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I have PCOS and I have my initial visit with the dietitian at my surgeons office Mar 5 and decided on the gastric bypass vs the sleeve because of the PCOS. My symptoms are not that bad right now. I have the hair growth on the face and chest, and weight gain. Has anyone of you ladies noticed alot of weightloss since surgery? My biggest fear is getting the surgery only to discover that the weight is coming off really slow

Yes, indeed, There For Her, my partner is motivated. Thank you so much for the information. She's been experimenting with various types of Protein drinks for almost three weeks to find out which kinds she likes (she can't do the regular animal protein ones because they make her sick for some reason, but she likes the Spirutein drinks which are soy-based), and has been practicing the chew, chew, chew bit. Her veggies got cold the other night before she got to them - she says she figures she's going to have to get used to that. I guess that's what microwaves were made for. And her surgery isn't scheduled until June 23rd, so she's gearing up for it. She's not always much of a reader, so we are both doing research, but she's dong the bulk of it. We had looked at RNY, bypass, and the Optifast diets at various points over the years, and the medical risks or chances of long-term success (with Optifast) just didn't seem worth it, but this time we talked about it, and we both came to the conclusion that it's either the band, which is so much safter, or more weight gain, and she didn't want the second option. She calls the band "Weight Watchers with a washer." She also has three people at her work who have been banded, so she has an instant support group, which is great. So, I have three questions: How can we request to make this an official forum so we don't have to go digging in the Introductions posts to find each other and other people can find us? Since I'm a total newbie, I have no idea how to do this. Has anybody tried using the sugar-free Torani syrups that are used to flavor coffee and Italian sodas as a way to add flavor to their Protein shakes? I was going to pick up some for her if they sounded good. Here's the hard one: We live in a state where being seriously overweight is the norm, not the exception (Wisconsin - it's the cheese), and most of our friends are either obese or morbidly obese. I have already seen two of them offer only lukewarm support to her when she told them she was having the surgery, and then I heard one of them subtly try to sabotage her right away ("You will get treats, won't you? Don't let them tell you that you can't have treats."). I was so upset, I almost cried then and there. :cursing: I've heard that this can happen - the person who is losing weight gets subtly pressured to "get back in line" with their "friends" who are still overweight - and I've watched it happen to her when she's lost weight before. The minute it became obvious that she was losing weight, people suddenly started shoving sweets at her like she had to be starving without them. My partner has decided not to tell anybody else about the band right now, but it's going to become obvious at some point. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to deal with this, especially as her partner?

This right here! I am the same, I can lose significant weight doing low carb, but I can't live the rest of my life like that. Or should I say, I don't want to live the rest of my life like that. I have taken the same approach of "smart-carbs" and limiting simple and highly processed carbs. I want my body to learn that no food is off limits and respond with huge weight gains. Overall trying about to be smarter about food choices, focusing on protein first. I'm learning that carbs aren't the enemy. But high carbs + high fat can go wrong fast.

I unfilled my band two months ago because I was experiencing the same exact things you mention in your post. I gained 20 lbs. Just went back in and had it filled to 2 cc's so ..... hopefully I can get those 20 lbs off and then some. My head just wasn't there and no restriction for two months really did get my head back into the game. Well, actually it was the gaining of the 20 lbs that did that, but I wouldn't have gained if I hadn't unfilled. I don't know how else I could have got my head back in the lap band world, I tried many times unsuccessfully before the unfill. Gaining weight really gives you the push you need. I wish I hadn't let it go so long but I am back in full force now and maybe it will be just what I needed to lose the 20 + more. Good luck with your unfill! My advice is keep a REALLY close eye on any weight gain and don't wait until you're up to 20 lbs to go back in to see your doctor.

@Doubletruble - I hope they can get your levels in control! I am sure they will level out by the time they submit. 2 days of liquid diet only ? wow your surgeon is being good to you lol I will have a week! I don't know how some others have to do 2 weeks, that's craziness!!! @@auntitraci - I can understand how frustrating it is. One of the side effects of Steroids are weight gain. The NUT has no idea about medication side effects. I am sorry that it was a waste of time. It sounds like she has the mentatlity like most when their comments are what you mentioned. Will you be off of them before time for surgery? What does your surgeon say?

