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Don't worry, I was banded two days before you, lost 16 lbs during the pre-op diet and after surgery did one week of clear, and then one week of full liquids. I'm now into mushy foods and haven't looked at the scale since BEFORE I had surgery. I've done enough weight loss battles in my life to know I would experience weight gain after the liquid period and didn't want to feel "owned" by the scale anymore. I'll check the scale after a month or so, for now its do what I'm supposed to and things will play out accordingly. Don't let the scale be the ultimate judge, ESPECIALLY when you just entered the mushy phase. Good luck

I didn’t know what to title this. My surgery was April 29th, I ended up in the ER the day after my release from the hospital with pneumonia, critically low potassium and acute UTI. I was also diagnosed with esophageal dysphasia. Because of that my follow up appointments got thrown off course. I had two appointments close together. The second appointment he had me go for a upper gi fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Which found stoma stricture, Schatzki ring, sliding hiatal hernia and ulcers. TBH after the endoscopy I didn’t want to schedule my next follow up appointment. And the doctor hadn’t said when. It should have been 2-3 months post-op but it’s almost 4 1/2 months. I see my surgeon on Thursday and because I need medical transportation it turns into practically an all day affair. I am actually dreading this appointment. He is a great surgeon but my communication skills, especially when I’m fatigued are sorely lacking. I’m at a loss what to say since I feel like I can’t do anything right. While yes my weight has gone down (rather slow) and I think I’ve hit around 53lb loss - I haven’t been able to progress in certain things and have to keep my calories very low otherwise I stall. Due to the esophageal dysphasia I’m not drinking a lot of water. I haven’t attempted purées again and should probably even be into regular foods by now. The most I’ve been able to manage is yogurt mixed with protein powder for breakfast (sometimes a shake) cottage cheese, BariatricPal protein soup (if I have any) juice flavor protein mixes, and sometimes soft boiled egg but I get kind of sick from it so not too often. It’s more an allergy thing with that. My surgeon never really said anything after the endoscopy. I read on the results that he balloon dilated the stricture which it seems to me he did it too much at once and I don’t feel better. The fluoroscopy showed it at 3mm and he dilated 10mm and assumed it was ok because the scope passed? I find it perplexing. And maybe they think the other issues too minor? I don’t. I don’t want to be stuck on proton pump inhibitors. They cause constipation and are not safe long term for things like magnesium, bone density etc. which I have enough bone density loss as is. I told My gastroenterologist about new issues with this of course they said talk to the surgeon and also my PCP. I’ve been having crushing chest pain. And weird strong spasms below my ribs on the left side. Of course I forgot to mention it to my PCP I was too annoyed by her attitude when I caught her up on the surgery and everything after it (she was on maternity leave a few months) well that’s a long story I won’t bore anyone with. My gastroenterologist scheduled me for a colonoscopy the end of this month to rule out possible colitis (a ct scan result said colitis) I was supposed to have had it before my RNY but it didn’t work out that way. I’m not sure how I’ll manage prep. They gave me a prescription for one that is less to drink but I’m allergic to it. Ill have to do clear liquids two days prior to the colonoscopy. Does clear protein count as a clear liquid or do I not have protein? I’ve had colonoscopies before but this is my first after RNY. Also. I have endometriosis and it’s possible he won’t see the problem in the colonoscopy since that won’t show up if it’s on the outside. I worry it won’t answer the problems there. As for endometriosis. I saw my uro/gyn because of hemorrhagic cysts on my one remaining ovary. Which also has endometriosis on it. I guess it’s time to have it out now and I’m scheduled for that October 14th. Which means .............. menopause. But I’m hoping it will ease the endometriosis and pcos symptoms. He had removed my other ovary that was covered with endometriosis during other procedures he was doing at the time. I’m too chicken to ask him about an issue with one of the other procedures he did. Just like my follow up with my bariatric surgeon. I’m at a loss what to say and when I’m exhausted I lose my words. Also doesn’t help that I speak to several people before he enters the room. I feel like they expect me to be cured of all my ailments after surgery, even my pcp had that attitude but with lifelong chronic illness it doesn’t work that way. In fact I knew things likely would get worse for me but this was my last chance at a tool to fight my out of control weight gain. You can only eat so little calories without help of some kind. My surgery wasn’t reliant on comorbidities since my BMI was 40. I have them. But most wont just go away with weight loss. But it doesn’t mean I regret the surgery. (My pcp had the attitude of why did I have it if it didn’t help those things ... well I was already at least 208lbs and BMI 40 (height 5’) like isn’t that enough of a reason? Im sorry I just wrote a very long rant. My memory is so terrible I don’t remember when my last two appointments were and what was discussed at the last one. I don’t think they even mentioned my bloodwork. All I know is that was when he scheduled the tests. Now I’m following up on that. I almost don’t even want to go. I feel like I won’t be able to explain anything. And honestly surgeons just want to hear that you lost a huge amount of weight and that you’re doing great not “it’s complicated. “

