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Re the weight gain, you've added some healthy muscle. Congratulations. Chances are, your clothes are not any tighter and maybe even a little looser? Re the acne -- any chance you started taking B12 recently? That can suddenly create acne problems for some people. (Google it.) Re the hair -- so many possible reasons, including thyroid (which you've already been tested for). Iron deficiency is another possibility.

So I'm new to BariatricPal, but I've been on this Bariatric train since April when I first saw my surgeon about it. Actually, even in April I saw my doctor and asked him if he thought I was a candidate. He said he thought I was since in the last few months my weight gain was severe and there was no medical cause for it according to him. So he put in a referral to the same practice my mom used when she had her surgery 5 year ago. I thought it would take ages to get a call from them, referrals to a specialist always do. Well, a week later, I got a call and they had an opening that Friday (this never happens, last time I saw a specialist, I had to wait a month). So I went in to that appointment with my mom because I'm 24 and I still need her to ask all the questions sometimes. My BMI was 30.4, which is what I needed since I don't have any other risk factors that the insurance requires. We went over the options, talked about everything, we all asked questions. And then at the end, he just says "I think you're a great candidate!" I wish it was solely up to him. But there's the insurance requirements. I did the scope of my upper GI: passed with flying colors; saw the psychologist: wonderful appointment, although some of the tests made me feel crazy; and I've had 3 of the 4 appointments with my dietitian (my 4th is next week). And then everything is up to the insurance company and I am so scared. I think that right now, that is what I am fearing the most. They are going to hold my future in their hands. I don't know what I'd do if they said no because God knows I can't keep living like this. My mom tells me not to worry about it, but the closer I get to the end of this, the worse it gets for me.

Hi, I know this is a forum for post-ops (and congrats to you all!!). As someone who've gone through this, I was wondering if any of you have any advice. I'm doing the food tracking. I've been doing great with writing everything down. Weight loss has been dripping off slowly because I think I'm battling my statin meds that I read adds to weight gain. I was doing 1400 for a couple of weeks but a friend who's all fit and was able to diet her weight off told me that I was starving myself and that was why I wasn't losing weight. I upped my calorie intake but still didn't lose weight. I'm exercising aerobically (first time in my life!) every day- gone from 10 min to 15 min (paltry I know but since I never did it- I'm okay with the limited amount for now). The reason for my post is I went to Burger King the other day- had a really bad day. Most of my days are really really bad but I haven't been reaching for food like I used to. I'm feel VERY worried that I ate at Burger King since I'm meeting with the nutritionist who will be evaluating me. Should I be worried about being kicked out of the program? Should I just omit it from my food journal? Do they expect that fast food NEVER be eaten again? Thanks all!

After being denied cause of a weight gain over 6 months, Aetna does have the 3 month program. It's all I got left so I have been doing it. Not too hard in my first month I have lost 10 pounds. U won't be done till October. Sigh!!! But better late than never!! I can't imagine they would deny me for losing weight!!! Lol

I was 145 before having a baby i was a year postop im all over the place with weight might be my scale my baby is 3 months now and im at 153 to 155 i was 150 anf quit brest feeding and went back up to 153 im really upset about the weight gain does it take a bit to come off or will it just not come off:(

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

Well said Mac, I think if any of us were put under a microscope like a fat* actor we'd all be a bit more understanding. fat=anything bigger than a size 0 in Hollywood! Most women and now men tend to judge themselves and others on their weight/gain/loss/size. It's a lot of pressure and really silly/superficial/insane if you think about it but we're kind of stuck doing this in our society. OK, I know we all got surgery for our health but let's be honest we all feel the pressure to look good! I think she's a beautiful actress no matter what size she is or what her weight is. She's not just a "pretty face" and is a good comedic actor. She's lucky to have very beautiful and striking features and carries most of her weight below the waist. So it's easier to camoflage. I envy that as I'm an "apple" and cannot hide much! As I've stated before I'm the last to throw stones in my glass house as I've been a skinny beeeeach and gained it all back again and have repeated that same scenerio a few times. Once you get closer to 50 it gets a lot harder to get back to skinny beeeeach hence the RNY I am now getting! I hope everyone that has gotten thin and is able to now judge those that are not as thin as they think they should be realize it can all go away again under certain circumstances. That pumpkin we all want to go away sometimes comes back! Nancy.

