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Emotional eating is one of the biggest causes of overeating, weight gain, and weight re-gain. April is Emotional Overeating Awareness month and to commemorate this, I'm offering a free teleclass to answer your questions about how to take control of emotional eating and struggles with food, weight and healthy lifestyle. The teleseminar will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at noon Pacific and 3pm Eastern. Creating change isn’t automatic and it isn’t always easy. However, it DOESN’T need to be a struggle. Join me for this free teleseminar where I'll answer your questions about how to end emotional eating battles and make peace with food—once and for all. Just go here to register and submit your question.

I have a Mirena (on 2nd one) and I love it! I didn't really notice any weight gain after having it put in.

I'm not on them, but some are worse than others when it comes to weight gain. Paxil (paroxetine) is notorious for weight gain, but some of them are OK - just check with your doctor - he or she will know which ones tend not to have that as a side effect.

Yes, I know that it ultimately boils down to my eating and exercise choices. I lost 250 pounds and kept it off for 8 years so believe me, I've lived it. What I'm saying is that the "tool" that the lap band provided me which helped me achieve that is no longer working. The "tool" being two things: (1) restriction, without unmanageable acid reflux, and (2) cessation of head hunger. #2 went away first, lasted maybe 3 years. #1 lasted until within the last year or so the acid reflux has become such a severe problem that I had to have the restriction taken away to manage the acid reflux. My question should really be directed at bandsters who have had their bands for 7+ years. Every other long-term bandster I know is also struggling with acid reflux and weight gain. Julie, are you struggling with acid reflux at all? Good suggestions about protein bars. I have maintained my morning tradition of a green protein shake since my surgery up until today so I know I am getting plenty of protein. My biggest problem is evening snacking. I switched to an apple in the evening to keep me full with less calories.

I was just getting ready to START Wellbutrin. I am soooo nervous to start it because of weight gain but my doctor thought it might actually help me with binge eating. So fingers crossed.

I am on Prozac 20 mg. My psychiatrist picked that drug specifically because it doesn't cause weight gain -- in fact, a lot of people lose weight on it.. I actually lost 15 lbs on it. I just was never hungry, but I did end up gaining the weight back (hence why I decided to have the sleeve), but did not put any MORE on. I love Prozac!

I am on Depo too and have never had weight gain from it. I dont have a TOM either, but caution you that several people I know had a hard time getting pregnant after being on it. Was told that if you plan to have children then the implant is a better choice.

The steroids will have contributed to your weight gain, nasty things, I detest them. To drop some weight eat Vegetables and salads with low fat meats and fish. Try and contain any fats used in cooking and use fat free sauces/ mayonnaise etc. Try not to eat carbs other than the ones in fruit and veg. So no breads, pasta, rice, potatoes. Dont drink anything other than sugar free drinks, tea and coffee without sugar or use a saccharine. Low fat dairy is fine. No snacks other than sugar free popsicle's Its basically what you will eat after surgery. Good luck

It is certainly possible though not fun! The Protein shakes are a good start- Make sure you get 60+ grams of protein per day. For my pre-op diet I did Protein Shakes and greek yogurt with 64 oz of Water daily. It wasn't bad and the results were impressive. I don't know if you will lose the full amount but you will make a dent at least. I would advise you to let the surgeon and nutritionist know about the prednisone as weight gain is a known side effect. Not to mention they should know what medications you are taking anyway. Good Luck.

Congrats on your pregnancy. The old ‘eating for two now your pregnant’ maxim isn’t actually true. My sister-in-law was told she should only add up to a 100 calories in the first trimester & slowly increase to about 250 in the third trimester. She has back problems plus gestational diabetes so not putting on excess weight was very important. She followed that advice for her four pregnancies (incl a set of twins) & kept her actual weight gain pretty low each time. But that was what she was told. Check with your ob/gyn for their recommendations as to what you would need & then your dietician for suggestions on how to add those extra calories. If you’re advised similar amounts, you could add those extra calories with a protein shake or soup as a snack (easy to consume), increase your protein serve a little & add a few extra vegetables.

