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Not being able to exercise does make it harder. I didn't exercise at all from my surgey in November until May, but once I started walking ( I was walking some before surgery and then stopped after surgery) it made a difference. Spring was when I stopped losing, not having restriction, but the walking stopped any weight gain and actually I have lost a few more pounds. Water aerobics would be great, especially during these hot summer months! You're an experienced and successful bandster, you know what to do to get to where you want to be.

Hang in there, Vickie! I can imagine how frightened I would be at this point if my doc made me remove all of the water from my band. Its not just a weight gain/loss thing at this point. . .its more about finally having a sense of control over your own life. Every one of us with a band had to first hit that low point where we were convinced that we couldn't control our own eating no matter how hard we tried. For most of us, having the band is the first real ray of confidence that we've had for years. Don't lose hope. You know that the band does work for you, and that you just need a short period to heal from your complication. You are still in control. Just try to do what you can to hold the line until your band can be filled. A few gained pounds is much less of a big deal than giving in to the old fears. Try some sugar free popsicles - they take a long time to eat. I was going to complain that I've gained 2 pounds and need another fill, but your story helped put things in perspective. Thanks.

I have always been and some what still am an active person. The weight gain has just made some things more difficult or have had to alter how I do my favorite activities. I have a treadmill that I walk/jog 2-3 miles several times a week permitting I am not working at my parents. I am a big volleyball player, love basketball, extreme water sports (limited now cause i have a whole lot of butt to be pulling out of the water to ski) and will swim 12 hours a day if allowed. Everyone teases me and says I must of been born with fins. Water aerobics and swimming are going to be my most used exercise. Those two will truly burn more calories and tone more muscles than any other exercise machine, all while having fun in water assuming you would like the water as much as me.

Hi everyone, I was catching up on reading posts and you guys are crazy funny! I watched myself on tv last night - the show was taped right before surgery. It was good to see the change, and I could see it, although my hair is long now so that was also different. I weigh myself when I feel good or know I have been really bad so I can keep it under control. I saw Hoffman last Tuesday. I gained weight but he didn't make me feel bad. He really emphasized how much he wanted me to eat Breakfast and even said I could have sips of coffee with it if that would get me to eat. I get up have coffee and 2 gummy Vitamins, 4 benefiber chewys and my medications and I am full! I understand I have to get my metabolism moving. He also said he would like to see me loose 10 more lbs. Hey now that I said it out loud that is not to hard. I can do that.......... I think the first year is hard. You are trying to get in a routine and learning how the band reacts and works. I am looking at my 1 year anniversary next month and I think it is finally clicking. I do see a food therapist once a month and last week she used props, a heavy chain which we used as a kind of tug of war, and I think I am finally getting it. Dr. Hoffman was very happy that I wasn't blaming the band on my weight gain. I know the band works. It is the head that is still a little off balance. I don't have time to get on this site often but I do enjoy all of your insights. HOpe to see everyone at the support meeting Wednesday the 16th at 6pm in the cafeteria at Buffalo General.

Oh, and I'm scheduled for 6/17. (RNY - was gonna do sleeve but I decided on the RNY after talking a lot with my nutritionist and doing research) Was supposed to be May 4th, but was postponed due to COVID-19. I was feeling pretty hopeless that entire month and a half when it was cancelled (cancelled late march..), so I gained some weight. Luckily, my surgeon said no more weight gain and we can still do the surgery. My insurance doesn't have any requirements but the 6 month weigh ins. I'm 16 days away and I"m pushing myself with eating more veggies, more protein and drinking more water. It's stuff I've done before, because I lost ~80lbs on Keto a year and some change ago, but gained it all back. I figured this time, I can do all those changes I made w/keto, and the new tool of the surgery and I should be set. 🤞