As others have discussed, some of the supplements commonly taken by bariatric patients such as Biotin and B12 can cause acne breakouts or exacerbate existing skin problems. I have stayed far away from biotin since it caused a horrific breakout two years ago when I took it to try to speed up hair growth after a hair cut. My dermatologist told me that biotin and excessive B Vitamins can cause acne breakouts in many people. Hormonal fluctuations can also cause breakouts, and losing weight can cause your hormones to fluctuate. For the most part, my acne has gotten better since having surgery, though. I have PCOS and have struggled with acne because of that for a while. I was taking medicine that cleared up my skin, but caused weight gain. I gradually went off that medicine post-surgery, and had some breakouts along the way. Some things that have helped me - - Simplifying my skincare routine. In the past I was using so many different products in a desperate hope for it clearing up my skin that they caused more problems than they resolved. Now I use rose Water on a cotton pad to clean my face in the morning, and only La Roche Posay products. I use their Effaclar face wash at night, and the toner a few times a week. I put a very thin layer of the spot treatment on as needed. Overdoing it with these products can lead to peeling, so I've learned to be careful. I also use a serum and moisturizer by this line. - Being very careful with all vitamins and supplements. I read through the labels and make sure they don't overdo it with B vitamins. The ones I've responded to the best are Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Multivitamin and Flintstones Complete with Iron (one or the other, not both). I take a multivitamin, and Vitamin D, and peppermint oil supplement (for acne and other PCOS issues; you can find it on Amazon inexpensively). About 4 months post op I took a B-12 supplement for a week when I was trying to bounce back from being sick, and it caused a month's worth of acne. I've had very little hair loss. - Not using heavy makeup, creams, or anti-aging products. I'd been using some Lancome anti-aging products that came in a gift with purchase bag, and my dermatologist said it was far too heavy for my skin. He said to use lighter weight products and avoid ones designed to be anti-aging. - Using fragrances sparingly. At the advice of my dermatologist I use fragrance-free laundry detergent and fabric softener because he said they can cause breakouts. I avoid putting things with fragrances on my face. - Changing my pillowcases three times a week. I bought extra sets so I can change them out quickly. - Using SLS free products. SLS in toothpaste and hair products can cause breakouts in some people with more sensitive skin. Loreal has an inexpensive, readily available line, and you can find many other options as well. - Having a facial once a month by a reputable esthetician.

I can't help much, the accident I was in was when I was 9. The guy hit us after running a stop sign. I had multiple MRI's, had to go to physical therapy for a couple of years, and think the pain and injury had a lot to do with my rapid weight gain during those years. My lower back and neck still hurt on occasion, but have really gotten better with my weight loss. I know we had to go through a lawyer and it took a couple years at least to get the settlement. My mom received $20,000 for her, she had severe shoulder problems that has needed multiple surgeries and I received $18,000 that was put into a CD until I turned 18. I do not know any other specifics or what the lawyer made on the whole deal.

Thanks for the support. Today I am 7months pregnant and she is doing well. She is over 2.5lbs and kicking lol. When I went to take my glucose test today they say I lost 7lbs since a month ago. I continue to eat but not as much especially with the heart burn. I take in small portions and sometimes I don't even have a appetite but I force myself to eat to get nutrition. I must admit I do look in the mirror at times and am thankful to be able to have a child but also in the back of my mind I worry about my weight gain. To date I have gained about 18lbs which is probably all baby. I do plan on working hard to get back down after the baby is born because I have many clothing to get back into and I enjoy not being so winded when walking and I want to be able to play with my daughter without feeling sluggish. Blood pressure has been good as well as the remainder of the pregnancy. I look forward to one day lying on my stomach Lol. Thanks again

@teoboysandagirl- it is very scary don't get me wrong. Yes I am happy I will have this bundle of joy and yes I still worry about weight gain and what I will look like afterwards. I don't care what people say, you will always think about what will I look like after the baby and how much will I have to work to lose what I gain. I say just stay healthy while pregnant, if you can do activities do them, don't get lazy, etc. everyone feels different about weight gain some people worry more than others and some are terrified to go back to the way they use to look. So just know that your feelings are normal, in my book at least.

