Search the Community

This is a great post for those of us who are just now reaching goal and have NOT had to deal with any weight gain. I was wondering how and if it would come back off easily. Thanks for the information and congrats on your success!!

Just wanted to throw out there that my starting BMI was over 49, and now look at it ! ! ! I wouldn't really be too concerned with a 10% of EWL after 5 years, think of what's going to happen in 5 years with bypass vs. VSG in ways of nutrient/vitamin deficiencies. Don't sell the sleeve or yourself short! ! ! I know that statistics are a great resource, but let's be honest, those stats are only as good as the people questioned. I would recommend checking out the revision and complication forum on obesityhelp.com so you can see for yourself the number of people that are looking at revising from RNY to either DS or ERNY because of weight gain or pouch issues. I won't try to convince you that the sleeve is your best option because you have to make the choice that is best for you, but I challenge you to really think about the fact that with RNY you get only 2 years of malabsorption of calories/fats then after that time period, the intestines adjust and start absorbing everything you eat calorie/fat/carb wise and you get a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. Plus a pouch can and does stretch, our stomach stretching is so minimal and we get to keep our pyloric valve which is a big plus. . . Also, no medication or food restriction for VSG. So, with VSG, you get a non-stretching stomach, no malabsorption, can take all meds, no food restrictions, and you get to keep your pyloric valve (I know I said that twice, but it's really important LOL). . . I had a pouch with my band, and it sucked. My body hated it, it wasn't natural, and nothing feels as good as being able to eat all foods without issue. I know I'm biased, but it's hard to argue that I might have made the wrong decision with VSG when I stare my size 0 Gap jeans ! ! !

Ok My pre surgery weight was 245.. Pre-Pre pregnancy weight 160lbs 10 weeks pregnant 148 down 12 lbs due to being way to tight and morning sickness 14 weeks pregnant 152 lbs up 4lbs 18 weeks pregnant 160lbs up 8 lbs (back to pre pregnancy weight) 22 weeks pregnant 170lbs up 10lbs:blink: (got an unfil at 19 weeks) Current weight at 25 weeks pregnant 178lbs :thumbup: im still watching what i eat but keep gaining i dont know what to do!??! please help me! what have you ladies gained?

The check list is the most important thing in starting on the journey with insurance.. With out it you may miss something, and not be approved. They usually want to make sure your not gaining weight while on the diet, and see that you are making the effort to loose or maintain whichever you are able to do. Through out my 6 months I was loosing weight till I hit the 5th month. I had a 3 pound weight gain even though I was on the same 12-1500 calorie diet with 30 minutes of exercise a day. I do hope it doesn't affect my approval, but it's like I've told every doctor that I have seen I loose and no matter what I do it starts coming back. I am just pushing myself extra extra hard over the next couple of weeks to insure I maintain atleast.. Best of Luck!!

I was taking Lyrica before I had the surgery. After a couple of weeks of having the surgery, I felt so much better so I stopped taking Lyrica. One of the side of affects of Lyrica is weight gain. I noticed that pre-surgery and complained to my dr. about it. We tried another medication but it did not work as well as Lyrica.

Hi everyone, My name is Deb, I'm 47 and I've been dieting on and off since I was 12yrs old. I'm 5'5", 212lbs and I will be banded on Nov 12, 2010. I've wrestled with getting the LAP-BAND® since I am barely at a weight where it can be done. I am a self pay and they have agreed to $12,600 for everything. Now I know why I've had those savings bonds sitting in the safe all these years. I've looked on the internet for folks around my size who have decided it was worth the risks and haven't found much. I have decided to take care of the problem and not spend the rest of my life fighting an endless battle. I have not always been fat but have fought my weight all my life. My weight has been a major issue for me for as long as I can remember. Now I've gotten to the point where I just don't have the stamina/heart/inspiration to stay on the diet and weight gain roller coaster. My goal weight is between 130lbs and 145lbs. Because of my age (and the fact that to much weight loss may result in wrinkles and sagging skin) I think around 140lbs will be good. Once I get there, I plan to get an inner thigh lift (I have bags), breast lift, chin lift, and eyelid surgery. I was pleased to find out I could get all of this for about $15k in Gainesville Florida (2 operations, can't do it all at once). I started the protein diet today. Dr. Brient's diet entails 4 protein shakes/bars and one high protein/low calorie meal daily for 14 days. I bought several brands with under 160 calories ea. to try. I plan to put the shake in a blender with ice and turn into a milk shake so it will take longer to drink. Very soon I will find out if it's all worth it. It may be the biggest mistake of my life.... we'll see. The closer it gets, the scarier it gets. :thumbup: I just know I've been dreaming of buying great clothes and looking fab for 47 instead of like a fat grandma.

