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I am considering going on the pill and wondering if anybody has experienced any slowing down of their weight loss or any weight gain????

Dear Anita, Boy that is bad luck. I must say having seen thousands of people with the band, this level of complication I have not seen. The weight gain you have experienced may be due to the frustration and feeling let down by the whole process. I would hope that your Dr is giving some extra TLC. Keep at it and be extra patient until the process gets started. IN the mean time gain some control back in your life by focusing on what you can have control over. I think being active does wonders for your mind set, that includes fresh air. Good luck Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

I am 9 Weeks out, down 32lbs. I still worry that I wont hit my goal weight. I can tell you that you can not eat the portions you ate before. It is painful to eat too fast or too much. Every time I eat, I think about it. Not because it is a habit, but you feel it. I don't eat mindlessly. Because I eat so much less now, what I eat is a lot more important to me. Protein first, always. Yes, I've had cookies. But not a bag full, 2 little cookies. And that's all I needed. I went a couple Weeks and gained a pound! But my body re adjusted and I am back to losing. Being scared or anxious is normal. The sleeve is what you make it, it will not cure you, it is a tool. I have to re program my brain and my relationship with food. It won't happen overnight, but neither did the weight gain. Trust your doctor and when the pounds start coming off, you'll be so happy, eating crap food doesn't sound so great. It motivates me.

Hello - I was sleeved on 9/10 and so far my recovery has been right on par. Everything I expected to happen, happened (THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE!!) and every day I saw drastic improvements in how much Protein I was able to get in, fluids, etc. Small victories, but exciting nonetheless. In addition to quitting medicine for Diabetes Type II and Hypertension (yea, kicked them in the a**)... I've quit smoking and quit caffeine (I am also a recovering drug/alcohol addict with almost 3 years sober). So, I have a LOT to be grateful for and proud of. But, I have a lot of fear and anxiety that "it wont happen." Anyone else have this post-op? I even gained 3 lbs when I switched from Clear liquids to full liquids. I'm still getting less than 600 calories a day, 70+ grams of protein and as much Water as I can. Is this normal? How can I not focus on the # glaring back at me from the scale? Thanks!

I have tried 2 others but I am a light sleeper and don't like things on my face or head, I'm gonna try again tonight. This is one of the main reasons I am getting the surgery. My Dad had sleep apnea, so does my brother and sister so surgery may not help, but funny thing, I received a letter from the dentist saying they now make mouth pieces to relieve sleep apnea, the cost is $240, if weightloss doesn't help I will look into it. Don't know which came first, sleep apnea or huge weight gain, it all happened around the same time. Take Care and pray for me on the 7th of Aug. ...........Anniemay

As you age, your metabolism slows down. Older people also tend to have less muscle mass than younger people, which also reduces metabolic rate. This is why we encourage older patients to add light weight-bearing exercise to their fitness routines. So how do you keep that furnace burning in order to burn calories, even if you’re already achieved your goal weight? There are many simple tools to accomplish this task. I’ve outlined my favorites below: Exercise This weapon is key to maintaining and increasing metabolism. Seniors, take note−The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 and older get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and perform weight-bearing exercises on all the body’s major muscle groups at least twice a week. At any age, indoctrinate a 30-minute daily work-out, just like brushing your teeth and eating lunch, into your daily routine. Sleep To increase the chances of boosting metabolism, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting too little shut-eye can significantly alter your body’s processes enough to predispose you to gain weight. (Do you ever feel hungry for no reason when you’re exhausted and then reach for the wrong foods to boot?) De-Stress When you’re tense, your body releases cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal system that is linked to weight gain. It can also significantly weaken your immune system and open the door to acute and chronic illnesses. Turn to regular physical activity, deep breathing, a quiet evening stroll, or professional help from a psychologist or counselor if you are experiencing chronic stress. Eat and Drink (First and foremost, follow your bariatric practice's instructions on post-op nutrition.) Eating the right foods−clean proteins, fruits and vegetables−fuels your metabolism firing on all cylinders. As soon as you awaken, charge-up those calorie burners by feeding them a protein and a fruit (think omelette with feta cheese, spinach and veggies and a cup of berries). Eat small meals throughout the day but stop by around 7 p.m. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining good health. Keep a glass or refillable water bottle with you throughout the day. You are properly hydrated if your urine is nearly clear. Other than choosing the right foods to eat and finding spiritual solace in your life, these tools serve as a roadmap to good health, including maintaining a healthy weight. Best of all, once you’ve adopted these tips, you will look and feel better--sooner than you think.