Question to all you "Veterans" out there, who have finished loosing the weight......talking Lap Band......Am I missing something??? I read from time to time where people say they are now on "Maintenance"....I'm curious, what does that mean to you??? I know, with all the diets I have tried,Maintenance started when after a period of extreme low calorie weight loss, say for 12 weeks, you move to the next, possibly the 3rd stage and increase your calories and foods you eat....start eating normally again? Like a re-entry phase. But with the band, what do you do??? get Fluid taken out of your band in order to start eating more??? Does your food choices, portion sizes change??? For me, this was never a diet...this was from the start, a learning experience...learning to eat differently, learning to give up some foods, take in new healthier foods,...high Protein, plenty of Water....etc, etc...all the things I needed to do to let the band work. Sprinkle that with increased physical activity and Presto! I changed my lifestyle.....and because of it my body reversed the weight gain and went in the opposite direction....it did not (and could not) stop when I said so, the weight loss continued until everything reached an "Equilibrium" Don't like the term, but everything returned to "Normal" Normal Eating, not in excess, and Normal weight...right where my body should be...and Normal exercise. This learning experience, this life change, is something I will keep for the rest of my life...it will not change (unless the band changes)... so therefore, where is the "Maintenance"? I don't see where or what I can do differently...or want to....(except explore better, healthier foods) Only thing I do for good band health is go full liquids for a few days, about every 6-8 weeks....but that's another issue I'm curious what others have done when they are finished loosing weight....

@@BigViffer Thank you. Funny enough, I don't see myself NOW as overweight. Because my weight GAIN was so fast (meds etc caused it) I was always startled by my heavy appearance then-- I always expected to see the trim, fit person I've once again become. Like many, it became "who" I was to others-- But your suggestion to smile and laugh it off---excellent. I appreciate your insight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've enjoyed the crust my daughter doesn't eat. Trying to stay away the best I can. Pizza and soda is what cause my weight gain in the beginning.

Hey Everyone, I have a question for those of you using Protein powder as a Meal Replacement for 1 meal a day. I am getting my first adjustment in two years tommorrow and i know i wont be able to eat Breakfast because my band gets very tight in the mornings. I have been looking through the many posts regarding Protein Powder and their is so much debate about wether or not it helps lose weight or causes weight gain when you use it as a meal replacement for 1 meal a day. So i was hoping that any of you who USE protein powder on a daily basis can share your experience with me as to wether it helps or hinders you, i would also like to know if you find it filling? Thankyou in advance for anyone who can help me, im so confused and really dont want to use weight loss Meal Replacements. Bel:thumbup:

I have been experimenting with Chia Seeds and Quinoa based on the recommendation of the people who did my blood work. My doc has signed off so I'm starting to put these in the mix. So far I'm just putting Chia Seeds in my yogurt (tablespoon) and mixing Quinoa with beans for a high protien starch. Any known problems? Any weight gain after adding them to your diet? Any improvement in blood work? Bang for the buck in terms of protein seems really good, but always looking for other people's experience.

I will tell you this....for MOST of us that have had weight loss surgery, our FAT mindset is STILL THERE... MOST of US STILL WANT... loaded lasagna, pizza, greasy cheese burger and fries....we did not get FAT eating broccoli and baked chicken...we got obese by eating the wrong foods and not moving our bodies enough... I have been UNFILLED with my lap band and the hunger return with a vengeance (along with 50 pounds of weight gain quickly) and I will tell you when I am hungry I don't gravitate towards cottage cheese, and celery and carrot sticks..LOL... This is why I warn newbies to TAKE CARE OF YOUR BAND...and cherish it because WE THINK we have obesity beat and under control...but...when saline is removed and you are back to pre op hunger...it's a different playing field and scary!!!

