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I struggled with hunger horribly once my lap band was removed. Tried all sorts of medical interventions because my husband was not on board with surgery. After 9 months and a 30 pound weight gain enough was enough. 5 months out from sleeve, 55 pounds down now. Still love to eat, but am so relieved I am satisfied with a smallish portion.

Hey y'all, I had my sleeve on the 5th of this month and everything was great. I lost 15lbs in the first week but now I've stepped on the scale and it says I'm up five pounds. I've been drinking the Protein shakes and having a few sips of Soup. I haven't tried to sneak any Cookies or cakes or anything but this is super disheartening. Is this a normal thing where it takes your body a little bit to get used to the fact that you only have a small portion of your stomach? My step-mom said it happened to her but it's still disappointing. My expectation are all out of whack because even if I did gain and my scale isn't wrong 10lbs is still great. Let me know if you've had a similar experience.

38 pounds in two months is incredible! Who cares if the doctor says it's too slow, it's a loss. You by passed 3 major weight gaining holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and still managed to LOSE weight! Don't ever let anyone tell you it's too slow, not even yourself. You are doing amazing and soon you will be at your goal Congrats on the 38 pounds love!

Hair loss used to be listed as a side effect for Metformin, but no longer is due to it not being reported as frequently. It impacts younger premenopausal women differently than it does those in the primary demographics for taking the medicine for diabetes. Also, I am a believer in not assuming that correlation equals causation, but in this case the timeline of it matches perfectly. The hair loss began to abate when I lowered the dose of Metformin. Similarly, for years endocrinologists have asserted that spiro cannot cause weight gain, but the Mayo Clinic now lists it as a side effect as well. If you Google Metformin and hair loss you'll find posts about it dating back more than a decade from many women, including those who were not taking it for PCOS. I do understand that PCOS itself can cause hair loss, but I've had this since I was a teen and not dealt with it except for when using specific medications or products. I'd hoped that losing weight and devoutly following dietary guidelines would get PCOS under control, but I am still experiencing unpleasant issues with it. I'm happy for you that yours is under control now. I will try Rogaine.

Hi, Isn't is frustrating sometimes how fills vary? I personally think, both before and after my banding, that those dreaded female hormones play a significant role in appetite and in all kinds of swelling and water retention. Does your recent weight gain coincide with a hormonal fluctuation perhaps? I have heard from others here that sometimes fills do take a while to kick in, and that the restriction does tend to fluctuate (for hormonal or WHATEVER reasons). I think it is positively SEXIST that the two gentlemen who I have seen post here (Leo and ??) have lost tons of weight with no fills!!! Guys, really, I am happy for you!! Please keep how ever many chins you may have UP Alexandra, and thanks for sharing. Frustation needs empathy!

I guess I'm lucky as far as it comes to the process. I've met my surgeon and really like him! It has been pretty easy and pretty fast. I am just ready for this change, i'm ready to star seeing results. I feel so lost, I have gained so much weight I don't even recognize myself! I'm recently single after 5 years and I am afraid to visit with old friends (guys and girls) because of the weight gain!

I had my band for nearly 10 years and in the beginning it worked but about the 4th year things began to change. Not only did I have to have some of the saline removed but I still continuing to throw up. So in between the throwing up and weight gain I was miserable. But I still kept trying to lose the weight. It has been a struggle but the best decision I could have ever made for myself was having the revision to the sleeve. I too had a lot of scar tissue from the band but my surgery was a success. The progress is slowly moving towards the positive and I am so happy. For those considering a revision to the sleeve don't be scared. This is the best option and I wish you nothing but success.

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.

hi all - I'm in the process of starting a new part of my weight loss journey... from band to bypass. Any feedback from those who have experienced the revision surgery? successes? problems? Some will ask, "why the revision?"... well, I have been disappointed with the band - after fills, etc. even my surgeon believes it's time for me to go the bypass route. It's been there since 2008, but I have struggled - up and down, up and down. I gained back some of my weight, but not all of it. It's equally emotional as it is physical, so therapy has been helpful in terms of understanding the "why" behind my weight gain. I guess the band, as a tool, has been moderately helpful. Anywho........I'm hoping for input and advice about the revision and experiences before/after. Thanks

