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You don't have much willpower because there is no such thing. We make a choice and we stick to it or we don't. We must focus on Protein and foods that will nurture our bodies, fuel our engines. There are no magic words or techniques that we can give you to make you decide to do it the right way. Get your protein in. Stay hydrated. Our sleeve only hold 4-6oz of anything....fill it with good things. Grazing = weight gain. Decide to stop doing it.

Hi All, Nightline on ABC will be doing a story on sleeve surgeries tonight 10/25 here is a link about it: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/fighting-weight-gain-radical-stomach-removal-surgery/story?id=11964731&page=1

New to the board and find the information very helpful. I had my VG lapband removed (after 2 years) on October 19, 2010. Had major slippage with 40% of stomach going through-band. The band had only a small fill may have had something to do with it? No erosion or complications during removal. (Glad it is out - knew it was not the long term answer). I did well with the band losing most all desired weight but feel as though I need to move forward with VSG too not allow any weight gain. I want to get VSG but have been told to wait 6 weeks - 3 months. What have you been told or what is most common in this scenario? In advance thank you for the input. I am also considering Dr. Rod or Dr. Aceves for VSG - they both seem to have a good reputation. Thoughts???

Did anyone gain weight the first day of surgery from the IV water weight I suppose??

Lovesthebeach, I too have PCOS and insulin resistance. I also have hypothyroidism but no comorbidities. I noticed there is a place on this site for other health issues, but no one ever posts there! Unfortunately, I have not had the VSG yet and am still in the insurance approval stage. I have talked to my endocrinologist and my potential VSG surgeon about having VSG and they both agree that it is a good idea and seem confident that I can still lose weight with these conditions, though possibly not as much as without hypothyroidism. Hopefully, others with PCOS will post about their experiences. For those who don't know....PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a hormonal imbalance which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, hypothyrodism, infertility, etc. According to my endocrinologist, it does not necessarily mean that you have actual cysts on your ovaries, but is more about the group of symptoms and blood test results. Good luck to you! I've decided to have the VSG and am anxious for my insurance approval!

I had a gastric sleeve on Tuesday, August 3. Have felt tired and drained since. Today was the first day I have weighed since surgery. I have gained 2 pounds since surgery. I am following the post op diet to the letter. Has this happened to anyone else?

I had a sleeve done in 2015, did well, lost 92 lbs, gained back about 25 lbs now, during the past year as I cannot get my heartburn/Gerd under control. I was given Protonix again, was on it after surgery, but now a stronger dose... I went to my surgeon, actually his colleague in the same office and she advised to up the dosage of the Protonix and get an end and some studies done. I did that -- they did some Xrays, a CT scan, endo and colonoscopy and I was told stay on the meds at this rate for at least 3 months. She said any changes or its worse, come in and see her before the 3m time and since she was ready to give birth any mind, said to see her colleague. I did just that - she's out on maternity leave and I saw another dr. in her office and he suggested upping the meds again, to 2x per day and another over the counter at night time so avoid the GERD issues. I can't keep anything down, you'd think I would be thin LOLLL it's the opposite, I'm maintaining, but I have GERD 24/7. Its horrible, even water does it. So long story short - he said he would recommend the revision, which she did too - as well as fix an umbilical hernia I have that bothers me. The surgical coordinator called, temporary scheduled for March 18 for a revision, said he will get pre auth from GHI, my insurance and if it's weight gain, don't get my hopes up of it being approved.. he's always been a non friendly guy, even years ago, it's like I'm bothering him. He must deal with horrendous people all day to act the way he does, but besides that.... He said don't get my hopes up and he'll pencil me in for March 18. He said I didn't come back to the office for years, erhmm, why should I - I was feeling fine... Gastro doc told me my GERD could be due to the sleeve and to go back to my surgeon, which I did - has nothing to do with weight gain - I'm not dealing with GERD for the rest of my life.... It's really really bad.. Anyway, GHI said they cover the procedure, just needs pre auth and it could take 7-10 days to get back... so I'll keep my fingers crossed and not listen to the surgical coordinator guy ... maybe he needs a drink LOL Anyone have any luck with GHI/Emblem Health for the revision - my husband carries City Of NY coverage of GHI. Good luck all

