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Hi, I’m 13 months post opp. My weight has been up and down lately and I gained nearly 10 pounds. How can I stop this from increasing? I haven’t done anything diet change wise so I’m not sure why this is happening and I’m starting to get worried [emoji30] Should I go to the gym more? I already go 3/4 times a week. Completely cut out carbs? Any helpful ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. I was thinking about calling my doctor and asking him what to do, he’s a little mean so I’m trying to avoid telling him bad news at all cost

I never saw it that way before. I like that you put a positive spin on it. I'll try looking at it that way instead of so negatively. Oh...and you were all correct...I got on the scale this morning and the two pounds are gone along with about another half pound. It's not even the fact that the number is back to where I was prior to going away...it's the feeling of not being in control while away. That's really what my issue is about at its core. Either I'm in complete control, or I'm totally out of control. The massive weight gain was me very much out of control and now it seems that I'm only comfortable when I feel back in control...like when I'm home and eating 'normally' again. Funny how I don't worry about eating out. Maybe because it's one meal rather than several days of eating out. Something to discuss with the therapist tonight...lol.

I have to wait until I can switch insurance companies tohave the LapBand surgery. In the meantime I've being researching and readingall the books I can find on LapBand. Iwould love to have a tool with me for the long haul. I've been really bummed out and I think depressed/sad withthe state that I'm in. I've been heavy since my teenage years, so that's notnew. However I'm the heaviest I've ever been without being pregnant (I got upto 300lbs. with each kid). My weight is just not budging, even with my resentuse of phentermine + dieting.That nolonger works for me.I'm looking for some advice; of course I'll talk with mydoctor, once she is back from vacation. My question is this: Are there any antidepressants that don'tcause weight gain? How does Wellbutryn work for you? I've never taken any kind of antidepressant before so I'mcurious to hear from someone who has. Pros vs. Cons Thanks for your advice.

i have been holding on to a 41 bmi for 2 months, ugh paperwork should be submitted by tuesday. Also frustrated i wanted to hit onderland before surgery but was told at my last appointment surgery will be cancelled the day of if my bmi is to low, and all my weights are submitted because Aetna requires no weight gain so they have to see the progress through the 90 days

Hello, I started my initial journey in 2010. My mother and I were in a terrible, and my journey came to a screeching halt. (At this point, I am still suffering from the accident.) My injuries required steroid therapy; so, doctor put me on steroids and I gained even more weight. Now, I have to explain that my PCP did not agree with any type of weight loss surgery at first. I had to threaten to find another doctor, if he wouldn't at least research it. He finally agreed and my journey began. My doctor was out of the country when my accident occured. So, when he returned, he could not believe the weight gain or the increase of my blood sugar levels. At this point, he had to put me on medicine for diabetes and made me promise to start the process for my surgery again. The accident made me look at things from a different prospective, and I made the decision to lose the weight on my own. Well, that was a disaster and the weight continued to pile on & my diabetes medicine wasn't working. After a major internal struggle, I decided to have lapband surgery. When I went to meet with my surgeon, he threw a monkey wrench into my plans and suggested the sleeve. I struggled with the sleeve because there isn't any long term data to support this type of weight loss surgery. So, I decided to start watching YouTube videos and join blogs to learn more informtion. When attend my third nutrition class in February, I can now tell them that I will be having the Gastric Sleeve surgery...

The stall is normal. We all have them. The weight gain could be a simple as water. So hang in there and press forward. Keep up the good work. You will break through it!

My daughter is 17. She knows the pitfalls of dieting. My years of eating one meal a day as a teenager and into college led to my 75 lb weight gain when I was pregnant with her. When your body is used to living on 750-1000 calories per day and suddenly you eat 2000, you put on a LOT of weight. She loves food and does not diet, yet she is a healthy 125 and is very active. She fully supported my decision and sees what a wonderful impact this has had on my life and the life of my family. Isn't it amazing how a happier healthier mom can lead to a happier family?!

Our u weighing yourself daily or once a week on same day? Weight gain can happen daily but over course of weeks should be losing.

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.