I gained 60 lbs throughout my entire pregnancy but most of the weight gain in the beginning was Water weight/swelling. I was SO PUFFY almost as soon as I found out I was pregnant! It was crazy. YAY hormones changes!

I am still on full liquids, just started them yesterday so I'm having 1/4c 3 times a day plus my fluid. I am VERY hungry, not head hunger, actual stomach growling making lots of noise I feel like I'm starving hunger. Is that just because my food is sliding right through my stomach? There is no retention of the food to make me feel full? I will stay full for about 1 hour after eating but that's it. What advice do you all have? Should I have 1/4c of full liquids more than 3 times a day? One of my servings is no more than 25-40 calories depending what I have so it's not like it will be a weight gain issue. Please help.

Pookey...I noticed his weight gain too and especially the sweaty, pasty part. It was amazing. I was reading an interview with Anthony Bourdain and he was even amazed at what Adam was doing. He also mentioned that the travel network made Adam sign all these health wavers because he was obviously going to be unhealthy from it. Have you noticed he isn't doing it anymore and now just 'coaching' others on how to beat an eating challenge?

A big hello from Brisbane!! Your doctor is right, your fill will have settled, allowing you to eat more than you could when you were first filled. You will find that your next fill (depending on how much more your doc adds) will make a big difference in your restriction. Your weight loss will be a bit up and down at first. The weight we lose on fluids is a one time deal. We typically never lose weight that fast again. And sometimes, when people go from fluids to solids, there is even a slight weight gain. The trick is to not freak out, and keep eating right and exercising. Congrats! Sam.

Kim McNeely, Congratulations on your pregnancy and your weight loss. I am not sure how you feel about gaining weight but I was a bit...well very scared about regaining the weight. It was emotional because I knew I needed to eat but at the same time I often forgot. Of course not on purpose but hte band was doing its job. After a few months I relaxed and tried to remind myself to eat often. I guess I must have been eating enought because my daughter was developing fine and I gained an acceptable amount of weight. To my surprise I lost all of the weight. As of today I have lost all of the weight gained during the pregnancy. Oh, by the way my married name is Neely so initially I thought we had the same name. Also, I was born and raised in Houston. I am considering returning to the area as it is so very expensive to live in the DC Metropolitan area. Did you see my before and after picture? I posted a picture of me at the beginning of my weight loss and then another at about 5 months pregnat. I thought it was hilarious. The tag line said, "This could be you" LOL. You know after we lose all of that weight out husbands become..."frisky" LOL. AGain, congrats!!!

Well, I would agree with you but two weeks ago, we went on a Halloween cruise as a last hurrah, and I did enough damage to my liver, I better stick with the diet just in case. Thus, the 4 lb weight gain. But soooo worth it. I am thinking of getting the shirt that says, "Hi, I am B_tchy! The 8th drawf!" Thanks all for the encouragement. It helps so much to talk to people who have gone through this.

With my eating I never did a lot of worry about portion control because it used to be after a few forks I was full. Now I don't know like as far as portions how many ounces of meat how many ounces of vegetables how many meals per day should I eat it's getting to be so frustrating along with the weight gain. It seems all the support goes to the New gastric surgery patients and everyone else is left to figure out things on your own. Even the literature I read it's geared to those that are fresh outta surgery n a few months out. Hellllpppppp. Sent from my SM-J327T using BariatricPal mobile app

@@pb1961 I used to struggle and sweat just carrying the extra body weight. Some days simple things were a chore. To feel comfortable and confident in your own skin is what skinny feels like to me. I'm having experiences in life that I think some people take for granted if they have never been obese. I feel like I'm making up for lost time. The things I can do physically have surprised the hell out of me. I Love gardening, I move and lift with ease. I ran a half marathon this year. Just like @@Djmohr weight gain is a big fear. When I gain weight, I feel just as heavy as when I started before surgery.

I started in 6th grade, so was probably around 12. I attribute my weight gain to having to be put on birth control pills less than a year later due to a hormone imbalance. Once I started, I would have extended and very heavy bleeding for an average of 4 weeks every 3 months. I battled that until I finally had a hysterectomy in the summer of 2006. Wish they had a magic pill the worked as effectively at getting that weight back off!

