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Lynn, Glad to hear you are doing fine. Please take it easy as you don't want to overtire yourself. Getting up and moving around will definitely help with the gas pain from surgery. Make sure to drink your Protein drinks and get plenty of Water. Once on mushies you can get real creative. My favorite is refried Beans, chili con queso. I mix them together on my plate. Yummy. Also bean and bacon soup puree. It is very tasty and filling. Just remember that when you do go to solids you might see a little weight gain. During this phase you are healing from surgery and shouldn't be concerned with weight loss. The first fill will start giving you restriction. Right now you are wide open so will be able to eat once the swelling goes down. Good luck on your journey.

I have had the lab band for about 10 years now. For me, it was a complete failure. Actually, I found ways to "eat more" with the band, resulting in more weight gain. A few years ago, I had all the Fluid emptied out of it, and went on with my life as if I never had the surgery. I joined Weight Watchers and started losing weight successfully. I am fully convinced that these bariatric surgeries are not worth the money, the time, and the constant discomfort. The only thing that works is a full commitment to a drastic lifestyle change. Unless your insurance pays for the surgery (which mine didn't), save your money and invest in a good treadmill or elliptical trainer.

5 weeks after surgery, initially had been down 21 lbs and last 2 weeks I gained 4. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Feeling down for fear this didn't work for me.

Hi beautiful people. A couple weeks ago i posted a thread about having had a failed lap band (due to bad actual complications) and then a failed sleeve (will post original post at the end). Today i went to the doctor, after telling him everything he was a bit appalled, and immediately recommended the duodenal switch. I feel like a failure, but he made me feel great and didn't put me down, willing to help me so much. I'm so happy! Anyone have any advice? thanks!! original post: Hello. i'm new on here. just want to share my story to seek advice. when i was 15 back in 2008, i got the lap band. it was the worst experience ever. i was only loosing weight because i threw up EVERY SINGLE bit of food i ate. i lost 80lb very very quickly and i was extremely sick. my doctor said it shouldn't be happening, so instead of trying to fix it he drained my band. After a year i started to gain weight. In 2012 i was revised to the gastric sleeve. at this time, this procedure was brand new to my doctor, he hadn't done it before. I got it done quickly after the appointments with him, maybe 3 months. i was a slow loser for a whole year. it took me a year to lose 70 pounds, even eating what i thought was healthy (Protein first and some vegetables and brown rice, wha i was taught). i wasn't never really taught about carbs at all, always just eat "whole grain everything but eat your protein first and you should be fine" none of the information that i learned now from the fb group. i got into my first relationship, went to the DR and was diagnosed with PCOS, like lots of girls are. I was put on birth control and as soon as i did my weight **** up. as it shot up and me not knowing why i threw myself into a mind change that i couldn't shake out. while working 2 jobs (13 hour days) i began to lose care about myself, and regained most my weight, shooting back up to 230. i hadn't noticed the weight gain for a while, either because i'd stopped weighing myself. last year i started to exercise and count my calories and lost 20 lbs. even continuing it again, i have not budged. My mom just had the sleeve, and can eat WAY less then i ever was able to. I am kind of jealous Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Darcy, It's not unusual for me to see the scale go up instead of down. I cannot weigh myself every day or it will drive me insane. I can easily become obsessed with the scale. I attribute a lot of my 1-3 pound weight gain episodes on excess Water retention. I bet the same has happened to you. Hang in there, I know how frustrating it is to see the scale go up instead of down. But you'll go back down again soon. I must have missed reading why you had your fill removed?

Ready-no weight gain since I started this process, UIC has been very serious about making sure you don't gain any weight! Amanda the nut said she wouldn't approve anyone that did, I don't know how serious they are but I really didn't want to find out.

Ok. So I WILL reply to this one. The "truth" hurts? Girlfriend, your OPINION is NOT "truth" just as MY opinion is not truth. You can totally own your experiences, but what you've done does not apply to all, I am proof of that. First and foremost, anyone who "decides to have the sleeve" and is on the table two weeks later really needs to do some self reflection as does anyone who will openly state that they did not realize this procedure was permanent. I am also 5'3, was sleeved while I was "young" (by your definition) and my body is MUCH healthier than it's ever been. My body fat is down to the low end of the "ideal" range and butted right up to "lean". I have some loose skin, for sure, but underneath it, I am strong and fit. I did my research, I worked my plan, and I exercised my body. Anyone who does not is operating on foolishness. I must say, I'm curious. If you are such an expert on weight gain/loss/nutrition/fitness, why the regain? Why is your regain the fault of the sleeve? Serious question.