Just remember, there are many benefits from this procedure. We loose weight, and yes, we do retain Water. That will add some weight but I'd rather retain water than get dehydrated. Our physical health is also getting better. We have less cholesterol, blood sugar is within normal range hopefully and most of us are taking our Vitamins on a daily basis now. We are more mindful of what we put in our mouths, and yes, we do cheat but that's ok. We just get back on track. Life is getting so much better now. Yes I hate have to buy new cloths just to have to turn around and buy smaller size cloths later. I'm not complaining, I love it, it's just cost $$$$$. I love my new smaller body. If you have a weight gain, it's a stall and your retaining water. I was drinking gatorade and that has a high sodium content which contributed to retaining water. LOL Hang in there and enjoy the new eating habits we are developing.

So I am going to have my Gallbladder removed on Thursday. In my research I keep finding that people who have had theirs removed, complain about weight gain in the following years. Are there any bander's out there who have had GB Surgery (after the band) and are you having a difficult time with weight loss now????? Anything I should know???? Thanks for your replies and advice.

I survived Thanksgiving with no weight gained or lost. I put a little of everything I wanted on my plate, at till I was full. I even had a piece of pie much later in the day. Even with all of that and FIVE deviled eggs, I still didn't hit 1400 calories for the day. I feel good about that. I also made my Protein and Water goals for the day, which was great. But, most importantly, I learned that I can resist temptation, with a little help from my friend the sleeve.

I was on it many years ago but had problems with reoccuring precancerous cells on my cervix. I went off the Depo and never had a problem since. When I went to my OB last year about birth control, she specifically said she wouldn't put me on Depo because of the massive weight gain it can cause. Just my experience.

