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Hi everyone- I'm new to BariatricPal. I had RNY Gastric Bypass in June 2008. Met goal weight of 118 lbs. by August 2009. Had my son in September 2011 so I gained 30 lbs. which I subsequently lost within 6 months of his birth. I am now approaching my 12 year surgiversary and I have crept up to 180 lbs. I am so mortified and disappointed in myself; and I understand it is also due to the lack of fullness after so long. I am going back to my original surgeon to discuss revision options. My question is, I have NJ Family Care / Horizon BCBS of NJ and there isn't much online as to whether they typically cover weight loss surgery revisions. I am so nervous because my insurance barely wanted to cover a root canal and this is obviously much more invasive. The other problem I have is chronic pain, as I had back surgery in 2013 following a car accident. The added weight has worsened all of my issues and I am dealing with horrible sciatica with the weight gain. I just wish I felt full. I do not drink, smoke, or do illicit drugs. I just would like to know if based on my circumstances if I can be approved by Medicaid for the revision. Thanks for reading and for any advice.

Maybe just pick one or two things to focus on each week to get going in the right direction? I know when I try to change everything all at once I get really discouraged. A place to start could be focusing on water intake. Remember right after surgery when we were told to sip sip sip water all day? It helps keep hunger at bay, and cuts out the extra calories we take in when drinking things other than water. I swear there is some truth to artificial sweeteners causing weight gain! I switched from my diet pop addiction to Crystal light, but realized for some reason constantly drinking something that tasted sweet, even though calorie free, was having negative effects on my progress. Then maybe the following week you could focus on getting protein at each meal and eating it first. Other ideas for weekly changes could be to journal food intake, packing a healthy lunch (even when working from home, it helps to have it in the fridge and waiting), and/or taking a quick 15 minute walk 3-4 times a week. The main thing is just focusing on one new thing at a time! Good luck to you.. You got this!!

My doctor has prescribed me Zoloft for anxiety. I had gastric sleeve surgery in May, and I am scared the medication will cause weight gain. Does this medication typically cause weight gain?

I'm about 9.5 years out with a sleeve. I am within a couple pounds of goal and only gained when put on a med that's notorious for weight gain, but most of that fell off after I changed meds. Other than that I have stayed in the same window for years. I know that we all know this, but exercise matters! I did absolutely no exercise after my surgery. I was more active in my daily life but structured exercise was never something I added. I've been working out with a trainer - because even being small I am still 46% body fat! And I have very little muscle compared to my overall weight. So I'm lifting and generally getting much fitter. This may or may not result in a weight change, but I'm hoping that I'll have more endurance and feel stronger. I eat like I always have, moderation in everything, though obviously protein/carb balance is a bigger focus now that I'm lifting. Those that knew me back in the day know that my BMR was crazy low before my surgery, and I have been able to bring it up to about 1160. I eat about 1500 calories a day, which is just enough for my goals - seems low to my trainer, but he understands my surgery. But it still feels like a ton of food because I really do have a lot of restriction. Seven "meals" a day, folks! All in all, still hanging in. Incredibly grateful for my surgery. Cheri

My husband was supportive about my choice to have surgery. When we met I was not diabetic. Maybe a year later I was. I just didn't relish the idea of being on pills or insulin for the rest of my life. But still, I was very secretive about the whole process. I only told my boss at work to let her know I would need time off and two close friends. Sadly, I am not talking to one of those friends anymore. People are so judgey about it. "Oh, just eat less, put down the fork." I can't not eat. Gamblers can avoid a casino and drinkers can pour all their vodka down the drain, but every day, I have to eat. I lost 70 lbs by diet and exercise and it all came back. In turn all that weight gain just made me depressed and I ate more. I no longer take my diabetes pills, my blood sugar rarely gets up past 130. I don't wake up with blood sugar at 210 no matter how healthy my meal was the night before. It's my body and it was my decision. I don't regret it at all. Life is too short to not be happy.

