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I had a complete thryoidectomy about 12 years ago... I think that probably helped me because, in all my paperwork, one of the things mentioned is they have to go through all the thyroid junk first to make sure you don't have a problem w/ that causing weight gain... so I got to skip that part, I guess.

Well as an American I don't think OUR health system is messed up like you do, as a previous poster stated - half around the world. What is messed up are those people who instead of paying for insurance they buy everything else themselves (beer, cigarettes, etc) and then expect the govt to foot the bill when they get sick. When if they'd just do without a little they could pay for insurance themselves. There are cases where that IS NOT the case, of course. I have a disabled parent who absolutely would love to be able to work and pay their own way but it's impossible. That's the kind that deserve the help, not the moochers. But I do see way too often people doing just exactly what I stated before. Cheating the system is what it's called. When I was 184 I didn't feel obese at all. Overweight, yes. I didn't have trouble finding clothing. I know every body is different though and I am well proportioned and wore the weight well. No one would have guessed that I weighed that much ever. I always stumped the Six Flags weight guessers. I don't know about the others but all my weight gain has been through pregnancies. I never gain when I am not pregnant. I can eat and eat and never gain when not pregnant. But once the weight is there, it just stays there after pregnancy. I don't understand it either. I can, and have, lost weight lowcarbing though. It works great, but then when I stopped lowcaring and tried to do maintenance the weight came back and stopped again right at my highest weight. It's like my body has a stopping point or something as far as weight goes. Wish that stopping point was MUCH lower though. Even at my highest I stayed there eating whatever I wanted. Something goes nuts when I am pregnant though. I eat exactly as before and at the end even less because there simply isn't room left for a lot of food and gain like crazy. My dr. says it's the huge hormonal change. I am sure I've been pretty blunt in my posts. I won't edit them because that seems cowardly but I do want to say that the pain I am in from my surgery yesterday has made me hell on wheels (my husband said this) to everyone. I still say it's crazy to complain about LOSING weight when you are cramming cookie dough down your throat.

I'm scheduled for surgery on the 12th of July and i want to know everyone's experience after surgery years down the line have y'all kept the weight of and does ur hunger come back is the surgery worth the money Sent from my SM-N900T using the BariatricPal App

Hi my name is lacey and I'm 27 years old. I am a wife and mom of 4. I have two sons 10 and 4, and two daughters 8 and 5. Prior to getting pregnant at the age 16 I was around 5ft 7 and 150 lbs. It seemed like the weight just came out of the middle of nowhere as one day u couldn't tell I was pregnant to the next I popped. I gained 80lbs my pregnancy at the end I also had preeclampsia. After I had my son the weight never seemed to come off. I since then have had 3 more kids back to back. My weight has always went up. Around 6mths ago I quit drinking Dr pepper which was my addiction and thought for sure I would have to lose some weight. That never happened.I have been considering weightloss surgery for along time but recently within last few months I have completed everything. I am so looking forward to going outside to play with my kids without running out of breath. I used to be so active and play sports myself and can't wait to do it again with my son. He asks me all the time mom do u wanna go play and I really do want to but I physically cant. It makes me feel so bad. I would like to have my self confidence back like I used to. Hard yo believe my teenage years I was selected for modeling but wouldn't believe it now. I don't expect to be likeffective I was when I was 16 but I do want to be healthy and make my hubby and kids proud of me. I should have a surgery date by friday for around 1st to middle of july. I'm so anxious and excited for the start of my new life. 1st picture before my pregnancy and weight gain 2nd and 3rd picture today weighing 286

Hi everyone, I've been reading for a while but never posted. I am currently 3 appointments away from completing all my pre-surgery requirements. My Dr. says I need to drop 14lbs before surgery. I was wondering if any of you have had their thyroid removed? I had mine taken out about 7 years ago and my weight gain just escalated from there. My concern was the 14lbs but so far I'm doing great. I don't have a surgery date yet and have started seriously cutting back. No sodas, very minimal carbs, Protein drinks during the day and a very light high Protein meal for dinner. I've lost 8lbs in 6 days. I worry about how I'll do after surgery and if anyone has heard how those with no thyroid do after surgery. Its typically extremely hard for me to lose even a few pounds. Thanks for any feedback and good luck to everyone.

