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Jacqui- Your so right but are all so different, like I said I only weigh on Mondays and it works for me. I think if I were see a 5lb weight gain I would just die LOL!! After I got to restriction level I topped out at 2lbs a week every week since Jan. so I felt I did good, now I do believe I have hit a PLATEOU!!!!!! Darn it!

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.

I had an appointment with one (of three) psychs recommended by my surgeon. She said the process would be 3+ hours long with the 600 question questionnaire. After reading on here about folks having much shorter appts, I called another psych on my doctor's list: 100 or so questions emailed to me in advance, then a 45 minute chat in office. Discussed childhood, my weight gain, WL efforts, at-home support, etc. A few answers rabbit-trailed off to a few other questions, but nothing intense or super deep.

What type of birth control are you on???? Need info. Feed back !!!! I'm 5 months out of sleeved!!! I'm still trying to figure out what birth control I should take#!! My doc said to get on Depo shot but I'm scared of weight gain!!! Ladies please leave your feed back!!!! I would really appreciate it!! Thanks Sent from my SM-N915T using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm three and a half years out, I've been maintaining for two and a half years and drink Coke Zero (from a straw!!) regularly. I can't drink it from a can or from bottle, but I do drink it poured over ice. It doesn't stretch (MY) sleeve. I don't feel gassy or bloated. It hasn't caused weight gain or cravings. There is really no difference between Coke Zero and Crystal Light besides carbonation, IMO. I waited until my doctor ok'd it. I was at least six or nine months out before I had any. For me, it wasn't a "rule".

Concerning WIC, let's see how you twist this "drama" around: How WIC Helps WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC Program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful Federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States. Collective findings of studies, reviews and reports demonstrate that the WIC Program is cost effective in protecting or improving the health/nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. The following highlights some of the findings (pertinent references are provided). Improved Birth Outcomes and Savings in Health Care Costs Improved Diet and Diet-Related Outcomes Improved Infant Feeding Practices Immunization Rates and Regular Source of Medical Care Improved Cognitive Development Improved Preconceptional Nutritional Status Other Improved Outcomes Summary References Improved Birth Outcomes and Savings in Health Care Costs Research has shown that the WIC Program has been playing an important role in improving birth outcomes and containing health care costs.7,20 A series of reports published by USDA based on linked 1988 WIC and Medicaid data on over 100,000 births found that every dollar spent on prenatal WIC participation for low-income Medicaid women in 5 States resulted in: longer pregnancies; fewer premature births; lower incidence of moderately low and very low birth weight infants; fewer infant deaths; a greater likelihood of receiving prenatal care; and savings in health care costs from $1.77 to $3.13 within the first 60 days after birth.3,4,5 Improved Diet and Diet-Related Outcomes Studies have found WIC to have a positive effect on children's diet and diet-related outcomes such as: higher mean intakes of iron, vitamin C, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6, without an increase in food energy intake, indicating an increase in the nutrient density of the diet;19 positive effects on the intakes of ten nutrients without an adverse effect on fat or cholesterol;14 more effective than other cash income or SNAP benefits at improving preschoolers' intake of key nutrients;14 and decline in the rate of iron deficiency anemia from 7.8 percent in 1975 to 2.9 percent in 1985 which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributed to both a general improvement in iron nutrition and participation in WIC and other public nutrition programs.20 Improved Infant Feeding Practices WIC promotes breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding. Studies show: WIC participants who reported having received advice to breastfeed their babies from the WIC clinic were more likely to breastfeed than other WIC participants or eligible nonparticipants;18 WIC breastfeeding policy and program activities were strengthened in the early 1990's; Between 1996 and 2001, the percentage of WIC mothers breastfeeding in the hospital increased by almost 25 percent, from 46.6 to 58.2 percent; The percentage of WIC infants breastfeeding at six months of age increased by 61.2 percent, from 12.9 to 20.8 percent; and, For those infants who are fed infant formula, 90 percent received iron-fortified formula, which is recommended for nearly all non-breastfed infants for the first year of life.1 Immunization Rates and Regular Source of Medical Care A regular schedule of immunizations is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age, which coincides with the period in which many low-income children participate in WIC. Studies have found significantly improved rates of childhood immunization and of having a regular source of medical care associated with WIC participation.19 Improved Cognitive Development Cognitive development influences school achievement and behavior. Participation in the WIC Program has been shown to: improve vocabulary scores for children of mothers who participated in WIC prenatally; and significantly improve memory for numbers for children enrolled in WIC after the first year of life.19 Improved Preconceptional Nutritional Status Preconceptional nutritional status is an important determinant of birth outcome. A previous pregnancy can cause nutritional depletion of the postpartum woman, particularly those with high parity and short interpregnancy intervals. One study found: women enrolled in WIC both during pregnancy and postpartum periods delivered infants with higher mean birth weights in a subsequent pregnancy than women who received WIC prenatally only; and, the women who received postpartum benefits had higher hemoglobin levels and lower risk of maternal obesity at the onset of the subsequent pregnancy.2 Other Improved Outcomes WIC participation has also been shown to: increase the likelihood of children having a regular provider of medical care;19 and, improve growth rates.6,8 Summary: WIC reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality. WIC reduces low birthweight rates and increases the duration of pregnancy. WIC improves the growth of nutritionally at-risk infants and children. WIC decreases the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children. WIC improves the dietary intake of pregnant and postpartum women and improves weight gain in pregnant women. Pregnant women participating in WIC receive prenatal care earlier. Children enrolled in WIC are more likely to have a regular source of medical care and have more up to date immunizations. WIC helps get children ready to start school: children who receive WIC benefits demonstrate improved intellectual development. WIC significantly improves children’s diets. WIC reduces fetal death and infant mortality. I don't see how you can call yourself pro-life and be against WIC. Of course, you will notice that I don't call you pro-life, which you aren't, but rather anti-abortion, a BIG difference. But it doesn't really matter because people who are heartless can find numerous ways to justify it.

