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THanks guys! Tomorrow will be week number 4 but the surgen has cleared me for solids. I like the advice of putting the fork down. I have been a fast eater all of my life. always the first one done. I guess im just a little nervous about weight gain. I dont wanna undo what I have worked so hard for. I guess I figure if I had the will power to not eat anything solid for the last 4 weeks, I can do ANYTHING!!! lol I am so glad I found these boards and all of you! What an awesome support system this is!!

Surg wt 300...wt last week 277. Then no loss. Today, i am up to 281!!!! Help!! I'm on purees but only eating 1/4c or less, and it's very basic stuff. My plan doesn't allow tomatoes, cheese or "anything" you can puree. I dont eat canned soups. Normally i take a fluid pill for BP but have not since sleeved. Surgeon says not to. I wonder if this is just water wt?? Can't see how it could be real weight gain!! What should i do? Thank you.

I am now a month out and can finally eat scrambled eggs. When I take just one too many bites of something, I really pay for it and remind myself not to do that again! It's a trade-off. You decided to do something to end your cycle of weight loss/weight gain. For me, the sleeve will prevent me from falling off the wagon like I have done my whole life. Falling off the wagon wasn't just a meal, a day or a pound...it was weeks and 20 pounds! I don't miss what a can no longer have and am happy that the sleeve makes the choices so I don't have to. It gets rid of the temptation because I know if I tried to eat that cookie or cake or bread I would pay for it miserably! Good luck.

I'm so thankful to have been sleeved and to have lost so much weight so quickly. It's been a lot of work but well worth the effort and risk associated with the surgery. My health problems (all the standard ones) are all fixed and I feel great. As I approach my goal weight, my wife, daughter and several people at work keep telling me I should stop losing now, but I'd still like to reduce my love handles. I established my goal weight based on weight lost 22 years ago and the level that I thought was good back then. However, I look different this time (at age 54) and a few tell me I look frail. Given my workout schedule, which includes strength training 3 times/week, I'm not at all frail but my new turkey neck does make me look older. Also, I'm told I walk differently (like an old man) and used to walk with more pep (when fat). Not sure the reason for this, but I've noticed myself hunching forward and try to adjust accordingly. So many changes without explanations. Monday I'm going back to my nut to figure out how to stop losing weight in a healthy manner. Somehow they left that out of my surgeon's instructions. I never imagined I would be in the situation where I'm trying to stop losing weight. Hopefully when I'm out of the honeymoon stage, I won't go back to fighting weight gains again .... I'm also very thankful for all of the support provided on this site and the great advice and information I've received here along the way ... Andrew

That's interesting, because my doctor won't set the date until everything else is in place. I got my insurance approval in just one week. I do all my pre-op testing and blood work next week. Then, I see the surgeon and we set the date! I am hoping for the week of Dec. 16th, but we will see! So tips to get your primary doc to support you include the following: 1. Discussion of past attempts to lose weight and the outcomes of that over time. For me, each attempt eventually resulted in gaining MORE weight back than I had lost on various plans. So years of yo yo dieting is considered to be very bad. 2. Progressive weight gain year over year as you've aged. 3. Actual or emerging health concerns caused by or increased by being obese. 4. Physical and life limitations caused by your weight. 5. Therapist, family and or friend support of your weight loss goals. Hope this helps. Good luck!