Dave...thank you for mentioning the weight gain. I cried when I weighed out before leaving...I was albs heavier than when they weighed me in. And I was in and out in 5 hours. Almost broke my heart to go up that much in 5 hours. But now, this morning @ home I've lost 4 of the 8 (survey was yesterday) and the gas is finally coming out

Do you sometimes suffer from head hunger? Do you sometimes find your self munching on something and ask your self why? Do you feel remorse and quilt after you eat sometimes and don't understand why you ate that? Well you are not alone, many of us, me included still suffer from these very triggers that cause head hunger even after WLS. Our surgery did not fix our brains or stop us from putting unhealthy food in out bodies. It takes months and years and constant reminding to undo unhealthy behaviors. The one thing that can really sabotage a WLS patient is themselves. Once we start down a self destructive path we can easily justify why we are doing what we are doing. How many of you have lied to your self about taking just one bite, when you really ate the who thing? Grazers sometimes have more difficulty with WLS than binge eaters. It is much easier to graze then it is to binge after WLS that is why it is so important to learn what your eating triggers are and to learn how to deal with head hunger early in your journey. I often surf the internet looking for ideas that may help me to stay true to my healthy self and like to share with others in thoughts that it may help someone else. Everyone has to individulize their journey and has to learn how they can best cope with this change in life style. Some of the tips for dealing with head hunger suggests things that if you are a WLS person like myself, you cannot do. We cannot bulk up on low calorie foods or eat big salads, we cannot drink soup before our protein meals to fill us up and we cannot drink large volumes of water at one time when we are eating. If these things worked for us we would not have had WLS. As a bariatric patient we must learn to deal with our triggers and behaviors that sabatoge us. I found what I consider a good article this morning that I would like to share with all of you. The article is from the Obesity Help web site. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/mental-health/Head-Hunger-Coping-with-Your-Triggers-for-Overeating.html Head Hunger - Coping with Your Triggers for Overeating by Michelle May, MD Do you sometimes confuse “head hunger” with “body hunger”? If you’re sensitive to food cues, weight management becomes much easier when you’re able to recognize the triggers in your environment and break the associations that lead you to overeat simply out of habit. Let’s take a look at just a few of the common triggers for overeating and strategies for coping more effectively. By the Clock: Society programs us to follow a schedule, so like Pavlov’s dog, we’ve learned to salivate when the bell rings. The reality is that it’s more convenient to eat at certain times than others, so it takes effort to listen to your hunger cues. Strategy: Though it’s challenging to change this routine, you can adapt it to fit your own needs. Learn to pace yourself by observing your natural hunger rhythms. You’ll probably notice that you get hungry every three to six hours, depending on what and how much you ate at your last meal and how active you’ve been. Keep a healthy snack handy to satisfy hunger that doesn’t conform to mealtimes. If you’re consistently tempted to snack right before a meal, consider moving the mealtime up or adding more protein to your previous snack. High-Risk Times: Many people have times of the day that are high-risk for overeating. For example, you may experience a late-afternoon energy slump or a tendency to munch when you come home from work to transition into your evening. Strategy: Know when you’re most at risk and develop an alternate strategy. For example, create a Recharge Ritual or Transition Time that helps you relax or unwind. Save a favorite magazine or book to read, call a friend or walk your dog instead. Create a list of things to do instead of eating. Keep the list (and any necessary supplies) handy and make a commitment to try one of these activities before eating simply out of habit. ‘Tis the Season: Be aware of your seasonal and weather-related cues for eating. Holidays can be especially difficult because of all of the social ties to certain foods and even certain people. Many of the foods you eat during this time may seem “special,” and therefore, harder to eat in sensible quantities. Strategy: These occasions repeat themselves, so you can anticipate what typically occurs and create a plan for dealing with your triggers. Make it a point to really listen to your body instead of the external cues when making your food choices. Also, keep in mind that special foods will be even more special when you eat them mindfully when you’re hungry, focusing on the appearance and flavors of the food, the ambiance, the other people and the reason you’re all together. Tempting Displays: Seeing displays of food like candy or nuts in dishes and tempting foods when you open your cabinet or refrigerator can trigger you to want those foods. Strategy: Out of sight, out of mind. Don’t use food as decorations or leave appetizing foods in plain view. Try putting tempting foods behind other foods in your cabinets and refrigerator. If a co-worker keeps food out, ask him or her to put it in a drawer instead. Media: Food is everywhere in television and magazines (ironically, often right next to the articles about the latest wonder diet!). Strategy: Get yourself a glass of water during commercials, avoid watching programs that focus on food and skip quickly over the food ads and recipes. Break the habit of eating while watching television—usually a mindless, high-calorie activity. Location, Location, Location: If you eat in front of the TV, in bed or standing in the kitchen, you may feel an urge to eat just from being in those places. Strategy: Try to eat only while sitting at a table. Make it a family rule to limit eating to one or two rooms in the house. This will decrease triggers like TV and reading and help you focus on enjoying your food without distractions. Biggie Size: Restaurants often serve overly large portions to make their customers feel that they are getting value. Strategy: Be prepared to have extra food wrapped up to go as soon as you feel satisfied, or estimate how much you think you’ll need and wrap up the rest even before you start eating. If you leave the food sitting in front of you, you’ll be more likely to keep nibbling. Remind yourself that you’ll get to enjoy that food again when you’re hungry. You can also share an entrée or order an appetizer-sized portion. Forbidden Food Syndrome: Although it’s a popular topic of conversation, the mere discussion of dieting can trigger feelings of deprivation and cravings. Just thinking about restrictive dieting has been shown to increase food intake. Strategy: Decrease the amount of time you spend talking about food, weight and dieting. Depend on your physical hunger cues to let you know when it’s time to eat. By learning to recognize and cope more effectively with your head hunger, you’ll begin to break free from old, problematic habits. You’ll find yourself eating less, feeling more satisfied and meeting your needs more appropriately. To get a one-page handout called “101 Things to Do Instead of Eating When You’re NOT Hungry,” visit http://amihungry.com/enews.shtml. Food and Feelings Emotions are common triggers for eating. People sometimes eat to cope with stress, distract themselves from difficult emotions or stuff down feelings they don’t know how to express in a healthier manner. However, boredom, anger, anxiety, loneliness, stress and other feelings are a natural part of our lives, and eating won’t make them go away. In fact, eating in response to these feelings disconnects you from important information about what you need. For example, “I want brownies” might really mean “I want comfort,” “I need a reward,” “I wish I had a friend to talk to” or “I wish I could tell you how I really feel.” The food you eat to deal with feelings comes with strings attached—weight gain and regret. But more importantly, it denies you the opportunity to discover and satisfy your true needs. Since eating cannot meet your emotional needs, those unmet needs trigger overeating again and again. The way to break out of this pattern is to stop judging yourself when you overeat and instead try to figure out what you needed that drove you to eat when you weren’t physically hungry. Examining your current eating behavior can be a powerful source of information about your inner self and your true needs and wants. Once you have identified the emotions that triggered the urge to eat, seek ways to comfort, nurture, calm and distract yourself without turning to food. Michelle May, MD, a physician and recovered yo-yo dieter, is the author of Am I Hungry? What to Do When Diets Don’t Work, available at www.AmIHungry.com.

