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Also May 5th for me - I'm still meant to be on weight loss rather than weight gain, and I won't know until Wednesday if I'm on a pre-op liquid diet, though I've been doing the liver shrinking thing since October, and it's pretty far reduced from what it was, but still bigger than the doctor would like it. For pre-op, I've been doing Optimum Nutrition, and the flavor isn't bad, but it's kind of heavy. I discovered Premiere Protein, and it's probably my favorite shake out of the ones I've tried (a few), and I'm going to be sticking with it post-surgery if I can. I've seen a lot of different brands recommended, both around the internet and on this forum. Body Fortress, nectar, Any whey, Syntha-6, Premiere, Click, Chike, Celebrate ENS, Isopure, and a lot of posters on forum have seemed to swear by unjury. Good luck to everyone going in on May 5th!

If I'm reading your post right, no interest in drinking is not the same as unable to drink. Put yourself on a schedule to get your fluids in and keep drinking whether you eat or not. The 1.5 pound weight gain is probably because your body needed the IV fluids you were given. Don't let that stop you from drinking. Know that you must have water in your body in order to continue to lose weight and do so safely. One of the most important things I learned was that our body will eat muscle if we aren't providing it with the building blocks it needs (protein, water, vitamins) and it can cause major problems if the body decides that the heart muscle looks tasty. I've lost over 100 pounds and have some weakness in my heart despite being religious about the protein, water and vitamin routines. You must do what your body needs, even if you don't want to do it. Set yourself an alarm clock and drink an ounce of water every 15 minutes or so until you get to a point where you can do it without thinking about it. Do whatever it takes.

I've battled since I was a kid with my weight. It seems like my entire life has been a diet roller coaster and I just want to be healthy and live a long life for myself and my family. I have finally decided to move forward with having the gastric sleeve surgery-not a light decision to be made to say the least. I've thought about it for about a 1 and a half now and made myself wait and try to diet and exercise just ONE more time about 5 months ago before reaching the decision to have the surgery. There have been a few times in my life where I was driven or made to be physically fit and those times were successful for me. I look back on them and realize that I didn't let food rule me and I was quite active as well. I want that ME back so badly that I feel like I need to do something extreme and permanent to make it happen. What I didn't realize when I was a young kid, teenager and after having my first child is that I wasn't obese or even fat like I'd been led to believe, even though I saw myself as overweight. As a kid I was really just a normal kid with a mother who constantly badgered about weight which in turn gave me a huge complex that at 34 years of age I'm still experiencing. Only now, the overweightness is a fact. As a teenager I was active-never a skinny minny , but I enjoyed sports and was thrilled when I became a cheerleader for my junior year just by wanting to do it and trying hard. After highschool my diet wasn't the best, but I managed to join the military right before entering into a weight bracket that wouldn't be accepted. I did it to motivate and better myself. When I say a weight bracket that wouldn't be accepted for my height and build I mean I was literally one pound away from the "un-accepted" category, so still not extreme at this point in my life either....150 was my weight. But....mentally felt like I was 30 pounds overweight. Now that I look back on this moment in my life I realize I needed to pick back up on exercise and I'd have been just fine. Well, bootcamp did that for me without an issue:) I was lean, sexy and super fit for the first time in my life and I loved my body. I got married soon after bootcamp-and got pregnant during the honeymoon! Yay....on came the weight. I gained 91 pounds with my first son. Lost down to 185 after I had him and felt like the biggest cow ever-stretch marks included. Again, I look back and think-what the heck was your problem girlfriend? You looked great and just needed to exercise and eat right to be fit and lose about 30 pounds. At this point in my life my mother was back in the picture and had harped my entire pregnancy on my weight gain (several times a week during my pregnancy I hear her thoughts on my progress) and thereafter too. Not good for moral-and it didn't help that we lived with my parents for the last trimester and a few weeks after the birth of my son as I transitioned out of the military. I kept the weight (dieting a few times and losing about 15 or 20 pds) for about 3 1/2 years before deciding to have my second child. The first delivery was hard because of the weight gain and inactiviity and I knew that I wanted to do better for myself and my body and went on a very healthy weight watchers diet and exercise regime to lose the weight before getting pregant again. I was successful! Lost the weight, got pregnant, gained a decent 50 pounds and considering I exercised until the last month I was quite proud of my success. After having him it took me about a year to get "fine" again. And wouldn't you know it-I can't think of one single word of encouragement from my mom during my "fine" times....just sayin. It wasn't until he was 3 years old that I started gaining weight back again. I let a few pounds come on during the holidays around 8 or so and still thought I looked great.....then a few more....then a few more....before I knew it I was at 187 and looking in the mirror still thinking it's ok you can get it together....then a few more....a few more.... a few more....I just lost the will to keep on the diet lifestyle and 4 years later I'm at 242.2. I'm starting to feel it take a toll on my health too. T ype 2 diabetes, high cholesterol a double chin that I hate and just generally longing for so much more than this. Of course my mother's been at me strong for the last two years-she took a break when I got the nerve to tell her to be be quite about it already a few years ago. I've tried 3 or 4 times in the past year, (starting to lose count) to diet and exercise and will lose 15 or 20 pounds and then I quit the changes gradually and get back where I started. I want permanent changes and I can't think of what else to do other than the gastric sleeve. I'm at the end of my rope so to speak and have firmly decided to go through with this.

