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I was lucky that I'd just been banded the previous holiday season. This season, however, ooh boy. I'm really rather disappointed with how easily I excused my poor choices with "it's the holidaaaays~!" The weight gain on the scale still makes me cringe, though thankfully I'm losing again. I'm certainly glad to be back on track though.

I had my sleeve a year and a half ago and was wondering about approximate weight gain 2 or more years after surgery when the stomach has had time to stretch a little? Just looking for several years post surgery experiences. It seems like most people are pre surgery or only a few months post surgery on here. I weighed 231 and at goal weight of 135 but was wondering how hard it is to maintain as time goes by.

I had hysterectomy in 1997 and that is when I gained all my weight. Since surgery I tried my hormone shot one time and I hit a stall when I did. So I havent took it anymore. So as far as weight loss around the time of monthly all I seen was weight gain after complete hysterectomy

What about the copper IUD? No hormones no weight gain ... stays up there for 5 years. Can be easily taken out if u decide you want babies beforehand .... it's the only BC that hasn't led me to gain weight. I got one when I was 22. No babies.

About the cancer fear, with the sleeve your dr can scope you... not so easy with the RNY. With RNY, a big piece of the stomach is left in the abdomen with no way in to take a look with a scope. There is an increased chance of GERD with the sleeve. Taking antacids all the time make it more difficult for the body to use calcium as well. This being said, what you eat has something to do with it, and the return of GERD to sleeve patients is correlated with weight gain... (perhaps food choices are at least part of the fault in this as well?) I did not have constant acid before surgery, but sometimes did.... used antacids for 6months after surgery, went off of them with no problem. If I eat junk, I may get a little acid... with chocolate mostly! I LOVE the sleeve.

I have an IUD - Mirena. However, I am 37 and have had my kids and am married. Talk to your OBGYN about what your options are. There are a lot of choices. But most do have a side effect of weight gain.

Hi all - Just checking in and I notice that I have had a lot of reading to catch up on! I am still on holiday and haven't weighed myself since before Christmas - I won't be back until the 19th so dreading the weigh in! My diet has been really un disaplined and I have been indulging in homemade shortbread, chocolate and lots of other goodies - seriously I am a bit concerned but as long as I am still in the healthy BMI I am not going to worry. I will be back on track when I get home. My main worry at the moment is that I seem to have some hormonal imbalance and I am a bit concerned I will end up with an Iron deficiency - so back to my GP! I have heard that weight loss can play havoc with your cycle so hoping it is that but could be my age too - sorry for the guys on here that have to listen to this - too much info I guess! Anyway, great to hear that everyone is progressing through their different stages pre-op. I wouldn't worry about weight gains with band removal - the pre op diet will get you back on track and then once you have the sleeve the weight will all be down from there! Puppuyphat - as long as you are within the healthy BMI and your bloods are ok and you are taking your supplements and you are feeling strong then I wouldn't worry. Exercise will make you feel even better! Lila - what can I say other than YIPPEE for you! 50 kg - you must be feeling pretty happy with yourself! Aussiegirl - hope you finding your recovery not too tiresome! I am sending my healing vibes your way! Sounds like the Brisbane crowd had a nice lunch - Dean - loved you comment about the two attractive girls you had lunch with! Sydney crowd - lets do that soon too! Sorry if I have missed anyone and welcome to all new posters on this thread!