FWIW, I am over 50 and the weight does start to add health concerns over time. For me, its osteoarthritis in my knees and hips, severe sleep apnea, high BP, high CH. Add menopause, because it exacerbates weight gain. And I'm pre-pre-diabetic. So....consider going to a seminar and starting the process -- nobody says you have to have the surgery in the end, a fair number of people on this board drop out before they cross the finish line. As part of the process, my PCP and FOUR specialists think its a great idea for me. Best wishes to you!

i agree about paying to see one, hell that's why i never paid to see one before!! but i just feel like I have so many unanswered questions. I downloaded the my fitnesspal app because it seems like everyone here uses it... but it tells me i'm starving myself which could lead to weight GAIN. I also wake up at 4am to go to work, so I have a protein shake on the way there.... but is it okay to have breakfast at a normal breakfast hour? or should i skip because of the shake earlier that morning. mehh just confused, and trying not to be unhealthy anymore

I have an information session scheduled for tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect hence I know no one who's gone through bariatric surgery. I've done a lot of google searching & I'm still confused. I've read everything from the process taking up to a year+, all the required screenings prior to even getting surgery booked, & certain diets/weight loss prior to it. Please help! I could use all the info you could offer and experiences. Thank you in advanced!!! I'm a 21y/o F weighing 249lbs (heaviest I've ever been) diagnosed with mini strokes, arthritis and visual problems due to significant weight gain. Also suffer from chronic migraines.

a 10-20 lb rebound weight gain after hitting your lowest weight is EXTREMELY common. It's just your body settling in to its new set point. That gain is not inevitable, but it seems to happen to the vast majority of us during year 2/3. if you don't like it, you can always eat less and lose it, but if your body wants to weigh around 148 lbs, then it'll be a lifelong struggle to keep it at 125. Is it worth the struggle? That's a question only you can answer. For some yes, for others, no. I finally gave up the ghost. It just wasn't worth it to me, and I'm at a healthy weight, so...??? I am also 5'6". Our normal BMI weight range goes up to 154 lbs, so at 148 lbs, you're within the normal range. You're fine where you are. Your surgeon will almost certainly agree with that.

I am 1 year and almost 2 months out, I've lost 86 pound and through all the ups and downs, PBing and slimes, couldn't eat and could eat anything. Would I do this again? YES, YES & YES AGAIN!!! Not once have I ever considered any of the other surgeries and I must say, it's been a hard year. I have worked with and against my band and it has let me know through weight lost and weight gain but I do LOVE my BAND and wouldn't trade it for anyother WLS other than doing it myself, which I couldn't do.

This thread is a breath of fresh air. I have had PCOS for about 10+ years. I have having to explain what it is and why I am getting the surgery (surgery Aug7th) People judge me because my BMI is a lower BMI 38. They feel like PCOS is just an excuse but I am believing it will help with regular cycles and the increased weight gain. It seems like most of the responders are Pre-Surgery. :-) wish I had more data. My doctor is going to take am ultrasound to get a baseline to see if it will really help. Good luck to all.

No need to pop any tablets, you can eat them. Ouch!!!! Food blockages are the biggest pain of a lap banders life. We must prevent this situation occurring daily, as this is crucial to help avoid a pouch forming. A pouch results in a dysfunctional lap band and weight gain is common.Ouch!!!! Food blockages are the biggest pain of a lap banders life. We must prevent this situation occurring daily, as this is crucial to help avoid a pouch forming. A pouch results in a dysfunctional lap band and weight gain is common. Therefore, our primary focus is to avoid food blockages and secondly learn how to manage them. To understand the top three key points that will help you avoid food blockages, get your free ebook at www.weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au with all the answers. In this article, let’s discuss how to manage your predicament once the food has been dislodged and unfortunately you will likely feel a little raw and uncomfortable internally. But why? Improvise with me. If you were to walk slowly through a rose bush forcing your way through, I am 100% confident you will come out worse for wear. Your skin will feel raw, sore, grazed and irritated. Guess what! A similar situation could occur internally, as the food tries to squeeze through the lap band also. The area may get a little swollen and the lap band may physically feel a little tighter and more restrictive. Foods which you would customarily tolerate well may become a little challenging. You must avoid further irritation, by following the next 3 steps: Step 1. Relax the diets texture to soft, wet and easy for the remaining part of the day. Suggestions include soup, casserole, cottage pie etc Step 2. Take your internal anti-inflammatory. This will include icy cold water or ice cubes. Yes this is correct. No need to pop any tablets, just help ice the area and reduce the swelling ASAP. Step 3. Uncover what caused the food blockage and try to prevent this in the future. Wishing you luck Helen Bauzon Dietitian www.weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au