Ouch, sorry to hear this. Yep, I think that you're probably going to want to reward yourself with some coverup work once you're at goal. None of mine really had a huge impact with my weight gain so they look just fine with my loss. The only one I worried about was the one on my neck...I thought it might get saggy with the loss since my face was so bloated before. But I didn't have an issue so there you go. Good luck and I say worry about it later. If you decide on plastics after that will also impact any tattoos placed in certain areas so wait until you're sure you're done with your body before you get new ones or start coverups. ~Cheri

Almost had a full blown panic attack when I got on the scale this morning. I've lost 120 lbs. I am 17 months post op and for the last few months my weight has been stable. I normally fluctuate from 162-164, which I think is mostly water weight. Two weeks ago I started doing crossfit and got on the scale today expecting to be on the lower end of my flux or even slightly lower. Instead I weighed in at 165.4. I know it's not much, but it's got my anxiety through the roof right now. My husband doesn't really get it and thinks I'm nuts about freaking out about a pound. Needed to get this off my chance to someone that can relate to the fear of gain. I'm just so confused by how this happened when I've upped my exercise level.

I am now 19 days post op and have been doing great. I got on the scale this morning and I have gained 4 pounds! WTF? I don't know what I have done wrong. I haven't changed anything. Last night at work I kind of advanced myself to a regular diet, lol. I ate a very small "sandwich". I had a small strip of lettuce with about a teaspoon of pureed chicken salad, a small square of Colby jack cheese and a small amount of mustard, 3 whole grain chips and about a tablespoon of salsa. I did great with it. Went down and stayed down. Then today I had about 2 oz of grilled chicken and about 3 oz of broiled seasoned veggies (carrots zucchini and green beans) then for supper tonight I had 8 oz of low-fat chili with beans and about 1 oz of shredded cheddar cheese. I don't think I have done too bad since advancing myself. Has anyone else experienced a weight gain when returning to regular foods? I am such a worry wart and want to do everything right with this band and use it to the best of my advantage. My doc's protocol is that his patients wait 6 weeks for a fill. So I have 3 more weeks to go until I can have a fill. Am I stressing too much? Its very discouraging to see the scale trying to creep back up on me.

If you don't mind me asking what was the reason, weight gain? Also how do they perform it? Did insurance cover it? Thank you

There are about 1001 methods of birth control and most are healthier than depo which can also contribute to weight gain. Depo seriously depletes your bones of calcium and if you are under 29 years old it can prevent your bones from EVER maxing out your bone density. You should discuss the benefits and risks of each with your doctor. There are several low dose birth control pills, iuds, and many other methods. I believe there is also a low dose weekly patch version of "the pill." If you are capable of getting a period you can conceive. You can also be fertile for several weeks before you actually get a period if you are coming off depo. So please consider one hormonal method (patch, ring, pill) and one barrier method (condoms, diaphragm, etc), and/or an iud. IUDs are THE most effective form of birth control out there. Of course consult with your Dr. for what is best for you.

Katy - The weight gain is very normal. It is due to the IV's you had, the swelling, the surgical process itself, etc. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the scale while you heal if you can. Your body has been through a lot and the next month or so is a healing process. It is harder to burp after surgery, especially RIGHT after. You likely have swelling so all of your burp isn't making it through. (I'm not a doctor, that's my guess and experience from what I have felt as well). The pain could be from gas used during surgery, or it could be from the phrenic nerve (not at all unusual) if your burp has irritated your pouch. I get the pain radiating to the left shoulder when I've eaten a bite too many. That's just one way your stomach may communicate with you now. Hope this helps. Good luck and don't stress over the scale right now.