darlingkassy welcome gotta tell you girlfriend .....don't misunderstand, but........... you are "everyones" worst nightmare!!!! seeing a fellow sleever gain back their weight but.........its good to confirm/show us that it is possible to gain the weight back!!!!egads :ph34r: many/hopefully most people realize weight gain back is possible we tell ourselves it can't happen - but most of know better we have to work hard with all the rules we followed earlier so we can maintain i think its good to hear stories like yours, because it makes me/most of us realize that working with the sleeve is a must for the rest of our lives we always knew that - but i think many/some NEWBIES think once the weight is off - its permanent well it IS permanent - as long as we follow the lifestyle with water/protein et al that we've been taught I think many/most VETS are more aware/scared of gaining weight back knowing that there is/could be a prob with weight gain, is half the battle I/us most/all of us have always yo yo'd not able to keep the weight off now we are finally being given theis "tool" of the sleeve - we must abide by all the rules forever and a day!!!! guess i'm just repeating this to myself - because its so important - and i'm trying to convince myself of something i already know (about the possibility of weight gain) we've all gone through so much to lose this weight - KEEP it off my meds, comorbities are gone - i never want to go backwards!!!! I can't physically/mentally afford to go back to my old lifestyle I have in the past said this "spiel" to myself - to remind myself to stay on track!!!!! we/me still goof up sometimes - but hopefully/usually bounce back soon now............to finally answer your question darlingkassy :wub: my suggestion to you/and any of us in the future who fell off the wagon,,,,,,, go back to basics with the Protein shake drink as much Water as you can maybe stay on liquids only for a week - full liquids for another week this will give you that push, to start your weight loss again when back on solids - chew everything to death, eat very very slowly stop drinking about 30 minutes before you eat never drink with meals don't drink for about 45 minutes before you eat again drink at least 64 oz of H20 a day!!!! i'm repeating these essential rules in case you don't remember them, since its been a while since you were doing things correctly do some exercise - walking is great if you are just getting back into the groove glad you came here - we all do support each other, thats the name of the game the first step is the hardest and you made it by coming back here, realizing you have a problem, and wanting to go forward you can do this!!!! come back with any and all questions i'll be on the lookout for you glad you are here good luck kathy

Hi everyone. I weighed myself a few days after surgery and went from 238 to 221, but I weighed myself today, ten days after surgery, and I'm up to 226. I'm barely eating anything, mostly on the liquid diet, so I don't know if there's another reason for the weight gain. Thank you.

I just spoke with the surgeons office and she said my plan Aetna ppo said no weight gain at all. Take laxatives and starve yourself now!!!

Hiya! I have UHC as well. My plan required I be employed with my company at least 2yrs the other requirements were pretty much the same. However, I only had 1 comorbidity-mild obstructive sleep apnea. I didn't have the 5year history-only the last 2 years. I had to write a letter (made it personal not technical) and got approved within a couple of weeks. From what I understand the insurance company wants to make sure that this isn't a sudden weight gain over the last few months and you are doing this to lose it quickly. I believe they just want to make sure it is necessary. I had my surgery NYEve and it was inpatient. I didn't have a problem getting that authorized either as they submitted everything at once. Good Luck on your journey..keep us posted! Cheryl :scared2:

I was banded on 6/17 and lost a total of 21 lbs from pre op diet to 1 week after surgery. I am 4 weeks post op and have noticed a 2 lb weight gain in the past 2 weeks. Why is this? I gained weight moving from liquid phase to mushie phase. It's Frustrating! When do I really start losing?

Prednisone is a steroid notorious for causing weight gain. I've been on it several times since my VSG and have not experienced any regain. Bottom line is, no matter what medication you are taking, its still comes down to what you eat that causes regain. (And I don't count water weight because it's not "real" weight) You may just have to be a little more diligent about your diet plan if you are taking these types of medications.

