Search the Community

Changing tastebuds are a very common side effect of VSG. You may or may not regain a taste for sweets- many people do not. If sweets were a big part of your previous diet and contributed to weight gain, then I'd call it a victory. It will probably take months to feel "normal", but its all relative as your eating patterns are now permanently changed.

Hi Paulag. Yes, I had that concern and it acually happened to me until I gave my head a shake and took back control. You start to feel so god and gradually realize that you can eat almost anything you want even though the portions are smaller. It took an actual weight gain of 5 lbs to make me realize that I still have to watch what I eat. I am hopefully back on track now and loosing gradually. If you have any questions or concerns that I can help you with, please let me know. Take care and stay positive.

Thank your girls for chiming in! I really appreciate it. I also noticed that I woke up SUPER crabby today. I'm stuffing it all inside and its kindof festering and I feel like I might explode. Darn hormones! I DO need to go for a walk. Then maybe ill feel like taking on all of today's tasks. I really need to poop. I think it's been like 5 days. I'm going to make a green smoothie today, those usually make me feel better about myself and feel cleaner and should get things moving. Lol I know dh isn't the whole problem. I'm also having air of emotions about exercise, the way my body is changing, wether or not I should weigh in weekly or monthly (tomorrow is wi day), these kittens I need to find a home for in a week and I SO wish it was this week but Not because they are bad, just because I feel like I have too much on my plate. Whether or not I should go on antidepressants(common side effect, weight gain), etc. I'm a mess. And I can't eat my emotions, so I'm angry that everyone else can go on like normal, eating. BUT!!! I really do loove my sleeve and I wouldn't have It any other way, so I'm pulling up my big girl panties and figuring this thing out. (Hug)

Due to new stomach size, bc pills do not work the same as the body cannot absorb it as before, so you can get pregnant... I changed to the patch instead of the shots, bc weight gain is higher with the shots!... Talk to your Docs and/or GYN! 11 months out, total weight loss of 100lbs!... Best decision ever!... Trying for a baby!

This last year has been horrendous health wise. I had some heart issues just over a year ago that put me in the hospital for 9 days, it's just been a mess of medications, side effects, pain and just plain bad health since then. I'm on 8 different medications, some of which cause weight gain. I've gained over 70 lbs in the last year. It's out of control. I live in pain from a combination of the arthritis in my foot and plantar fasciatis. I'm newly diagnosed with diabetes. Went for my diabetic eye check on tues and there's signs of early damage. The combination of Calcium channel blockers and diclofenac and I'm sure the weight have caused pitting edema in my calves. I come home at night and I can press my hand into my leg like a memory foam mattress. I've tried to diet all year. I lose 20, I gain 25, I loose 40, I gain 50. I'm DONE! I requested a consult here for bariatric surgery (and here's where Canadian health care sucks), my consult is booked for may of 2013, with surgery expected 2-4 yrs after that. So I've decided to take things in my own hands and pay for it myself. This isn't something I take lightly. I've researched it, and Drs. Decided on the type I want, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and then wrestled with myself for months over the guilt of spending this kind of money on myself. But when I think about how much we waste every year on just plain crap, I'm thinking my health is worth it. I will be going to Mexico for the surgery. I'm comfortable with my choice, and I'm very excited to have it done. I want this life long struggle to be over. I've tried, and I've had some big successes (lost 108 lbs about 4 yrs ago) but in the end the weight always wins. This time I win, permanently and forever! So the date is booked, deposit paid, and flights booked and paid for. I'm bringing a friend with. Me for moral and physical support. My husband is trying to be supportive but I think he's pretty scared given my history with surgeries which hasn't been great. My own dr knows about this and while cautious with the Mexico part, understands why I'm doing it, and is helping me set up a nutritionist to make sure I'm getting the Protein and nutrients I need when I get back. So that's it. September 15, 80-90% of my stomach will be removed. And this time next year it's feasible that I could be off all these drugs and be back to enjoying life. Insert soon to be weightloss ticker here _________________ Shari

Weight gain should be few and far between with mirena. The medication does not really leave the uterus. Unlike other birth controls, mirena is a localized birth control that does not enter the blood stream.

I couldn't tolerate Lyrica or the weight gain. I basically just take Tylenol and suffer. I find though if I get enough sleep I feel a lot better.

