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Hello there. My name is Amanda and I am new to the group. I am here trying to regain my balance. I got a band in late May and did really well at first, but I moved from Philadelphia to New York, started a new job and moved back into my home in June. I was fine when I was not working but work seems to have sent my diet into a tizzy. The good thing is that I love to exercise. But it's the food I find such a huge challenge. I had my first fill in June and it was minimal. Since then, I have been constantly hungry and can't seem to put down my fork. Anyone have good suggestions on how to get back on track? I see my doctor in Philly soon for a fill but I am dreading that visit. I feel so disappointed in myself. This was a big decision and recovery was no piece of cake. I feel like I am blowing the journey just as it as truly just begin.

I avoid carbonated drinks. My program says none for life. I understand that for a lot of WLS people that carbonated drinks are a gateway to really bad choices and weight gain. My surgeon said it could cause acid reflux and stretching of new tummy.

Hey everyone, I had gastric sleeve surgery back in 2014. I did pretty well over the years coming from almost 240 all the way down to 140 but now about 165. I'm definitely a stress eater. This year has been a struggle & I'm not even talking about COVID. No point in sharing my reasons because they don't help. I'd like to get back on track but I don't even remember how to start. I'd like to ask what you guys are eating on a daily basis; a sample menu perhaps? I'd be so grateful if anyone could give me pointers on how to get back on the right path! Many thanks, Fran

Last week, I was so close to the double century mark... just 1.5 lbs away and then, bam! I went on vacation. I went with my amazing BF to Georgia to visit family and to see the eclipse in totality. We drove, and on the way down, we stopped at all the wonderful (but terrible) fast food places that the South is so famous, and while we were there, we ate and drank things that I normally wouldn't have while home. And guess what? I gained 3 lbs. Am I sad about it? NOPE. I realized while I was there that this is a marathon and not a sprint. I'm 10 weeks past my surgery, and I've lost 46 lbs. I will continue to follow the plan, exercise and drop more weight. But I can't live my life without, every once in a while, enjoying the rare cheat meal or day. Did I go overboard? No. It was 3 lbs of mostly water weight gain from driving and not hydrating the way I should. And, let's face it, it's damn hard to overeat. I enjoyed half of a biscuit from Bojangles. 2 bites of hash browns with my egg at the Waffle House. A little bit of crust with my chicken pie that I made homemade for my kids. I drank more sweet tea than I should have.. but at the end of the day, I had fun. This surgery helped me see that food is NOT LIFE. It's nourishment. I don't eat my feelings anymore and I don't eat out of boredom. I eat to live and I eat sparingly at that. I struggle to eat 600-800 calories most of the time, and once, just once, I did it with gusto (as much gusto as I can muster). I've been home for 3 days now, and I'm back at the gym, drinking all the water I am supposed to drink, and getting my daily dose of protein and guess what? I'm back where I started before the vacation. I had fun. Don't be scared to have fun, but come back to reality and get back on the plan. A little fun won't kill you.. but only a little!

Hi Folks new to the site. What I had prepared for post op was not what I expected. Physically everything was a ok. But emotionally a dam broke. And I'm finally feeling like I'm floating above water. No one told me about this. Not even the psychologist. I'm an abuse survivor and that relates directly to my weight gain and stuff. But I just was not prepared for what the last few days have brought. I'm grateful for everything that happened and I have a good therapist and good enough support system. Just wanted to put that out there and if anyone needs anything they can reach out. I am back my wedding weight of 11 years ago.

I totally agree! Since you have done this before, it should be i dont want to say easy, but maybe expected? You can do it!! I started following the program again after 7 years and a lot of weight gain, at first I had NO ambition to start, but now Ive lost 8 lbs!! You can do it!!! 2 shakes, light meal and NO out to eat ! Remember......feeling hungry is a good thing. I notice when my belly is grumpbling all day I loose a lb or 2. But I still eat something light all day. Eat right away when you wake up. no drinking 30 minutes before or after or during meal 2 shakes light meal stay away from processed foods 48-64 oz of water!! Come on!! YOU CAN DO IT!! Its only 15 lbs!!

Hi All, I am 4 1/2 weeks, almost 5 weeks out from the sleeve and I'm looking for opinions. I have an appt with my Doctor on wed, and will also ask her then. For the last two weeks or so, I am been having terrible constipation. And when I do go, it's extremely painful. I take 2 Colace every morning and it doesn't seem to be helping. I also think the lack of Bowel movement is showing up on the scale as a weight gain or staying the same. For the last two days, I added a bit more fat in my diet and that seemed to help. I've been eating for the last week pretty much the exact same diet.... shake for Breakfast Shake for lunch 1/4 pound of extra lean turkey breast with balsamic vinegar and liquid aminos and about a 1/4 cup of 1% cottage cheese. Boring I know, but I'm hardly ever hungry and this gets me to about 700 calories. Had anyone else struggled this badly with BM? I've never had problems in this area in my life having always had a pretty high fat diet. Thanks!