Hi! I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s difficult to balance for sure. As a diagnosed BP I can relate. My surgeon and psychiatrist have given me positive reviews on the gastric sleeve. I’m 8 months post op and have been doing well. I can honestly attribute much of the initial weight gain from BP depression and BP meds. I was at an athletic weight until 27 years old. Then diagnosed. Not sure if you’ve experienced this - but it took years to find the right mix of meds that worked. Now that I have found the right mix, I am stable and my weight has been stable. I would definitely discuss medications with psych and ask for an honest opinion if the meds affect weight. AND CONGRATS 🎉 ON YOUR POSITIVE GAINS!!!! You’ve come so far!

Most of what your saying is very common post-op, even the weight gain. I encourage you to go your doctor visit and get some answers straight from the horse's mouth. Good luck!

I haven't made my decision which surgery is best for me. Has anyone started to regain or not lose the desired amount of weight before 1 to 2 years post- op Sent from my 5056N using the BariatricPal App

I was sleeved in 12/2012 and converted to bypass on 8/14. I went from 240-lowest 166. In July I was 166 using phentermine but have since gained 17 lbs since July. Had an upper GI don't and the area btwn small bowel and stomach has stretched. I go back in 1/25 to discuss options bc of cravings and weight gain. I feel like a failure. Who has 2 weight lose surgeries and can't maintain. I do eat fairly well and work out 5 days a week. I also had twins in oct 2015 so I'm always busy!! Any questions, comments or concerns welcome! Be nice please! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First off, a short back story as I havent visited this forum in years. I was banded in 2005 and had fantastic success, losing over 100% of my excess weight. I've had some regain since then due to a number of factors but not terrible. In 2010 I was diagnosed with rectal cancer - some of that fabulous weight loss, I believe the last 10kg, was due to having active cancer. I was treated, and am fine, albeit with a colostomy and I had my band totally unfilled (it was NEVER the same again) upon reflilling) I went through a sudden menopause, a brutal one, went back to full time work, stopped being able to focus entirely on myself etc and am now *just* within my healthy weight range. Still, all in all, a great success, although having a BMI of 19-20 was very very nice while it lasted. Anyway, since the early years, really, I had some very infrequent attacks of chest pain. It would start as a warning ache deep in my chest, and would radiate - the roof of my mouth, my jaw, the backs of my arms, through to my back, even my ears - it is excruciating - deep and vice like. It literally happened 3 or 4 times over 5 years though. I did mention it to a GP who really had not much to offer (when do they ever?). Last year I started to get a little night time reflux - I was too tight. In an effort to offset the weight gain, I'd overtightened rather than admit I needed to recommit to exercise and eat better around my crazy schedule. I had some fluid out and BAM the pain was frequent and the attacks unpredictable. When it starts, I know I cant stop it. It just aches, so deeply and radiates and its agony. Sometimes a hot drink can relieve it, and I always take a Nexium. I had a gastroscopy with my surgeon and I had esophagitis and was put onto Somac which I have stayed on. Havent had a problem in a year now but now I have a cough and its back, probably cuased by the coughing. Its honestly really frightening to think it may happen in public, last year I had to go off in an ambulance from work and had a full cardiac workup which was all normal. I guess my question is - if anyone can relate to this, could it be apband related? I assume it is, since unfilling tends to trigger it and I know i have a slight pouch and my band is ever so slightly out of position. I think I would find it comforting to hear that others have the same issue - I will be looking at my options as this cant go on. I fear revision surgery is on the cards. I am still so happy I made this decision, its been 12 good years and I always knew the band would need attention at some point in time, particularly since I have the old old 4ml version. I will also go to my GP this afternoon, I think more cardiac investigation is warranted, as well as looking at my lungs - this is some serious pain!

I had lapband in 2008 and had an erosion and had surgery for removal.....at that time the surgeon saidnwhen I was ready he will do the sleeve for me...after much hesitation and all my weight gained back I'm more than ready....but will by high mark bc/bs cover it?

Wow. I haven't been on this forum since it was "Lapbandtalk.com" I've had my lapband since June 2008. Went from 265 to 175 and then gradually gained and settled in at 240 for the last couple of years. In 2010 I had reconstructive surgery to remove my panis (-16 lbs in that surgery alone). My lapband complications include Barrett's esophagus, infections, and finally it has slipped. All Fluid was removed last December. I'm having revision surgery to sleeve next month. A little nervous about it but am resigned to the the fact it has to happen. My skeletal structure cannot bear any weight gain. So this is going to happen. I'm trying to get excited about it and get in the pre-change-in-life mood. So far it's not happening.

