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After several years (about 10 years) of being overweight I have decided to do something for myself. I was involved in a bad car accident in 2001 and in that accident a lot of things happened that contributed in my weight gain. In the accident my mother and aunt were killed (and I was the one driving), I suffered a badly broken arm (humerus) and head injury that left me with a seizure disorder. For 3-4 years after the accident they struggled trying to find medications to control the seizures, I was dealing emotionally with the loss of my mom and aunt and the guilt of being the one driving and then I was told I wasn't able to work anymore. I wasn't allowed to drive so I never got out of the house. Plus, I was afraid to go anywhere because I was afraid of having a seizure in front of people. So my life became very restricted. I never left the house, and I found comfort in food. Since the accident I have gained around 100 pounds. My seizures are now pretty much under control. I have been working a few days a month and have started getting out with my friends and family again. The problem now is I hate that I am overweight! People judge by what they see without knowing everything that is going on. I know when people see me there are people who think I'm lazy and if I really wanted to lose weight I would do something about it. This is why only a few people, who are close to me, even know about my surgery. I have tried diet after diet and I fail every time. I do great in the beginning and then something happens and I just quit losing. I have worked with personal trainers, dietitian, and my doctors and I have them puzzled too. I have tracked my exercise and my food. I have tried to do everything right and then I fail. I have been so frustrated and have decided I need help. So, in August I went to my first informational meeting for the lap band surgery. When I was there they went over all the different procedures that are available, the Band, the sleeve, and the bypass. When I left I had decided the band wasn't a choice for me and that I would choose the sleeve. The doctors basically said the sleeve wasn’t very successful and that the sleeve was a much better choice. I had a visit with the surgeon and he told me all the ins and outs of the surgery and what to expect afterwards. I had my cardiology clearance, my phych clearance and then I had to see the nutritionist. Andrea was great and she basically told me about my current diet and what would change. Then we had a group meeting where they went more in detail about EXACTALLY what we should and shouldn’t eat, portion sizes, what will happen with each surgery, etc. I guess after all these meetings and really spending time researching each type of surgery I got really scared. With the sleeve they actually remove the majority of your stomach. WOW!!! That is permanent ....they can't put it back. Also, Andrea said that in the future if you need a feeding tube (for whatever reason) they would be unable to do one if you have had the sleeve. (She gave the example of being in a car accident and breaking your jaw and having to have your mouth wired shut and not being able to eat.) That hit me like a TON of bricks. The bypass forms a pouch and they reroute the intestines which changes your absorption. This means I might not be able to absorb my seizure meds correctly and I could be back to the drawing board trying to find a combination that would keep my seizures under control. So, after long consideration I just have a bad feeling about the sleeve and bypass so even though my doc's don’t care for the results of the band I believe this is the right choice for me. I know weight loss will be slower, and I know the complications that could happen but in my mind they are a lot less than the other two choices. I am now waiting for the Sleep clearance (had the sleep study just waiting to be 30 days on C-Pap will see doc next week.) and then they will schedule my surgery. My biggest fear about all this is that somehow I will fail again. I have support from my family and my friends but I have failed so many times before I just can't imagine being successful. I am only 43, I’m too young to have the medical problems I have that are cause by being overweight. I have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, feet, ankle and knee problems and low self-esteem. All these can be changed by having this surgery. I know this is the thing I need to do to and this is the First Steps, reaching out to people who know what I am struggling with. People who don’t judge someone by their weight and people who want to help other be successful. I am glad I found this site and I look forward to sharing with you my next steps of success. Thanks EVERYONE!

