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Hi! I am new here and I just got approved for surgery Feb 12, 2013! I wanted to introduce myself and am so appreciative to find this forum. about me: I have been struggling with weight since about the age of 8. I remember going to weight watchers at the age of 12. After college, I gained 40lbs in one year. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which doesn't help with the weight. I love to eat- I eat for all occasions- happy, sad, stress, etc.... BUT I am tired of food ruling my life! I have always lived to eat and I want to change that. I want to eat to live! I gained more weight after two kids and have been quite miserable. I have done many different diets and lifestyle changes but it is typical...lose weight, gain it back plus some. I looked into surgery a couple years ago but my insurance did not cover it. In November, we switched insurance companies and they cover it! Here is my timeline of events: 11-10-12- Information session 11-12-12- Verify benefits 11-12-12- complete and return questionnaires to doctor 11-16-12- view on line EMMI presentation 11-29-12- Bariatric screening with nurse and dietitian 12-10-12- psychological evaluation 1-3-13- Consult with surgeon- Dr. Amir Heydari 1-21-13- Request for authorization for surgery sent 1-24-13- Approved! wow that was fast (though they did not call and tell me until 1-28-13) 1-24-13- 1st pre-op class 1-31-13- 2nd pre-op class 1-31-13- pre-op appointment with surgeon 2-2-13- Begin pre-op diet 2-12-13- Surgery scheduled! I am so excited and nervous all at once. I have prayed for this and God has heard my cry. I know it will NOT be easy but I am so ready for this.

I can eat more salad than other things, and I think that’s okay. Most of us did not become obese by eating salads. I would just be careful with the high calorie dressing. Hunger seems individual. I get hungry too. I myself do not drink a lot of protein shakes, I prefer to get my nutrients mostly from food. If protein shakes do not help you feel full it seems pointless to drink them in my opinion. You say you are indulging in “bad food”. If you are referring to slider type food, these foods will not help your hunger so stop eating them. They can easily contribute to weight gain post surgery. It sounds like you know what you need to do already. Drink more water, track intake, stick to a diet high in protein and vegetables....you can do it!

Hello, I too am bipolar. I have been on many different medications over the years. Some that I have been on have contributed to my weight weight gain which doesn't help my mental health situation. It took a long time to find a medication that didn't make me feel like the walking dead or make me have anxiety. I finally learned that I needed to communicate what was going on with me with my psychiatrist or even my counselor to get the ball rolling in the right direction. I feel for you because having that much anxiety is miserable. You might want to reach out to your psychiatrist and explain what is going on with you and maybe they can alter your dose or try something new. I think it would be overwhelming to be feeling what you are and going into such a life changing event. Please take care.

Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone, I'm a newbie, and not really good at the small talk. So the intro said I should tell you more about myself. I am 35 yrs old, 5"2 and 251lbs, the heaviest I have ever been. I have been battling my weight since I was 13, when I really "blossomed". I have 5 children, and progressively gained with each baby, and never lost the weight, and put more on after. But now I have high blood pressure for the last 8 yrs, and high cholesterol, diabetes, joint issues, etc., and I feel bad about not being able to be the mother I want to be with my kids. I can't play with them at the park, or go on bike rides with them, stuff like that. Due to my blood pressure meds, I can't really be outside for more than 5-10m, or my skin fries like bacon (not a good thing since I live in Texas). I'm also a registered nurse, I work in labor and delivery, and I literally move all day long at work. It's really embarrassing to have patients that are 9mo pregnant and only be half my size. It's also hard to talk to patients about eating and drinking right or appropriate weight gain when it's obvious that I myself have a problem, I haven't gotten banded yet, trying to get the party started though, but at my initial assessment, the NP told me I needed to get a sleep study and EGD done before they will set up a date or pre-op or anything. I figure this will set back my banding about a month or more- I don't mind waiting, afterall, I've been overweight for over 20 years, but I am bummed because my family and I are going on vacation in July, so do I go ahead and wait until after so I don't have to worry about the post-op stuff? Or say the heck with it, and do it anyways. I am going through True Results in Houston, they assign a patient advocate to each client, whom also have been banded. And although I have only been there a couple of times, my advocate has already done more for me than she'll ever know. My insurance initially said they would cover the surgery if I completed the program, but after doing everything they required, they decided they wanted me to do more, and then I could never get a straight answer from them . It's so obvious they just don't want to pay up. So when I talked to my advocate about the runaround they were giving, she guaranteed me financing. I wish everyone good luck in their endeavors, and wish me luck, I'll keep you updated.

