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TERESITA??? Whaaaaaaaaaaaa??? Omg hon! That is superb. You are doing so well!!! Gosh that's really great! 61lbs gone. I see you are in the next bracket now. Doesn't that feel great? **Hugs** Geesh -4lbs over the weekend and a day is amazing. Weekends are soo hard too. shake it Tere! Do you guys want to do this again this weekend? I'm up for it? I'd like to do it again and fight the "scary weight gain weekends". Let me know if this is a good idea and to keep it going as a kind of reinforcement for our Major challenges such as Bootcamp and Gone For Good Club. I think.. as long as we have something to get us through the weekends, the Monday and Wednesday weigh ins won't be soo depressing.

Hello All, I've been lurking here for a while and have appreciated your transparency and vulnerability. I was on this forum almost ten years ago after having a gastric sleeve. I never met my goal weight; over the years, the weight returned. Last month, I was only 50 pounds short of my highest weight. So, on December 12th of this year, I had a revision to gastric bypass. I feel a little discouraged right now because I don't feel I'm making the progress I expected. I lost 11 pounds my first week, but I am only down another 3 pounds for the next 3 weeks. So, I am only down 14 pounds at three weeks post-op. I do not have an appetite at all and am having difficulty getting anything down but liquids, although I was cleared to begin soft foods today. I couldn't even engage in the puree phase too much. Protein shakes are very hard to get down, so I've transitioned to Isopure (which is more of a liquid). Despite eating little to nothing, my weight loss is slow. It could also be attributed to my starting weight being a little lower than most. I started at 5'2, and my starting weight was 222. Additionally, I take bipolar meds, which are known to cause weight gain. Any words of advice or encouragement? I'm feeling down right now.

Well, the guidelines for bariatric surgery are continuously evolving. There is evidence of the benefit of bariatric surgery for Class 1 Obesity (30+BMI) as well as the benefit for overweight patients with significant comorbidities, of which I have about 10. That, coupled with a rapid weight gain over the past year does actually qualify me for surgery. My original sleeve was made larger than most because of my severe GERD. Unfortunately the sleeve has made it worse. My surgeon recommended a bypass prior to my sleeve surgery, but I was too scared to do it. Remember that there is a broad range of what is considered safe medical practice, and there are indeed reputable surgeons who will do bariatric surgery for patients like me. I support everyone in doing whatever is best for them, including choosing their surgeon and procedure. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

A couple of things I wish I knew. The constipation is real. I average between 14 - 22 grams of fiber daily but still have to take something everyday. I wish someone had of explained that too me. I have rarely been constipated in my life until now. All the aches and pains I got. I am the only one of several people I know who got the surgery who has had issues. Weird hip pain where I couldn't walk without assistance and now Meralgia Paresthetica. I had this condition many years (24) ago when I was pregnant and it came back with a vengeance. I refused any meds due to potential weight gain and will hopefully wait it all out.

Well, today I saw the Endo, but it didn't go quite how I would have liked. Becaue I don't have the strechmarks, and because I work out I don't have the thin arms and legs, he doesn't think I have cushings, but he ordered the 24 hour urine test and three other tests. (my husband has my PDA with that information). I do know they are testing my testosterone because of the increased body hair, the increased facial hair (6 laser hair removal treatments and it is all growing back) and the male patterned baldnes, he thinks I might have something wrong, like a masculinizing tumor, but probably not cushings. He wasn't interested in my sudden and unexplained weight gains, my fatigue, or my inability to lose weight. I think the man weighs 150 soaking wet. He's going to send me to a doctor that specializes in metabolic issues, although she mostly sees professional atheletes. He kept refering to me being obese (no kidding) and thinks that is why I'm having all the problems. He thinks I should work harder at losing weight. (hello! I had WLS for crying out loud, I work out, and I've managed to lose 15 pounds net since April. I'm not terribly optimistic, but he didn't dismiss me altogether either. He did tell me to stop taking the thyroid medication. He looked at my test results from Jan and couldn't believe the other doctor put me on thyroid medication.