I'm Tammy (or Flutterby - the original name for a butterfly... ) I'm 45 yrs old, 5'8" tall. I weigh 295 lbs. My BMI is at 44.8. My first goal is 170 lbs. Ultimate goal is 137 lbs. I've struggled with my weight since my second child was born about 23 years ago. I tend to gain weight all over. Well, except my bust area (strange). However, in the last several years I have gained more in my belly. I look like I'm about eight months pregnant... Uggghh! Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved being pregnant and I adore being a mother, but I’m not having any more children and I’m ready to be able to lose all MY baby fat. The baby fat may have stayed with me, but I added a whole person’s weight to it. I need to lose half of my weight – a whole person’s worth. Only those who have been here understand how much that realization can hurt and disgust me. I have tried to lose weight by diet, exercise, supplements and programs just like so many others here. From Slim Fast, Cabbage Soup Diet, Herbal Life, fasting up to two weeks at a time,, Atkins, Low Calorie, Juicing Diets, Wheat Belly Diet, Gluten Free Diet, Gaps Diet, Hallelujah Diet, Mediterranean diet, Paleo Diet, HydroxiCut, Green Tea, many herbal supplements, OTC aids, a short span on prescription diet meds and thyroid medication and using vinegar as a diet aid. As I think about it, losing weight been a driving desire/force in my life since I turned 23. The endless weight loss/exercise and health-related books and internet ideas and “snake oil” type cures, well I’ve researched and attempted many of those as well. I've tried exercise alone, or in combination with diet plans. I've used 10 to 12 different exercise videos both aerobic and weight lifting combined with aerobics, walking, swimming, biking, stationary machines, free weights, machines like elliptical, treadmill, stationary bikes, etc. My results were sporadic and frustrating. I could stay with a weight loss or "get healthy" plan for months, sometimes even three years at a time but when I failed to lose weight at all or stalled with 10 or 15 pounds loss with hard work and high cost to sustain, I would slowly go back to eating my "normal diet". “Going back to my old ways” basically meant 70% healthy choices and still incorporating something new I learned, but I would stop resisting the dessert, the chips and dip, the popcorn with butter. I think the "extras" and "snacks" are one of my biggest weaknesses. I’ve also noticed in the last few months that I really do eat big portions especially when alone. I keep cooking for a big family and it’s only me and my teenage daughter at home to eat right now. No matter what, my weight has continued to climb the last 23 years. I get so sick of my failure to be able to control it or change it. Several times I have resigned myself to being fat. But as I got bigger and older, other things started happening to my health and I realized how much it affected my family and my ability to actually live life like I longed to. I kept thinking there had to be a "key" or a certain combination of things that would magically get my health back under control and I'd start losing weight. I had a sleep study done and found out I had severe obstructive sleep apnea. I was full of hope that using a CPAP would solve my problems because obviously I wasn't sleeping well with meant I wasn't getting proper rest. This in turn, I thought, surely meant it affected my metabolism and maybe perpetuated the problems with my weight. I considered that since I started gaining excess weight when my first marriage got emotionally and mentally and sexually abusive I might have been trying to be less desirable to protect myself from my husband at the time. I just wanted to be safe. I could write out that long story here, but suffice to say I got out of the marriage finally, after 16 years. What is frustrating is that even the strength and self esteem and “new lease on life” I gained by getting out of that marriage didn’t translate into the weight loss I should have or wanted to have and continued to try to have. So, was my weight gain or inability to lose it initially due to the stress of the bad marriage that involved sexual abuses? Maybe, maybe not. More likely it was also genetics and environmental (how I was raised nutritionally). Both my parents are obese and have struggled most of their adult lives trying to lose weight and now dealing with health problems related to being overweight. However I got here, I’m here. And I am so thankful and grateful that things have worked out for me to have this surgery. It’s such an answer to prayer and a dream come true. Honestly, I want this personally, but doing it for my family is a super-close second! One thing I am appreciative of is that I’ve probably learned enough about nutrition, vitamins, food, feeding a body, metabolism, weight gain concepts, healthy living and very interesting discoveries about foods like kefir, kombucha, barley green, apple cider vinegar, good water, food supplements, and the benefits of grass fed beef, range fed chickens & their eggs, and home grown vegetables to write my own book. However, since I’m having weight loss surgery – I doubt it would be deemed worthy of contributing to my health. It’s sad, but true. True because all these things didn’t “work” to help me lose weight. However, I do believe with all my heart that all I have learned will continue to be super valuable to feed my body right after I’m sleeved! My mantra has been, “If I don’t put myself first for once and lose the weight and get healthy, how can I be what my family needs me to be?” How can I truly give and serve and support and enjoy in my marriage and our children’s lives unless I first take care of me? Initially weight loss surgery can seem selfish and irresponsible. Only initially! In all truth, it is smart and right for me because it is what lines up with my vision of my future.

I had to do 6 month diet and was told I had to show weight loss and no weight gain

Had my sleeve done yesterday, 4/4/16. Before I left my house, I weighed 234 lbs. Just got home today and I now weigh 242 lbs. Is this normal? Is it Water weight?! Kinda freaked out at the moment! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

hi everyone, checking in....sorry i've been MIA. i have this bad habit of when i'm struggling...i hide....it's crazy. that's when i need to share with everyone the most.... i have alot going on that is causing me stress. it's not bad stuff but nonetheless stressful. 2 of them are are the top of those "stress lists". i'm moving from a house i just had built 3 years ago. i love the house...but...i am also getting married. my fiance has to live in the town that he is the head of the bank. i knew this from day one. in theory it all sounded fine...but going through it is a little hard. i really have seen my "headhunger" in action. it is so CLEAR. when i get off the phone with the realtor after a tough conversation....i immediately want to eat....ANYTHING but it has to be bad stuff. the good news i got back to the gym so it is making me have some sort of control. my big issue now is nighttime wanting sweets. if i can wrestle this....i'd be fine. that is a huge IF. whitepants: you really are inspirational in sharing your journey as it happens. the gym definitely helps to get us moving in the right direction. you are right when you say it's easy to lose control and harder to get back on track. but when we are on track...it's easier to stay there.. jeni: great news about the 4 lb loss. i hear ya' about we went this far....getting an operation, sacrificed to get the weight we have gotten off, we CANNOT give up and go all the way back. this statement you made is making sense to me and it offers me motivation not to give up. i know when i get in the give up mode..i will be 270 lbs in no time carol: good girl on no weight gain.... i will check back a little later in the week. i am trying to give up eating crap at night and sugar. that will be my promise. josie

