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When we are in the hospital for surgery, generally we can be administered antibiotics to prevent wound infection. This is not a bad thing. There are a lot of bad bacterial germs floating around in a hospital setting. Most surgical procedures do not require prophylactic or postoperative antibiotics. However, certain patient-related and procedure-related factors alter the risk/benefit ratio in favor of prophylactic use. Patient-related risk factors suggesting need for antibiotics include Certain valvular heart disorders Immunosuppression Procedures with higher risk involve areas where bacterial seeding is likely: Mouth GI tract Respiratory tract GU tract In so-called clean (likely to be sterile) procedures, prophylaxis generally is beneficial only when prosthetic material or devices are being inserted or when the consequence of infection is known to be serious (eg, mediastinitis after coronary artery bypass grafting). Choice of antibiotics is based on the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) guidelines (see Perioperative Management). There is strong evidence that standardizing antibiotic choices and adhering to SCIP protocols or another standardized and validated protocol reduce the risk of surgical infection. Some regions of the US that followed SCIP guidelines were able to decrease surgical site infections by 25% from 2006 to 2010. Drug choice is based on the drug's activity against the bacteria most likely to contaminate the wound during the specific procedure (see Table: Antibiotic Regimens for Certain Surgical Procedures). The antibiotic is given within 1 h before the surgical incision (2 h for vancomycin and fluoroquinolones). Antibiotics may be given orally or IV, depending on the procedure. For most cephalosporins, another dose is given if the procedure lasts > 4 h. For clean procedures, no additional doses are needed, but, for other cases, it is unclear whether additional doses are beneficial. Antibiotics are continued > 24 h postoperatively only when an active infection is detected during surgery; antibiotics are then considered treatment, not prophylaxis. The Center for Disease Control has published guidelines for prevention of surgical site infections that address topical and nondrug antiseptic measures (eg, bathing, sealants, irrigation, prophylaxis for prosthetic devices). Source: Prevention of Surgical Infections The antibiotics destroy not only the bad bacteria in the gut but also the good bacteria. Therefore I feel it is important to reestablish the good gut bacteria after surgery by using probiotics. I ran across an article this morning that discusses the relationship of gut bacteria and weight gain. While it has long been known that low dose antibiotics cause weight gain in animals, the mechanism by which they do this has been a mystery. Researchers are now beginning to zero in on the effect and their work may even shed light on the human obesity epidemic. Animals, like humans, have numerous bacterial species living in their gut. Believe it or not, there are more bacterial cells in our body than human cells. Of course, bacterial cells are much smaller than human cells. But their effect on our health may not be small. Some varieties of bacteria are more likely to cause the body’s immune system to swing into action, but usually different bacteria keep each other’s multiplication rate in check by competing for the same food supply. But if the bacterial balance is upset because an antibiotic reduces the numbers of one species more than others, an inflammatory response can occur. Such a response is linked with making our cells less sensitive to insulin. “Insulin resistance” means that glucose is less likely to be taken up by cells, and since it is the cell’s main source of energy, they crave an increased intake. This translates to a boost in appetite as the body strives to meet cellular needs. What all of this suggests is that some species of bugs in our intestine may contribute to weight gain more than others, and that these may become more prevalent when competitors are reduced by antibiotics. Of course, other factors may also play a role in altering the bacterial flora. The chlorination of drinking water as well as improved sanitation may influence both the type and the number of microbes that reside in our gut. Who knows, perhaps all that emphasis on getting rid of germs may be affecting our waistline. Is there any actual evidence for this postulated link between changes in gut bacteria and obesity? In one word, yes. When Martin Blaser, a microbiologist at New York university, fed infant mice doses of penicillin comparable to those given farm animals, he found that after 30 weeks these mice had put on 10-15% more weight than those not treated with the antibiotic. Furthermore, the mice that had been treated had a different microbial flora in their gut, with Lactobacillus, one of the “good” bacteria, having significantly decreased. When gut bacteria from these mice were introduced into mice had been bred in a totally sterile environment, and were therefore germ-free, they put on more weight than mice with the regular complement of microbes in their gut. While overconsumption of food is the crux of the obesity problem, one of the reasons why we eat too much, as we have now seen, may be due to the changes that have occurred in the microbial population of our gut. A study of ancient feces from caves, as well as from the intestinal tract of mummies, has revealed a microbial makeup that is quite different from that found in our guts today. Those ancient microbial populations are more similar to the ones found in chimps, gorillas and children in rural Africa than in the intestines of North Americans who are more likely to have been exposed to chlorinated water, antimicrobial cleaning agents and antibiotics. Maybe a partial answer to obesity is to repopulate our intestines with the bacteria found in ancient poop. Source: Bugs In Our Guts

