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I want to ask a few questions to. I am new to this site. I have Hashimotos and fibromyalgia. Autoimmune diseases are the worst. I take 200 m of thyroxine and am constantly exhausted. Plus all the other things I take for pain and reflux. My body is truely a mess..I am post menopausal and my hashimotos has gone out of control. My weight gain has been 20kg( sorry I am Australian ) about 55lbs. In 4 years... Just crazy. I have been on every diet known to man...lol...hence my name... So I have been reading what others with the same disease are saying and they do have success. My 1st appointment is next week. Do the Drs know the true answer to malabsorption of vitamins? Having autoimmune diseases I am concerned getting more such as Parkinson's because of lack of the proper vitamins to support my body? Will the vitamins I take orally be enough will they absorb? Should I get vitamin injections instead. What are the crucial questions to ask the Dr in my first visit? Looking forward to hearing back from you any thoughts will be well received.

I am having the surgery on Wednesday. I am really hoping it will help with my pain being fibro or back/hip issues. I have been off all the fibro meds for about a year now & only take pain pills. I tried everything & did not see any relief only side effects & weight gain. I am hoping my stomach heals quickly so I can get back on my supplements.

Dolphin Dreams, did you even have to prove weight loss attempts, medically supervised? I am on plan 3, the supposedly best one, or at least most expensive. Here is what they asked for from me: 1)History and physical info incl. height, weight, and co-morbidities 2)Initial Evaluation 3)Documented history of morbid obesity (5 years) 4)evidence of at least 12 consecutive months of medically supervised, non-surgical methods of weight reduction with documentation that such efforts failed. the supervion must be provided by an MD, DO, or Nurse Practitioner. The weight reduction methods must include nutrition therapy, behavior modifying exercise or increase in activity, medication therapy and maintenance therapy. 5)psych evaluation 6) Documentation of willingness to comply with pre-op and post-op treatment plans 7)Documentation of procedures to be performed, with pertinent CPT codes. #4 is the tough one. the doctor in the network, Dr. Davis does provide a medically supervised weight program that costs for 6 months....$3800. I called and asked BCBS if they would pay for this (spoke to Meriah on 6/27/06) and she said "NO". hooboy:faint: Then I spoke to Janis, supervisor who Meriah transferred me to. I told her I had been to one doctor or another almost every month for the past year. I asked her did it have to be every month. Janis said no. Janis can look at their records of pay outs and see when I went to the doctors. Did they ask you for all this too? It is true I have been to doctors alot b/c I'm sick and worried about this metabolic problem and continual weight gain...:sick I'm sick and tired of being fat, sick and tired. OK this tirade is over:clap2: If you are still with me thank you for reading all this mess.

Pre surgery I had a BMI of around 36. This week marks 6 months post surgery for me. It has been a truly wonderful experience. I have lost 53 lbs so far. My whole life until surgery I felt like I was battling against weight gain. I fought to stay at the weight I was at...I'd hate to think where I would be had I given up the fight. The surgery was just part of my journey to be healthy. Best of luck to you!!

hf2havefun, I live in Central Texas. I live in the Killeen / Harker Heights area and work in the Temple / Belton area. If anyone does have recommendations for a doctor, I'm all ears! My primary care physician of the last year hasn't listened to anything I've said. She recommended I try Weight Watchers (again). I'm only 23, but I also have been diagnosed with PCOS, one of the major symptoms of which is massive weight gain at a rapid pace. I had my son almost 3 years ago and since then have packed on the weight no matter what I do. I used to be very healthy, I worked at different local gyms for years before my pregnancy and loved working out and eating healthy, but at the weight I am now it's so frustrating to try and lose anything. I just don't have the will power to do it alone, yet I refuse to let it control my life like it has been. Sheesh, you gotta love the anonymity of the internet huh? I haven't said half this stuff to my closest friends! Thanks so much for the well wishes and advice!

I was on psych meds and didn't have any issues getting approved. However, I was told to work closely with my med provider to make sure my medications stayed at therapeutic levels as I lost weight. If you're not already, talking with a therapist might help. Also, FYI, part of the approval process for most insurances is a psych evaluation. And, as already stated, a lot of psych meds do cause weight gain. So that is something to consider for long-term success. One of the medications I was on contributed to a 60lb weight gain in a years time. Thankfully, I was able to find an alternative.

