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:tongue_smilie:Hi there folks, it's Lynn from Darlington, UK. I had a Vertical Banded Gastroplasty in 2004. In my first year I dropped from 26 stone(364 lbs), to 17 1/2 stone(245 lbs). In that year I was still only on liquids and mush. In the following 4 years I managed to get back onto 'normal' food, but my weight has crept up. I now weigh 22 stone 5 lbs(315 lbs) again. It is still fluctuating, up more than down. I can still only eat approximately one small cupped hand of food. Most solids, like meat, are rejected by my stomach, so I am mostly vegetarian these days. I find it hard to reconcile the fact that I do not eat much in quantity to my old diet, but am still putting weight on. I have had no follow up from my surgeon for years, it only lasted the first year. I had no counselling before or after and i only saw the dietitian half a dozen times in the first year. That was almost pointless as they did not have any idea about post op diets for VBG patients. Has anyone else experienced this post op weight gain?

If you check my profile, you will see that I am a chocolate LADY ! I started out doing sugar free Chocolates for people with Diabetes, and was a success until the economy dumped quite a few years ago. So I sold my Business, and Retired.. Still kept some things for the kids & Holidays. Outside of that, Chocolate has the most FAT in it, compared to any other sweet that I worked with. If you look at your calorie intake for lunch. Then look at a Protein shake, and read your Protein, and Fat content.. Then look at a chocolate bar for the same reason. I made my own so I don't know what a bar says, but I do know that it is very High in Fat. So instead of getting your Protein Your getting FAT Which is not Healthy at all. It can contribute to the junk in the trunk, saddle bags, just plain weight gain. I know the numbers are the same, but you have to be careful. That's like drinking Diet Coke, and developing a BEER BELLY. Well it's sugar free right ! But yet it can and will happen if you drink enough. Chocolate is not true to you with the numbers. It's your band,, you do what you want. But myself,,, I don't dare touch the stuff. I got up to 356 by making, taste testing chocolates. I won't make the same mistake again.

yeah the reason my dr said to loose weight and git fitter as i have asthma and its only associated with weight and that can put me in as a high risk and that it is a longer waiting list also he wants me to be healthyer for the op. any how maybe he is just trying to get me off my ass and give me a good reason to start now, than to wait untill i get the band ..i have not been on a diet for about 4 years hence the big weight gain i have a BMI of 52. dr nottle asked me to come back after i have been to see the other doctor and diatisian... and to make it a few weeks after i see physician so all the test results will be back... i dont care when i get in to have band, as i think that taking the first step to a better health is more than doing nothing at all and if i have to wait 12 months or more that is fine. as id never be able to afford to go private. and as for duromine my dr put me on it. as a kick start and nothing else. he made that clear to me when he said to me about going back on it.. dr nottle knew i had been on it and never said anything about it. i guess he has seen alot of people that would try anything at all to loose weight. i guess i can ask him his thoughts on duromine on my next appointment.. i have msn if you want to add me for a chat bronnie if you would like to add me. i first saw dr nottle in december thanks kayene

You bet! At 7 years post op, it’s definitely harder. I’m up 35 pounds from my goal weight I maintained for quite a few years. But life happened, and I went back to old habits. As time goes on after surgery, the easier it is to overeat. I’m happy to say I’m back on track again! And let me tell you, eating less and eating protein and lots of fiber has really brought my sleeve restriction back! I’m down 5 pounds and am already feeling physically better. Guys, don’t ignore weight gain after maintenance. You’ll have some “bounce” weight where your body wants to be, and that’s completely normal. But any gain after that take seriously. I was doing the “It’s only 10 pounds” It’s only 15 pounds” until 35 pounds, and then was like “What the hell happened??” I don’t want to get tiny again like the pic on the left at my lowest. I was comfortable at 160, and that’s realistically what I’m shooting for. I can do this! And YOU can, too! Oh, pic on the right is me currently.