Leah, If we look at the biology of pregnancy, we'll find a lot of weight gain is from evolution to help human mothers survive the stress. The baby weigh only a few pounds but the mothers weight goes up 3x the baby's weight. The mother builds up another half gallon or so of blood to help her not bleed out during birth, she'll hold more water to help keep nutrients flowing, growing and thickening uterus adds a couple pounds, breast tissue swells, etc. You're getting some things that will probably not go away quickly. Welcome to one of a thousand headaches of parenthood. Don't freak out. Kids are stressful enough. Eat healthy and as much as you need to stay sharp. At 3.5 weeks your hormones will still mess with your weight. Worry about losing the weight when you feel good. -EQ

Okay where do I begin?! I'm literally 13 days away from my one year surgiversary and am not excited in the least bit. I am no where near my goal and have slowly gained almost 15 lbs in the last 2 1/2 months. My daughter's father passed away July 28th of this year and it totally just took me by surprise. He was a big guy (but not "that" big) but long story short he went to ER on a Monday . . . learned he had diabetes and was near a stroke and went into cardiac arrest on a Thursday and passed. He was only 28. And even though we've been broken up for YEARS I still took it hard. My daughter cried and is sad but she is doing great. She's 6 1/2 and understands but is doing well. I've stayed away from this site because I'm so embarrassed and ashamed that I let my emotions get the best of me and literally threw in the towel to any and ALL weight loss efforts. For me this post sleeve journey hasn't been effortless. I've gone to the gym the day my dr cleared me to go and have had to burn every pound I've burned. So when I stopped exercising and counting carbs/calories I started gaining little by little. I don't want to make this too long and don't want to be "debbie downer" but I guess I'm just venting in a place where (hopefully) someone has experienced what I have. A little bit of success and then some weight gain and a success again (hopefully). The lowest weight I have gotten to was 206 (from 285 day of surgery and 306 at the start of Kaiser's Options Program). I stay away from the scale but last time I weighed myself I was 220/221!!! . . . but it fluctuates from 217/220 ish. I was SO close to onderland I could taste it! lol . . . and now it seems oh so far away. I just don't know where to start. Oh I guess I should add I got engadged about a month ago to my boyfriend of a yr and a 1/2. So you would think planning a wedding would make me more motivated to get my butt moving. It's done the opposite! lol . . . yikes! I need help! Thanks for reading

@@robisfubar I'm sorry for youre stuggles. Ok...I'm no expert. Just some things to think about. Track food! love my fitness pal for tracking its makes things so simple.. How many carbs and fats are you eating? Some people are carb sensitive. Once you add them it triggers hunger and weight gain. How many calories Vs How many calories burned? How much exercise is required on your drs plan? Mine is 6 days a week at a hour minimum. Starvation not an option for me. Besides messing up your metabolism it triggers more hunger and sets me up for failure. You are lossing weight! woohoo go you. Never stop never give up. You have invested the money into this. Invest the time into yourself. you are so worth it. Wishing you the best, Jenn

I am almost 5 weeks post op. I lost A LOT right after surgery. I really didn't eat the first week, and barely the second week. After week three, I am not losing, sometimes gaining. This is freaking me out. I know it can be sodium, the fact that I am soooooo not regular, but, shouldn't I be losing?! I find it impossible to drink protein shake, water, and get all the protein in. All I had was a few ounces of chicken for dinner last night and couldn't drink a drop after. I am definitely dehydrated. I am coming up with ways to force me to drink, like alarms on my phone, but I would need to set an alarm every few minutes! Most days, I get one protein shake in, 20 onces of water, & one actual meal that is small. Ugh.