Hey all I'm VERY new to this whole process and am still working on getting everything ready to see if the insurance will approve me. I went to my primary care Dr. the other day for one of the supervised weight loss visits and she wasn't very thrilled with the idea. (Even though she would write me scripts for Adipex with out blinking an eye...) Anyhow, we were talking about what medications I am on and she pointed out that my mental health medicines can cause weight gain. I told her that I knew that but I can't risk my mental health just so I can look pretty. She kind of nodded like I said something ridiculous and then asked about my birth control. I'm on Implanon and one of the side effects that most women complain about is the weight gain. I've been on the shot, and the pill before but what I really enjoy about the Implanon is that it is implanted for 3 years. I explained this, and that the last time I was on the pill I would forget it fairly regularly and that defeats the purpose. I would go back to the shot but I lack a car atm so getting to and from the health clinic in town became a nuisance with school and everything else. I ended up accidentally forgetting to make an appointment for the shot too, so I decided long term methods were probably my best bet. She told me that the Implanon and the shot were the worst forms of birth controls to be on because of weight gain, and that I really should take better care of myself, and that I was just making excuses about the pill. She said that because I'm 24 I should have my life together enough to take a pill. ( I do take other pills but they aren't time specific so if I forget to take my morning dose it isn't the end of the world and yes I forget those too from time to time) *beats head against the wall* Anyways, so I didn't say anything. I just nodded and then asked her what form of birth control she would recommend that I switch to in order to lessen the side effects of weight gain. She just looked at me. After a while she said "Well... any of them." *tears out hair* I did my own research and all of the birth control methods that I found have the side effect of weight gain. So with that long story done, any one have any advice? The doctor that I've spoken with about my surgery knows that I'm on Implanon and didn't say anything about it being a problem or a hinderance. I know that hormones affect each woman differently but if there is a birth control that I can switch to that might make this process easier I'm willing to look into it. Also, I don't have any kids right now so I can't get IUD's. The whole reason for the birth control is that I don't want to become pregnant now. I'm a week away from being 25 and still in college. I don't have boyfriend or anything but I would much rather be on it than not especially if, heaven forbid, something were to happen. If you made it this far you deserve a gold star! * Thanks so much!

Welcome!!!! I could not lose weight for many reasons including cancer treatment that made me susceptible to weight gain. I was 63 and had my sleeve gastronomy in Jan. 2012. I am down over 100 pounds since the pre-op diet started. I am 2 pounds from my goal and in very good physical shape. I would not go back and change my decision. My life has been so enriched by getting rid of this excess me. The sleeve is just a tool, the mind makes it work. Educate yourself, know what to expect, and understand that this is a permanent change, not a diet plan. It has risks but so does obesity. You must determine which is more detrimental to you and if the rewards are worth the risk.

Wow, Jean, I read your post from yesterday and then today's and wow! You've had quite the experience. I have "Bandwagon" and count it as one of my best resources for the band. I've loaned it to a few people who are considering the band based on my weight loss success. I've recommended it to others who have the band and have struggled. Thank you for your honesty. You're right, 5 months out may be too soon to say whether you love the sleeve or not. I love my band too and I haven't quite reconciled that I'm going to lose it. Knowing that I have to wait for a period of time before I can do anything else has motivated me to do what I can to prevent unnecessary weight gain. I've already gained 30 pounds over this last year so I can't let this go. I'm worried BUT proactive.

I was just thinking this morning that if some of the posters were so stupid to post the comment they did then they were just too much of an idiot to undertake major surgery. Basics such as how many calories it takes to actually gain/lose a pound of fat and the realization that if you're eating <1000 calories a day your 1 or 2 lb weight gain isn't fat. And, another of my favorite comment made prior to surgery "I know I can lose the weight with WLS because I don't make poor food choices today. It's just quantity." Yeah, right.

I'm a newbie but I will say that I do suffer from Bipolar 1 disorder. The meds are a partial cause of my weight gain. And I too was forced to take that little vacation a few years ago. I am not allowed to answer the phone at work,as I am told that I am rude to clients. I have very strong feelings about the things most important to me and I have only been banded two weeks now and someone is already trying to jeopardize my success out of pure jealousy.....I just have to keep in mind it's just jealousy.

I've been very open and honest in another thread about weight gain. I think it's called Weight Gained Since Surgery. There is also a Back on Track Thread. It's a battle for me for 2 reasons. One is that I can eat such bigger portions than I could when I was first sleeved. I try not to, but of course, it's hard to stop when it tastes good. Another is, I am a grazer, in the evenings. I want to have little Snacks all evening long. I am able to keep it to only 10 lbs gained back, but it's a battle. When I was fat, I didn't have a man in my life. Now I do, and he's one that can eat whatever he wants and does not gain any weight. It takes a lot more willpower and control than it did when I was early out and was so full all the time, I didn't even want to look at food. I'll be 4 years out in April and I have never stopped posting. It's comforting to me to come here and complain to people who understand, that I am still fighting this food battle . It's not because I am hungry. I am one of the people whose hunger has never returned. It's because food tastes so good and I still love to eat.