I also said “ I will never gain it back” and had a 16 pound gain my third year. (I worked it off) Weight gain can mess with your head. You caught it before it became a major regain. You can get this back down. Some of us can have a piece of cholate and stop. I know myself, I keep temptation out of the house. Maintaining I indulge within reason. Some of us do the pouch reset (liquid progression to real food) It’s a good way to restart healthy habits again. Some of us go back to bariatric basics.( Real food stage, Log food and stay within your weight loss calorie/macros, hydrate and exercise) Others change diet plans. (keto, intermittent fasting, vegan etc) Its finding what works for you. Whatever diet you choose; Logging has been the tool that helped me get the weight off. Here are a few threads that may help: Weight loss group challenge to keep you motivated. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/425758-june-2019-challenge/?tab=comments#comment-4781757 If you choose intermittent fasting here is a group of people that can help https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/419144-intermittent-fasting-daily-menuresultsaccountability/?page=173&tab=comments#comment-4780742 Mental Weight loss battles thread. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/425354-the-importance-of-doing-the-head-work/?tab=comments#comment-4776743 Wish you the best. Glad to see you back on the forum.

I get like you too. For me I have lost and gained for years. I did a study in 1994 and to stay at 167 lb my calories should have stayed at 1200. Well fast forward to 2016 and I am at 270. After menopause I blew up to 332. I went 82 lbs in my own and by not tracking gained those 20 back. I have stayed between 250-270 for almost 1.5 yrs. Feel if not now, I may never do it. All my customers that did it gained back but they eat sweets. I ❤ sweets but don't get them often as I work 7 days a week. Tomorrow I am going to tell Dr at first meet, I want it. Even this morning I was like you "cold feet" , I fear several things. We all know it is major surgery, know of hanging skin, weight gains later, so much to think about. It does get exhausting. Sent from my SM-G900H using the BariatricPal App

I had surgery 12/17. The next day I was up 2 lb's. I am faithfully following the liquid diet. Finally today I have lost 5lb's, including the 2 I gained. Can someone tell me why I gained initially? How long before I start losing?

Lots of people struggle with support. Only my husband knows I'm getting prepared for WLS and even he's been poo-pooing it. I don't need anyone else's opinions trying to derail my only shot at healthy living. Though, like has been said previously, being morbidly obese with no end in sight to the weight gain is definitely committing suicide by food. When it was put to me that way, it really got my attention. This forum is full of wonderful people who have all kinds of experiences. Immerse yourself as much as you need; we're all here to help and support each other. I found this great podcast from one of the threads called www.weightlosssurgerypodcast.com. Take a look at episodes 57 and 60 that talk specifically about the surgery and how to prepare for it physically and emotionally. I'm trying to get hubby to listen to them. Blessings

I just had my surgery October 28. Since my surgery date I had lost 19 pounds. Over the weekend, I increased my calorie intake (from under 600 cal./day) to between 700-900. I haven't had a fill yet but since yesterday I've gained 1 pound. I'm devastated. I don't understand how this could have happened! Anyone with an comments or thoughts please?

Hi Jessi, You sound like you've really been through some challenges -- major bummer. And with three little boys! But you're still trying to take care of yourself -- good for you. Is it that you're trying to weigh enough to convince a doctor to do the surgery or that you're trying to qualify for insurance to pay for it? Being only 30 years old, you don't have the co-mordibities yet that all us older folks have. Once you become hypertensive, diabetic, have GERD, stress incontinence, joint pain (you'll eventually have all of these if you're really overweight), you'll more easily qualify for VSG without being at a BMI of 40. I was at at BMI of 39, but the co-morbidities made it a slam dunk with my insurance company. (I am also 58 years old.) Are you working with any doctor closely enough that he would support your need to lose weight so that your back and knee would likely be less of a problem? That's probably your best way to go. As far as putting on weight (ouch!), it probably wouldn't be that hard to let yourself gain. And you might only need to gain a few pounds for real -- I know if I eat a few big meals in a row AND I'm somewhat constipated, the scale will reflect a pretty hefty weight gain until all the food "moves on". Good luck, Jessi!