I really wish the media would use common sense before saying stuff like this. We all remember what Starr Jones looked like before. She still looks great! She may have regained a little but 80 pounds. I think not. Our bodies adjust to what's comfortable and that may not be a size 5. Honestly, for most of us we're happy just being out of the plus sizes and not shopping at specialty stores. Weight gain is preventable but you definitely have to figure out a plan that works for you and for some that may mean a little weight gain to learn what not to do.

Published by Jampolis (2004). A 51 year old patient complained of a 15 lb weight gain over the last year despite beginning a strenuous triathlon and marathon training program (2 hours per day, 5-6 days per week). A 3 day diet analysis estimated a daily intake of only 1000-1200 Calories. An indirect calorimetry revealed a resting metabolic rate of 950 Calories (28% below predicted for age, height, weight, and gender). After medications and medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes where ruled out, the final diagnosis was over-training and undereating. The following treatment was recommended: Increase daily dietary intake by approximately 100 Calories per week to a goal of 1500 calories 32% protein; 35% carbohydrates; 33% fat Consume 5-6 small meals per day Small amounts of Protein with each meal or snack Choose high Fiber starches Select mono- and poly- unsaturated fats Restrict consumption of starch with evening meals unless focused around training Take daily multi-Vitamin and mineral supplement Perform whole body isometric resistance training 2 times per week After 6 weeks the patient's resting metabolism increased 35% to 1282 Calories per day (only 2% below predicted). The patient also decreases percent fat from 37% to 34%, a loss of 5 lbs of body fat. Jampolis MB (2004) Weight Gain - Marathon Runner / Triathlete. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36(5) S148 the adrenal glands secrete the hormone cortisol as a reaction to stress, and excess cortisol leads to weight gain, especially in the abdomen area, along with sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, loss of memory and poor digestion. Elevated cortisol also aggravates sugar distribution, which contributes to development of high insulin levels and ultimately diabetes. When the adrenal glands pass the point of stress they go into exhaustion, which creates physically damaging conditions like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, arthritis, hormonal problems, inflammation and heart attack, just to mention a few. Estrogen dominance is another fairly common factor that contributes to inability to lose weight; we eat meats, eggs and dairy products that have been treated with synthetic hormones. Estrogens create Water retention and fat deposits; in time of pregnancy, estrogens are vital in protecting the fetus, but elevated estrogens otherwise create havoc for our endocrine and digestive systems. Weight Control Most athletes are concerned about their body weight. Many sports place heavy emphasis on maintaining specific body weights for competition. It is important to understand that weight control is influenced by more than just calories in verses calories out. When setting a healthy target weight, one needs to consider many factors, including; height, activity level, diet, sex, genetics, and daily energy needs. There is no specific “ideal weight” that can be assigned to one individual. The goal weight should be realistic and healthy for the athlete. Factors that influence calorie-burning rate Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Level of energy needed to keep involuntary body processes: pumping heart, breathing, generating body heat, perspiring. The higher this rate, the more likely one is to lose or maintain a healthy body weight. Age: BMR declines with age. Changes in hormones and body composition slow down the BMR. In fact, the BMR declines 2% per decade after age 20. NOTE: physical activity can help keep BMR high. Genetics: Genetics also influence differences in BMR. Some individuals genetically inherit higher metabolisms then others. Body Composition: Muscular, lean bodies have higher BMR’s than soft, rounded bodies with fat tissue. Ounce for ounce, muscle burns more energy than body fat. Therefore, the greater proportion muscle to fat, the more calories needed to maintain weight. Height: A tall, thin body has more surface area than a short body. Therefore, the taller individual will have a higher BMR in order to maintain normal body temperatures. Gender: Males typically have less fat and 10-20% more muscle than women, and therefore typically have higher BMR’s than women. Temperature: Extreme hot or cold temperatures also raise the BMR. The body has increased energy needs for regulation of body temperature. Physical Activity: Depending on length and intensity of workout, physical activity can increase BMR for several hours afterward. Caloric Intake: Severe caloric restrictions can slow down the rate in which the body burns energy from food. The body’s metabolism slows down to accommodate for lower caloric intake. This is the reason why one can actually gain body fat on a diet of 1200 calories per day. NOTE: When cutting back calories, never go below 1200 calories for women or below 1600 calories for men. Digestion: Digestion and absorption of nutrients uses approximately 10% of daily energy expenditures. Figuring Your Energy Needs 1. Figure your basic energy needs (BMR). Multiply your healthy weight (in pounds) by 10 for women and by 11 for men. Weight x ___(either 10 or 11) = _______calories for basic needs. 