My doctor switched me from dilantin to Lyrica for seizure control and the Lyrica had other benefits so that's been great. However, I went on it after having been at my goal weight for 4 months and then in January I had a sciatic injury that helped me gain 15 pounds back. I've lost 7 of that, but can't seem to lose the remaining 8-10 to get back to my original goal. I'm pretty much doing the same things that helped my success, but seem to be in a huge rut. Now, I shouldn't complain, I'm still at a weight that is pretty good, but just where I want to be. I'm wanting to blame the Lyrica as weight gain is one of the side effects.

I have neither seen nor needed a therapist. I had the required pre-op visit to see a psych, but that is all. She does not seem like a nut to you. Are you a therapist? Do you know anything about this person other than what she chooses to let you know about her through her posts? People can be anything they want to be online. For the record, my comment was not a slam on any one person. Listen, there are a lot of people who get this surgery that really should never have been considered for one reason or another (hiding an eating disorder or lying about being an alcoholic, for example). (I personally know of two people like this.) In fact, there are posts on this very board by people where it is screamingly obvious that they should not get this surgery - at least not till mental things are sorted out. My friend (who IS a licensed psychologist, BTW) has been lurking on this site to see what I have been reading because she is concerned about me getting this surgery. She flat-out told me that she worries that many people seem to be getting this surgery and that they really need psychiatric help instead. Thinking that a Lap-Band is a panacea will lead only to disappointment and - most likely - weight gain.

Good Morning.... I feel like a broken record...cold and dank and windy here again today. Low 20's during the evening and early morning. 29 right now and hoping to get up to 40. But, Janet, I bet your 50's for you is a lot colder than our low 20's. I have a wake and funeral (friend's father passed away) and got my black wool coat out and boots to wear to the funeral/burial. Have a safe trip and, again, so sorry about your sister. Hope you are able to have a good visit with her. Hugs. Not easy. Arlene...good going on getting to water exercise even though it is chilly. Hope that book you are reading helps you to get rid of the "Munchie Monster". You should say goodbye to him altogether. When I think back to my weight gain stage, that Munchie Monster was on my back full time. Thought he was my friend but he was the devil. I shut the door to him from the onstart of my weight loss stage. He had to go...I couldn't have him in my life. He was abusive and he could not longer be part of my life. It was not easy but what I did to fight him was have extremely healthy snacks at hand, in my purse, in my truck when I really had to have a snack. And, even though I am in maintence and have to keep my calories up, I still reach of healthy snacks...I just have more of them. Your 100 cal popcorn is good for you and something that takes a while to eat and you feel like you've had something. No dental this week. Not till next Wed, Nov 3. I am in the last stages and really looking forward to getting rid of this temp bottom front plate I have had since June 2. Thinking I will have it for another 4 weeks. Next week is placing caps on lower right and grinding 4 others in front sides down for caps. Been a long haul and I so appreciate the support I got (and needed) from all of you throughout this process. Whine, whine, whine. Thanks for all who listened. Julie...as Janet said...keep up with the treatments and hoping this all does the trick for you. Pain can alter everything we want to do and my wish is that you can be completely pain free. Have fun with Mimi. Great...dreamed about you last night. We were on a boardwalk somewhere by the ocean and you were carrying your grandbaby...it was a boy about nine months old. You wanted to run to Starbucks and you asked me to hold him. Your daughter appeared out of nowhere and was soooooooooooooooo upset that you had a "stranger" watching her baby. Then she looked at me and said "Oh, you're Apples2" and everything was fine. Funny dream. You must be home by now and hopefully catching up with your rest. Jodi...congrats on your doc's goal for you. I am sure you will decide if you feel you are done with your weightloss or want to be right where you are at. The TT phase is a big step and takes lots of planning with time off work, etc. Important step though if you want to have it done. I had a visit with the doc about mine on Tues and thinking that I will shoot for early spring....more extensive than I thought. Jessica...this Mother Hen is very proud of you for all you do and the grades you are getting. Take a look into joining the Honor Society. You don't want to miss out and be sorry later that you did not do it. Good going! TX...hope you are resting comfortably and keeping ahead of the pain. Sounds like you have a good nurse (good morning, Debbie....keep us informed...thanks). Cheri....sometimes when it comes to getting a point across and trying to be heard, we have to become Screaming Bantchies. Took care of the problem, didn't it? Hope you have smooth sailing with that little girl from here on out. Nice to hear the parents backed you up. If you would have been my DS's teacher, you would have had to use your "outside voice" with them. They were just the cutest little devils/angels. I have BBQ's simmering for lunch and a pot roast in roaster for dinner. House smells wonderful. Cleaning and laundry and online Christmas shopping today. Have quite a bit of it done and plan it to finish it up today or tomorrow. Having a tough couple of days with lots of tears. A year ago tomorrow that "mom" fell on the post office steps and passed away. Guess being weepy is just part of dealing with it. Just remembering her and the angel that she was/is. Better get after it. Later.