I've been taking Wellbutrin for about 7 years (I guess 8 come this fall) for depression. When I first started taking it, it really decreased my appetite and I lost about 25 pounds. Then after I got a new boyfriend all of the weight came back... so many restaurants. But ever since that weight gain, Wellbutrin never helped me to lose weight again. Energy and motivation have always been big issues for me and I would say that even when I'm taking the Wellbutrin, I still struggle with them. I just know that if I stop taking it I get more of the depression symptoms (sadness, suicidal thoughts). On Wellbutrin I just kind of feel that I'm evened out. I rarely feel very happy and I rarely feel very sad. I do have anxiety and insomnia as well but the insomnia started before I started taking Wellbutrin and the anxiety, I believe, is a genetic thing (same with the depression). I do take other medication to help with the insomnia and anxiety but I won't get too into that. Just wanted to mention that I do also suffer from those things but I do not believe them to be caused by taking Wellbutrin. My PCP has recommended I try lowering my dose once the weather gets warmer out, but I really don't think I am affected much by seasonal affective disorder. My depression is a constant thing regardless of the time of year - so I most likely won't change the dose. In fact, I'd like to start going back to a real psychiatrist so I can maybe take another antidepressant in combination with Wellbutrin that may help with the energy. And lastly, the Wellbutrin doesn't affect my sex drive at all. I have always had and will probably always have a low sex drive. People seem to have much better or much worse experiences with it than I have, but I'm not sure if that's because I've been taking it for so long.

Kristie-- I am soooo with you. I stumbled accross the lapband forum maybe 3 years back and didn't have the 7500 ( at the time for it)... Then of course, I thought, nah, Nutrisystem is the way to go. Never works though! I always fall back into weight gain, and gain MORE. So, I'm with you. Good for saving up for Aceves. It'd take me years to do that - haha (Im a single mom ) so I gotta go with Almanza. Anyways, hang in there. Ladies, we will all be hot soon!

Don't panic, it's not real weight gain. You just had major surgery. It's fluids and swelling and stuff. Quit weighing yourself for a while. This too shall pass.

I hit my 60kg goal weigh about 6 months after surgery. Since then I have continued to lose even though I’ve increased my caloric intake. I eat larger portion sizes (though still small) & have added snacks. I still avoid breads, pasta, rice & potato. No cakes biscuits, desserts, jams, etc. I just don’t have these foods in my house. I try to eat very much to routine because I still have days I don’t feel hungry and my diet is pretty routine too. I’m 19 months out and am sitting at about 48.5kg this week (about 107lbs) & 48.3 last week. My weight fluctuations are small less than 1kg but the general trend is still down. My surgeon’s team & GP want me to put in weight but I honestly can’t eat more than I do - it’s physically impossible & there’s no more hours in a day. I don’t want to add starchy carbs, sweets, etc. to my diet because I believe they contributed to my weight gain in the past. Mind you I tried some vegan soy pasta last week & it sat like a lump in my tummy which is what mashed potato did when I tried a spoon of that a couple of months ago as a test. So that helps me not to eat it. I believe my continued weight loss is because I’m still in the honeymoon period & my metabolism is going 100 miles an hour. I don’t know what the future will bring & how I will manage my metabolism slowing & appetite returning full time. I’m just going to take it day by day & try to continue to make healthy food choices. I tell myself I’m the one in control of my diet. No one is making me over eat or making me make unhealthy food choices. I do have the odd treat. Last night I had friends over for Christmas drinks. I had 2 half glasses of champagne & about 4 crackers with blue cheese & 2 slices of bresola over about 5 hours. (I also had 1/2 slice of the roast shawarma lamb I made.) The last time I did anything like this was about a month ago & 2 months before that. And I will have a sliver of Christmas cake on Xmas day. You may be able to get down to a lower weight but can you maintain it? You still have to be able to live & enjoy your life while maintaining a weight you are happy with. Finding that balance I think is the key. Good luck.

I have my VSG booked for next month; from the general research I've done and from what my surgeon says, WLS is a good solution for the uncontrolled weight gain, even though it's hormonal. I know everyone's journey is different, but are there any women with PCOS who have WLS success stories you'd be willing to share? I'm very nervous that I will do this serious surgery and it won't work, even if I do everything right. I'm so tired of gaining weight, though, and I need to get ahead of it before it gets totally out of control. Thanks in advance for sharing your stories with me!