The first few days are rough. Diarrhea is likely due to the fact that you are taking in only liquids. Liquids in = liquids out pretty much. With COPD, you have an extra hurdle to cope with now, but once you start with consistent weight loss, your body won't be making COPD worse, which is great. Weight gain....the day after surgery, I was up 10 pounds. It all went away as soon as I started moving around some whenever I could. And I think a lot of people here will tell you a similar tale on the weight. When do you move to mushy food? Are you on "full liquids" yet? By that, I mean stuff like cream soup, yogurt, pudding, etc.

You are new to the process, just remember the scale is not your friend, the measuring tape is lol. I gain weight periodically throughout the month for instance is it close to your "TOM" if so the weight gain could be water retention. Don't panic if you are eating right and exercising the weight will come off.... the key is to stop watching the numbers Follow me on Twittwer @myworldalc

I apologize in advance for my long leadup to my question. I had an appointment with my PCP today concerning switching meds for my RLS and told him of my plans to pursue WLS with the LAP-BAND - he was very supportive. I am attending a seminar tomorrow evening. My BMI has been over 35 for most of the past 20 years and I have tried repeatedly to lose weight only to gain it back plus more. My BMI is currently over 40, I have been on medication for HBP for at least 13 years, I have obstructive sleep apnea and have used a CPAP since January of 2006 and am having a test done to see whether the air pressure needs to be increased due to my weight gain and daytime sleepiness. In 2007-2008 I trained hard for and completed 2 sprint triathlons and 2 mini-sprint triathlons but only lost 15 lbs in over a year. I had gallbladder surgery in 2009. I had foot surgery earlier this year because of the repetitive stress of the weight during that triathlon training. I have gained 25 pounds back. I have had expensive (unsuccessful) procedures trying to manage my lower back pain and physical therapy for knee tendonitis and a torn meniscus ligament (which does not need surgery at this time). So my question is: I have Aetna NAP Choice POS II insurance which covers the procedure and am expecting to get the requirements in the email any day. Needless to say, it has been an expensive year, medically speaking. I am less than $300 away from my annual out-pocket-maximum and I really need to have this surgery before December 31st. Is this doable, even with a 3 month supervision requirement? I am 50 years old can't wait to be able to be more active again. I am not afraid of exercise but diet is my weakness and need this help to get to a healthy weight and stay there for the rest of my life!!!!!

Good morning.... So happy I found this site and have the opportunity to share my weight loss journey. I had surgury last August and have lost close to 70 pounds. My story is not typical although I have struggled with weight all my life. At 20 I lost over 100 pounds and kept it off for 10 years. At 30 illness entered my life and I gained it all back plus. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to lose weight once again. But I have a fear of the success.... since I know nothing in life is guarenteed. I suffered for 8 years with my weight and my illness and now have the freedom to make the best of my health and I'm scared. For many reasons... but most of all, deep inside, I am indignant. Meaning that I know that the outside is only a shell for what's inside. I was forced to recognize this and accept that no matter how thin one is... it does not solve everything. So this morning I faced this fear that I face everyday.... but today I am chosing to throw caution to the wind and begin to maximize my weight loss potential... taking on an exercise ROUTINE and hoping for the best. My motivations for weight loss are difficult to manage. I am not a vain person but appreciate physical beauty. Somewhere along the line in my struggles I gave up on my own.... as if I was not worthy to enjoy that. I have an emotional and psychological illness that forced me to focus on my mental, emotional and spiritual health. I had to let the physical go... the medications played a huge role in the weight gain and my depression and anxiety kept me from trying to exercise to conteract what was happening to my body. I had to find self worth inside and let go of the rest. As I am losing weight, these issues are surfacing and my fear of success and having it taken away again is huge. Also, having experienced this medical/spirtual transformation... I know in my heart that people will be drawn to me for vain reasons and that upsets me. The advice I try to give myself is to stay in the moment and just do my best which is great... because I am maximum capacity person. I was wondering if anyone out there has a similar challenge/fear going on. I would love to here from you. I don't want to waste anymore time on waiting for the right motivation to come along.... This fire needs to be walked through and I welcome your support. Peace, love and understanding, Robin Marie Coley

