but not the thing that defines you. Even if you never reach your goal weight, God sees you for the beautiful creation that you are. And I hope that you do too.

Yes ladies. I to am having difficulty. I had lost about 80lbs prior to getting pregnant, but was having difficulty conceiving so I had an unfil and gained about 25lbs. I got pregnant and did pretty well about the weight gain I think I gained about 30 but lost 20 after birth so I was only about 10 over my prepregnancy weight but I had to have an unfill because of breast feeding and I know I've gained more weight! My little one is going on 20 weeks and I don't know what to do to get started again! I feel like a failure! I have been banded almost 5 years and have put most of the weight back on! I don't know what to do!

It's like you were yelling out loud enough for me to get on line, and read your post. Today marks my 9th week of being banded. I see all the threads with so many people losing so much weight, and it makes me jealous... and oh so weary. I feel like I'm failing with this too. It's been a long crawl to today. My loss is about the same as it was after the first 10 days. I've gone thru 2 major infections, weight gain, and feelings of total frustration. I don't miss eating. I don't miss food. I don't miss hot meals. I don't miss bread, or cheesecake, or pasta. I miss feeling hopeful. I know this will take a year, and that at my age it's more difficult. I just wish I felt like it's really going to happen. To all of you with great loss, it's always good to let us know how you're doing it. If not for the forum, I wouldn't know much. When I spoke to my Dr this past week, about some of the things we all go thru - he acted like it was a news alert. Congrats to those of you doing well*

Boy, I am sick of not losing! Got down to 212 in May, been between 214-221 ever since! I know it is my own fault because of poor food choices and lack of sufficient exercise, but I can think of a million excuses why I haven't been doing the right thing! What do I do to find that initial motivation..? I am right back to the mindset I had before surgery - I'll do good today, but then by lunch I've gone and screwed up again!!!!! Well, nothing else to do but try, try again... New measurements as of July 15th Weight - 215 (-51.5/surgery) Neck - 15.25 (-1.25/Jan.7) Upper chest - 42.75 Chest - (no bra, largest area)- 45.5 (-4.5/Feb.27) Rib cage - 39.75 Waist 1 - (big pooch #1)- 44.75 Waist 2 - (at navel) - 43 (-3.5/Jan.7) Waist 3 - (pooch #2) - 46 Hips - 44.25 (-4.75/Jan.7) Thigh - 25 (-2/Feb.27) Calf - 16.75 (-1.25/Feb.27) Upper Arm - 12.75 (-1.75/Feb.27) Wrist - 6.75 (-.75/Feb.27) Pounds lost - 51.5 Recorded inches lost - (-19.75) (forgot to measure prior to surgery!!!) 12/5/05 - Dr. Les Miles - B'Ham, AL Filled to 2.5/10cc Inamed Band Goals 1,2, & 3 - priceless!! 4th mini-goal - oh, well...win some,lose some 5th mini-goal - no weight gain this month? Labor Day Goal Life Goal: 150 (maybe)

Boy, I am sick of not losing! Got down to 212 in May, been between 214-221 ever since! I know it is my own fault because of poor food choices and lack of sufficient exercise, but I can think of a million excuses why I haven't been doing the right thing! What do I do to find that initial motivation..? I am right back to the mindset I had before surgery - I'll do good today, but then by lunch I've gone and screwed up again!!!!! Well, nothing else to do but try, try again... New measurements as of July 15th Weight - 215 (-51.5/surgery) Neck - 15.25 (-1.25/Jan.7) Upper chest - 42.75 Chest - (no bra, largest area)- 45.5 (-4.5/Feb.27) Rib cage - 39.75 Waist 1 - (big pooch #1)- 44.75 Waist 2 - (at navel) - 43 (-3.5/Jan.7) Waist 3 - (pooch #2) - 46 Hips - 44.25 (-4.75/Jan.7) Thigh - 25 (-2/Feb.27) Calf - 16.75 (-1.25/Feb.27) Upper Arm - 12.75 (-1.75/Feb.27) Wrist - 6.75 (-.75/Feb.27) Pounds lost - 51.5 Recorded inches lost - (-19.75) (forgot to measure prior to surgery!!!) 12/5/05 - Dr. Les Miles - B'Ham, AL Filled to 2.5/10cc Inamed Band Goals 1,2, & 3 - priceless!! 4th mini-goal - oh, well...win some,lose some 5th mini-goal - no weight gain this month? Labor Day Goal Life Goal: 150 (maybe)

Hello everyone! I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share? Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

I never had problems with losing weight, which I think is why I did well with the band. What I had problems with was keeping it off. Watching what I eat and starving myself for the rest of my life wasn't something I could do. Something would happen, I'd get stressed and I'd gain it all back plus some. Always plus some! My band was leaking last year and leaked for 15 months. I gained back 35lbs. I can tell you, I would have gained a lot more than that had I not been a bandster all these years and developed some good eating habits. I also arrested the weight gain and went on to lose 15lbs of that on my own. And I did wonder: can I do this myself? But the truth is, now I have a replacement band in, losing/maintaining is easier. It just is with a band. I don't even have to count calories, it maintains my weight easily. That's the difference I think.