Hi! I was sleeved on 5/4/16 and am slightly over 2 months post-op. I've been losing steadily- down 20 lbs since surgery. I am also bipolar, but had not been on any psychiatric meds (other than Xanax for anxiety) for many years. I managed OK, but with this new, life-changing surgery and the mood swings I deal with, I decided it was best to go back on meds. I have a hard time finding a Psychiatrist with my insurance (though they approved the VSG surgery...?!). My family doctor prescribed me 10 mg of Prozac and 300 mg of Seroquel. I was on Seroquel years ago and I believe it contributed to my increasing weight gain back then. Not that it was the only cause, but I'm leery. I spoke with my surgeon who seems to think the Seroquel and Prozac is a good combo and I shouldn't worry about putting back on weight with the Seroquel. I am just curious if anyone else that had the VSG takes/has taken Seroquel post-op, and if you gained any weight back, or felt hungrier/ate more. Thanks in advance, Erin

Only at the doctor or once a week at home. Day to day weight gains and loss mean nothing. It wasn’t good for my brain to weigh every single day. Fortunately, I’m at the point where my BMI is healthy and I need to lose about 15 more lbs but now I’m only focused on appearance. If I look better after gaining muscle pounds, I’m good with it!

I had a 40 lb weight gain over 8 years. 10 years post sleeve. Life happens. too many personal losses and changes.... Back in control now. Lost 37 pounds in the past year. Back to basics. Protein, veggies, fruit , sprinkling of carbs, healthy oils and fats and a daily treat. Also back to the scale twice daily. Morning and Evening. Evening also lets me know if I have had enough water. I dehydrate too easily. And not good with my fluids... I will never be "normal" weight or BMI - but am back to my lowest BMI, and almost lowest sustained weight.

Jenpa, thank you as well. It's comforting to read the physicians are comfortable and successful. Abdominal compliance is definitely challenging. I am tight and with the weight gain I feel extremely tigh. Which of course makes me so nervous. I've decided to go with Dr. Illan in May. So if anyone has used him after TT. I would love their input as well.

In the loss phase I ate no more than 900 calories a day. In maintenance I aimed for 1,100-1,300 a day. While pregnant, I aimed for 1,400-1,600 calories a day. I'll be honest, there were times when that was a real challenge due to either restriction or morning sickness. And there were times when the hormones were flooding my body and I felt like I could eat all day long. But overall, that's the window I tried to stick with throughout. I gained 32 pounds, a perfectly normal weight gain that actually worried my OB. This is the same OB that saw me during my twin pregnancy and the fact that I gained so little this time had them worried. However, my daughter was born at a normal weight (for our family) - right in between the weights of my previous children at 6 pounds, 7 ounces. She was born perfectly healthy, at 39 weeks, 3 days so there were no problems with her size or health due to my surgery or my diet. A huge thing to consider is Vitamin supplements, though. I had very real issues with both lactose intolerance (it reared it's ugly head again with my pregnancy) and morning sickness every time I consumed meat. I had to find ways to make up the difference, and I turned to Protein shakes for a while. I also took a number of Vitamins to help ensure the baby was getting enough of what she needed, too. By one week postpartum I had already lost more than half the weight, so try to shelve any concerns about a normal pregnancy gain and focus on the baby. Good luck, and wishes for a healthy pregnancy! ~Cheri

II have depression/GAD. I can't take SSRIs due to side effects. I take Nefazodone and did take Xanax XR. I had to switch from Xanax XR to regular and I have trouble staying asleep all night. Overall the transition has been fine and has not affected my weight. This is why I picked Nefazodone over the many more modern options. "Unlike the SSRI antidepressants, nefazodone associated with minimal weight gain and minimal sexual side effects." @NikkiOwl Buspar just made me sleepy.

I was put on Cymbalta (duloxetine) following back surgery in early 2019, to help with nerve pain as well as anxiety/depression surrounding the ordeal. It apparently “worked” and got me through. Constipation and weight gain go hand in hand with it though😩, so I started weaning myself a few months ago. Just this week I decided to stop it, completely. As with anything, it’s totally individual as to the risk/reward of being on something like this. If you feel best on an SSRI, that reward seems like it would be greater than speed of weight loss. You will still lose, you may just need more patience with the scale. Only you and your Dr. can decide. In my case, Dr. said he was all for me going off. I just have to believe it messes with our metabolism, and I don’t trust the drug companies to admit it.🤦‍♀️ Good luck! And be sure to talk with your Dr. on this.💖

Again I had the same question about the exercise program. What my surgeons office did is when I went to my weight management (behavior modification ) class we had to fill out a sheet each time, Containing what are daily activity is like what we are doing for exercise and how long...we also made a food goal like cutting sweet tea , or reducing carbs.. I wouldn't count you out yet over those 3 lbs what is your current bmi? I ask cause even though I had to not gain weight I did not have much wiggle room to loose either . But if you are able to stay above the required bmi with no issue push as hard as you can to drop 5 before the next visit. and do not gain another lb if possible. I was so obsessed about this part cause i knew this was the one part of the approval process that was totally up to me. Aetna is strict about the weight gain but make sure its documented somewhere that either you are on a certain med that makes you gain , Water weight , cycle time etc.