Thank you and thats why i love this site. I read post more than I do post because it is so helpful. This whole experience is and has been and probably at times will be emotionally overwhelming but i know its a good thing. I just take it one day at a time and one event at a time. I need to be able to balance my social life and my banded life. I think half the things I worry about are in my head. I do fell bad about not telling everyone but its on a need to know basis until I'm more comfortable. ( my fear of failure is what holds me back i failed on so many diets, lost weight gained it back and more more times then i wish to remember ) When people commented on the fact I lost weight I was semi honest. I said I replaced some meals with protein shakes and have been walking all of which is true I jsut didnt mention my tool the lap band. Im usually very honest and am like yeah this is the truth take it or leave it its who I am but this time Im more guarded. This tool and change is for me first and Ill share with others as I feel necessary. Everyone on this site so far has been wonderful I read a few post from some people who need to get a grip but there is good and bad everywhere. I am so greatfull for this site and all the great people on it.

So I am 12 days post op and have done okay with the weight loss. But today when I weighed myself I gained 1.5 lbs from yesterday. I've been trying not to weigh myself daily but over the past few days I have not moved the scale so I was curious and saw the gain. I'm doing everything they tell me to do. I want to cry!

First off, congrats. Secondly, start eating carbs, not necessarily white carbs, but don't be in ketosis. You need to get into see a doctor immediately so they can pull blood levels, and type your blood. They may not want to see you until you are 8 weeks, every doctor is different. I was advised to eat 1700-1800 calories a day of a well-balanced, nutrient dense diet. You do not necessarily have to see a high risk ob. I have to see one because of my clotting disorder and because of previous miscarriages and my age, VSG plays a very small role in my pregnancy. You'll need to continue to take Vitamins. I'm actually allowed to stay on my Celebrate bariatric vitamins because they have more folic acid, and Iron than some prenatals which are the 2 they look at for pre-natal vitamins. As for the concern of weight gain, believe me, I 'm right there with you. I've gained about 5lbs in 12 weeks, and my belly has popped so none of my regular clothes are fitting, and I'm back up to a size 5. Which is a total mind f*ck, but it's getting better, and I don't want to hear that I'll lose the weight, I effin know I'll lose the weight, but that doesn't make the fact that I'm gaining any easier. I can not comment on getting married. I personally do not believe in getting married out of convenience or pregnancy. But, if you love the man, and want to marry him, then that is what is important. I'm an Air Force wife, and let me just say that if you have not experienced being married to or dated someone in the military or have zero military life experience, it is a total bitch. Believe me, I love the life that the Air Force affords us, but we sacrifice a lot. You and the baby will come second to his career, the military in general does NOT care if you have a baby while he is deployed, his schedule won't change because he's married, nor will they accommodate him in any manner other than giving him more money for his housing allowance, and you'll get insurance that is not all it's cracked up to be. I have learned to maneuver the system, but it is not fun, and there are a lot of regulations that you might or might not like. Being a military wife is by far the most frustrating thing I have ever done. But, I am grateful for the guaranteed paycheck, and benefits, the sacrifices that we make do not compare to the amount of time we spend apart, nor does any of it get any easier. I've adjusted well, but being pregnant, and my husband working 12-15hours a day, 5-6 days a week is exhausting and it's very draining. Marrying a man in the military is not as romanticized as TV or movies it, there are 3 wars/conflicts going on, my husband has a 72 hour bag, and 90 day bag packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, and I have to stare at those damn things every day of my life knowing that if the call comes in, he's gone. My husband has been in for almost 11 years, and is an E5 about to sew on E6, and believe me, military pay sucks. You'll qualify for WIC, and possibly other gov't assistance, and you'll need it. I know I'm not being positive polly, but being married to the military is just that, you're married to the military. There is an old saying " if we( the US military) wanted you to have a wife, we'd issue you one." And in some regards that is 100% true. There are tons of services available to you as a military spouse, and it is a great community, but there is a lot of negatives that come with it as well. I could tell you that it's all sunshine and daisies, but that's a complete and utter lie. With the new administration, they have cut funding, my husband's allowances were cut this year, as were health benefits, and regulations are stringent. BUT, there are a lot of positives. I have zero regrets being a military wife. I'm proud of my husband, and the job he does, but I can tell you that it is stressful, and draining. I use every resource, and available benefit the military life offers. There is spouse tuition assistance, and the Post-911 GI bill can be used for the spouse or children. We are actually using John's GI bill for the kids. He gets an annual tuition assistance from the military, and that is what he uses for online classes for his degree instead of using his GI bill. I am a stay at home mom/wife, but I do major couponing, I shop on base, I stretch every dollar we have, and by no means do we live paycheck to paycheck, but that will all change when the baby arrives. We do live very comfortably on my husband's salary, and I supplement by working part time with my lia sophia business. I really do love the Air Force because of all the resources and services that are available to us, but I won't lie and tell you that the long hours, deployments, TDYs, and exhausting shifts are easy to manage especially with children. If you have questions about the insurance, how it works, or anything else, please feel free to message me. There are 2 different options for the insurance, and it truly depends on how you want to manage your healthcare. There are pros and cons to both options. You will need to sign up for military dental insurance for spouses/children. Again, there is a lot of information, and stuff that you'll have to do if you get married. It's a great opportunity, but go in "eyes wide open". Also, know that the plication surgery is not a covered service with Tricare, nor is VSG, so you might be limited to the first Tricare Prime option which is the H M O option, and Tricare Standard which is the PPO definitely will not cover anything related to your plication. I can explain all this to you in more details, but it's extensive and might be easier to explain via a phone call.