Has anyone had any experience with St. Vincent Charity Medical Centers in Cleveland, Oh for either the Bypass or Sleeve surgery? In Feb 2016, I had initially met with a Dr & Patient Advocate regarding the sleeve surgery. My husband was (and still is) against the procedure for fear of complications during & post-op, & my lack of success with other weight loss trials. Here I am 10 months later, and at least 10 lbs heavier than I was at that time. I am miserable & now I have high blood pressure again. I had been taken off the meds for it previously due to losing a significant amount of weight & not needing the meds anymore. Well, since I have gained nearly all of that weight back, my BP has gone back up & I started experiencing migraine headaches again on a regular basis. I also suffer from Pseudo Tumor Cerebri, a rare condition in the skull. Fast forward to now, I'm heavier, with high BP, headaches, knee issues from past surgeries causing issues d/t weight gain, eye troubles d/t Pseudo Tumor condition flaring up from weight gain, lots of problems. Husband still unsupportive, money & cost is an issue. Must come up with $1000 for surgery, minimum. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have experiences slight weight gain, I had my lapband surgery back in Feb 2020 only lost 20 lbs but been stuck at the same weight, going back to old habits of emotional eating. Do you think a lapband fill is needed? I had my first one in March 2020 but I feel as I can eat and not feel as full awaringly. Any advice?

I am 5'-10" and, in 1985, weighed 165 lbs. I had been skinny all my life. Suddenly, I began gaining weight. I didn't overeat and was getting lots of exercise. It continued for several years. In 1089, I was in a car wreck. Because of a back injury, my lawyer sent me to his doctor buddy (whom I later realized was in cahoots with selling me down the river and therefore not concerned about my well-being). During one of my visits, I told the doctor about my weight gains. He said I was just big-boned and should be a football player, a statement I knew to be untrue. He offered the Medifast plan, a plan for which I had no funds. He never checked my blood, but then, this is a doctor who never did a single X-ray or MRI for a back injury in a legal suit. (He claimed I just had a strain, and the lawyer led me to settle for ten-thousand- only six of which was mine.) In 1993, I went to another doctor because my face was swelling, I was hurting all over and my weight continued to climb. The first thing he did was run blood tests. He called me and said I had Hypothyroidism. I was in an advanced stage. That meant that it had begun years before, like in 1985. Upon taking the Synthroid, I lost the pain and swelling and some weight. I couldn't lose all the weight. I asked a doctor why, being given the hormone, I didn't go back to my normal weight. He said they can't give you the amount of hormone your own thyroid produced when healthy because it causes deterioration of the bones. They simply keep a balance that keeps it in check. Yes, hypothyroidism causes weight gain. No, thyroid medicine doesn't cure that. That's the indication I've gotten from doctors. Meanwhile, two back surgeries and countless diets later, I got banded at 280 lbs. My other point is that the idea that a lawyer is going to get you the most he can because he gets a percentage is a myth. The lawyer will weigh how much money he will get for the amount of time it will take to get it. Often, that means settling for the bottom dollar with very little time invested. Richard

One thing that would concern me which I've learned over the last week or two is how little some people are eating. Rebound weight gain would be a problem despite people having retrained their eating habits but because who could stick to less than 1000 calories a day forever without some sort of help? Your body would immediately say "i need more food" surely? And your metabolism could not be unaffected by living on so few calories for so long. But perhaps you could have gradual unfills until you reach a point of stability? Just guessing of course.

hello there just doing my monthly check in for those who are interested. So it's officially 8 months since I had my RNY BYPASS surgery. My journey has been good. Started high weight of 322lbs and I've been in maintenance now 2 months. I sit consistently around 165LBS most days but my lowest recent weight was 163lbs. I have definitely been enjoying alot more variety in my diet since maintenance began and I can tolerate most foods but still use shakes if needed. I am now consuming around 1500kcal most days even a few treats here and there without any side effects or weight gain. I'm feeling amazing and looking good. I'll be 36 in about 5 weeks but feel healthier than I have in 20 years!!! I am glad I did the right research and chose the BYPASS as my first and only surgery and I'm amazed how well I've done. never ever expected to lose 100% EBW but I've done it and my surgeon says I'm an anomaly only about 5% of his patients ever lose that much 😊 I know it's only early days and things might change in regards to malabsorption of calories and such but I'll be sure to keep an eye on my weight for the long term. I just want everyone to see it is possible to be successful and reach all your goals. you just have to be 150% focused on your goals from day 1. Thank you all and I'll appreciate any comments. Mike

