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The barium test is a standard practice among surgeons who specialize in gastric surgeries. It is the best way to ensure there isn't even the slightest leak. It's done within the first 24 hours this way if anything is even detected they can fix it asap instead of waiting for the problem to come up later on. I knew about having the test before I had the surgery it was explained to me ahead of time. Now for me I drink Muscle Milk for my protein. It's 310 calories for 32 grams of protein even drinking that 5 times a day would put u at 1550 calories in just shakes alone. Then add in food. In order to gain 20 pounds in under 7 weeks you would need to average 3 pound weight gain a week. There is no way unless drinking weight gainer protein that someone ONLY 7 weeks out gains that type of weight AND there surgeon tells them they stretched out there sleeve. You CAN NOT stretch out that sleeve on a basic liquid diet it's physically impossible. I have to agree with others that if her surgeon did a sleeve on her and told her that then she needs to see a different surgeon to ensure he is being honest with her in the surgery that he did and 2 that it was performed properly and correctly.

Hey gang, just wanted to pop in and say hello. Things are going pretty good here. I'm 16 weeks already! No weight gain yet and no more extreme band tightening either. I do feel some restriction coming back, so I'm having to pay more attention to what I'm eating again. My back is killing me though, especially on work days. I'm assuming it's half pregnancy related and half not-exercising related. I feel like such a sloth right now. I can't wait for the weather to get warm, so I can go for some nice walks outside! Maria

It has been pretty rough. I am just looking forward to a healthy recovery and a period of more than 1 month of not being sick! That would be fantastic. I am frustrated today though because I am still showing an 8 lbs weight gain on the scale, and so bloated in my midsection. I also haven't gone to the bathroom yet...since Wednesday. I cannot imagine that as being good. I am going to the doctor's office tomorrow to meet with the nutritionist, so if the situation does not resolve itself by then I'll let her know. The problem is that I return to work tomorrow...what in the world am I going to wear!!! I have been getting by with sweats for the last few days since those are the only things that are not form fitting, but I might get looked at funny if I show up tomorrow in head to toe fleece. lol wish me luck!

Hey everyone! I haven't had internet access for a few days and it's been killing me! LOL! Everything here is going good. All is well with the pregnancy so far. I am starting to feel my band tighten up at times, so I'm sure another unfill is looming in the near future. I still haven't gained anything yet. I'm a little ashamed to admit I am absolutely terrified of gaining back everything I lost over the past year. I'm hoping to keep my pregnancy weight gain to under 20lbs, which should be fine since I still weight 235! I haven't really discussed it with my OB yet, so I'm curious to what she'll have to say. The good thing is, now that the tiredness is starting to wear off, I've actually been feeling like exercising. I got some Leslie Sansone tapes from my mom, and I'm going to try them out 3 days a week. I'm restricted to walking for exercise, so I figured the Leslie Sansone workouts would be sufficiently low-impact. It's too damn crappy to go walk outside, and it's too frigid to walk on my basement treadmill. I can't wait for spring! Tonya - yes I'm taking my vits! I even got my OB to give me chewable prenatals! BGB - good to see you back here! Lynn - can't wait to hear about surgery. Sending thoughts and prayers your way!

I am so there with you! Have had this "unexplained" weight gain happen to me several times. I can offer some thoughts as to what is happening, whether they apply or not, who knows? But, without doubt, I can tell you RELAX!! It's OK! It's more than likely not REAL weight, but rather the body retaining water from exercise. This is soooo common...the body "insulates, cushions" the strained (injured) muscles by packing on the fluid. I know, I know...it sucks...but seriously...you did not consume 7200 calories extra...your body is burning more than usual (BMR)...so it has to be this, IMHO. Now, don't misunderstand...I KNOW how mad that can make you!!! A few tricks...extra fluids, more protein. Try a protein bar, slice of deli meat, FF string cheese. Always strength training BEFORE cardio. Eat small amount of protein 1/2 to 1 hour after workout. Back off any bad carbs if you're eating them. Ok...time to go practice my own preaching. I'm rootin' for you!