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, and not something to be undergone lightly. Some weight loss surgery candidates know that weight loss surgery is for them, but many others are unsure whether it is time for them to get weight loss surgery. At best, it can help you lose weight and get your life back. At worst, it can cause complications or make you miss your old way of life. How do you know whether weight loss surgery is for you? Will it be the weight control solution you have been searching for for years? Or will it be a decision you regret? Nobody can answer that for you, but here are some considerations as you think about whether weight loss surgery is for you. The Qualifying Criteria You are not a candidate for bariatric surgery unless you meet certain criteria set by your surgeon or, if applicable, your healthcare coverage plan. The standard criteria are: Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or BMI 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Confirmation that your obesity is not caused by an underlying condition that would make weight loss surgery ineffective. A psychological exam to show that you are capable of sticking to the post-op diet and lifestyle changes that are necessary. Previous documented attempts at losing weight with diet and exercise. Ineffectiveness of Previous Efforts Weight loss surgery is a last resort, not a first try at losing weight. It is for patients who have been obese for years and who have tried to lose weight using lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet plan and a formal exercise program. Many weight loss surgery patients try “every diet under the sun” before deciding that it is time for WLS. They may have had trouble losing any weight at all, or may have lost weight initially but been unable to keep it off. Readiness to Change Weight loss surgery is just the beginning. The way you eat after weight loss surgery determines how well you will be able to control your weight for the rest of your life. You need to be ready to change if you want to be successful with weight loss surgery. No longer will you be able to down a pizza or hit the drive-through on a whim. Are you ready to possibly: Give up coffee and regular and diet soda? Cut sugary treats and fried foods, especially with gastric bypass? Pass on the alcoholic offerings at home, parties, and restaurants? Count protein, slash carbs, and measure portions? Addressing Other Issues Weight gain does not always take place in a vacuum, and weight loss does not solve other problems you might have in your life. First, identify why you became overweight in the first place, and what is keeping you from losing the weight. Is weight loss surgery the answer, or do you need to first deal with an abusive relationship or lack of self-confidence, for example? Emotional eating is a common reason for weight gain. If you tend to eat your feelings away, you are best off figuring out other ways to handle your feelings before you get surgery. Can you use walking as a form of therapy? Maybe you can join an in-person or online support group to turn to when you feel sad, lonely, or angry. If your emotional eating is related to a specific problem, such as stress at work, your best bet may be to handle the problem before getting WLS. That could mean finding a healthy coping mechanism, or it could mean getting counseling to help you work through the source of stress. It could even mean finding a new job, as scary as that sounds. Consider Replacement Addictions Replacement addictions are common after weight loss surgery. They happen when you give up food – which can be an addiction – for a different addiction. Instead of turning to food for comfort, entertainment, or companionship, some weight loss surgery patients turn to “replacement addictions” or “cross addictions” They may take up smoking, or start to abuse alcohol. Replacement addictions can also be healthier than eating; some weight loss surgery patients become gym rats or take up gardening, sewing, or other hobbies. As you consider weight-loss surgery, think about the possibility of food addiction being replaced by replacement addictions. What role does food play in your life now? What do you see replacing that emotional or physical role after surgery? The decision to get weight loss surgery requires a lot of soul searching for most candidates. These points can help you work through some of the doubts you may have as you try to decide what is best for yourself.

I just started Linzess this morning. So how much weight gain did you experience? He told me yesterday it would not cause weight gain? *sobbing* Sorry about your thyroid going out. Do you think it could be coincidental? That you gained cuz of hypothyroid issues rather than the Linzess? I don't have any experience with the Trulance. Wish I could give feedback.

Living with addiction is hard, I kept trying to fix things only to realize I could only control myself. I hated who I had become, I let myself become consumed with his alcoholism and lost myself completely. This was the beginning of my weight gain, the more out control his drinking became the bigger I got. Use this time apart to get clarity, who are you, who is he, do you value the same things, you'll rediscover yourself. When you are clear about yourself you won't get sucked into his drama, its his not yours, your yelling and name calling keeps you stuck in his game. Who knows what time apart will give him, just know your boundaries and limits so that if you do reconcile the rules are clear. I divorced and my ex died from his alcoholism.