I had it done several years ago and preop. I never noticed any weight gain over that. I did notice no more periods and no more blood transfusions. That was a good surgery also. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well, you're right. There are people living this way. Their opinion is just not as popular so some of us prefer to rather not comment. If it's possible not to worry about weight in the future? I can only speak for myself and I notice the lingering fear in regards to weight gain in the back of my brain so for me it doesn't seem to be possible but that doesn't mean that there are people who have a more relaxed relationship with this. It's definitely not mandatory. That's BS. I'm saying it again: it's not mandatory. Low carb, high protein is just the trend nowadays. Or keto. Some years ago it was low fat. Times simply have changed and they will most likely change again, bringing on the next dietary trend.

I must say you're right...But being a couch slug was for me when I was sick and not feeling well. I think me spending almost $200 for a new bike was not for nothing. Plus I already know I can do 30 to 45 minutes per day--been there and done that. I have a lot of things pushing me now---dreams, goals that I have to obtain. I was once 315 pounds---I got down to 218 once--but I didn't have the right stuff to keep me there. Now--with the way I feel and all that I have done to get the lap band--I'd have to be a fool to play the couch slug. I am just one Man with 2 small kids. Who do they depend on--me. I came to my final conclusion in November that I had to get off my duff. I lost weight--gained it---lost it--gained it back and more. Now with my new tool--it's more of a confidence factor than anything. Trust me--the minutes last week was just the beginning. I wondered---how did I ride my bike 30 minutes on Wednesday--then go to the Gym for 37 more minutes if my mind was trying to be a couch slug??? Sorry....it will not be that way...