Good afternoon everyone! I'm brand new to this forum and I'm happy to be part of this community. I know I may ramble on for a bit, so I apologize. I had my surgery Wednesday 9/28/2016, so I'm 4 days out; and I have a few things on my mind. If anyone has any input or advice on anything, I greatly appreciate it!! A little history about myself..I'm a 27 year old female, starting weight at 340 pounds before surgery (I haven't weighed myself since 9/28). I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is controlled by generic Lexapro 20mg once daily. Some people have attributed by massive weight gain in the past year or so to my medication, but it has helped me so much, that I wouldn't dare stop it. I've had PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome since 12 years old, and I've been extremely overweight since I was a child. I weighed in at 232 pounds when I was 11, and I've been a yo-yo dieter since I was 15. I hit 300 pounds at 14, dropped to 180 by 17. Shot back up to 290 around age 21, dropped to 210 by 23/24. And since 2013 I steadily gained to be at my highest at 348 pounds. I've been seeing a psychologist for my OCD since 2013, but I have not seen him for a coupe of months. I plan on going back to discuss my weight loss journey. With being a new sleever and a natural worrier, (with anxiety) there are, of course, many things I'm concerned and curious about. Again, I apologize for the long post, and I'll list some things that are on my mind: 1. I'm tired and lazy. I've been sitting on my aunt's recliner since I left the hospital Friday (today is Sunday). I get up and walk around a few times a day. My urine is fine and I had my first bowel movement today (sorry, TMI). But I mostly want to lay around and close my eyes. I'm not hungry, but the smell of the delicious fried chicken that my aunt is making for her kids is bringing back memories lol. I'm getting off topic! Bottom line is, is this tiredness and laziness normal? I feel bad and almost obligated to be more active, but I just wanna rest! 2. I was never told that I had a food addiction, and my therapist told me he doesn't believe I compulsively eat. However, I do know that I am an emotional eater. And usually that emotion is happiness. I used food to reward myself all the time. I hated when people were around me when I was eating something delicious and watching TV. I wanted to be alone and enjoy my private time..which always included a good TV show and delicious food. Food always made me happy. I never really used food to self medicate when I was sad, but always ate when I was happy. And bored. I'm such a boredom eater. I don't have any hobbies, I live by myself, I'm an only child. So I'm always alone...and often times bored. And the eating would begin. I planned meals like they were major rewards. For the finale of Breaking Bad, I ordered pizza to have it delivered to my home right on time...I loaded up on Snacks and Desserts. I shut my phone off and didn't want to see or talk to anyone while I enjoyed my show and my food. I foresee that this will be a problem. Has anyone felt the same way? And if so, were you able to control it? 3. I worry about addiction transfer. I've heard of people resorting to alcoholism, drug addiction and/or gambling after weight loss surgery, and with my anxiety issues this scares me. My friend told me to become addicted to exercise and health, but who's to say that will happen? 4. Feeling like your old self? Just a general inquiry...how long did it take you guys to feel back to "normal" in terms of recovering from the surgery? Thanks so much for reading this! I hope to interact with you guys! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey all! I just scheduled my sleeve with Dr. Rod in Warez for Aug 13. I am super excited, but a little nervous at the same time. I am sure thats normal right? Warez, that city scares the begizits out of me too. I am a low BMI-er at 33. I see threads here and there from low BMI sleevers, but it would be really nice to have a dedicated sub-forum for our kind. Who can make that happen? Here's my story: I'm 40 years old, 5'9", 215 lbs, and growing (aren't we all.) For the last 10 years I've always told myslef that 210 is my limit. Every time I hit the limit it's HcG time. after 7 rounds of HcG over the past 5 years (before that it was off label drug use, blah!), I am finally commiting to a long term solution. Sleeve here I come. I have always been active, mostly playing soccer (indoor & outdoor), it helped keep the edge off and slow down the gain, but the gain was inevitable. Three knee surgeries later and a fourth needed, I decided to hang up the boots and execrise more traditionally. I found that once I hit 205, my knees can no longer support my weight with contact sports (soccer, basketball, flag football.) I tried ISAGENIX for about 6 months. It got me down to 196 lbs by consuming two shakes a day and following their program. I felt fantastic, but at $300/mo it was unsustainable and got very old not being able to eat normal foods. I was still unable to drop below 190. I do think that if I did that program forever I could POSSIBLY maintain at 190 lbs, but quality of life would be hanging on a thread and possible jeopardise my retirement! My family, they are ALL large people, not vertically, but width wise. Father is 280 Lbs @ 6'. Mother, not super bad but I would guess inthe obese range. Twin brother looks exactly like me, a tad shorter but similiar build. Sister is 5'2" and has always been fighting the fight, my guess is a BMI of about 42. Type II diabeties in two siblings, I am pre diabeties and high-blood pressure. I was always fit and slender through about 27. Activity didnot change over the years, just my body did, and boy did it. I have a very close friend who was a BMI of 36 who I thought was not going to make it to his 30th birthday, extreme personality and enormously intelligent. He had gastric bypass at 27. At 40 he swears by it. As an extrmely successful business person (tech indistry) and has personally funded surgeries for over 10 others without asking to be repaid. Nice boss huh! Getting surgery was something I have considered for about 3 years. This last injury and weight gain, despite what I think as being fairly active and aware of what I was eating, I gained to 215 and started looking for options. So glad to find this forum! So, that's my story and my reasoning for taking such a serious step in improving my health. I do really wish we had a BM < 35 forum where I could see other stories of those in my situation. Who can help with that? Thoughts? I am a little concerned about active sports post sleeve. I wonder how much energy I will have to compete for 90 minutes at a high level, I would be happy for just 60 frankly. Then I imagine how much less my heart will have to work to sustain a 160 lb or less frame. Anyone out there have any experience with this? Do you just graze on carbo gels while playing? What about Water intake, do you dehydrate while competing? I made a goal to run a marathon eventually (something absolutely impossible for my future without the procedure), any post sleeve marathoners out there? I hope to be around for a while. Thanks to all the board participate!