My surgeon was Dr. Jeffrey Genaw. Chief Surgeon at Henry For Bariatric Center, Center of Excellence. This guy was a Genius when it came to surgery. I too had Hernia Repair, and Lymph Node removal from the Groin. (VERY PAINFUL) They thought it was cancer but it was not. The operating Room, the table was covered in Down filled white cotton sheets, about 4 inches thick. I was extremely comfortable. I asked about the bedding on the table, and he explained that we just throw it all away after every surgery. That way there is no infection. I spent 3 hrs. on the table, and it took 30 minutes to do the band. Surgery wise I could not asked for a better surgeon to do the surgery. But his follow up care stinks. He over filled me, sent me home,when I got there ,I tried to swallow Water, and it came right up, so I tried again, and same thing. I called up, they said you must come in I did. He stuck the syringe in my port, and the plunger shot clear up to the top of the syringe. I heard WOWWWW ! I asked what's wrong? He said when that happens, it usually means the band is blown. So he said your to swollen I will UN fill you. Even though I begged please don't he emptied. then they called me and said he isn't in town he's out of the country. So I finally get to see his P A, and she threw me out for weight gain. I tried to tell her I want to see him, not you. To Bad! He doesn't want to see you ! Don't you get it ! ! ! I said I do now.... So She escorted me out, and they deny everything. I had my stuff sent to Hurly, and Linda called me up and said you no we really only want success stories, and according to them you live off of Cookies, cakes, pies, candies etc. What? How do you think I lost over 120 lbs.... She said I wonder why they didn't include your weight notes. I said yeagh me too..... you wonder!!! So they new one of us was full of s**t. So they took me in under their care, sent me to the hospital for fluoroscope to see the broke band, and then see about replacement. The Band was never broke ! The P.A. did a better job then he did... She put in 2cc of saline, and 1/2cc of acrylic in case there was a leak. I am fine. But I have t start all over again. But this is 3 yrs. later.. No one will touch any-one's screw ups. You must go back to your surgeon. He wouldn't touch me. So this place is giving me a chance. The catch 22 is this Dr I named was trained by my surgeon. I hope he has better class then him. Because he is one arrogant S.O.B... So I'm hoping they are a better place. Sure the other place is bigger,better (THEY THINK) They don't deserve The Center of Excellence. Even though they are Michigan's' Elite Bariatric Center. Like he told me, they don't have time for all this aftercare. He is a surgeon ! He moves em in,,, and moves em out. Then next in line. Speaking of line you should see them come from CANADA. He takes there Ins.. He is making a killing. So when people talk about National Health Care, I have seen part of it, and they have it made. This was 5 years ago. They are in line to see him. Did you know that somehow Hurley is affiliated with Henry Fords? I'm up in Saint Helen, Michigan. Hurley is in Flint, and Henry Ford is in Detroit. I call H.F to try to get in, they say no were not going to see you, You would have to be evaluated all over again, and he would change you to the By=Pass. Where are you living now? Northern, Michigan. Call us if you want to start the paper work with Psych.... Now mind you once you had the surgery at H.F., you are a member for life (YEAGH RIGHT) About 2 days later Hurley calls, and Say's this Dr. wants to see you. So I'm thinking he called him in Flint, and said do me the favor and see her. That's how I think I finally got in.../or perfect timing you figure that one out and let me know what you think. Anyway I will ask him next week. But I have to do it carefully. He is my last chance at a surgeon.

Well, I ended up in the ER. The surgeon on call did not want to touch it, and neither did the ER doc. The following day, a surgeon was able to access my tricky port after about 20 sticks. Looks like the port has flipped some and will have to be replaced. Also, it may be that the band has formed a capsule around it, causing it to be tight. Now I have no restriction and have no sense of fullness. Ugh..This thing is coming out! Going to look into converting to the sleeve, as this yo-yo weight gain/loss is killing me!

My wife had the RNY 4 years ago. She was extremely successful with it. My weight was manageable and I was in decent shape. My wife progressed through her post op diet and her solids was always to much for her to eat. Well she would instinctively put her remaining food on my plate to eat. I would eat it. So I was eating nearly two meals at a time. I was raised not to waste food and a happy plate is a clean plate. So I was eating 1 1/2 steaks and 1 1/2 potatoes at dinner, or an extra 4 - 7 wings, sandwiches, chicken, the list goes on. Well needless to say, 4 years later I need WLS. I was sleeved on 12/27/11. Now of course I do not blame my entire weight gain on my wife. I could have simply said no, or stopped being lazy and been more active. However, this story has made me change the way that I approach food with my son. He is no longer made to eat all of his food. He just has to eat what we thing is enough for him. This is only needed when it is not his favorite (the healthier foods) foods. Pizza, and such is never a problem. Seconds was taken away if it is a high starchy meal, or unhealthy meal. NO ONE puts their remainders on the others plate. It goes in the leftover dish or trash. That was a huge lifestyle change for me but I am glad that I did it. I just want all the new sleevers out there to watch that with your spouses, not only do you lifestyle have to change but theirs have to also.