So I am almost 3 weeks post op now. My incisions are healing great, and I don't think the scars will be too bad. My visit with my surgeon was pretty quick, and unfortunately I did not get a fill, that will be at my next appointment. Basically went over how I was doing, what kind of foods I can start introducing, and answering all my questions. I really like my surgeon he's an easy going guy, who is very patient. He was pretty impressed with the weight I had lost, but informed me that the weight loss is going to slow, and I may even gain weight as I introduce food into my diet. I was kind of bummed out by that, but so far no weight gain. On the down side no loss either. I have gone down a size though. Now I need to learn how to sew. I would hate to buy more clothes until I go down at least a few sizes, and I have some clothes I just hate to give up. Last couple of days there has been stuff posted on the forum that really kind of has me worried about my decision. I am reading so much about how that years after people get the band they start having problems. I knew going into this that there were possible complications, but the numbers seemed so low, but on here is seems the numbers are very high. The other surgery I was considering was the sleeve. And on here it seems that a number of people have converted to the sleeve, and have had much better results with no complications. Its a bit depressing reading these things, and it has me kind of freaked that 3-4 years from now I am going to end up with some major problems. I wanted a life change, but a good one. Now everytime something feels a little funny or when some pain kicks in I am wondering if its the beginning of something major. I have to keep reminding myself that I am only 3 weeks pre-op and I feel pretty damn good considering. I also have to keep reminding myself why I chose Lapband over the sleeve. There is no getting back that part of your stomach they take away. If I do have problems with the band I can have it removed. But all the talk about has gotten me pretty discouraged about the whole thing. I already am dealing with some serious emotions of loosing food as a comfort, and quitting smoking. So I guess I need to stay away from the threads that shed a pretty negative light on banding, and has posters bashing eachother left and right.:crying: I started comming here for support, because there is no support group where I am at, and the nearest one is 2 hours away. So I will just stick to the threads that are more supportive, even though the ones that become a day time soap opera can get interesting its hard not to want to see what is next. But those threads just aren't productive. I like this site a lot though, and it has been very helpful so far.

I recently saw a new station talking about a new clinical study out showing the effects of WLS on diabetes Type II. I found this article taken from Seattle PI.com Weight Loss Surgery for Diabetes Patients – A Problematic Choice Share4 With obesity rates in the United States and around the world continuously rising, surgery for weight loss is becoming an ever more acceptable option. Now, two clinical studies suggest that diabetics can benefit from operations as well. Type 2 (or adult-onset) diabetes is mostly linked to weight problems and has reached similarly epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of diabetes cases has nearly tripled over the last three decades and affects today more than 20 million Americans. Both study reports – one from Italy, the other from the United States – concluded that surgical procedures, a.k.a. bariatric surgery, by which the size of the stomach is considerably reduced, enabled patients not only to lose weight but also manage their blood sugar levels more effectively than traditional measures like dieting and medication. Bariatric Surgery Can Carry Great Risks, Including Malnutrition The findings, which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may change how many diabetes cases will be treated in the future. Proponents of bariatric surgery say the studies confirmed that stomach size reduction should no longer be seen as a last resort but should be considered earlier in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Others warned that more studies are needed and that the risks in connection with the procedures available today remain high. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), about 200,000 surgical procedures for weight loss are performed annually in the U.S. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says that surgery should only be recommended for people with a body mass index (B.M.I.) of over 40, or over 35 for those with diabetes and other serious illnesses related to weight problems. For the studies, the researchers limited themselves to three types of weight loss surgery: Roux-en-Y, biliopancreatic diversion and sleeve gastrectomy. Roux-en-Y is the most commonly applied method of gastric bypass surgery, by which a small part of the stomach is sealed off and then directly connected to the small intestine. Biliopancreatic diversion removes large parts of the stomach and bypasses the majority of the small intestine as well, which limits both food intake and absorption of nutrients. Sleeve gastrectomy reshapes the stomach into a smaller tube but does not alter the way food enters or leaves it. Needless to say, these are all very drastic steps to prevent weight gain and a host of diseases that often go with it, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and so forth. As a dietitian, my greatest concern is how the anatomical changes affect the metabolism of patients. Because bariatric surgery limits food intake so dramatically and also diminishes the absorption of nutrients, there is a great risk of malnutrition. Especially a sufficient supply of protein, which is extremely important during rapid weight loss for overall health and to allow for proper healing from the surgery, can become hard to obtain. Part of the reason for this is that the initial digestion of proteins takes place in the stomach, which after surgery is not only reduced in size but also in capacity. Even more problematic is the hindered absorption of essential nutrients in the small intestine because some or much of it is bypassed. This affects the absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats but also vitamins and minerals. Potential complications, not only from the surgical procedure itself but also from the nutritional deficiencies, are multiple. Bariatric surgery should never be considered as a quick fix, on par with cosmetic surgery. It is a profound alteration of the digestive system that is risky and requires permanent changes in diet and lifestyle choices. Intensive post-operational counseling and strict observation of nutritional guidelines are an absolute must. Timi Gustafson R.D. is a clinical dietitian and author of the book “The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun”®, which is available on her blog, “Food and Health with Timi Gustafson R.D.” (http://www.timigustafson.com), and at amazon.com. You can follow Timi on Twitter and on Facebook.

