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if you follow all the rules you will reduce your chances of having complications however there is no guarantee. however with out the surgery you are almost promised continued weight gain and complications later on such as hbp high chol and diabetes as well and heart problems personally id rather take my chances with the surgery than face all the health issues that come from obesity. good luck to you

My boobs are saggy from the weight gain over the years and I am only 26. When I lose all my weight I am planning on getting the girls fixed so they are nice and perky.

Sunta Water weight gain can fluctuate as much as five pounds. If you don't want a fill than you should get one. Follow your heart and stay on it the way you feel is working best for you. I know sometimes one gets the feeling that at some point a balance is met and you can do this.

If this continues for another week, I would call the doctor. This just happened to me. My band was tightened in mid-December. I was ok the 1st 2 weeks. Of course the 1st week is no solid food. The 2nd week I was ok when I began eating solids foods but then after that was a nightmare. Food kept getting stuck, sometimes water. There were days I went without eating at all. I also had pain on my right side. I would give it another week and nothing changes I would call. After over a month of suffering found out that my old doctor put too much saline in my band. It was actually cutting into my stomach. Most of the saline was taken out and I was told to give my stomach a rest. Don't be so overly concerned about weight gain. Avoiding complications is more important. Also you should avoid eating solid foods if you just had your band filled 2/28. If you need to eat something more filling, try tomato soup. Bread definitely is too hard for your stomach to digest right after a band adjustment.

Good luck! :frown: If you're going to be careful with your pregnancy weight gain, don't forget that on top of your own requirements, through pregnancy you really only need about an extra glass of milk, because you're not actually eating for two! :laugh: :w00t:

I saw too many people talking about complications and weight gain many years later after the bypass so I made sure to choose the sleeve instead. I only had 60-65 impossible to lose pounds to drop and I don't regret my decision. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@judy vsg Yes, being hyper kept my weight off for most of my life, but it turned 2 years ago, while still hyper and I had a massive, rapid weight gain. I became one of those 5% hyperthyroid sufferers that gained weight! I did not like my shaking hands, the sweats and feeling hot all the time, the irritability, racing pulse, high blood pressure, horrible headaches, muscle spasms, the runs and insomnia. Now, with treatment most of those symptoms disappeared, except insomnia and feeling hot on and off. Thank you for your well wishes.

First of all, I just want to say that I am so proud of you for reaching out and getting the process started. Sometimes that very first action is the hardest but you did it and that's something to celebrate. I would say as you're working through the process of getting approved for surgery, it would be worthwhile to see a therapist. I also have abuse and trauma in my history which heavily contributed to my disordered eating and weight gain. Getting help for my mental well being was the single most important piece of my journey. The surgery is just a tool and it will only work as well as you learn to use it. Making sure that you work through trauma, learn new coping mechanisms, and have a solid support system in place will help ensure long term success. As for questions, I'd say keep a journal or notebook and write things down as they come to mind. Then, take that to your appts and ask them all as you're able to. Personally, I wanted to know all about my surgeons success/mortality/infection rates, the pre- and post-op diets, long term eating habits, vitamin and supplement requirements, and my personal health history and how it may impact surgery and success. Of course, other questions came up along the way, so I asked those too. Welcome to the WLS surgery club. We're glad you're here and we're cheering you on!

Fat2flat: Take a breath ... you are relatively new to band life and still need to adjust. You say you don't want to lose quick, then the band is the right "tool" for you. You also say that you want to lose faster than you are currently losing ... but you don't say how much you've lost. It is likely that you have not yet reached your sweet spot, so more fills are needed along with diet and exercise. Are you consistently exercising? Have you made "lifestyle" changes where your food is concerned? The band is (for most, for a few the weight falls off like GB) a tool that works only as hard a you work. Please note that "hard" is a relative term, it doesn't have to be hard -- if you are willing and ready to change your life. The good news is that if you are not quite ready to jump into the deep end, but need to walk from the shallow to the deep -- you HAVE the band and it will be there when you get to the deep end. I have always been a slow loser, but I am still very happy with my progress. I had been banded a little over a year before I started exercising consistently. I have a number of health problems that prevent me from doing strenuous exercise, but i do absolutely everything I can -- because I want to reach my goal and I am WILLING to do what it takes. I have been in physical therapy for months building muscle to strengthen my spine which is riddled with a degenerative disease. My ortho says that the only way around this issue is building muscle to take on the work that my spine can no longer do. This is a win, win because you lose more weight when you have more muscle. I would first recommend that you let go of the frustration ... it will only distract you from achieving your goal (i.e., losing weight). As you are working your way to your sweet spot do little things to change your diet, things you can live with; so that when you get to your sweet spot you will have many lifestyle changes already in place. Pay attention to how foods effect you. Some people are very sensitive to carbs and have to stay away from them; others require a more balanced diet to lose weight. Find what works for you ... let this be your focus and before you know it you will be at your sweet spot with a great new lifestyle AND you will lose weight. YOU CAN DO THIS. Be kind to yourself and ... patient. This journey is individual and very personal. What works for one person may not work for another. mamastwo; hate to say this, but fills are really necessary. It took 7 or 8 fills before I was got to my sweet spot. If you don't have time to get your fills, you can't really expect the band to do it's part. Again, the good news is that you have the band and when you have time to get enough fills to get to your sweet spot, your band will do it's part to assist you with weight loss. Don't give up. Try to make yourself a priority in your life so you can work this band. Find the time for fills, exercise and consciously making time to prepare your meals. Don't let frustration overtake you .... that will only put you on a cycle to nowhere ... we've already done that and all we got for our troubles was weight gain. Move as slowly as you need to, but KEEP MOVING FORWARD. Be kind to YOU! All the best to you both on your journey. This is a great website, with great support. Make it happen in 2012!!! ~Fran