Hi! I'm Becky. I'm from Idaho. I'm cash pay because surprisingly my blue cross blue shield has a policy specifically against bariatric procedures. Go figure. I am set to be banded Nov 5, and I'm on my preop diet of 700 cals a day which is a but brutal, but really NOT as bad as I thought it would be. I've only been overweight/obese for about four years now. I started having seizures four years ago... Up to 5 or more a day. I lived in a third story apartment and I seized on the stairs a couple of times and crashed on the cement... I just quit going out. The meds they put me on, I was warned they would ruin my metabolism... I can't lose weight unless I eat less than 1,000 cals a day plus exercise. But the medication is one that works, and I HAVE to be free from those seizures. Being afraid of having a seizure while in the shower and cracking your head open like I did, well it's just no way to live. Anyway, I gained 90lbs ish. I wasn't leaving the apartment, because of fear of seizures.... This I didn't do anything... Laundry, grocery shopping, all of it was up to my sweet and dear husband. I stayed inside out of shame once I'd gained 50 lbs. My weight gain was the result of emotional eating, loneliness, being sedentary, and partly my seizure meds. And, well, the seizures themselves. So, that's where I'm at! Um, no kids (don't want to have them til I'm closer to goal weight), no pets, building a house... Foundation just got put in yesterday!!!! I'm a photographer. Mostly newborn babies and weddings, but lots of other stuff too! I guess that's my intro! Becky/26yrsold/Idaho. Band Date Nov. 5. 255/goal 165.

I came across this article at our local support group this week. Found it to me a good list for personal evaluation and focus when I am off track. Wanted to share... http://www.nawls.com/ In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make: 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A “pink cloud” or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it’s hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don’t change what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always gotten — even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it’s hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals–don’t skip. Don’t keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren’t as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your “absolutes” based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It’s one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It’s something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let’s face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta–in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn’t have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as “condiments,” rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS–because when you’re drinking soda, you’re not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn’t make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

I was reading on port pain after a revision. My port twisted and where the port use to be and still after 3 months it hurts like a #!@%#!! 3 months of weight gain and still no relief. Finally a CT Scan on Monday. I have had enough of hearing this is normal. This pain in not normal. I can't even bend over or cough without it hurting. Talk about my doc blowing me off. I had a lot of serous fluid after my revision. I mean a lot!! I was told no concern. See what happens on Monday. I am ready to remove my band. Its been costly and aggravating. My first 1 1/2 years went great then the port flip. I knew something was wrong from the start. NO ONE LISTENS!!! Thank god for this site....

Hi I lost about 50 lbs since June and recently gained 10 lbs. I need diet ideas to get back on track would like to lose another 30 lbs.....thank you

I thought high levels caused weight gain. But I was thinking cortisol was a stress hormone? I must be thinking of something else because you would want a stress hormone to be low. Good luck on your journey, I bet someone will know the answer and help you out

Thank for replying... In my case the low levels have caused weight gain.

Thank for reply... In my case the low levels have caused weight gain.

Deb I have had the lap band for seven years it has never helped my diabetes, I would just lose gain lose gain the same 30 pounds I am having a revision on Nov 7 to RNY, my decision is based on the diabetic factor. I am very insulin resistant I have to take massive doses of insulin which in turns causes weight gain and inflammation through out my body. I am putting all my eggs in the RNY basket. You will find a lot of info on here, just type some search words in and you will find so much info, And everyone here is so supportive, Welcome

I am someone who lost too much weight. I weighed 95 lbs in August 2012. I was following my diet too closely and couldn't give myself permission to just eat carbs. Sounds simple but it wasn't. I am seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. No problem gaining the weight I needed once we figured out I was anemic. Lots of nausea, fatigue, vomiting.......I worked so hard to learn a new way to live with food and my body and became "stuck" on rules. Also was having MAJOR issues with lactose intolerance (even with Lactaid pills). So it has been bumpy these last 2-years. It's a tricky thing; while the surgery took away the constant hungry feeling, it also took away any "comfort" that I used to feel from foods. As far as losing too much weight, I knew I was too skinny but couldn't tolerate all the yogurt and dairy that I was trying to gain weight with. Many factors were involved: anemia, lactose intolerance, psychological.... Currently, I still follow eating guidelines--healthy eating habits, 3-meals /day at least. Focusing on taking my supplements properly. No more dairy, even with lactose pills. Post surgery I became even more lactose intolerant, so much so that I completely avoid dairy. AND, Tums has lactose in it. This upset stomach thing was with me even Pre-op. with all of the major lifestyle changes and physical and emotional changes I couldn't figure out exactly what was causing all the diarrhea and vomiting. Ha! If only I'd figured it out sooner..... My guilty pleasure for weight gain = Starbuck's white chocolate mocha (SOY)! This post rambling but it's my first time sharing anything about my surgery on a message board or forum.