Darcey - I'm really envious now - my best buds live outside Portland and a trip up there for a fill would be awesome. But feel I must return to Ortiz for the first - just to make sure all is right in bandland. Maybe this summer we could rendezvous during the blues festival and tighten up!!!! Good luck to you; give me an update after this fill and I'll cross my fingers that it's good for another 20. Jonathan, as to the soup thing - I think that's the culprit for my weight gain - well that and the elimination of Diet Coke. Good luck to you; if you begin gaining refer to these posts and wait it out patiently till fill #1. Marla

I know it's normal for your period to be irregular after surgery but seriously?? I'm just about 8 weeks post op and am on my period for the FOURTH time since surgery! Every two weeks I turn around and there she is again! I was on a normal cycle before surgery, am not on any type of birth control and haven't been for quite some time. The most frustrating part is the weight gain randomness... I finally broke a 3 week stall, past the 50 lbs down mark and then BAM I'm up 2-3 lbs again. FRUSTRATED!

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?

I must've not seen this - cause I wouldve responded :biggrin1: Im very open about my usage of diet pills. I prefer Tenuate (generic) taken with a little food or protien shake preferbally around noon time. The pills are oblong so I break them in half and take just 1/2 a day - when needed. I might take one everyday for 4 or 5 days, then not take another one for 3, 4 days or even a week later. PRN - as needed. When I was first banded and discouraged in weightloss, I remember using the diet pills more often, maybe every day? cant remember. But I DO remember thinking that I would do whatever it takes to get the weight off - even if it was taking the diet pills WITH the band. As for now, I stay around 180 and when I feel a weight gain OR see that my eating has increased (esp. around my period) I pop the Tenuate. ALSO - if I dont have a bm in 3 days I will take gen peri-colace tablets for a couple of days to get things flowing . Dont mean to steal the thread topic, but I did want to repond to you. Im also very interested in reading about the other forms of WLS. So now there's a mini-bypass? __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I had the sleeve done Jan 9, 2016. In July I found out I was pregnant... unplanned. I was a low BMI patient to start, about 31 BMI. I am 35 weeks pregnant. Up until about 28 weeks I was doing fine and baby's ultrasounds were perfect. Then at 28 weeks I did the glucose test and apparently my results were high enough I didn't even need to bother doing the longer test, I was immediately diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. I've been able to manage my blood sugar levels almost perfectly since, and I think it was probably a blessing in disguise since I've been eating much healthier since I was diagnosed. No insulin needed. I should mention, all along I was gaining weight on pace. Nothing the first trimester and then about a pound a week from 12-30 weeks. Since 30 weeks I've actually lost a pound or two, so I'm up around 16 lbs now. I'm short, only 5'1 though, so my doctor is fine with my weight gains. I do think I would have probably gained less had I eaten healthier right from the get-go, but the first trimester I was nauseous so relied on carbs. Then in the second trimester and with the holiday season I definitely treated myself more than I normally would have. Anyways, that's sort of the background so far. Last week I had my 34 week check up and my OB had my results for my 33 week ultrasound. Baby's femur is measuring in the 5th percentile. Rest of him is measuring fine. My fundal height is only one week behind. My Iron stores are low and I have to get an IV to make sure I'm absorbing enough. All I can think of is - is this because I had the sleeve and now my poor baby is suffering because my body isn't able to absorb the proper nutrients?! After the sleeve my blood tests always came back fine and I had no poor reaction to the sleeve, but I can't help but blame myself for this now!