I'm depressed, was 265 when I underwent gastric bypass. Went down to 170 lb as of April 21st, now I'm up to a whopping 198. Ready to do a reset! Sent from my LM-T600 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone I'm posting this because I'm starting to feel really alone. I'm one month away from hitting my first year and I'm feel like I did nothing. Let me explain.. I have depression and I have to take meds for it everyday for the rest of my life. I feel like mentally i'm doing so much better. The one thing that is making me have big set backs is the meds and what they are doing to me. At this point in the game the meds have taken over and I can stop eating. I eat non stop even when I tell myself NO!! I have been up and down (mostly up) with my weight. I eat so much that it isn't even funny. I know my sleeve still works because at some point I stop and i'm full. Also the stuff i'm eating is sooo bad ( soda, candy, chips) . I try everyday to move forward and not fall back down the same road. I'm starting to take one day at a time and not be so down but it's so hard when you work so hard to get something and now you're messing it up. My partner and I are starting to count calories in hopes that will help me get back on track. I want to fix it. If I can fix my mental I can fix my physical . Please if anyone is having the sam issues as me let's talk being it suck having to feel alone in a place where there are so many of us.

My endocrinologist is the one who recommended the VSG to me specifically because it has benefitted other patients with PCOS. I read through promising medical studies when making the decision to pursue the surgery. I had the VSG in August of 2015, and I do consider the outcome to be successful because I exceeded both the goal my surgeon had set and my own "dream" goal. Depending on the brand, I'm wearing between a size zero and a four, which I would have found impossible to believe a few years ago. I did start off with a lower than typical BMI for the surgery (32), but was literally busting out of size 14, so this is a dramatic change. I've sustained that weight loss fairly easily. My diet this year has been more focused on PCOS than weight loss; I've read a few books about dietary guidelines for women with PCOS, and try to follow them. Having the VSG abated some issues with PCOS, but unfortunately not all of them. I've reduced risk from obesity-related health problems, and that is important. I still struggle with acne and hirsutism, and fertility problems. I actually didn't start taking Metformin until after I'd lost the majority of weight, and have lowered the dosage because of side effects. I plan to discontinue it altogether soon, after gradually tapering off. I'm taking 100 MG of Spiro now, and I use Vaniqa to help with the facial hair. It's obscenely expensive, but it's been effective for me, so worth the cost. I'd been on a lower dose of Spiro for nearly two years post-op, and have only recently upped it from 50 to 100 because of acne and cycle irregularities. My cycle had been fine for a while, but I had several international trips over the summer, and it's believed that the travel contributed to throwing things off. One thing I experience with Spiro is an increased appetite. Though some people lose weight and have a reduced appetite while taking it, others have the opposite experience. I don't know if this is a medicine you've ever taken, but wanted to discuss it since it's often prescribed for PCOS. For years endocrinologists insisted weight gain was not a side effect, but it's now listed as one on Mayo Clinic's website. There are many accounts online of women, both with PCOS and not, who've gained considerable weight while on it. Since I'm now two years out, carbonated drinks don't have as much of an effect on me as they did the first few months post-op when I was still healing. I find that drinking carbonated water gives me the sensation of fullness when I've felt an increase in appetite from Spiro, without consuming calories and carbs, and it also quenches the increased thirst I feel. I also am careful to keep healthy snacks around so that if that's not sufficient and I'm so ravenous I need more, I'll have better options within reach. I definitely think the VSG is worthwhile. I'd be optimistic that it could help you with PCOS, but braced for the possibility that some issues will continue. It absolutely improved my life and I'm grateful every day for it, even though it didn't help as much as I would have liked with PCOS. I wish you all the best!

Sorry I'm going to warn you ahead of time, this will probably be a long post. So I was denied for surgery 2 years ago. I wasn't quite heavy enough to qualify. Fast forward 2 years and now I'm about 20-30 lbs heavier and I meet the weight requirement. BUT now insurance requires a 6 month physician supervised weight loss. I go next week and that will be my 5th visit. So far I've lost 8 lbs BUT due to hurricane Matthew we lost power so, not being able to cook, I fell off the wagon and gained back like 5-6 lbs. I have another weight recheck on the 21st and I'm paranoid! The dr doesn't have any record of me gaining the weight per say because I am in between appointments but what if I can't lose the excess weight that I gained back before my next appointment?! What's everyone's experience with this pre op weight loss stuff? I just have such anxiety about it because I was denied last time. Help :/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my final visit before my insurance packet is submitted. I did all the blood work (29 vials!!). I was an emotional wreck at the appt. though. You see this year has SUCKED! When I started the weight loss surgery journey life fell apart. My wife broke her foot and needed 5 surgeries, my dad went blind, then he fell and became permanently paralyzed, then he passed. It has been awful. But I'm running short on my insurance window and I need this surgery. I quit smoking, started, quit. I lost weight, gained. My TSH went up to 9 and I felt so sick. It's been a hot mess of a year. So please cross your fingers and toes that they understand and know that I truly am ready to do this. I feel like i applied at the worst possible point in my life.