Hey..yes you will have to go through the stages and if anything it is stricter than the sleeve.. I had my revision on 29/7 for reflux and weight gain and I'm happy to say I've had no reflux since surgery. I have to take a Zoton tablet before bed for 3-6 months so whether that is controlling it or the surgery I'm not sure, but when I was in hospital I wasn't taking anything..[emoji4]

God bless you and I'm glad you're taking to it so well (and thanks for checking in with us!) Just a couple questions--what was wrong with the anesthesia? Also, why the 6 lb weight gain (maybe IV fluids)?

At my peak of 361 I could actually wear loose fitting 48 jeans. That was with a 60 inch waist (my fat went mostly all to the gut). Waist is down to like 48 now so those pants are actually likely too big now. I won't be buying anything new until my post-op plateau which will likely be late this year or beyond. I wouldn't have any expectations beyond maybe what you were wearing before your weight gain, assuming it was some time in the recent past. In my case I expect to get back to my weight only 5 years ago of 180.. but because of my dietary changes and the fact that I will keep it this way for the foreseeable future I might go below 180 as well, which I'm ok with. Whatever pants size it is, it is. It's the lifestyle I think people should be more tuned into than the size of clothes. Still, have my old jeans and armani dress pants which were 32x30s, rarely ever wore them anyways being more of a casual dresser. Will see if they get the heave-ho or not.

It's also my fear of weight gain that I choose not to have soda Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

Definitely a good idea to read up on ketosis. I think people who have never been on Atkins or South Beach don't understand how it differs from a straight-up low calorie diet. That transition into ketosis is no fun! And the water-weight gain from storing glycogen again is going to upset people who put a lot of stock into what their scale says. Thank you. The Water retention is actually a noticeable feeling. The result of just one day of substituting just a small amount of calories. No weight gain thankfully. Have this forum to thank.

This is such good news!! my surgeons nurse told me since i'm already approved that weight gain isn't an issue for them. I was stressing over this 6 lb gain since corona-tine. When do you start your pre-op liver shrink diet? I have my pre-op appt on 6/30. It is very nerve wrecking for me at this point. They also did a switcharoo of surgeons on me too. not that I mind but I haven't met this surgeon yet..SO lots of nerves here too