Officially freaking out...surgery is tomorrow morning!!! I’ve been trying to get ready and have most of what I need at home. Ventured out to GNC today to look for isopure (read it’s good during pos-op liquid diet) and wanted to look at some protein powder. I am really worried about getting my protein in and it is all very overwhelming. Interestingly, while I was trying to look at all the options, a couple with a baby came in and I overheard their convo (very small store). The lady explained that she’s always had trouble gaining weight and once she got pregnant and had her daughter (super cute btw [emoji846]) she thought her ability to gain weight would get better but it actually got worse. So the husband cut her off and said they needed a weight gain protein powder and basically after that, the conversation ended up being between the GNC employee and the husband. He wanted whatever had the most and best chance and it didn’t matter how much she had to drink in a day, even though she kept telling him that she would not be able to drink that much. To top it all off, he ended up choosing her flavor and a mix cup (even though she said she didn’t like the color). Sharing bc I was put off by the husbands attitude and felt bad for her. I could be completely wrong here but wouldn’t surprise me if he gets on her about her weight, maybe about not eating enough, her appearance, etc. Most of us are on the other side of that spectrum but it made me realize that we might be going through the same things in terms of insecurities and it was eye-opening. Because I am overweight, I sometimes look at skinny people and feel jealous but didn’t really think about any struggles they might have. Thought I’d share. Anywho! Lol. They left with a giant tub of protein powder and I left with nothing! Lol. I was so overwhelmed with the choices I couldn’t make a decision. So asking for a friend [emoji3] I hope you guys can give me some recommendations of what you’re using. I worry about fat and calorie content and maybe how often you’re using the powder.....and do I really need it?? Thank you!!!!

Any of you out there who have gone through a pregnancy while banded, I'm curious as to how much weight you gained during the pregnancy and if you were able to take it off post partum. I am only 13 weeks along, and haven't gained anything. It is very difficult on my psychologically not losing weight at this point, even though this is definately not the time for weightloss! I continue to monitor the scale, in a slightly less obsessive manner than pre-pregnancy. I understand that I'm going to gain weight, or at least just stop losing, either of which my OB/GYN is fine with, but I had no idea it would mess with me mentally. I find myself physically hungry pretty much all the time, thanks in part to the pregnancy and to the slight unfill (food doesn't stay in the band as long) I had as a precautionary measure related to the pregnancy. It's very bizzare after 9 months of being satisfied by Protein shakes for Breakfast and only a few small meals a day to now having my stomach growling the minute I wake up, and even sometimes waking me up! Obviously I am eating more now-hence the stop in weight loss (which is pregnancy appropriate), however I worry that I am eating too much, and struggling with the thoughts of seeing 240 or 250 or more on the scale again.

Since i have had my IUD in...the Mirena I have had a very hard time losing my weight with my band, feel bloated all the time, have really oily skin, and am constantly moody/depressed.....I have read many many message boards and found many many many women in my shoes (obviously not with the band too...but with the Mirena) ....I since have gotten my IUD out and already feel like a new person... Any MD that tells you your weight gain etc has nothing to do with your IUD is a crock. I don't care how small the amt. of hormone is......hormones are hormones, and if you were sensitive to them on the pill, most likely you are going to be with the Mirena....will never never get an IUD again...wish I would have done more research on this before...I am also an RN and ususally look into this kind of stuff...but didn't put the weight gain and moodiness together until I came across other message boards on the Mirena....beware!

Do you have to be on your period to have the Mirena inserted,like with the other IUD's? Did you notice weight gain when you first had it inserted.I need to seriously look into a good birth control.Twice I have lost lots of weight and both times,I got pregnant.Don't even want to go there now that I'm banded.I have too much invested in this band right now.Anyways I already have my 4 kids that's all I'll ever need.