What follows is a narrative of my personal experience with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and my subsequent weight loss. It is specifically written for both preoperative and recent postoperative patients. This is my way of thanking Bariatric Pal for the wealth of valuable information I gleaned before undergoing the surgery. I need to underscore that my story is not intended to provide weight loss advice or suggest that the way I did it is the only or even best way to lose and maintain weight loss. I have broken and continue to break most of the postoperative rules I was given by my surgeon and, yet, I’ve been able to maintain a weight loss of 88 pounds over four years (my weight fluctuates within a five-pound range). There are too many self-proclaimed experts on this forum: I am not seeking feedback or a critique about the particular path my journey has taken. There are a few things I would do differently in retrospect. Perhaps others will benefit from my story. Back Story Obesity runs in my family. My parents were chronically 30 to 60 pounds overweight throughout my entire life. My father died at 62 from arteriosclerosis (years of cholesterol plaques broke free and clogged his valves: he suffocated to death). My mother died at age 61 from a massive stroke. Three of my four grandparents died in their late 50’s and early 60’s. I am 63-years-old and thank God every morning for giving me another day. I was a skinny kid but my mother forced me to finish a large glass of eggnog every day even though I would spend over an hour trying to get it down. Her plan worked: At age twelve, I weighed around 30lbs more than I should have. The year was 1967 and Weight Watchers had just opened a branch in my hometown. My mother joined and I decided to follow her program (there were no teen programs at that time. Back in those days, one weekly serving of liver and three daily doses of that foul-tasting Malba powered fat-free milk were mandatory). I lost the excess weight in a relatively short period of time because I was consuming far fewer calories than a growing boy needed and I was active with sports throughout high school. I kept the weight off until after I was married. Throughout my young and middle adulthood, I would continuously lose 30 pounds over a period of a few months and then slowly but surely regain the weight over a two-year period. However, the total amount of each weight gain increased with age and losing the weight became increasingly difficult. At 57 years of age, at a height of just under 5’7”, I weighed in at 244lbs reaching a BMI of 38.8. Bariatric Consultations My initial plan was to obtain a gastric balloon (I wasn’t quite ready to accept that I needed a permanent solution). I consulted with three bariatric surgeons who each told me that a gastric balloon was not the answer as, first, I had too much weight to lose and, second, each physician anticipated that I would regain the weight as soon as the balloon was removed (in six months’ time). Two surgeons recommended the vertical sleeve; one was in favor of the gastric bypass. I eventually decided on the VSG as I didn’t want to have to worry about nutrient absorption (although, as it turned out, I still have to take daily supplements as I just can’t hold enough food in my stomach to receive the minimum daily requirements of vitamins and minerals). My decision to undergo the surgery was not based on vanity. I would have continued to let my pants out if that had been an option as I loved to eat. The surgery was a medical necessity: I had developed obesity-related diabetes (type II) and was taking 1500mg of Glucophage daily and it was only marginally successful. I was functionally crippled: I could not walk more than 100 yards without feeling as if the soles of my feet were on fire. I would need to stop and sit down to give my feet a chance to recover. I was miserable. I could do nothing but lie in bed, watch TV, and eat. In addition, as my weight increased, my blood pressure continued to spike. I was taking five different antihypertensive medications daily and my pressure was still in the high-normal range (155/90). My wife lost her partner in that I was physically unable to do the things with her that we used to do together. She often referred to herself (with me only) as a widow. I hit rock bottom emotionally during the summer of 2012 while visiting Disney World because I needed to rent a scooter (I could not keep up with the others and would hold them up while I rested for a few minutes). I was deeply humiliated although my companions were thrilled that we were able to skip the long lines and enter the rides through the handicap entrance. I scheduled the surgery well in advance for the winter break of 2012 as soon as we returned home (I’m an academician and a university student counselor). My eventual choice in a surgeon was based on a recommendation from my stepson, an emergency room physician, who heavily researched various doctors for me. This particular surgeon was the first to ever perform bariatric surgery in our state and, most impressively, has a “leak rate” of zero percent (even to this day after five years). The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly The operation went smoothly although I awakened to four incisions instead of the expected three because the surgeon could not see his way around my fatty liver without that additional entry point. My mild to moderate pain was sufficiently managed with a pushed IV dose of morphine and tramadol followed by regular intervals of more tramadol. I was very comfortable during my two-night hospital stay. I was sent home with only liquid Panadol and it worked. What pain I had was negligible by the fourth day, when I was able to get out of bed without help. I attribute this outcome to my surgeon’s skill. What I did not anticipate, from having read these forums, was just how damn thirsty I would be before I was cleared for liquid intake. My mouth and throat were so dry that the Barium liquid they gave me to drink for the leak test was literally a welcomed respite from my thirst. I was one of the unfortunates to suffer chronic diarrhea for three-and-a-half-months. This condition is not uncommon after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I went to work every morning wearing a diaper. I also did not anticipate how weak and dehydrated I would be. I was readmitted to the hospital after two days of dehydration and syncope, a condition that persisted for weeks. I lost my balance a couple of times while at work, which led to speculation among my colleagues that I had either contracted alcoholism or cancer (the latter guess was reinforced by my rapid weight loss). I chose not to broadcast my surgery to anyone other than a few close relatives. My healthcare issues are no one’s business but my own. I also don’t discuss my hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and reoccurring planters wart with relative strangers such as waitresses and coworkers. (There is a great deal of debate on this forum about the merits of telling the world about one’s bariatric surgery. I do not necessarily believe that one approach is better than another. I only know what was and is best for me). I lost weight too quickly because I didn’t prepare sufficiently for the postoperative 14-day liquid diet. I couldn’t stand the taste of the liquid protein drink I purchased and there is only so much clear broth one can tolerate without feeling as if you’re drowning. By the ninth day, I broke my first postoperative rule and had my wife make me a simple poached egg without seasoning. To this day, that single poached egg was the most delicious meal of my life. I was starving. I believe I lost 30 pounds within the first five to six weeks, followed less dramatically by another 40 over the course of the next six months. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of that weight loss was muscle. Consequently, by the time I reached my initial target goal, I was disheartened by the fact that I looked nothing like I did the last time I had weighed 170lbs. My pants size never changed as my weight decreased from 185lbs down to goal weight, owing to this apron of loose skin in my lower abdomen: I have had to wear 36-inch waist pants regardless of weight. That has been an enormous disappointment. The last time I weighed 170lbs (back in 1997), I wore a 33-inch waist. Over the course of the five years that followed, I gradually lost another 15lbs while not particularly trying to. I have a hunch that my surgeon removed more stomach than he let on, although a gastroenterologist told me that I had about 50 percent of a normal stomach after she performed an endoscopy to rule out stomach cancer. I developed a terrible case of acid reflex and must take antacids every day. During the summer of 2012, my wife and I went on a five-week culinary retreat, including a 10-day cruise. I returned home to discover that my weight had climbed to 180lbs from the 168lbs I had started my vacation with. It was a harsh wake-up call that I could not eat with total impunity. The fear of regaining my weight gripped the pit of my stomach like a heavy duty Craftsman’s vise. I made a decision and commitment to myself that exact moment to never allow myself to gain this kind of weight again. I made a concerted effort to reduce my daily intake of food until my weight fell back down to goal weight. My weight has remained fairly constant from the beginning of 2013 to present day, fluctuating from 155 to 160 pounds. When my weight hits 160, I make a decision to become acutely mindful of what I eat until I see 150-something on the scale. As for the apron, I will go in for liposuction this summer. I gave serious thought to an abdominoplasty but the surgeon talked me out of it, claiming that I would require a four to five week recovery period. In addition, he felt that the loose skin would eventually retract after the underlying fat was removed. In fact, my apron has slightly decreased in size over the past year, an effect of regular activity I think. The Aftermath I am convinced that my metabolism has increased as a result of having been able to maintain my lower body weight over several years. It seems to me that I can eat more now than I could one year after the surgery without gaining weight (my wife, on the other hand, thinks that this isn’t necessarily true, i.e., that I am not really eating more than I had). I am amazed by all the energy I have today: my wonderful and beautiful wife is no longer a widow of obesity and diabetes. Today, I seize every opportunity I can to accompany her to the malls and stores. Today I can walk for hours without pain or fatigue: my diabetes went into permanent remission after a weight loss of 30 to 35 pounds. My BMI varies from 24.6 (normal) to 25.4 (slightly overweight) depending on where I am in my five-pound weight range. My blood pressure is currently maintained in the low-normal range (i.e., 120/70) on just one-fourth the medication I used to take when I was fat. I am on the scale every single morning. I do not like surprises. I want to know immediately when my weight starts to creep upward so I can nip it in the bud. I know myself: I would not be able to rationalize that personal failure away. I am a big fan of the reality TV show “My 600lb Life” on TLC. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan, less than five percent of his patients enjoy long-term success. Based on the scientific literature I have read, patients with a starting BMI of less than 40 have the highest long-term success rates. Those who were morbidly and super obese (BMIs of 40 to over 50) at the start of surgery have a tough nut to crack. In most cases, they will need to consult with a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of obesity to change their emotional relationship with food. Aside from eating solid food after just nine days, I started drinking carbonated beverages at six months after the surgery, e.g., diet cokes and vodka tonics. I am not aware of any change in my stomach’s capacity and I’ve been drinking carbonated beverages every day for almost five years. (Please note: In no way am I encouraging anyone to do the same. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines. I do not want to read any criticisms or dire admonishments from this forum’s formidable food police about how I am inadvertently sabotaging other people's weight loss program). I am simply sharing what has worked for me for the last five years. Many forum members claim that their taste for certain foods changed after the surgery (and, quite fortuitously and even miraculously, it’s always foods high in carbs and fat that members seem to lose their taste for). I cannot claim such good fortune. All foods taste the same to me as my surgeon refused to remove even one of my 10,000+ taste buds: What has changed, however, is my appetite for certain foods. Prior to the surgery, I used to put away four to five 16oz Angus ribeye steaks every week. Today, I don’t find red meat as appetizing as I used to because of its density. I prefer fish because I can digest it easily and without suffering from an agonizing attack of acid reflux. Chicken is also good. Sometimes I do feel frustrated that I can’t eat more than three to four ounces (including fluids) at a time. The good news is that my surgery paid for itself in about 18 months owing to dramatically reduced grocery bills (my insurance did not cover the surgery). I was thrilled when—by fasting all morning long from food and liquids—I was able to finish an entire half of a Second Avenue Deli pastrami sandwich while visiting New York City (and a few sips of their beef barley mushroom soup as well). I have not restricted or eliminated any foods from my life. As a behavioral therapist with over 37 years of clinical experience, I don’t believe in abstinence from food or alcohol as a lifelong strategy. Abstinence is not an effective alternative for moderation. My diet is predominantly the same now as it had been before the surgery. I still eat candy, cake, and pizza, for example… just a lot less than I used to. The only genuine difference in my diet, as stated before, is a decrease in the amount of red meat I consume because it’s harder for me to keep down than fish and chicken. My stomach is very sensitive to overeating: the difference between digesting my food in peace and having to run to the bathroom to cough up a silky combination of excess mucous and gastric acid is literally one bite or a single sip of beverage. Would I have the surgery again given what I know now? Absolutely and in a New York minute. The only regret I have is that I didn’t commit to the surgery sooner. What I learned from my experience I urge anyone planning on having a sleeve gastrectomy to invest the time and money to experiment with different brands and flavors of protein drinks before the surgery. You need to have a reliable source of protein and sufficient calories or you will lose muscle along with fat as I did. The only regret I have is that I lost the weight too quickly, leaving me with an annoying apron and lots of loose skin on my arms, stomach, and hips. There is an implied assumption on this forum that all bariatric surgeons and results are the same, i.e., if one patient supposedly sprung a leak by eating solid food on day 13 (instead of day 15) or allegedly gained back half the weight by allowing him or herself to eat M&M’s again, then everyone should expect the same results. This is simply not true. No two surgeons are the same and no two patients of the same surgeon will have identical results. One size does not fit all when it comes to bariatric surgery. I suggest to friends contemplating the surgery that they find the best surgeon they can regardless of cost even if it means traveling. You don’t shop for bargain basement prices when you’re about to have more than half your stomach removed. The risk is too great. My stepson, the emergency room physician, after looking into the first surgeon I had selected advised, “I wouldn’t let him operate on our dog.” The “less than one percent leak rate” is not an immutable or predetermined statistic: There are bariatric surgeons who boast a zero percent leak rate. Find one of those. I hope my story has been informative and helpful.