Yes unfortunately the antipsychotics cause metabolic issues, such as lot of weight gain and increased cholesterol levels. Quetiapine, risperidone, mirtazapine all come to mind as some of the worst offenders, but all psych meds have this unfortunate side effect. Whether your surgeon wants to proceed, I can't say. Your weight loss may not be as effective as you expect.

It may be because my weight gain was mostly medication- induced and then due to lack of movement from the pain I was in?? There wasn't a weight issue prior to my getting sick. Who knows? I know most plastics guys want you stable for at least 6 months. Another surgeon I wanted to consult with won't even SEE me until I hit my target weight. Not even to consult for costs. Either way, I would not consider doing anything yet. First- the cost-need to save for it; Second- I DO want to be at goal. Fortunately, the weight continues to come off without stalls, albeit a little slower now. 2lbs drop since day before yesterday! Lol. LOVE this tool!! More? Love having gotten my life back and all of the opportunities and changes it has effected for me! Did you end up having the plastics yet? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats. Your story is somewhat similar to mine. I was 320 and joined WW. I learned to love working out. I was 50 and running 5 mikes, biking 50 plus, lifting weights etc. I got down to 185 where I stalled. then I had a major hip injury and surgery. Working out was not an option. Slowly I gained 50 pounds back and it has been a yo yo ( with more yo than yo) for 2 years. I recently reinjured my hip simply due to the weight gain. I am now up to 280 and it's feels worse than the 330 ever did! That was the last straw. I am in the early stages...not even had first appointment. But I know how good if can be..and I am determined to get back there.

Babs you are probably gaining muscle. Also, Chinese sometimes causes Water weight gain. I wouldn't worry about it so much right now, wait for a few days and try again. Maybe your body is telling you that this is the perfect weight for you also.

I need an unfill due to dilation and I'm worried about weight gain. It took me 6 months to get to the green zone at first. I know I could gain a lot of weight in another 6 months. I'm thinking a prescription appetite suppressant like Adipex or some the new ones (Qsymia and Belviq) may help me as I get back to the green zone. The problem is I'm at my goal weight and they aren't supposed to be used in people with a normal BMI. Has anyone had any experience with this? Thoughts?

Hi All, My name is Amy. I am new to the forum and I look forward to reading all of your posts. I have finally decided to seek gastric sleeve surgery and I am in the beginning stages. I have received a refarral from my PCP, have gone to the first info. session, and am approved by my insurance company for surgery. Seeking health has been a life-long journey for me. I exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Unforunately, my body has many auto-immune conditions, including Type I diabetes, chronic hives, hashimotos thyroid, and celiac diease. Worsening blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea and cholesterol levels are complicated by weight gain. I have worked with a nutrionist for 11 yrs, and I am ready to see the results of my efforts. I hope the gastric sleeve will be a helpful tool for me! I have a 35 BMI, and would love to know the expereinces of others with a lower BMI. Thanks! Amy