Well, I was like that before I got banded back in december 07 myself. But these days I look at it more like this which helps me keep the head space. The goal. You want to feel more comfortable in your own skin, and out live other family members. And in my case be less anxious about approaching another woman as a potential partner. Before I got banded, I hated myself so much for being over weight that I treated food as an emotional thing. And part of it for me was too many choices. Both junk wise and more nutrition wise. However after the band I though Ok, this does it, I'm more pissed of, I want a partner and the only way I'll ever get the confidence is if I have help. After it I looked at what I was eating. And I think part of weight gain is not only what sorts of foods you eat but what is in them preservative wise too or how they are manufactured, which is why I now have a mincer with which I make my own burgers. Not to mention a mincer works great on chickpeas too for chickpea burgers. However, Bread deals me damage, along with rice and soda I stay away from. And that is three of the main culprits of carbs. Also, it helps to find the more nuritional foods you absolutely love. I don't have many but some and so I stick with them. Besides it means I don't even have to think about it. As I already know what I may want out of the things I love and so my question as to what I'll make is answered. It may be a bit repetitive but I don't mind. As I'm also on the autism spectrum so yeah. Cooking the way I tend to does take more time, especially if you study. But it does mean you are better off. I also tend to hold onto the joy that I get when I find out how much I've lost each visit. This past 4 weeks I've lost 3.24 kilos. Which is 14 kilos about since december 07. And I'm still going. There was a time I slowed down at one point, but then I altered my diet again and it sped up. Basically my rules (except on the special occasin I get Chinese or pizza which is either once a week to once a month at the blessings of my dietician) would be A) home made, as there are no preservatives. you know what foods/ingredients you love and don't love. C) you know exactly what it going into it. D) I always stick to the low fat stuff. Like sour cream. I don't usually eat cheese anymore unless it is a birthday, a graduation, or Christmas. Other then that, I don't really miss having it. Other things I like I find alternatives to that I like just as much. Like Ice cream, I now eat yoghurt instead of which I have several favourites. However, that just a bit of my story, I could go on but I don't want to bore people with anymore. And I myself are still in the experimenting phase some what. I do this too. A lot of the things I love like Beef or ham, I'll only have very occasionally. In the treat section. Chicken or chickpeas or lentils are more often then not. Sincerely, Kat.

Before 229 After 129-135 flux Sleeve date - feb 25- 2011 (13 month out) Weight gain- nope Accomplishments - 1 half marathon down - 4 more this year, full marathon next year!!!

before the sleeve: 311 after the sleeve:195 no weight gained but 116 pounds lost !!!!

@@Momcat, my surgeon told me the same thing in March. He said by their standards, I am considered a success and that not many people (he treats) reach 100% excess weight loss. I say poppycock! Yes, it is definately difficult but I do believe it can happen, it's clear from the many post on this site alone that it's possible. However,even though I believe it can happen, I'm trying to reconcile that this may be it. I know I shouldn't be disappointed because I can wear a size 10, I can shop at most clothing stores and my weight related health issues have resolved. Lots to be grateful for. I am just nervous because I hear about the weight gain years out and I really wanted a buffer. Oh and yes, 1200 calories for me too. However, my doctor did recommend at my next visit in June to repeat a metabolic test, to see if my metabolism has changed since surgery. Sorry don't have anything positive to report but just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I share your frustration.

I think you need to watch your own video carefully. You will here yourself talk about food, eating, cooking for you. I believe you have a Food Addiction. Not to fear.... I have one too. The band makes it possible to cut your appetite, so you won't want to eat all kinds of stuff. Depression,, that comes from being overweight. So yep you were right about the weight. It throws your Hormones out of whack, so everyone in one way or another gets Depressed. When you lose weight, you lose the Depression. Alter your Digestive system, or shut it down ? You have the wrong surgery mixed up with the band. That does not happen with the band. You will eat at least 3 x a day, probably some Snacks, but it will be Healthy Food, not the stuff that you love to eat that got you where your at. Somethings will be altered, and some things are in portion control. Either way you will be satisfied. But that comes in time ! First you have to have enough adjustments, then the band kicks in and takes the edge off of eating. Until then,,, you will learn control on your own, like we all did... Does it work ? I would say YES! I was 356, and last time weighed I was 241. I'll see next week when I get weighed again. But yep it keeps coming off as long as I watch what I eat, count calories and Protein, 800-1200 calories daily, and work out 3 x a week. So I don't kill myself, or burn out. Weight Gain yep I gained it almost all back, this is my second time around.. Surgeon deflated me by thinking he blew the band. Well he was wrong. He overfilled me, and that was all. But he deflated me, and it took time to get another surgeon to look at it, and see that there was nothing wrong, then he filled the Band.This was a surgeons mistake that was fixed with a fill. THIS IS NOT A COMMON THING. The weight Loss on the Ticker is from January only. Actual weight loss is 115Lbs. So yep I know it's possible. This is not sugar coated either ! Shirley.