Yes, I am on Tricare. I have been put on things like child-safe weight loss supplements and such all during my childhood and teen years (My weight gain all started by a doctor's misdiagnosis and mistreatment when I was about 6/7 so I have been trying to lose weight since that all started). But living overseas my whole life I was never "old enough" to go to the gyms on base or able to drive to a gym or anything. Even now, I currently live 10 miles out of my town, and was in an almost fatal car accident where my car flipped and turned over about 4 months ago. So the concept of getting to a gym is impossible (my father also commutes 50 miles to the base). I have been a yo-yo dieter in the past, I've tried many fads, bought countless books, etc. I really do worry about my health. I'm about to be put on blood pressure medication before I even turn 19. All of my attempts at a life style change have failed and I think it's time to get REALLY serious about it.

First off Congrats on your pregnancy!! Such wonderful news...I have never been to a midwife so I can't answer that question but I would ask your old midwife if she has a problem seeing you since you have the band. I can't imagine it being a problem, they don't look at being banded high risk (at least my ob didn't). As far as weight gain, my doctor wanted me to gain the same amount of weight a non banded woman would but I never did, I was one of the lucky ones that lost weight. I did not get unfilled during my pregnancy, I ate anything and everything I wanted. Most of the food I ate was veggies, fruits and little snacks here and there. I also drank protein shakes every morning and if for some reason I was running out and couldn't eat I would grab another. My ob was more concerned with me getting enough protein then anything else. I drank a lot of fluids and just relaxed and enjoyed my pregnancy. I don't think you have to get unfilled to have a healthy and happy pregnancy. I think you should do what is best for you, talk to you midwife and come up with a plan that works best for you and the baby. Good luck and keep us updated

I had VSG in November 2017. I lost 121 lbs in 12 months following my surgery. I got pregnant in December of 2018 and it resulted in a miscarriage. However, I fell pregnant again not even 2 months after I miscarried and did not follow any specific nutrition while I was pregnant. I gained 40 lbs during my pregnancy and I lost 23 of them and want to lose the remaining and get back to my pre-pregnancy weight plus lose more to get back on track. What is the best and easiest way to get back to this and nix my bad eating/drinking habits??? I am suffering from postpartum depression too so I food has been a crutch for me 😩 please no rude comments as I’m trying to overcome the PPD and my weight gain.

Hi, I need help! I had the sleeve in March of 2015. About a year ago I started gaining weight back. I've gained about 25 lbs back. I recently got a personal trainer and have been working out consistently for 2 months. The problem is the scale hasn't moved. My trainer focuses on strength training. So 4 of the 5 days we workout we are lifting and 1 day is cardio for about 30 minutes. He wants me to eat more because of this but physically I can't ( you guys can relate). He wants me to eat more than 1200 calories a day but I'm only getting in about 600. Maybe 700 or 800 on a good day. I just need advice. I don't know if I should cut back on the strength training or revamp my eating (which I don't know what I should do with my eating). I just want to lose the weight I gained so that I can feel better in my body like I did year 1 and 2 after surgery. Any advise who would! Thanks in advanced.

Id wait and do both at once. Cosmetic surgery is a big upheval with a band and brings quite a risk of weight gain. I didnt unfill for my TT nine weeks ago but have suffered suchdiscomfort since that i advise doing so. Ive unfilled my band once for a major surgery and it has never been the same, i definitely would not choose to unfill it twice. Its taken me a loooooong time to be running and spinning and bodypumping again at anything like my previous schedule. Avoiding weight gain has been HARD. Alo, its common to get a little depressed after. Your new body is still not perfect, and changes take a long time to see. Nothing else in your life changes eithet, you kind of have a post surgery letdown. I also ouldnt want that twice. Then theres the money. Cheaper to have one anaesthtic.

Emily, You are right that weight gain can occur post op. Surgery is a big step and very personal decision. My feeling is that if you're not 100% sure, it's best to not to do it. The first step in the Kaiser program is a class that details what life will be like pre-op and post-op. And it describes other ways to lose weight, including other Kaiser options, such as a medically supervised liquid diet that is slowly phased back to a normal diet. They really stress surgery is not the best choice for everyone. Best wishes on your journey. Lynda