Thought I would post a quick update... Prior warning - not in a happy place; lots of moaning... I'm still not feeling great, my back has got to the stage where I needed to take time of work and I haven't trained for 3 weeks now...grrrr Also went to my docs for a range of bloods to be tested as I've been feeling exhausted for several weeks; they've come back normal. I haven't seen the doc, the lovely lady on the phone told me - I hate it when that happens! I have mixed feelings on the results, not that I want to bring an illness on myself, but I sorta hoped they would flag something up that could easily sorted eg low Iron, thyroid etc. So I am still none the wiser as to why I feel soooo bloody sh*tty! Also been to see the meno doc, she said that the HRT is why I am retaining Water but didn't offer me any solution. She also suggested for me to take the tablet form of HRT, Kliofem, as the Patches are making me 'show' pretty much daily since I started them. I have to pick the new tabs up later; I will try them and see what happens. She did recommend the IUS - coil? - but I said no... can't remember where or when but I am sure a lot of ladies have had trouble with this and it caused weight gain! Anyone had any experience of this... Talking of which, the nurse weighed me and I have gained on their scales... I told her that I have gained at home and she said 'oh my dear, you must stop eating so many calories... aren't I a cow?' and chuckled... how I didn't smack her smug fecking face in I don't know. I replied 'oh I do watch my calories and believe me when I tell you I don't over eat'. She said; 'the weight you've gained is due to too many calories, weight is as simple as calories in and calories out'... I told her that my caloires are between 1000-1200 daily and that I can't function on less and she looked at me as if I was lieing...'Then my dear, you just have to exercise more won't you' ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! At this point I just smiled and walked out cos I could feel my blood boiling and I didn't want to cry! I just hate the fact that this woman who doesn't know me feels that it is ok to judge me... she did it before so I should of been prepared... but alas I wasn't! I am sooooo angry at her... and to be honest, I am starting to feel a little helpless! Nothing I do is working for me right now and am at the top of my bounce range and have been for over a week... this is seriously doing my head in and then to hear that from some stupid old cow didn't really help matters! I am hoping that this is a blip in the matrix and things will get better as I am starting to feel low and I don't want to crumble now when I have done sooooo well! Sorry for the rant ! xx

I think it always valid to visit our eating/exercise profiles to make sure we are not "going down that road" At 7 months(where you are) and at 2 1/2 years I have followed my Docs and Nuts eating plan. I still am, with a drop in calories two days a week(Protein, Water, exerciser)... I ate 500 cals a day every day under my Doc and Nuts supervision 7 days a week for part of this journey already. When weight gain has become so easy, and weight loss has stopped completely before reaching goal while following plan, I think modest cuts and expanded exercise (especially weight lifting and weight bearing) exercise is a valid option. I have asked myself a few times if my behavior has become obsessive.... why yes, it looks like it... weighing every day, logging my food and wearing a fitbit could be signs of this. HOWEVER... Not doing these things lead to weight gain and unconsciousness about the factors that contribute to it. I simply can not eat by impulse and maintain. I have worked hard on dumping the attachment of self worth to the numbers on the scale, have relegated it to a tool status. I say my current and past weight in public... this I used to have so much shame about... now its just a marker of body weight to be taken in the context of health statistics. I am 60 years old(in a few days) I am 188.5 pounds (not underweight by any means)I am after 2 1/2 years 19 pounds from the top of the 'normal' weight range for my hight. I think it is important for YOU to keep track of where you are in your own life and if you would like to, support others in their journeys to better health, mental and physical, but I think your fears are unfounded here. These women have been on this road quite a long time, and what you are seeing is them not giving up on the Quest to better health all round. That is my opinion. Also, FYI to my "Wanna join me" friends, my scale went from 190.9 yesterday to 188.5 today. My scale most often shows the same number for weeks on end...to the 10th of a pound. So this drop, even water, is out of the ordinary. and this is a number I have not seen since last year. We will see how it goes....

I had hysterectomy in 1997 and that is when I gained all my weight. Since surgery I tried my hormone shot one time and I hit a stall when I did. So I havent took it anymore. So as far as weight loss around the time of monthly all I seen was weight gain after complete hysterectomy

It's good to see everyone here doing so well, and Coops - so awesome about your TT! After getting a good solid 6 weeks of on track eating and exercise in, I was utterly derailed by free cupcakes at work in mid-February, and I've been battling the sugar monster ever since. I've regained everything I lost in 6 weeks, plus a few more. Honestly, I just don't know what the best approach for me is. On the one hand, after about a week on track things get SO much easier for me, and I don't really miss the sugar and carbs, but I wonder if I'm not setting myself up for a binge by cutting those things out completely. I'm really not an "in moderation" kind of girl though, most of the time "just a little" will awaken the sugar monster and send me into a spiral of weight gain. Ack.... All I know is, at the moment my clothes choices are getting REALLY limited, and I've had to start digging the larger sizes out of my closet. So time to climb back on the wagon.