Laurigee: As a matter of fact, I have thought about getting counseling about this and other body issues. I think that it is hard to know when to call it good. One way to tell is when it takes a super effort to lose anymore. That could be your body letting you know that it likes where it is. Another way to know, is to get feedback from your loved ones and doctor. Now, my band doctor and husband said that I was good 10 pounds ago, even though my BMI is 24.5. I didn't want to be on the cusp of having an overweight BMI, but as was explained to me, I am physically in excellant shape, my heart problems are a thing of the past and I look good. That being said, I have my own goal, which is 10 pounds less. As I said in the last post, I'm going for it. My reasoning, I had my fat, muscle and water tested and that showed that I could lose another 10 pounds. I'm on the verge of a size 6, sometimes I can fit that and sometimes I can't. It would personally mean a lot to me to make that goal. It would also give me a little leeway as I go into maintance. Are you burned out on dieting? If so, quit for a while and re-evaluate. You can always try for more. Sometime, I think that breaks (without weight gain) are good for you physically and mentally. I was looking around at church on Sunday and it occured to me that I am definetly in the normal realm for my size and peers. That is probably another measuring stick, so to speak. Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you like MOST of what you see? I guess that these are other indications. I'm just ready to begin the next big adventure in life, along with maintaining my weight. It might help to think about new goals and things that you want to accomplish because there is a void when the big push is over. Just some thoughts. What do you think?

Don't be scared of a small unfill...right now, you're eating the wrong foods...which won't help your weight loss or your health. By being slightly unfilled, you'll be able to eat the right foods in the right amounts AND lose weight AND be healthier. Too many people think tighter is better, but it often leads to bad food choices and weight gain. Plus, do you really want to be miserable all the time? The green zone chart in my doctor's office says, "Patient Satisfaction" under the green zone...are you satisified?

What about side effects? I am worried about weight gain and acne. I have been told it is really good, but since I have lost my 72 lbs my husband has been all over me. So I am glad I have a good form of birth control. Just a little worried about side effects.

Has anyone used the mirena iud? I read that it can cause weight gain hair loss etc? Advice welcome!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm 42 days out and had lost 15 lbs in 3weeks but am loosing and gaining the same 5 lbs since...no change in calories and maintaining exercise...what is this about? I've read many opinions about weight gain but if one is eating less than 1200 calories and exercising then one should lose wt. banded or not?!!! hope the fills make things more consistent and clear..puzzled right now..i am moving foward and just keeping with the program....come this far. Want to love the band:redface:

But I also took all of my (then three) kids to Mexico with me for banding- because Adrian needed to nurse and I was afraid of who would bring her back if something happened. I also didn't stay in the hospital overnight. I went to the hotel around 8 pm and had som chicen broth & gatoraide per instructions!!!! Adrian also went when I got my one & only fill. If i were to get pregnant. I would personally try to keep my fill If I am not vomiting (however this would be different than with Adrian- that was 10 months of pucking!! DH thought bullimic pucked less than me). I would also try to keep weight gain to the baby- but keep the carbs and Protein high through good stuff, (My opinion and hoping it waits till I am at goal to happen if god knock twice in this lifetime)

Hi - Glad I jumped on here and read all your posts. I have not had the expected success with my lapband I thought I would. I too have a sweet tooth and get so tired of vomiting up other stuff. My nutritionalist & psychologists are now discussing revision surgery for me. I lost 30lbs on my presurgical diet starting at 230lbs, surgery day 6/29/11 I was 199lbs. I got down to 170lbs by 10/11 and have struggled with vomiting and weight gain ever since. I have gone back up to as much as 192lbs - which would really mean 7lbs post surgery. That is awful! I have not been able to get down past 185lbs. My asthma has improved but lately with the vomiting I feel like I either aspirate liquid into my lungs or am having acid reflux. I did have a hiatal hernia repair at banding. That was painful! I went with the band thinking it would be less evasive than a bypass and am now really confused and disappaointed not to mention severly depressed and on anitdrpressants and anti anxiety meds along with asthma maintance meds. I am usually not able to tolerate chicken, tofu & eggs leaving few interesting proteins to choose from. I end up eating sweets cause they seem to stay down. I see my asthma doc on Wednesday and plan to discuss all this with him. I see my bariatric doc for my year post check up June 4. I am sorry you all are having problems to, it is helpful to know others are in similar situations though. Best wishes to you all on feeling better. I will keep in touch and am very interested in how you all are doing. Thank you for sharing.