So today marks the end of the holidays and I am now post surgery 4 weeks. I am waiting for my first fill in 2 weeks and am adjusting to the need to implement portion control. I did very well during these 4 weeks by losing quickly and then hit a flatline with a slight uptick in weight when I moved to solid foods last week. In my first entry I talked about that frustration of going up a little and decided that I needed to continue to maintain focus, which I did and since the first posting (4 days ago) I am down 3 pounds and feeling good about making good decisions. I am purposefully moving to amore soft foods diet to avoid weight gain and build up my portion control focus. This is working well and everyone in the household is adjusting well. It was nice to hear from my wife, who is very fit, that my change in focus on food and the fact that several times I said no, or I can't have that, actually helped her stay on track as well. That was very energizing for me to have that positive comment and helps me to stand to making the right decisions. Today we went to Pink's hot dogs (yeah not great for a bander) but I was able to have fun with the family and have very small bites of a hot dog (no bun) and leave satisfied and happy with the experience without impacting anyone else. I go back to work tomorrow and will have to make good decisions there, but will go in a little later than before to have a good, healthy, portion-controlled breakfast at home (used to get something on the way...bad decisions were always my problem), leaving only lunch to worry about. I am finding that eating out and fast food are not something I will do as much and with a little planning things are working well. So leaving this second post, pre-fill I am feeling good about my mental progress of changing my lifestyle, which is what I knew had to be done to make this work anyway. I have a mental plan and with good focus each stage will go well, as I enter stage 2 I feel good so far. Stage 1 - Pre Surgery I had to focus on making this real for me and admit that I had a problem (sorta my own individual 12 step program). I followed the Optifast 800 fairly well and cut out fast food. This allowed me to lose 70 pounds in the year leading up to my surgery. For the first time in a long time I saw some positive results in pictures and this added to the motivation. Stage 2 - this stage is my goal between now and Christmas 2012. My goal is to lose 70 more pounds. I intend to up my walking and exercise during this time with the goal of being at a low enough weight to use an elliptical machine in my home by the end of the year for additional excercise. I am hoping that the band will help me to internalize new, better eating habits with portion control to make this stage a success. Stage 3 - this stage will begin immediately upon completing stage 2, but hopefully no later that Christmas 2012. This stage is where I leave the crutch of the band and need to make the changes "biggest loser" style with excercise. I will be adding a full time gym membership expectation with this stage with the goal to lose another 70 pounds (this would be a combined 210 in 3 stages). This stage is targeted to be complete in regard to body change and weight loss by Christmas 2013. This is my lifestyle change stage and should lend itself to a much more active family set of activities. Beyond - I will asses my weight and body at the end of stage 3 and add new goals in regard to weight, fitness, body composition but from this point on I am in a balance lifestyle with a maintaining focus. This is a while out, but I believe good gools come from having the end in mind. So 2012 is beginning well for me and I hope to continue this journey to a new, improved me!

I wasn't weighed at all in the hospital -- not pre-surgery and not post-surgery and not before being released from the hospital. I know what I weighed before the surgery and I'm up -- which would be a major problem without this forum to turn to. Thank goodness I now know that what I'm experiencing is normal. There have been so many times in my life when I would try to diet and end up gaining instead of losing -- and seeing the numbers go up when I got home was deja vu all over again. I'll keep on keeping on, of course, but I think that people should be told weight gain is a side effect of having an IV. I'm finding that in order to get information from my medical team, I need to know the questions to ask -- and without a forum like this -- who would know what to ask? This forum is invaluable! Anyway, thanks for the information and know that you've done a really good deed today.

Just wondering what you are wanting from dear old dad. You start out by saying he is supportive and you know he loves you. But you find his comments critical. Well I can imagine his seeing you slipping into the old weight gaining patterns is hard for him to watch. So he is trying to say STOP doing what you are doing while treading carefully . So I suggest you cut dad some slack and look at the person who is really responsible for you frustration.It is not his fault you have gained 50 lbs. And when you get serious about your issues he will be right there to support your efforts. Just like he was in the begining....