I know someone who was sleeved and this became an issue for them as well. It was the psychological component of increasing calories and fear of weight gain that kept the loss going - sounds like a similar issue. My friend was also concerned about possible anorexia. We haven't spoken in a few months so I am not sure if the issue resolved - but I can say you aren't alone. I agree with the previous post, counseling is important - preferably someone with experience with bariatrics, if not then someone with eating disorder experience. This is usually not a case of simply "eat more" - as you already know that is the solution but can't get yourself to do it.

The surgeons look at those of us who have excellent insurance as 'cash cows'! They can bill highest fee on scale (I'm sure what ins. pays surgeons is a lot more than self-pay!) Send us for a kazillion tests, etc. I'm glad I have great ins. and had all the tests. With self-pay I don't know that my apnea would have been discovered and treated! My oxygen level dropped to 85% when sleeping-a big reason for my recent rapid weight gain and constant fatigue. I do have to save up for the inevitable tummy-tuck I'm going to need after losing 100 lbs. I don't think my ins. covers this. Maybe by the time I'm ready it will be- who knows! (throw in breast augmentation and I'll be good as new! Ha ha!) Good luck!

I know how stressful it is waiting to find out if the insurance will pay for the revision. My dad is currently waiting for his approval after having his band removed due to slippage, they denied him the first time because his BMI wasn't high enough yet. It's really sad how he has gained every pound that he lost back because he is hungry all the time. His lapband surgeon has been no help what so ever, and still has his picture up as a success story, sorry I just ventured off topic there. Good luck on getting a decision soon, I also have PCOS, and know how fast the weight gain comes and how hard it is to get off.

Yay!!! Congrats butterfly!! How exciting!! Eh. That 15-25lbs weight gain is for "normal" pregnancies. If I may say... We aren't normal lol. We are modified. My doctor saw no issue with me gaining the 65. She had the bypass years ago and I thank her for recommending the surgery to me!! The surgery is permanent.. We WILL lose the weight, it's just a matter of when! My appetite has already started to go back to the way it was before the pregnancy. What I want to know is....when does it go back to the way it was completely and how does breast feeding facto in? Helpful or hurtful in the weight loss process? Enjoy the pregnancy! hoping someone replies who has had the sleeve and a baby and Is back on track

OK my peeps I have to move my weight gained from 1-5 to now 5-10 but it's ALLLLLL GOOD ...Lowest weight is 144 and currently 148-152, which varies 2 lbs under goal or 2 lbs over goal, just depends on Water weight, etc. I'm sure if I ate 100% what I'm supposed to eat, and drink the right amount of water, etc. I would drop, as a matter of fact I know I would, not to mention all this loose skin BLAH...when I think about when I weighed 234 for nearly a decade I CAN'T COMPLAIN!!!!!! I AM SOOOO HAPPY! I have been at goal since May 2011 and I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER EVER EVER been able to do this EVER in my life before my sleevie! And at 44 years old (going on 45 next month) to boot!!! Can I get an AMEN???? LOL! I'm 26 months out now and work out AT LEAST 3 times a week now (1 hour sessions). And I DON'T DIET AT ALL! AT ALL! That IN ITSELF is a MIRACLE! I still eat pretty healthy for the most part, and still take my multi Vitamin every day. I'm no longer addicted to the scale. And I'm still wearing a size 6 My problem is STILL trying to get in the right amount of daily water ugh...I really need to up that. But other than that LIFE is GREAT! I am SO thankful for my sleevie! Anyhoo, will update again in December Best wishes until then!!!

I'm a newbie, and my surgeon also recommends obstaining from alcohol for a year, mostly due to carb. intake=cravings and slows weight loss. (Same for complex carbs. like pasta, crackers Nut. said from MY HISTORY with weight gain and loss-carbs create overwhelming cravings for more. Although a lot of the stomach that produces the harmone is removed, the rest of the stomach could still, for SOME PEOPLE, create carb. cravings!) once I'm down in the 100's again, I may revisit this recommendation. (I could do a few sips if a good, ice cold vodka, if I HAD to-lol!)