Hello all, I had the lap band done in august 2009. I was given 8 hours to recover and discharged..this from a "center of excellence"...well i was given liquis roxicet...and no other instuctions as to my other meds i should take. I went through withdrawl from my pain meds since i have polymyositis...i couldnt beleive it! Less than 2 weeks later i was at a camping site having my family wait on me hand and foot...just enjoying it...then outta no where...POP...N PAIN LIKE U WOULDNT BELEIVE!!! my beely looked like i was carrying sextuplets...it was shiney and purple from the distention...911 was called...2 ambulance rides..and enough pain meds to bring down a horse (as the paramedic said) i was still in so much pain i went into shock! I should have known that this journey would be hell for me. I was told by my dr that he found nothing unusual....SERIOUSLY!!! whey DID I WAKE UP IN ICU 2 DAYS LATER, WITH A NASO GASTRIC TUBE AND ALL TYPES OF DRAINAGE TUBES..PIC LINE 2 IV'S???? After that my hell began...first cpl of months where ok besides the sliming and vomiting... i lost 123 lbs in total...but i paid the price...i laid on the couch to weak and in too much pain tp do anything but vomit up even Water..my hair was falling out in clumps...i had rashes all over my body..dark bags under my eyes..then it got scary...i started to pass out and have seizures. my dr told me all my blood work was fine and i needed to eat more SO I COULD ABSORB THE NUTRIENTS!well if my labs where fine then why would i need to eat ( and vomit) more for the nutrients?! finally my husband had it...took me to mass general...was told it was not "in my head" and yes i was hyper sensitive since i was having a severe allergic reaction to the band...and it should have never been put in since i have an auto immune disease!! Mass general contacted my doc and i was in later that week to haver it out...so needless to say 6 abdominal surgeries later and countless tests in a lil wary. since my band was removed i have gained 90 lbs back in the first 6 months.. diabetes and high blood pressure is back...and not to mention the pain i suffer from all this weight gain, i have wanted to get the vertical sleeve now since the removal..(and i wasnt about to let that dr do the revision after the removal). Thank you for the website and stories...this makes me more at ease with my decision to move foward..did anyone else have a horrific outcome like this? i mean i researched the center and the doc..i am in health care so i knew his reputation in the community...i guess i got him on his bad days...sigh..again ty for the time and place to vent!...GOD BLESS...AND GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNIES!

Hi all, I'm new to this place. But I had my surgery on my 20th birthday, when I was 385 lbs. In the eight years since my lowest was 240lbs, but I am back up to 292lbs! I'm freaking out! I know I leveled off pretty quick with my weight loss but I held steady for a long time. It wasnt until I started my birth control that I started to notice some weight gain. Of course it doesnt help that my job requires me to sit in front of a computer all day. I'm terrified because I'm getting back to the point where its hard to exercise and I dont know what diets to try or anything like that. I missed an appointment with my bariatric doctor only a few months after my surgery. I waited a few weeks to go back but they had moved apparently and then he retired, so I cant ask him. I have a new GP so hopefully she can help direct me down the right road. But has anyone else had this problem, with gaining back significant weight?

tanya when I was a newbie - people didn't talk much on the board about gaining weight after maintennance seemed like a taboo subject i am glad that weight gain "issue" is brought up more often when you/me/we are first sleeved - "most" of us consistently follow the necessary rules to lose their weight how great is that!!!! but.........some people don't realize/or don't act on the fact that having/working with the sleeve is something we need to do for the rests of our lives we must consistently follow all the rules that we had after surgery Water, eating slowly, moderation, waiting after eating before you drink etc etc maintennance, yes its easier to slip into old bad habits and gain back some weight it happens to the best of us none of us are perfect (except me of course ) its "ok" to think of the possibility you might gain weight might help keep you on the straight and narrow!!! hopefully you/me et al won't gain but.......... we've all worked too hard, became too healthy and happy to now "blow" it now fluctuate sometimes 1-3 lbs but thats ok by me never said this was easy (despite what non WLS OP say about this being the "easy way out") you've lost 90 lbs woo hoo party dance party dance kathy congrats

Hi well we I don't want to start a dissing contest as to who screwed up the most but..... I had a four pound weight gain and it was partially over eating but mostly water gain. Called my doctor who told me my blood work at 1st of July indicated my kidneys had decreased doing their jobs so he uped my diaretic. I am diabetic so kidney failure is a real worry. Problem with me though is I have such a guilt trip with weight gains that I usually end up on a grazing binge. Which I did but I think all is back to normal. I am back to measuring. I think I will get better at this job of controlling eating when I get my fills up to 6 ccs. I am told the fr. midband's normal fill level is 6 to 8. If I have one peice of advice to anyone, that is to go over your eating habits and if everything is the same, then it is a water gain. Usually at the time of your menstral cycle. If the water stays on, then check with the doc to see about increasing your diaretic. Doddie

