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I'm back to exercising. Feels amazing. Prior to being diagnosed with MS (in the year from hell) my formerly active life was whittled away to almost nothing. Some days, it was amazing I could walk around my house, never mind do anything else. Given that I used to weight train daily, and had begun to rack up miles of race walking (daughters and husband biked or rollerbladed), the slow slide into inactivity really, really sucked. I grew up on a farm ("The Money Pit" as my father called it), working with horses and doing daily chores including milking cows & goats, feeding chickens, and managing my several breeding hundred rabbits. Physical activity (and health) were taken for granted. Grew up, married, had my girls, and just went on living. Married a city slicker, so the horses had to go, but otherwise, I didn't mind the changes. The year I turned 33 started out well, with a family resolution to get physically fit. My girls were 13, 12, & 11. We planned our 'Get Fit' campaign and got to work. In the small town in which we lived the local gym was owned by a couple who were competitive body builders, so the facility was awesome. As a part of their business, they both offered personal training, so we took advantage of that, and started working out on a schedule. Eventually, they gave us the code to the gym and we could use it 24/7 which was convenient for us as my husband was on shift work. By about June, we were all pretty pleased with ourselves and our new level of fitness, and we looked forward to the workouts and our nightly walks as a family. In July, we decided to try rollerblading, and I got a new pair for the first time out. But I could only go to the end of the block. My legs felt soooo heavy, and I was having trouble with my balance. My right foot was dragging, and the girls were teasing me about walking like a drunk. Then I developed a black 'hole' in the vision in my left eye. Yikes! That made me go to the doctor. Hell compressed into a sentence - after months of tests and assessments, I was diagnosed with MS in December 1996. So. No exercise. Fatigue, staggering, dropping things, slurred words. Some good days, lots of bad days. Weight gain. Lots of it. Ugh. I was in a very stressful job, and the specialist told me, "Change careers, de-stress your life, and get rid of some responsibility or you'll slide into a wheelchair and stay there." (I was already using a walker) So, I did exactly that. Changed careers, changed cities, and dumped responsiblity. Got out of the wheelchair, and began to make serious health-related changes. All of which helped me to feel better, but did nothing to dislodge the 80 pounds I'd gained in 1996. Fast forward 16 years. I had given up on losing the weight until the idea of VSG came up with the doctor here. I took the time to do the research, met with the doctor, and decided to go ahead. Sleeved April 4, 2012. Last check up I'd lost 44 pounds. Three days ago I started exercising again. Really exercising. It feels soooooooo good! My muscles are sore, my legs protest as I stand up, and I love it. I have to be mindful of the MS, but I'm remembering what it feels like to have gotten sweaty/hot enough to produce natural endorphins. *baskinginthehappiness* :wub: I certainly can't do what I used to do, but who cares? I'm doing something I haven't been able to do for years. After I was diagnosed with MS I wanted to do a half marathon for the MS Society in Canada, but I couldn't manage the fatigue and the extra weight. Now, I've learned how to manage myself with regards to the MS, and I'm losing the weight... which is making a big dent in the level of fatigue I have to deal with, and I have waaaaaaaaaay more energy. Maybe... just maybe, I'll be able to get to the point where I can do that half marathon. Wouldn't that be something? For now, I need to stand up and get some work done. Ow! Ow! Ow!

I can't believe how quickly time flies! I honestly can't believe it's been two years since my surgery already. I'm pretty easily maintaining at goal, though I've found there is some truth to the "bounce-back" theory. Staying at 135 isn't always easy as my body seems happier just three pounds heavier and likes to stay there. However, I'm usually within 134-138 on the scale and I'm very happy with that. I eat like a normal person now. I've been able to increase my calories substantially since 18 months post op. I'm now consuming 1,400+ calories a day and it's not really affecting my weight. I like to stick around 90+ grams of Protein a day and I think this helps with maintenance. I hate eating first thing so I still start my day with protein coffee or tea. Everyone asks about loose skin and I'll say that there is a HUGE difference between one year out and two years out, so I encourage those considering plastics to maintain at goal as long as possible before seeking surgery. My case is a bit different as I have had twins, but at 17 months out my apron had much more adipose fat than now - now it's nearly flat, though still unsightly. I would have considered surgery on my arms and thighs necessary six months ago but now I think that exercise would firm them up nicely without surgery. I still hope for LBL and breast lift/augmentation one day but I'll have to put that off for now. Because I'm pregnant! We used up the last of our frozen embryos and the procedure worked. So I'll be sure to update on how things go for me and how the weight gain/appetite works, as well as how quickly I take the weight off again when I'm done. I will post some before and after photos, HOWEVER, I ask that you be nice to me. I've been on hormones for better than month now and I'm a bit bigger all around - my chest, arms and middle in particular feel a bit bloated - despite not gaining any real weight throughout this cycle. Actually, my breasts feel kind of obscene, after months of having them be so tiny they're busting out of all my shirts now! I'm also unable to wear my shapewear as it simply feels uncomfortably restrictive. So this is me, without the aid of gut-sucking shapewear, at two years out from VSG! I couldn't be happier. Life is just amazing at goal, and now that we're expecting again? It's like a dream come true. I wouldn't change my decision to do this surgery for anything and I'm thankful every single day that I had it done. ~Cheri

I went to a lake house this weekend. I grazed, drank beer and had about 7 beers and 7-10 shots over he whole weekend. I ate whatever everyone else ate (just small portions). I wasn't worried about weight gain. I had figured that when I got home I would have gained ten pounds. I came home stepped on the scale and I had lost two pounds. I don't know but I am definitely motivated to get back on track. Going to the gym tomorrow and gonna be a beast!!!