When I went on BCP I didn't experience weight gain (it's the only thing I ever put in my mouth that didn't make me gain weight!). The only side effect I noticed was cramping. For the first 3 months I was taking it, I had constant, mild cramps - just like menstrual cramps, only mild enough that I could ignore them. As I gained weight I had to stop taking the BCP, and all other hormone-based forms of birth control. I'm hoping I can get back on them soon. Even if you have a slight weight gain, IMO it would be so worth doing what you could to try and treat the cyst externally.

Don't take off the 15 the hard way. Just go get a fill and use your band. Tell them you are ashamed about the weight gain and I'm sure they will be glad you came in for a fill.

I need some instruction. I had my vsg in March, 2009. I have gained some weight and I am worried. I am a stress eater and I have had my mother for the past 2-1/2 years and she was/i on hospice for the past year and a half. No excuse, just find comfort in food. NOW, I want/have to get back in line. Can you give me some advice on how to shrink my pouch back to what it needs to be? Liquid diet for a few days? Thank you so much for any advice you can give me.

Any feedback will be appreciated. In March I was diagnoised with severe acid reflux and had all my fill taken out. In May I had breast reduction surgery and am loving that. But since March, I have put back on 25 pounds. I am ashamed of myself and am kicking my butt over it. I am working on getting back to that food diet and consumption of food. My biggest concern is going back to get fillled again. I know I've done wrong, but I need to get back on the horse, so to speak. Any of you out there ever backtracked like this? Thanks....

Two years ago today I was banded.. I do not regret my decision for one single second to have my band nor that I went to MX to have it done. It changed my life..I am happier and healthier then I have ever been in my life, despite my erosion on November 28th 2005. For 18 months my band did its job..I am happy to report I have lost 106 lbs to date and NO weight gain in the last 5 months without my band. I went from a size 22 to a 10..I have learend to use my head and do this solo, it is not easy ..no lie there but I am determined. Best of luck to all of you..I wish you the same success I had with my band :scared:

Like everyone has already said the first several days can be difficult, but it does get better. Regarding your weight gain, the surgeon had to pump you up with gas in order to visual the stomach and other organs. If your farting or burping that's good, the gas is coming out. If you were on IV antibiotics for the chest infection, that's extra Fluid you've taken in. All this should pass. Hang in there.

Be patient with yourself and the process. We all went through something like this. Your body just had surgery and has to take a break to heal and adjust to the losses experienced. Each of us do this stall at different times and for different lengths of time and for some of us it happens often. But guaranteed your weight will start dropping again soon and if you are following the rules (i.e. enough Protein, sleeping, eating right, exercising and drinking enough water) there is no way you will not lose this weight. Honestly at your stage it will not stop. I had a major stall in the second month for almost 3 months, that included gaining weight. Heck, I just gained back almost 2 pounds in the last couple days. Am I frustrated yes, but I now know it will start up again and to just keep on plugging away. I even raised my excercise level and still gained. It is what it is and your body is doing what it has to handle all the changes. We did not lose this overnight and it is unrealistic to expect it to happen that quickly (I remember being lectured with that same quote and boy did it annoy me at the time lol), so reevaluate your goals and expectations and stop worrying. You are doing awesome, you have lost a lot of weight already and it will come off and you will love the new you, we promise!! Three months out from surgery today and have lost halfway to my goal weight even with all the stalls and weight gains I keep experiencing. OH!! measure yourself everywhere and write it down, then every week check those measurements because those change even when you are not losing weight and it is nice to see that progress as well. best of luck and keep strong it is worth it!!