I am 8 months post-op and doing FABULOUS! I've lost 70 lbs. and have 70 to go! I found out about Lap-band from my mother who had the surgery two years ago. I was very leery about the procedure at first bc of all of the problems my mom has had (slipped band and chronic pneumonia from the acid reflux) but I found a great surgeon and I have had absolute success. I used to play a variety of sports during high school but ankle injuries side-lined me and I began to live a very sedentary lifestyle while taking in the same amount of calories. I'm actually very tall (6'1) and it took awhile for people to notice my weight gain. I remember going for my pre-op physical and the nurse being shocked that I actually weighed 321lbs. But since the surgery, I've rediscovered my love of physical activity. I actually look forward to my daily work outs and have to force myself to stop most of the time. I love have this much energy and I have a productive outlet for my competitive nature. I've known about this board since before my surgery but I normally just lurked. I had some problems earlier this week after a fill and decided that I definitely need to participate more with people that KNOW what I'm going through. So here I am! I'm looking forward to getting to know the Lap-band community!:tt2:

My thyroid has been checked through and through. (Because docs look at me and assume thyroid.) I get under 1200 calories a day, never feel hungry really, and I am usually at 700 cal. Due to the Celiac's it slowed down my digestive system very badly. I am assuming my weight gain is due to Celiac's as I cheat a lot (when depressed) and have caused damage because of that. I am really worried about the GERD, I already lose my voice from it. I also have PCOS w/insulin resistance which makes my body turn almost everything into fat. I have been overweight my whole life 100 lbs. at 7 and 200 lbs. at 13. My Mother restricted my food intake a lot but with poor quality foods. I am just super used to not eating. I get sick if I eat something I am not "craving". At this point I am tired... I sprain my back by just standing, and even though I have been this weight for 5 years. I am tired. I need something. I just don't know if this will work for me.

I am 1 year and 3 months out and am wondering is it normal for the pouch to stretch and how much should I be able to eat at this point. I feel like I can eat more but should i? Also, is there a picture to see what our stomach (pouch) looks like now. How usual is it that the stomach would stretch to a very large size and is that what causes weight gain and if not what causes weight gain after surgery. Thanks, Irelandgrl

hi...thanksallof you for your guidance and support....I did write down my calsand Protein....I am having around 40gms protein and around 1000 calories.. so I need to increase on both fronts.I do exercise daily for 40 mins....but otherwise my life is very sedentary....my movements are slowdue to arthritis. I willincrease my calorieand protein content and yes willwrite it down daily.....I tried only 3 meals...but my body is used to 3meals and2 Snacks since years...so maybe that is causing weight gain... Thanks all of you!!

I weighed 355 (Nov '16) Surgery weight 338 Current weight 283 (I didn't track very often before so I would disregard previous data points.) But you can clearly see sudden drops, weight gains and stalls. Rarely matching my consistent dedication to my plan. I know as I change my relationship with food and make good choices in each moment and day, the rest will take care of itself. Just not in a perfect line. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My daughter also has PCOS. It is very likely to cause weight gain and is a common factor. Also, forcing her weight back down via WLS will help with the PCOS. My wife went to Dr. Aceves. She is getting ready for her regular food. It is EXTREMELY important with a sleeve to stick to the post op diet. With a band it could cause problems down the road to not follow the post op diet, with the sleeve you can create horrible immediate complications or even death. Just be sure she understands the post op diet is NOT optional in any way shape or form, and it will be mentally difficult.

Thank goodness my doctor and nurse warned me about the hospital weight gain. I came home 17 pounds more than the day I left for surgery. I have lost all of that and 17 more. My surgery was 11/8. Tomorrow I can begin on pureed foods, going very slow with that. My issue is I don't like sweet stuff, so the protein drinks are challenging at best. Good luck - it will get better!

I would never have considered this surgery until I was told it was the only fix for my hiatal hernia. I have many mixed feelings about it. 98% of my stomach is up in my chest area and it's all twisted up. It can be very painful. I've been told that the twisting can shut off blood flow and cause death so it doesn't seem like there's much of a choice. Almost 2 years ago I had breast cancer. During my treatment I lost 45 lbs. once treatment was over and I could eat again, the weight came back fast. The doctors say my stomach pushed upward from the pressure of the weight gain. I'm hoping for my surgery before Nov 1st because of insurance/financial issues. I'm nervous and a little overwhelmed by all diet restrictions/requirements. Also, can I use Davinci or Torani unsweetened flavored syrup in my protein drinks?

Your story is my story ...had my revision surgery December 28.I was in lapband misery since 2004....total failure...revision to bypass and getting that crap out of me is the biggest and best thing I have done for myself in years.The years of torture ,sliming,vomiting,slippage,weight gain....was back fat as ever...Gerd....High chloresterol,PCOS,fatty liver,fear of reoccurrence of breast cancer,joint and muscle pain....flipped ,eroding painful port area...just so many problems....I HAD TO DO IT!Get it done!!!!Take back your body and your health.....do it fast!