I don't know why I haven't seen this thread before but anyway... I'm here now. I really need something to get me back on track. The weight is not coming off as fast as I'd like it to and I have been stuck in the same 35# range since Thanksgiving. Do I cheat? Yes, sometimes. But I wanted the band to keep me from cheating or at least give me a punch when I tried to cheat. That is not easy after years and years of bad habits. I wouldn't say it was any one bad habit in particular, it was just negligence. Years went by and I realized one day that I had gained 150# in a space of about 10 years. All that time I did nothing to stop it. I guess I just kept making excuses and ignored the weight gain. It wasn't until health problems started occuring that I decided to do something about it. Now, I'm stuck yet hopeful. Maybe this thread and support from other men will help. I never had a goal weight but I remember a friend years ago told me that if I would just lose 30# she would be all over me 24/7. At that time my weight was the lowest I can remember at 235#. So I think 30# less and I will have my goal weight!

Hi everybody I was wondering if any of you had a weight gain shortly after surgery? My sleeve surgery was Monday of this week. Now its Thursday and Im up 10 pounds from the weight on Monday. Isnt that a kick in the pants?

Hi Angyl - Ohhhh, I am sorry to hear that the test didn't go well, but I have to tell you - GIRL YOU ROCK!!! I can't imagine even TAKING a test a day or two after surgery. Surely your professor will work with you on it . . . Keep us posted. Any weight gain that shows up on the scale at this point is Fluid, so don't let it worry you one bit. I did the same thing after my TT - I guess it is a lifetime of watching the scale that makes us torture ourselves like that, I don't know, but there is NO way you've gained any in the last few days. And about being able to eat 5 Ritz crackers . . . that (in my opinion) is not too much. Now - understand that there was a time I would have rushed like a crazy woman to my band doctor insisting I needed a fill if I'd been able to eat 5 crackers, but after 2 different episodes of being way tooooo tight, I now understand that it really is okay to be ABLE to eat, moderation really is the key and the band (when properly adjusted) will help you with that. I would say that for at least the first year I had the band I had no concept of how much I really should be eating. I thought if I was physically ABLE to eat, then my little silicone buddy must not be tight enough. In my case, nothing was further from the truth . . . So, without trying to sound like your mother :wub: - don't think just because you can eat 5 crackers that you don't have restriction. I would say give it some time because your band may be in a little bit of shock after your surgery. I chose not to get an un-fill before my TT and have had some very tight days since, but in the long-run, I think it is going to be okay. My thought is, as the swelling goes down, hopefully it will return to my pre-TT state, that was PERFECT for the first time in a year. Have a great Sunday - Happy Easter . . .

I hear ya! got on the scale tuesday (surgery was monday) and was freaking out with the 10lb weight gain...all water and gas though! back down to where I was pre surgery

Hi I had my surgery 12/28/12. Everyone thought I was crazy to start this during the holidays but having the pre-op liquid diet of Optifast worked for me. I even did a 7 day cruise on 1/28/13 with my doctor's knowledge. He said to use wise choices on the cruise and that nobody was sticking a gun to my head to eat. Well, I did OK because I came back from the cruise with a 10 lb loss. I had my first fill on 2/6/13 but now I'm not getting that stop feeling I was getting when I started. I also made some bad choices like yesterday I went to the movies after a yr hiatus. I still can't resist the smell of movie popcorn even though it is unbuttered. I shared the popcorn with a diet coke which I only took mini sips of because I didn't want to wash the food down. Anyway, even though I didn't eat all the popcorn I felt guilty. I was also unable to eat anything else for the rest of the day because I didn't feel full but I wasn't hungry at all, so I didn't have dinner. My question is this: does anyone slip with a bad choice and feel guilty? I'm concerned I'm going to have a weight gain for making a bad choice

Hi Guys! I live i the UK, but got banded in Belgium on March 28th. A week and a half later I am feeling great! I was 228 pounds before surgery and am now 218 having lost 10 pounds already! A few days ago I had actually lost 13 pounds but have gained a few pounds since I started the mushy stage of my diet. I was not concerned about the weight gain though as I was hardly eating any calories for the first week after surgery. Anyway, I am healing well. I have taken off all my stick bandages and the wounds are healing nicely. I am still getiing a rather numbing pain in my shoulder from time to time. Why is this? Dave

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I lost 20 pounds during the 6-month weight loss program, which was at a different hospital--it was not connected with my surgeon's office. I first met with my surgeon about three months later, and during that time I had gained back those 20 pounds. However, I did not gain weight between the time I first saw the surgeon and my surgery date. Nonetheless, I don't think your weight gain would be enough to delay your surgery. However, you should discuss it with your surgeon. Just tell the truth and don't try to "cheat" by starving yourself before your next appointment.