I am 48 days out. *(maybe I should start counting weeks) and I'm recently down from 3 to 1-1.5 a day just to make sure I get in my 75g a day. I like them. They are very convenient and I have to be in class 3 nights a week.... I use GNC Lean 25 pre-made and they are very tasty. Funny, this topic should come up. I just met with my nutritionist this past Saturday and she explained why we should wean off Protein shakes. Basically, we have to learn how to eat enough to get our protein from food so we can keep ourselves feeling full longer. That will help avoid cravings for bad stuff. Protein from shakes is protein received, but in liquid form doesn't help to keep our tiny tummies full. Therefore, we can end up eating bigger portions than we should as time progresses. Our portions will eventually get bigger as the months pass from surgery. Our goal is to eat 3 distinct meals with small Snacks, but if we use fluids instead of meals we leave room for more bad stuff. Also she warned that patients will think "oh I've made my protein quota, I can eat this and this..." and they can bc there is room. Too much protein with bad stuff will cause weight gain. She gave me a scheduled ratio for protein to carbs to ensure continued weight loss. BC if you eat too many carbs (good or bad) with protein you will gain weight back. I don't have to worry about sugar or calories or fat - yet. She said focus on protein and carbs ratio and if you plateau we will examine the food log and see if sugar or calories or fat comes into play. I can't eat that much yet anyway- and still rely on at least 1 shake a day to meet.

@@Barry W Thanks for the article. I still have so many questions about obesity and surgery. I don't meet many surgery patients 6+ years out. I think for many reasons. Life turn to normal..You don't Identify with weight loss mode and some experience weight gain. Patients in my area don't keep follow up appointments for 5 years. The studies at my surgeons office are not correct due to the lack of continued participation. My metabolism was messed up before surgery. I wish I knew what is now at two years out. I don't fit the normal statistics. I lost over the 60% average. I am older. I eat healthy. I took on competitive sports and I consume more food. Weight gain is still a big fear for me. I am vigilant to keep maintaining my weight. Anyone of us can gain. This Leave me with more questions than answers. I still depend on all the senior surgery patients. I follow what keeps them successful. Again, I wish I met more people long term out.

Hi Everyone, I am 56 years old and had lap band surgery in 2009 and lost 65 lbs. Over the past couple of years, I have had excessive stress in my life and have gained 25+ lbs back. I feel like I am eating pre lap band, I don't seem to have any control. My weight seemed to be stable until late last year when I started having bad reflux. Long story short....my band was too tight and Fluid was removed. Some was put back in a few months ago, but I am still gaining weight because I am eating too much. I can't seem to get myself back on track and I am getting panicky about it. My clothes don't fit, I just had to buy some clothes in a bigger size. I feel like I am going to lose this battle. Has this happened to anyone? Any advice on how to get myself back on track? Help! and thanks. Mary

For myself and maybe for others, I seem to retain Water during my cycle. After its over I go back to my original weight. I know there are meds to relieve the bloating, but its only a temporary thing, so try not to panic when you see a lil weight gain at that time. Ann

So after I had Fluid taken OUT of my band in October 2011, and after gaining 20 lbs, I finally got the courage to go back to my Dr. and get a fill... 18lbs I gained I had my fill today, and just ate some broth for dinner (Drs.' orders) i am SO HUNGRY and craving sweets... Im full, but I still want something. Water is helping a little - hopefully I get back on track and get motovated to work out and get my a$$ in gear!!!!!!!!!! How do I combat these cravings/urges... i feel lost again

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.

you lost 43 lbs already, i don't think you're going to be a disaster story! are you weiging yourself preferably naked? or wearing the same exact thing every time? when i go to appointments i wear the same thing because my boots weigh 3 pounds alone together! also, when are you weighing yourself? the same time every day? if i weigh myself at night, i usually weigh 1.5 pounds MORE than if i weigh myself that SAME morning! this is my body, surgery or not. so i don't flip when i wake up and weigh 227.2 and then that night i measure and weigh 228.4. consistency is key to revealing your true weight gain/loss. you have to average out your weight loss over a the week to get your true weekly weight loss. hope these things help at least a little.

Wow, thanks for your note... really describes 'where' I am as well. I can't imagine being 5'3" (I always have folks say 'but you carry your weight well'). I guess I am lucky I don't have high blood pressure, but I have everything else... I have given up on trimming my toe nails, putting on my socks (and shoes) is a daily nightmare. I work in a warehouse environment and my feet hurt constantly, with recent weight gains I try to sit whenever possible... I keep extra deodorant in my locker as I will start to sweat profusely at the drop of a hat. Thank god I have basic strength due to my size so I can move heavy things (part of my job). Are you still on any of the meds? Curious about the testosterone (I take it to) and there is zero "drive" (another down side, it affects 'everything' not just one aspect. Also find I isolate pretty heavily.I took the shots but am on the gel form (I really hated the shots lol, insulin shots are a breeze, the big honkin' testosterone shots are not!!) I realize the band is a tool, part of why I am looking seriously at this. Do you still see food sitting there and hear it 'calling' to you? How do you handle that? smile, feel like I have met a kindred soul (is it me or is the ratio of men banders to female about 9:1?)