I really think you should wait to have any plastic surgery done until you are closer to goal. I am now down to 150 lbs at 5'5" from 294, and am very close to my 140-145 goal. I can tell you that my body has made changes I never thought would happen. My breast shrank with the last 15 lbs and actually look better than they did two months ago...so I believe that if I had already had something done, I would have to have it redone at some point. I just know that my sister-in-law had breast lift, implants and TT done all at once when she got down to 200 lbs and needs the TT done again after a 30 lb weight gain and loss. Any kind of weight fluctuation will effect the TT. Her breast didn't seem to change a lot when she put the weight on and then lost it again. I only want to go through that sugery one time!!!

WLS, OA and my Higher Power... Ain't nobody's business but my own. The fact that so many WLSers don't avail themselves of the 12 Steps, and vice versa, is their business. I can't imagine not having both to even have a chance at stopping the weight gain that was killing me.

Hi! Question ( not judging promise just looking for clarification) Your food choices were Still plan perfect and you gained 60lbs? No medication interactions? Only reduced exercise caused weight gain? Thanks! Oh and speedy recovery 🎈

This is to those of you how have done this already. I'll give hard numbers so it makes sense I hope. My surgery was two weeks ago tomorrow. The morning I went in I weighed 143. I don't know how much he took (I'd guess 6 pounds, I forgot to ask). Today I weight 144! I know I'm getting NO exercise, obviously, but I'm also being very careful about what I eat. I'm eating less than pre surgery to try to balance the lack of calorie use. I know once I can start even walking things will get back on track, but is this normal? Is this fluid? I have one drain still in, but it has finally stopped much output so it will be removed Tuesday. FYI, I feel like the weight is going to my thighs. Is this some weird head game I'm playing on myself, is this normal, did you guys go through this as well? I'm torn between eating to recover and not eating to take the weight off! Help!

I just had my 100 day session with NUT and she said 18 months. That surprised me. I thought we would be done after 12 months. Now, I am also wondering if the power of the sleeve as a weight loss tool is with us forever. If we wanted to do the sleeve experience in, say, 10 years from now after a hypothetical weight gain, would it be possible? By this, I am asking if the sleeve will restrict and drop the lbs like it is doing now. Or is it a 1 shot deal?

Hi I am 1-1/2 years post op. I started at 285lbs - 265 when I went into surgery and I am now at 170lbs. I fluctuate between 168 and 172 for some reason. I am still not at my goal of 160lbs but really am not too upset about that because I am very comfortable with size I am. Everyone tells me I don't need to lose more but you know how that scale number can drive you mad! Some of my advice/story/issues. Water! I have never been a liquid drinker and seems that no matter what I have tried I just forget to drink. I am having a REALLY good day if I manage 2 glasses - yes I know I am WAY below the requirements! Simply forget... I was never able to tolerate shakes. I managed for a couple of weeks on one but even that soon turned to instant gag when I brought it to my mouth. I have tried so many different types - added fruits/flavoring - held my nose - said prayers - you name it I tried it.. I am constantly fearful of weight gain. Even though they tell you not to weigh everyday - I do..And I almost panic if I weigh even an ounce more than the previous day. It has taken months to get used to the couple pounds I fluctuate - but know if it goes over 172 I will hit freak out mode and probably starve myself! lol Find I am having issues with my teeth. They are more sensitive now ( I am sure Water plays a part in that as well as Calcium that I cant seem to remember to take when I should!) I have recently really buckled down on both issues so hopefully I will not have too much damage to them. Have always had great teeth so this is a major issue for me! hair loss: Have always had really thick naturally curly hair so I was prepared for some hair loss..Wasnt prepared to lose 1/2 of it! Fortunately it is starting to thicken back up it just always looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket with all the little sprigs! lol.