I've been back on the 5:2 bandwagon for a couple of weeks and have managed to rein in the really bad junk I was consuming; hence, weight gain. Have lost back down some of the weight. Need another 5-8 pounds to be where I want to STAY. (Yeah, here I again! ????). Haven't been on BP much because the new app freezes up everytime I try to read posts on any thread. Lots of people having the issue so hopefully, there is. "Fix" soon. Anyway, let's hit it, Girls! Florinda, "Fall- new season - fresh start!"

I think the skinny jeans look way better too. Globe, where are you? Are you still in Oregon? I really feel for all of you taking care of elderly parents. I did that already and it was very hard. It really wore me down. I miss my parents, but I don't miss their health failing more and more all the time. Going off to Roseburg today so Bill can go to Costco. It's 80 mi one way. there's some othe stuff he wants to do there too. I am just glad to get out of town. It will be warmer there too. I am really afraid my gabapentin which I take for sleep is causing weight gain. I have been really good and not dropped an ounce.

I think finding a hobby/activities to change your focus away from food is very useful. Some years ago I recognized this about my horse world - yes, I rode even when I was huge. Anyway, I could be out all day with friends doing a long ride, and all the logistics that go with it and as long as I had enough water, I was fine. We might take small snacks along, but food just wasn't important. If i were home that same day - trying to go say 6-8 hours without eating, I would have hunger headaches, shakey lowblood sugar, growling tummy and general feeling of low energy misery. It would trigger an overeating when i did finally eat. Anyway, I use this basic approach now - I try to do things that keep me outside of the "foodie" world. I simply don't hang around with people or put myself in situations that are so food oriented. When i did the VSG, I lived with my ex Sig Other, and my two grown sons - I didn't expect any of them to change their junky food habits because I was obese and they are in the range of trim to a few extra pounds. anyway, what i discovered is that I was the source of most of that bad eating and they have all taken it further and really don't bring junk home. They use my approach for treats and temptations - have something you want but don't bring it home. Once you bring it home you have to "resist" every minute of every day that it is sitting on that shelf. Globe - I got really constipated to the point that miralax and all didn't work since i had basically a blockage. I had to use those glycerin suppositories which was gross, but worked. Cheri - I guess for many of us there are multiple dimensions to the whole obesity story. I know that being molested as a child was a major thing that set off my weight gain. You know what, i looked at pictures of myself at 4 or 5 and I was slightly plump, cute as a bug, long shirley temple like curls. My first grade school picture shows a girl with the shortest hair cut you can imagine (I wacked it off to the scalp with scissors myself) and decidedly obese. I remember how much I was teased for both the fat and the haircut... but I have reframed that whole event to thinking about how I was able to make the molesting stop - I made myself unattractive - and it worked. I had something else really bad happen in my late teens (again when I was not so heavy) and sure enough, my response to it was to gain weight. It is a shame that something in our past may have made us feel the need to put on a fatsuit for self protection. I think that I generally worked through all that baggage a long time ago, but by then the fatsuit became very well ingrained and it was time for a physical change (the sleeve) to help me lose weight. What gives me hope about long term maintenance is that I no longer feel afraid of the world, even when I am thin.

I feel for all of you who have ailing parents. I remember that time as being the hardest times of my life. Even when my husband died from an accident at age 36, watching my parents fade every time I saw them, just broke my heart so much. I kept their house in Arizona for 3 years even though I live in Oregon because I could not bear to part with their things and their house. All of us are dealing with the same thing, weight gain. We are all veterans though. It drives me nuts that I was 139 this morning and my clothes don't fit. How is 135 all that different from 139? It just makes no sense to me that I can barely button my jeans with a 4 lb. difference. I have a very large friend who is contemplating either gastric bypass or sleeve now that Medicare is finally paying for the sleeve. I am telling her of all the complications I know gastric bypass people face down the road. I know so many people who have gained all of their weight back, and deal with iron infusions, and hypoglycemia , who have had gastric bypass. You can definitely eat around the sleeve, but at least we are all healthy! I have to drive 3 hours next week to see a malpractice attorney. I really hope he can convince my first surgeon's insurance company that they need to pay my medical bills. He said he has gone against every malpractice insurance company any doctor can have. I really hope he can help me. I deleted a couple people from the group who have never posted. wish Brown and Sarsar and Kelly from Seattle would would check in!