Just shy of 5 months post-op... Down 40lbs, when I was down almost 80... my doctor says "Don't worry Yvette, this is normal. Especially in people with your body type, your weight gain is muscle not fat, don't be upset." Ok so I'm not gonna lie, I'm a lil' upset. I KNOW I build muscle really fast, and I KNOW muscle weighs more than fat.. I get all that.. I KNOW my weight is down and so are my clothing sizes and inches. I'm just I dunno.. a lil' skewed on all of this. I finally got to a fill point where I was almost "too tight" but it was working.. I missed my follow up fill because I was traveling.. and so I went to my month appointment yesterday and although I was down 8.8 pounds which I know I should be happy about and I am.. I'm just like shouldn't it be MORE... I don't even know why I'm complaining.. I shouldn't be. I guess I'm just feeling the pressure of my 6 months and then my year coming up and my own personal goals in there.. relax Yvette...slow and steady wins the race... :thumbup:

I haven't been to the doctor for about a 2 months i haven't lost any weight. I was on all kinds of depression medication and stopped taking everything. I know that weight gain is a side effect of stopping medication like that, however I'm scared my doctor is going to get mad that I haven't lost any weight. I have an appointment today to get a fill, I just don't want the doctor to get at me or deny me a full... Has anyone else went through this?

I find it amazing how diff everyone eats after their banding. Tha band makes your new tummy pouch the size of an egg. That's 2ozs worth of room. If you eat more than that at one sitting, then you're stretching that stomach back out to what causes weight gain. This is why it works as a tool. I'm being instructed by my doc's nut to eat only 2ozs (that's 1/4 cup) for the first few months. By one yr, I can move up to 1/2 cup. She said people with good results are up to 1 whole cup by 2nd yr, no more than that. Also, important key to help your body lose weight and curve hunger...PROTEIN!!!!

I am almost two years out( July) I can not loose anymore weight. I went from 273 to 188 and now back to 199. I need help. I am getting married in July and want to look amazing. I am only 26 and this is starting to depress me. Hence the weight gain from depression meds.

I agree this is not the place to debate the band. There are other forums for this, however, in respect to smkeller's input, I think doctors need to be up front with complications and their own success rates on lapband surgeries. I did much internet research before proceeding with the surgery and everything scared the heck out of me prompting me to cancel my surgery once. Something that you have not mentioned though is that there have been great improvements to the band and the surgical technique. Not to say that this eliminates complications and there is not enough long term data yet, but, many of us have made the decision to go lapband because it is removable and there is no re-routing of the inside plumbing. In addition, I personally know a few people that took other WLS routes and a couple are miserable and two of them have stretched their stomachs and have gained most if not all of their weigh back and now have no other choices. I do understand that weight gain can also happen to banded people, but, there are options and the band is adjustable. Here's my story. I started my WLS journey research with the gastric by-pass procedure and was to go that route, however, along the way I met 2 of the people mentioned above at which point I started looking at the lapband and found it was the best fit for me and only because I did not want permanent routing of my intestines. That's just me though and I respect any of the WL surgeries. The final goal regardless of which route we take is "getting healthier" to live a longer and fuller life. Words of encouragement to mstrustar2730. Yes, death is a possibility as in with every surgery, however, lapband is less invasive and usually done as a day surgery. Death from a lapband surgery is minimal and is usually not from the procedure itself, but from surgery complications. After I did all my research on the lapband I discovered that a co-worker died from the surgery and I cancelled my surgery a 2nd time. Well, after asking more questions it turns out that he had heart complications and the surgery was never performed. I, as you thought it was a sign and should not proceed. My support system was awesome and with prayer and encouragement I went forth. Best darn thing I have ever done for myself and as I always say live for today and if complications come later on, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I am convinced that lapband has saved my life. I was in trouble medically taking 8 prescribed medications and am down to 3 for blood pressure. Would i do this again? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Jake

As far as I am concerned, the numbers on the scale are pretty irrelevant until you can reliably get in your protein and fluids every day. Getting enough protein and fluids is critical for healing and for weight loss. That said, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs and almost everyone has a stall about three weeks after surgery. Weight gain in the first week of surgery is usually because of the IV fluids and swelling (you did just have major surgery). Just follow your program. Focus on getting in at least 64 oz of Fluid and reaching your protein target. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