am really pleased at where I am! When I started this segment of the journey in late April, I was 271lbs and spent most of the day knitting and reading at the computer. When I finally made the decision to be Sleeved I was determined that I would succed. I had video conferences with my surgeon (who had been in Germany earlier so I know him) and the nutritionist every 2 weeks. I started using My Fitness Pal to track my food and excerise. Now I am officially calling myself a 'GYM BUNNY' . I am working out every day for 1-2 hours. I never thought I would be this active! I actually feel guilty if I don't do any excerise during the day-now THAT is a major WOOT! This morning I weighed 251lbs and I am so close to being under 250 for the first time in 25years that I can taste it!!!!! I am down 1 size in jeans and underwear. I really enjoyed throwing out those size 12's!!!! During the last couple of weeks I have had ups and downs and discovered just what kind of mind games we play with ourselves. I was out walking and started thinking...'I don't need no frickin' surgery. All I need it 1600 calories a day and 1 hour of excerise daily. Why go through the stress and strain of surgery that will totally change my life.' Well the answer is that I have been down this road many times before and know that my body will stall big time. Not just a little one but up to a year with no change or with weight gain. As hard as the excerise and diets are it will all be worth it when my son sees me weighing under 200lbs for the first time in his life (he just turned 25!). That is worth it all. Next week I have the final surgeon vist and ambualtory surgery visit. Then D-Day on the 22nd!!!!!

I should add that my weight started coming on when I hit 53 then I started attempting MRC, HCG, Nutri Systems, Jenny Craig, Optifast, and Weight Watchers (several times).Each attempt was soon followed with weight gain. But no more.

I was unfilled for nine months while I had chemo. It was hard work but I didnt gain. I ran and went to the gym (rpm and bodypump) like normal during treatment, yeah I was pretty run down but I had to do it! I couldnt let myself gain! If I can do that through two surgeries, radiation and chemo and keep the weight gain away for nine months you CAN do this!

Had never heard of that so thank you. Looked it up and I can tell you I am absolutely NOT a candidate for this. The fact is, I was heavy ALL MY LIFE until I had surgery. Now that I know how good it feels (really, how healthy it feels) to be a certain weight, I now recognize how my weight was such a albatross around my neck. Sometimes you don't see things clearly until you are on the outside looking in. Also, I have another issue I didn't bring up...been a problem for 2 years; in addition to the weight gain I feel like I am carrying a 5 lb fanny pack around my abdomen and that it is hanging there. Have tried everything, gone to many drs. Yesterday I went to a surgeon and they think I have a tear in my muscle from the tummy tuck. That, in addition to my weight gain has left me feeling miserable. So I will keep trying to do whatever it is I can to feel healthy and free again.

For most of us that are banded our doctors told us to stay away from breads, rice and pasta and with the exception that they do get stuck but for most they really only do one thing. They turn in to sugar after consumption and sugar turns in to stored fat. Our bodies need carbs to function but good carbs such as fruit and vegetables. Who wants to make anything we eat turn to fat? I don't I have had enough of that. Before the band and my many failed attempts at dieting I/we ate low calorie bread, a baked potatoe, rice, pasta and every other flipping thing that we thought was good. But in all reality eating those kinds of carbs only makes you crave more of those kinds of carbs. I did an experiment with myself and a group I was teaching in two different sessions. I gave everyone including myself one quater of a buttermilk bisquit (yes we ate it slow but it went down) the next week I asked them to report what happened when they went home. All of them including myself wanted more starchy carbs and some caved in and went on a binge for the next entire week which the out come was weight gain. The next week we ate a small plate of vegetables and some fruit (because I can't expect people to just eat veggies at 9 in the morning and the following week I asked them to report what happened. The group that starchy carb binged the week before got back on track and lost the weight they had gained but everyone said they did not crave starchy carbs from eating the fruit and vegetables. Once you reach goal then its fine to eat these things and add them back in to your diet but for me to do it is a disaster. This is only my personal experience with carbs and may not be yours but it is true that starchy carbs do turn to sugar and then they turn to fat. If you can't control your craving for carbs, then eliminating these from your diet may help. They also make you crave sugar too. TTFN