Congrats on your success so far... Contact your team that handled your surgery if possible and form a plan. Return to nutritional visit if you can, support group if available, then pull out your binder /original plan and see where you are. While at a support group a few weeks ago the topic was regain and how to manage it, these were some of the questions the NUT told everyone to pay attention to if fighting regain: How far have you drifted? What was the original weight goal (realistically)? Did you change anything to cause the weight gain? Any life changes (health, job, relationships,etc)? Can you go back to basics (protein and vegetables only to test for weight loss ) or reset for a week? What is your protein intake? What is your vegetables /fruit intake? What is your carb intake? Do you have hidden calories (too much sugars, carbs, condiments, slider foods) ? Are you drinking your calories ( juice, soda alcohol) ? What is your Water/zero cal fluid intake ? Safe journey again! VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 167

Hey all, happy easter! I'm going to ask my doctor about this too but i wanted to see if anyone else has had this before surgery. I went to the doc a couple weeks ago and it was a clinic...because of my BMI (41 i think) she COULDN'T give me pills. and she said the depo shot would cause weight gain so b/c of the sleeve and all she didn't want to do that. I'm getting sleeved in august and I wont let my boyfriend even touch me lol. I'm so scared that im going to get pregnant either before the surgery and not be able to have the surg or right after the surgery and never reach my goal . So i was thinking about getting the arm implant. The only problem is ...I would have to get it before surgery (for reasons i'd rather not go into......) Would this be okay for surgery? Has anyone had this??? Thanks in advance!! Happy easter!

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.

According to my nutritionist after you enter the Maintenance phase, your meals should consist of equal parts of protein, fats and carbs but always put protein first. Fats are important because they help to control hunger. It is common to have some limited weight gain after weight loss surgery. They call it a 20 pound bounce. The important thing is not let go beyond this 20 pounds. Most times this weight gain is due to a poor choice of snacks. Snacks should be limited to primarily to whole food options: nuts, natural nut butters, fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, string cheese, yogurt with berries and almonds, tuna pouches. Avoid processed packaged foods as much as possible. Also do not expect to lose weight at a rate similar to right after surgery. Generally if you gained the additional weight over a couple years, then it may take a couple years of watching what you eat to get back down.

I am at goal after just over two years with my band. I lost 87 pounds & weigh 131 now, you can do the math. I don't want to have my band removed, but I had to have it unfilled. I really pushed it to keep it filled long enough to loss the last 10 pounds. I knew it had slipped. It took work for me to even get enough liquid down. It was one small swallow at a time. I couldn't eat much of anything. I had bouts of nighttime acid reflux, & by the time I reached goal & went to TJ for, at least a partial refill, I had a pretty severe case of gastritis. When the fill doctor looked at the floroscope he said I had to totally unfill the band. Of course I dreaded this, fearing immediate weight gain, but he left me no choice and I wasn't surprised. He also said about 80% of the people whose band looked like this had to have them out, but then also noted a couple of things in favor of me beating those odds. It's been more than a month & the gastritis has almost resolved & after 3 weeks on liquids & mushies, I can eat most anything. I still have restriction on certain things; chicken, salad, sticky rice,etc., but mainly I can eat most anything. The really great thing is that after almost 5 weeks, I haven't gained weight. I have been on Weight Watchers all along. It's just before it was easy, now I have to work at it, but so far so good. I made it to goal & am a Lifetime member. I want to keep my band so I can get it refilled if I need to. I am cautiously optimistic. By the way - I look great, at least to me, and I'm enjoying the heck out of buying size 8 clothes.

First off, it's great you finally started incorporating exercise. That is definitely a MUST for continued loss and eventual maintenance. However, as counter-intuitive as it is, starting a new exercise plan can actually slow loss or even cause some weight gain initially. The key is to not get discouraged and to stick with it. Eventually it will pay off big time!

I had some of the same problems you have including major weight gain after hysterectomy. You will be so happy to be off all those meds much quicker than you think. The only negative I have had is thinning hair. They say it will stop at some point and start growing back in.