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The surgery prevents massive weight gain only if we eat lean, dense protein and veggies that challenge the sleeve. Otherwise, it's possible to gain 100+ pounds with a sleeve. I know someone who regained 150+ pounds in a little over a year by going off the rails. Her starting weight was 395 pounds. She lost 140 pounds in her first year with the sleeve before sliding back into old habits by grazing on sliders (read: chips, crackers, popcorn, cookies, ice cream) during the second year. Her unsupportive husband also griped about the healthier meals she cooked, so she reverted back to preparing unhealthy food. To keep a long story short, this lady now weighs 400 pounds and wants to get "back on track." Regaining 150 pounds with a sleeve must be a horribly dispiriting experience. Massive weight gain with a sleeve can happen if a person grazes on sliders all day. Someone can eat 25 cookies (2500 calories) in one sitting and feel no fullness or satiety whatsoever, whereas it is impossible for the sleeve to accept 25 chicken thighs.

Some celebrity trainers say that gluten causes weight gain. I personally would like to try to be gluten free as much as possible.

Hey folks, I have decided to reach out for some help and give this one last shot. In a nutshell, I was banded In Nov. 2008 and was Rockin all they way thru 2011. In 2012 I started to notice weight gain. I thought it was just me b/c I had not been going to the gym, since my shoulder injury. Finally decided last year, 2014,, I decided to go for a fill at the suggestion of my manager who had been banded as well. He actually had me to go to his Dr. Well long of the short, my first time going for a fill and they could not complete it. While under X-ray, it just wasnt working. Doc said I needed to have Laparoscopic surgery to see exactly what was wrong, he was leaning towards a broken band or corrupt port. Anyway, Since I could not afford the Laparoscopic surgery ($1,800 OOP) - insurance deductible is $6K so I would have to pay. I have been so dis-heartened and depressed since the weight gain and even more so b/c I feel I have wasted 7 years and almost back at square 1....almost -. I have not been able to wrap my mind around starting over and doing it all on my own which is why I needed the band(help) in the first place. I would appreciate anyone with advice and encouragement b/c I have just given up hope. Thanks for listening and everyone please enjoy the remainder of your day.

I had my first fill on 11/17 and I have no restriction. 1.5cc I have lost 30 pounds since surgery 9/8. Since my fill I have not lost any weight. Gain 2 pounds lose 2 pounds kind of thing. I am scheduled for another fill 12/30, I hope and pray that will give me a jumpstart to weightloss. My doctor will only give you a fill if it has been 4-6weeks since your last fill anyway. I am hoping I can lose 10 pounds by Jan 8 which will be 40 pounds in 4 months.

I got send home on day of surgery because of a small weight gain and the doctor didn't think I took the preop diet seriously. It was a high protein no carb diet. I was heartbroken and went crazy on sticking to it and lost some weight and finally got the surgery done. But I was devastated when it happened. I don't even like thinking about it.

I've known a few people who had insurance cover their conversion to sleeve or GB after losing their band because the band failed. I think it really depends on the insurance company though, best thing is to call. I've heard the similar line about a former bandster destined to gain all their weight back. I would think that's likely but not because of the WLS. Isn't the statistic for anyone who has lost weight gaining it back pretty high, something like over 50% or higher? I guess my point is make the best decision for you but don't let someone tell you that you have to have another WLS. The decision should be based on your needs. Did you lose your weight and now you just have to maintain? What's different now than before your WLS surgery? Have you learned how to eat intuitively? Exercise regularly now? Write everything down that you eat? If you've developed all of the good habits that people who "lose weight and keep it off" do, maybe you don't need another WLS. I'm in the same boat. I'm having my band removed on 1/23 because of erosion and the surgeon has said that I'll have to wait anywhere from 2-6 months before I can even consider another surgery and I don't even know what my insurance would cover. I'm only 30 pounds over my goal though and he is encouraging my to try it without and see what I can do. He makes a good point that the band was a tool that helped me lose the weight but it didn't lose the weight, I did by eating my Protein, drinking my Water and exercising. I've learned the good habits over the last 5 years, maybe I can just keep doing that. I don't know the answer but I wish you all of the best as you make the best decision for yourself. Take care, Anita

Wow, Jean, I read your post from yesterday and then today's and wow! You've had quite the experience. I have "Bandwagon" and count it as one of my best resources for the band. I've loaned it to a few people who are considering the band based on my weight loss success. I've recommended it to others who have the band and have struggled. Thank you for your honesty. You're right, 5 months out may be too soon to say whether you love the sleeve or not. I love my band too and I haven't quite reconciled that I'm going to lose it. Knowing that I have to wait for a period of time before I can do anything else has motivated me to do what I can to prevent unnecessary weight gain. I've already gained 30 pounds over this last year so I can't let this go. I'm worried BUT proactive.