2. Figure your energy needs for physical activity. Check the activity that matches your lifestyle for most days of the week: ____Sedentary: mainly sitting, driving a car, lying down, sleeping, standing, reading, typing, or other low-intensity activities ____Light Activity: (for no more than 2 hours daily): light exercise such as light housework, grocery shopping, walking leisurely ____Moderate Activity: moderate exercise such as brisk walking (and very little sitting), heavy housework, gardening, dancing ____Very Active: active physical sports, or in a labor intensive job such as construction work or ditch digging Multiply your basic needs by the percent that matches your activity level: sedentary: 20%, light activity: 30%, moderate activity: 40%, and very active: 50%. ______ calories for basic needs x _____% for activity level = _______ calories for physical activity 3. Figure energy for digestion and absorbing nutrients. Add your calories for basic needs and calories for physical activity, then multiply the total by 10%. (______calories for basic needs + ______calories for physical activity) x 10% = ________ calories for your total energy needs Example: A football player is figuring his energy needs. He currently weighs 350 lbs, however determined that 325 is his “healthy weight”. He calculates his estimated daily energy need to reach this weight: Basic energy needs: 325 lbs x 11 = 3575 calories Energy for physical activity: 3575 calories x .50 = 1788 calories Energy for digestion and absorption: (3575 + 1788) x .10 = 316 calories Total energy needs: 3575 + 1788 + 316 = 5679 calories 4. Figure appropriate carbohydrate, protein, and fat ratio. Remember for athletes; 60% of calories should come from carbohydrates, 20-25% from fat and 15-18% from protein. Example: Using the football player example from #3, we will breakdown the 5679 calories by: CARBOHYDRATES: 5679 calories x 60% = 3407 calories ¸4 calories per gm = 852 gm Carbohydrates per day PROTEIN: 5679 x 15-18% = 852-1022 calories ¸ 4 calories per gm = 213 – 256 gm Protein per day FAT: 5679 x 20-25% = 1136-1419 calories ¸ 9 calories per gm = 126 – 158 gm Fat per day SOURCE: Duyff, Roberta, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS. ADA Complete Food and Nutrition Guide 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Edition. Last August there was an article in the NY Times called Fat Factors that illuminated past and current research investigating the possible correlation between microorganisms and obesity. I was so thrilled, that I immediately e-mailed it to my doctor friends who love to reduce weight loss to simplistic math: calories in - calories out. Fat Factors tells the story of a research patient, Janet, who agreed to 3 months of hospitalization (in exchange for free gastric bypass surgery at the end) to allow her weight to be closely monitored and regulated. The researchers calculated the precise amount of calories Janet needed to maintain her weight, and prepared each of her meals. In two weeks, Janet gained 12 pounds. A next logical train of thought might be that Janet is genetically pre-disposed for obesity, that her fat is in her genes. The first obesity gene was discovered in 1994, and about 50 more, with regulatory effects ranging from fat metabolism to knowing how much to eat, have been identified since. And the genetics theory encounters practical challenges of its own, such as identical twins with similar eating habits and extremely dissimilar weights. Enter “infectobesity,” a term coined by a physician at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana who studies the relationship between excess weight and a common virus. Other microbiologists at Washington University in St. Louis are studying the trillions of gut microbes to see if any of them may play a role in making bodies fat, and more researchers at Virgina Commonwealth University, having “successfully” created obesity in chickens, rats and marmosets by infecting them with microbes. Now they are retrospectively surveying humans to evaluate correlation between body weight and antibodies that indicate past microbial infection. Our inner community of gut microflora plays a wide variety of metabolic roles in the human body. And to quote the article’s author, Robin Marantz Henig, about one in particular, “It helps extract calories from the food we eat and helps store those calories in fat cells for later use – which gives [it], in effect, a role in determining whether our diets will make us fat or thin.” Fat Factors is a long article with wonderful stories about researchers and research subjects alike. The short of it is that evidence is accumulating to support some sort of relationship between microbes and obesity, at least in some cases, and that, sadly, the clinical application of this knowledge is still many years away. Most of all, it’s a wonderful reflection on the traps of over-simplified thinking (such as our cultural view of fat = lazy or the standard math of calories in – calories out) and a reminder that we are never alone, that wellness is a team effort – you and your microbes, working symbiotically to create a body of health. Here are just a few research articles (not written by me) that show they are many factors involved the body is sooo complex and metabolism, cardometabolic sydrome, hormones, body flora etc all play a big roll in weight loss. If it was as simple as cal in vs cal out I would have been thin LONG ago!