No regrets. I was a yo-yo dieter for years. Each time it came back with more weight than I started with. The last time the cholesterol shot through the roof and BP was barely controlled with meds and then the sleep apnea had gotten so bad I was only sleeping about 3 hours a night. My daughter was banded last year and lost 95 lbs and just seeing her journey made me convinced that this is what I needed to do. Now I was only banded June 1 and had one fleeting moment after surgery of "what have I done, surely I could have just kept my fat mouth shut and lost weight." But it was a fleeting moment. Almost two weeks out and still no appetite or hunger. I eat because I know I need to eat. I have no doubt this may change, but again, like the other poster said, I don't have a problem dieting. This is just giving me a tool to help it all come together. I've lost 15 lbs since weigh-in two days before surgery but the big plus is no pain in my knee that's been bothering me ever since this most recent weight gain. The band is not the end-all be-all. You still have to live with your band and still have to do portion control and watch the foods you eat but when you get full fast or you're forced to eat slow it helps tremendously. Good luck on your decision. I have absolutely no regrets at all so far. I didn't have to do so much research because my daughter had done it all. The big difference between us is we have two different types of band, so we'll be able to compare if there are any differences. Trisha

So I have Highmark BCBS and I have completed everything and had my pre-op appt with my surgeon this pat Monday 5/08/17. She said they would be submitting everything to my insurance for approval. Today is Friday and I found out surgical coordinator has been out sick all week (God bless her soul) but the wait is killing me. I'm so anxious and worried I may not get approved. Patient Selection Criteria for Adults The patient is morbidly obese and is at least 18 years of age. Morbid obesity is defined as a condition of consistent and uncontrollable weight gain that is characterized by a weight which is at least 100 lbs. or 100% over ideal weight or a BMI of at least 40 or a BMI of 35 with ANY ONE or more of the following comorbidities: Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite concurrent use of 3 anti-hypertensive agents of different classes); or Cardiovascular heart disease (with objective documentation by exercise stress test, radionuclide stress test, pharmacologic stress test, stress echocardiography, CT angiography, coronary angiography, heart failure or prior myocardial infarction); or Hyperlipidemia; or Diabetes mellitus type II; or Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); or Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS); or Pickwickian syndrome ( a combination of OSA and OHS); or Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); or Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Patients should have documented failure to respond to conservative measures for weight reduction prior to consideration of bariatric surgery, and these attempts should be reviewed by the practitioner prior to seeking approval for the surgical procedure. As a result, some centers require active participation in a formal weight reduction program that includes frequent documentation of weight, dietary regimen, and exercise. However, there is a lack of evidence on the optimal timing, intensity and duration of nonsurgical attempts at weight loss, and whether a medical weight loss program immediately preceding surgery improves outcomes. The patient must complete a psychological evaluation performed by a licensed mental health care professional and be recommended for bariatric surgery. The patient's medical record documentation should indicate that all psychosocial issues have been identified and addressed; and Patient selection is a critical process requiring psychiatric evaluation and a multidisciplinary team approach. The member's understanding of the procedure and ability to participate and comply with life-long follow-up and the life-style changes (e.g., changes in dietary habits, and beginning an exercise program) are necessary to the success of the procedure. If the patient does not meet ALL of the patient selection criteria for bariatric surgery, the procedure will be denied as not medically necessary. Procedure Codes 43644, 43770, 43775, 43843, 43845, 43846

Going out on a limb here and am scared at the same time. I was diagnosed in '07 as being bipolar, mild,not severe and given a cocktail of meds, along with this disease I suffer from severe insomnia so mostly my symptoms are that along with mild depression. I take Klonopin, Saphris and Zonisamide. All has been going great and no I don't have manic episodes everything was going great up until about a month ago I noticed my moods have changed. As some of you know I live with my mom since my divorce and well I have a tendancy to lash out at her, she knows I don't mean it and she understands completely and I'm even lashing out at my dog. I called my psych the other day and called in Depakote and the pharmacist said, do you know the side effects of this drug of course I said no, she proceeded to tell me that it caused hair loss which after lap band I am experiencing now, severe weight gain and I'm thinking great. Why in the world would my psych of 7 yrs put me on a drug that makes me gain weight? I guess I am jumping out here in hopes that someone with this disease will respond and tell me what they take and if they have any adverse effects from the meds they take. It's obvious I need a mood stabilizer but from all my research they all seem to have side effect of weight gain. I have been on my cocktail of drugs for quite some time and don't know if they have stopped working or what. Someone please have some answers. thanks...Donna

