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Your doc may be right about 140 being a bit too small. I am small-boned. Even at my heaviest I had to have links taken out of my watches and bracelets to fit my wrist. I wear a size 6 or 6 1/2 shoe. My feet have always been narrow so the only good thing that came out of all my weight gain was that my foot got wider and I could pretty much wear any style I wanted. Now I'm back to narrow sizes so I am limited to shoes that buckle around the ankle, lace up or just run narrow. But if that's the only bad thing to come out of this surgery, I'm OK with that.

And try not to freak out when you add calories and you see a slight weight gain. Takes your body a little while to realize its not starving. I went thru this and was so discouraged. I was stuck for 2 weeks with a 2 pound gain. I did what my NUT said and it starting coming off. We are all different and have different nutritional needs at times.

I am a recovering bulimic. I fully admitted it to my doctor who will be doing my band surgery and he still ok'd me. In fact, quitting purging but not able to quit binging led to massive weight gain. I now have much more control over that demon. I don't binge like I used to but I still tend to overeat. LOTS AND LOTS of obese women are bulimic. It's not only skinny girls. For me, my history of bulimia will make the band that much harder. It's going to test the bounds of this demon that lives inside of me. But the greatest part I'm looking forward to is something I read on a blog page for a person who had been banded....they said that having the band made them for the first time that they were in control of food, not the other way around. The only proven method for overcoming an eating disorder is therapy. I'm here to testify that therapy works but it takes a lot of effort from the bulimic to make it happen. There are a LOT of psychological issues behind an eating disorder. And ED is NOT only about food....it's about SO MUCH more. Food is just a symptom. So as you said in the very first post....maybe this is for a reason. Maybe it's time to face up to some issues before getting banded. Big hugs to you. You are welcome to PM me if you have any more questions.

We slip back into old habits because it's the easiest thing. It is very hard to retrain your brain to behave differently. Even after 9 months of doing well it is still easier to go backwards instead of forward. You've had major surgery and let someone cut out the most of your stomach. This issue is between you and the problems that caused weight gain in the first place. Be stronger than those problems. Or fail. That's the choice.

Ok I searched the forum.... called a friend who had the lap band a month before me and she didnt gain weight... So here I am asking away... Ok liquid Protein shakes sat sun mon and tues.... then nothing after 9pm on tuesday....Surgery on wednesday around noon... Since then I have had ice chips and Water.... I have had 2 shakes since I returned home today (thurs) and I just for the heck of it weighed myself.... AND I am up 10 pounds from Wednesday morning...How does that happen... And how ticked off do you think I am about it Arghhhh! Anyone else experience this....? And if you did when did that come back off... I am assuming it is water and swelling.... All comments welcomed!

In 2001, I gained 60 pounds in about 6-weeks, while at the same time I had severe joint and muscle pains. I had difficulty walking. I had no energy. I had trouble getting out of bed. My hair was falling out in clumps. I had no idea what was going on, so I went to a doctor, who gave me advil and told me to go home and get some rest. I knew that there was something seriously wrong with me, so I went to the school doctor at my university campus. He knew immediately what was wrong with me and the blood work results confirmed his diagnosis. My thryoid was shot. He placed me on medication and I am doing so much better. However, I was not able to drop the weight. I do know that the rapid weight gain was from the thryoid issue. As far as Oprah, I have never seen her be a "hater" to anyone. I case I must have missed the shows where she was hating WLS patients. :thumbup:

I've always felt really sorry for Oprah. Not in a pitying way of course! What I mean is, it must be really hard to be Oprah. For example, I could always find myself a walking partner and meet up for a walk wherever I want to go, whenever I want to go. There would be no expectations placed on me by the world at large, and my partner could be a friend or could be just a walking partner - a relaxed relationship. Oprah, on the other hand, can't have casual relationships like that. She can't be friends with "just anyone" because (A) most people can't see passed her name, which would NOT be a comfortable relationship for her, and (:thumbup: she's probably paranoid that everyone wants a piece of her (and she's probably right). The only "friends" she can have, then, are other celebrities like herself - and they are a bit competitive with each other, and can't always be trusted. And she can't just put on her shoes and go for a walk by herself because she'd attract a crowd (except on her ranch, but that's lonely!). So, if Oprah wants someone to work out with, she needs to hire trainers. But for her to hire a trainer is not like for us to hire a trainer. Whoever she hires has to be discreet, because you never know if they're not going to go blab their mouths off to the tabloids, spilling all of Oprah's weaknesses and "secrets." So she can't open up too much to them, and she can never completely trust them. I'm sure she has cooks to cook for her, and that would be very convenient for helping someone like me to stay on a diet - but if you were Oprah, wouldn't you be paranoid that they're not going to go spill your Beans? She probably has to wonder if they're not going to go tell the tabloids, "Oprah started Weight Watchers, and you'd never believe how many zero point recipes she asks me to make in one day..." Her life is an open book! She has all the comforts of life, but it can be a lonely life. Why else do you think she admits to being clinically depressed? Heck, she won't even get married! Probably she's afraid that whoever wants to marry her is after her fortune - not many men make more than her, after all. So she continues this relationship with Stedman or whoever he is, but she never marries, and she has said she plans to never marry. Anyway, that's why my sympathy and respect for her go hand in hand, inseparable. I know this is a bit long, but it just so happens to be that I gave Oprah a bit of thought today in the car when they announced on the radio that she's clinically depressed. See what I mean? This is a classic illustration of what I wrote above. Oprah says she's clinically depressed, and suddenly it's broadcast about in all the news. How uncomfortable for her. I wish her only success in her weight loss and in her personal life, and I hoep she finds the happiness she's seeking. P.S. Anyway, part of me thinks she announced her weight gain and depression as a PR tactic to soften her public image - rumors had begun to spread that she's trying to start a religion around herself, so these announcements help humanize her. Sadly, the need for such announcements and PR is yet another consequence of living under a microscope.

Hi! I was banded on Dec. 18th! I was so excited and expected a lot at the beginning. I lost some weight the first couple of weeks. But not as much as many others in my group at the doctor's office. Around my 4th week, I began to be able to eat as much as I wanted; and now, I can't even tell I've been banded. My weight gain since the band has kind of discouraged me. I get my first adjustment today and am hoping that the weight loss starts again. Did anyone else have a slow start?

Thanks for this post! I am almost 6 years out and just this past year I have started gaining weight again....7 lbs in one year! And although, like you , I didn't have terrible eating habits; it was just a slow gain over a number of years before my surgery, this weight gain is due to bad habits and I must get control over it. Thanks for inspiring me. I am not in the US either , and went from learning about the sleeve to having it done within a month. (Self pay). I was early on in the Sleeve game....so wrote a book about it. Where are you? In Europe? I'm in Amsterdam, but I'm American.

They'd prefer you not to do it within a time frame before or after surgery, so call your surgeon's office and be sure to ask them when you can do it and not interfere with surgery schedule. Also, make sure to eat low carb for about a week before and at least a week or 2 after to minimize any weight gain from the steroid. It will help you not overeat. "They" say it won't cause weight gain/munchies but they are lying liars that lie. I've had many steroid shots and if I don't do that, I'm guaranteed a 4lb gain. At 3 years post op though, you should be fine...but still call to be sure with your program.

There are a lot of things in life that we have no choice about. It is just what it is. Health problems as we grow older are bound to happen. They are offering you a solution to your weight gain. To me there is really no difference in the surgeries. All give restriction. All help you lose weight. All are a tool. The sleeve helps more with absorption of food while it is still in the stomach. Starts the break down before it goes into the small intestine....No matter. The issue seems to be that they are afraid your weight gain will continue due to your other issues. But it is YOUR choice whether you do it or not. It is your body and the decision is yours in the long run. I know myself I was caught between a rock and a hard place regarding my health and I chose WLS as a way to help me get to where I needed to be. You have the right to decide for you what is best. Don't let them take that away from you! Keep us posted!