I've known a few people who had insurance cover their conversion to sleeve or GB after losing their band because the band failed. I think it really depends on the insurance company though, best thing is to call. I've heard the similar line about a former bandster destined to gain all their weight back. I would think that's likely but not because of the WLS. Isn't the statistic for anyone who has lost weight gaining it back pretty high, something like over 50% or higher? I guess my point is make the best decision for you but don't let someone tell you that you have to have another WLS. The decision should be based on your needs. Did you lose your weight and now you just have to maintain? What's different now than before your WLS surgery? Have you learned how to eat intuitively? Exercise regularly now? Write everything down that you eat? If you've developed all of the good habits that people who "lose weight and keep it off" do, maybe you don't need another WLS. I'm in the same boat. I'm having my band removed on 1/23 because of erosion and the surgeon has said that I'll have to wait anywhere from 2-6 months before I can even consider another surgery and I don't even know what my insurance would cover. I'm only 30 pounds over my goal though and he is encouraging my to try it without and see what I can do. He makes a good point that the band was a tool that helped me lose the weight but it didn't lose the weight, I did by eating my Protein, drinking my Water and exercising. I've learned the good habits over the last 5 years, maybe I can just keep doing that. I don't know the answer but I wish you all of the best as you make the best decision for yourself. Take care, Anita

I'm confused as to why your surgeon would lecture you. Some bariatric doctors are just downright mean... Hate that! You may want to try liquids for a couple of days and "restart" so to speak. I would not worry about the weight gain. That's to be expected with your unfills and stuck episode. Log your food, try to stick to low salt, natural foods, and keep up the exercise. Things will go back to normal soon. You're doing great!

How long did it take you to loose weight gain from hospital, and when did soreness go away, I'm 3 days out!

I am still very sore but can walk around and do things, I gained 11 pounds during hospital stay from saline Iv. I've lost 5 of them, does anyone know how soon I will lose all the bloated feelings and water weight gain? And when the soreness will go away?? I also walk every hour or two for 15-25 min. Thanks!!

Hi Outlaw, Well, it looks like you did a great job with research on both of these weight loss surgeries. However, when it comes right down to it, it becomes truly a 'personal' choice. No one can sway you from one or the other. Remembering there are risks with any surgeries. Now, since you have scheduled surgery date for lapband surgery in 3 weeks, my guess is you have readily thought this through and decided lapband is the right choice for you? Maybe you are just getting cold feet? It happens to all of us! Personally for myself, I wanted something less invasive and god forbid if anything went wrong or my body rejected the band, I could have it removed for my safety. I knew this wasn't an option with the other surgeries. I was also really nervous about malabsorption with gastric and the sleeve, let’s face it I am not a spring chicken and I need all the nutrients/vitamins I can store in my body. Also, no matter what surgery you choose, you will have to work out it, weight gain happens on all 3! The band gives you a little more of an edge because you can always work with it to lose/maintain the weight. Have you gone through the plan with your surgeon what you will be eating like from now on moving forward with the band? If you have, then my guess is you are ready to be a bandster! Best wishes,

Can you get too much protein? I read it causes weight gain or weight maintenance, not loss. Gen :-) 12/15/12

I was banded on March 9th (2012) and was doing awesome until October. I went into the red zone, had unfill due to not getting liquids down.. Beginning of Nov. I get another fill and do well until 2 days before Thanksgiving. I got stuck on turkey, spent 5 hours in the ER in extreme pain and ended up vomiting the food up. My Dr is 3 hours away so I thought the ER was quicker to get to since I was having very bad chest pain. Anyways, I went to see my surgeon and he was livid that I even went to the ER not to mention that I vomited. He gave me a very stern lecture and took out another full cc.. I was going on vacation at Christmas so I couldn't get another fill.. So I am far from the green zone but since my unfill, I have gained almost 15 pounds!! I am still watching what I eat (carbs under 80g a day), mainly protein and drinking water. I know when I go back to the Dr on the 21st of Jan, he is going to be upset about the weight gain. What's going on? Any good ideas on getting back on track? I am currently doing jazzercise several times a week so I am active.