Thanks! I think you should be fine with the weight gain. Do they advise that you lose weight?? My sister did the 6 month supervised diet, gained weight each month, and was just approved I wouldn't worry too much. Good luck!

Im not sure I think it just depends on Ur surgeon I go August 6 to meet with mine and they said she will start me then and I will be 4 months in so I'll have a month or so to get it all done then can submit it to insurance ) I just hope my weight gain doesn't set me back any I have gained 4lbs last month

Honestly I did the 6 month supervised diet and gained 15 pounds over the 6 months. Mostly because I stopped taking diet pills. I had taken the pills and weightless shots on and off for over a year. The weight gain did not stop them from approving my surgery. It's just one of the hoops that you are required to go through. I had my surgery July 3 and can already eat some soft foods. Don't get discouraged though. It will be ok. Good luck.

Congratulations on getting to where you are. I so get the "confer happiness" thing. Though I feel better having lost a significant amount of weight after VST, the truth is that it started another whole grieving process for me because I realized that unconsciously, I'd connected the weight gain with being diagnosed with MS, and therefore, weight loss is the "cure" for MS. Not. Though generally positive and optimistic about life, I've really struggled the past few weeks with coming to grips with the reality that while MS may have caused the weight gain, being some ideal weight won't cure it. It'll take a little time to adjust my thinking to reflect the truth, and in the meantime, I read your blog entry and it totally resonated. "Weight loss is NOT a fairy tale prince..." -or a fairy godmother with a magic wand. Here's to continued adventures, indeed.

I use Mirena, I have had used it for the last 4 years. No weight gain, no bloating, no mood swings, and the best---no period.

Hi I had gastric bypass in April 2008 and four years later I have gained 20 pounds back. I wanted tro know if anyone else has experienced this and if so how do you handle it

Breads or pasta potato rice grains are not on my list till i reach my goal weight. When i asked my doc. why? i was told , if i start eating breads, pasta and stuff it can stop the weightloss and even end up it gaining weight after i reach my goal and its not about losing anymore, i can slowly add these things and see which cause weight gain and which are good for me ,so i m not even thinking about any of it right now and i have to say, i dont miss it as much anymore either.

I have always been and some what still am an active person. The weight gain has just made some things more difficult or have had to alter how I do my favorite activities. I have a treadmill that I walk/jog 2-3 miles several times a week permitting I am not working at my parents. I am a big volleyball player, love basketball, extreme water sports (limited now cause i have a whole lot of butt to be pulling out of the water to ski) and will swim 12 hours a day if allowed. Everyone teases me and says I must of been born with fins. Water aerobics and swimming are going to be my most used exercise. Those two will truly burn more calories and tone more muscles than any other exercise machine, all while having fun in water assuming you would like the water as much as me.

I love my Wellbutrin-I had no weight gain with it....

U get it placed inside u, the para guard is good for ten years, no added weight gain and no hormones, works for 10 years. Worst case scenario an arm can break off and u will have to replace it, luckily I haven't had that problem.

I also had a concern with keeping the weight off after being banded long term. I recently read an article that stated that the reason that many "older bands (7-10 years old) had to be removed was slippage or a lack of a perfected technique. Over the last 5 years or so many surgeons have perfected the techniques for banding a patient and the procedure is now done lapriscopically as opposed to open surgery (which is how it started). They are stillc ompiling data, but band slippage and weight gain seems to have subsided a bit in the last 5 years.

Para guard IUD. No added weight gain or hormones, love it! Hate depo and pills and this works for me

I agree with not getting into a grazing habit. I feel it can cause possible weight gain in the future during the maintenance period. Having a schedule is key from what my doctor told me.

I am 6 weeks post op and have a huge problem.... I am gaining a pound a day and have been for nearly a week now!! Im so discouraged! I hardly eat anything but I admit I have been drinking sugary drinks a lot... I started walking a mile a day on the treadmill but still gaining... I am not getting my proteins in... only getting about 30 grams a day instead of the 70 I'm supposed to be getting... One thing new that happened that might be contributing is that I just had my last 4 teeth pulled out and got new dentures top and bottom... having major pain and can't eat much.taking antibiotics and pain killers (Percacet)... the only thing I can really eat is vienna sausage because they are soft.... Please somebody tell me what to do to make this weight gain stop... Is it really just that I drink some koolaid and tea wtih sugar? I mean, I don't do that all day... just periodically...Advice is welcome!!