Hi Ladies.. I had a great weekend. LV Glad your back in the game. UK Cathy. good idea on the personal trainer. I'm still not there yet. Cheri. She is adorable and of course a good reason for a weight gain. Just think you'll be able to set her on the right nutritionists path with all you've learned and your new eating lifestyle. I may not have been an overweight adult had I had more information about eating right during my youth and especially my teens. My grandmother always told me not to eat bread, but there was no real understanding of carbs and sugar avoidance or ever really balanced eating in my household at that time. Your children are lucky they have you to teach them all of that. CGJ glad you got back safe , sounds like the trip was a success. Continue to rest, relax and heal. The 50th anniversary party I threw this weekend was a great success. I had a fabulous time. There was lots of dancing and dancing and dancing. I had on a new dress, currently the smallest size dress in my closet and I felt beautiful. Really enjoyed my self, until I got home and started to relax. Well I got the worst Charlie horses and leg cramps I have every had in my life!!. So much pain I wanted my family to take me to the emergency room!!.. Lucky hubby was willing to rub my feet which is where the pains were starting , rub my legs and help me stretch them out. OUCH!! such pain. I know.. I know... if I were exercising often that would not have happened.. I have cleared a path to my recumbent bike and might have to wrap my head around moving more than once a year. Still nursing the initial 3 pound loss. I weigh daily, and I've seen a 5 pound loss, but it goes up and down. This will be the second week of really moving the calories down under 1200 and no snacking on fast days, not even planned ones. trying to learn control. Marching into a new week..

Holy cow! I finally got to the end of the line of posts... Want to comment on them all, but have been away so long im sure its old news.... I have been so busy, time just flys some times... Last weekend went kayaking, hubby finally got his own so we can plan more trips for the summer. Gardening and weight gain! Just 2 pounds over my bounce, but can I see it on the muffin top! I have been fasting pretty well, one or two times a week, but the other days are full of c-r-a-p! I am inspired by you all, hitting the fasts or not, keep up the good work to those doing it, and lets get out of that slump to those who are in it with me. Good for you getting back on track! Feels pretty good to be there I bet. I have been logging too, yesterday was 1900 So I hear you... I can really put it away some days! I did get in some exercise, but still... the scales don't seem to care about that.... . I have a docs appt in the middle of June where whe expects me to have lost 5 pounds.... uh, not really going to happen... and a dance performance in July... holy cow! Good luck on that one. I am just going to do it and try and get over my fear of looking like a goof...my dance girls want me to be in thier troop, and if I want to go there, I just have to start somewhere. Go Girl Go! you are my inspiration Coops! Nice to see you here... job stuff sucks sometimes... We are going through Unionizing... I am going to a negotiating workshop on Sat... I figure it might help me in other parts of my life as well... you are a star girl, time to hit the thrift stores for groovie cloths and the new free agent that you are! Love my fitbit too...but not anywhere close to 10,000 most days... Sheryl, I have always felt bad about my arms... no mater thin or thick... getting the surgery might really be good for me, but the scars and the pain.... not sure Im ready for that... and about your tests, I hope it all works osut right... do try and balance your diet with lots of veggies... gotta stay healthy for that fun new wildman! Can I tell you how that pic just lit up my face?! You guys are so obviously young and in love! YOu are just glowing. And model beautiful? Absolutely girl. So sorry for the addiction friend... sad to see someone letting thier life slip away. You have reached out, and im sure she knows it... when she hits bottom... you will be there for her. Georgia, Denise, Wanda, and all, love coming here and hearing from you all girls!