Hi sarahjp, My surgeon is Stephen Blamey. He took my band out (it was put in by Tny Kiereth in Perth though). I'll be at Cabrini Malvern. Which Cabrini were you at? Lila certainly has come a long way, from a very touch n go long hospital stint to now being one of the most inspirational posters on here. Of course, everyone is inspirational, as everyone is on tier own journey. I too value each piece of info shared. swift Kate, I did beat myself up for a bit....but it didn't last that long. I actually got a bit pissed off at Dr Blamey over it because I begged for the band to be taken out and me get sleeved at the same time (had no issues with the band ther than I just couldn't work it to my benefit) but nothing doing; I just HAD to wait many many weeks in between. And of course after the band was out, I had no complications from that, I had no restriction, and my stomach was no longer folded over and secure to the band so it was bigger. After the initial 10 day period where I wanted nothing to do with food (as is usually the case when someone has had surgery on their guts) my hunger came back with a vengeance and I was hungry ALL THE TIME, and I had this craving, this desperate craving for things I hadn't been able to ingest for over 4 years: chicken breast....steak....pork.....salad with chunky cut veggies instead of everything slivered.........milk.......cheese...... Am I the only one who notices a theme here (that most of these are dense proteins)? While I have had some sweet treats since being dis-banded (LOL) I have to say they are not my weakness. My weakness is all the things I was deprived of for a substantial amount of time. That craving? I think was my bodies way of saying, hey we haven't had this good stuff for a long time - better stock up! But I can't blame Dr Blamey (eh, irony much? Hahaha) for the frequency or quantity I partook of these things. I am mostly sure that his making me wait between surgeries was out of medical concern......but a part of me wonders if he didn't look at the situation as a cash cow - I mean after all he told me point blank that the combination band removal/VSG was never done and that EVERYone had to wait. Which I know from here, blogs, ObesityHelp, YouTube and other sources is not exactly the truth. Perhaps he didn't mean to blanket the VSG world wide with an everyone does this comment, maybe he only meant HIS patients. Regardless my fears of weight gain, that I expressed plainly and without pause fell on deaf ears, and while I hold myself fully accountable for my 10kg gain, having a gigantic stretched out stomach and an appetite that just would not be appeased for very long certainly didn't help. End rant, moving on and moving forward. I hope the scale reflects my efforts this past 2 weeks. I still haven't shifted the Water retention from my feet and ankles, but I notice that I don't seem to have that ungodly soreness in the heels, and I'm not as stiff upon waking or after sitting for so long. Also I don't feel QUITE as bloated in the face. I am taking this a sign that something's are changing in the positive. Sorry for my long winded posts everyone. I don't post often but when I do I go for gold! Sorry x 2! - does anyone on here do vlogs on YouTube? I love watching them,8 find them so inspiring and motivational, not to mention educational. And it's good to see and hear someone talk about their experiences. Feels more connected. I am going to look into doing them as well. I need the "face to face" accountability! Hahaha Ok everyone have a great week. Go out and make it happen!

Bornagainbabe, Nikki & everyone else out there whose having problems with weight gain- I want to express my sincere "thanks & gratitude" for sharing your stories. So often we hear about the success stories & no one is brave enough to talk about their struggles. I knew that this wouldn't be an easy journey. I appreciate you stepping forward & take comfort in knowing there are people to share my strengths & weaknesses with. Although I am only 4 mos out, I have had my fair share of ups & downs. This concerns me that the road ahead is going to be a bumpy one, one i have traveled many times. Many do not know this but I'm ready to share, in hopes this may help someone else. I am a bulimic, once getting down to 102 lbs. I went to therapy for years.. Ive got a grip on my disease, at the moment. I later found out it caused a condition known as gastroperesis (stomach paralysis). I eventually gained weight over the years but it's so easy to let food have a powerful hold on me & my weight climbed up to 180. Due to comorbidities & the gastroperesis I had VSG. I am currently off most meds, know what I need to do, but still struggle daily with a never ending battle within myself. You can overcome your inner demons by taking one step at a time. I wish each & every one of you the best of luck in your journey & take comfort in knowing we are here for each other.

Nikki you should be eating or trying to get 800 calories at least in. As everyone says you must get. 64 ounces of water or more in a day. I really don't think the weight gain is anything but water retention or time for that monthly nightmare!! Other then that we are more fertile so pregnancy can cause weight gain too