I had to do the 2 week liver shrink preop so the little bit of weight gain went away real fast.

Hi, I am scheduled to have my surgery on May 1, 2019. I was suppose to have it back in January, but I had palpitations. That lead to tons of test and procedures. Found out everything is fine. So it will be 11 months in May since I had my first appointment with my surgeon. I have noticed my jeans got tight around my stomach. I know I have gained weight, but I'm worried about what's gonna happen at my last pre OP class. Has anyone else gained weight before surgery? Can anyone tell me what's going to happen at the last pre OP class? I'm really nervous!! Thank you ! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Also, you're supposed to double up on birth control the first 18-24 months. My surgeon strongly recommends a barrier method with pills/implant. However from personal experience, condoms and NuvaRing are tricky. Not hard, just tricky. And I had a friend with implanon that had seizures, weight gain, and pregnancy. It's all your choice though. Just remember to double up!

Hello! I am sleeved as well, and I also believe I can answer, keep in mind that each person is different but I hope that all the answers that you get will help you make your decision and give you some much needed information! 1. I do believe that you will be able to get lower than that easily, especially if you stick to the program and add the appropriate amount, as well as the appropriate exercise depending on the phase you are on. Yes I am a male but the weight that I lost was absolutely insane and happened much faster than I thought it would. I have not been at my current weight in YEARS, almost so long that I feel like I came out of the womb at this weight! 2. I do feel as if last winter was the worst of my lifetime, I was sitting in the house in a knit cap, scarf, gloves and a jacket while the kids were walking around in pajamas.... recently took a cruise to Alaska and it was 50-60's and I felt fine. I usually am a polar bear and enjoy weather in the 30's and 40's. Normally I am able to go outside in just a light jacket, pants and sweater and I am very comfortable. Lets just say that I am curious to see if my cold tolerance has changed over the course of this year and since my weight loss has stabilized I will be able to tolerate it better. 3. I would say that depends on you, I can tell you that my relationship with food has changed, while I can say that working around food may be a trigger, it can also work in your favor if you let it. I do not work around food but I do work for a fire department and people are dropping off good snacks and food all the time. Prior to surgery I could not say no whatsoever (unless it looked unappetizing) now I am able to walk by and just look. 4. As long as you stick to protein you will be fine, you will find that protein is your best friend, and when you eat it, you will not be hungry whatsoever. Had to take a 10 hour trip up to PA to pick up my puppy, I was able to eat breakfast around 9 and make it home and only had a banana and a couple of protein shakes. I got home about 9pm and did not feel hungry the entire ride, before I would have stopped and McDonalds and Chick Fil A several times before I got home. 5. As long as you follow the plan you should be fine, I can tell you that there were days that I did not follow the plan because I was not hungry but I was not malnourished. There are still days at almost a year out that I do not really eat much, I have my normal handful of vitamins and several protein shakes and I am good. I am pretty healthy and definitely malnourished whatsoever! 6. As long as your Dr knows what meds you take you should be absolutely fine, not to mention that you taking off the excess weight will help your joints because they are not carrying all the weight that they are used to carrying. Ask me how I know....... Not sure of what surgery you are having but my Dr says that with the VSG NSAIDS are ok. Just as long as I follow the label so they are not an issue for me. 7. Have not had any depression at all, I will say that I was a little moody for a bit because there are times that you realize that you counted on food to cope with certain issues. You have to relearn how to cope and not use food, as well as saying goodbye to old lifelong habits. 8. I am not on Paleo and I do not make about half of my food, I love Chick Fil A and will always love it, I still eat it, but I watch what I eat! Grilled sandwich (only able to eat half) and a small superfood side salad are my typical meal there. Its about you finding the healthier choice and picking it most of the time. I am a cook and enjoy cooking so its pretty easy to fix a protein and low carb veg for me and add in a carbohydrate for the rest of the family. Its all about choices. When I am at the fire station there are times that I just eat a Healthy Choice meal for lunch and call it a day! 9. If you are as active as you say you are, then you should be fine! Hate to bring it up but I can tell you that I have been on several cruises (average weight gain during a 7 day cruise is anywhere between 5-10 pounds) I have been on several and actually lost weight! I watched what I ate and didn't get stupid, and took the stairs almost EVERYWHERE we went on the ship. If you are willing to workout 30-40 minutes several times a week you will be fine!!! Past month has been absolutely insane here and I have not been working out as I should have, but I have still managed to keep my weight the same. 10. I have not had dumping whatsoever (once again I had the VSG) only side affect that I have had is GERD, which I am currently trying to get under control. I have had anything and everything else on your list and more without one issue whatsoever! Only thing is that I notice that I do not tolerate spicy that well, not because it causes serious issues it just makes my stomach more acidic so I have to take some Tums or something. 11. I can tell you from my experience that guzzling will not be an option. Water does not compress, it will change shape but it does not compress. When you swallow a large amount of water and it is too much to easily go through the small pipes that you have it is going to HURT, I can tell you that you will be able to drink normally after awhile (not at first!!!!) but you have to take it easy. One year out I still have to watch how fast I drink! Hope this helps and good luck !!!

