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I know you can and will take PPIs, in the long run the are gastroprotective Most surgeons surgeons discourage carbonated beverages. A they encourage weight,gain, many of us got fat from overindulgence in Coke, Pepsi and their evil soda cousins. B. Do you enjoy pain? That stuff will bloat up your sore little stomach. If it doesn't cause you to vomit you'll have to belch or blow it out the other end. Alcohol doubtful you'll be allowed to indulge very soon. I've heard 6 months, a year down the road. You have been a workaholic , you do not want to exchange one addiction for another. You'll become drunk on less. And a final note, although I am pre surgery I have gastritis, booze hurts and burns the lining in your stomach and it hurts like the walls of Hades. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, my name is Theresa Bailey. I live in Magnolia, DE. I had my surgery in Aug. 21, 2015..My SW was 250 CW 217. I only average 1.5 a week. A lot people claim it is because of my age. I am 5'4, and 64 yrs young. I have two major stokes and unfortunate for me they had me a lot of steroids and other meds that assisted my weight gain, (of course the rest of my own doing. Can someone help with the best ways to help boost my lost..I have registered to join the gym..any thing would be helpful..

It’s really difficult to avoid all the artificial sweeteners. They seem to be in everything these days. I wanted to reduce or kill any craving for sweet/sugar after surgery. My way of overcoming them was to prepare & cook most of my food myself. It was the only way I could control the ingredients. I don’t use sugar alternatives either. I know there’s sweeteners in the yoghurt & protein bars I buy but that’s really it. I generally avoid sweet things except for naturally occurring sugars like in fruit & I do put a little bit of honey in my rolled oats to help offset the odd hypoglycaemic episodes I can have in the morning (I used to have them occasionally when I was slim in the past too). As soon as I passed the fluid only stage post surgery I never had another protein shake. I made a lot of soup as I went through the post surgery stages. Now if I want something dessert-like I make chia pudding (lactose free milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract). Cooking your own food my be a way for you to not consume the sweeteners you want to avoid. I like to cook so it wasn’t an issue for me. These 6 months will allow you to do lots of research into suitable alternatives. In Australia we don’t have the 6 month pre requisite. I had three weeks between the first appointment with my surgeon & my surgery. This is bit of a thing for me so I apologise if I sound preachy. There’s a lot of interesting research about now about the side effects of sweeteners & the disadvantages. Sure there’s lots of research showing replacing sweeteners with sugar will cause weight loss but of course it will. Going from consuming 100s/1000s of calories in non diet soft drink to 0 calories by drinking diet sodas will result in some weight loss. Dig deep & you will find some research that’s now showing sweeteners can cause weight gain. Good luck.

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

Hgor, I haven't hit a stall, but I bounce like Tigger. Every time I lose, I bounce up a pound, stay there for a day or three, then drop. Then bounce. Then fall. It's been like that for the last 2 months. Zeus and Cathy are right. In the past, weight gain was usually our fault. With the sleeve, the body is trying to "balance" itself. Just keep doing what your doc tells you, and all will be well. Sounds to me like you are doing great. (I don't ever get enough water )

my surgery date is October the 6th. I have been waiting for about 4 months now and I did also read and watched a lot about the band. I am looking forward to that. I know I am the one to blame for all the weight gain but you know there are a lot of factors that made me gain weight. Like miscarriages, depression and so on so I look at it as a second chance to make my life better and to be able to move around more without hurting my back or my knees. That alone makes me look forward to it. I hope you will feel better about it.