I had a reduction from a DDD to a small C (my choice) 15 years ago. Upon weight gain, they are back to a DDD, just looking straight instead of at my toes, now. VSG wls scheduled for 8/23. I have a feeling my post reduction small C is gonna be even smaller when all Is said and done. Curious to see what the boob future holds, as well!

The other rule is no drinking with meals. There are lots of post on that topic. Drinking at least 10 minutes before meals and you'll feel full faster. If you eat with your meal., you will wash your food out of your stomach and experience hunger shortly thereafter.. then you'll eat more, there by adding calories and eventually stop your weight loss and even go to weight gain. Many surgeons and NUTS give varying advice bot most are consistent with following a high protein and low carb way of eating for life. Low sugar often relates to low junk food, sweets, desserts which of course will add to weight gain. Protein helps weight loss ( I forget why but I'm pretty sure it helps ). There are usually reasons for the guidelines. ONce you reach your goal weight you eating lifestyle will be what works for you. Be sure its still a healthy way of eating or you will gain weight and that is not a sleeve myth.. that is a sleeve fact. Good Luck with your journey.

Congrats to you,you're doing that thing! I too noticed a weight gain after 2yrs RNY, was down but now getting my life back with exercise and more mindful eating! Congrats again! Sent from my LM-T600 using BariatricPal mobile app

Prior to having my band placed, I had a significant history with GERD, and was told by my surgeon that complications were very possible. Because of that history, when my reflux got worse, I was ruled out as an acceptable candidate for the sleeve because of my GERD. After 22 months I did have to have my band removed to get some relief from my reflux. Two different surgeons warned me that I would have even more complications with the sleeve, and advised if I opted for revision surgery my only option would be bypass. So far, I am doing well with keeping my weight stable without my band and no weight gain since December. I hope you feel better....you did not mention if you were taking Nexxium. I was taking it 2X a day, and it did help the most.

Lol I LOVE baking to! its something I picked up after surgery... go figure! But I am not a sweets type of gal.. so I never have the temptation to chow down on them lol.. well unless its that time of the month.. then I just stay away from the oven so I wont eat them! lol But Terry that is such a good idea!! I never even thought about that!! I have my kiddos and the hubster.. so they usually take care of the eating for me.. but now the hubster is on a strict diet. Hes trying to do my puch test diet with me, even though he didn't have surgery! I try to tell him its a bad idea for him.. but he wont listen. So I havnt baked in awhile as he has asked me not to lol. But as for me I have been doing pretty good with it! I am down 4 lbs so far!! So I can tell its working. I think not drinking my protein all the time and drinking a full pot of coffee have been the cause of my weight gain! Well that and not being able to exercise! So maybe my 4 lb weight loss will be someone elses inspiration also! It has inspired me to stick to it that's for sure!

I have a little experience with excess skin, lap band and RNY. I was always on the heavy side since childhood and when I was 19 I lost over 100 lbs fairly quickly with the help of drugs that you could get very easily back then but were not done through a prescription. I then gained it back over the course of a year and then the following year lost it again. During those two weight losses I had no extra skin. I then put on about 25lbs became pregnant and had a 9lb11oz baby and stretched out my stomach, gained some weight over a 3 year period and had a 10+lb baby and stretched out my stomach a lot more. So basically even though I lost weight quickly the first two times I had no extra skin and didn't until I had to the two babies. I don't know if it's a quick weight gain then loss that creates the skin, genetics or what but I don't think you can say that with lap band you'll have no extra skin and with RNY you will. I will always have extra skin no matter what. My daughter was a quick gainer of weight prior to her RNY. I think she may have put on an extra 60 lbs fairly quickly at one time so since her surgery she's having extra skin issues and is in her 20s. So maybe it's a quick gain that does it not necessarily a quick loss that guarantees the extra skin or both. Just a thought. It does take more time to recover from RNY as I have been there since my daughter's surgery this past May. There are many more things you have to take in order to supplement your diet basically for the rest of your life. It works, I've heard people can gain back weight after a period of time but not as much as the had lost in the beginning. I personally did have a difficult time letting my daughter go through this as she's my flesh and blood and no one wants their child to go through something this traumatic but then I knew if she didn't she'd be miserable and she chose this surgery over the lap band as she felt it had a better rate of success. I don't know if my issues had that much to do with it as she's a pretty smart cookie and makes up her own mind. Nancy:smile:

Hi all, New here I got surgery around 1 year and 3 months ago. Lost 59 pounds. Starting weight was 240. Current weight was 180 I gained 4 pounds and have been stalled for 3 months. It’s been a rough three months especially with this weight gain I’ve felt so unmotivated and was hoping joining this forum would help get me back on track. Hoping to break the stall and just feel motivated again. Thanks !