I am a former D1 college wrestler (heavyweight). I've been big all my life, and wrestling/football kept my weight under control. I wrestled at 285 in college and now I weigh 475. While I once blame the immobilization of my two herniated discs in my lower back and the meds administered afterward for my weight increase (common med steroids) ,I think we all know that terrible eating and drinking habits are the true culprits to my excessive weight gain over 2.5 years. Im 6 ft 5 in, and how on God's earth can I go through the sleeve operation without having the extreme drooping and sagging of my skin after losing the weight so quickly?? I hope to schedule my surgery before Christmas '14, but I feel I need to get a gym membership to lift and run asap to start the process now. What are tips and workouts to follow before, during, and after my procedure to keep from having skin removal surgery? I am open to any and everything! I am getting married to the love of my life on 6-4-16, and I want to look as amazing (265) and fit as I did when Liz first met me. I also want to increase muscle mass along with the weight loss. Again, any advice is welcome. Thank you for your help, -Adam

Weight loss AND weight gain is very personal.... But I chose to tell only a select few int he beginning... of course my employer, because I was already out on a LOA- but wanted to explain my decision. I HAD to improve my life to be able to continue to work. I didn't even tell my kids until a few weeks before the surgery so I could get transportation to the hospital!!:blushing: When I did go back to work... I had lost about 25 pounds, and people noticed "something different" I decided to tell whoever asked... there is not "Secret Cure" for losing weight, and I wsn't trying to "fool" anyone... I felt that at least I was in controll of what was said. Alot of people didn't even notice until i lost a signifigant amount! And would ask how I did it... well.. working in retail.. i figured by the time I told ONE person... the whole store would know it! But I have alot of support there.... people I didn't think would support my decision have! The only problem with people knowing that you had weight loss surgery is they all say " don't get tooo thin" That TOO... is a personnal decision. And thats what i tell them. They have only known me as obese... so of course seeing me lose weight is different for them too. Chancie

Hi my name is Bonnie I'm 23 years old and I've been struggling with my weight all my life. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was held back in the first grade, from there they put me on Adderall and I was gaining 10 pounds every month, I didn't understand because I wouldn't eat breakfast or lunch at school because the medication it would make me nauseous. By the time I would get home it would be dinner time and I would be hungry. This continued through my high school years where I couldn't even stand to be in the lunch room I would just go to the library and hang out til' lunch was over. I was still active and try to keep up the best I could with all my friends that were three times smaller than me. Finally when I was 17 years old the doctor told me it was rare but a side effect of weight gain on adderall. I stopped taking my medication and I lost 30 pounds right after that. I still suffer with the same eating habits and I've gained more weight over the years. Oh I'm ready to take this next step and better my life I can't wait and I'm so excited.

