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I've been on the pill (except when intentionally trying to get pregnant) since I was 18 for non-pregnancy-related reasons. If it caused weight gain, I didn't notice it then. (I'd switch to Mirena now, but my insurance won't cover it. Maybe in a year or two.) pills have always worked well for me. One caution, though, that I think someone else mentioned: it's entirely possible that as you lose weight, you will become extremely fertile. Make sure your GYN is keeping close tabs on you, because you might need to change the dosage of whatever you are using.

Hello all, I have been on this forum many times as a reader only so here goes. I have just finished everything that is required for VSG, having a EGD done on tues am, after that just need insurance approval, during my 6 month diet i actually lost and gained with the last months weight up 10 pounds from 6 month diet start. During this six months our home was flooded during the flooding back in april and we were displaced and it was hard to eat healthy and stay focused due to having to eat all meals out in addition to being stressed to the max, our home is in the flood zone and we were expected to have 6-10 foot of river Water in our basement (GROSS) I did gain then, also my meds for high blood pressure started to cause my legs and ankles to swell, and i mean my feet, ankles and calves were all the same size from my knee down, extremely painful and difficult to exercise, i didnt gain but didnt lose either. During my last 6 month I had all my blood work done and it was found that my thyroid levels have gotten higher and my primary care provider said there was no way that i would lose weight with that going on and not being treated correctly, all of this of course is dictated in my records. My question is this: has anyone had insurance (or weight loss surgeon) denie surgery for a weight gain of 10 pound?

I can definitely relate. I've put on 40 lbs in the past few years, and I've always felt embarrassed about going out in public or seeing people who knew me when I was "smaller" (relative to the size I am now). I feel like a huge ungraceful elephant compared to the others who are much smaller. I go to the gym now, and I can feel the eyes on me for being the biggest person there. I am afraid that I'm sweaty and smelly at the gym (and think people don't want to be next to the fat girl huffing and puffing on the exercise machine), and that's so embarrassing. I didn't even want to go to my 5 year high school reunion last month (because of the college weight gain), but I went anyway and had a blast. Granted, there was alcohol involved that took away any self-consciousness and awkwardness, but I'm really glad I went! Now that I'm getting the band, I hope I will regain some confidence about going in public and being myself (sans alcohol) without being judged. BTW, 20 lbs lost is a great achievement. That definitely would be a noticeable physical change on you I hope you regain your confidence, because you deserve it!

GIrl you look smoking. You are getting so tiny and your curves are lovely! I only own one dress I had thrown them out over the weight gain years. I have a denim one I bought a couple of months ago. I may try to thrown that on and get a couple pics tomorrow

For those following the pregnancy, super quick update. Tatum is perfect, I've gained a solid 18-20lbs, and the ob told me today that I needed to hide the scale, focus on getting my Protein only because I told him I was having mad cravings for red velvet cake, and then told me to indulge in as much red velvet cake as I could get my hands on. I still struggle with the physical changes, and to some degree weight gain, but it's getting better every month. I also get a lot of questions about my skin after losing 140-145lbs so I decided to be brave today, and share some fully sleeveless pics. Personally, it doesn't bother me. I have an aversion to armpits so I don't wear sleeveless shirts. I think armpits are repulsive, and I have zero desire to show mine off. Plus, I suffer from Brandilynn's razor line of random underarm hair that I miss occasionally. My home glucose monitoring was perfect, textbook numbers, zero chance of gestational diabetes WOOT WOOT ! ! ! I go back in 3 weeks, a growth scan will be done, and we'll get new pics of Tater Tot then, she's stubborn, and is not cooperating at this point for pictures. As you can see, I have flabby arms, but considering the amount of weight I lost, they could have been worse. Also, remember I've gained back over 10% of my weight lost, and some of that has gone back to my arms, my arms are normally thinner at the top. If you notice, my ass is still flat, my hips have widened, but I'm still wearing a size small maternity pants, or a size 4/6 in maternity pants. I have one pair of 8's that are "skinny" maternity crop pants, but I'm having trouble finding a good fit in maternity pants since I'm carrying so much of the weight in my stomach, but I'm still narrow in the butt and thighs. Cheers everyone. . . 3 more months, 3 more months, 3 more months ! ! !