Dear Jeter2: Thanks so much for your reply. I have actually talked to my dr and he gave me the instructions for weaning myself off the Paxil. So, I am in the process of doing that SLOWLY - I get VERY ill if I cut down too much at a time or too fast! My biggest obstacle is that I used to work for my family doctor - the one that prescribed the Paxil 3 years ago. He INSISTS that, if anything, it will have a weight LOSS side effect - but NOT weight gain. And because I can't find weight GAIN as a documented side effect - he refuses to admit that that is even a possibility. I haven't tried any other anti-depressants in the past; but may get up the nerve to ask him for something different - if I can't make it without anything. Thanks again! As for the bc pill - I quit taking it. I see my "girly" doctor the beginning of December so I'll talk to her about other options; however, that one does have documented side effects of weight gain.

I am miserable! My band slipped about 7 or 8 months ago and Dr Billy took all the fill out. I have MINOR restriction and the weight is returning with record speed!!!! I am so depressed about the weight gain. I had gotten to the point where I felt so good about my body. I wore a bikini and looked good. Dr Lopez did my original surgery (I know this comes as no surprise to anyone) and when I tried to contact him.....guess what???? He won't return my calls. I finally got an email from his assistant saying that they could revise my surgery for an additional $4,000.00. So here I am.... 1. No insurance. 2. NO MONEY! 3. Dr Lopez won't fix his mistake (although I realized this going into it) 4. A non working band 5. A fat body that depresses me. If it weren't for the amazing Dr. billy....I would have jumped off the Ventura Pier long ago. Dr Billy wants to help me but without insurance, what's a girl to do? P.S I was an excellent bandster and I followed all the rules. I would take it extremely personally if someone tried to blame my silp on me. Christine

I haven't made my decision which surgery is best for me. Has anyone started to regain or not lose the desired amount of weight before 1 to 2 years post- op Sent from my 5056N using the BariatricPal App

Read your article, nice progress. I also have had no complications with the band and have lost 100+ with no weight gain. I am right by Ridgefield, NJ. I think as long as you follow the rules as you do, it’s a great option. It saved my life too and that was what made me do it also.

My doc suggested switch and i wish I had gone with that. I’m two years post sleeve and having to go back for bypass due to weight gain. :(

Hi everyone. I am 5 weeks out of sleeve surgery and have stopped losing weight. Total loss so far is 14 lbs. and the weight gained in past week is 1 lb. I am soo worried..what am I doing wrong. Can anyone spare me a few minutes please Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Angel thanks for the advise and input but I CLEARLY stated am looking for input about people that have had the DS, not advise on how to lose weight. And no offense but you are 7 months post op. thats when i was down to 129. it's easy....so easy at that time. Wait until you're almost 2 years out its a whole different ball game. Look at the weight gained since being sleeved thread that's pinned. There are dozens of us struggling with regain. It's annoying that people less than a year out think they know it all. I'm not trying to be rude but just wait and see how it is in a year, you may look back and realize you we're a little too cocky, just like 3/4 of the people here less than a year out.

Hypoglycemia is on track because I had to eat alot of fat and carbs to get it there because of low blood sugar and now a ton of weight gain. This surgery is NOT for everyone and I say that unapologetically

Most of my weight gain was due to medical conditions/medication. Don't get me wrong, when I feel bored I still want to snack/graze but I now go for a walk and it seems to take away the boredom/hunger.

My favorite protein bar is no protein bar . . . they are Satan's work IMO. Turkey jerky or some chopped up chicken breast in a little tupperware container is lower calorie, lower carb, higher protein, more filling, and often cheaper too. Nutritionally not much different from candy bars with protein added. I've noticed that people tend to get obsessive about their protein bars the way they used to with candy bars or brownies or whatever. True story -- my mom has a weight problem. She tends to be underweight! She has to work hard to keep her weight up to a normal range (yes I resent this bigtime). Her doctor ordered her to eat a protein bar every day in order to stop weight loss. If she finds she is losing weight, she has to eat two protein bars a day. It works for her! Protein bar = no more weight loss. Two protein bars = weight gain.