I can't decide if I'm embarrassed to write this post or not...So, I'm just going to go for it. I hit my 2-year mark without fanfare a few weeks back. I reminded no one, and didn't bother taking a picture. I'm completely bummed out and am grasping for...food (was going to say straws, but I might as well be honest). I've struggled - starting with a pretty darn high weight in the first place, having a stupid short honeymoon period, and ending up in November 2015 with so much extra stress in my life that I sometimes wonder how this all happened (this is the "woe is me" part, sorry)...so here I am today, weighing about 15 pounds more than my lowest weight at left (that I hit in May 2015) that I don't seem to be able to shake back off of me, and looking for support. I'm writing this post because first, I would like to hear from anyone who has actually been re-sleeved. FYI that I am not interested in converting to the bypass, because for probably the rest of my life, I must be able to take NSAIDs for arthritis (and after a bypass, medicating for that becomes tricky and appears to only involve cortisone shots. Yuck, ouch, and no). Second, I'm writing this as a reality check to myself -- I've written/deleted/rewritten/re-deleted this post a couple of times this morning because as I've typed, I've realized a few very important things I've changed in the past 5-7 months that I need to grab back onto - things that are now contributing to my weight gain and pushing my thoughts toward that 2nd surgery. With as much weight as I still have to lose (50 to 90 lbs), I had already been considering a 2nd surgery, because I felt like I would need one more big push toward goal (at more than 50 pounds away after 2 years). I checked into getting a bypass as a method towards that final push, but that's when I learned about the arthritis meds problem. My recent struggles are just causing the underlying reason for that surgery to change a bit-from a "push" to a "need" (at least in my head ). Hopefully that sentence makes sense. I'm looking for someone who can maybe shed light on what it's like to be re-sleeved (as a "re-do" rather than for actual medical complications, since I have read about those issues on this site), if there's anyone out there who has experienced it. I will be seeking a different surgeon to perform it, and if I end up going this route, I am hoping to do it in May or June 2016. I have faith that some will remind me of the 5-day pouch test, getting in my daily Protein and Water, and other great advice toward getting back on track (that's my plan for the coming week - doing menu planning after posting this). I appreciate this community for its experience and advice! Thanks! ETA 1: Thanks for the comments! But somehow I've possibly given the impression that I have just 15 pounds to lose. Ah, if only that were true!!! Clarification, my "first" goal weight is 199, and I'm currently 50+ away from that. My true goal is 180, and my reach goal is 160-165. The 15 lb reference is that I'm up 15 from my lowest "current weight" (listed at left in my profile info). In other words, I have more weight still left to lose than some people have when they walk in the door for their first WLS consultation. I've had a number of weight fluctuations in the past 6 or so months, but this is the first time I can't seem to adjust my diet and have that weight go away. ETA 2: I've had a Fit Bit almost 2 years, and have worked out for the past 15 or so months (per my doc's plan, which is very conservative and geared around losing fat not muscle) until recently 5 to 7 days per week. Where I'm off is on my food intake and choices, which is good to be aware of because I can effect change. The heart of my post is that yes, I can make better food choices and update my workouts (they are boring to me now so I'm less motivated) and could probably get back on track for another bit of weight loss. What I'm considering is whether to do a "drastic" step to get re-sleeved to assist with the large portion of weight still left to lose. And no, this is not a stall - I've stalled any number of times in the past year and a half - this is different. This is more of a meta moment of realization...and I appreciate everyone who is taking the time to read and respond!

I understand that there are stalls but does anyone gain while stalled? Just a little worried.

It might be due to your carbohydrate intake after surgery. You might be reducing your fatty acids but not your triglycerides if your body is producing too much glycerol. Glycerol is produced from carbohydrates. http://www.zoeharcombe.com/the-knowledge/weight-gain-is-about-fat-stored/

Ditto here took mine the same night after surgery. i take Ortho-cyclen and it's smaller than a tic tac ! For what my GYN has said the pill will only increase weight gain in some individuals by just 3.5 lbs. If you're swelling up then its water retention and you need to drink, drink, drink water.

I have trouble remembering to take pills, so my DR recommended Nuva Ring. I've been using it for two months & love it! I have not had any weight gain or swelling.

I stopped taking my birth control a month before surgery and haven't needed to restart it. However, my period has been really heavy and I am thinking about going back on it. Has been on the pill affected your weight loss at all? I know it can sometimes cause weight gain.

Thanks Lorraine! My insurance and doc have me (barring complications) staying the night and leaving around dinner time the next day so it's about a day and a half stay. I heard walking really helps with the pains and since I know with vitals I won't be sleeping much anyway. The leak test both friends said they almost vomited over so that's excitement in the works, lol. I have such issues with permanency so I'm hoping the buyers remorse is minimum. It took me years to be ready despite my doctor begging me so I hope it'll be minimum to none now. I "kinda" have a have a good support network back home waiting. While I love my family, several of which who live with me, they are unhealthy to say the least and after much careful thought I chose not to tell them. I'm a therapist by trade and discussed it with my own therapist and it's just in my best interest. I have a few amazing friends who offered me to recover at their homes but there's something about home that I can't replace and my own space so I'm not sure what I'll do. Plus if I stay elsewhere I'll have more to explain. The syndrome that causes my weight gain causes me to need multiple surgeries too often so I can say it's related to that. I also hate burdening the worriers over the holiday especially when I don't have details to offer. BTW no TMI I need it all and thanks for taking the time!

This is a very interesting topic. There are so many factors that come into play with excess skin. However, one thing to keep in mind is to tend to it all of the time not just after VSG. Now, anyone who knows me personally knows I do have excess skin under my arms from weight gain and I know that is quite possibly the first place that will sag. However, I like to think that I can reduce the amount of sagging with proactive measures. Lubricate, hydrate, and nutrition. With lubrication most swear by cocoa butter but a cheaper way is to use of egg white washes. Obviously the attractiveness of egg white is because it is made of collagen and amino acids that absorb rather quickly into the skin. Once the egg white dries, (30 minutes) it flakes off and you are good to go. This is good for burned skin too to lessen burn scars. Cocoa butter is nice in that it is a creamy consistency that can be rubbed into the skin. Whichever you use, being proactive may minimalize the amount of excess skin.

