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I recently attended a seminar where the Doctor does both. His patiant ratio is about equal. Band to RNY. But what was interesting was that several(6 that I heard of) had gone from the band to the RNY within a year or more period due to the slow & sometimes minimal results. I struggled with my decision when viewing the b/a photos because the RNY people looked amazing. I personally feel that the larger complications w/Rny are from the many cuts made BUT also due to the fact that heavier people tend to go for this surgery & usually have MORE health risks to begin with. I don't know why certain Doctors choose one over another but I can guarentee that it has to do with the amount of study, office set up & over all compensation. Not necessarily which one they think truely is best over all. What I did see is that in both surgeries people can GAIN weight back if they are not careful. Rules must be followed in both cases. I personally think the band is a safer & as we all know, a reversable procedure that can be a great tool. I like the fact that with the band you are constantly cheking in with a Doctor & therefore over the first 1-2 years aware of any weight gain ahead of time. Most of all its more of a customized procedure. We all have such different levels that work for one another. With RNY is just chop, stitch & go. I will admit though that I like the built in behavioral mech.-dumping;0) I guess I will have to be strong & teach myself that one. The way I look at it is I truely wish I could have done this by myself. But with the band I still think I will get that same feeling (like I am doing it by myself) because I know it will be alot of hard work. Not that RNY isn't just that I think the band is more work, I really do. I know with the band alot of lessons will be learned about smart food choices & do's & don'ts. I want these lessons & I think they lead to a healthier life stlye over all. Either or I am so happy we live in an age that these scientific break-throughs are available. With that said, I only wish we could get spell check on this site:0) LOL LOL LOL

I would NOT have a surgery I was certain I would regret, unequivocally. I considered WLS for 20 years before I had it. I was pretty sure I could lose weight if only I just tried harder. I'm a registered nurse, brought up in the world of science, and thought I knew everything there was to know about dieting and weight loss. I even knew the statistics about the dismal failure rates, but I thought I could/should overcome that brutal reality. So, while I dieted, lost some weight, gained some more, I went to several surgeons over the years, even went so far as to have the pre-op testing completed, and always backed out. At the time, RNY was the only option, and I just couldn't get on board with the malabsorption thing (and still can't). So, I thought I might regret it, and I never went through with it. Once I learned of VSG, I KNEW it would be the right decision for me, and I have not regretted it. Lots of people say their only regret is not doing it sooner, and while I do wish I had this option 20 years ago, I do not regret having a surgery I knew I would regret.

Hey fellow tall one! I know the desire to weigh yourself each day is pulling at you, but yes, I would say don't do it. Try to wean yourself off of that. Like start with every 2 days then every 3 until you can get to maybe once a week. Also, understand that there could be Water weight gain. If you are drinking that much water that could be it. If you are near your period, that could be it. Long story short...there are many reasons for a slight increase from day to day. Unless you find yourself going up by great leaps over a period of time, I wouldn't be too worried.

I never watched it because I just felt bad for them, but I know Jillian Michaels left the show because she thought that those people losing that much weight in such a short period of time (without WLS) was very unhealthy and obviously one of the reasons for their rebound weight gain. She spoke out against the show later on.

I am 5 weeks post-op, and twice now I have experienced 3-5 lb weight GAINS. The first time was random, and it really upset me. The second time was after I hurt my back and was basically immobile for 3 days as well as taking (liquid) pain meds (hydrocodone). It is very frustrating, especially when I think that I have only lost 20 lbs (+/-) total since surgery, at a time where I thought my numbers would be much higher. Is this typical?? Right now, I just got down to 1 lb BELOW the last 5 lb gain (so I lost 6 lbs, verrry slowly) and now I'm up almost 2 lbs. IT'S SO FRUSTRATING!! Especially when I don't know if anyone has ever experienced such a strange phenomena. I can't call my regular doc since they are closed for the holidays. I have to admit, I am not exercising (because of my back issues, in tandem with the stress of the holidays), and I'm hoping that this, in conjunction with my choosing high carb items (baked potato Soup, cheese soup, noodles, etc) has something to do with it. Please tell me that this is actually what the problem is, so that I can begin that rapid downward scoop that I was looking for pre-surgery!! Or, am I just expecting too much, and should I be happy with my weight loss to date? I began at 245 which is comparatively low for GSS patients, in general (I'm told). Could that be it?? I'm just stumped, and frustrated.