I was low BMI when I started and my insurance company denied me the first time through. Don't be surprised if you get denied as I think many insurance companies automatically deny anyone who isn't Iron clad with the requirements. Be prepared to appeal and if you don't get through on the first try, you likely will on the appeal. Save the weight gain as a last resort, but it would probably work too. I have offered my appeal letters up many times on this site and have shared them with many people with 100% success. If you end up needing an appeal, I'd be happy to send you what I have for a sample. Good luck to you and let us know how it turns out!

Angela, it isn't a waste of money to get a fill. You should like you don't have the proper restriction thus the weight gain. I would suck it up and go back to the surgeon. You will fail if you don't take control now. Julie

also I do empathise..I suffer with Plantar Faciitis..last year I had to have injections in my feet as they were so painful..people who hasnt experienced this..you cant even take one step..it IS excruciating! Then what happens...you become less mobile to zero.that equals weight gain!

Faith, thanks for responding, and when I think of it that way you are right. Technology at this rate is probably going to peak in 10 years and I'm sure the problem of obesity will be cured with something even better. Thanks for helping me look to the future. If I can get 10 years I'd be tickled also, but I don't want to have problems in 5 years as I am reading on these posts. But then again at my age the monopausal years are the big weight gain years and after 60 weight tends to decline. My goal is to live at least to 85 so I can see my 10 year old daughter fully an adult. I was doubting that would happen if I entered my 60 obese...even entering 50s obese is asking for a road of possible weight related complications, ie. adult onset diabetes, hypertension, etc. I know you know Faith...sometimes I'm writing to solidify things in my own mind.

That's so coincidental that you should post this--I just posted that I think I see a better weight loss when I get enough rest/sleep (I have some stressful issues going on right now that have prevented me from sleeping well but I've been taking something to help me sleep the past few days). There are a lot of studies in the medical literature right now about the importance of getting enough sleep for disease prevention and to prevent weight gain--so I think it would follow that it's needed for weight loss too. It sounds like you have a really busy schedule and there's not much you can do about it now--but I would say just get the most rest/sleep you can whenever you can. It sounds like you are being very good with your meal planning. Does this leave you any time to exercise?

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No more chub-rub I love skirts but not when it causes burns on my inner thighs. Not wearing sweat pants or some other variation of non buttoning elastic wasted pants with a t shirt becasue I can't offerd to keep up with my weight gain and my clothes anymore. Being able to see my hoo ha without a mirror because my stomach is in the way. Not having my bra underwire either pop out on every bra or poke into my arm fat and hurt me all day. To walk straight for a long time without my lower back tensing up and taking my breath away. To have predictable regular periods. To not feel so bitter when i go to the beach or the bar or anywhere and see thin girls, I'm a nice person but i'm so jelous of thin girls that can wear whatever they want I think awful thoughts about them. It's so hypocritical. To feel comfortable being me and not so self conciece of what others may or may not think of me becasue i'm the short fat girl. To fit into my old express size 12 jeans

I am just starting solids and have been terrified to eat much because I don't want to see the scale go in the opposite direction. I have read numerous times that the body is healing and that one should not worry about weight or weight gain. Because I am already losing slow and it would hurt my poor lil feelings if the scale says I gained weight. I am easily discouraged and feel that if I see a gain when I am trying I would be devastated.