Coke (any soda) is a HUGE source of weight gain and retension. Not to mention other bad things it does to your body. The biggest thing about soda is it helps to retain water especially coke. Now I am no doctor just going on what doctors have told me in the past. I started Hot tea day of surgery on my way home from the hospital. i waited 2 days to start regular coffee in moderation and made sure i got enough other liquids so that TMI i know my urine was clear. In the end Coffee should not hurt you if taken in moderation and you make sure to stay hydrated. Obviously you should steer clear of milk or cream unless its fat free and use a sweetner like agave or equal etc... Like i said im not a doctor just offering my honest humble opinion.

First, do NOT stress the Wright gain. Your body is recovering and you just spent days in the hospital being pumped with fluids. I came home from the hospital 6 lbs heavier too. I also had a low grade temp for a day a few days out of surgery. I just took it easy upped my Water a bit, and had the liquid codeine/Tylenol meds and I was good. I had my first post opp appointment today and told my dr I had a low grade fever. He said it's nothing to worry about. It's just your body healing itself. Take it easy and lay off the scale if it's going to discourage you! Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App Weight gain* Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

I had posted on another forum, but also now posting here to see if anyone else can share their experience or interested in chatting regarding this issue. How long did it take to get back to a point where you were losing weight again?? I have had to have a complete unfill (due to major restriction and complications) and have since gained 25lbs in the last two months. I am now close to where I was before I had the unfill (previously at 5.6 and now at 5.0) and while I feel closer to 'green' I know i am not quite there. I go for another fill next week and will reach the max capacity my surgeon wants me at (5.5) since the episode. I am trying to eat the right foods, lots of protein and veggies, but I am still constantly hungry and not feeling near enough restriction (next to none). And despite the fact I am exercising daily, the scale still isn't moving! Anyone else have a similar experience? I am personally horrified by my weight gain and feeling very much a failure right now. I could really use some advice, motivation, etc from someone who has been through the same. Thanks.

Here is the medical reasoning for the weight gain. Once you stop exercising for a few weeks or even days you have to get the muscles going again. When you do this, Fluid gathers around the muscles you are working. This is a protective mechanism to keep the stretches muscled lubricated and to keep the joints lubricated. As for the muscle weight compared to the fat weight ... Yes, a pound is a pound is a pound. However, it takes a LOT more muscle to fill the spaces than it does fat. It is denser than fat and it is tighter "wound" if you will than fat. So, ideally, muscle does weigh more than fat since it takes a lot more muscle fibers to fill a glass for instance than it takes loose-fibered blubber. Hope this helps!

I am on my 5th month of my dr supervised diet and I am still on the fence. Somedays I am like wow I want this surgery soo bad, and then the next day I am like what are you crazy! I worry about all the changes in my life too, and the quality of life after the band. I also know at this rate of weight gain, I won't have to worry about quality of life, because I won't have one. Just like everyone said you have to read the posts on this site with an open mind and remember this is not what happens to everyone, but it is good to know all the facts before doing anything. This site is great and you should use it everyday to help you sort out your emotions and doubts. Also keep in mind most people who do make the decision to be banded have thought about or researched it for a while so don't feel rushed to make such a decision. Good luck!

I am just home from the hospital yesterday and I got on the scale and I gained 18 pounds since I left for surgery last Thursday. Feel so bloated and gross now as well as sore from the surgery. I have not seen any mention a weight gain for people and I was curious....

Hi there. This is the time that you need patience and lots of work with your dr. I learned from reading these forums that weight gain after band surgery is normal! If your band isn't properly adjusted, then it's not dimming your appetite yet. I gained weight for the first couple of months after surgery, then I stopped gaining and maintained, and finally after about 5 months of getting fills (and a couple of unfills) every 3-4 weeks I finally found a comfortable spot where I was losing weight consistently. Good luck on your journey and do NOT be discouraged. It takes some time and work to get the band in the right spot. But for me, that flexibility and personalization was one of the reasons I chose the band.

My wife is 3 weeks out from surgery, has lost 47 pounds but has been having some issues as of recently. She started getting this severe pain in her right lower back/side, we think it could be constapation, she has went 3 times in the last 22 days, I ended up taking her to the ER and everything checked out normal from the blood work and cat scans. She has tried over the counter laxitives with no evail. She was originally losing 2 pounds a day, now she has gained 6 pounds, any ideas?