Glad to see you back after five years. You are not alone. Many have experienced regain years out. Several are back on the site for support. Counseling and self help resources are a great place to start to find your willpower. Time to deal with emotional stress eating. doing the head work link below. Some things from my weight gain experience to try. (What works for me may not work for you) Clear out your home of temptation- go shopping for foods on your real food plan Extra carbs and real sugar cause cravings and hunger – Detox off them Satisfy sweet and salty cravings with healthy options: Example -Sweet: dannon light n fit yogurt – Salty: Jerky Hydrate and exercise/activity I’m a sleeve, I have less surgery restriction years out. Eat veggies with all the other item on your plan until full. The bulk and fiber will help fill the extra space, They keep your calories low and help with hunger. Log your food (myfitnesspal) the key is to stay within your weight loss calories and macros.(protein and carb goals) Start at 1200 calories. You can dial the numbers up or down to see where your body loses weight. People will mention Pouch reset. ( Its going back to liquids phase and progressing to real food stage) It does not shrink your pouch. Decide if this is too food restrictive. You can always start real food to reset. Years out, Find a diet that is sustainable for you long term – Vegan, paleo, intermittent fasting, whole 30, keto the list goes on. Whatever diet you chose. Log your food and stay within your calories/macros. People will mention Pouch reset. ( Its going back to liquids phase and progressing to real food stage) It does not shrink your pouch. It may help you feel restriction better. Decide if this is too food restrictive. You can always start real food to reset. Years out, Find a diet that is sustainable for you long term – Vegan, paleo, intermittent fasting, whole 30, keto the list goes on. Whatever diet you chose. Log your food and stay within your calories/macros

I gained about 2 lbs back but lost it quickly once I switched from eating mashed potatoes to eating scrambled eggs and other South Beach diet idea. Just remember stick to the Protein, drink Water and exercise and you should minimize initial weight gain. Good luck! :eekB: Kristin

I set my goal based on how I looked before the weight gain. 135lbs is reasonable for me but if I really want to be extremely fit with like 4% body fat on my big boned, short height, 125lbs is good.

Julie, Look how darn cute you are in your cap and gown. You should be so proud. So I want to poll you guys: At any given time since having the lapband put on(other than complications do to a complete unfill and weight gain) what is the most you have gone up in weight???? I would love to know, now that you guys are about 18 months out and getting close to your goal weight, can you pretty much use the band to maintain????

I decided to go through with the surgery some time in MAY and went to a required seminar in June. Got all my paperwork I needed to sign, no pregnacy, smoking, etc. in July,, now just waiting for my first appointment which is with the shrink.. I was totally into this and determined to lose some weight, recording everything I eat,, (for current dietician) and was exercising again.. Now that I'm just waiting for an appointment I'm slipping, how do I stay motivated. The surgery program I am going to put a new notice on their site today, that they are making almost everyone go on a pre diet even if your insurance doesn't require it,, mine doesn't, and that if you gain weight they will postpone your surgery.. I am terrified.. :eek: I have been struggling with weight gain since my hysterectomy(been overweight since early 20's). I stopped gaining when I stopped taking HRT but I have been unable to lose any.. I am swimming regularly, and know I should be doing some more exercising, but I'm eating less then I ever have and still can't lose.. My clothes fit better but these doctors go by the scale not by inches.. I am curious if after meeting with the shrink, and the dietician that I will feel like there is an end to the waiting and it will motivate me to exercise more and do better,,, did this happen for anyone?? Did anyone feel really pumped about the life style change and get really excited about it.. Lately I have found myself getting more depressed about my weight then I ever have before.. I hate going anywhere, and have resorted to long flowing skirts instead of shorts this summer, and hate to go swimming in public.. I have never cared about any of this before... I know that if they called tomorrow and said I was scheduled for surgery I would not be mentally prepared,, I really feel like I need some guidance. I am truly eating the right foods 95% of the time, but am physically hungry all the time and its driving me crazy.. I have just started taking a new generic form of prilosec for GERD and have had weird stomach pains and pangs since.. Could this be the source of my hunger?? It is making it even harder for me to not give in to overeating and its exhausting me mentally. I have an appointment with the dietician and my PCP next week and will definately ask them what to do,, (drinking Water today when feeling strange) On a lighter note I have been checking things off of my pre op check list.. Went to a shrink on my own for anxiety and she agreed with me that anti depressants won't work... they make me bi polar (its actually a real diagnosis) I am going to see a Behavioral Therapist for my anxiety and panic attacks.. I have more anxiety then panic due to high stress at home and life in general so I am going to learn some coping skills, and hopefully will be able to teach them to my children and avoid them going through what I am,, and what my mother did. I also am having some long overdue dental work done,, need to chew my food more:biggrin: I was going to apologize for the ramble, but will just thank anyone for taking the time to read this!!! I am having a difficult time finding a support person who will stick with me through this, and not try to police me!!! But that is another issue...