That's the mindset that I am taking on to the future. My bread, cake, biscuit/cookie consumption is a most serious aspect of my life of weight gain. I will do my best to NOT reintroduce breads, cakes, biscuits and "cookies" ever again. I am building resolve. At 61, this is truly my golden ticket that started sliding too far away 25+ years ago.

Well, I am divorced so have no dh to tell, but my dear mom knows and she is actually the one who suggested I think about it as she knows how unhappy I am with my roller coaster of weight loss/gains over and over. I get so depressed about it. My sisters and brother know I'm looking into it. My brother's mother in law had it and he is very supportive in me getting it. ..and surely my dad will know eventually. I just know that at first he will be one that's not too supportive of it.... He just doesn't understand how I can't just make up my mind and lose it and keep it off. He just doesn't get that. ..and more than that....I fear he will blab it to others. That's what I don't like about him knowing, but he will have to know before hand. Other than them, just a few of my friends know that I'm planning on it, if all works out with my insurance and they are supportive, except my very best friend has some issues with it, because she has heard negative things, but she KNOWS my weight issues as we've been friends for many years. I think in the end, if I choose to tell her before hand, she will be supportive. There is one gal at my work that had it a few years ago, although she did not have the funds to continue getting fills so she hasn't done much to help herself lose anything more than the first 20 lbs or so. She knows that I'm looking into it because I have asked questions over and over, but she also knows that I'm not putting it out there for the whole office to hear. I am NOT ashamed of it, but like some others, I just don't want to hear the opinions of those who DO NOT understand the emotional eating/binge eating roller coaster of weight gain all their life. They DO NOT understand what it's like to be a thinner/healthier person inside of a fat and unhealthy body. I do not need them critiquing everything they see me eat.....as they sometimes do now . I don't do well with "food police". I would be under less stress with them not knowing. And I really do not plan on telling the manager/supervisor. I will just tell them I have a dr. appt. for each of the appts. It's none of their business why. And as for the sugery....I have vacation time to take still, so I'll plan it at least 30 days out if all possible. Also, after being banded.....you are not lying when you tell people that you are eating healthier, lesser amounts...etc. That is true. From what I understand, YOU are still the one making the food choices and how much....so even though you have a tool to help you, YOU are the one making the choices that lead to the weight loss, so I won't just automatically tell people I'm banded if my weight loss comes up. Most people I know, also know that I have been a follower of weight watchers for years. I have lost over and over to gain over and over. Now if they flat out ask if I'm banded, I cannot lie, so I will tell them...but also point out that it's all about the food choices I make, just as before. Educate them.

I still have 22 lbs to lose before I'm at pre-pregnancy weight. Sigh...i have been bad all week too, so who knows if I've gained? Probably. Just dealing with hunger sucks. I know I need a fill, but I am not wanting to be tighter than I am right now! Lately I don't eat large meals, but I notice I get growly tummy after breastfeeding. It's food choices, pure and simple. Cravings for the naughty foods are worse at night, so I will try to work harder at that. The main reason they measure your tummy is simple, for easy, quick checks of growth. Your tummy measurement should match your week, so 37 cm should mean you're 37 wks along. However, the measurements are not as accurate if you weren't slender to start with, so don't worry too much about it. One of my pregnant friends has measured very large since about 24 wks, always measuring about 5 wks ahead. This has prompted several sonograms. Her last tummy measurement was done when she was 36 wks, however it showed her at 41 wks...she has not had a healthy pregnancy. WAY too much weight gain, fatty, salty foods, etc has resulted in gallstones and gestational diabetes. Her docs aren't too happy with her, as she was obese to start with. So basically, the tummy measurement is a good diagnostic tool to determine if other tests should be done. They estimate her baby girl at over 9 lbs right now, and she isn't due until Halloween...so it's looking like a C section might be the only option. I love her to death, just hope she's getting nutritional food for the baby. Even if the veggies are drenched in ranch, I wish she was eating more of them. Abe is 10 weeks old and doing great, smiling and laughing constantly! He is in the 75th percentile for height, so he will hopefully be tall, and 50th percentile for weight, so he's gaining perfectly. How are all of you out there? Excited for the new babies to arrive soon!

