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Dr John Gray who is the author of 'Men are from Mars...' has a whole diet and excercise section on his website. He also has a book about it which is really interesting. There were a few snippets i was reading earlier which i though might be helpful to you guys so here goes... "Repetitive, easy exercises stimulate fat burning, while most common forms of exercise stimulate sugar burning. When you finish an hour of exercise and you are not tired or out of breath and you could easily repeat the whole routine, you are in the fat-burning zone. If you are tired, you were burning sugar. If, after 20 minutes of exercise, you were to suddenly stop and needed to "catch your breath," you were in the sugar-burning zone - not the more desirable fat-burning zone. By burning sugar, you get instant energy, but it eventually leaves you tired. It also makes your body more acidic rather than alkaline. The body is designed to burn fat for energy while the brain is designed to burn sugar. When muscles use up that sugar, less is available for the brain. The muscles are designed to burn fat but they have a back up system to burn sugar in emergencies, though it is unhealthy to do this often. Weight gain, low energy, anxiety, restlessness or the desire for sugar are signs that your body is burning sugar instead of fat. The purpose of exercise should not be to get the heartbeat up into the cardiac zone. The key for most people, and particularly if they are overweight or they are out of shape is to get just below this zone. Burning calories through exercise is only a small part of losing weight. The secret of effective exercise is to stimulate the metabolism to burn fat all day - while you are sitting at your desk or even while driving your car. When your exercise is fat-burning you tend to continue to burn fat for the rest of the day. When you push your heartbeat into the cardio zone, you train your body to burn sugar and not fat. In many cases, conventional exercise is counter-productive. When we engage in sugar-burning exercise, the result is increased acid in the body. These acids from diet and exercise choices are then stored in the fat cells in our guts to protect our organs. Ultimately, no amount of exercise will get rid of this fat. A variation of this exercise exists in almost every ancient indigenous culture. It is a simple bouncing movement. It is like standing up and using a jump rope without the rope and without lifting your feet or heels off the ground. This gentle up and down movement stimulates the lymphatic system. When done with rhythmic breathing, the increased oxygen helps to neutralize the acids as they are released from cells. As the body becomes less toxic, the fat cells automatically begin releasing fatty acids into the blood stream to be neutralized and released. Besides balancing hormones by stimulating the glands, brain boosting by increasing the flow of cerebral spinal Fluid, and stimulating the lymphatic system through 15 different bounce and shake movements, the Isoflex exercises also include seven power moves that will tone and gradually increase muscle mass. To build muscle mass faster, try the slow burn method. You only need to work out about 20 minutes a week at the gym and then let your muscles rest for the rest of the week. Meanwhile every day do about 45 minutes of the Isoflex movements and you will be rewarded with better relationships, increased energy, unconditional happiness and lasting romantic feelings.

I would say that given what u describe the weight gain is probably hormonal more than anything else. The female body is notorious for putting on weight at this time and u will have to be even more careful what u eat till it selttles down, You may find also that due to a decrease in hormone levels that u will need to exercise a little more maybe just do some dumbells while sitting watching tv it still burns calories .. not to do exercise only works if u can still lose wieght without it, but if u are stuck or gaining a bit u have to change something. I remember putting on a ton of weight during the change and u sore it all around your tummy and thighs ... just work a little harder u may find thats all u need to do .. good ;luck

Well surgery went through and I am home now. Never had any idea that the pain would be that horrific. They said we would wake up with a belly ache. Well let me tell you this that was no belly ache. But much better now getting better everyday. so my question now is what is with the 10 pound weight gain from the day of surgery till you go home. Is this from the IV's and all of the fluids they give your? Very discouraging . Wish they would have said tht before at lease I would of expected it. OK vent done and looking forward to the next stage of my new life.