I had surgery April 2014. At 5'7", my highest weight was 245 and I was 226 on the day I was sleeved. My surgeon's goal weight for me was 160 and today i am around 150-152. I started in a size 20 and I'm now in a size 6/8. My recovery was a breeze! I didn't have one single complication after my surgery. Trapped gas pain? Nope. Acid reflux? 14 months out, never had it or a reason to ever take the prescription medications. Heart burn? Nope. Throwing up? Nope. Dumping? Nope. Aversions to food? Nope. The only "real" issues were things you really can't avoid which are hair thinning between months 3-8 BUT by one year it all grew back in. I also had a hard time with vitamins, but found some awesome melt away kind and the problem was quickly resolved. The first 24 hours in the hospital I was cursing the BP community for not warning me. Coming out of surgery wasn't fun as I was nauseous from the medicine. Once it was out of my system, I was fine. I didn't need much in the hospital except my cell phone, charger, long extension cord, my own pillow and toiletries. The first 3 days at home were the hardest and after that I didn't feel like I had surgery at all. I was back at work by the end of two weeks. I could have gone back earlier (I sit for a living, it's not very active.) and honestly, I found the process harder having so much unstructured time at home and the ability to wander into the kitchen. The supplies you will need post-op are minimal. I went overboard and bought stuff I still have never used 14 months post-op (example: those sugar free torani syrups.) Don't laugh, but one of the most handy things I found to have was Dixie paper cups. They are the perfect size to measure a few ounces of cottage cheese and other food and then you don't have to wash endless dishes! Keep in mind that everyone's process is different. The scary thing for me is I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have my stomach removed post surgery. You just feel full quicker at first after you eat. Some people get into trouble when they push their new tummies limits. I'm not sure why, but adjusting to a new lifestyle was easy for me. It's not to say it didn't have challenges. I didn't go out much to eat in public at first. Now 14 months out I can eat whatever I want. It's both a blessing and a curse. I was able to reach my goal weight within a year without issue and am now maintaining. For the first time in my life, I'm not really worried about weight gain. I love the fact that I never feel hungry. I love that I feel satisfied after a small amount of food. 14 months out I still have a great amount of restriction. I've never pushed this. I know my tummies capacity and stop eating well before then. It probably helped that I ate a pretty clean diet pre-surgery. I wasn't one to binge on Big Macs and never drank regular soda or any drinks with calories in them. Many of the "rules" this surgery requires I was already doing. Other rules I couldn't do before surgery, but after surgery it's really easy to do. For example, I had difficulty not eating/drinking at the same time before surgery. Now my tummy is so tiny that I can't drink while eating! I do still take tiny sips though! Do I follow the rules 100%? No way! I log everything into my lositapp on my phone and for me, having that accountability has been key. I pretty much eat whatever I want (in smaller quantity) BUT I find myself typically making healthy choices. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy dessert on occasion or other treat that I want. For me that's what makes this a lifestyle change vs. a diet. Good luck!

Are you moving your bowels? If not, get some Miralax. You could have some of this weight gain from constipation bloating.

Have you tried metformin and Spironolactone for PCOS? That's what I'm on and balances out my hormones. I've been on both since I was 16 and diagnosed with pcos. These meds at the right dosages should help with any weight gain that's due to pcos. Metformin alone can do it. I just have the added spironolactone because I have high androgen with my pcos.

Great question. This was one of my primary concerns because I have approx 100 lbs to lose. Despite my weight gain I don't have any stretch marks (had my baby at age 20 when my skin elasticity was probably optimal). However, I believe there are several factors that determine whether we will have saggy skin i.e your skin type, genes, and how active you were before surgery. But, as importantly I believe we have to stick to the high protein, high fiber, low fat diet (whatever your surgeon prescribed) with tons of water/fluids to help with elasticity.

I’m 12-13 months out and I’ve regained about 2kg (5lbs) in the last 2 weeks. It’s seriously not that hard. I’m terrified! I’ve mostly stuck to healthy food I’ve previously eaten but in larger quantities. I’ve been snacking all day (lots of peanut butter and bananas which is only good in moderation), halo top and tons of dark chocolate (OK, not so healthy). My sleeve is not restrictive on halo top and chocolate. I need to refocus but it’s very difficult at the moment. I’m seriously struggling. I’ve had plateaus before but not gains. I’m devastated. I keep dreaming of hitting that elusive “healthy” BMI but it seems impossible. Is this self sabotage? My steroid medication? My weight doesn’t want to be this low? I have no idea! But yeah, not to alarm anyone but weight gain is not impossible. It’s not even that difficult!

I have taken blood pressure meds for a long time, and they have never caused weight gain for me. There are so many different types out there, I would suggest talking to your doctor and trying something else. Good Luck!

I'm down to the wire--and the days are taking LONGER and LONGER to go by. I am at strict liquids for these last two days. I've lost almost seven pounds on this preop diet in the past five days doing strict Adkins. My goal is to be at 205 the day of surgery. I have 1.4 pounds to go--but think that should be attainable doing all liquids. My clothes don't feel so "poured into" feeling--and so I'm glad I didn't splurge and buy some last week when they were all straining to keep up with my last supper weight gains! I'm regretting not exercising as I had vowed to do--haven't so much as walked..but am planning on doing that the day of surgery! Wednesday, June 17th, 2009.... is the first day of the rest of my life. With the force of all my past failures, the suction of the hopes of a new unburdened life, and the grace of God...I will make it thru this transition and finally, for the first time in what seems like a lifetime away, will look in the mirror and see someone "in control" of my self---confident, vibrant, alive. I go to visit my family and friends over Christmas vacation and I am SOO excited about that! I will look at pictures taken of myself from this time and not die an inward death--or try to hide behind someone. I've learned alot this past week of pre-op dieting...I have really felt a slipping of the grip that food has had on me. I really WILL do this this time!