The dramatic changes in our daily lives caused by the COVID-19 virus is likely the greatest crisis of our lifetime. Hopefully, you and your family are safe at home and can avoid harm. It would be easy to focus on all of the negativity and be glued to the news 24/7 but that would be a mistake. As someone working to lose weight or maintain your weight loss, this crisis presents a number of challenges but also several opportunities. First the challenges: Many of us are either working from home or are not working, but still at home. Being home presents a bunch of food and eating challenges. You may be more sedentary than usual, without your commute to work, and possibly unable to be out and about or go to the gym. Being home means that the refrigerator and the kitchen are only a few feet away. Your schedule is probably different. Without a regular schedule, unplanned eating and more frequent trips to the kitchen may occur. For those unaccustomed to working from home, it may be harder to focus on your work, and possibly wandering around the house and once again, back in the kitchen. The emotional toll this situation is taking on all of us is significant. If you have a tendency to eat in response to anxiety or loneliness, this can be a very difficult time. The challenges are clear. What about the opportunities? Before this crisis, many people were so busy with their jobs that they did not have time to make better food choices. Too much fast food. Too much take out. Too many dinners at 10 pm. Now there may be more time to buy and prepare healthy food and eat at a healthier time. Many restaurants are closed so you need to go to the supermarket where more fresh foods and healthier choices are available. Learn to cook! If you have more time, you can break out some of those cookbooks you’ve been meaning to read or find simple recipes online to try. While you’re in the supermarket, this could be a good time to experiment with new foods. Some of your favorites may be out of stock. This is a good time to explore different and potentially healthier alternatives to your old, less healthy favorites. While you are home, you may have more time to exercise. If you are restricted from going to the gym, you can still go out for a walk or a bike ride. Even if you walk with one or two friends, it is possible to practice safe social distancing while exercising. Learning to change your emotional relationship with food. It’s certainly tempting to make trips into the kitchen to manage your anxiety and other emotions, but this is a great time to learn and practice alternatives to emotional eating. Here are some ideas to try to implement in the coming weeks: Try to create and maintain a schedule including setting aside times for meals and snacks. If you already have an eating routine that was working, try to maintain it. If you don’t yet have a routine, examine your upcoming schedule and create one. If you are not used to working from home, it is important to structure your day to avoid working in an erratic “when I’m in the mood” manner. The latter is not very productive and will also lead you to wander around the house more often...and we know what room you’re likely to wind up visiting. If you are able to get out to the supermarket, buy healthy and smart! Make a commitment to using this time for positive change. If you continue to buy chips and cookies, this is going to cause weight gain. However, if you make healthier food choices in the supermarket, you can use this period at home to your advantage. If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to help your family start eating healthier, this is a perfect opportunity! Many restaurants are closed, so if you stock the house with healthy choices, you’re more likely to stick to your plan. It’s probably not advisable to go to the supermarket every day as we try to keep our social distance, so try to make a list and do a weekly shopping. Think about meal prepping. What could you buy for a few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners? Make the healthiest choices you can. Experiment in the supermarket. Some of your old favorites might be unavailable. Even if they are there, check out other alternatives. Have you ever wondered if riced cauliflower was a good alternative to white rice? Now’s the time to give it a try. What about that all-natural, lower sodium and low-sugar spaghetti sauce? Maybe bring home a jar or two. We are all wired to buy what we’ve always bought. They’re probably the same items you grew up with in your parents’ home, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Use this opportunity to experiment with healthier and maybe even tastier choices. Get outside and walk or bike a few times per week if possible. Many gyms are closing down so if you have a home gym you have an advantage. However, even without a home gym there’s always the great outdoors. Walking and biking are excellent forms of exercise. It’s more important to try to build a habit of getting out there a few times per week than it is to walk a specific number of steps or burn a specific number of calories. In fact, it is possible that you make this a habit that endures long after this crisis ends. Learn to manage your emotions in ways that don’t involve going to the kitchen. It is completely understandable that you are feeling more anxious these days, but neither the current situation nor your anxiety is going to be helped by eating. Instead, use this time to learn mindfulness skills to manage your anxiety. These skills actually help reduce anxiety and don’t contribute to weight gain. Research demonstrates that learning mindfulness skills helps reduce compulsive eating. There are a number of great apps available like headspace or calm where you can get started. Similarly, if you did a quick search for “mindfulness techniques,” the internet has 100’s of free modules available. Just experiment until you find a few that work for you. Limit the amount of time you watch television and spend watching the news on your computer and phone. You know the news isn’t great, and more importantly, it can be emotionally harmful. The purpose of the news is to provide information, but many people watch news programs as a form of entertainment. However, today’s news is not at all entertaining, it’s quite upsetting. Worst of all, some news programs focus on how things can get worse. While you may need an update or two per day, you don’t need to watch any more than that. It’s very likely to upset you and may trigger emotional eating. Even if you don’t have a tendency to eat in response to anxiety and emotional upset, who wants to experience emotional upset more than necessary?! Instead, use this time to be closer to loved ones within your home or via facetime, teleconferencing or the good old telephone. If you are among loved ones or can use facetime or video conferencing to be with them “virtually,” break out those board games, color in a coloring book, create art projects or do other things that put a more positive spin on what is certainly a challenging time. To be sure, there is nothing good about this crisis and how it is affecting our daily lives. However, it is possible to take advantage of the opportunity that being at home provides. If you make some changes in your behavior, you can use this time to stay on track with your weight loss or weight maintenance goals, and maybe even develop some new healthy habits that provide benefits that last long after this crisis is over. May you all be safe and well during this difficult time. Warren L. Huberman, PhD. Is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in New York and New Jersey. • Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine. • Affiliate Psychologist at the Langone/NYU Medical Center • Consulting Psychologist to the NYU/Langone Health Weight Management Program • Affiliate Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital. • Maintains a private practice in Clinical Psychology in Manhattan and Rockland County, NY. Author of the book 'Through Thick and Thin: The Emotional Journey of Weight Loss Surgery.' Dr. Huberman can be reached at 212- 983-6225 or at wh@warrenhuberman.com.