It's April 26, 2012. In 18 days, my life will change forever, and I can't wait! Let me start by telling you about myself. (Apologies if this is long-winded, but I think it will give a more rounded picture of how I ended up here!) I am 42 years old. I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with my husband (my soulmate...I waited until 40 to marry, and he's my forever love!), and our 2 cats, Rosie and Maize. I was born October 20, 1969, a very very small (1.9 lbs!) and 8 weeks premature. My mother has smoked during her pregnancy and I think it impacted my growth. Back in those days, they didn't have neonatal intensive care units and ventilators etc. for preemies. I was just lucky to survive! Believe it or not, I think that is where my problems with my weight began! I used to drink 2 or 3 times the amount of formula my mother's Obstetrician has prescribed for me. It was as if my tiny little body was demanding more and more food to make up for the lack of size and development during the pregnancy! During my early childhood, I was actually average size and played a lot of sports. But food was starting to be more and more of a focus. I would have eating contests with my Dad. Food was a reward when something good happened, and a comfort when something bad happened. By the time I was 12, I was universally known as "chubby" amongst my family, friends, schoolmates. Despite all this, I continued to play many sports, and excel in all of them! High school brought fresh pain and more weight. I was shunned by the boys (more of a tomboy anyways, they saw me as "one of the guys"). Girls didn't want to be associated with me...I wasn't the right "clique" material. The only thing that made high school bearable was sports (I was both admired and mocked for my athleticism....a weird combination!) and music. I was captain of almost every team I played on (volleyball, softball, soccer, field hockey), but when we went to "away" games, I would hear people in the crowd openly call me names and laugh at me. It was very painful and even if we won and I was the star of the game, I would invariably end of crying on the way home. What would make me feel better? Food! McDonalds, Dairy Queen.....the more calories, the better! Of course, I went though ups and downs. I would try a diet, find some success, lose some weight.....then invariably, gain it all back plus. In my Junior year, a group of my friends and teachers I was very close with chipped in to buy me a birthday gift. Looking back now, it was incredibly generous, kindhearted and really demonstrated how much they loved me. But at the time, I was mortified (though I put on a brave face). They had bought me 10 sessions with a Nutritionist, so I could lose weight. OMG! Even the people I loved thought I was unacceptable the way I was. It put me in a depression and left an indelible mark on my psyche for a long time. I went to the sessions and tried to lose weight and keep it off. Of course, I failed (I didn't really want to succeed and prove them right, unconsciously of course). In the end, I graduated and went on to University and then the real floodgates of weight gain started. I was 198 lbs when I started University. I couldn't afford to go to school without a full time job (at the same time!) so I gave up competitive sports (I had enough talent to make Varsity....but no time to dedicate to it!). I was working full time hours from 4 pm to midnight most weekdays, and every other weekend. No time for regular meals (I would sleep late, skip Breakfast, grab a lunch to go that I could eat in class, then rush off to work). Often eating dinner from the vending machine at work, or grabbing fast good on quick 15 min breaks. My freshman "15" was more like "50". I continued my education after University, and became a Respiratory Therapist, but developed an anaphylactic allergy to latex. At the time, this was still quite rare, and most hospital equipment, etc. was still made using latex (especially gloves!). I had to quit my profession before it even really began! Backup plan was to turn to something I already loved as a hobby. Computers. The internet was starting to really grow (1997) and I taught myself HTML and online design/publishing. The rest (as they say) is history. I am now an E-Communications Analyst with our Provincial Government (yes, a public servant!). Needless to say, this is a very sedentary job. It's contributed to my weight gain. I've gone through numerous diets and was very successful in 2006 (lost 100 lbs!) with a strict 1200 calorie diet and ALOT of exercise. In 2007 my brother (who lived on the West Coast, on Vancouver Island) was getting very ill. He had been diagnosed with Brain Cancer 6 years earlier and was really a miracle case to still be alive! His health was deteriorating and I flew out to help him set up homecare and prepare for when he would need hospice. The stress was intense, and I started to regain my weight. Later in 2007, my mother unexpectedly passed away. She simply went to bed one night and never woke up! At 73, it was very very unexpected and I was suddenly thrust into caring for my father (79 yrs old at the time) who had many health problems and dementia. 5 months later, my brother passed away. The stress of all of this loss, sudden responsibility (caring for Dad, executor for Mom and my brother's estates, etc.) sent me over the edge. I regained most of the weight that I had lost. I did manage to lose 35 lbs for my wedding in Sept. 2010, but it has crept back on and I am now at 318 lbs and miserable. My asthma gets worse with each additional pound (when I lost the 100 lbs, I went off ALL my asthma meds and I was exercising like a fiend with no shortness of breath!). I am desperate to get back to a weight where I can exercise without feeling like I'm going to die from fatigue or lack of oxygen! I'm getting my VSG on May 14, 2012 from Dr. Ramos Kelly in Tijuana, Mexico. It's self-pay and it's the best money I'll even spend on anything (especially myself!). I am psyched!