My thyroid has been checked through and through. (Because docs look at me and assume thyroid.) I get under 1200 calories a day, never feel hungry really, and I am usually at 700 cal. Due to the Celiac's it slowed down my digestive system very badly. I am assuming my weight gain is due to Celiac's as I cheat a lot (when depressed) and have caused damage because of that. I am really worried about the GERD, I already lose my voice from it. I also have PCOS w/insulin resistance which makes my body turn almost everything into fat. I have been overweight my whole life 100 lbs. at 7 and 200 lbs. at 13. My Mother restricted my food intake a lot but with poor quality foods. I am just super used to not eating. I get sick if I eat something I am not "craving". At this point I am tired... I sprain my back by just standing, and even though I have been this weight for 5 years. I am tired. I need something. I just don't know if this will work for me.

A family member had WLS a month and a half ago. He as well as others (me included) stepped on the scale only to find a weight gain. Then when told not to step on the scale every day and weigh only weekly did he find his weight loss to return. In a nutshell, nothing to worry about and if weighing everyday STOP and weigh weekly.

Give the Dr who prescribed it and let them know your concerns. See if there is an alternative. My guess is the weight gain is mostly a Water retention thing, but you should communicate with your prescribing Dr. If it is just a water retention thing, I wouldn't worry about it. Do you want to lose weight or lose fat? The sleeve is going to help you lose fat, and that is what I wanted. You will not be on paxil forever and the side affects will wane once you are off of it. I was on paxil about 13 years ago for a short while, never had any weight gain, but the sexual side affects were not tolerable for me. If you search this site for keyword Paxil, you will find 33 threads about it.

It is wonderful to read all your success stories and the mounting rewards as December 2018 sleevers! Wow. My surgery was 12/17/2018 at NW Medical Center in Coral Springs, FL. I am currently three pounds away from onederland!!! A total of 57 pounds from 258 start weight the first of December. Usually major consecutive holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas thru New Years in the past, meant a weight gain for me. I tried to use restraint, but all the rich, high calorie "specialty foods" of the season just continued the never ending weight battle + cycle resulting in feeling more discouraged and hopeless with each passing year. :[ BUT NOT THIS New Year of 2019! I love my sleeve and so glad to have begun a new, hopeful and promising track! Does anyone else feel the same? Refreshing, right? My blood pressure and blood tests all came back healthy - And, left injured, problematic knee is much improved. Bowels have stabilized and vitamin regime no longer causes nausea. I follow closely Dr. V and my nutritionist's recommendations for balanced nutrition with moderate exercise, at this 3 ½ month juncture. Other aspects I am thrilled about is the ability to be satisfied with so much less volume of food. I really have not missed sugar, salt or fat laden recipes and desserts. While I had made major changes in my diet losing 41 pounds (298 at highest point) before considering surgery last November, the sleeve just simplifies and propels me forward in getting to my healthy weight. I desire to drop another 40 pounds and feel the confidence I can now do so. Not to mention, keeping it off and maintaining a healthy weight via reduced stomach - Breaking the vicious cycle. I have not seen the scale read under 200 pounds in over 23 years! That's a lot of baggage for this petite 5'0" frame and interior designer constantly on her feet. My clothes closet has been purged and taken to a quality consignment shoppe or Goodwill - Now shopping in regular departments for limited clothing in size large for tops and XL for slacks. Most of these sale items are quickly becoming too loose. So happy to no longer see 1X, 2X or 3X (at highest weight) on my clothing labels. Right? Excited for my size 10 and petite medium goal. Really proud of all of us! Let's keep on sharing our victories and "all the nuances" of becoming our best physically and emotionally. None can truly appreciate nor understand this journey we embark... except for us. That makes us a pretty fabulous group of comrades. Happy spring everyone! ;]

my post op instructions said to wait for 2 weeks, Buuuuuut, I was never one to follow most instructions, thus the weight gain. But anyway, I was banded 8/29/07 and my DH and I took it REAAAAAL slow and managed 5 days later. But everyone is different. Good Luck on your journey.