All of the above for me.lol I was like you and had started yet another diet and was doing well. Right up to the night before surgery, I was second guessing myself. I then realized it was the same old, same old. Lose the weight, gain it back plus some. I couldn't afford to do that anymore. Like Missy, I needed my life back. You are the only one who can decide if you've had enough yoyo dieting. Glad I went ahead with it. In the past, I had always given up by now. Now I'm looking forward to making my goal for the first time ever. Good luck on any decision you make. Stick around and get a really good education on what the band can do and what it can't do.

hi....I too am band to sleeve... I was a slow looser and now my weight loss has stopped instead I have put on..maybe its the gout....it says gout gives sudden weight gain... I am too low...I was always afraid this wouldnt work for me...I have arthritis ..cant walk much...metabolism is very slow...

You should be very proud of only a 2 pound weight gain on vacation. Don't be hard on yourself!! Cool on the YMCA. You will really enjoy that!! My cousin is a personal trainer, so I get a REALLY good deal on training. I just started this week. Amy

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 was banded April 2016, lost 30lbs quite quickly. Had a hysterectomy April 2016 and have gained back 14lbs since then...........HELP! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Sandy, Thanks for your response! My health was that I was pre-diabetic, high cholosterol, fatty liver, pallops (spelling?) had to be removed when they did the pre-op endoscopy and during surgery a hernia was repaired. I also was really tired a lot and was told I have nodules on my thyroid, which is badly messed up - thus the weight gain. I now have lots of energy and I'm only 5 days out! Dr, Barverman, NEW Program in Newport Beach, CA is one of a team of 3 doctors who only do WLS. They have preformed over 2,500 of them and seem to be very enthusiastic about their work. They have had 1 death due to taking an extremely high risk patient. As far as complications, their record is the best in the country according to the third party they all report stats to. I had 2 weeks of a pre-op diet. I did not like it at all - they use a product called Bariatric Advantage. To say it tastes bad is an understatement. I best to you! 43 pounds down and counting - wow, congrats!!!

I started my 1-week pre-op diet at 237 and I went into surgery at 228 on Sep 9, 2013. By Christmas of that year I was 195- 200 pounds...so I lost 28-33ish pounds between surgery and Christmas (4 months). I then dropped again from January to May, at which point I was stuck at 177 for WEEKS. I added more exercise, improved my diet, and by September 2014, I was at 158 pounds. I averaged about 6.5 pounds a month for the first year, of which some of that time I barely lost anything. I then had my first plastics procedure, after which I couldn't workout, so I lost some muscle and I went into my second plastics procedure in November at 143ish. By the second Christmas post-sleeve I was 134, where I then stayed until April of the next year, which means it took me exactly 18 months to get to goal of 129, which was 108 pounds and works out to 6 pounds a month. It was NOT a speedy process. I am now at 37 months post-op and I have been at goal (I fluctuate up and down about 3 pounds, so I hit 132.8 and I drop to 126 throughout the month) this entire time. Last Halloween I ate to much crap and I woke up November first at 137. It took almost 6 weeks to get back into my goal range again, so had I not been very cognizant of even a little weight gain, it would have taken forever to lose more than that. Since that time, November 2015, I have stayed within my 126-133 range, and I'm usually between 129-132. Once I get even a little over 132, that day I start making changes. I've been drinking a lot of coffee the last few weeks which involved milk and caramel and I noticed that my weight was getting very close to that 132.8. I cut out the coffee (and sugar and milk) and this morning I'm back at 130. Although this is a long post, from the perspective of being over 3 months out, losing weight was not easy and it was not fast. It required waking up every single day and focusing on an end goal that didn't seem like it would happen. That doesn't change when you hit goal. I still weigh myself every morning and when my weight starts to creep up a pound or three, I login to MyFitnessPal and I am very careful for a few days until I get back into my goal range. If you want to be thin the rest of your life will be about being aware of what you eat and what you weigh, because if it's hard to lose now, it is an absolute B to lose weight a year or two out from surgery. Once you lose it, keep it off! Slow and steady may not legitimately win the race, but it has worked well for me. Good luck!