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 just got my surgery and I don't forsee this happening to me partly because my husband and I split before my weight gain and my friends have seen me all kinds of sizes so now when I lose weight they will probably make bets on how long it will last. However, what is happening to you has happened to many people I have met in support groups. I believe it all comes from insecurities of both your friend and your husband. However, this time is all about you now. Do what is good for you, love yourself and don't play into their games and insecurities. I recommend you attend support groups and also if possible seek professional help, i.e. family therapist, psychologist... it helps

One Day in April (2006) I decided that this weight gain has gone too far. I hated feeling "sick" all the time. I def do not feel my age, and didn't want to look older than my age. My sister had gastric bypass surgery done 4 years ago. I was a huge supporter of this as I do not want to see her die young (she is younger than me).:faint: At the time I was no where near the weight you have to be to have WLS.:eek: Last year I went to Europe with my oldest daughter for two weeks...we literally "walked" europe. I came home 17 lbs lighter:D , I vowed the weight would not come back. I lied. :phanvan It not only came back, it brought 30 of it's friends with it......ugh:cry . Oh I didn't mention that I am not a big snack-attacker....I am a full-time student whose husband cooks like a gourmet and I am at his mercy at dinnertime:hungry: . I also have three kids, three dogs, two cats....busy house.

Lyrica is renowned for increasing your appetite & weight gain. It’s a great medication for nerve pain but ... Your appetite is probably coming back, with the meds contributing, & you may be sub-consciously eating more. It’s easy to do. Check your serving size and if you aren’t counting calories, you may need to give it a go for a couple of weeks. All the best.

Sorry to ask this here, but I’m scared. I don’t know what to do or have anyone else to ask. I’m what I call “irregularly regular”. Irregular in the sense that I never know when I’m going to get my period. Regular in the sense that it always lasts for 3.5 days, four at tops. Last month, I got my period and it lasted for almost two weeks. That has never happened to me before. I figure it might have to do with my recent weight gain (about 30 pounds since July) and the related hormone changes. I haven't felt "healthy" for a while now. After my period ended, I was fine for about two weeks. Then I got my period again. I’ve had it now for over a week and it’s very heavy and there’s more …”material” than before (not a ton but noticeably more). I’ve had a little bit of dizziness – my shrink says that’s a side effect of Wellbutrin, but over the weekend, I had a few dizzy spells. (Haven’t had one since, though.) I did some research on the internet and though my flow is very heavy (for me) I’m not changing my pad every 6 hours, so maybe it’s not that an extreme a case. I think the blood loss has made me a little anemic and caused a little of the fatigue and dizziness so I started taking an Iron supplement today. I had a little bit of cramping yesterday and today, but I took an Aleve and I’m fine. There’s no pain or anything otherwise weird. I just can’t seem to stop bleeding. I’ve just about convinced myself that I have cervical cancer or something. As far as I know, none of this runs in my family. I haven’t been to see a doctor, mostly because I’m chicken. I’m 31 and have never had a gyno exam. (I rationalized it by saying I’ve never been sexually active, so I didn’t need to.) I’m also in a tricky situation because my company switched to a new health insurance carrier effective Jan. 1, but Blue Cross is taking forever to do the paperwork, so I don’t have a member number, a group number, a PCP, or anything. I’m waiting for it any day now, but who knows how long it will take them? I’m really scared, but apparently not scared enough to be smart about this because the second I have my insurance info I’m going to see the PCP about a referral to bariatrics. I’m afraid to mention it to my doctor because she will be someone I’ve never met and she may want to do all kinds of history and testing on me before she’s willing to do any kind of referral. I’m all twisted up in knots. Have any of you experienced anything like this? Any advice would be much appreciated.