I had sad news this morning my SIL passed away (lung cancer) only 58. She was diagnosed about 8 months ago and was told at the time she only had a 1% chance of survival. She had op and a few rounds of chemo. She kept it from friends and only the immediate family knew, she was still going in to work a couple of days a week. She founded and ran a charity for disabled youngsters to enable them to meet up and have a social life. Her youngest is 22 and he has cerebral palsy and this was her motivation. Even though it was expected it was so sudden, last week she was at the Glastonbury Festival with her family. Weight gain seems very insignificant today.

My family is 1/2 supportive. I have my hubby, mom and grandmother pro sleeve, and everyone else con. What's funny is the first people to point out I'm fat all the time are the people against me getting the surgery. I have 21 days till I get it done. Its at Good Shepard Hospital in Barrington, IL. I'm 31, about 247lbs and 5'8". I also have three kids, ages 2,2, and 1. I would like to blame them for my weight gain but it's my fault. I'd like to be 155lbs. I'm starting to get really nervous about Dec 3rd. I'm worried that it will hurt, that I'll have all this extra skin and what if I get this done and it doesnt work. I'm glad I found this so I can read what others are posting so I don't feel so alone.

I am RTRM (mammographer). It was partly my patients that helped me make my decision to have my sleeve done! Seeing first hand many, MANY very overweight and obese women telling me how their" weight gain got worse the older they got"! I have had to help young women in their 50's unable to stand undress themselves- I have heard countless stories of health problems caused from obesity! It's different when you hear it from the skinny news anchor or even your own doctor. Most of these women have no reason to discuss what they do with me however they do and I have been listening.... I had the surgery I have lost 55lbs since my surgery on 11-14-12. I have been struggling lately but I am trying to get back in the groove!

Janine, I couldn't help but notice you haven't posted since this post. How are you doing now? I understand what you are saying about mourning the loss of the band. I have gone through that, too. I think it's normal, and I think it's OK..... as long as you give yourself a reasonable amount of time to mourn and then get back up and move on. You, and I-- and all of us-- have gone through too much to let this fail us. Look-- I don't think that there are many of us that go through this process thinking it's short term. We make a commitment to our band and we do our part. If it fails us, we feel cheated, and rightfully so. But in the end, we have to realize there are some things we have control over and some things we don't. The only thing we have control over at this point is how we handle the outcome of losing our bands. The 12 pound weight gain is not what you wanted, but is to be expected. Just don't let the 12 pounds continue to multiply. You are adjusting your eating patterns once again. You CAN do this and we will be right here with you!!! (((hugs)))

Interesting. I'd like to see those because I've only seen studies that show a correlation between lack of sleep and weight gain, not proof. Great thread. I'm a chemical plant operator (no....not a telephone type operator). I make detergents that go into your car's engine oil. But I'm about to quit to go back to school full time to be a vet tech. Ssshhhhh....don't tell them. Oh yeah....part time massage therapist and part time bicycle mechanic as well. I stay busy.

Interesting study....and perhaps I'm missing something, but it still looks like correlation. Even in the study, they cannot "prove" cause, they only list "possible causes for shift work related weight gain." To me, that's like the correlation between watching too much TV and obesity. Yes, people who watch alot of TV may be more likely to be overweight, but watching the TV is not the cause. And correlation is not causation. Never mind....I'm not trying to get picky. I'm a shift worker, but I'm making plans to give it up. Trying to eat right and stay fit are difficult enough. Doing it while being a shift worker takes it to a whole other level of difficulty, but I'm living proof it can be done.

I’m about 3 weeks shy of my 2-year surgiversary. My husband and I are expecting our 2nd child, 1st one after WLS. My surgeon’s goal weight loss was 100 lbs. I lost 90 lbs prior to this pregnancy. I still track my daily intake on MFP and make support group meeting when possible. Prior to this pregnancy I consumed about 150 less calories/day. My OB/GYN says she thinks I can make it through this pregnancy with only a 10lb weight gain. Unfortunately, any amount of weight gain terrifies me[emoji30]. At 18 weeks visit I was up 3 lbs [emoji1430]. Baby is healthy, we are expecting a girl & hoping I can make it with very little weight gain and reach goal weight ASAP after our baby girl is born. [emoji120]