I believe I'm getting enough Water, but today I'm tracking that as well. Just because I *think* I'm getting enough of something (or not too much of something else) doesn't mean reality matches up. Thanks for asking Paula, and yes, uhm, every thing is coming out all right, as it were. I have not checked recently to see if my meds cause weight gain. I am not currently on prednisone, but I was prior to being banded. I can't think that previous use of steroids would impact my current weight loss. But one of the very first things they want ot do to you here in SE ID is put you on a course of prednisone if you come into the ER with an asthma attack. If my oxygen is below 90%, they put me on steroids.

So you lose 200 lbs and regain 20. That's still a weight loss of 180 lbs. Still success. Nothing that throws you back into the morbidly obese range. I think there is a big difference between a rather small weight gain (compared to the weight lost) and a really big weight gain.

The first couple of weeks after surgery, I was obsessive about getting on the scale. Why not, it was GREAT to see the numbers go down EVERY DAY! Then around my 16th day, the scale went UP! I got so obsessive about the weighing - I did it about 4 times a day. My Dad told me that he was going to take the scale away - because I was making myself crazy. I was concentrating on weight loss and not on the healing process. Then the hunger came, and I started to eat - sensibly, and of course my restriction is not what it was the first 15 days either. So now, I have not weighed myself in nearly two weeks. I'm afraid to - b/c I don't want to see any weight gain. Is this a smart thing to do at this point? I don't feel like I've lost, though the clothes are fitting much better. Should I get the scale back and weigh in once a week, or wait until after my first fill - Around March 15? Because it's not until after I start getting fills that I can have restriction, eat less - and of course expect some weight loss. Opinions??

I’ll be 2 years out post VSG in January… lowest weight was 122 back in February… now I am 135 and I have an 18 month/2 year check up tomorrow!!! I am freaking out! I’ve been working out and trying to gain muscle but this weight gain has me stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, you name it uhhhh. Anyone else in the same situation want to talk and help each other out?

Even if you are preparing for bariatric surgery, you can start exercising (so long as you are cleared by your doctor) and lose a surprising number of pounds even before your gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy or revision bariatric surgery. In addition, the better cardiovascular condition you are in before surgery, the fewer complications you’ll face during and after surgery. Not sure where to start? Here are instructions I offer to my own weight loss surgery patients here in Freehold, NJ: Bariatric Preoperative Stage Patients who start an exercise strategy before surgery have an easier time adjusting to exercising after surgery, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). But, admittedly, exercise is challenging for people who carry a lot of extra weight. For this reason, starting slow is imperative. If you are morbidly obese, talk with your bariatric surgeon about fitness guidelines for your current health situation. Generally speaking, these are reasonable goals to target: · Focus on cardiovascular exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your health and doctor’s recommendation. · Start walking for 10 minutes, twice a day and add 5 minutes each day, up to 30 minutes per day. · Realize that empowerment that fitness gives you over your body and your overall health. · Appreciate how good you feel after exercising—even for 10 minutes! Weight Loss Surgery Postoperative Stage For the first two weeks after surgery, focus on flexibility exercises, deep breathing and getting back into performing normal daily activities. · At your first post-op visit with your surgeon, he or she will carefully go over your customized exercise plan based upon your health, age and the procedure you had. · With your doctor’s approval, three weeks after your operation, begin to gradually incorporate low-intensity aerobic exercise (walking or swimming are my preferred choices at this stage). · If you feel prolonged pain or discomfort, you are doing too much too soon. · During the first six weeks after surgery, do not lift more than 15 pounds. One Month and Beyond Now your goal is to increase range of motion so you can easily take off your shoes and pick things up off the ground and move around more. · Strength-training (light weights) exercises are rebuilding muscle. · Work toward 30 minutes of continuous exercise five days per week. · Avoid abdominal exercises for the first eight to 12 weeks (allow the incision to heal). This also helps to alleviate abdominal hernias near or around the incision. · Change-up your workouts so your body is constantly challenged (walk around the park today, lift weights at the gym tomorrow and use the elliptical machine) · Introduce a wider variety of bariatric fitness options: biking, yoga, dancing, aerobics, Pilates, kickboxing. A year after weight loss surgery, you should be able to perform 45 minutes to an hour of exercise five times a week. Exercise is Insurance Against Future Weight Gain A lifelong exercise program is critical to a weight loss surgery patient’s long-term success. If a physically active lifestyle has not been adopted, weight gain will likely result. (Sadly, I have seen this firsthand on more than one occasion). Exercise is insurance for long-term weight-loss. If you have a slip, an extra 5 to 10 minutes spent working out will ensure that your metabolism stays elevated and this extra effort will burn more calories. Working out will not, however, save you if you overeat regularly—bariatric surgery or not. By sticking close to your daily calorie requirements most days, drinking plenty of water and focusing on fitness, you’ll look great, feel even better and be the healthiest person you can be. And that’s worth just 30 minutes out of your day, isn’t it? Photo Credit: Woman Exercising by Witthaya Phonsawat -FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When I began my journey I knew that I wasn't dealing with my stomach issues, I was dealing with my head issues. That was going to make or break my success with this program. Immediately after my first meeting with the Bariatric program I contacted a therapist and began bi-weekly appointments to deal with my head around food so that I will be successful after surgery. It's not the food that caused this problem, it's the reason behind why I overate that caused the excessive weight gain. Understanding and dealing with that will help me the most on this journey.