Wondering if anyone gained weight prior to starting their Pre-Op Diet? I'm feeling so unmotivated, and have gained 2 lbs before the Pre-Op Diet. I'm supposed to begin the liquid diet this Friday, but have lost my motivation. Any thoughts

Hi all, I have been participating in a medically supervised weight loss program for the past 5 months and I've nearly completed all the pre-op requirements to qualify for bariatric surgery. I've been really lucky and have already officially lost about 50 lbs (at my last weigh in a few weeks ago, it's probably closer to 60 now). My BMI is now probably 31ish. I have adhered to their guidance fastidiously and have made major changes to how and what I eat. I've learned a lot from these boards and I'm leaning towards going the surgery route. Far and away, my primary concern is my ability to be physically active short- and long-term after the surgery. Exercise is extremely important to me and has been for most of my life. Even at my heaviest and unhealthiest, I've still maintained some degree of regular physical activity. And for a lot of the time, I've been able to engage in quite vigorous exercise regimens (running half marathons, weight lifting, vigorous cardio 5-6 times per week). My weight gain has been almost entirely due to poor eating habits as opposed to anything else. Given the considerable calorie restriction post-op, should I expect to have enough energy to exercise vigorously? I understand if it may take some time after surgery to build up my conditioning to where it's at now given that I'll have to take time off and given how little I'll be eating, but say a couple months after should I expect that I'll have enough energy to work out intensely? My other question is how useful/effective is bariatric surgery for those who have been able to lose (considerable) weight historically, but haven't been able to keep it off. As part of doing my homework in preparing for the surgery, I actually obtained all of my medical records for the past 10 years. I charted my BMIs and weights (attached here). It was really eye opening for me to see the true "yo yo" that I've lived. I've definitely been able to have success losing weight, the issue always has been maintaining whatever changes I've made to keep it off. From what I can tell, the surgery seems immensely helpful for initial weight loss but it isn't as clear to me from what I've seen how helpful it is for those who've lost weight as part of the medical supervised plan (and who've been able to lose it historically) to help keep that weight off. I greatly appreciate any insight, advice, or guidance you can offer. Thank you!

Every WLS surgery has it's problems. The problem with bypass is Mal-absorption, and weight gain after a year or 2, That's not the ones that worry me though... Everyone that I know that had this type of surgery has passed away. I don't mean do to Old Age or Disease either. I wish you good health, and please take care of yourself.

Your weight is going to fluctuate. If you were to chart your weight over time, were your expectations to have that be a straight line sloping down? I hope not, because that is just not the way this works. Also, since you are using a scale, know that it only measures weight, not fat. What are you looking to lose weight or fat? Remember, it is generally accepted if you consume 3,500 more calories than you burn, you will gain a pound. Burn 3,500 calories more than you consume, you lose a pound. So, assuming your resting metabolic rate is 2,000 calories a day, let's do the math: 7 days in a week 2,000 calorie BMR 3,500 calories for 1 pound 7 (Days) x 2,000 (BMR) = 14,000 calories burned in a week sitting on your couch doing nothing 3,500 (calories in a pound) x 1.8 (amount of weight gained) = 6,300 calories (14,000 + 6,300) (number of calories to gain 1.8 pounds) / 7 (days in a week) = 2,900 calories per day. So then, if you think you have been consuming 2,900 calories a day, then you might have something to worry about as you are putting on fat. But if you are consuming less than that, then it is most likely Water weight. How's the hormones been lately?