Okay I had my 3rd fill and I gained 2lbs. Now I must accept resonsibility, because I know I have made the worse food choices this past six weeks. I've even been drinking, wine :thumbdown: and mojitos. Forgive me (I'm holding my head down in shame). Now I can two 1 of two things at this point. Feel sorry for myself or be greatful that it was only a 2lb weight gain and get off my butt and do what I know is right. I choose to get off my butt and do what I know is right. I didn't go through all this for nothing I tell you that. The surgery, time off of work, the money I've invested So today is a new day for me and I'm going to start making the right choices. and move forward. My birthday is July 23rd and I will be 43 years old. My current weight is 262,. My goal is to be at 225 by my birthday. That is a weight lost of 37lbs in 3.5 months. That is something that I should be able to do. So here I go... Hope to hear from you ladies soon. Our board was one of the most happening spots and now I hear crickets when I sign on ...

hello, I am 34 years old. this july will mark 8 years since i got the gastric sleeve surgery. i still always watch my carbs and try to maintain under 30 carbs. my lowest weight i got to was 180. currently at 210 lbs right now. i was at 255 lbs when i had the surgery. i have noticed my weight start to creep up, my clothes start to fit tighter. i did let go of the protein for a while last year and just maintained lower carbs. i admit i fell off. for a couple months now i have increased my protein intake and still maintaining a lower carb count. i have not had a carbonated beverage since i had the surgery. i do not take any medicine except for blood pressure medicine which is a 12.5g lisinopril everyday. with my daily protein intake becoming normalized now, mainly in the case of protein shake and then higher protein meats throughout the day. high water intake, i am still not seeing weight loss. i see that it is staying about the same. my question is, has anyone gone through this or is going through this? is there something i am missing as far as supplements. i did get blood work done, but my doctor has not said anything about any abnormalities. i have read it could be low iron. i figured if i went back to the basics, high protein low carb and of course high water intake, i could see results. could it so normalized now that it will take longer to lose weight? physical activity, i do try to get in about 10,000 steps a day. any help, advice, would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

I am working on my last weigh in for insurance and I have gained weight 5 of the 6 weigh ins. Has anyone had this issue and still got approved. I am so worried this will effect my insurance approval. Help, please and thank you.