I'm so saddened to hear your story. I am sobbing as I write this. I too lost a son. Tre would have been 18. I too turned to food for comfort and saw large weight gains in the years after he passed. I think our paths to this decision are similar. Each year you will have moments, it's ok to grieve as anniversaries of his passing, birthdays or other milestones occur. This past Spring was hard for me because he would have been 18 & graduating high school. Take the time to remember Jonny and celebrate the memories you have of him. You have one sweet angel walking along side of you and he is so proud pf you. Hugs...

I have my pre op appointment in a couple days. They are shooting for April 30 or May 1 for surgery. I am very aware that this is going to be a lot of work. I am hearing all these stories of weight gain after bypass surgery that I am so afraid I will be one of the statistics that do gain it back. As many of you all know the feeling of diets not working, I can't help but keep asking myself what will make this any different? I know me getting the sleeve is different then bypass, but I am still very scared. Any advice would be so appreciated.

You do realize that pre-op & post-op weight gain/loss is expected right? I see a lot of people on here concerned with their gain/loss when it is completely irrelevant. I honestly don’t know why anyone is concerned or is even keeping track at this point when the real concern should be preparing/recovering. Really the only time anyone should be paying attention to the scale is when the transition to solid food has been made & even then results shouldn’t be expected immediately. Before I had surgery I devoured all the water I could & after surgery received god knows how many bags of fluids as well as the fluids I had started drinking. I don’t have a scale at home & honestly don’t care to. I’ll leave it to doctors appointments or the gym to see what I weigh & even then there’s no rush. All that should matter really is that in the next 6 months to a year I hope to see 100 pounds less of me than a year before & everyone else should be hopeful to see the same.

Hi Lee, I'm 49 and almost 4 years out. I love being this age an no more periods to worry about. Just a few options to think about or try. Menopause and women having their period struggle. Hormones, water weight and cravings. Uggg the joy's of being female. I took the same route as @jess9395 I workout. Let the hot flashes work for you by walking or elliptical. Menopause will give you double the sweat. Getting in physical activity pays off mentally and physically as you go through the change. It is a bit harder to lose weight/maintain with the sleeve years out. Just know it can be done. The vet's have been talking about the sleeve holding more food after a year. I miss the tighter restriction. I can easily get in more calories. Honestly, My weight gains have been from me being complacent, eating more calories, carbs and sugar. I have to monitor/log and get back into the discipline and motivation that I had in the beginning to get the weight back off. Revision is an option. Question to the bypass patients. Years out can you regain by eating carbs, sweets and extra calories? What ever you choose,I hope you find what will work long term

No personal experience but my surgeon performs duo switch to revise sleeve after weight gain or if loss is not enough.

Hi Lee! I had surgery June 2014. Started at 261 and lowest weight was 185. I have gained back up to 205. I'm miserable and I'm hungry ALL OF THE TIME! I am 48 and I think menopause is playing a factor with my weight gain. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Matt, Thank you for sharing your story! I'm so glad for all of the previous posts - Great reassurance and info! I struggle as well & will be having the sleeve in about a month. I was a healthy weight the first 2/3 of my life but had a lot of loss/trauma and used food as comfort and to eat my pain which led to a 125 lb weight gain. I've found myself getting nervous these past couple of weeks & am once again turning to food. In my opinion, two things are really key - 1) therapy and 2) to try to find other things to turn to. I just finished an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders (3 hours a day, 3 days a week for 2 months). We had 5 therapists and had group, skills, nutrition, medical, art and DBT therapy. The DBT therapy was probably the thing that affected me the most - because it is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and focuses on how to change behaviors. We also focused a lot on self-care, self-love and getting to the bottom of our problems / why we use food. I know that therapy will always be another tool in my toolbox, and I have an appointment this Friday to deal with my pre-op anxiety. My suggestion is to look up anything in your area that can help with those 2 things. This is also such a great place for support & info. I wish you only the Best!!

Opting for diet soda instead of regular, won't help fight the bulge. Data from a recent study by the American Diabetes Association shows that while diet sodas may be free of calories, they do not prevent you from gaining weight. In fact, they may contribute to weight gain. Diet soda also contributes to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-06-29/news/30010277_1_diet-soda-weight-gain-aspartame#ixzz1koMApTiM