I was 213 when I had my surgery. I am now 183 and I am struggling to get out the 180's. My goal weight is 125. Others who have had the surgery have lost their weight fast and I am struggling. I don't know if its because the meds I take cause weight gain, if I am not working out enough, or I stressing. I would love to meet others who have been through the same thing I am going through and know what they did to fix the problem. I will say I struggle to get enough Water in. I also don't go to the gym consistently but that will change because my son is going to start going with me to his 24 hour gym. I am on myfitness pal under mirandaperry2005. I am also on twitter under the name miranda perry. I am praying I can start to get this last 50 pounds off.

Fiqah87 I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. I have a friend that went through the same thing you are talking about. She got depressed from being sick all the time and just gave up. Now she is only about 50 away from where she started and she is really depressed. But also, come to find out, she quit taking her recommended medicine and Vitamins and she also started back with bad eating habits. Now she is at the realization that she got too comfortable and started eating the way she used to eat because she had lost so much weight and then due to the rapid weight gain, she started staying then she was so sick that she couldn't eat. I pray things get better for you. Good luck Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Until we reach true restriction we should all be getting fills. Once you can only eat less than a cup of food at a sitting and stay satisfied you are at your sweet spot. Weight loss should average 1-2 lbs a week. And NO doctor should make you feel bad about weight gain of how much you lose. As a PP stated a little "talkin' to" in one thing but belittling is out of the questions. Best wishes!!!

Hi, My name is Chris, I am 50 years old and had VSG on January 20th, 2014, in LaCrosse, WI. at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. My surgeon was Dr. Grover and my starting weight was 322# on December 7th 2012, my weight the day of surgery was 295#, as of today, September 14th, 2014, I am down to 217.6#. My reason for surgery was that I was going to be turning 50 years old and was definately not in the best shape and needed to change my life so I could be around for my husband, children and someday grandchildren. The last 8 years truly have tested my faith and wonder for life. I have lost my parents, 2 siblings, but the worst was the loss of my oldest daughter, 2 days before Christmas 2007, she was only 23 years old. I truly have no idea how we got through it, but we did, although life is never the same, but we have to go on, as we have two other children that needed to be taken care of and loved. We also had 3 family losses on my husbands' side of the family, another one being only 22 years old, which in turn brought back all of the memories and loss of our daughter. The losses I lived through, were part of the reason for my weight gain, it was easier to eat than to deal with the pain and suffering. There were also other reasons, but I have decided I cannot live the past and must let things go and learn to enjoy the present and future. I truly wish I had had my surgery earlier in life, due to the fact that I feel so WONDERFUL,so full of energy, that I almost can't imagine how I got through life carrying so much weight around. I am down over 200# since 2012, and am hoping to lose another 50#, but if I don't, I am so thankful for where I am at now. In 2012, I wore a 4XL nursing assistant uniform, today I am in an XL. I can hardly believe it. My jeans were a 26/28, my shirts were a 4xl o a 5xl and today I fit into a 16 pants and an XL shirt. I have not worn those sizes in at least 30 years. It is hard to believe that I can go into a store and be able to fit into regular size clothes and not feel embarassed that I won't fit into anything they have or get the stares, like why are you in here? I feel so blessed that I am almost giddy. I have written down certain dates that have been important, such as the date I got into a size 18 pants, now a size 16, when I got into the different sizes of uniforms. I am now off my blood pressure medications, which makes me terribly happy. I remember the day I was able to fit into my jacuzzi tub without touching both sides of the tub and not being able to be comfortable when the jets were turned on. I feel like I am in such a new world that I am just amazed by so many things, that most people take for granted. I truly struggle with eating some days, as the old habits want to come back into play, but I know that I NEVER want to weigh over 300# again and hopefully soon, I will be under 200#. I do sometimes think that is a dream, but I am trying very hard to make that dream come true. For people who are having a hard time deciding whether to have this surgery or not, please do not wait any longer, you will be so much happier and feel so much better. It is not easy, but in life nothing is easy that you truly want. I could go on and on, but will close for now and hopefully will talk with some of you later.

I'm on Camila daily and have had no problems with weight gain or loss. (Although I was just banded last week on 4/18.) I did have a concern about antibiotics weakening the strength of the pill. I'll be checking with my doc this week.