Reality has hit, hard. I decided to weigh myself this morning as I was getting ready for work. Even before I stepped on the scale that I haven't used now for months, I gave myself a pep talk. I tried to convince myself that the weight I knew I've gained was okay because after all I am pregnant. I convinced myself even before lifting one toe toward the horrible weighing machine that whatever the display read I would not let it ruin my day. Finally, I gained the courage to make the step onto the scale and it read 119.5. I was confused. Oops! Someone set the scale to Kg (probably my foreign-born spouse who can make total sense out of the meteric system). Okay trying again, now with the scale settings properly adjusted, it read "264.5". Holy crap! That's 30lbs since November!!! Yes, I know that I'm pregnant, but the recommended weight gain for overweight women is like 15lbs or something. I am not disappointed that I've gained weight with my pregnancy, it's the amount of weight that I'm disappointed in. So, analyzing the situation, I know what has happened. 1) I haven't exercised all winter. 2) I eat ice cream or chips or popcorn or candy or chocolate on a daily basis. (an 8 count box of ice cream drumsticks in 2 days) 3) Having my band unfilled in December was not a good idea-I have no restriction nor do I have self control. I am just out of control. Really. I've known this for a while now, but I have finally decided to face the reality of the situation. I've been warned by my OB/GYN that the hospital I plan on having my baby at will not deliver a woman with a BMI over 40 (I think)-maybe it's that they won't take a pregnant woman with a BMI over 40 because of the weight they'll gain, then they'll be well over a 40 BMI when they deliver. Whatever. I need to start eating healthier and exercising. BTW-the scale at her office read 258 2 weeks ago. Either I've gained 6lbs in 2 weeks or our scales are not calibrated the same. I'm praying for the latter. I need to make some changes, now! It sounds so easy. 1) Eat healthy, nutritious food. 2) Move your body. I definately am not looking to lose weight, again I am pregnant and I'm well read on the topic of weightloss during pregnancy. Still, my focus should be to get back to the basics of being banded (I've nearly forgot that I have a band except for the occasional morning PB on a bagel or some other type of bread). Here is the agreement that I've made with myself. 1) Completely cut out candy,ice cream and junk food 2) Limit liquids to water, crystal light, lowfat milk (no soda!!!) 3) Eat fish 3 times/week (not fried)-omega3's are so good for ya! 4) Exercise daily even if the weather is crappy, I will find a place and time everyday to at least take a 20-30 minute walk. I know that I need to get back on track not only for me and my health, but for the little girl living in my womb. I know that I'm way less moody and more energetic when I eat well and get my exercise. Oh yeah, and my skin looks great, I guess it's the protein. There's my plan all layed out.

You will need to speak/work with your prescriber and bariatric team about this. (You may be removed from the med prior to surgery and for a little while after then resume regularly provided it's not time released or switched to a non time released formula) Since you have been on this med already and are not starting fresh It *may* be as simple as you lose what you lose (not sure if it would be more or less, too variant to tell/bariatric team will have better answers based on experience) Not surprisingly, a lot of people are on meds that also affect weight gain/loss so teams are aware of these things being a factor. Safe Journey 🎈

Can I have a moment of silence for my bathroom scale. Yesterday, my husband dropped my digital bathroom scale. The glass top shattered. I've had this scale since 2015. It's been by my side throughout the ups and downs of surgery. I have been in the habit of getting on the scale every day. I've tried to weigh myself every two weeks and found that weight gain sneaks up on me. Now that my scale is gone I'm torn. Is weighing every day healthy or unhealthy at this point? I'm putting it to the test and weighing myself less. I'm trying to trust myself. How often do you step on the scale months out vs years out?

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

This entry is for Monday, March 27, 2006 Breakfast: nothing, not hungry Lunch: beans, 1 oz. Mexican beef steak Dinner: Mexican beef steak, 3 tomillos Snack: serving cookies, cup cappaccino I notice since my husband has been home, I've been eating an actual dinner. And at about 8:00 p.m. I've been eating a snack. This is, I'm sure, the reason for my 2 pound weight gain. That, and I'm expecting my cycle soon. Now that I realize that in only a week's time, I can mke a change to my eating schedule.

Did liquids today? Exercised this morning...on the right track again...leaving for FLorida on Thursday...want to lose a few pounds...know I will be eating out a lot while I'm there and don't want the weight gain.

thank you for that post, because after my dr appt on monday, i was very discouraged with my 6lbs weight gain. i happen to know why i gained, because i have developed this crazy sweet tooth, and i know i have to work hard on that. so thanks tod

Hello to all! Just attend an orientation meeting last night with the Memorial Bariatric Center in Michigan with Dr. Tomita’s staff. I found it very informative and with all the research, that I have done it satisfies all the criteria of what you should look for in a surgeon that performs LAP-BAND surgeries. My concern is INSURANCE. My BMI is between 35 and 36. I have one documented co-morbid condition, which is hypertension. I have conditions that may or may not be considered a threat currently in my life. Meaning classified as a co-morbid condition. My mother had breast cancer, which increases my risk for breast cancer and is increased greater because of my weight. I became a diabetic during my pregnancies (18 - 20 years ago) each time I delivered my babies. No longer, a diabetic, but was told this could re-occur again with weight gain. This has not happen yet, but the writing is on the wall. At this point, I am setting myself up for this disease too. I have Mito Valve Prolapse. My heart flutters at times. I am sure extra weight does not help this condition. Medication is not needed for this, but I think my high blood pressure med helps. I am on Paxcil not for depressing but for anxiety attacks. All though I feel depressed because of my weight, which I am sure, you all can relate to. I am also on thyroid medication. Due to a hypothyroidism condition. Cancer and heart issues with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I am not sure what the insurance will say. I sure do not like the insurance companies deciding what is best for me. I have tried so many diets through out my life. The only success I have had is losing about 13 pounds and gaining it back and then some. With this track record I am 100% guaranteed to die early with an aliment that can be contributed to my weight. At this point, I do not want to wait until my BMI is higher or faced with an additional “better” co-morbid condition. I am already feeling poor health at my current weight. I am going to continue on this journey. I am sure there will be many obstacles for me to face and overcome. No one said it was going to be easy. I just do not want to hear “NO - YOU ARE NOT APPROVED”