I didn't ever have the depo shot but, before being banded I was on Seasonale Birth Control Pill (they have a generic for this now) for my Endometriosis. It's the one where you only have your period 4 times a year. I've been on it at least 3+ years and have never had a weight gain from it, only from eating too much. It really helps with my Endometriosis and cramps. My surgeon had me go off it in July temporarily because any birth conrol pill can cause blood clots and they wanted to lessen my risks during both my gallbladder and lap-band surgeries. I'll be starting back up on it in September. That might be a better option for those of you having trouble with the depo shot. Of course, that's just my opinion but, I just wanted to tell you all my experience. Hope this helps.

I haven't done band & depo at the same time, but I tried depo a couple of years ago.. ONE TIME.. and gained 30lb in the time I was on it (I think it lasts 3 months?). I never did it again, but I am always weary of the depo, and advise anyone I know with weight issues not to try depo. I'm not sure if any of ther other b/c options work on Endometriosis, but I would definitely ask your doctor giving the depo if they can suggest something with less weight-gain side effects.

I gained about 12 pounds in the 6 month "Physician assisted" weight loss attempt. My surgeon doesn't submit paperwork till you've completed this step. I was close as far as qualifying BMI wise at 36 (35 with co-morbidities was the cut off), when I started the 6 months so losing before I qualified wasn't an option, AND my PCP had just started me on a statin, which can cause weight gain. No one cared. What my surgeon DID care about was AFTER I was submitted I did have to lose 10 pounds for liver shrink within the 4 weeks before surgery. I dropped 13.

Hello all. So I have Lupis as well as Fibromyalgia! I have been trying not to think of it in regards to my surgery. However, in the back of my mind, there is the fear that having surgery will cause a flare up! I had to go off of my Plaquinil for a month, until after my surgery, which is July 10th. Its been about two weeks and I've been good until last night!!! I could feel the rain coming, my joints have been aching. And my hips are absolutely killing me! Like to the point of tears, and it takes a LOT to make me cry. My hands and arms/elbows are hurting not from typing, I have to keep stopping. I stopped taking the Plaquinil once before for a week, and it felt like I hit a wall going 90mph! That time it affected my hands and elbows and shoulders first, then I was curled up in the fetal position in so much pain I could barely think! And now its started again! Calling the doctor in the morning. And I guess they will increase pain meds, but I have done that for the last two nights and it hasn't helped! And I can't even take motrin! I want to pull my hair out! I am afraid if the increase my meds now, will they be able to control my pain after surgery? I have two little boys to take care of!! I will be staying at my parents after surgery for the first two weeks, but I can't let them do everything! My guys can wear the most entergetic people out! Getting a little upset about this tonight! I told my surgeon that nothing about the surgery scared me at all, the only thing that scared me was coming off my Plaquinil! And he said "for good reason"! AAAHHHHHHHH anyone else dealing with these issues? I could really use some support! Can't wait to get it over with and go back on my meds!!!!! And scared they will try to put me back on steroids, which have contributed to my weight gain over the last two years! Hurting, nervous, upset!

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.

For many years I gained weight strictly due to being lazy and eating poorly. But for the last several years, I have been driving myself crazy because I feel like I have been doing everything I should be doing in terms of eating the right foods (Whole30 and Paleo) and exercising intensely (Obstacle Course Racing and Weight Training) and nothing worked for weight loss. I have often felt like my body and brain were working against my heart and preventing me from achieving what I wanted. In my ongoing research, I recently found another Bariatric Surgeon that post his bariatric videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner I found his Informational Seminar video to be much more informative than any other I attended during my search for a local surgeon. One point in particular is the slide I've attached to this post. The stats he shows in this slide are my exact stats. His explanation here is that to gain 100lbs over a 20-year period, a woman only has to eat an average of 50 additional calories per day. Which is basically nothing. This takes into consideration pregnancy weight gain, weight loss, and weight regain over this time period. He affirms that significant weight gain from such a low number of additional calories means that there is actually something else going on besides just eating more calories than you burn. And as many of us suspect, it is due to hormonal and metabolic changes because of both age and changes that occur from diets you go on. This alone lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Because I am not crazy after all, my brain and body were working against me. And surgery can help me get back to where I want to be. It further confirms my decision to have this surgery and use it merely as one tool in my arsenal to regain my health! I wanted to share this for anyone else has felt like they were crazy and wondered endlessly why diet and exercised worked from everyone else but you...