My husband has never mentioned one word about my weight gain since we got married 7 yrs. ago. We both have gained weight, but I have gained a lot more than him. I think he will either say "Don't do it-just do it on your own" or he'll say "are you really sure about this?" or he'll say nothing pro or con which will make me wonder Most of our social life involves going out to dinner, parties, and social events so it will be a big change!

Have you looked into getting a revision of your bypass? My Dr said 1 of 3 things causes weight gain 1-something wrong with the original surgery like an enlarged stoma 2-lack of proper eating habits or 3-lack of proper exercise. I hope you find the help you are looking for!

Sorry things have been hectic. We went out of town so that I could get a fill. I have been starving and not staying full for very long at all so I decided after three months of being unfilled that perhaps I should go in. I had gained some weight but I am not sure what is swelling and what is actually weight gain. But I wanted to nip it in the bud quickly. Healing is going alright. I am really REALLY swollen right now. I am also still leaking at the incision site. I have an appt with my PS tomorrow and will report back in then.

I just want to say thank you!!!!!!!! I have been in a "funk" lately. I am realizing that old habits are hard to break and weight gain is not as difficult as I anticipated before I got sleeved. I am almost 7 months post op and yes the hungers back, yes the weight gain has happened, and yes it is easier to eat everything!! I do very good during the week and then the weekend comes and it's like I have no control over myself. I make poor food choices and graze throughout the day! I gain back everything I loose during the week. It's a vicious cycle! I'm done! I need to change this, I have started no bullshit November put myself back to basics and luckily this has been working. I know we're only 4 days into November but being accountable this weekend helped me loose 4 lbs!! This just goes to show how this really is just a tool, no magic quick fix!! I love my sleeve because it is easier for me to get back on track, however I now know how easy it is to fall off and gain weight. I too am a food addict I have always known this, and I truly thought that this surgery would fix this. Nope!! Not at all, this is a lifelong struggle and yes the sleeve has made it perhaps easier because it restricts the amount of food I consume, however it doesn't restrict what I put in my mouth. I am so glad I saw this post it's good to hear the honest truth and like most of you have said not the sugar coated one, it's sometimes discouraging when u read post where people are so perfect and stick to the program to a T. I'm glad I'm not a lone and there are others facing the same issues!! THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!

New2Tch, Sorry you went through that with your band. I did not have erosion but had mine removed last October and it took me a good 5 months before I was even thinking about revision as I had lost faith in myself and WLS in general. I've chosen to revise to RNY due to the malabsorption properties and also my daughter who lives with me had it and has done well so far. After my band was removed I did lose a bit of weight until my stomach went back to it's old size and I put on some poundage. I think it was that weight gain that made me realize that I still had a problem and just needed to find the right procedure for me. I wish you luck in your healing process, Nancy.