I don't think I ever had the weight gain from the short time I was on IV fluids in the hospital...but a friend had told me not to weigh myself the first few days I was home...I am 6 days out today, and I am down 9 lbs since surgery day...most of the gas and bloating is gone but not all...my biggest thing is that I am occasionally getting that heavy feeling in the center of my chest between my breasts--sort of like indigestion or gas pains...my dr gave me a script for Prevacid which I might try--has anyone else tried that? Like whodatcat, I am not sure if what I am experiencing is acid-reflux related or true hunger

Thank you for responding I did do the post fill protocal Liguids purees and soft foods. back to really watching my Protein and measuring my food intake along with a food diary. I am glad I found this site and am looking forward to seeing your blog. I don't feel so alone! I needed to clarify that I didn't have the "prolapes" just the dialation of my esophogus. I blaim myself for not watching the signs and eating wrong. the band was too tight I have an appointment on 21 Feb to see where I am at . Although the Doctor said I may see a slight weight gain, stay away from or watch the carbs and not go crazy! I had to get my head wrapped around that! My biggest fear is having the band removed but now that I know what I need to do I will be okay! I haven't gotten sick since some of the Fluid was removed and I still feel a slight restriction which is good. I have lost to date 75 pounds and since the defill have gained 3 pounds. anyway thank you again! Elce

Hi Denise, Im not banded yet but expecting to be here soon. I just wanted to jump in and comment on the hormone replacement - that is one of the side effects of HRT or BCP's (birth control pills), weight gain that is. That's one reason why I stopped them (among many others). You can look into natural methods for replacing hormones that dont have side effects just in case that's the issue. Dr John Lee has some great books on the subject. Hang in there

Glad to see you back after five years. You are not alone. Many have experienced regain years out. Several are back on the site for support. Counseling and self help resources are a great place to start to find your willpower. Time to deal with emotional stress eating. doing the head work link below. Some things from my weight gain experience to try. (What works for me may not work for you) Clear out your home of temptation- go shopping for foods on your real food plan Extra carbs and real sugar cause cravings and hunger – Detox off them Satisfy sweet and salty cravings with healthy options: Example -Sweet: dannon light n fit yogurt – Salty: Jerky Hydrate and exercise/activity I’m a sleeve, I have less surgery restriction years out. Eat veggies with all the other item on your plan until full. The bulk and fiber will help fill the extra space, They keep your calories low and help with hunger. Log your food (myfitnesspal) the key is to stay within your weight loss calories and macros.(protein and carb goals) Start at 1200 calories. You can dial the numbers up or down to see where your body loses weight. People will mention Pouch reset. ( Its going back to liquids phase and progressing to real food stage) It does not shrink your pouch. Decide if this is too food restrictive. You can always start real food to reset. Years out, Find a diet that is sustainable for you long term – Vegan, paleo, intermittent fasting, whole 30, keto the list goes on. Whatever diet you chose. Log your food and stay within your calories/macros. People will mention Pouch reset. ( Its going back to liquids phase and progressing to real food stage) It does not shrink your pouch. It may help you feel restriction better. Decide if this is too food restrictive. You can always start real food to reset. Years out, Find a diet that is sustainable for you long term – Vegan, paleo, intermittent fasting, whole 30, keto the list goes on. Whatever diet you chose. Log your food and stay within your calories/macros

Hi all, I had my surgery on May 12th. On the surgery date, I was 208lb. It has been 1 full week and I'm now at 211lbs. Everyone tells me not to sweat it... but is this normal? I've been walking about 2 hours a day so I want to say that it's muscle gain. I'm still on protein shake diet, with about 1 cup of clear broth a day. I just need someone to tell me that it's okay and yes i will lose the weight... ( A smack on the head might be good also!!) thanks!

I gained 14 pounds my nut told me what I was doing was completely normal that many do it. I was eating everything that I thought I could never have again. I had no issues as far as my weight gain and the surgery

Thanks guys I needed that bit of support today. I know the last two days i was more in 1500 calorie range, and I am ashamed to say the filets were breaded. I told my hubby in the future we can't buy the breaded ones. And for me, I have insulin issues, if I eat any carbs at all from a non veggie source my body produces large excesses of insulin. Then my body turns all those little carbs into stored fat. I am actually one of those people who's weight gain isn't entirely my fault, mostly, but not entirely. I did after all eat the doritos with sour cream when I would PMS after all. Insulin issues or not, I did choose to eat the junk that made it all far worse. But this is a new life without the junk!:clap2: And I can do this Oh and Yoda, my advice to you would be to not eat the baby food in front of your hubby. If he is anything like mine he will get grossed out. I grossed mine out a few times on the combos of foods I'd put in the blender. The one that really did it was refried beans, cottage cheese a little taco seasoning and a little bit of milk to thin it out.

