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I'm right there with you. I also got a lap band in 2013, lost 98 pounds, then started a gradual regain of over half of what I had lost. Eventually developed abdominal pain issues. Testing showed no other possible reasons so my band was removed July 31 of this year. Pain gone immediately so had to have been the band. On Oct 9th I had vertical gastric sleeve surgery. I am down 35 pounds and 2 pant sizes so far. I hope I learned an important lesson over the past years....that the same actions (excess carb intake ) always equals the same result (weight gain) . At 63 years old I'm getting too old to keep starting this journey over again.

Thank you for the advice, it sounds good except I upped my calories a couple of months ago to 1200 with high protein of 100g or more and I gained 5 lbs in two weeks instead of losing. needless to say I freaked and dropped it back down. Did I stop to soon because the weight gain was initial?

I'm really struggling with the decision to move ahead with surgery or not. Here's what I don't understand. How are you not destroying your metabolism by only eating 750 calories a day? Will you never be able to eat regularly again for risk of packing on the pounds? I did the HCG diet years ago (it's terrible. Never ever do it) In a nutshell... you gave yourself a shot every day that kept your body from realizing that it was being starved and then ate about 750 calories a day while your body worked hard to function as usual. The weight dropped off. I lost quickly over about 3 months and then stopped the injections and slowly eased back into a regular diet of about 1500-1800 calories a day. AND THE WEIGHT JUMPED BACK ON so fast I was floored. I was eating a healthy, well balanced diet on the low end of daily intake for my height and weight and activity. But I gained a pound a day until I was 20 pounds heavier than I was before the diet. Explain to me how this forced starvation doesn't do the same thing? My stomach will stretch. We know it does because we are told we can slowly eat more over time. Won't my metabolism think I've starving and halt? Am I really expected to only eat 800 calories a day for the rest of my life or expect to gain?? Thank you for sharing facts and experience.

You aren't failing. Keep tracking, and use that info to meet with a decent nutritionalist. I am unclear on the intensity of your exercise, but suspect that over time you may need more calories. 9 weeks, it is still hard to get much in. Are you meeting hydration, Protein and carb targets? Try to not eat late at night. I don't know about prozak, i took it for about 2 weeks when I was depressed after my mother died and it made me insane, so didn't stay with it long enough to assess impact on weight loss. Some anti depressant drugs are known for weight gain as a side effect. I didn't catch the painful puzzle - do you mean emotional pain over the slower weight loss or something else? i know I am not offering much here - but I think the key is to take a breath, keep following the program and in time, the weight loss will come. I too failed a million times, including with the lapband, so I understand the terror, but it isn't very productive or helpful... hang in there!

I don't mind you asking at all, but it's a hard question for me to answer. I had my surgery right after my final and third child was born over 15 years ago, and with each pregnancy I put on more weight. It had been a steady incline set in motion after my first pregnancy. My best answer is that I had been gaining weight for five years at that point, and I didn't notice a marked increase of weight gain after my gb surgery, but I continued to gain weight over the years. There's plenty of over weight to obese people in my family, but only my mom and I had to have our gall bladders removed. This is not scientific, but in all honesty, I don't believe losing your gall bladder will in any way affect your weight loss.

Total BS! My doc said to have your cheat days twice a month and thats it....Getting real tired of people telling me "well its ok to have this once in a while". Then you start thinking to yourself "hmm, you know thats right, I can have it once in a while". Next thing you kno, every thing ur eating becomes a "once in a while type food" lmao. This whole summer I messed up badly, BBQ's everywhere, hangouts, drinking etc. I was trying to focus on clean eating but everyones like chill out u deserve to have sum type of fun. So thats what I did, chilled out. My mistake bc ofcourse, I had to pay the price of weight gain! (Like 5-10 pounds) Which was a set back for me bc I was only 20 pounds away from my goal and just ended up prolonging it as we all know the last 20 pounds r the HARDEST to lose. A small stomache is a TOOL! You cannot exspect to be eating junk in small portions and believe that you will have your dream body in no time. I'm so glad I was able to get my ass back in check and get back to work! I now meet with my strength training coach 3x a week and then go to lucille roberts to take a few classes when I can. I focus on Protein protein protein and very little carbs. Two weeks so far and Im feeling FAB! Yesterday at work we had a pizza party. Everyone had pizza and I watched them while I drank my Premier Protein shake! Someone told me "You can have a slice, one slice wont kill you" I said "It wont kill me and it wont HELP me either. Today isnt cheat day, It can wait" I'm just feeling unstopabble and Im not tryna hear no one's peer pressure. Just thought I'd warn some of you. Dont ever get too comfortable and dont listen to others. Always do YOUR BODY good! Have a nice day

Hi everyone I am feeling sad , I stalled in week 3 and now I gained 2lbs and don't know why ? I am doing everything that my surgeon and diteian has told me . Has any one else had this problem in such a early stage , I have under active thyroid problem could this be the reason

With regard to the depression aspect, definitely talk to your doctor about it if you haven't already started the process for treatment. As for the weight gain, since today is Friday, why don't you use the weekend to stock up on healthy foods, and make a promise to your self that on Monday you take back your life. You did it before, and you can do it again! HUGS!!!!!