Now I'm scared! At my first weigh in they explained to me that if I gained even 1 pound the insurance would deny me and i would have to start the 4 month process all over again. I am trying to eat right and drink lots of water like they have told me to do but i i got on the scale 2 days before 2nd weigh in and it said i gained 2 pounds! I had to take water pills for 2 days before my appointment so that when i weighed in it said i lost 4 pounds! It's crazy i have become obsessed i know its all water weight because 2 days later my weight was back up 2 pounds. I have 2 more weigh ins and I'm afraid I won't make it. On top of everything else I'm an insulin diabetic on hospital grade concerated insulin that causes massive weight gain and they won't take thatinto cconsideration.

I'm glad I could help, Monique. To clarify, I did ask if I could sign up for any other required classes at the time they called to schedule the orientation. I think most people sign up at the orientation as there were sign up sheets at the orientation prompting attendees to sign up for the nutrition/lifestyle/medical evaluation appointments. I plan my work schedule weeks in advance, so it was helpful for me to be able to schedule everything ahead of time. Keep me posted about your progress. From what I learned from the bariatric staff, you may have a delay with the process if you need further assessment for your sleep apnea and/or require a CPAP machine first. According to the pre-operative criteria sheet in the booklet they gave us at orientation, it states, "a BMI 35-40 with a serious obesitity- related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or severe sleep apnea (will consider severe HTN, DJD or increased lipids) It's up to the Bariatric staff to determine whether of not you qualify. I will keep my fingers crossed that you do! I know that waiting was the worst! I did some research on my own and hoped having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom would help me qualify due to insuline resistance and weight gain. Turns out it was enough!

I totally understand what you are going through. I went through the 6 months pre op diet also and I struggle with losing weight as well. My first 2 months I did not lose or gain then the third month I lost 10 pounds and the fourth month I gained 10 pounds. Finally the fifth and sixth month I didn't lose anything, part of it was totally stress so much stress with my job, with trying to lose weight, with making time to workout and with disappointing my nutritionist. I stressed myself to the max and couldn't seem to stick to the plan. My last month I was so depressed because I felt like I failed and the insurance company wouldn't approve me. So I talk to my nutritionist and told her how I felt. That day she truly encouraged me, she said that she knew I was trying and that's the reason I need the surgery because it's very hard for you to do it on your own. She also said that it's very rare that she seen an insurance company deny a claim because of weight gain. Just to give you a little background, 2 years ago I was extremely successful with weight loss eating right and exercising 3 to 4 times a week ( which I loss 55 pounds). However, I struggled with depression, that lead me to eat eat and eat some more.(gained all that weight back plus more) Through counseling now I feel like I have a hold on that emotional eating and constantly putting myself down. So don't be down on yourself for your success will come and your insurance will approve you. No worries!

Part of it is stress. As soon as I weighed in the last time (i think i lost 4 lbs over the 6 months, if that) I immediately dropped 2 more lbs. If you have taken any new meds or changed doses I would check side effects. I had to start on a med for my endometrial pre cancer issues that had a side effect of weight gain (amongst other scarier side effects). When I went in and weighed I told my pcp about what the endo had prescribed and the weight gain side effect and she noted it in my chart. I know it doesn't help to say "try not to stress" but stress will pack on lbs. I believe you will be ok!!!

I would appreciate if we could keep this thread from being hijacked to a "weight gain challenge". This thread is for weight loss and those who are serious about the challenge. I'm sure all of those in this challenge will agree. -- La Madam on Weight Loss Challenge thread. I replied, "the mini-hijack was just for a few cheap laughs for those of us anticipating a rough week. To avoid offending the serious, we will move these comments to a new thread." So here it is. This is intended to be a thread where anyone can freely vent (I hope) about the challenges to weight loss. Disclaimer: If you do not want to read about people who are gaining weight, people who are worried about gaining weight, or people who may make jokes about gaining weight, do not read further. My vent: I've been losing weight steadily since my last fill, but after three weeks of immobility I'm starting a course of steroids for disc trouble. The steroids make me feel better, but I gain weight.