i have been struggling with my weight since puberty - it came on swiftly and somewhat without reason, based on my eating and activity level at that time. my ("normal" weight) mother was concerned, of course, but hoped i would "grow into it". i never did. as i grew up, i grew out. my thyroid was tested so many times, with nothing being wrong. when i got older, i resigned myself to being fat and then just let myself make poor choices. i'm fat already, why not? i put more weight on (naturally). a few years ago, i found out i have PCOS and that could explain my early weight gain. i've steadily put on over the years and it's really affected my life. i'm not married, i don't have kids (not sure if i am able, either, because of the PCOS) and i live in an area where being active and fit is really important (phoenix metro area in arizona). i've had some relationships but they were short-lasting and well, i'm lonely. not lonely enough to be with the jerk that's okay with me being fat so he can treat me like crap or the guy whose self esteem is so bad that he wants me to be fat so i don't leave him. and i'm okay with being alone if those are my alternatives. but i'm not okay with living the rest of my life alone. and at least here - girls that look like me have a very hard time meeting (let alone dating/having a relationship with) decent guys. and i'm SO TIRED of being told "you have a pretty face"! anyway, a few things motivated me to finally do it. i've been suffering from heal spurs and they limit my ability to just walk around with friends shopping, it's very hard to walk for exercise. my knees have also started hurting and i know it's weight related. the pain in my feet & knees has made me not want to go to concerts - something i've loved to do since i was a young teenager. and then there's just...i'm watching myself age. quickly. i tell my friends that i think i'm "hitting my wall." it's one thing to be very obese but still kind of cute and looking much younger, it's another to be very obese, physically limited and older, less attractive with thinning hair. a couple things happened that have allowed me to have the surgery - i have a job with insurance that covers a majority of the procedure. also, my parents received some extra money from a settlement and they offered to cover the costs that my insurance does not (to which i am so grateful). the very real possibility that i could lose my job (business is slow, economy related), motivated me to push to do this NOW. i had lap-band surgery because i'm ashamed i wasted my 20s being so damn fat and i do not want to be fat while i grow old. i want to have kids, and grandkids. i also did this hoping that if i lose enough weight, i will also lose most, if not all, of the symptoms of PCOS which have been messing with me for a couple decades now. i've felt i'm racing a clock that's all of a sudden sped up and i need to slow it down! i'm less than a week into this. i don't know what i've lost post-op, if anything, but the 20ish lbs i lost pre-op didn't even make a dent in how i look. so now is the time. i now have a wonderful tool to help me gain a body in which i can more easily move through this world in and hopefully be able to step out of the shadows to really enjoy life while i still can.