Please don't think that you're alone. I was thin (5'7"- 110-125 lbs in high school) and although I gained weight in college, I lost it and stayed at around 150 most of my adult life. My mother has had weight problems all of her adult life, and when I was younger, I would get so frustrated when she would constantly say, "Am I as big as she" when we were out in public. I now find myself constantly comparing my size to that of other women. My sister and I would get upset with Mama because when it was time for her class reunions, she worried for months before the event, scared about the fact that she gained weight. Now, I can relate to with what she's had to go through. I have moved away from my home town and if my high school reunion was this year (it's next year), I wouldn't go. I've had people that I was close to in high school not recognize me. I'm a Social Worker and was working at a dialysis center when I began to put on weight (I've put on probably 50 pounds since I quit in 2008). The patients and staff would say the rudest things to me about my weight gain. I started trying to get pregnant in 2004, but have never been able to. I remember once, I saw a dialysis staff member that I had not seen in several months. Her comment to me was, "Meg- are you pregnant or are you just fat?" At that time I probably weighed 180 pounds, which was big, but not morbidly obese. I cried for an hour afterwards. I remember we had a Priest who would provide various services to our patients. He came into my office after I had been crying and asked me if I was ok. I told him that somebody had hurt my feelings and went to pieces again. He asked if he could pray for me. He stood behind me (I was sitting down) with his hands on my shoulders and as he prayed, I completely lost it. I couldn't understand what possessed someone to say something so hurtful. Since that time, others have made similar comments. My mother says things because she knows what I'm going through. But what she doesn't understand is that sometimes her comments are hurtful. I know how big I've gotten. I see myself naked everyday. I don't need anybody to tell me how much weight I've gained. In addition, my health has gotten completely out of hand. I had my mind set on gastric bypass, having read a little about the sleeve and deciding that it was not for me. When I attended the Seminar, the surgeon went into detail about it and I knew then and there that this was the option for me. Since I haven't been "morbidly obese" for 3+ years, insurance won't pay. Bypass is more expensive ($12,000.00 more if I had gotten it from this surgeon) and my insurance won't pay for Sleeve since it is considered a new procedure. I'm glad that I have to pay out-of-pocket because I don't have to jump through insurance hoops, but mainly because I am able to choose an option that is right for me instead of settling on something just because insurance pays. I've really been considering weightloss surgery for several months, but when I found out just how bad my health is, I kicked it in gear. I am the type that when I decide on something, whether it's to get my hair cut or to have weight loss surgery, I want it done immediately. My initial consult is on Tuesday, 6-7-11. I honestly feel that this is a great decision for me. The money isn't a problem since I will be able to get a personal loan. I figured that would be the biggest obstacle for me and since I was able to get past that, I'm hoping and praying that everything runs smoothly. Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you need support or just vent. I can relate to how you feel and know just how important support is from those who understand. You're in my prayers.

:omg: I went to California for a week to vacation with family. Hmmm, I'm afraid to step on the scales although I earnestly tried to limit my intake of food. I am still eating portions I probably shouldn't. Can't seem to get that under control yet. Now I can eat regular type food again, so it's like an open door. I must get help, must get fill! :omg: I am anxious to get my fill. I get my first fill next week in hopes I will see some real progress. I am feeling well after the surgery with two months out. It appears all the healing is completed. Once in a while I will get kind of a odd pain on my left side but nothing that seems of real concern. It's hard being patient while the healing process is going on. You just want to see pounds start shedding. I felt fairly miserable around my thinner family members, but I am trying to remember this weight gain didn't just happen over night. I sure have blown my exercise routine, I just can't seem to get into the groove. Maybe due to a few factors like; I had the surgery, looking for a new home, vacations, my husbands illness, etc. Can we say stress! However, no excuses, just want to see what a filled band will do for me. I am in great need of limiting portions and getting some exercise. My knees and joints hurt so bad that exercise is no my strength. Hmmm, maybe this site will give me some much needed suggestions. :tired

Hello everyone so my surgery was June 12th and I was losing weight pretty steady and as of this week I've gained 9 pounds and I don't understand why cause all I have each day is my protein shake and some meat like turkey or chicken and I can't eat that much when I do so I'm getting really discouraged and depressed is this normal or is there something wrong please help

Hey all! I need some help or advice! I lost 53 pounds last year with my band. I hurt my back and was very limited on my exercise and ended up gaining back 15 pound the past 4 months! I have had one fill in the last 4 months and somedays I feel constricted and other days I feel nothing! Has anybody else gone through a weight gain and what did u do to get back on track??? #frusterated!