I am a nurse/anatomy/biology teacher. Have struggled with weight all of my adult life, as many other family members on my mom's side. Thanks mama! Nevertheless I have made up my mind and I am going to break this cycle of food addiction and weight gain once and for all. I am getting the ball rolling to have gastric sleeve surgery. As a nurse, it is the only surgery that makes sense to me. Complications seem to be much less and there is really no altering of the alimentary canal. Keeping things flowing the way God intended just makes good sense! Portion and hunger control is what I am after and this seems to be what is going to be right for me. Have conference in a week and pray that my insurance will cooperate. I am already on metformin and have other health issues directly related to the weight. So, all of you praying people out there please add me to your list! I want and need this so bad, not only for myself,but my family as well! Have a new grandbaby and want to be able to take her camping and hiking in the future without MeMe having a stroke along the trail! By the way, hubby is excited that I may actually get his cute little wife back! He didn't say it, but I can sure tell!

I am a sugar addict myself and though this surgery did not stop me from wanting sugar the amount I ingest has diminished immensely. I will have one or two hersheys kiss in the evening just to get my little chocolate in (I'm a major chocoholic) but it seems I'm basically good with that. I use a little of the sugar-free syrup (sweetener) in my Protein shake so that gives me a little sweetness too. The only thing I really can't eat after this surgery is bread, Pasta, rice etc. I don't want that kind of food anymore which is great for me cause I was a carb junky too, I do wish that the surgery took away my sugar issue but I guess you can't have everything. I can say I don't eat not even close to what I used to consume so I am not guilty for the little I do eat. As for the artificial sweeteners, I know they are not healthy but for me it is a necessary evil Its like when I smoked I didn't eat a lot but when I quit I gain 50lbs in 4-6 months and if it wasn't for my bronchitis I would kept smoking to prevent the weight gain but I picked breathing over smoking and weight. I had this surgery so I can still have a little of what I like to eat I just don't eat it all day long I give myself 5 minutes to enjoy something sweet then move on to something else. I don't think any surgery will take away all of our little demons from poking at us, we have to excercise that will power as well as our bodies!

Before my weight gain, I was a 32B. I thought having big boobs would be nice. I've had these big boobs for 15 years (38DD), and can't wait for them to go away. If I need surgery after all of this so be it. I just hope that the doc can keep em small. lol

Hello I'm new to the forum and thought I'd introduce myself im Bec I'm 31 i live in Australia and I've just booked in to have a lap band in October, I'm so excited to finally be able to shed the kilos, I've tried diet after diet exercised personal trainers you name it I've tried it, I have just also been diagnosed with PCOS and found out my weight gain is caused from that so lapband it is for me I look forward to getting to know you all Bec x

Don't allow "following in your mom's footsteps" in terms of weight gain be an option. It's only an option if you allow it to become one. Understand that weight gain IS possible, even with these major surgerys, but it can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying focused. Good luck!

Well I've been on HRT for a couple weeks now. Things are evening out. I no longer feel like I could eat the paint off the walls. Unfortunately my weight is up to 125. It could be water weight from the progesterone or perhaps real weight gain for the week and 1/2 that I was eating like crazy. Now to take it off. My goal is 119.

I had my surgery and lost about 100 pounds. I was 150 lbs and 5'6" on a muscular frame. I was healthy, very active and happier than I have ever been in my life. Most importantly, I had the energy to be the type of wife and mother I wanted to be Now that we have had our second child I am having difficulty losing any weight. My story goes like this...After a year of trying to conceive, I became pregnant with twins. It was a high risk pregnancy, so I was not allowed to exercise AT ALL. When I asked the doctor if I could at least walk on the treadmill, he said "not even a gentle stroll". Then I went to my lap band doctor and wanted to have a partial unfill since I was carrying twins. He insisted on a complete unfill, which was REALLY difficult considering I was forbidden to exercise. I then lost one of the babies and was devastated. At around 28 weeks I was put on bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. In case you haven't figured it out, the exercise restriction, unfill, and bedrest were a trifecta to rapid weight gain and I packed on almost all of what I lost to begin with To compound the issue, I fell down the stairs 2 days before going into labor and broke my foot, resulting in 8 more weeks of no working out! I have since had a beautiful baby boy! I am now 5 weeks post partum and have lost 25 pounds. Quite frankly, that is just baby weight and has nothing to do with my partial re-fill. I've had two fills and am up to 5 ccs right now. Prior to getting pregnant my sweet spot was at 5.5 ccs. As of right now I have no restriction though and have lost NO weight with the fills thus far. I go back next week for another fill, but since I haven't lost weight I am worried that there will still be fatty tissue built up around my stomach and will prevent the level of fill I need. I am trying to not be so hard on myself, but I need to lose this weight fast. I go back to work at the end of August and cannot afford a whole new wardrobe because I can't workout and lose the weight in time. I really need a good fill to help balance this out!

I will admit that I still want to look good on the outside... so that is a reason. But also, and mainly, I am tired of being tired. I have always been an active person and since the weight gain, I just don't have the energy. I have terrible sleep apnea and really, really want my cpap machine to go away. I have reflux that I would like to go away also. I love clothes and can't wait to fit into cute things again. Sorry y'all. I am not as advanced! I want to be cute again!