I hope you consider seeing your dr. They have seen it all. And they are paid by you.... Maybe a fill? It could be helpful. Please do not be embarrassed by weight gain. It is a common refrain on these boards, and many people work through them. Just know we all have good times and some not so good times. Please reconsider another visit and fill. Your band has to work with you!

Took my waterproof dressings off today - 6 days post op. Have 4 puncture points/incisions. 3 are tiny and the longest is 2 inches long. They don't hurt any more unless I stretch or lean on them or carry too much. But it still feels very tight and swollen - and I'm still lethargic as my body heals. Have attached photos for the more curious amongst you. The one at the top (just under bra line) is barely even visible any more, the other 3 have a fair bit of bruising around them.... NO weight gained or lost without band so far.... I returned to work today (but working from home) however will get back into the office tomorrow. I have an office job but I manage over 50 IT staff so its high pressure role and I know the fatigue will be tough this week.

After a trip to see my family for Thanksgiving and successfully sticking to my healthy eating, it was particularly hard to see my obese brother who has probably gained about 30 lbs this year. When I took a good look at him, I realized his neck was so heavy I could barely see his chin and that his ears seemed disproportionaly small compared to his face. He seemed uncomfortable with my own weight loss story, in fact, he put off coming to see me from Sunday until Thanksgiving, having excuse after excuse to stay away. When he saw how slowly I ate my meal (which now seems normal to me), he said he couldn't possibly take 30 minutes to eat lunch because the best employees are expected to take only 5 minutes. When I started to respond that this is a behavioral change my WLS team helped me to make, he cut me off before I could finish. When I was served Thanksgiving dinner, he said "are you going to be able to eat that?" He was hesitant to eat at a restaurant with me because he thought I would not be able to eat anything. On the other hand, he chose the restaurant where he could get a large prime rib and as he ate the prime rib, he actually spread butter on it (though he made it a point not to butter the roll he ate). He wasn't able to come with me while I walked the dogs, decided not to shop at Walmart because he would have to park too far away ( the parking lot was not that large) and was thrilled when my mom ordered him some special kind of tongs to pick things off the floor with because he can't bend down. When I stopped by his house, there was a belgium waffle maker on the counter that he was obviously using. There are a couple of issues for me here. First I just feel very sad to see how obesity has affected him, though he says his blood sugar, cholesteral and blood pressure are all fine - I don't see how it can be long before he has serious health issues. I've lost 2 male friends his age, that were in better shape, to sudden cardiac arrest. He lives alone and seems to be isolating himself more and more. I know how isolating obesity can be, and about the cravings for fats and carbs and sweets, how hard it is to move when you are that overweight. BUT I don't see him making any attempt to make healthy choices. Second is his passive/agresive comments and behavior, I have a few now former "friends" who have been unaccepting of my new lifestyle and body and I've learned to avoid them if I want to continue my success and not risk sabotaging my weight loss. But this is my brother, my only sibling and I found myself wanting to totally avoid him too! My mom says he should get surgery too but I know he doesn't have the medical resources or support that I had and he is not willing to change his behavior. Plus, his recent weight gain would put him at a higher risk. Since obesity runs in families, does anyone else have insight as to how to deal with this?