Hi Ashley, I have been where you are so many times. I am prior military and married to the military for the last 16 years. It is a different lifestyle that unless you are in it you have no idea. Hugs to you while your husband is/was gone. I think the military life has helped contribute to my weight gain for sure. Being alone, having children, moving - I mean it is understandable what you are feeling. I agree with the above poster that there is something about military spouses though that when we are down we need to dig deep and know we can do this. We have to be strong when our husbands are away, keeping the kids in a normal schedule, moving, dealing with not talking to one another for days... I do believe you are strong. You made the decision to get this surgery and that took a strong person to do that. Take baby steps and just regroup. I just wanted to say I understand and wanted to send a "hug" your way. Heidi

Water and Protein... find something that's easy for you and fits into your uber busy schedule. smoothies, protein, and some exercise just 30 mins a day will make a HUGE difference. A smoothie can keep you full, hydrated and not feeling deprived, while keeping your calories down. For example...I make a strawberry smoothie that tastes like a milkshake (recipe is in my blog) it makes 32 ozs, which is easy to sip on and stay full through out the day. When you need something to eat, make the right choice, don't buy the cheese curls, don't keep them in your house, your 3 yr old doesn't need them either. Replace them with carrots, etc.. If you're like me, if it's there, I'll eat it... just remove it completely. On Sundays pre-cook your meals and Snacks for the week so you can just grab them and go, all you'll have to do is heat them up. It's much quicker than going through the drive thru or trying to make a quick easy (usually bad for you) meal. What you're going through is quite normal, what in the navy we called "west pac widows", I know it has a term in every branch, but basically we go through a period of mourning and adjustments, weight gain is usual indicator. In your case you're not gain, but you're not losing either. Is this your husband's first tour? Usually on the first tour or two we're sad, by the 2 or 3rd we're motivated and our husband's don't recognize us when they come home lol. If you need some support or just someone to talk to, message me. I've been there, so I understand. You'll get it together.. put a picture up of something that will remind you not to eat and to get to your goal, put it everywhere on the fridge, in the cupboards, in you car's dashboard, etc....

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.

Hey girl! I am so sorry I didn't see this earlier. First of all, congrats on your pregnancy! It sounds like being a mom is something you wanted for a very long time, but its still a shock the way that it happened when you least expected. I think once a few months go by and you see this living thing growing inside of you, you will just fall in love with your baby! It's a blessing! I can understand the fear and panic of gaining weight, especially when you worked so hard to get the band and lose so much! You really need to talk to your doctor and express those concerns. Your primary concern for the next year will be getting adequate nutrition that you AND the baby needs.. That may mean an unfill and weight gain. This will mean a short detour in your weight loss goals but it does NOT mean its gone totally off the rails! With less Fluid in your band you might need to eat more often but can still make healthy food choices through the pregnancy, and keep exercising (as long as Dr says its safe). Sorry I cannot give you better advice but I have seen a few here who've been pregnant with the band. Maybe you can send them a private message. Wish you all the best & please keep me posted.