I'm going to share my positive experiences with having the VSG with the hope it will ignite a spark of optimism in you about it. Besides my mild state of panic about having the IV inserted (I have a completely irrational needle phobia and always freak out about them, no matter how much I promise myself I won't) the surgery itself was as smooth as it could possibly be. When I regained consciousness I actually was confused for a moment and thought the surgery hadn't happened yet because of the absence of pain and discomfort. The anesthesiologist had done a terrific job. My period started during the surgery, and it did feel like the cramps had been amplified that first day. I'd brought a heating pad with me, and that provided some relief along with the ample pain medicine I was given. I was slightly nauseous but that abated when they increased my meds a tad. I slept for a few hours, and then felt ready to start going on laps. I actually was told I needed to slow down my pace because I was feeling so well I just zipped up and down the hallway. I slept very well through the two nights in the hospital, and during the day would snooze when I wasn't walking or watching movies. I brought my laptop and a HDMI cable so that I could hook it up to the TV and my parents (my support team since my husband was working) and I could watch them. I had the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, because my BMI was too low for my insurance to be willing to cover any of the costs, and the facilities exceeded my expectations. After I was released I felt energetic enough to go to the little touristy area and explore and shop, and then chilled out by the pool at the hotel. After we left Tijuana my parents and I went shopping at the outlet just over the border before making our two hour road trip back up to LA. We stopped at a couple of scenic places, and at Panera for dinner where I had broth. I felt completely comfortable the entire way, without being burdened by fatigue or pain. The only discomfort I experienced was from an allergic reaction to the tape used over the incisions. They caused tiny, itchy, angry welts. Fortunately they healed quickly. My recovery was easy. In a way it was even enjoyable because I gave myself permission to just lounge around the house and recuperate. I'd stocked my kitchen with Protein powders, popsicles, Crystal Light, PB2, broths, Jello, and the like before surgery, along with everything else I thought I might need, and put the house in order so I could just relax. The blog site "The World According to Eggface" has a great post about things to stock up for the liquid phase, and I recommend that you check it out. You can also find packing list for the surgery on YouTube and this forum. I binge watched Ray Donovan and all these other shows people had raved about but I never had time to watch, read books, and took gentle strolls through the neighborhood. I'm a professor, and I started teaching one month post-op with more vitality than expected. I was back on campus preparing for the quarter prior to that point. I think if I'd had another job a total of two weeks off - one for the surgery, and one for post-op - would have been sufficient. I'd worried I'd be lacking in stamina, but was already benefitting from the weight loss in that first month. I've increasingly gained energy, fitness, and confidence in the months since surgery. I learned about my appetite changes and got myself into an eating and drinking schedule during the time in between surgery and going back to work. I threw up due to having the VSG just once. I'd eaten something that was spicier than expected, and guzzled Water to try to put out the flames. That caused me to throw it up. I was really sick in December, but that was due to a virus that several of my students had, and I would have gotten regardless of having had the VSG. It was a week of misery, and then I rebounded. I'd been a tad bit concerned prior to surgery that I'd lose hair, have loose skin, and would look and feel aged. I'm grateful that none of those problems became a reality. I lost a tiny amount of hair around the four-month mark, but it was only perceptible to me. My skin isn't the least bit loose, and my scars have faded entirely. You cannot tell I ever had surgery. I'm in my early 30s and am now getting carded again, and confused for being a student. Strangers have paid me sweet compliments. I've gone from a size 14 / XL to a size 6 and am still losing. The shirt I wore today was an XS. I have PCOS and have seen an improvement in my blood work and symptoms post-surgery (no more painful acne breakouts that throb all night and make me want to hermit at home because they are so unsightly). This time last year I was incredibly self-conscious and would dread the thought of running into friends I hadn't seen in a while because I knew they'd notice my weight gain. I shrank into myself like a turtle retreating into its shell then. Now I am emerging, blossoming. I am actually living my life instead of just existing in it. I feel freed. I had mentally prepared myself to have "buyer's remorse" because I'd read that it was quite common, especially in the first month, but I have honestly never regretted this surgery. For every medical procedure there is, there is someone who has had a painful and horrific experience. Someone who has had everything that could go wrong go wrong on them. There are people who've died from having their wisdom teeth or their tonsils removed, from reactions to OTC medicines, from childbirth. And we're surrounded by risks everyday - cars, tubs we could slip in, food we could choke on. You have to look at the risks of not taking action, too. Obesity can shorten your life, and it can shackle you to health problems. The VSG is really a low-risk surgery if you chose a qualified surgeon and follow the guidelines given to you. Many of the problems people experience post-surgery have solutions to them. As an example, some people with acid reflux problems have felt better by taking a PPI. People who are very fatigued might have a Vitamin deficiency a blood test can identify, and then they can treat. I felt better when I increased my Vitamin D. You're likely to be able to make it over any obstacle you encounter, too. Hopefully you'll go for this surgery, and you'll benefit from it like I and so many others have. Best wishes to you.