Hi Everyone, I'm back from my cruise to Mexico. It was nice, but unfortunately DH caught a stomach bug midway through the cruise and was really not feeling well for the last several days. I usually catch whatever he catches, but somehow escaped the stomach bug. In the days before he got sick we had a lot of fun. food was everywhere, and I certainly enjoyed it, but I know I was eating much less than pretty much everyone on the ship (based on what I observed was on peoples' plates in the Lido restaurant) and for the most part I ate a pretty healthy diet (I got in plenty of fruit and veggies along with Protein, but also indulged in dessert after lunch and dinner, and mid-afternoon snacks). When DH and I would share dinner each night, the steward always had this weird look on his face like he couldn't believe we would do that! I didn't see anyone else around us doing that so I guess it was a bit odd. I was also lightly active -- I exercised pretty much every day (but fun kinds of exercise -- walk/jog around the promenade deck, snorkeling in chilly Water, dancing, tai chi,etc. -- not as intense as the workouts I do at home) and I took the stairs a lot rather than wait for elevators, etc. When I got home the scale said I was within my normal 2 lb. "bounce" range and so I'm calling it even -- no weight gained or lost. The cruise director mentioned that on average people on a cruise gain 1 lb. for every day they are on the ship, so I feel very good about not having gained weight. It does make me go hmm, how did I not gain weight while having lots of indulgences and slacking off a bit on the regular vigorous exercising? Maybe if I stayed on ship a couple more days I would have gained weight ... who knows ... it does make me seriously wonder though if I've hit my new "set point" for my weight. The worst part of going on vacation is getting back into the swing of normal life! Whaddaya mean, I can't sleep until 7:30 every day, and have to do harder exercise, and people aren't cleaning my house and serving me fab meals I didn't have to cook??? LOL. Back to the regular grind ...

Hey Globetrotter... why don't you try 1000 cals a day? What harm can it do? As you move about a lot, your body might be holding on to every pound? If I go below 1000, which is rare, I feel like crap! Headache, grumpy and mega tired... Since the New Year, so over a mth now, I have gone back to my pre op routine... 3 meals a day, sometimes a good snack if I am low on cals, plenty of water and movement as much as I can. Ok, so I am not rocking the world but I am back to my 2lb bounce of 166lb... I did go to 170lb, my lowest 164lb so at least I am going in the right direction - I even put the weight gain on my ticker cos it wasn't shifting! I find the food and exercise thing pretty easy to be honest... the water is tougher but I am aware and trying my best. The hardest is staying positive and motivated. I've started tracking too, and finding that it helps keep an eye on things, then when I feel I need a rest from it, I take the weekend off tracking but still keep in mind what I am doing... Rest assured, I and others on this thread, know exactly how you feel... how can we not shed weight when eating like we do and exercise like we do? Some might think we are kidding ourselves and 'cheating' but I can promise you that I am honest here and honest with myself. If I make a cock up , I will fess up! Oh, and for the record, you ain't fat!!! Like I said before, 18mths later you are 130lbs smaller, lighter, fitter... that is a ****ing MASSIVE achievement. In saying that I also appreciate how fat 'feels' as I have fat days and not so fat days. Use this thread to spur you on, vent, celebrate... whatever, knowing that you aren't alone... hugs from across the pond and remember, we are in this together... x

Thanks, Tracy...no, it's not the medication. I've only been taking it a few days and it's not known to have weight gain/loss issues. Neither is the anti-depressant I'm taking. Prozak is the one that is notorius for weight stalls; I don't take that. It's just my slow metabolism! Thankfully I have my old LC journal still online and this is just my pattern: stall for weeks, lose a few pounds, stall for weeks, lose a few pounds...etc. I can't believe how you are just losing like a maniac now!! You're a FILL believer now, arent you?!