What type of birth control are you on???? Need info. Feed back !!!! I'm 5 months out of sleeved!!! I'm still trying to figure out what birth control I should take#!! My doc said to get on Depo shot but I'm scared of weight gain!!! Ladies please leave your feed back!!!! I would really appreciate it!! Thanks Sent from my SM-N915T using BariatricPal mobile app

mine say no weight gain but some people said they have got approved with weight gain I will give it my all with 2 kinds and working 12 hour shifts its like I have no time to work out aaahhhh I pray with me eating healthy I am able to do it

At a little over two weeks out my doc has started me on some foods (very soft). I weighed today and showed a 2lb gain. What the heck??? Is this normal? What could I be doing wrong? Also my BMs stay fairly liquidy. Can anyone relate?

Hi, I'm also in the very early stages. I have my 6 appointments set and have my first infor seminar July 7, lots inbetween and surgeon appointment Sept 30, Lots can happen between now and then and hope I don't get kicked to the curb along the way. I have a lower bmi so very unsure about getting approved. Hoping for the best. I'm 59 and wished I had made the decision a long time ago. I just know I can't continue on this path of weight gain. I have had weight problems for the last 40 years. pm me if you want to talk about our journey. good luck.

You won't gain weight from lifting weights if you do it right. People who gain weight from lifting are generally lifting heavy weight with low repetition which builds their muscle mass. They generally also take supplements to aid in the weight gain. That type of weight lifting (you know when they're grunting and screaming while they're struggling for one more rep) is anaerobic, they're not absorbing oxygen. If you lift low weights with high repetition you will not only burn more weight than straight cardio, you will also get defined and lean "ripped" muscles. The reason weightlifting this way burns more fat than straight cardio is that using your muscles requires your body to burn more fat than just exerting yourself. I recommend finding a circuit of exercises that work your major muscle groups, and pick a weight that you can do 12-15 reps of with some discomfort, 3 sets each. Good luck!

I was doing so well and was losing weight slowly then one fine day I saw 3 lbs weight gain on the scale(I weigh myself almost daily) and that's it! I lost all my motivation and now I am eating junk food and sweets. I still dont eat lunch and only drink Protein shake(made with banana in it) for lunch which has 78 gms of protein, dont know the carbs. I eat small dinner which is either cracked wheat with lentils or rice and vegetables. I do use yogurt with dinner. I snack on bread or now a days whatever i can find. I am Indian and our staple is rice and bread and i dont know how to avoid carbs all together. I am also vegeterian on top of all this and have slow slow slow metabolism. I feel sooo frustrated with myself and my weight gain. Today I joined the gym and could only do 10 min of trademill b4 i gave up. So, why am i self sabotaging like that? Why do i gain 3lbs when i dont even eat lunch? I thought giving up lunch was the best thing i could do. Sorry i am rambling but can't help it. Help me here please............

3lbs could be a Water weight gain. I have gained 16lbs in 2 days, but I could tell by how my rings fit and shoes fit that I was carrying water. Everyone is different. Daily weighing is good for me, when my scale goes up, I evaluate you food the day before. If it goes up several days in a row, I know I need to start logging my food and try to figure out what went wrong. Maybe you are the type of personality where the daily weighing will not be good for you. I have read some here who only weigh weekly, and others who only weigh at the doctors office. Me personally, I don't want to wait. I want to be able to make corrections before I get to out of hand.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am looking specifically for a group of people to chat with who are at a minimum 1 year or more out from gastric bypass or band to bypass. Seems we have a ton of newbies (which is awesome), but looking to hear from those out further in their journey. Currently in a major stall, working on focusing food intake as the key source of my stall. Pretty demotivated but no major weight gain. Been on this weight loss journey for so many years (2007 lap/2015 rev to GB). Is there anyone out there like me?

I asked my nutricianist that question and she said that the cause of weight gain after surgery was grazing.

I have regained two pounds in the past week. I sure hope its just Water weight gain. I went out of town for the holiday. I returned on the 26th and weighed in for the first time in a week and was so happy with my weight loss. Well yesterday I weighed 2 lbs more than I did a week ago. Not good and I want to eat all the time.