Gosh, I can't believe all the well wishes! Thanks everyone of you. Megan, the coughing did not effect the band at all except that Soup and soft foods went down much easier (thus the weight gain). I didn't feel it was tighter at all, just wasn't hungry for real heavy food. To the rest of you, I will try to write down the recipes tonite and get them out to all of you tomorrow. Made it through Thanksgiving easily (thank you Dr. McKeen for the fill last week). It made my portion sizes and desires for sweets much less, also who wants appetizers when you have all your favorites to look forward too. The only appetizer I ate was crab dip (that I made). Thanks again for all the positive thoughts and hopefully I will make it through my first full week of full time this week. Michelle -- my positive thoughts are with you at the doctors this morning. Hopefully your band is OK?

I am donell1000 and I have alcohol and "dry goods" free for 22 years. I sleeved 6_10_2016. What is interesting about getting sleeved is that it feels somewhat like doing a 28 day detox/rehab. Each day I learn something new about myself and I have to work my weight-loss program the same way I work my recovery. What I am trying to wrap my mind around is how someone can loose weight and then gain it back. Is it just going back to eating the wrong foods? Does the smaller sleeved stomach grow back in size? Please let me know your thoughts... How to Prevent Weight Gain After Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

Totally normal and it's to be expected. Most people, myself included, didn't start noticing restriction until my 4th & 5th fills. Especially if your doctor is conservative with your fills like mine was/is. A weight gain is common too. Try not to get discouraged. Start making good habits and choices now. You're REALLY early in the game and I PROMISE the weight will start falling off before you know it!!! I was where you were back in August, September, October. I thought for sure the band wasn't going to work...but everyone told me to hang in there and be patient!! They were right!!!!!!!! Best of luck!!!!!!

Unfortunately the feeling of failing is very common. A lot of it comes from poor information from your surgeon & your team. I don’t understand why they don’t prepare people better on what to expect. It would greatly reduce a lot of the anxiety people experience after surgery. Makes me angry. So sorry your surgeon & team didn’t private you & don’t seem to be on your side through this. Ok, first. The heady amounts of weight you lose at the beginning doesn’t continue. The rate at which you lose will reduce as you get closer to goal & are eating more. Losing about 1-2lbs a week is pretty average by months 3 or 4. Some my lose more, others less. You will lose at your rate. Many factors affect the rate (age, starting weight, previous weight loss history, gender, etc.). Stalls (plateaus) happen. Think of them as your body taking a break to come to terms with the stress of the diet & weight loss. You may stall from 1-3 weeks at a time. Every pound you lose is a win. Sorry but eating one meal a day is ridiculous. How are you able to consume 60g of protein plus a variety of other nutrient sources in one meal? It’s physically impossible for you! No wonder you’re feeling hungry. You are hungry!!! Do you have a dietician/nutritionalist? Once eating solid foods the goal should be introducing healthy eating habits (when you eat, what you eat, why you eat) which is why we’re advised to eat 3 meals a day & some (like me) are encouraged to add snacks as we progress to ensure protein & other nutrient goals are being met. Your portion sizes will increase as you progress too. Eat slowly. Don’t be afraid to graze on a meal for 30+ minutes if necessary. It takes time for the message you’re full to get through. I still try to eat only until I’ve had enough. (Do I really need the next bite or just want it?) Keep protein the biggest part of any meal or snack & eat it first if possible. Having a small amount of whole or multi grain carbs is ok - I was allowed to eat rolled oats from the purée stage. I even could have any fruit from around months 3/4. I went to my dietician every two weeks but honestly, I worked most of my eating plan out myself - she just confirmed I was making sensible choices & suggested some alternatives. You have to work out a way of eating that works for you & while you’re losing is the perfect time to begin. Do lots of reading (avoid the fad stuff - they’re never sustainable), reflect on your eating habits (trigger foods, foods you crave, what drives you to eat, weight gain/loss history, etc.) & how your lifestyle may impact your eating plan in the future (you have to be able to maintain a weight you’re happy & healthy at while still being able enjoy your life). A too restrictive diet will fail because it will limit you enjoying your life. You will get where you want to be. Good luck.

Also, my experience with steroids for sciatica were pretty significant weight gain. Did any of you experience that?

I agree, sabotages and haters lol But, realistically, this is life right? We will all face eating bad sometimes and we give in. Lifestyle changes are what our mutual goal Is. What I feel is this. I've been post op almost 2 years now. I eat like crap at times, sometimes a lot. I know it's not good and can lead to weight gain. I'm human and become more mindful and eat " like a sleever " is suppose to. I was truly devastated one time when I was told on here I was eating To Many calories. I was losing fast and I needed them. I didn't know that at the time and my whole mindset was shot. So people who may eat lousy sometimes, it's life. We have our whole life ahead of us and as long as we know the repercussions of our actions .... It's ok. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App