Sugar will just slow down ur weightloss. The whole point that I was given is your 1st year is your golden year. U want to lose all u can. Cutting out sugars, starches and bread until u meet your goal weight is critical. Then u have to slowly re-introduce them making sure they don't cause weight gain. But as they say it's a life style change. I have easily given up all of the above but I'm just 2 weeks post op. Good Luck to you!

@@Ashleyconder Obesity and depression are diseases - just like diabetes, asthma, etc. You can't just decide "I'm not going to be depressed today". It could very well be hormonal - similar to post partum depression. Depression symptoms need to be treated just like diabetes symptoms. With PCOS, you have hormonal issues going on, increased testosterone, weight gain, slow metabolism, etc.- which can all contribute to your mental health - and it's all a vicious cycle. It's unfortunate that your high school got involved in anyone's weight "issues" (if they are even issues - especially if they're going by the unrealistic BMI chart). I was considered obese in High School - I weighed 140 lbs (5'2"). I'd be dancing in the streets if I weight ONLY 140 lbs right now. This is your journey - don't let anyone interfere! I'm also the fat sister of a beautiful, normal-sized, smart and successful woman but I'm never jealous of her - she has her own battles to fight and no one is perfect! One thing I strongly encourage is for you to go to therapy with someone with bariatric WLS experience. I've been since April - and it really has helped me - in more than just food related issues. Good luck - I look forward to watching you journey!!! Kristen

Quick update...weight on the scale this afternoon was 255 so the weight is coming down again and hopefully continues back to 247 and lower. I'm still at a loss at what caused the huge upswing. I've had 4-5 pound swings whenever I hit a stall, but 13 pounds was a bit of an overkill and scared the crap out of me. I did drink a ton of Crystal Light yesterday; more than normal...had to be around 100 ounces...or at least 96. I ended up having to urinate constantly during the day so if the weight gain was through Water retention I don't know what caused it. One of these days I'll have to study up on the actual science behind weight loss.

So, I had my surgery back in 2008 and have lost 170 lbs. I've lost consistently throughout my journey and then once I got to a weight where I was comfortable, I've stayed there. I go up and down a few pounds, but as long as I stay within what I call my "safe range" then I'm good to go. Here's why I'm writing. Back on April 30th I went to see my surgeon. I had decided that I was going to ask to have a tad bit of Fluid removed, just to be a little more comfortable. I don't think I was too tight, but I figured I'd see what happened. My doctor took a little bit of fluid out and he did tell me that I might feel like he had taken out too much. I wasn't worried though. Boy was I wrong. Since I saw him, a little over a month ago, I've gained 10 lbs. I'm not eating any differently, but I am constantly hungry. I go back to my doctor on the 25th and am definitely asking to have that little bit of fluid put back in, but I never imagined that a small unfill would contributo to a 10 lb. weight gain. So, I was curious if anyone else has gone through this?? I'm very concerned because I've NEVER gained. I want to get as much of that weight gone before I go back to my doctor on the 25th. My clothes all fit, but I suddenly have a muffin top above my loose skin. Plus, I feel bloated and miserable all the time now. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do to get this weight back off?? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! Thanks so much :0) Liveforit

Greetings All! I am happy to have found this site because all I had been finding is Lap Band sites with bad reviews and complaints :smile:. I am open to everyone's input, as I am in the decision stage of the process. I'm in a rut. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm the heaviest I've ever been. My weight problems began with a sudden onset of weight gain 21 years ago. I had a two year bout of a mystery illness and packed on 40 pounds within three months. It's been a battle ever since. My body hurts; my knees, my back, my stomach, my self esteem, my spirit. I hate having photos taken. I discard most of them. I’m depressed and have become unsocial. My worse fear is that I'll just get fatter and fatter. I can't honestly say that diet and exercise doesn't work, because I just can't seem to muster up the will-power to actually stick with a portion control plan. As far as exercise goes, my body just hurts too much to do the simplest of exercise routines. I tried walking several times last and this week and I was in agony. My knees were hurting and my back went into spasms. I’m discouraged and disgusted with who and what I have become. :thumbup: If anyone out there has Tricare Standard, I’d appreciate your commentary regarding insurance coverage for the Lap Band procedure and how easy or difficult it was to get approval. Thanks!