:sneaky: Oh wow... I don't even know what to say to that... I've been on diets since I was 7 years old...I've been a swimmer all my life and was the only overweight girl to make it to state championships...I ate the best food ever and I was still fat. - My large weight gain in my teens came after a period of when I'd lost a lot of weight from depression. When I couldn't lose all of the weight I put it all back on again and more. This women is so sad...I feel so sorry for her. Attacking a group of people with blanket criticism like that is an obvious prejudice that could've stemmed from years and years of self-brain washing. She's the one with the problem.

i AM NEW HERE AS OF TONIGHT.. MY band FAILED, AND i REGAINED ALL MY WEIGHT. the DOCTOR HAD HIS STUDENT ESCORT ME OUT OF THE OFFICE BECAUSE HE WAS DISSAPOINTED AT MY WEIGHT GAIN.. WHAT ABOUT ME? LIKE I WASN;T DISSAPOINTED! COME BACK WHEN YOU CAN LOOSE SOME WEIGHT, AND SHOW SOME CONTROLL. HE PUT 2 CC'S IN A 4 CC BAND AND IT BLEW. THIS WAS AT HENRY FORD'S IN DETROIT. SO NOW I AM UP NORTH, AND WANT TO FIND OUT IF ANY OF YOU KNOW OF A GOOD SURGEON IN THE GRAYLING AREA??? PLEASE GET BACK TO ME, I NEED TO HAVE THIS TAKEN OUT, AND GO WITH THE SLEEVE. I JUST FOUND OUT MEDICAIRE PAYS FOR IT... I HOPE THAT'S WRIGHT.. SOMEONE PLEASE GET BACK WITH NAMES, ADDRESS, NUMBERS. THANKS, SHIRLEY.

the reason why this article did not SHOCK me is because I know how many people out there in the world are UNEDUCATED about the complexity in regards to obesity. Yes I realized that I should probably do something to live a healthier life by choosing VSG but I also understand the biochemical reasons as to why it is so simple and so difficult to become obese and then try to lose the weight. There is a lesson to be learnt by all of this regardless if we want to recognize it or not. The general public (who has a "normal BMI) has no clue when it comes to the issues involving obesity because their body does not react the same as an obese person. For example we all know countless people in and around our lives who are a normal BMI and eat fast food, junk, and have not experienced weight gain where as the obese can eat whole foods, that is deemed healthful foods and still be obese. Yes life is not fair but writers who are going to post something so uneducated is just asking for a war. Needless to say.. just down right immature.

Yeah the clothes are feeling just a little tighter but it could be psychological. I`m just worried about how comfortable it is to be able to finish a meal and sometimes have to use willpower to stop myself from indulging. I can`t wait till Friday. 2lbs weight gain after being so tight for a while should not send you into panic, hun. You will balance things out eventually. As you wrote, it`s calories in vs. calories out, unless you gain muscles in the meantime through exercising. You will be alright, you have to be because you`re one of my inspirational ladies on this board and heroes don`t fail, right?:biggrin: Keep up the good work.

Fedz, We need to talk ASAP!! You and I almost have the same exact story!! Dr. Geiss banded me in July 2007 and I have lost 56 lbs. He implanted the 4cc band at that time. That 56 lb weight loss came with exercise, weight watchers, weight gain and loss, etc. I'm not going to give up so I decided to have a revision done in November because my band is maxxed out to 4cc. I got fill after the fill with some restriction but I never got that "sweet spot" feeling that many banders talk about. There's no room for anymore fills with my current band. We REALLY need to talk. I want to give you my phone number.