A lot of times they do the supervised diet to make sure that you are willing and ready to make changes in your eating habits. I also have a thyroid condition and have been on meds for it for over 10 years now. A hypothyroid can also cause or at least help along weight gain and inability to lose weight. Good luck and I'm sure everything will go well. :eek: Take care.

I live on the scale. I probably get my 10k steps by walking back and forth from my living room to my scale hehe. I also log every bite I put in my mouth and every sip that I take, every minute I exercise. For me, it's all about accountability. I try not to let the temporary water gain freak me out. If I'm taking in 1000 calories a day of clean food and exercising an hour a day, logically I know the weight gain is either muscle or water. I have to do this (everyone is different), or I'll find myself near 300 lbs. again. It's the only thing that works with me. It's my way of ninja. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I just experienced the same thing except 10lbs in 3 days... I am so panicked right now. i cannot wait for monday to get here. I have never lost weight counting calories and always eat low carb.. Ahi tuna appetizer last night and 3 chicken wings = 5lb weight gain this morning Help!!!

I take currently 10 psych meds 4 during the day and about 8 at night some are repeats ok the only thing you have to worry about are things like extended release meds which if you work with your psych doc you can get switched to rapid release or a different med all together also enteric coated pills at first do not absorb as well so switch to something different then you can switch back several medications are in the same class and are just as effective because they have the same action mechanism in your brain for example if you take geodon you can switch to Latuda it is also a safer med should you get pregnant soon after surgery if you take lamotragine which is the generic for I think lamictal you can switch to trileptal things like klonipin have under the tongue doses for more effectiveness also seraquel can and should be swapped for trazadone the reason being seraquel has the latent weight gain possible night time eating and a chance to cause insulin resistance. If you need a sleeping agent try belsomra it works in a different area of the brain and you don’t sleep walk for migraines impulsive behavior and mood stabilizer topirimate or topamax is great it also helps with weight loss hope this helps btw my mil is a shrink so if you need advice pm me

Averaging 800 calories a day at eight weeks out, any weight gain is most likely Water and will quickly disappear. Walking will almost certainly increase your weight loss and reduce the time it takes. It also will help you maintain your goal weight. Lots of options - early morning, late evening, lunch time, neighborhood, treadmill, nearby park, mall - whatever fits with your schedule and your preferences. Start slow and work your way up over time. Even 20 minutes will make a big difference. Set a goal of at least three times a week, four is even better. If you stick with it, you may find that it quickly becomes addictive!

I am one month into my six-month medically supervised diet and have already accomplished so much. All that is left is my psych eval, to complete my six months, and to submit my application for pre-approval. That is it! I should feel elated at getting my checklist near-done, yet I am finding that I do not have much to focus my attention on now that I am as done as I can be for now. This deficit has left me feeling a little depressed and I worry a lot about being turned down by my insurance (HMA through PeaceHealth). I should be occupied with work and graduating this fall, yet that is not what is occupying my thoughts. What does everyone focus on during this time of waiting? How do you stay positive? I suppose I am used to instant gratification and should feel grateful to have this time to work on the problems that led to my weight gain to begin with. Where do you find your hope for a better tomorrow regardless of the uncertainty? How do you focus? Thank you all in advance for your advice. I appreciate it.

Has anyone that hasn't lost like they thought they should, found that a medication they were on was responsible? I know some medications cause weight gain, appetite changes, etc. I take Paxil and oral birth control and am wondering if either of these or possibly both are partly to blame for my EXTREMELY slow weight loss (banded 18 mos and down 15 pounds!!!!):thumbup:

I think a 3rd surgery for 6kg is a little drastic.... have you tried going back to basics? Are you tracking your food? Reaching Protein goals? Whats your diet like? In my opinion.... 6kg weight gain in 3 years is not bad at all... you can get rid of that with 2 weeks of following your original pre op diet...