These past five months have gone by fast...it seems like it was just a few days ago that I decided to start this journey... A gal at work got gastric bypass and was telling me about it. The WLS skeptic in me still thought "there's no way in hell I'd ever do that...I can lose the weight on my own..." I told the gal from work that there was no way I could fathom the idea of having my intestines rerouted and there was no way I was getting a band...all the complications and potential removal were just to much for me. She said "why don't you have the sleeve?" "the what? What the hell is the sleeve? Hmmm?" So I quickly googled the sleeve and if I were in a cartoon I would have had a damn lightbulb over my head...the sleeve sounded amazing to me...sure cut out a hunk of my stomach...it's only caused me more weight gain...no band, no port, no rerouting, no tiny stomach pouch! So I started my research and found NWWLS in Everett, Wa. It's a center of excellence and on my insurance. I called for a consult and got in to see Dr. Robert Michaelson. The staff that I met is great...most have bands/weight issues themselves and they make you feel comfortable, you aren't just the fat person in the waiting room. Dr. Michaelson is great...he said I'm the most informed patient he has had. (gotta love the medical assisting diploma and my yearning to be a nurse!) I wish that my family was more supportive. Some people just tell me I need to exercise more or eat better but it's hard...they have no idea. My mom lost 100 lbs but now she drinks...ALOT. It makes me sad when she harps on my weight and when I bring up her drinking its a different story. My sister in Las Vegas is supportive! Love you Ash! I don't really have a dad since he was abusive and I think he helped me become the obese individual that I am. Granted both my mom and dads sides have a high rate of obesity...he was an a*****e. Even when we were younger he would tell us we were fat and if we could pinch an inch we needed to lose weight. My mom was abused and she drowned her sorrow in food. My sisters and I learned the behavior and for me it all created a weight monster. When I started puberty I started getting boobs and hips and my dad called me fat even more. I decided to take matters into my own hands. When we were at the grocery store I secretly bought this weight loss book...you know the little ones by the checkout counter...and I had calories and fat content memorized...I barely ate. During 7th-10th grade I starved myself. I would do exercise in my room for a few hours and I would run down our road...I looked at other gals at school and was envious of how skinny they were...I saw a pic of myself that a friend posted on Facebook and I can't believe how tiny I was. I WAS one of those skinny girls. My collarbones were sticking out...I weighed less than 100 lbs and I was almost 5'4. I'm still 5'4 and often wonder if starving myself stunted my height...I guess I'll never know. I didn't eat Breakfast, for lunch I had a soft pretzel and a lemonade, for dinner I ate rice with some margarine on it. I would eat fruit in season. I think when I met my hubby I was probably 130-150 lbs...I was 19 and I think I ended up partying to that weight. Gradually I think I got comfortable with him and I started eating again. I think my body was in shock and kept on everything I ate...I'm now 319 lbs and ashamed of myself! I have a sedentary job...my boobs have always been huge so its truly hard to exercise!!! Even when I starved myself I wore 2 sports bras and it didn't help. I was the gal running in gym class with my arms up in front of me trying to stop the pain... I'm just so ready to start new!!! I want to have babies...2-4 I hope. I got pregnant when I was 23 and had a miscarriage. I tried after that but it never happened. I think I started eating more after that as well. The doctors I went to always told me it was my weight. So I'm hoping that I'll have babies soon! I have the symptoms of PCOS and my sister has it. I want to run marathons, get out and play games and sports with my friends and family, get my nursing degree and get a job where I'm not sitting all day. I want to... Ride on a plane without a seat belt extender Sky dive Bungee jump not get winded walking upstairs not have achy knees Have my boobs bigger than my stomach Wear regular sized clothes Buy clothes off the rack and not at a specialy shop Buy cute bras and undies Not be so self conscience about mysel Be happy Etc etc lol

Admittedly I have been more sedentary than i ever was. Couple that with feeling awful from GERD and depressed about the weight gain, I have been spiraling for awhile now. My sleeve was very successful and I even if I only gain the benefit of my GERD being gone, it will be worth it. My doc doesn't want me on omeprazole any longer. You are only 8 days out of surgery...are you feeling ok? I assume you are still on liquids. Keep in touch.

And Sheribear68 and the rest, apprehensive I will be joining you guys soon, I had an iron INFUSION last Monday ( March 11th) I am scheduled for a Reclast INFUSION on the 22nd, and guess what the med sheet says? Both medicines 1st side effect? Weight gain. Oh gee doctors, and I just was 23 pounds dropped since the middle of February! Was actually celebrating , doctors PLEASE don't ruin my HAPPY NSV, I have been working hard to do this for myself, a early springtime -📦 present for me!

Please be careful with seroquel. It is known to cause weight gain.

hey everyone.... i'm lost.. i have no idea what to do... 3 months after my surgery.. 6/9mils fill.. and guess what.. WEIGHT GAIN.. not once single pound lost.. i'm beside myself.. so so mad.. so upset.. i just don't know what to do.. my dietician sais its my hormones (PCOS) but wtf is someone meant to do, there cannot be NO answer for ppl with Pcos.. they can't be expected to stay fat their whole life.. my depression is getting so bad i'm comfort eating again... and considering my surgeon knows nothing about PCOS i'm running an uphill batttle.. i have f*ckall restriction.. (i only have 3 mils left to go in my band, he will only do one mil at a time) so therefore these binging encounters mean i can eat heapsss.. its ridiculous the amounts i can eat!! i' feel like im going to do something stupid.. i just don't know what else to do.. this was my last option.. and if i can't lose weight and be a happier healthier person.. i don't want to be at all...

Im 2.5 months out and weighed myself this morning and the scale was up 3 pounds. It's nothing to worry about. I eat 600-700 calories a day and know it's not really weight gain, it's just being human--and a woman. I'll lose two or three days in a row, stall for a few days, sometimes go up, even, and by the end of the week I'm back to my loss weight. Then, on the eighth day I'll have a two or three pound loss again. It can get frustrating and this is why they say only weigh yourself once a month, but I'm a scale addict.

We had a change in insurance mid year and I had to start all my check ups again but I didn't have to re-do any of the medical test. I only had to do a 3 year weight history and since I didn't have it because we moved 2 yrs ago and I havent seen a doctor I just had to write a letter and send 3 yrs of pictures to show the weight gain. Hang in there it is so worth it.