We have one side of the family that is solidly built, that's Dad's side. German heritage, and we're all tall, and pear shaped. Tend to be heavy, but getting to a BMI of 36 was really alarmingly heavy to me, way fatter than mum, dad or either of my sisters. My youngest sister is built like me, but just has never got beyond a BMI of (I'm guessing) 31 or 32. Mum's side is short and round, lol. My mum has never been obese, but her sister is, but she's a diabetic and has been since infancy, she got massive at one point but lost it all and never regained it. But her daughter, is very very big, probably a BMI of 45 or so. But those are the only two in our family. So I dont think I can blame genetics for my weight, it was much more poor lifestyle choices and lack of time that led to poor choices. Plus the common post pregnancy suddenly home looking after babies all day type weight gain.

I'm 8 months out and I've forgotten what does drinking with meals do to us. Does it cause weight gain or just flush the nutrients out? I haven't mastered not doing this.

When I was 160 pounds pre-weight gain I wore a 36C...went up to a 42DD at 294 pounds..Down to 138 pounds and was a 36A...Got implants and lift and now back up to 36C/D.. Wow the journey of my boobs! lol

Wow, I had no idea that weight gain was common. I lost 10 lbs the first week and since then have put 1-2 back on even though I am not eating that much! I still am wondering why it is that this happens. I am wondering how a fill will change things because like I said, I am not really eating that much - about 3 cups of food for the entire day.

I've honestly tried everything. This is my final resort. My insurance policy last year covered it, but the one this year didn't. Funny thing is my insurance is through the hospital where I would be having the surgery done. My insurance is through my father & he works at the hospital & with the surgeon who would be performing my surgery. They make this so difficult to get done. I know Medicaid & Medicare both cover, I'm not sure which one is which unfortunately. My surgeon tried to state the medical necessity due to back problems & being pre-diabetic, also that they say I have asthma due to my weight gain. It's so frustrating I started this whole process back in February. That's when I first attended the seminar. My entire process has been completed since June.

I have been told by my Doc that one drink stalls weight loss for 3 days. Myself like others in the thread broke my own rules and drank more than I needed scotch on the rocks over the holiday weekend. It made me feel like crap the next few days. Now I am stalling with even a slight weight gain. I will not do that again. Not another drink until I reach my goal.

Hi. I am a 60 yr old professional woman. For the last 25-30 yyrs of my life, I have been so overweight; going up and down on diets but never being able to keep it off. I have 3 grown children who the youngest 2 have never seen me thin nor have any of my 3 grandchildren. I was in a car accident in 1995, had spinal surgery in 1998 and have previously had 3 ankle surgeries form a quadrulple break. I have now acquired severe spinal degeneration, osteoarthritis in my ankle and hip. In December, I had an epidural in my spine for pain and the 2 in January of this yr. I gained 30 lbs from the steroids within that time. I was out of breath walking just one block, was not able to run around with my grandkids and was constatnly in pain.It was a viscious circle...epidural, pain releif then weight gain and more pain. I finally decided February 1st, 2012 after discussing it with my primary MD, who has known me for 25 yrs, that I needed a drastic change in my life because this was nit working. I was not happy with myself or how I functioned so made my Surgeon appt, saw all 7 MDs required with a couple of weeks, got approved for surgery right away and just had my sleeve surgery on Wednesday, March 28. I was discharged from hopsital on Sunday, April 1st and today is a wk post surgery. I have not really been in pain, but today had a bad day. I had laproscopic surgery and have 5 incisions plus the one in my bellybutton (that's the one that bothers me). Thy took off bandages before I left hospital, but left sterastrips on saying that they would fall of as would stitches disolve. Only 2 steristrips have come off and I don't see stiches so I assume that they dissolved already. I guess I am being neurotic but am scared of infection and stitches dissolving so quickly. Yesterday was my 1st day I was able to eat all my (little) meals, snacks and protein drink, but today had trouble eating 1 scrambled egg and the protein drink. I don't want to force anything and am just chalking this up to having a bad day since it is only a wk after sugfery. Amazingly enough I have lost 14 lbs but probably because I am not able to eat much. Really looking for support through this journey.

quote=chill01]weight gain sucks especially after u lost all of your weight. I go to Dr. Fred Maese, he does my fills (my insurance covers it) but when it didn't it was $100 he is GREAT!!!!!!!