1. This procedure is relatively new so long-term data is hard to find, but check out the pinned topic "Weight Gained Since Being Sleeved." A lot of long-termers talk about their success on that thread. 2. I'm not super awesome about taking my Vitamins. I take them a couple times a week, when I remember. I spent a lot of money at first trying to find vitamins I liked. I bought a few different B Complex ones until I found ones that didn't smell horrible, and I had to buy different Calcium chews because I bought the wrong kind. I don't even notice it in my budget anymore. 3. I'm 10 months out. No psychological issues so far. Nothing but joy, really. I check myself out in the mirror, a lot. 4. I think I got lucky here too. I love shopping now, but my budget helps keep that in check. I enjoy cooking a lot more now, and making "normal" (protein-rich) recipes instead of the low-cal/low-fat/low-flavor crap I was cooking while dieting. I do drink, but no more often than before, and less volume because I get tipsy faster. Hope this helps.

hi there, its normal to waiver back and forth but i found that when i had done my homework, i felt very secure with my decision to get banded. i was a thin child too, but started having a little weight gain around 30 yrs old and it just went from a little to alot. im 54 now, i was banded last december starting at 225 lbs. i followed the dr.s rules 95% of the time and have had almost no discomfort at all. (the 1st 10 days felt like a badly pulled muscle, i didnt use the pain reliever after the 3rd day, didnt need to) im now 170 lbs, and my days just keep getting better and better ! i swim 3x a week, and im starting with a ymca running program ! (tommorrow ! Me ? a runner ?? No way !!!!) i no longer have sleep apnea, my digestive problems are gone, i get compliments on how i look all the time, ive gone from frumpy, stretchy old lady size 18-1x clothes to size 14 skinny jeans and cute attractive tops. need i go on ? My only regret is i didnt do it sooner ! You MUST make a decision for YOU, not based on others feelings , cause its not them that has to live in YOUR body. hope all goes well for, good luck !

That's just hospital fluids. It's not a real weight gain. I'm glad ur doing better and out of the hospital

I to did HCG pre-op and lost 45 pounds! Then I got prego and gained all that weight back within like 3 months and just kept gaining. My OB had me on a very restrictive diet to try and slow my weight gain but nothing worked. I ended up 20 pounds heavier than I was before I started HCG after I had the baby. You lose the weight but gain it right back. My hubby did it too with the same results. Lost 50 and gained 60! And my friend who introduced us in on the HCG roller coaster. She's loses 20 gains it back and then goes right back on it.

After a long month of complications following my brachioplasty I finally got my sutures removed! Looking forward to being able to get in the gym again for sure. I have a lovely 17 lb weight gain to work off. Despite the complications, popped my running stitch & had major gaping, I'm so happy I did it. Looking forward to feeling comfortable wearing tank tops!

I worry when I read about insurance denying other people because they have no "Documented" weight loss attempts. Of course like everyone else I've been on numerous diets, But none of them were documented other then Weight Watchers but when I called to get them to sign over papers that I attended meeting's they told me they couldn't find me in their system anywhere (Figures). So I'm relying upon a few medical records I found, Some from childhood documenting my weight gain, Another from when I was 11 (I was 166lbs then) and I was sent to a Dietician for my high cholesterol and the last from 2008 (188lbs) when I had my gall bladder removed, In the hospital records it says "Patient states she's on a diet" (Weight watchers at the time). I'm hoping for approval, wish me luck!

What a great article.!! Makes me feel a little better knowing there are so many factors that may contribute to weight gain. I'm looking forward to my "fizz" scan next week. At least I'll finally know what the problem is with my 6 month weight stall. I have to learn to stop focusing on the negatives & get my mind in a more positive frame of mind! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there I am 6 weeks pregnant and 2 years post surgery. Super worried about the weight gain but not feeling too bad. Have been very tired though. I have an eating plan from my nutritionist which would have me eating all day everyday! How did you get on with your appointments? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How are you today??? I just saw your above post...I say go to another doctor TODAY. No sense in waiting until your Doc returned Monday. What you are describing are reason to be concerned to me. don't wait!!! Maybe it's nothing and we can all laugh with you about it, but to me those symptoms don't sound like 'nothing'. Swelling, rapid weight gain, pain under a rib cage, tenderness and warmth don't sound like no big deal type of symptoms. Please go get it checked out TODAY!!!

Since I have decided to be sleeved ( I am not yet) I have gained about 15 lbs. It really is the "worst" and "hardest" 15 lbs. I regret it terrible. I had no physical ailments related to weight except for my appearence yet since my recent weight gain, my feet ache, my back hurts and now finally my wedding rings no longer fit. You would think that would halt it as this stage considering I need to prepare myself. I have asked myself why, I can not come up with an obvious answer why I continue to sabatage when I am so gong ho and excited about being sleeved. I can say there is a fear behind it for I feel it but can not quite say it is because I will no longer have food. I realize I can eat in the future, I read read read on here. Look up all types of info on being sleeved but continue to just eat. I know this surgery is not magic fix it all surgery. It is hard work and dedication. I just keep saying -this to shall pass..... focus, focus, focus. Being aware is part of growing out of it right. I am surprised but not really so many are doing this. I am so glad I seen this post. Somehow it gives me hope.