Hey Kate, I am doing ok, very little weight loss, but no weight gain, either. So i am ok with where I am at for now. still on mushies. I would kill for a sandwich or salad. don't go on regular food til the 17th. trying to be good. chew, chew, chew. I am down 19 lbs and look pretty good, but then again, at 5'10, 217 isn't too terribly bad, but neither would 170!!!! I have only had that one bout of "sticking" that you helped me through. Take care, Lisa

Lol, catching fire on the table...haven't heard that one! Yes, there are risks. There are risks with anything as we all know...driving to work, getting a tooth pulled, etc. But as you said, having faith that all will go well and having confidence in your surgeon will help put the odds in your favor, or at least that's what I believe. I could be wrong on this so maybe someone who has lost 50 lbs could come by and help with this, but 50 lbs doesn't seem like enough weight to cause you to have loose skin. I know it depends on how you carry it, and your age also...but I wouldn't think that would be an issue for you. I guess there are people on here that have uneven areas of weight loss and get lipo to even everything out. I've only lost 36 lbs and already notice that I will eventually need a breast lift /augmentation, but I was contemplating that 5 years ago when I was much lighter. The weight gain and now loss has just made it worse. Good luck to you! I came off my blood pressure meds a week after surgery!

Diovan HCT 320/25 mg It's bp and waterpill all in one It really does help with the bp and doesn't give me the cough or massively swelled ankles. None of the other bp meds I tried helped. I was still at stroke levels. I'm sure it's only a small part in the recent weight gain.

I think it does cause weight gain

I gained 9lbs by one day post op. I know it's all fluid and will come off, but I'm wondering if you all counted your weight loss from the weight pre op or with th weight gain post op. I'm all depressed now thinking that 9 of the 20lbs I expect to los this month are just water weight.

I don't think that there is anyone on here with 5 years of sleevetime. If there is, speak up! If you search medical journals you can find some new 5 year studies with stats. Some of them mention that weight gain is more common around 3 years. I did not look like many people gained all their weight back though....Google has a "more" category at the top of the search options, then Scholar where you can search med papers for your information. There have been some of them posted here too, in the last month, but I don't remember where... look under research for a start.

I have the Mirena IUD. I love it! Best birth control I have ever been on. After I had my son I got Depo and in 6 months packed on 100lbs. Then I switched to the pill. I have gotten preggo twice on the pill because I have a heck of a time trying to remember to take it. I decided after my 3rd baby I needed something that was more of a place and forget kinda thing. Doc recommended this and it has been great. I hardly bleed during my period anymore. I just spot and best of all no weight gain!!

I was banded on July 22nd and am down 12 pounds since then, WooHoo! My surgeon and nutritionist recommended that I weight myself only once a week except when I get my first fill and start solid foods. My surgeon informed me that getting back to solid foods makes some gain weight and to avoid a huge shock, he recommended I weight myself every other day for a couple of weeks just to keep a good mind set and to be aware of what and how much I'm eating and possibly gaining. After the initial (possible) weight gain then he said to go back to once a week.

I have had it for years, but was only diagnosed this year. My symptoms are: infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes acne, oily skin, or dandruff weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist type 2 diabetes (I don't quite have it, but am borderline, with pre-diabetes) skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area sleep apnea―excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

Ok, so I tried to quit smoking and gained 8lbs. I found my slider food and did the snack, snack, snack thing on all carbs! Salty carbs to boot so I'm sure some of it was water retention. I'm going to weight (hahaha pun intended) until I hit 10lbs below goal and then try again so I have some wiggle room for the notorious weight gain that comes with quitting. But I'm still going to stick to the plan and see what happenes at the end of the challenge. Gotta keep on fighting!!! SN.......Starting weight.....Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Raine.........179...................182.............165........17LBS It is interesting, I was talking to Renee' (ybnormal) about it too, I almost sabataged myself yet again! It was always when I started to get compliments that I would start to gain the weight back again. I knew it was too soon to quit, and I knew what I would do if I tried and damned if it didn't happen exactly as I thought. Thank goodness for the sleeve because the 8lbs easily could have been 18 or 28! Back on track now.

I'm on seasonique, 4 periods a year, no weight gain issues, PMS is completely gone and cramping is minimal to absent. It is the best! Just a warning on any birth control...pill, shots, rings, etc...My gyno said that with a lot of weight loss, your hormones are thrown off and you're more likely to get pregnant even if you are faithfully taking your pills etc. So if you are really worried, you may still want to use condoms. If you got the nuvaring, it's worth a try. I've heard others like it. BC is really a personal choice on what kind and what works best for you.