The first few weeks when you melt like a snowman in July are so thrilling, lol. It's a great feeling. Your sleeve is still swollen, so you won't be eating a lot. I had mashed squash, mushroom gravy, avocado, hummus, tomato Soup, strained Soups, etc. Any fruits and veggies that go in the nutribullet are fine. Don't worry about weight gain, unless you plan on living on hot fudge sauce for the next month, lol. You won't be eating a lot, and everything is going to taste soooo good. I felt like the Queen of NJ after 4 oz of tomato soup. When you go on solids, you will start to know what "full" feels like. My friend bought me some 4 oz ramekins on Amazon.com to put my food in so I would always know what enough was. I still use them.

I have been on Lexapro for 3 years, and gained about 30 pounds within the first 6 months I was on it That tapered off then and now I have no problems with weight gain on it. My goal is to decrease the dose after taking off some of the weight and having my synthroid adjusted accordingly. Ironically, I was at my follow up visit with the surgeon today and have lost exactly 30 pounds since the start of my two week pre op diet... take that medication weight gain!

1 cup Kale cut up raw with 1-2 tbspoons of Panera asian seasme dressing, sugared ginger sliced VERY thin, and 10 or so pumpkin seeds or dried cran berries. Bell pepper red, yellow or orange are filling and low calorie as are apples and you name cucumbers. Strawberries are low calorie as is cantaloupe. There is also Magic Pop large round wheat and rice tortilla looking crunchy wafer that satisfies the need to crunch. This is just my experience from an empty band to prevent weight gain- - my sleeve is thursday- these are space fillers that are low calorie though. Good luck !!

The research group that I'm with believes that eating very low calories for too long...will set you up for a bad metabolic reset and more rebound weight gain at five years post op. You don't want a starvation metabolism. You want a hot burning furnace that supports lots of activity, healthy muscles and exercise. We are encouraged to eat 1200 calories per day as soon as possible after surgery. I've eaten 1200 calories daily since my third week post op. I feel terrific. Am almost to goal. It's important to listen to the professionals. Their advice is based on a broader perspective than just our own. And they've seen the consequences of lots of well intentioned nutritionally disastrous efforts. Be safe, be well, and best wishes!

I had my surgery on 22 July.....I have started getting a little concerned as I have gained 3 lbs......Is this normal? Here is my weight loss so far: February 22: 233lbs May 22: 219 July 22 (surgery day): 219 3 week post: 198 Aug 12: 194 Aug 29: 198 Does anyone experience the roller coaster with their gastric sleeve?:tongue_smilie:

Well I haven't been on her for so long and it is good to read all of your posts! My surgery date was actually June 7, 2013 I have been out of town but for some reason I really wanted to share a little of my journey. I started this journey actually 2 years before I had the surgery. It took me that long to make the decision that once I had my surgery I would never turn back to my old eating patterns. Making such a change to your body was something I took very seriously and played the head games for 2 years. You know..........You can do this just eat right, exercise stay with the program! I was at the gym 3 times a week and trying so hard. I managed to lose about 25 pounds then my mother passed away. I kept up the same routine same eating patterns and despite all I gained 10 pounds back and finally said "That's it!" I knew I needed the help and made the decision to have the surgery. When I started the 2 weeks of liquid diet before surgery I had my answer to my biggest problem. I was a carbaholic that was the biggest insight into who I was and what was controlling me. I knew then and there I could no longer eat useless carbs. They were and are still a drug for me. Have you ever noticed when you eat a good piece of bread, cake, chip etc. it makes you want it more? It calls you from the cabinets and the frig......."I'm in here so close just come and have a few more!" Damn carbs!! I still fight this but know myself so well now I know what trigger foods to avoid and what I can treat myself with on an occasion. I am not anti carbs just the bad ones that pull you in. Avoid them! I haven't been the best at exercising but I do go twice a week during the school year (I work at a high school) and swim and bike ride during the summer. My goal weight was 160 pounds and I had a secret goal of 150 pounds. I knew I was going to make the 160 because I wasn't changing my body without a good outcome if I could help it. The day of surgery I weighed 293 pounds and today I weigh 149 pounds. I have been able to maintain this weight pretty easily (no boasting) and am amazed and give all the glory to God and my sleeve! When I returned home from my 3 week trip I had only gained 7 pounds and knew it was mostly bloat. By the end of the first week home it was gone and I marveled at how helpful this surgery actually is! To this day I still do not have hunger pains.........Thank the Lord!!! I know when my body is in need of food because I get an empty feeling or show signs of low blood sugar but that doesn't happen to often. Only if I am really really busy and honestly forget to eat. No eating disorder here.......no worries I still love my food! My body definitely has wrinkles all over the place and one day when I win the lottery I will have some surgery to fix myself up. The funny thing is when I was on vacation and was carrying some Water weight the wrinkles in some areas were not as bad. This is how I knew it was water weight. I missed my wrinkles and was happy to get them back because I felt back on track. Proof of being where I was supposed to be. Weird!! I still get a runny nose when I get full and can eat about 8 ounces on a really good day. I eat a high Protein diet with a lot of veggies and fruit. I have become a gluten free organic eater it made the difference for the last 5 pounds. I do love a Crown and diet organic coke or glass of wine. I didn't have a drink for about a year or more after surgery. This is one thing I caution everyone with. I quickly caught myself enjoying a drink in place of carb foods and put a stop to that. I thought well there is little calories and carbs in a Crown and diet coke so I will be okay and I didn't gain weight but drinking should just be kept at a minimum. You could easily fall into a really bad habit. For some reason eggs are still hard for me to eat I can't eat more than 2 on a really good day. What is up with that? Scrambled eggs........Really!! I take my Vitamins religiously and my blood work has come back great.......very grateful! One of my favorite treats is a cup of coffee with my half of a Premiere Protein Drink and some hazelnut creamer. It's a great middle of the day treat. I am still the person I was before surgery but with more confidence, self awareness and energy. I will protect this new person and body with all vigilance. The true answer to this surgery is getting to know the authentic self, recognizing your triggers and fixing them. Be it personal issues or food issues such as mine. Easier said then done I realize this full on. When I was on the liquid diet I put a whole new spin on being a bitch............My family was ready to run away! Every once in awhile I will go to a restaurant that overwhelms me and I tear up and get mad but I do not stray from my eating patterns. I know myself......... I would rather be mad for a few minutes than go down that slippery slope of gradual weight gain from getting addicted to carbs again. This was pretty long so if you hung in there and read the whole thing........Thank you!! I'm not perfect by a long shot and I'm sure there are some that would criticize. Please don't this is my life and I am feeling pretty darn good about it. I wish each and every one of you the best and brightest of outcomes!!!!

Ahhh yes the good old climbing up the scale thing. . .me too, I was doing really well and guess what? the heat in Texas started and I started to swell and retain tons of fluids even on my diaretics (lasix and amiloride) I thought at first it was because I've been grazing here and there, but nope it was the heat. . . so if you are susceptible to gaining Water weight during the hot seasons, this could possibly be the answer. . .don't worry, just cause we're gaining some weight isn't the end of it, just look how far we have come! Wow, I'm ok with some weight gain. . .at least I'm not 350 anymore! Good luck!