You certainly can't base your calorie intake on mine so I'm not suggesting that. I am a large guy that even if I had zero fat on my body I'd weigh 250 lbs probably and I am 6'6". But I eat 2200 calories a day post-sleeve and the world hasn't ended. I still lose weight because it is below my BMR. I don't know your height, weight, age, etc... but I would imagine that 1100 calories is probably still under your BMR. You'll be fine. You can't live on 5-600 calories a day the rest of your life. The important things to do in this early stage, in this order and in my opinion are: 1. Make correct food choices -- protein, first. Healthy food first. If you get to the end of your day and still have calories left and you've hit all your macros then you can have a reward. I usually eat a half a cup of ice cream on days like that. Calories are calories. Don't buy the bull that there are 'bad calories.' It is all situational. If cookies are a building block of your diet then yes, that is bad. Not because the calries in a cookie are worse than the calories in a piece of chicken but because they are devoid of any nutrition. This is why you wait until the end of your day for any 'reward' food. If I have 200 calories left over on my day and I've hit all my macros, I use those 200 calories on whatever the hell I want. You should do the same. It keeps me from craving those things by occasionally enjoying them as treats. 2. Drink water, tea or some form of zero calorie liquid all day, every day. It will help with weight loss and constipation. 3. Log everything that goes into your mouth. You have to learn to do this because it makes you keenly aware of what you can and cannot eat. It makes you aware of what you are eating, too. 4. Get active. Don't squander this opportunity. For many of this -- at least, I felt this way for myself -- this is the last chance to live a long, healthy life. You don't want to go out without your best shot. If the weight beats you, don't let it be because you didn't give it your all. 5. Do not weigh yourself daily if you freak out about weight gain. If you must always weigh yourself at the same time every day. First thing in the morning, last thing before you go to bed and keep that routine. The reason being, your weight WILL fluctuate day to day and even during the day based on hydration levels and in the case of this surgery, constipation is cruel to your scale numbers too.

The biggest benefit for me has been the relief I have felt knowing that this was for me. I was overweight since I was a small child. My parents sent me to fat camp when I was in 4th grade. I lost weight, gained weight, lost weight, and gained weight so many times. No more yo-yoing for me.

Tomorrow will be one week since the surgery. I'm feeling pretty good. I still get an ache at the largest incision site, but nothing strong and no other issues at this point. Yay. Except the issues of itching incision sites, keep catching myself almost scratching but one touch of a staple and I stop cold. Yesterday I felt really hungry for the first time. I had already had my required minimums of Protein and Fluid, plus some. Seriously debated ignoring the hunger as it was at about 8:30 which back in my GERD treatment days was a time you should not eat or the stuff would be flowing back up when I slept. Finally just decided to heat up a cup of soup, blenderized cream of mushroom. Spooned it bit by bit until over half was eaten and was finally feeling full, or satisfied not really full. Hunger was totally gone. First pleasant surprise, no GERD type symptoms overnight. Awesome!!!! After the surgery weight gain I'd dropped a pound a day so I figured this would be my first day that I might not lose that pound since my calories were up (like almost 700 total LOL) and lo and behold I dropped 2 pounds more when I hit the scale this morning. So it may not be lightening speed but I've lost 5 pounds post op and I'm tickled with it. I've always been a slow loser so this is quick to me. I'll enjoy it while I can. I have always been a daily weigher so the fluctuations do not bother me. Actually in the past when I ignored the scale for any amount of time I was met with a gain so I will continue the daily weighs my self accountability. It's also a great way for me to see patterns of loss, gains and plateaus. Now to go get something for breakfast/lunch and then another lovely shower and walk. Life is good.

As per requested, a bit about me. I turned 37 on June 14th, same day as I got banded! So my banding birthday and my real birthday are the same. I'm married 11 years to a great supportive guy that I've been with for 14 years. Childless by choice, we have two pugs. I live a weird alternative lifestyle... and will say nothing more about that than that. I am on longterm disability with severe depression that is under control, I'm functioning pretty good right now, I can't handle major stress, and as long as I take good care of myself and my medications life is manageable. Since I'm from the West Coast of Canada, Vancouver, and my Dr. of choice was on the East Coast, in Ontario... we decided to pair the lapband surgery with a long continental exploration adventure and went gypsy. We sold our condo, bought a small RV, and have been travelling in it for over 2 months now. Currently I'm in Newfoundland in a Provincial Park area on a private campground with great wireless internet. My hubsand works online, so we can travel and do business at the same time. We plan to keep travelling until October, going back west this time through the U.S. instead of Canada side and then spend a few weeks back in our home town, and then head South for the winter, California and Florida primarily. After that, we'll see. I used to be a kickboxing instructor, and am hoping to be able to train and teach again one day, my depression was connected to a great deal of my weight gain, as well as deteriorating health (I was hospitalized for long periods). I'm mostly focused on getting healthy again, body, mind and spirit. This forum has been very helpful. XO Leila