Speaking for my self only... These are the symptoms I had. 1.I was not able to eat any sort of solid food, no matter how small the bite was or how well I chewed it. I was only able to get a couple of bites down and then I would have the build up of saliva and have to go and visit the bathroom. 2. Once I vomitted I was not able to even drink water unless hours went by and if I drank to fast I had to visit the bathroom. 3. I was only able to get maybe 20 ounces of H2O a day and that is not good. 4. When I sent to see my doctor she said my band was so irritated that she took out a little more so the swelling and irritation could go down. 5. I was only able to eat ice cream and other slidder foods. 6. My doc said that in the red zone for the lap and realize band you have no weight loss because you turn to comfort foods and you don't have any weight loss and poss weight gain. 7. She has be taking a prilosec for 30days to help heal any irritation that was done. 8. I honestly was vomitting anytime I ate or drank something. 9. Often times when I went for a removal I was bummed that they had to take out fluid but, this time I did not care. I was just very missrable. I hope this does help you guys. And remember I am speaking for my self and not for others.

So far, so good. I woke up this morning and, as usual, weighed first thing. All but 2 tenths of the vacation weight gain had melted away...yay!! I was able to get up a little later than normal because I'm staying home this morning while I wait for my new chair. I attached a picture. It is a little wild, but the rest of my room is kind of plain so I'm hoping it looks good! Anyway, I went for my run. It took me 27 minutes to run 1.75 miles. Since I would like to run my 5K on Saturday in 45 minutes, I'm off the pace. This morning's pace is more like my Labor Day run pace. So, yay for doing it, but boo for not improving much. The whole first mile, I kept thinking that there would be no way I could do this tomorrow. I just hurt too much. But as soon as I was done, I was totally planning to do it again. Ha! No pain, no gain! :thumbup: I have just over 9 pounds to lose by Thanksgiving, so I have to keep at it. Yesterday, I did well with my calories and I was proud of my choices. I really wanted some ice cream last night, but I refrained! It's the little things that make me happy. So, my run is Saturday and it is Halloween weekend. I have a Halloween shirt and some devil horns, but I was hoping to find something more. I bought a pair of "one size fits most" halloween tights last weekend, but they were too small. I will keep them for next year! I would like to find something like that though. Have a great day everyone!!

Hi All, Nightline on ABC will be doing a story on sleeve surgeries tonight 10/25 here is a link about it: http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/fighting-weight-gain-radical-stomach-removal-surgery/story?id=11964731&page=1

OH, Tiny...my issue was that I gained that much in like 3 weeks!! I've been at 3.5 and 4 CC since my hospital visit in early Sept. I just started working out again about 3 weeks ago. Yep--totally coincided with my weight gain. I'm not a believer in that whole "muscle weighs more than fat" thing. I know I was hungrier when I started working out. I ate more. I ate healthy, but tended to eat more fibrous foods and not enough protein. Funny enough---I saw him today. I was in by 4:19 for my 4:30 appointment. I never even had a chance to fill out the paper that we do before each appointment. I was out before 4:30. He didn't even mention my weight gain! He simply told me it was "a good time for a fill". Oh, and to think I agonized about it!!! So he put me up to 5.0 cc's. Hoping the restriction will help with the hunger!!! Staying away from Halloween treats and candy hasn't been easy.....

Charlene .... WTG on your NSV !!!!! You have a band for a reason - go get a fill !!! Stay away from the starches and sugar period !!!! Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat - a pound is a pound - a pound of feathers is large in size than a pound of muscle - but its still a pound.. I takes a while to build muscles - so I am going to say that it's a weight gain and not that muscles weight more than fat - cuz again they don't.. If you are gaining you are eating more calories than you are burning.. Go get a fill - and be accountable with Sandy & Phyl and Great.. You can do this gf - just quit allowing yourself to make all the excuses you have been making about your eating... 3 days no sugar or starches - do a cleanse I hope to have my Peanut Butter when I get home - tonite Ya Great - feel so sorry for you with all your jet setting... Lucky Girl !!! .

I am kind of going through the same thing. I found out my surgery is on November 12th and my pre-op visit with the surgeon is November 9th. I will have to be on a no/very low (less than 20 grams) carb diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Well, this past week and weekend, I kind of went nuts, mostly with Mexican fajita nachos and some Chinese food. I had been on a three-month diet and lost 12 pounds. Once that was officially over, I relaxed a bit and had already put on 5 pounds before the weekend. Then, much to my horror, when I got on the scales this morning, I found that I had gained 14 pounds since my last doctor's visit!!! (Note - this is a 9 pound gain within 4 days!) He is very very strict about not gaining any weight before surgery and will even postpone it if you do. I am praying that the low carb diet will take this weight off of me in time. Another thing I am stressing about is the fact that my primary physician just changed my blood pressure meds, taking away the diuretic. That means that I am about to puff up like a frog, on top of the weight gain I have already had. If I gain weight from that, I don't think it should be held against me, but I don't know what will happen. I can't believe that my surgery will be in 20 days! (Well, if I can get this stupid weight off again, that is.) Worse part of it is - there is a pizza shop across from where I work that keeps calling my name. I know that, once I have the surgery, I will be fine. It's just that there are a couple of things that I feel like I am really going to grieve over if I don't get it out of my system beforehand. I feel like a little kid in a candy shop who is being pulled out by the arm screaming! :pizza: :hurt:

I have NOT had the surgery yet, but I will in 7 more days. November 1st is my day, and I'm so excited. So---since May, I have been weighing myself EVERY day. And of course record it. I keep myself accountable... Maybe you can try that. Weigh yourself every single day of your life. Also, I heard that stress can cause weight gain Gratz on the size 10---WOW!

Just go and face the music. I'm sure a little tough love never hurt anyone :blushing: I know the doctor is probably not going to be happy with me either. I had a fun filled weekend of lots of beer, Dairy Queen, mexican food, and even a fried gas station burrito at 3AM last weekend. Thanks to all that, My 6lbs came back and then some! RIDICULOUS! My total weight gain is 7lbs since unfill but I have until Friday to work out and eat right again so maybe I'll only be up a few pounds. I've been thinking though, if I didn't gain a lb with being unfilled, they might not want to put any back in soooo showing a few lbs weight gain might not be such a bad thing. I've almost got myself talked into buying a Gold's Gym Stride Trainer 595. Anyone have any experience with ellipticals? When I was 300lbs, I tried to get on one and definitely thought I was going to die/have a heart attack after 30 seconds.

I went through this but unfortunately for me, I had almost a year to even get a date for my surgery. So I had alot of last meals that lead to 14 lb weight gain. You of course don't have that long. When I finally did get closer to my surgery I had to join Weight Watchers to lose that excess weight. It has all worked out and since I have been post op, I have been doing great. My advise to you is not to go overboard on the last meals, because if you gain that is just going to be more weight you will have to lose after surgery. Good luck

Hi, I agree John Goodman looks great and it really doesn't matter how he did what matters is that he did. I have been on a strenuous exercise routine for 30 years now I walk 2 hours a day 5 days a week with 7 serious hills) I think if you added up all the days I missed in those years they would not even make five years and before surgery all that walking did was to slow down weight gain to a crawl. I also spent most of that time on a diet! Surgery was a last option for me and I don't regret it nor do I believe it was the easy route. I am not a fan of Jullian nor of the show. I remember there was once a challenge for a group that had been out to get back in. They had then do steps for five minutes and the one who did the most got the spot. Thing was there was one man whose knees were shot and one woman who had asthma! It certainly did not seem like a fair contest. Also the contestents are not all the same size I would guess BMIs probably range from 35 to 60 and while they go by percentage of what is lost someone who is 400lbs at 5'3" will lose a bigger percenbtage then someone who weighs 250 at 5'3" doing the exact same thing. Nancy

I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I think my ticker speaks for itself...and as you can see, my starting weight was where you are right now. My initial goal weight was to get back to where I thought I'd be comfortable (175ish--just like you're thinking) but I've been able to reach a normal BMI. Awesome stuff. My sister is getting sleeved in less than a month. Yes, there are risks of complications but the risks associated with obesity and yo-yo dieting/weight loss and weight gain are pretty intense, too. Do all of your homework and have all of the facts so that your sister knows that you know what you are doing and that you are 100% knowledgeable with this procedure as well as the aftercare. You can also remind your sister that gastrectomies have been performed for decades for people with stomach cancer, etc. The biggest regret you will hear from people on this board is that they didn't have the surgery sooner. I was 29 when I had mine and had struggled with obesity my whole life. I managed to lose a significant amount of weight and maintain the loss for a few years in my early/mid 20's but gained it back slowly, surely and with a vengeance. I kept trying *everything* else and spent tons of money on *everything* until at this time last year, I decided that I needed a more permanent fix to my problem. I couldn't keep doing the same things expecting different results or go on an expensive 'medically supervised diet' only to go off of it to save money and then gain weight back...I needed the restriction the sleeve has given me and it is a godsend. I also knew that I'd still be struggling in 1 year/5 years/10 years, etc. and wondering "what if" I did it sooner...? I wish you all the luck that your family will come to support your decision but remember, ultimately, it is your decision and they will surely understand that you have researched that this is the best option for a longer, healthier life. Do you live in Canada by any chance and might be working with Melanie/WLF?