Well my pre-op testing was yesterday. Let me start off my saying I HATE DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cabbies and biker's really irritate me and just the traffic and overall overcrowdedness!!! (is that even a word! my sister(the teacher would probably kringe if she saw that)! anywho! got to the doctors office and only 2 people were in the waiting room. I pay my deposit($$$$$$) and complete some more paper work. Once I get called back I go thru the norm of BP, temp, height and weight. Yep BP was high 147/98, which is high for me, but they dont seem concerned and feel it's "white coat syndrome". lol You can call it whatever you like as long as it doesnt stop me from getting banded!! Get blood taken(not that bad), and EKG , talk to the anastesiolgist(i can never spell that, but ya'll know what i mean..LOL), and I can say i'm not to thrilled about the intubated thing, but I know i have to have it. Went back out the to waiting room and there are close to 20 people waitng! WTH!!! are they giving away lap bands now,...sign me up! found out the doc was running late so i had to sit another 20 minutes for my barium swallow. he comes rushing through the door. i get called back and in like 2 minutes its over. I stand in front of the xray like machine. take 3 big gulps of this white stuff and bam that's it. As I look over the papers I was given there is a 0 POUND WEIGHT GAIN CLAUSE! WTH is this. well apparently if you dont weigh the same you did on your pre-op testing(done 2 weeks before your surgery), there's a chance they wont do the surgery. i asked for clarity and it's like if you gain like 10+ pounds. Ok not sure how you would do that if you're on a liquid diet for 2 weeks, but apparently someone has done it or they wouldnt have to say it. Ok i've rambled enough! SMOOCHES!!!

My "stress/emotional eating day" has cost me 1.4 pounds. That one day caused a weight gain of 1.4 pounds. Do I feel better now two days after my binge? Not no but hell no!!! Will it be able to resist the urge to do it again? I truly don't know the answer to that Million Dollar Question. Do I regret eating a zillion calories and not even enjoying them?? A resounding YES. Hopefully I have learned a lesson and won't forget it. It ain't easy...

Jess, Gallbladders are tricky. Many people experience Biliary Colic and don't attribute it to their Gallbladder. It often resembles indigestion. Some women like me find out about their gallstones during pregnancy as a result of the OB Ultrasounds. I was probably experiencing the symptoms for years without knowing what was the cause. Was this enough to make me have it removed? Nope, but add-in upcoming sleeve surgery (hopefully in July) and now I'm ready. Rapid/Frequent weight gain/loss can contribute to the formation of the stones. I take Zofran as needed for nausea and digestive enzymes for acid, fatty or spicy food. I was sooooo relieved when the surgeon said he would just remove it at the time of the sleeve without forcing me to pay for additional imaging (ultrasounds, HIDA Scans, etc.). I have a $3000 deductible and don't want to incur the costs. Does your surgeon require an abdominal ultrasound prior to surgery? If so, then he/she can make an informed decision about your Gallbladder. Not everyone needs a Cholecystectomy after the sleeve. But those that lose the weight really quickly may be at a higher risk. Hope this helps. Ally

Has anyone gained any weight? I am almost 4 weeks out. I was down 17 lbs then gained 1/2 - 1 pound but ended up loosing another 2 1/2 pounds over the past week or so. Then woke up this morning to a 2 pound weight gain overnight! What is up with this? Extremely frustrating. I am on the treadmill 2 miles a day. The only thing I did differently yesterday is I had two slices of cheese with 4 slices (very thin) deli chicken at about 9pm. I don't usually eat that late but felt very hungry. That cannot possibly be the reason could it?

First off, 20lbs in one week is amazing! I personally did not weigh myself for the first month. I knew that there would be some weight gain from all the fluids they pump you with in the hospital and I didn't want to start this process being obsessed with that. When I did weigh myself, I was so excited to see that I was down 21 lbs. Because of that, I have no idea if my weight went up and down at all during that time. I will say that in the last 4 months, I have weighed EVERY day and I have not had any gains at all. Lots of stalls but no gains and I am down 73.2lbs in 5 months! If you work your sleeve, it will work for you! Good luck!