Hi everyone! I was sleeved on 1/23/15 and reached my goal of 145 on 12/24/15. I never bounced more than 2-3 pounds over my goal weight for a long while, at least until I went on vacation in November 2016. I jumped up to 153, but was able to get down around 150, but no lower. I haven't been able to drop under 150 since (despite being incredibly strict) and after getting up to around 153, I enrolled in a personal training program at the hospital where I'd had my surgery (also endorsed by my surgeon). I started two weeks ago and have 45 minute sessions 2x per week, mixing up strength training with cardio. I'm also trying to tighten up my body prior to considering plastic surgery (especially the damn FUPA that is the bane of my existence). My protein intake has been within the range as stated by my surgeon (60-80g) and my caloric intake is generally between 600-1000 calories (tracked via My Fitness Pal). I'm sort of ballparking my own caloric range based on what's been posted here, as my nutritionist never actually gave me an idea as to what I should be sticking to. I know that I've had Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), which starts 24 hours after a session, peaks at 48 hours, and is mostly gone by 72 hours. However, I'm noticing the the scale isn't dropping, but rather, it's substantially climbing. I was 152 when I started and am pushing over 156. I cannot get the scale to lower and it's getting to be very frustrating. Further, I've noticed that I've actually gone up an inch or two in measurements from where I was two weeks ago. Ugh ugh ugh. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm staying hydrated, but it's hard to keep wanting to knock back my liquids if this is retention at work. I have my belated two year post-op appointment (had to keep rescheduling due to weather) on May 5th and I'd hate to go there up 10 pounds or more when I'd had an otherwise successful year. I'm just frustrated beyond belief.