FOR ANYONE IN THE FUTURE THAT MIGHT STUMBLE UPON THIS AND WANT TO KNOW... I will also update after my WLS. Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine system disorder in women. About 10% of all women of reproductive age have signs of PCOS, which is a hormone imbalance that can cause weight gain, acne, extra hair, irregular periods, and other problems. Perhaps the most significant problems experienced by women who suffer from PCOS are hyperandrogenism (the presence of excess of male sex hormones), and anovulation, which causes a woman to stop ovulating, rendering her infertile. Many women who suffer from PCOS are also obese. Recent studies have indicated that women who are significantly overweight may achieve improvement with PCOS through the significant weight loss that bariatric surgery can bring. Below we discuss the role of weight loss surgery as a potential tool to assist patients with PCOS. The Connection Between PCOS and Excess Weight Almost 60% of women with PCOS are obese. Many women with PCOS are also insulin resistant and/or have a reduced glucose tolerance. When someone is insulin resistant, their body does not use its insulin effectively to store glucose in the body as fuel. Too much glucose is the system slows the breakdown of fat in the body and creates new fat cells. This is why someone who is insulin resistant tends to gain weight. The problem worsens when the insulant resistant person’s body makes more insulin, trying to compensate for the inefficiency. This increase in supply only makes the body more insulin resistant. It is estimated that over half of women with PCOS are resistant to insulin and eventually will develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of serious metabolic conditions (high blood sugar, high HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, abdominal obesity, and high blood pressure) that increase risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Since bariatric surgery treats weight gain and obesity, it can have a positive effect on the metabolic processes – including how the body metabolizes insulin. This in turn may be able to treat the symptoms of PCOS that relate to problems processing sugar, such as weight gain. This relationship may explain why weight loss surgery seems to affect PCOS symptoms. Studies Show Bariatric Surgery Can Help PCOS Research has shown that weight loss surgery can reverse the conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, etc.) or prevent them from occurring. Additionally, scientific studies have shown a positive connection between bariatric surgeries and relief from PCOS symptoms. The basis of these assertions is the relationship between PCOS and obesity. One study of 33 women with PCOS who underwent weight loss surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation found that bariatric surgery resolved many key characteristics of PCOS, including enlarged ovaries and excess androgen. The study concluded that women should consider weight loss surgery as an extreme remedy for PCOS. Still, the women with PCOS who did undergo bariatric surgery did report positive effects on their symptoms. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

May I ask what BMI you were when your weightloss stopped and what BMI you are now, after the weight gain? I would be tempted to go back to basics. Total basics. Protein, Water, no carbs, lower fat, lower sugar.

I had my band for 5 1/2 years and didn't have any problems (except weight gain) until about 8 months ago when I went to get a fill. The doctor couldn't find my port which is never been an issue in the past. Turns out my port was turned around and underneath scar tissue. Moving forward on July 23rd approximately 4 weeks ago I had my lap band removed and revision to the sleeve. In my case my lap band did not come out easily for the doctor. It was bolted in with mesh, and attached to my abdomen. My 45-minute surgery took about 2 hours and 15 minutes. But there were no complications other than that and my doctor was able to continue with the sleeve gastrectomy right away. I'm telling you this just to make you aware I did have pain longer than most people do, in my incision mostly. I was pretty weak for about two and a half weeks. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and I finally feel almost like myself. It was so worth it though. I had a stall after 2 weeks, but I'm now down about 24 pounds since my surgery date. Good luck, you'll do great! Just trust your surgeon! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone. I an new obviously to this site and I had a question that hopefully I could get some feedback on. I am due to have surgery in June or July. My weight gain has been at a stand still since 2008 when I had a complete hysterectomy. Was never able to take hormone replacement and have literally been stuck at the same weight since then;give or take 2-5 pounds. What are your thoughts on getting the procedure and not having it work in the end due to my hormonal issue?