You proved that you do need the surgery. They will not deny you. Weight gain however makes them angry lol!! you will be fine

Like a lot of you I have struggled with weight my entire life. I've dieted, lost weight, gained weight etc. I went to the seminar 2 weeks ago and had consultation appointment tonight. I have chosen to go with the lap band with plication and pending all the tests will have the surgery in February. I'm very excited, nervous etc. Thankfully my wonderful mother is my support system. I made the mistake of telling one of my very good friends about the surgery. At first she didn't say much and then called me tonight to ask how the consultation went when I told her she went off how she is so against it and then said "why don't you just go to the gym more ?". She's skinny and has ALWAYS been skinny and just doesn't get it. Now I'm scared to tell anyone! She made me feel like such crap. Just curious how you all went about telling your close friends, etc? Any tips? People who have never struggled with weight just don't seem to get it at all. Thank you.

I haven't had any weight gain or issues with not loosing weight since getting my depo shot end of Sept. My next shot is due in Dec. Sent from my DROID RAZR using VST

I love shopping as well but i hate trying on clothes!!! All because of the weight gain.. ummm. I like to listen to music, play with my step children and cook Its great that you are looking in to sewing.. That definatley seems like a great idea to help cut down on cost during your beautiful transition Let wait and wait and wait because you are definately going to get a BIG FAT YES!!!!! Any upcoming sewing classes?

I was exzactly as you said as a girl "big boned". And it is true my bone structure for a female is on the larger size. I also have an endocrine disorder called PCOS. I've had it my whole life according to the Reproductive Endocrinologist who dinagnosed me at 28 years of age with the disorder when my husband and I went to boston ivf for a diagnostic as to why we where having trouble with conception. My relationship with food before the diagnosis was an awful one. When i was her age that is when the trouble started, no matter what I ate it was never enough and I was always hungery dispite eating healthy meals. I also at twelve started my cycle and things just went south from there. I gained weight dispite diet exercise and eating healthy meals. Part of it is the blood suggar spikes that are happening within the body if these go un controlled the weight gain for her is never going to cease. Can you talk to her about how she feels when she eats, for me when I don't eat after a very long time say waking in the am I don't get a hungery signal and I feel sick to my stomach. But when i do finally eat that is where the ravenous hunger would start and from breakefast till dinner it semed the hunger never went away. unchecked high suggars can lead to cardiac problems and even blindness and problems with cirrculation and limb loss. Does she have an incidence of type II diabetis in her family? Did her mom have gestational diabetis while pregnant with any of her offspring? Also is she developing male hair growth(the legs will show dark hair first it hten progresses to the armpits and unfortunately the face and other areas are often covered with hair). The pcos can also lead to dysufunctional and painful periods due to fibroid formation within the uterus. I can understand your concern for your step daughter. She may want some help but might be to intemidated by her mom's poor reflection of you as a step parent. Can you talk to your spouse about it and just say you are worried for your s. daughter's health? I know this is a hard time for her as a teen and she might not realize it now but you are only trying to help her.

Not uncommon at all to have a weight gain - especially so close to your surgery date. Focus on following the protocol, stay active, and stay away from the scales for at least a week and two would be better. Try to relax and let you body find its own way in its own time. Trust the process. There is no question that it works. You're gonna love the new you!!

Are you getting in enough calories, Water, sleep and Vitamins?? Without enough calories your body will fight to keep you from losing and I have found I gain weight as well. The others also impact weight loss and weight gain. I tend to find that I gain and lose on a fairly regular basis, so do not worry too much, soon it will drop as long as you are doing all the things I listed including exercise often and enough Protein. You do not want your body going into starvation mode, that is not a good thing and makes things harder for you. At 2 weeks though calories is so much not a big issue, how about water intake? yes and your period can impact your weight, as well as your body is still recovering from surgery and will be fighting everything for a bit. Do not worry it will come off... look forward to a lot of this up and down thing, I have just come to accept it as part of the journey and try not to let it drive me crazy. Good luck

I saw a story about Christina's 'massive weight gain' too and it pissed me off. A skinny celeb puts on 10 lbs and everyone is screaming that they're obese. Please! People wonder why so many young girls are dieting at younger and younger ages and no matter how skinny they get, they think they're fat. It's because of crap like this feeding their insecurities and poor body image. I recently saw Pitch Perfect and I was pleasantly surprised that they had some leading characters who weren't twigs. It's nice to see larger girls carrying a movie.