Thanks guys! My doctor is on vacation until Monday. If I gain anymore prior to her return, I am going to the ER. I forgot to mention I am having pain on my right side right under my rib cage when I take deep breaths and can feel it whenever I eat. It's tender to the touch and feels a little warm. I had a HIDA scan to check my gallbladder a few months ago and all was fine..... Would gallbladder issues cause weight gain and swelling? We will see I guess.

Thanks but don't be impressed until I can actually keep it off. I'm sure that you and everyone else reading this could lose the weight if they put their mind to it. Unfortunately, if you are like me, you run out of steam or lose your train of thought without noticing and gain it back. This is going to be my third time losing over 100 pounds and the previous 2 times I gained it back even faster than I lost it with interest. That is so much more depressing than never having lost it at all. Hopefully if the band doesn't prevent me from gaining it all back, it will at least slow down my weight gain enough so I have time to notice and I can turn things around before gaining it all back.

I had my consultation. No real diet plan but I’ve been trying on my own. Not working. My insurance company didn’t require weight loss before surgery but I’m not allowed to gain. Well I am up 15 lbs. help!!! I’m trying to diet and exercise. Can’t do much exercising because of back and leg pain issues. Retaining water. They ordered lasix. It’s not doing much. And just got done with steroids for the back and leg pain. I’m exhausted by the time I get home. I did go swimming last night and did aqua exercises. Just worried I can’t get this extra weight off. No surgery date yet. Have an endoscopy scheduled for July 11th and that’s my last requirement. Just nervous and stressed between the pain and the weight gain. Thanks for reading. Advice appreciated.

Hello everyone So I'm 14 months out from my sleeve and I have had a stable weight for months now and my partner wants us to try for a baby. I also want a baby but I'm so scared of gaining weight. Like I mean is bad how scared I'm to gain weight its literally all I think about. I just don't never want to see myself at the weight I was before.

Yeah I don't really see the problem either. As long as you are holding yourself accountable throughout the whole day calorie and protein wise by keeping track of everything you put in your mouth. Right now we cannot eat very much so the snacking will not add on the calories. If it is a habit a year out, then your snacking might add more calories than you expected which could cause weight gain. I keep track of my calories etc. on myfitnesspal. If I don't reach my protein by late afternoon I usually drink one of my protein shakes to up the numbers.

I am sorry to hear that you have lost friends due to weight gain but now you can gain a lot of friends here :thumbup: I have tried to talk to her about her having it done but she says she doesnt want surgery maybe after I have it done she will realize that it could work for her too.

I have lost every single one of my friends due to my weight gain. So for me this is a chance to make new friends. I'm sorry your friend isn't talking to you. Maybe try to get her to go to a seminar and consider the surgery for herself?

I am hoping to be ready to start maintianing my weight by fall and would like to hear if any of you have a maintenance plan and if so what it is. I discussed this with my Dr. at my last appointment and we decided that we would start removing small amounts of fill until I was maintaining. This is what I wanted to do but I am having second thoughts. I don't think this will happen for a few more months. Even though I am close historically it has taken me a while to loose the last 20-25 pounds so it is not like it is going to happen tomorrow. I am just trying to think ahead because I have gone to my goal weight twice before in the last 12 years and managed to gain it back. The first time I maintained well for one year and then gained about 12 lbs. per year for the next three and then gained 25 lbs. the fifth year. Lost 61 pounds, but managed to gain back that 61 + another 25 before I stated looking into the lapband. The second time I started gaining it back as soon as I stopped "dieting." I am determined not to do this again so maintenance is on my mind these days. The thing is I don't diet at all with the band. I eat whatever I want; I do Protein first so I get full and don't ever want much else. I don't count calories and I don't use fat-free or low-fat, etc. Two things that were likely big issues to my weight gain in the past were 1) alcohol and 2) Dr. Pepper. I haven't had a Dr. Pepper or any soda for that matter since I was banded on 8-11-2005. The alcohol is another story, right now all I can say is that it is much better.