So beautifully said. Perfectly said. It’s a part of weight loss that isn’t much talked about and integral to losing the fear of regain. I have mirrored your journey. But I have also decided to completely move beyond valuing myself based on a number. I found that in order to be truly happy I had to accept that all “me” was a valid loveable person. The bigger me, the me now. My worth isn’t determined by my weight. This allowed me to let go of the fear of regain and also let go of any dieting behavior. I now eat freely and intuitively and it’s been such a wonderful transition. I’ve embraced my body weighing whatever it needs to to be healthy. That’s when I was really able to find happiness. My weight gain came about from self hatred and shame, feeling like a failure for not being model thin. If I kept holding myself to that standard I would have put myself right back where i started. Thank you for your post, it’s a really important thing to talk about.

Hey guys! So I’m showing my stomach today. Haven’t done that since surgery.. sometimes I am ashamed of my surgery scars but at the end of the day it’s my body and I love myself and I’ve learned not to care about anyone’s negative opinion. Self consciously of course no one can see too much but it still feels good to dress like the old me, before the weight gain. I’m going out with 2 old friends today and I’m excited. Stomach doesn’t look too bad right?? I’ve been using dove lotion with pure coconut oil from whole foods and coco butter to reduce visibility of stretch marks on my stomach as well. goal - 140 sleeved on - 121416 ! (Idk my measurements now they are prob still the same, for those who do ask whenever I post pics)

Ok guys so as of yesterday my dr put me on purees. I started to finally eat very little bit. Today I see the scale has gone up two pounds!!! What the heck???? Is this normal???? I thought I'm supposed to be losing A pound a day????

Hello All, Guess I missed posting my introduction here. So here goes..... My name is Barbara and I've been overweight most of my life. Not always alot but none the less overweight. My most recent and biggest weight gain came after my open heart surgery three years ago. Since then, I gained over 40 pounds all during a time I was supposed to be losing weight. My blood pressure was up, I developed diabetes, I couldn't walk without huffing and puffing. I was a mess. I decided I needed to do something and I'd better do it quick or I'd be dead before I turned 65. (I was 60 this past September.) I live in the Dayton area and worked in Cincinnati, so in May of this year I decided it was time to retire and take care of my health. I was working with a personal trainer, trying to diet...all to no avail. Then I saw an ad for lapband surgery. I had to check it out! It sounded pretty good. I had never considered WLS before because I thought it was too invasive. I didn't want my insides rerouted. Also, some of the people I worked with had a pretty rough time with it. And with my heart problems, I didn't think I could get my cardiologist to approve me for it. I attended an informational meeting for the Cincinnati Weight Loss Center, made my appointment and got the ball rolling. Well, my insurance would not approve them because they were out of my network. So it was back to square one. So I looked around somemore and found Dr. Shumacher at Kettering Bariatric. I made my appointment, attended one of his informational meetings and started the process all over again. It didn't take long and before I knew it, I had a date! October 11 is my new birthday! That's when I entered Lapband Land and became a Bandster! For me surgery was a breeze. I can't complain one bit. My stomach was a little sore but the pain was minimal. I was up and walking within a couple of hours of getting back to my room. And I walked and walked and walked. I walked for 30 minutes everyday for the first month. (Not real fast, but I moved.) How have I done??? Well, I've dropped nearly 35 pounds. I've had two fills and am scheduled for another one on Monday. I'm ready for another one. I feel restriction, but it's getting looser every day. So it's time. Do I regret having this done? No. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. My blood pressure is normal, my blood tests are normal, my diabetes is almost non-existent. I also have more stamina than I've had in years. And, I have ankles!!!! (I had trouble with endema before the surgery and it looked like my legs just sat on top of my feet....no ankles.) I would love to get together with other bandsters in the area. I attend the support group at Dr. Schumacher's but I would like to have a support group just for bandsters. We are not RNYers and have different issues. So let's get one started. I'd love to talk to anyone out there that's contemplating or has had the lapband. You can email me direct at bforman911@yahoo.com. Talk to you all soon. BabyBoomer Barbara