I don't know what happened, but I stopped getting messages, and had to hunt around for you guys again! My surgery was August 10. I lost 20 pounds prior to surgery, and have lost another 19, so I am almost down 40 pounds. I am eating normal food now, and will have my first fill on the 21st. My hunger returned last week, so I can't wait until that fill. I had one episode of overeating (Benihana, and I didn't touch the rice and barely touched my entree) but I managed to keep it down. I notice that when I eat normally, I have a four-pound overnight weight gain, that goes away within the next day or so. Who knows what is going on inside. :confused:Anyway, this weekend was tough, because it was my daughter's birthday (therefore, Benihana) and we had a barbeque with food around all day. I didn't think that I ate that much, and last night all I had for dinner was half an ear of corn, a tiny sweet potato and some grilled veggies. Got on the scare this morning, was up four pounds - got on the scale this afternoon and I was up another two pounds! BUT, my clothes are getting too big! Of course, I had a lot of things that were too tight to begin with, and fit perfectly now, but some are just TOO BIG. Hooray! Eileen <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10732;125;0;1/c/206/t/150/s/243/k/ddda/weight.png"></a>

No I do not. I no longer weigh myself, count calories, or see a "nutritionist". I no longer equate my worth with my weight or consider weight gain a health risk. I decided life is too short to stay on a diet and they never worked well for me anyway. I've embraced mindful eating, food allowance, body positivity, and focus on spreading this message of body love out to others. I stay active and enjoy fitness but I do not care to eat by any other persons rules but my own. My weight is secondary to my overall happiness. Being fat isn't a crime and there was nothing wrong with me to begin with other than poor self care and a lack of self love. As for my weight, I'm not sure what it is but my size hasn't changed in over a year now.

Well the nurse called me and "read" the results from the upper gi...said my stomach was approaching the normal size again. I go in to meet with my doc to talk in a couple weeks. As far as the weight gain it is because of my food choices awhile back but i never over ate, only ate a cup, I would snack a bit but not a meal or continuously, never ate and drank, haven't had anything carbonated since before my surgery, so all these myths people are saying that it cannot stretch are apparently not true lol. Basically I was talking to my dietitian and what she wanted me to do and what my surgeon wants me to do are completely opposite. I have realized that having my sleeve stretched would NOT cause weight gain but it would be the calories in vs calories out...which obviously I didn't do so good with but Iv been back on track for a month or so and finally started to see the weight go down which was NICE!

Well my rapid weight gain was caused by thyroid and PCOS. So I am gathering all medical records that relate to either and bringing them to my plastic surgery consult. I will then....pretty much beg for him to write a recommendation for reconstructive vs. cosmetic. I'm sure they'll do the usual pictures too. Going to make sure I practice my "most" saggy skin poses...haha.

Mr Dr. is pretty aggressive. I was banded 7 months ago. Have been in to see him every 4 weeks since the surgery, and have had 6 fills based upon my appetite and weight gain/loss. Yes I did gain!!! Saw him just 3 days ago, and we both agreed I am at a good place. No fills this visit, will not be back to see him for 3 months now unless I feel I need to. I have a good feel of restriction. I am forced to eating only small amounts at any one sitting. If I wanted to, and I have once or twice, can go a full day without even wanting to eat. We went kyacking one day, and other than my Breakfast shake, I did not care to eat after that. (although I did have a few beers on the river!) I am aware of my band being there with every swallow, no matter what it is. It's not uncomfortable, or overly restricted, but I am aware it is there and after a small portion of food, I can not eat any more. Solid foods take a certain amount of time to pass through the band and eating anymore will only cause great discomfort. But be advised, it took me 5-6 months to get to this "Sweet Spot". I have found that most posts here with people freaking out about not loosing weight are those who have been banded very recently. You didn't get fat in one month.