Wondering if anyone has any experience of having the lap band while being on tamoxifen. I am on tamoxifen, and am wondering if it will effect my Weight loss with the Lap band. A lot of woman complain of weight gain on tamoxifen, and while I dont know if I really gained any more weight while on it, I do know that it has made it VERY difficult to loose weight. I am currently on day 3 of my 2 week liquid diet. Surgery is August 16. I guess I am just worried that I will go through this surgery and still will have a difficult time loosing the weight. I know that's a common fear with newbies. Just wondering if anyone has any input. Thank you !

I've been using Nuvaring for about two years and I love it! I don't have to remember to take a pill every day and it doesn't make me feel crappy like oral contraceptives used to. I still use condoms anyway because I am so not ready for motherhood at this point, but it's supposed to be as effective as any other hormonal birth control method. My GYN said it also has a lower incidence of weight gain. Give it a try!

Been on Seasonale for years. The best part (besides not getting pregnant), only get a period every 3 months. A little spotting when I first took it and no weight gain.

For myself and maybe for others, I seem to retain Water during my cycle. After its over I go back to my original weight. I know there are meds to relieve the bloating, but its only a temporary thing, so try not to panic when you see a lil weight gain at that time. Ann

I did the same thing...I only told 1 family member and thats because 1. My family is messy, they spent many years talking about my weight gain, so I felt they needed no part in my weight loss..I live in a different state from them, so next time they see me, I will be a new me and they can kiss my new booty lol..and @. I told the one family member because I felt if something did happen, I really wanted someone back home to know the facts. So far, no fill yet, had surgery on July 5th and I am still amazed I have lost weight without being filled, looking foward to the fill, no date yet but I am figuring probably be mid aug when I get it. So dont feel bad your family doesnt know just watch the amazment in their faces when they see the new you. I am going home in October, I wont be at my goal but I know there will be enough weight loss for them to drop their jaws lol. Ann

So I just got back from my Dr. visit. Leave it to me to pick a PCM that doesn't recommend the lap band surgery. My weight today was 210, which is good in terms of being closer to having insurance approve my surgery. I go back in the morning for all of my lab work to make sure there isn't an underlying issue with my health for the weight gain (i know there isn't) and he recommends that I try medication such as amphetamines for weight loss before I go the surgery route, but said when I return to him in two weeks, If I still don't want the medication and would like to be referred to the surgeon that he would do so for me. Medication..amphetamines..for what? So I can be addicted to those instead of food? No thanks! My father is an addict and I am not taking any chances! So when I go back in two weeks, I will get a referral to a surgeon and hopefully be approved for this! In a way (i know its a horrible way to think) I kinda hope that when my labs come back, I have some kind of co-morbidy that will make me eligible for the surgery right off hand without the hassle. My entire family is obese, with a few members that are morbidly obese.. I NEED this surgery. I don't want to be morbidly obese as well

I am just about a year out (on the 12th of August I think). I had posted on a couple of threads that lately I had gained 5 pounds and that I felt like I was able to eat WAYYY too much. I was planning a trip down to TJ to visit my doctor and get a contrast xray of my sleeve in a week or two. About 3 months ago I started experiencing some really bad nerve pains in my left arm, one day I woke up with my arm spasming from shoulder to wrist and it turns out I had a herniated disc in my c-spine. The doctor prescribed vicodin for the pain and ibuprofen for the inflamation. It took about 2 months for the arm to feel well enough that tylenol and the ibuprofen alone handled the pain. So I stopped taking the vicodin and HOLY HELL if my body didn't flip out on me. I realized that while I didn't abuse the vicodin and I didn't get a high from the vicodin that my body was in fact experiencing withdraws from not having it. It was the middle of the night and I was having a horrible panic attack and I woke up with my arms flailing and my mind racing and sweating like a pig. I realized immediately that I was having DT's. I had an appt the next day so I popped a half a vicodin and went to sleep about a half hour later and felt fine. I decided because it was going to be physically difficult and emotionally draining to come off them that I was going to wait until after a couple of family trips we had planned. So I continued to use them (not in excess) for the following 3 weeks. Last week I had a huge panic attack, so bad that I called my mother-in-law who lives next door (we live on a farm) to come over because my hubby was not home. I was freaked out because I thought I was having a reaction to the vicodin. Anyways long story made a bit shorter, I stopped taking them that night. I took some anti anxiety drugs to counteract the anxiety I was having and the withdraws at night and the first 5 nights were HELL. I really have a newfound respect for anyone who has kicked an addiction habit. My mother, mother-in-law and hubby were rocks and kept me feeling safe, secure and loved. It has been 11 days and I don't feel the withdraws anymore. My head is clearer then it has been in 3 months. I have a little bit of depression going on which I read is normal after coming off opiates but I am getting out and staying busy and getting plenty of sunshine. Here is the kicker after the 2nd day I realized my hunger had gone back to sleeve norm and I lost 6 pounds over the course of the first 7 days. After reading up more on side effects of Vicodin weight gain is one of the most prevalant. I guess it sort of dulls your sense you dont recognize you are full and it causes you to crave a lot of foods and retain a lot of Water. All-in-all it just is hell for losing weight. So I don't know if anyone suffers from some sort of chronic pain that they have to take a painkiller like vicodin but keep in mind if you are having a stall or changes in weight if you start taking the meds that it could be because of them that things are not moving along. Thanks for letting me ramble