Hi all! I am 18 mos from surgery and the only weight I've lost was the 12-15 pounds preop. I haven't lost OR GAINED anything since surgery. SOOOOO FRUSTRATING. I'm not a perfect eater, though I do considerably better during the week than on the weekends. And, I don't exercise at all, outside of the usual go to work, come home, clean house, fix supper, do laundry (thank God my washer and dryer are in the basement, at least I have to go up and down the stairs), get the kids in bed and start all over the next day. I really need to kick up the exercise, and get more protein in. But, the real reason for my post is I feel like I have given up a lot with this band, and should be seeing more results than I am. I got to thinking about the medications I take and reading on the internet about them. It appears that both of them have been shown to cause weight gain, and I wonder if that isn't part of my problem??? Just wondered if anyone on here has actually found that medications were part of or all of the cause of their lack of losing or possibly gaining, despite the band? I'm not blaming the medications on my entire lack of success, because I know I have not been as faithful as I should be. In case anyone's interested, the medications I'm specifically wondering about are Apri (generic birth control) and Paxil. Let me know if anyone has come across this, or think that this could contribute to my problem. thanks

Urgh! Green has got the blues. She has just come home from spending a number of days in the Canadian wilderness at her in-law's cottage. Bad food, many, many bug bites, some weight gain, and, oh yah, really bad food! Apart from the trillion goddam bugs not too many animals, eh. haha :heh:

beckmein: I don't have enough restriction to have to worry about chewing well.... that is my problem. But since I know I have to be getting close to good restriction soon, I worry about the next fill before I go away. I have been thinking all day today of scheduling one but keep changing my mind. I know we'll do a lot of walking. Last year we went to Tuscany and ate and drank A LOT but no weight gain bcause of all the walking. It's the hunger between meals that's bothering me. The few days I had good restriction I never felt like I was on a "diet", I just ate a small meal and felt full for hours. I have a "history" of not feeling well on flights as it is. Not sure why, it is not fear, but I have had episodes of fainting (at least three times while flying) and since the band is near the vagus nerve, I worry more about being too tight. I am taking a short flight this weekend to visit a friend in N.C., so we'll see how that one goes first. Thanks for the words of your experience with flying. I am making good choices in food and portion but hate that I'm hungry in between. I'm sure you remember those days! Either way I'm sure I'll have a great trip.

I had to lose some weight before surgery since mine is covered by my insurance 100%. I lost about 35lbs, then last week gained 5lbs. They will cancel for weight gain, not sure exactly why but since I am not self-pay I can't argue. To top it all off I am due to start my monthly cycle next week so I am praying not to have water gain on top of it. I am thinking about taking some Diuretics until then just to be safe. Any other suggesstions for quick weight loss for the 5lbs + the possible water gain???? :cry Congrats!!! Your surgery is almost here!!!!:clap2:

I was sleeved 3 weeks ago. I started off 200lbs and am down to 180 The progress does slow down, but when it does that's when you start walking and putting a bit more physical effort into it. That makes the weight continue to drop. Also, don't forget about all the health benefits! Preventing heart disease, reversing weight gain, leaving and avoiding obesity, I could go on and on! I know it doesn't seem like 5-10lbs is much, but the closer you get to your goal, the better you'll feel. Believe me! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good evening everyone. On one of my FB groups they were saying that Biotin causes weight gain. Anyone ever hear of this? I take 5000 a day. Two people said they stopped and lost 12 pounds fast. I take it for nails and hair loss. I have a few thin spots and also use hair products my stylist told me to use. Begins with a N and is like Nixon but not Nixon. Well tomorrow the snow begins again and again on Monday. Drive safe snow bound people. Just remember the Pats are winning Sunday. Arlene

Stacey, I have no experience with birth control pills, but I've seen some other threads where people talked about weight gain as a result. Three pounds though...that sounds like maybe Water weight (wishful thinking, am I? ). Nah...we'll call it good thoughts. Are you logging your food into something like fitday.com? Is it possible that you have some hidden calories there? Just thinking out loud. .

I'm about 3 1/2 months post-op and have weighed every day and plotted my weight out of curiousity. You can see my stalls and even many weight gains, but the trend is always down. My intake averages 700-900 cals/day, get my exercise thru my job, (walk 1-2 miles/day) and includes an occasional mixed drink too (or two). Unless you're hitting the DQ drive-thru on a regular basis, the math says you are going to lose weight. Keep your eye on the prize and good luck. My Diet Track.pdf

Great Idea My name is Lee Ann, I 41 years young. I have been married for 26 wonderful years to my soul mate. I have a son who is 23 and two beautiful daughters twins who are 22. I also have 2 dogs oscar and pookie. I am a Texas native, I have llived hear most of my life. I am also a stay at home wife. I only ever worked if I wanted to. What started as my weight gain was when I was 21 and my mother passed away at 56. She died from brain and lung cancer, so I started soothing my pain with food and kept on for years. I finally work up one day and said that it was enough. I love animals all kinds. I have a dream of doing so many different things before time runs out, like horse back riding, skydiving, wearing Victoria Secret, flying in an airplane. I always put others first in my and I still do. My family are the ones who finally encouraged me to do this, they always tell me that its my time. I guess I can really say that I am one of the luckiest people in the world because of the way my family appreciates and LOVES me. God Bless Everyone may your destination be your dream come true!!!