:scared2:My Band is not tight enough. When I went in 2 weeks ago to get my unfill, my doctor was not there so I had another doctor do it. I was so sick I did not care who did it, but I told her to only take out 1/2 cc - that was what was put in me by my doctor on my last fill date appointment. But I think she wanted to be safe and just took out more then the 1/2 cc. I'm not restricted enough and I can feel the difference. I can drink liquids right after I eat, and there is nothing telling me that am full. I FEEL LIKE THAT OIL SPILL IN THE GULF - NEVER ENDING - I KEEP GOING AND GOING AND GOING, eating that is. I have gone up a few pounds and that is scaring the heck out of me. The things I am eating are healthy things, fruit, low cal snacks, and fish, the same as I was eating before. But I'm going up in weight, not down. For the life of me I do not know why. The only thing I can think of is that my band is just not tight enough. It may be that I am also retaining water, but I do not see any particular reason for that because I am continuing to limit my salt intake. So I have a appointment on 7/7 with my surgeon. But I am not waiting that long. I am scared that I will gain to much weight back by then. Let me put a stop to this weight gain now, I told myself. So I called them and they gave me an appointment for 6/30. The thing that is getting me is this - I am eating all the same foods, doing all the same things as when I was loosing weight, eating right and exercising. This is starting to make me very depressed. The last time I felt this depressed was before my surgery. So, now I am trying to keep a stiff upper lip about everything that is going on now. I was at my sweet spot before, and I know I will get back there again, hopefully on Wednesday, 6/30. I'm still doing my Recipes of The Day that I share with you all on a daily basis, and continuing to exercise. I'm looking at this as a small bump in the road.

If you can eat enough calories with no unfill then there isn't really a need to losen it! If you are overweight then they won't get super concerned about minimal weight gain or even a little loss during pregnancy. Just keep an eye on how you are feeling and if your band gets too tight when you swell up. And stay hydrated!!!

Ive gained like 3 pounds. I dont know if I should be happy or worried. LOL. Usually by this time in my previous pregnancies I would have gained at least 20 lbs and another 20 in the next 10 weeks. I'm 29 weeks now, so I have 11 weeks til term but I am high risk because I have had a still born at 39 weeks so I am usually able to cry my way in to an early labor...I usually get induced at 38 weeks, so I am about 9 weeks away from D-Day. I have been so tight lately and worried about baby's weight gain so I will go and get about 1cc taken out tomorrow. I cant wait to actually eat