Hi. My name is Lauren. I'm 25 years old, 5'4'', 252 lbs. (BMI about 42/43?)I have been struggling with my weight since I was about 15 when I was put on prescription medication for depression. As a result of the medication, I gained a signifigant amount of weight in a short amount of time. Fortunately I was able to loose that initial weight gain with diet and exercise. Then I changed medications again, gained weight...lost the weight. Changed medications again etc etc. In summary, I have been yo-yo-ing for about ten years, going from skinny to obese and back about 3 times. Each time I yo-yo I gain back the weight, and then some. Familar story for a lot of us. IN 2008 I weighed about 155 lbs. Then a bunch of things happened: went through a breakup, lost my job, havent been able to find a job (I'm a teacher). Now I'm 251 lbs. and feeling really bad I'm depressed and ready for a change. I have been thinking about bariatric surgery for a couple of months now. At first, I was thinking of gastric bypass, but then I found out about the band. In July I met with Dr, Edward Garber (York, PA, USA) about the possibility of getting the band. I went into the appointment thinking, "They will say no. They will say no." Because so many bad things have been happening in my life I was sure no one would be able to help me. Good News. Dr. Garber said the surgery could help me. He said people around my height/weight have a lot of trouble loosing weight. This made me feel like, "Ok, this is a problem other people have." For so long I just blamed myself and blamed myself, and ate, and blamed myself. Now I don't feel so alone. So far, I have gone to 2 nutrition classes, and had a pulmonary exam. I still have to go through a psych eval. which I am worried about since I'm depressed (but stable) . Then I have to meet with the dietician, and also go to a support meeting. After all that's done, I hope to send my paperwork in and get an insurance approval. My insurance is different than a lot of people's in that I don't have a mandatory supervised pre-op diet. I am thankful for that because I have been dieting and exercising all year to no avail. I hope to get the surgery in Novemberish/Decemberish depending on when the insurance approval comes through. I am hoping and praying to get approved as I know this can be a complicated and disappointing process. I am trying my best to stay calm and mantain my weight. I can't wait to make these changes that will improve my quality of life!

Caryn do what i did , i looked up food online that had no cal, like popcorn Truly Zero Calorie Foods Water is the only true zero calorie food that occurs naturally. Water is a great addition to your diet in a variety of ways. Eight 12-ounce servings of water every day are suggested as a healthy part of any diet. However, it has an added benefit when you're trying to diet to lose weight: it helps fill you up! Water can be frozen into ice and crushed or shaved in order to add a different consistency to your diet. In addition to water, diet soda pop is found in zero-calorie versions. It comes in name brands and generics and is typically sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Quite a bit of debate surrounds these beverages and whether they are healthy additions to your diet because of the artificial sweetener aspect. Experts offer conflicting claims that artificial sweeteners cause health problems or contribute to obesity and some studies show that diet soda may actually contribute to weight gain. Negative Calorie Foods There are several fruits and vegetables that occur in nature that while they have calories when consumed, are said to actually result in negative calories or a calorie deficit after digested. According to this theory, these foods cause the body to extend more calories to digest than contained in their nutritional content. The result would make them zero calorie foods after digestion. If you believe this theory, then these foods can basically be consumed without feeling guilty. They are healthy and provide nutritional content your body needs, but they do contain calories. Keep in mind, also, that even according to this zero calorie theory these foods only have this negative calorie effect when consumed without extras added to them like butter, sugar or dips. Negative Calorie Foods Asparagus Apple Beet Cranberries Broccoli Grapefruit Cabbage Lemon Carrot Mango Cauliflower Orange Celery Pineapple Chile peppers Raspberries Cucumber Strawberries Dandelion Tangerine Endive Garden cress Garlic Green beans Lettuce Onion Papaya Radishes Spinach Turnip Zucchini Eat Healthy