Lots of people cannot tolerate codeine... I personally find all narcotic drugs to make me feel like crap the day after... for that matter even Benadryl. Most bandsters are fine without the heavy duty pain meds a few day out so stick with the Tylenol.... As far as the headaches they could also be from carb withdrawal if you didnt go through it preop.... as far as weight gain- yes probably from water retention....

It's okay to be super conflicted. Many people find comfort in food. Though my weight gain was medical, I didn't help it by eating chocolate all the time that's for sure. As someone who also loves to cook, this was hard on me as well. I make delicious homemade bread that I now won't be able to eat. I just started baking a few months ago and was making some crazy awesome cookies and deliciously pretty cakes that my family are now all constantly demanding... and I can't eat any of it. It's hard, its a mind f***. BUT it's okay. I've found new recipes to try. New angles to come in at. I am addicted to my spiralizer and making veggie pasta. (although I am now 2 days post-op so I won't be eating THAT for a month or so!) The true trick is to divert your obsession into something healthier until you can work through your food issues. Food is a wonderful thing, and life is too short to not enjoy it. But for the next several months, you life should be about you reaching a level of health that will allow you to open that restaurant, instead saying "Big Daddy's Bistro" haha So moral of the story, its okay to feel emotional and want to celebrate a few food funerals. But just remember that your health trumps all the food highs. Good luck with your surgery, and good luck forging a newer and greater path for you and your family!

Did you see Oprah and her two Dr friends? I was so glued to my set! If I knew what they were discussing many years ago I dont think I would have taken my weight gain with such a cavalier attitude. I was moved to tears for my whole family. I have such a new found motivation to clean out my cabinets of all the junk and letting them hate me if they want to. I am strong enough in my love for them to make that stand. I know it is going to be a major process, but I wont be able to look myself in the mirror in a few years if I at least dont try. They are worth it. I am worth it. I need to get the book they just published. Im going online to her website to find out the name of it and will post it later. What a program. Wow Ok its called YOU:on a diet by Dr. Oz and Dr.Roizen and there is a program on Discovery Channel Nov.3 check for time in your area.

Hi mypov......I felt exactly the same way as you. I have PCOS and gained alot of weight very quickly (100lbs in 3 years). I also couldn't understand how I had gained so much weight in such a short space of time. So when I went to visit my surgeon I explained my dilemma to him and he assured me that many of his patients who have PCOS have been extremely successful in losing weight. Unfortunately with PCOS we have an extra problem contributing to our weight gain so the weightloss with the band may be slower BUT it still comes off. At the obesity clinic that I visit the dietician and nurse have both told me that women with PCOS generally have to have greater restriction than most people because our calorie intake has to be quite a bit lower in order to lose weight......also exercise is VERY important in losing weight with PCOS. On the upside....... starch carbs really aggrevate PCOS and with the band it is very difficult to eat most starchy carbs.:cool:

I would still say I have pretty great restriction. I can eat more now at over 2.5 years post op than I could at even a year, but I still cannot eat a lot. It all really depends on food choices that dictates how much I can eat, which I know we can all relate too. I also have about the same level of hunger as earlier out. I get hungry if I haven't eaten for a long period of time, but it is not the same gnawing hunger with a rumbling stomach that I got before surgery. I agree with Cheri about the all or nothing approach and talked about it a little on another thread. Instead as looking at the sleeve as an opportunity to make lasting lifestyle changes, people, for lack of a better word, crash diet. Sure, it might get you to goal quickly, but it is not sustainable over the long haul, just like it was not sustainable before the sleeve. I never took that stance. I decided to make changes that I could live with for a lifetime (limiting processed carbs...white stuff, Protein first, no drinking with meals, etc). I believe in the 90/10 or 80/20 approach. Eating healthy most of the time, but allow yourself some wiggle room. Personally, I knew I could never go the rest of my life never having ice cream with my kids or having a piece of cake at a birthday. But I don't keep those types of food in my house because I do not need to be eating them everyday. And with this approach I was maintaining for almost a year before I started a new medication that caused me to gain 7 lbs in 3 weeks without any dietary changes. I stopped taking the medication and I stopped gaining, but the way I was eating has been enough to once again maintain but not lose. Thus why I have chosen to try the 5:2 method to shed the pounds to get back down to where I was. I also have read that you can start to produce more Ghrelin several years after surgery which could account for more hunger. Whether that is true or not, I am not sure and since the sleeve is still really in its infancy, I think there is a lot more research to be done. I cannot see that you would have a problem down the road if you maintain what you are doing. If you can look at yourself and you regiment and say that you are happy and you feel it is honestly something you can do for life, you will be rocking it 20 years from now! You have made it a new life and have chosen to make permanent changes you can be happy with and sustain. In all honesty, our downfall is ourselves. Allowing old habits to creep back in, becoming more slack, and not making lasting changes is what results in weight gain for most people (of course, ruling out the medical), not a mechanical problem with the surgery itself.