Thanks for sharing I gained about 45 lbs from April 2016 to November 17 so I know what your are going through. I had stopped exercising, eating way to many slider foods, stopped going to the DR. and pretty much stay away from this board. Kept telling myself that I would get back on track and did not seem to get motivated. Well my primary DR finally caught up with me and my blood sugar was out of whack and my a1c was 8.1. The one thing I did notice was when I finally got on track again that it has taken me 9 months to get off the 45 lbs so it seems the older I get the slower the weight tends to come off. As far as a fill go as I have mentioned before I cannot tolerate anymore than 1 cc in my 4 cc band. My Blood sugars is under control and my last A1c was 5.2 so health wise I am doing just fine. Your weight gain might seem like a lot to you and it might seem like your just "trudging along" Just do not stay away and check in when possible.

We have similar stats (not sure about your height though.. I’m 5’6 and have an 8 yr old. I have a hiatal hernia (related to weight gain) my surgery is scheduled for the 24th though.. so you’ll be way ahead of me! :) That’s around the corner too !! I’m excited for you

It always happens doesnt it, you get into something you love and something happens to stop you going. I was swimming during my second pregnancy, getting really fit, keeping the pregnancy weight gain at bay and then I broke my hand at 27 weeks and put on about 15kg before my baby was born at 37 weeks. I love the deep Water running class at my local pool, its such a shame they only have one a week. Water exercise is fantastic when you're overweight, no pressure on your joints, not so strenuous that you cant keep going a couple of times a week, its really worth a try if you struggle with anything else.

I'm mortified this morning. I have really and truly been following all the rules and not only did I hit a plateau, I've gained three pounds in two weeks. I ecxercise 45 minutes a day and I'm eating less than 1,000 calories a day. I do have hashimotos disease, but I take thyroid medicine for that and my t3 and t4 is normal! I'm calling the doctor today. This is insane! And the story of my life and how I got here in the first place. I track every morsel I eat in my fitness pal and I track my exercise as well. I'm dying........... Any suggestions are welcome! I had my surgery on 8 oct 12 and had lost 30 pounds total, pre and post weight loss, now 28 pounds, obviously...... This is awful!

My advice would be for you to call your surgeon. You might do better with the band if you have some counseling first with a nutritionist &/or a psychologist. Some pre-op diets are much more restrictive than others, and some people do "cheat" a little, but it sounds like you're having more problems sticking with the diet than most. Cheating with the band can lead to worse problems than just weight gain. Unfortunately, it can lead to major band problems. If it were me, I'd want to make sure I had my head in the right place before going through with the surgery. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

I am a 45 yr old female. After my overies were removed 10 years ago they did test all my hormones. All my hormone levels were almost nonexistant including testosterone levels. They put me on testosterone , messed with dosages, and it gave me severe acne, so I opted out. This may have contributed to my rapid weight gain in those 10 years (along with other things) I took estrogen for 5 years. Now I take none. I guess I should get some hormone testing done, but with no health insurance I avoid any added medical costs.

Bell, I am getting banded in 2 weeks. I have been researching the band for over a year. You are asking some great questions. Different people get banded for different reasons. I have absolutely no problem losing weight. I never have. Unfortunately, I am even better at gaining it. I am getting banded for portion control. I look at the band as a tool for stopping or slowing weight gain. I think I will be successful with it because I usually eat the right things, meat and potatoes. Just too much of them. I will do my part by losing the weight when I can and the band will play its part but keeping me from gaining it back when my willpower dwindles.

Prednisone can cause weight gain. See if you can get off of it or find an alternative. If the prilosec is not working ask for a different med. Acidity can make you feel "hungry" when you really are not. Be your own advocate!! As for weight gain, I've see some Vets on here suggest that you go back to basics. Lean Protein only, no calorie fluids, calorie cap at 800. Some even go back to all liquids stage just to "reset." Good luck!

I agree with what the others say but also have a different point if view to share. I had RNY in 2005. I have now gained almost all my weight back. My weight gain didn't start till 4 years later when I started eating whatever I wanted. I can eat anything now and it took a very short time for me to get to that point. I still have dumping and had my gallbladder removed 11months after RNY. FYI my god awful gallstone attack was after eating one blueberry muffin. I am not one to tell you what to do since I messed up but I would be concerned if you are already doing this so soon after surgery.