During a weight management consultation (to create a paper trail in support of Lap-Band surgery) I was told the Remeron I've been taking for a few years is linked to binge eating. I don't know that I binge per say, but I do eat a lot ... I stay hungery! I was switched to Zoloft, which actually seemed to curb my appetite, but it made me very very dizzy. I stoped taking any anti-depressant about 6 weeks ago, and so far, so good. If it takes a while to get all anti-depressant medications out of your system, I may not be too far behind you in resuming medication. If that happens and Prozac isn't linked to weight gain, maybe I'll try it. Good luck & God Bless! Just know that you're not alone.

hi I'm in the mental health field so I know alot about this. 1. First, your PCP telling you that is not very responsible. Untreated depression is worse than possibly losing weight more slowly. Also, as said by many, there are many other options to try. 2. Prozac usually doesn't cause that much weight gain, so you may want to try it again, since it did work for you in the past. Antidepressants usually make you gain weight by making you want to eat more, which you are limited by the band. 3. People rarely (although there are exceptions) gain weight on Wellbutrin, Lexapro and zoloft. 4. Avoid Paxil which is notorious for making people gain weight. 5. Effexor sort of so-so : some gain weight, some don't. 6. Not alot of evidence completely out on Cymbalta, but most don't seem to gain weight on it. Hope this helps! the important thing is to get on something now, before it gets worse. We all know depression is most likely of all to make us gain weight!

I'm having my band removed on December 6th. Though insurance approved a RNY revision at the same time, I've elected not to do it. My plan is to start seeing the nutritionist at my doctor's office, and work with her on a healthy eating plan. If my weight starts to climb higher than it is now (I have only 40 pounds to lose), I will consider the revision next year. So, I'm not in your shoes quite yet, but I will be, shortly. My band has been empty for a few months, so hopefully there won't be a huge difference in satiety once it's completely gone. And I totally share your fear about weight gain! I don't know that I trust myself to stick with a healthy eating plan 85% of the time. Hopefully I've learned a thing or two over the past (almost) 5 years since being banded. I wish you ALL the best on this next phase of the never ending journey

Yes, I would do it again, even though it was a difficult start for me, lots of pain. And, even though I have not lost most of my excess weight (I'm still about 60 pounds over). I may not be typical, but here is why I love it: before the band, I was always hungry. Hungry right after I ate. Starved when I woke up. Focused on food a LOT and had to think all the time about NOT eating. Dieting all the time. And gaining weight every year, no matter how much I dieted and focused on eating the right foods. After the band: I am no longer hungry all the time. I eat whatever I want, whenever I want (but I've always been a healthy eater, still am.) I get full after eating a little bit. I don't get hungy until the next meal time. I don't worry about gaining weight, and I don't gain weight. Is this the best use for the band? Probably not. Could I use it to lose the rest of my excess weight? Sure, I know I can. However, just having this peace of mind, not focused on food all the time, freedom from weight gain, ability to eat what I want to eat whenever I'm hungry, I am OVERJOYED. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Just wanted to throw some thoughts in here....1) the fact that your doc is so pessimistic about the band and no longer does lb is a great indicator for you to find a new doc who is a little more enthused and knows how to manipulate the band properly to achieve YOUR goals. 2) I never understood this mentality the band doesn't make you lose weight... than why did we get it? The restriction of the band can grossly impact how/what and when we eat and that should be an understood. I noticed at 5cc was a great maintenance fill for 195. I couldn't gain on that fill for nothing (but had to work diligently to lose). After a 0.5cc fill I am now down to 155 and I consider this my maintenance fill for 155-160. Harder to gain but also having to work at losing.You have the right idea of taking out fluid to allow for weight gain, however, the key is how much. The quick (unassisted) release of saline does imply you were overfilled. You should meet slight resistance when putting saline in and not go beyond that. But if I were the doc, I'd of let the excess come out and not take any further. Also don't forget, position, menstruation can be correlative factors for why so much came out, so is it real? <shrugs> Didn't sound like you were having bad experiences/symptoms indicating overfill so who really knows. However, if I were you I'd get more put back in to find that happy 'maintenance' zone so you don't gain excessively.