Being genetically pre-disposed to obesity will make it “harder” for one to lose the weight and eventually maintain, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If you are fully committed to a lifestyle change, I believe it is achievable. You’ll just have to work harder and longer than the person who isn’t pre-disposed. My mother and sister are both obese today. My mom was just overweight when she was in her twenties, but my sister has been overweight to obese since puberty. My father was normal weight up until his 40’s, and then slowly entered into obese territory as well. I was normal weight up until my twenties, like my mom, and got MO by the time I was 40. I had dieted and lost weight a few times (50+ lbs each time), but always managed to gain it back plus a quite a few more within a year. I am now 1 yr, 2 mnths since reaching goal (1 yr, 9 mnths since actual surgery), and I am 17 lbs less than when I decided to stop losing weight. So I think (hope!) that I broke my own personal curse of the 1-year-weight-loss-weight-gain cycle. Based on what I’ve read, I was/am a normal to faster loser (but I lost at the same rate even before surgery). The main difference between now and then (besides my physically smaller stomach, of course) is my attitude. I have done a total 180 in regards to eating habits, exercise, and probably more importantly, in temperament. Could I have done this without the surgery? Maybe. All I know is that I have a ridiculous amount of confidence now that I didn’t before, and this self-belief thing started the day I decided to go through with WLS (I had changed my mind twice about going through with it over a 2-year period). And it only got stronger as time went on. So I get where @Arabesque is coming from about the therapy thing. The mind is a very powerful thing when used to your benefit. So, did I worry that biology would hinder me? No. I just figured I would do what I need to do to get what I want. P.S. I know I am not one of the wls lottery winners. I exercise a crap ton more than others on here who manage to maintain a weight similar to mine without a lick of exercise and who even eat pasta (the horror! Lol.). Luckily I like exercise now vs dreading it (well, except maybe for strengh training, which I still sorta hate, but it’s slowly growing on me...) P.P.S. Sorry this was sooooo long.

Hi all! I was sleeved on March 29th after my band was removed. I was banded 16 years..had some issues last few years and ended last week with removal. I am now a week post op. I know it's still early..but I have gained 5lbs. I know I shouldn't weigh myself, but of course I see others here who have dropped weight the first week. I know newbies are different than previously banded..but my weight has just stuck at 206.2. It has not budged down even an ounce. Yesterday while getting a pedicure, I finally noticed that my feet, ankles and legs looked a little swollen. Wondered why the flip flops felt a little tighter..but subtly..so I figure I am retaining fluids..wondering if anyone else has? Probably the newbies dropping weight right away may not have noticed this..but is already discouraging to see nothing happening. I had band completely unfilled 2 years ago after a routine check after many years showed my esophagus had expanded. I had quickly gained 30 lbs in a month and added another 20. So been 50lbs up since..even after being refilled. At least i didn't gain back 130lb I lost with band..but really would like to see this 50lbs go. Hoping that this turns around. I realized I had this tea by Traditional Medicinals in the house called Weightless for temporary water weight gain..so herbal diaruretic tea..see if that helps. Anyone else have this??

I am little over 2 years post op. I started at 336 and made it down to 222. I had a slight complication where I got stuck so bad, it took days to be able to eat again. I went to the Doc and he took out 2.5cc's and warned me that I would gain weight. Of course at this time I was convinced of my ability to keep the weight off without the band helping out and insisted to the doc that would not happen to me. (what a dumb-ass) Yeah right. So here I am three months later having gained 20 pounds back. Now whats interesting is I am exercising more now than ever. I spend 1.5 hours at the gym three nights a week, and at least 30 minutes at home on non gym nights. I am also eating fairly poorly (nothing like pre-band) I have two things I am struggling with. 1. I told the doc I would not gain any weight, so now I have a pride issue and do not want to go back in for a fill until I loose the 20 I gained. 2. My weight lifting has really gone crazy lately. I have increased my reps and weight by 20% + in the last month (its getting to the point where I am lifting the stack on most machines). I am also continuing my cardio approximately 50 minutes per gym trip on the elliptical running my ass off. So I am depressed as hell about the weight gain, but how much of it is muscle vs fat. If I knew that I have gained 10 pounds of muscle and 10 of fat then I would feel a lot better than if I gained 5 and 15. Any of you guys (or girls that are spying) have a similar situation?