My (ex) bf and I have dated for nearly 5 years; he lives with me. The last year of our relationship has been rocky anyway, but ever since I told him I had decided to have gastric he became even more standoffish and argumentative. Two weeks ago we had a huge blowout over something completely idiotic, he comes back to the house, and says he has been acting the way he has because he thinks that once I lose weight I am going to leave him and that's all he can think about. Mind you... I have not even had the surgery yet. He said I am going to lose weight, gain self-esteem, realize I am too good for him, and leave him. Well, guess what, pal... I don't need to lose ANY weight to realize I am too good for you. It's been a long time coming, but I think it's even sadder that he is using my choice to get healthier as a justification for being an a*s. The only thing this does is put me in a rough position as far as someone staying with me while I recover. My mom and stepdad are going to take "shifts" as long as they can, but they both work. And the ex is currently dwelling awkwardly in my basement, but will probably not give me a hand at all. It does make me sad because I had hoped he would be there at the hospital with me... but then all of this BS happens. *insert gigantic eye roll emoji here* I am okay, though. I need these next 12 months to focus on me and getting healthy and fit and not dealing with unnecessary dramatics and stress. I have always thrived when single and he actually had moved out of the house for a year and it was fantastic. I hate to say it, but I'm looking forward to this new chapter - of not just weight loss, but of being single and free!

Really? Why on earth would you want this newfound stamina to calm down? My wife and I are counting on any increase in hormones and sexual desires it to last a VERY long time post-op. We used to enjoy a very active physical relationship prior to my weight gain and we so desire to get that spark back so I.... we are both looking forward to what should be consider as a very desirable benefit of WLS.

I am required to have 6 months of nutritional counseling. There is no specified amount, but I have to lose a little every month. Any weight gain, and I can be denied. I'm 2 months in. Planning for surgery end of November early December. I am using fitness pal with the goal so losing 1 lb. per week. It automatically adjusts the calorie intake based on my high protein low carb diet. I have managed to lose weight, some came from having a stomach bug, but I'll take it. I already feel the difference in my knees. I'm just taking it one step at a time. I didn't get this big overnight, and I'm not going to lose it overnight...until I get the surgery. Lol. I wish you well on your journey. Lucretia

I have BCBS also HMO in Massachusetts and they didn't ask for this form. I needed a referral from my primary and then document was submitted for approval. I just happen to be with the same doctor for over seven years and they had a record of my weight gain and lose over the years maybe that is what they used. But speak with BCBS and they asked me several questions and he said if you can answer yes to one of them then you will qualify. His questions were is my BMI over 40 - yes are you over 100 pounds over weight - yes does your doctor recommend this - yes, over the past few years have you tried any other method and list the methods - yes I named them all. Can you see if you can talk with your primary and get referal or he or she can write the letter for you to BSBS? I hope all goes well for you!

Lots of good advice given by the previous poster! Given the mental health issues and how they tie into weight gain/loss I second the suggestion to find a counsellor to help you walk through issues as they crop up and creating a support network to give you encouragement and motivation when things get tough. I'm sorry about your brother and hope you are confident in the care he receives in the group home, so that you can focus on taking care of yourself now

That's it...I give. I can't... I've been struggling to not gain back weight. For a few months now, I've been saying each and every morning, 'today I will make good choices'. And more often than not, I am eating more than I should. I presumed it was stress eating, head hunger, happy new relationship overeating, blah blah blah. Turns out, I'm just plain hungry. Went to see my doctor and told her of my struggles. I've gained ten pounds over the last six months. Some of my clothes are getting tight. I refuse to buy anything that's going to accommodate weight gain. My doctor explained that the fat cells aren't gone..they're just dormant. And now, they are waking up again and my body is begging to gain weight back again. She swears it's biological and not emotional. I feel like I'm failing and she tells me that failing is not doing anything about this new found hunger, and not requesting a fill. So...Friday will get my first fill after nearly three years banded. I'm both troubled and relieved. This reminds me of when I recently had surgery and went off my anti-inflammatory meds. Was in so much discomfort that I couldn't even walk standing straight. All my joints hurt. I couldn't believe how much the meds were keeping me pain free. The band needing Fluid is sort of the same thing I guess. I'm not 'cured' from overeating and obesity. The band manages my hunger enough for me to make good choices. Without it, I'm back to square one. I have to think the same about the band as I do about the meds I take. Prevention in order to not suffer from my arthritis, or my obesity. It really is a disease...and not a vice.