I am with you all...199 by Thanksgiving! (and then keep it there after thanksgiving, HA!) Just a thought, and I wonder how many of you would feel the same...in the past, Halloween was usually my gateway to a solid weight gain through the holidays. NOT ANYMORE!!! Feels so good..... Keep up the great work everyone!

hiya all ive been catching up on your posts bman....my hunger returned quickly too i was so pissed off,but then when you think how little we are eating now its amazing and i eat when im hungry a little bit of Soup or small yoghurt drink satisfys hunger and im feeling much healthier now im eating better last week i felt so weak and exhausted.dont worry about weight loss we all differ i had great loss last week but have gained 2lb back today but i know im not eating enough to gain so it just fluctuating and im not stressed i will have normal weigh in on saturday and that the one that will count it not a race for me i have target of 12 months and if it happens b4 its a bonus karen....im in ireland andwe at same stage even xmas dinner similar..lol the advise you have been given sounds very similar to mine (i didnt get my own needle though:confused: )i have phone number for nurse 24/7 but i think its for advice really and the clinic about an hour from house so im hoping i never have to be rushing to them im hopeful for no problems..but then im an optimist kay...you sound like you doing great sweethot....as i said to bman i have the hunger too but remember whilst you are letting your band settle and heal you should have the things you are allowed if you really hungry ...im still trying to work out difference between head hunger and body hunger though:confused: i think it hard to stay positive if you so hungry you feel like its torture. bkwalling...well done on weight loss thats fab, i lost 14lbs first week but now it fluctuating but i know whats going in and its not alot so im not worrying...congrats im wishing you well you doing great :clap2: mypov..well done on those jeans honey nothing feels quite as good as zip going up without a fight..lol i have four decreasing sizes waiting in bottom of wardrobe,my jeans that were tight fit now but its not as glorious as the realisation that you dropped a size . transformer....you are sooo right about this being first xmas without the real chance of big weight gain we may all be losers for the new year its great being a loser eh!!! oh and about excercise hubby bought me a twist stepper to tighten my ass and tame those flabby thighs:rolleyes although when i have money again probably end of january i will join gym and swim loads. kathyb...fab weight loss whoo hoo !!! carol...size 24 ...to size 20 wow 2 sizes down way to go girl:clap2: nathalie......hope you doing ok babes thinking of you

Programs vary all over the map in many areas, though the common elements are: Protein - consistent with need, but generally 60-80 g for women (though shorter than average women can do fine in the 50's) and 80-100 g for men. Protein need is most closely associated with lean body mass, hence the difference between men's and women's needs. Eat protein first, then veggies, fruits and starches Eat slowly, chew well Don't drink calories (protein drinks excepted, though you won't need to do them at this point) Avoid drinking with meals and for 30 minutes after meals. Drink a minimum of 64 oz, though the need is often higher depending upon activity and weather. Those are the things that are common to most plans. Minimizing sugar intake is often sited and sometimes a number is put on it; likewise, carb numbers are occasionally specified, though those can be deceiving and best not dwelt on. Calories are sometimes specified in programs and sometimes not. Those that work best seem to cluster in the 6-800 calorie range, but that is hard to maintain in a regain recovery program. It is best to work with your individual metabolic need, which again can be quite variable; Try for 1000-1200 and see how that goes; 12-1500 is often a maintenance level for many women. Keto and vegan/vegetarian are largely irrelevant - they are more lifestyle type diets that don't have any inherent weigtloss properties, though they can be used if one keeps the calories low enough. The key factor is what kind of diet will help you stay away from the high calorie/low nutrition junk that promotes weight gain. Good luck in your endeavor....

I had my surgery on Tues. May 29, and was told that I would probably see a weight gain after the hospitalization due to the fluids and the gases. When does weight loss start?