I think surgeons might not be too surprised at the weight gain over the holidays. Have you called them to ask about it? You might call and express your concern about the weight gain and ask if that's going to slow you down to surgery. Why worry about something you don't even know is an issue? Let me tell you something crazy. I went in for my pre-op appointment on Thursday and my weight was up a pound and a few ounces from my first appt in September (it was 267.4). I had to do liquids only on Sunday and when I arrive to weigh in at the hospital I weighed 254.6. WTH in four days? The only thing I can think is the liquids helped all the solids pass through my system and then the fasting the night before had me a little low on fluids. When I got home from the hospital I was 268 on my scale which is always a bit lighter than the Dr it seems. This morning I was 250 on my scale... =)

What does everyone mean by supervised weight loss ?? I have to be weighed for 4 consecutive months with no weight gain , I can lose but not significantly. Is this considered my supervised weight loss ? I am required to meet with a nutritionist for clearance. Or is the nutritionist my supervised weight loss ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks everyone! It really has been such a great experience! Today, 2 days post-op, I have not taken any pain meds. It just feels like I pulled a muscle in my left side and that is totally manageable. And I have already lost the surgery weight gain plus 1 pound! And I got a shower!!!! Today I started full liquids and felt the restriction for the first time. It is heavenly to sit down to 1/2 cup of blended cream of chicken Soup and be so full afterwards. I can sleep on my side easily, have done from the first day home and was able to give my babies, 3 and 5 year olds, baths tonight. No doubt I had a superb surgeon but I think one's attitude is the real key. This is my choice and I welcomed the band into my body like a little, very expensive:laugh:internal personal trainer. Great luck to us all!!!:cursing:

Prednisone can cause weight gain. See if you can get off of it or find an alternative. If the prilosec is not working ask for a different med. Acidity can make you feel "hungry" when you really are not. Be your own advocate!! As for weight gain, I've see some Vets on here suggest that you go back to basics. Lean Protein only, no calorie fluids, calorie cap at 800. Some even go back to all liquids stage just to "reset." Good luck!

Heather, what was your weight gain like in previous pregnancies? I gained none in my third, like I said, but in my previous two before that, it was only 10 or 15lb both times. I'm just not someone who gains a lot of pregnancy weight. Dont even talk to me about what breastfeeding does to me though, I piled it on then!

I think that's a good idea. That said, the whole you need to gain 25lb thing is a bit of a myth. Your baby needs nutrients, not calories. It takes very few extra calories to grow a baby, perhaps 250 a day in your third trimester. If you are taking in the nutrients your body needs during pregnancy, things will probably be just fine. In my third pregnancy, I gained no weight at all. I kept it completely stable BY DIETING. Moderately - weight watches, 27 or so points a day. With my doctor's blessing. I took a good supplement and I ate really really well because I was already about 210lb when I conceived and had had blood pressure probs resulting in induction twice before. When I had Eliza, she was a healthy 8lb and perfect, and I left the hospital 10kg (25lb) lighter than when I'd conceived. Mild fat loss from YOUR body wont harm your baby. But that said, you've actually lost while pregnant, which would indicate your energy needs arent being met. I'd consider a supplement like your doc suggests, I wouldnt curtail physical activity because it is so good for you, but supplementing calories AND nutrients might be a really good idea. You dont want to lose any more but it probably wont matter if you dont manage to gain much. But bear in mind, that without the weight of your baby, and all the extra fluids in your body now, you actually probably weigh a bit less than 142. You want a bit of condition on you if you want to breastfeed! Good luck, dont let it worry you though, once upon a time a much much smaller weight gain was considered healthy in pregnancy, the standards quoted today are just current trends is all.

consider all reasons for weight gain. It may just be fluid. Fall on the mercy of your surgeon. I am sure you are not the only patient who has gained. I did not gain I kept losing but it did take a year for me to meet all the requirements of my insurance company. I had to have a certain amount of visits to my doctor plus be cleared for surgery by a cardiologist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, phsyc evaluation plus group sessions with other bariatric patients. Maybe your trip to the operation room will be a little longer than you thought but you can lose that Go on a liquid diet and mentally tell yourself your life depends on it because in the long run it does. Do the liquids for one week and see the results. Do protein shakes, broth, V8 juice, get balerina tea it works like you won't believe. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I am not in Texas but that doesn't matter. YOU GO GIRL

Has anyone gained weight or stayed the same weight during the 6 mo pre op diet? If so, were you still approved?