The IV fluids, your new swollen gut, and the lack of moving your bowels contributed to the weight gain. It is normal for some. I'm on day 7 and I feel much better. The first 3 days are rough. Speedy recovery!

I weigh myself every morning. Cm four weeks out and dealing with PMS-no weight gain but no loss either. Also dealing with constipation. I adjust my diet as necessary. More fluids etc and increase my exercise As needed Guess I will be a scale junkie.

I am currently at my highest weight of 415#. I have never been more scared in my life. I have finally had a financial opportunity to have gastric sleeve and could not be more excited about it. I'm 2 weeks away of my life forever being changed. Today I started my pre-op liquid diet. I'm nervous about it but know that I need to do it to better my health. I'm only 35 years old, and in the past year have developed multiple health issues. I am type 2 diabetic, I have hypothyroidism, sleep apnea, high cholesterol,infertility and recently diagnosed with lymphedema due to my weight gain. I want all of these things to go away. I feel like I am at a really good place in my life to start these changes. My husband and I want to have a baby, you can't have a healthy pregnancy when you are this overweight. I'm hoping that others will hear my story and know that you are not alone, you just have to be willing to let others in. Today is day #1 of my liquid diet. Any recommendations? ways to keep in interesting without getting bored eating the same things everyday? -M

Finally it's almost a month away. When I started this process it was a bit overwhelming. But, I'm glad I chose to stick with it. I played college football and the weight gain and lose set me up for failure I'm now down 30lbs from my highest weight and can't wait to have this tool help me reach my goal and start my new life

I am seriously considering the sleeve. I am 35 yo, 5' tall and weigh about 170 right now. My heaviest was 244 in 2003. It has taken me years to lose the weight and actually got done lower last year to 130 but that is with a VERY strict diet and exercise regimen. I am a single mom with three small children and my profession is very stresssful. I just can't take the massive weight gain/loss constantly. My mom had gastric segmentation 16 years ago and it has been a blessing for her. Our family is obese, no way around it. I have BCBS Federal and understand after calling that they do cover this procedure. I know with a low BMI (ha low, meaning I am obese, not considered morbidly obese) my chances of approval may not be good. I also have asthma, joint pain, horrible knees, and added stress because I can't seem to lose weight anymore. Also, I used to be 5'2", I have scoliosis and am afraid the weightdoes affect that, I have back pain when standing alot. I don't know where to start, how do I find a dr? Anyone have any advice or words of wisdom in my situation?

Hey Jenn! I have a quick question for ya; how did you find out that you were allergic to Splenda?? Did the Dr. just conclude that, or did they do some sort of test? I used to use Equal and was fine with it, then my sister kept pushing me to use Splenda instead, so I switched a few months ago. It could just be a coincidence, but now I am always bloated and swollen, although that may be from my weight gain too. What do you think? Thanks.

Don't worry about that! Just like any normal weight loss journey most everyone will experience some ups and downs. Her weight gain will no doubt turn into great losses over the long haul. Also, everyone's journey is their own. It's always best to not compare yours to hers or anyone else's journey's. I wish you much success!