I am not banded nor have I ever been pregnant but because of my job and my parent's professions growing up, I was hoping to offer some insight anyway. The reason why doctor's don't want you losing weight is because your body releases chemicals and toxins that can hurt your child. Your body needs to be able to release the "weight gain" chemicals in order for your baby to be healthy. If you're losing weight, even a pound a week, you might be jeopardizing the health of your baby. Dieting can also lead to malnutrition for yourself or your baby. If you go into ketosis (ie you eliminate carbs from your diet) you and your child will be in a ketogenic state which is great for weight loss but not so good for your baby. In fact it can cause fetal brain damage. Please be careful and ask your doctor before continuing any weight loss program. I hope this helps. Congrats on your pregnancy. Good luck, Sheila Here are some sites that might help you. http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancynutrition/3561.html http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/is-it-safe-to-diet-during-pregnancy/

Hello All, I've been lurking here for a while and have appreciated your transparency and vulnerability. I was on this forum almost ten years ago after having a gastric sleeve. I never met my goal weight; over the years, the weight returned. Last month, I was only 50 pounds short of my highest weight. So, on December 12th of this year, I had a revision to gastric bypass. I feel a little discouraged right now because I don't feel I'm making the progress I expected. I lost 11 pounds my first week, but I am only down another 3 pounds for the next 3 weeks. So, I am only down 14 pounds at three weeks post-op. I do not have an appetite at all and am having difficulty getting anything down but liquids, although I was cleared to begin soft foods today. I couldn't even engage in the puree phase too much. Protein shakes are very hard to get down, so I've transitioned to Isopure (which is more of a liquid). Despite eating little to nothing, my weight loss is slow. It could also be attributed to my starting weight being a little lower than most. I started at 5'2, and my starting weight was 222. Additionally, I take bipolar meds, which are known to cause weight gain. Any words of advice or encouragement? I'm feeling down right now.

Yesterday I hit a real wall. Was ready to go home and od on the insulin that I had to start after multiple problems that started last year. I was withing 30 lb of goal...165lbs lost. Then H pylori, anemia, kidney failure, kidney stone, dehydration, over medication, 8 car accidents. Then incompetent dr that punctured the tube from my port to the lap band. Finally went back to original surgeon (Dr. Rumbaut...great guy) who replaced my tube and started losing the 70lb + that were gained after fluid had been removed (after hospitalizations). So then I had to start insulin, but was beginning to loose weight. Now, I can't get fills, because of swelling. Barium won't pass through. But everything else can and am starting gain weight again. Diabetes continues to be real spiky, throwing up coffe color blood most mornings from irritated ulcer, gerd and pb. I am so tired of this and of fighting the losing battle. Hope to call Dr. in morning to see if it is the time of day or if the ulcer is making having the band difficult.. Am ready for something else, but not the weight gain and not the ocd dieting pattern again. Promised a friend I would not give up and hang in there a little longer....hope I can get some answers from the dr tomorrow. Thanks in advance or for any replys given. LA

My symptoms are irregular/light periods, infertility, facial hair, weight gain/slow at losing, especially belly fat. As someone said it is caused by hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, high testosterone levels. Mine was diagnosed with a blood test after fertility issues and several other misdiagnosis. I just got banded last week, but I am hoping this will help with my weight as well as some of the other PCOS issues. I advise you to get tested.

I have regained a ton of weight back after Covid. I would like to find a great doctor, Nutrionist to help me evaluate my diet and get back on track. It would be nice if they did hormone evaluation too, but not required. Any referrals in Dallas, Richardaon, Plano, Frisco, Allen, or DFW metroplex is appreciated!!!! I want an accountability physician or Nutrionist or dietician. I want to hear your stories. Thanks everyone! Melanie Kirk

How did you gain? I know it sounds silly, but I've been eating crap for two days and I guess you are what you eat because I feel like crap! Ive only gained 3 lbs. usually i can just look at bad food and gain weight. I usually eat very healthy, just too much, thus the weight gain. I know I'll gain it eventually, but this sucks! I've never purposely gaîned weight!

Admittedly I have been more sedentary than i ever was. Couple that with feeling awful from GERD and depressed about the weight gain, I have been spiraling for awhile now. My sleeve was very successful and I even if I only gain the benefit of my GERD being gone, it will be worth it. My doc doesn't want me on omeprazole any longer. You are only 8 days out of surgery...are you feeling ok? I assume you are still on liquids. Keep in touch.