First of all congratulations! Let me say I lost weight once with a pregnancy, you can still stay on a good nutritional diet plan and lose weight and have a healthy baby and an easier delivery! New weight gain stats are out for obese women, 9 lbs gain during pregnancy is all that is recommended for obese women. Good luck and God Bless and keep you!

It's understandable that you have concerns about the proposed revision of your gastric sleeve surgery, especially since you have additional medical conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and you are in menopause. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon and discuss your medical conditions, medications and concerns before undergoing the revision surgery. They will be able to provide you with information on the potential risks and benefits of the surgery in your specific case. Regarding the use of methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and folic acid, it's important to note that these medications may need to be adjusted or discontinued before and after surgery. Your surgeon and rheumatologist will be able to provide guidance on how to manage these medications safely. As for the bypass after menopause, it's important to note that menopause may affect weight loss and maintenance differently for each person. Some people may experience weight gain during menopause and have difficulty losing it, while others may be able to maintain their weight loss or even continue to lose weight. It is also important to have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon and other healthcare providers to monitor your Vitamin levels, ensure that you're getting enough nutrients, and make any necessary adjustments to your diet or supplements.

Get back on the horse. You can do it. If you are anything like me, half that weight gained is Water weight and will come right off. I was on a business trip last week and ate much more than I intended, but I'm back on track now. Don't beat yourself up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, My name is Andrea from New Jersey. had my VSG done in September of 2012. At my largest, I was 250lbs. In less than a year post op, I went down to 165lbs. I felt that I looked good! I could fit into so many cute outfits without feeling ashamed of how I felt in my body. Health-wise, it was a bit more complicated. Between my “water-nausea”, not being able to drink and eat at the same time, needing to take vitamins everyday, feeling sick after enthusiastically eating my favorite foods, and then, of course getting gall stones and needing my gallbladder removed in 2013, my VSG came with a lot of mixed feelings. Nevertheless, I was happy to feel like I looked good and have the energy that came along with that. Fast forward to February of 2017, I find out I’m pregnant with my first child. At that point, I had been able to maintain a steady 165-170 lbs. At 36 weeks, I went into labor and subsequently had my daughter a month before her due date. On the day I gave birth, I weighed 200lbs. I thought it was normal. The few days following the birth of my baby girl, I actually went down to 180lbs. Not exactly where I wanted to be, but at the time I thought my body would go back to 165-170lbs. ....Boy was I wrong. My daughter was born in September of 2017. In the winter months, specifically January, February and March of 2018 my daughter was diagnosed with RSV, Influenza Type A, and Metapneumovirus, respectively. My husband and I spent many days in the hospital with her.... stressing, worrying, sad, not getting paid time off (in my case), and, of course.....eating. During this time is when I believe my body began to turn on me. Today, I weigh 209lbs. I went from a size 8 to a 14, I feel that I have less energy, and I know that I’m unhealthy. I seem to have regained an almost insatiable hunger fueled by my constant anxiety and stress. Not to say that I didn’t suffer from these things before, but honestly, I don’t know what has changed exactly that doesn’t allow my body to metabolize quicker and keep the pounds off. I need help, but I’m scared of the actual work of exercising and eating better, because even though in theory, it sounds pretty simple, let’s be honest, those things require a great amount of inner strength and discipline. Just trying to figure out if I can actually do that creates a significant amount of anxiety, stress and, thus ultimately makes me want to eat. That’s the way I find comfort, the way I shut up that voice on the inside. Prior to having my baby girl, I could literally eat whatever the eff’ I wanted, and if I made a minuscule change to my diet, I would lose weight immediately. That’s no longer the case. Nowadays, I feel more like I used to pre-op, and that makes me feel very depressed. I don’t fit in like 95% of my old clothes and I’m slowly but surely needing bigger and bigger sizes. A few months ago, I followed up with my bariatric surgeon to see if there was anything that could be done. He prescribed Topiramate, so I wouldn’t get hungry at night. (It doesn’t work). My other doc prescribed Zoloft (for depression), Bupropion (for weight loss and depression), and Klonopin (for anxiety). Nothing’s really changed. I want to have another baby (hopefully) in a year or two, and I have strongly toyed with the idea of a revision immediately after that. For now though, I don’t feel mentally strong enough to change my circumstances, but I pray that side of me will eventually change, along with my circumstances. Blessings to you all in your journey too 😌 Any kind advice and/or your own stories welcome. ❤️