My Dr told me that at this point they are not concerned with weightloss. Your job is just to follow their dietary orders and heal. Most people will lose weight in the first couple of weeks because they are only on fluids and mushies. Not to mention you are still swollen from the surgery (which is causing some restriction). When you start reintroducing solid food to your body, there may be weight gain. Dr Marsden said that generally there may be about a 6lb loss (anything over that is great) I am 4wks post op & have my 1st fill next Tuesday. I have lost approx 20lbs and it's been a struggle ...bcz I looooove food!! LOL!! Good Luck, Cheryl

You don't actually know for sure that losing weight will make your husband happier. Weight gain and lack of weight loss/yo-yo dieting can happen for complex reasons...significant overeating, unhealthy eating, yo-you dieting etc can sometimes be symptoms of something else that going on in someone's life that is more to do with emotions and mental health. You can't force your husband to lose weight and you can't force him to want to. You can explain to him that you love him and want him healthy so as he can enjoy a long and healthy life with you, your children and grandchildren...but he is going to have want to do it himself, its then you can support him. I am not entirely sure you understand how hard it is to make life style changes that stick long enough to make long term sustainable changes. A diet mentality isn't going to work...that's why we are all here. Is he suffering with depression? If so, that needs to be treated appropriately. Can the work pressures be dealt with? Different role and/or employer? Having a partner with different values can be frustrating for both, seems to me you both may need counselling sessions together and your own separate sessions, see if there is a middle ground that is a win/win for both.

Honestly, there are a lot of misconceptions over just how much control and influence we have over weight loss (or weight gain). When 1200 calories is a BIG day, like Tiffykins says, you're still going to lose weight or maintain. Consider that pre-op, most of us probably had NO IDEA how much food we consumed... but thumbnail guesses on my part, looking at portion sizes, what I ate, and how frequently I ate, would be that an AVERAGE day pre-op was around 3000 calories. So think about it again -- you've gone from 3000 calories (if you were like me -- and while I was obese, I wasn't even one of the true giants) a day to less than half of that on a "cheat" day. How could you NOT lose weight? Also, the plateaus and stalls are more due to the body's own homeostatic mechanisms -- trying to maintain blood sugar levels and so on -- than our actions. That's why you can literally do everything right and still stall for a week or two, and then stop exercising, start eating more (and worse) -- and then suddenly the stall breaks. Being human, we want to assume it was "something we did" that changed things, but considering the calorie margins involved (going from "good" to "bad" means MAYBE a 300-400 calorie/day change... maybe), it's far more likely that our body just finally "gave up the ghost" on hanging on to that bit of flab, and changed our homeostasis (blood chemistry/hormone balances) so that we started losing again. In short, the great thing about the sleeve is that as long as you "mostly" do the right things you know you're supposed to do -- avoid too many sweets/starchy white flour products, eat lots of good fruits, vegetables, meat, and whole grains, get in some kind of regular exercise, and drink lots of Water -- you're just about guaranteed to lose a lot of weight, if you're patient. It's not really under your control once you get on this roller coaster, so sit back and enjoy the (weight loss) ride!

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!

Of course not because it's bollocks. I was on insulin shots several times a day and I don't need to take any meds since years and yes - I eat carbohydrates (and I don't count them). Real weight gain or the bit of water weight people gain once they introduce more carbohydrates? If the weight gain is real she's gained because her calorie intake is higher than it should be not because she ate "carbs". <rant>People complain that they gain weight every time they eat "carbs". However, it seems that they simply add the carbohydrates on top of what they're already eating. Of course this behavior makes you gain weight - you eat more calories than you're used to.</rant>

In the search bar, look for the boot camp diet. It is really hard and you have to set your mind to not putting anything in your mouth in between meals, and not to snack during the evening. It's fine to have one evening snack of something, but getting up all evening long and getting something was exactly what led to my weight gain. You can also google intermitant fasting and that works really well. That's how a bunch of us here took off our regain. The links are in the veterans forum.