I definitely understand what you're going through. I have been experiencing depression and anxiety since getting my band. My issues focus mainly on fear of the band itself; something going wrong with it: slippage, erosion, etc. I am constantly worried about it. I also have a feeling like "oh my gosh, what did I do!?!?" Certainly if I dont lose at a good pace, that will make me upset. I do find Wellbutrin helps me. I don't know where I'd be without it! I'm so glad I stayed on it after surgery because I know without it I'd be a mess. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about it. It doesn't cause weight gain and I do feel it's helpful. With regard to the weight loss, I would say to try and remember this is a long journey and it will take time to achieve the final goal, but you can do it!

Evening everyone. I had my surgery on the 17th as well. Am doing better than what I thought I would be. By day 3 "pain" was pretty much "really sore" and I haven't had to take any of the perscription pain meds since. I go tomorrow for my first follow up which I am looking forward to as I am really about the climb the walls - I live alone and doc said no driving for a week. Weather and the no driving has made it hard for exercise, but hoping to be back in the gym on the 26th. Been doing cream of chicken, protien shakes and wonderslim puddings. Mentally, it's a bit crazy as I feel like I am constantly "eating" and of course, this want to equate to weight gain, but I have to remember I am only eating abt 2-3 oz/hour. Today I am finally feeling like I am getting a good amount of water in. Have felt so thirsty and know I have been dehydrated. Just try to make sure if I am not "eating" I am taking in water or other clear liquids. Good luck to everyone!!!

I took laudable for a year, it's the only one that didn't contribute to weight gain or make me feel groggy. A little nausea, but that's why I took it at night. It's Brand only do very pricey. Good luck. Sent from my SM-N900T using the BariatricPal App

So, it has been a while since I have posted anything, but I am in need of some feedback and support. The day before Thanksgiving I became completely blocked and required an emergency unfill. I was freaked out at the thought of no restriction, but was in so much pain that I did not even care at that moment. Now the bad news..... Since my unfill, I have gained 12 pounds!!! :tongue_smilie: And my doctor cannot get me back in for a fill until the 31st and when they do, they will only give me a small fill to start. I have joined Weight Watchers to try to slow down this crazy weight gain, but even sticking 100% to plan, my body is gaining weight. Has anyone bee through this and do you have any suggestions?? Thanks for listening. :tongue:

Just thought I'd give you some of my thoughts on this. I'm someone who is covered in stretch marks. They are all over. I'm hoping that after I loose weight they might not be as noticable, I'm not really sure how they work, but I'm only 20 so I'm hoping my skin, even though its so incredibly stretched right now, will be able to tighten back up. However, a couple of my friends are having babies/already have had babies, so I've gotten to see a lot of their stretchmark experiences. My friend who had a baby this summer was tiny and had no stretchmarks at all pre-pregnancy, and after pregnancy, she has one tiny little one on her stomach that has since disappeared. So it seems that pregnancy can affect people differently than weight gain. A couple of my other friends have had no problems with stretchmarks and pregnancy, but most of them are in their early 20s, so it might have something to do with age? Anyways, I'm rambling, haha I really don't know what I'm talking about and have never been pregnant, I just thought I'd share some of my friends experiences. Good luck with everything!! Allison

I've been in this WLS world for close to twenty years, since the initial work up to my wife's DS and then my VSG some years later, and from what I have seen from many in our support groups, most everyone can lose up to around 30lb of regain - it takes some effort and a few months, but it comes off more or less like a "normal" person. 50lb or regain is more a a 50-50 proposition - some can lose it on their own, and some need a revision to help it along. My general feeling is that the revision should be your last step rather than your first. Go back to some basics and try to understand where your regain happened, as if it happened, once, it can happen again after a revision., so you need to get your head around the root of the problem. Is it a head problem, meaning that maybe some therapy is in order, or not really understanding the nutritional side of things and how to eat and live to maintain a healthy weight - an RD can be helpful for this. Or, maybe a bit of both. Unfortunately, our WLS, and by extension a revision for regain (rather than for complications) is really more of a "do over" rather than a cure for the problem Very commonly, before we had WLS, the most frequent reason for failure in dieting is that the diet will yield some weight loss, maybe even to normalish weight, but then the person declares success and goes back to their old habits, and diet, that helped to promote the weight gain in the first place - they never really learned how to live, and eat, to maintain that healthy weight. This is why we frequently see people regaining fairly rapidly after notionally successful dieting. The same basic profile often happens after WLS, only it takes a while longer to happen owing to the lower volume that we can eat, but that tendency is still there. Another consideration is that every time we go inside to do surgery, we back ourselves further into a corner, limiting our options for future treatment should that be necessary, whether for regain revision or for something completely unrelated; you have limited any future surgeon's options in what they can do to help you with some future problem. This is why I am very shy about "wasting" a surgery if I can possibly treat the problem some other way. Again, let it be your last choice, rather than your first.