My own experience tells me that calories and carbs are the biggest contributors to weight gain or loss. I enter everything into My fitness Pal. I keep a scale on the counter to weigh everything that I eat. I have exceeded my goal and to keep from losing any more weight I have to eat about 2300-2500 calories a day. No Pasta, bread, or rice. No candy, cake, ice cream. NO CHEATING. I see postings where people cannot give up this or that. DISASTER. WLS is not a magic bullet to allow you to continue to eat as before. It is a tool to help but you ultimately are the one who has to make the intelligent choices.

You are all so smart! I actually did find the joke funny - but then started feeling uneasy about it. I'm pretty sure that after you all have brought me back to reality, that I was feeling overly sensitive. I had just faced my doctor with the idea of Gastric surgery, thereby admitting fully to myself that I'm pretty overweight and have no control over my weight gain. I was shaking when I told her so I think my feelings were a bit raw. thanks to all of you!

If you are serious about the 'ring' or a diaphragm you need to have them rechecked if you loose weight!!!! Your insides will change and shift with you as you loose/gain weight and they will become less affective. You might want to look into the IUD (the new one has rave reviews I hear) or the BC patch. Talk things over with your gyno, inform him/her that you are getting banded and will be loosing quite a bit of weight and you want birth control that will go with you through it all not one you have to worry about. The other thing with BC pills is they do cause some (it is minimal) weight gain, so again you might want to look into a internal device. Again, I reiterate, TALK to your doctor explain what is going on with you, see what he/she recommends for you as you loose weight and your body starts changing.

Because you posted to this board, I assume you want opinions and/or advice. So here are mine. The WW diet plan is not the correct diet for a lap-band patient. I know this having been a WW member several times throughout my life (lost weight, gained it back). I'm curious, what is it about WW that you are thinking will work for you? Writing everything down? Counting points? Weekly support meetings, Weekly weigh ins? food guidelines? It takes will power to be on WW, so I don't think your issue is sheer will power. If you can identify your needs, I, and I suspect a few others on this forum, can offer more suggestions. I would suggest that you save the weekly WW fees for fills.

I had a high BMI and about 40lbs of that was weight I put on at the beginning of the year cause I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and the drug they had to use to treat it causes mass weight gain on the dose I had to be on. I know you're probs sick of hearing it, but everyone really is different. I also detest Protein shakes so I eat 90 grams of protein a day, minimum.

Short answer: BREAST LIFT. Long answer: I had a breast reduction in 2005. I went from a 38 DDD/DDDD to a 36 DD. 3 lbs of breast tissue removed from both breasts combined. Like you, I had the lollipop procedure where he cut out my nipple and sewed it back up higher. I also had a wonky right nipple. One side of it healed in a permanent crease and I basically had 1/2 and inverted nipple, if you can visualize that. Fast forward to last year at my highest weight, and my bra size was 40DDD or 42DD. Because of the higher nipple placement, the weight gain did not make me look so very droopy. After the weight loss, I now wear a 30B, (or the mythical 28C, which in theory I was supposed to fit, so says my fitter). I also had pregnant doggy boobs when I bent over (they still looked OK standing straight up, just much smaller). Had my breast lift last week and am loving them so far. They are high and perky and round, like teenage boobs (am hoping this is not due primarily to swelling!) I don't know what size bra I will be wearing now, since they are higher up (and my back is wider higher up), but I am definitely not flat-chested, and both Mr. and I think the boobs actually look a little bigger cuz they are higher up. And I'm not even wearing a push up bra. Oh, and surgeon ended up cutting out both my nipples and sewing them back on. The wonky one to fix the funny crease, and the the other one cuz he felt they would be mismatched if didn't make it smaller. Edited to add: I originally got the breast lift primarily to address my side boob (with the lift just as an added bonus), but am now doubly glad I got it seeing the results so far.