Howdy folks - I'm a 41 year old software engineer (tells you about how physically active my job is :), and since I was diagnosed with MDD about 3-4 years ago and started on a 100 mg Zoloft (sertraline) regimen, my weight went from around 180 lbs to a current 204 lbs (I'm 5'8"-ish), without any change in eating habits or exercise patterns. God bless psychiatry whom I was a major skeptic of until I realized depression for some people isn't caused only by situational circumstances but also genetics and heritage contribute to much of it as well... My entire family has been dealing with their own anxiety and depression in other ways, via alcohol, lustful activities, gambling, shopping, overeating - since I don't come originally from the USA, the taboo on psychiatrists is even greater back home where I'm from..... and taking an antidepressant for most people who suffer is almost non-existent. Zoloft has helped reduce, or rather, help me cope with 90% or more of the symptoms I experienced - basically reluctance to do anything and just curl up and cry due to the severity of the depression as well as the several times a day panic attacks each of which felt like impending doom and death knocking on the door... Good luck focusing on mental work with those experiences in your head/body - I don't wish them on anyone. What I never saw coming as a result of my SSRI regimen is the progressive weight gain that has been taking place... obviously partially this is due to age, but the majority of it is really due to the side effects of taking an SSRI like Zoloft. I've found it nearly impossible in terms of time consumed and habit change to manage my weight with exercise and nutrition alone and I've scheduled a surgery with Dr Ortiz for this April after reading here extensively, watching Dr Ariel Ortiz and Dr Juan Lopez Corvala perform this procedure on numerous patients. It was a tossup for me between Dr Ortiz and Dr Corvala, I guess I really liked Dr Ortiz's website and information provided better, so I picked him, but I feel that these 2 doctors are probably among the best at what they do in the Tijuana area.... With a BMI of 30 and no end of the weight gain in sight as age progresses... I feel like I've made the right choice for myself, my wife and my children. Wish me luck and pray for my speedy recovery. Many of my colleagues suffer from extreme obesity, so I'm hoping I start a trend here :). M.

Ok, I am taking Zoloft because my other medication was dangerous for my pregnancy. I am weaning my daughter from nursing now and ready to take any medicine required. Now, I am freaking out about reading that Zoloft causes weight gain. Is it that it makes you eat more or store more of what your eating?? I also have PCOS, not that it is really specific to Zoloft questions but I saw another poster that was really similar to my situation.

I am also two years post-op. I was sleeved in April 2015, so we have something in common. There is no magical secret to losing a regain with weight loss surgery. I like to say that the road to regain with a sleeve or bypass is often paved with sliders such as Lays, Fritos, Ruffles, Doritos, popcorn, pretzels, breads, Oreos, and ice cream. Since sliders (a.k.a. slurry foods) generate no satiety or fullness in the sleeve or bypass pouch, you can eat unlimited amounts of them. They slide rapidly into the intestine and promote fast weight gain. If you eat any type of slider, it is time to cut this type of food out out your life cold turkey. Again, there is no secret to getting back on track. Return to what you did during those first few months post-op. Eat plenty of lean protein such as chicken, fish, and beef. If you are still hungry, finish the plate with non-starchy veggies. Due to its high thermic effect, protein revs up your metabolic rate because it requires more calories and energy to for your body to digest than slurry carbohydrates. Think about it: you can eat 50 tortilla chips and your stomach will never fill it. However, you cannot eat 50 chicken breasts. You will be stuffed with one or two breasts. The 50 tortilla chips has 500 calories and you are still hungry for more. The one chicken breast has about 175 calories and you are feeling full in 20 minutes or less.

It seems that 2 years post-op is when it starts to get tough and weight gain can begin. I'm also at that point and have been afraid to weigh myself because my clothes are starting to get tight! I do have to get back to basics and I think that is key but I am also considering (just haven't found the time -- excuse number 1) to see a therapist who deals with food/eating issues. do you attend a support group? You should. But, you are not alone, I think this is fairly normal but the trick is to get back on the bandwagon!! Let's hop on together!

I will be banded 3 weeks from today, 11/8. I have always prepared healthy meals, but my 18 y/o daughter has gained a lot of weight in the past year from eating junk that she gets at school, stopping at McD's and DQ for ice cream and eating snacks that are really a meal. It started happening when her dad and I separated. She has asked me for help and I have shown her how to weigh, measure, keep a food diary, etc. It's getting her to continue that is difficult. She's angry with me because, in her words, now she'll be the only fat one in the house. Has anyone had the experience that others in the family are more motivated to lose weight after someone in the household has been banded? She has refused counseling to talk about her anger, which I know plays a huge part in her weight gain. I am so afraid that she'll end up as large and unhappy as I have been.

I HATE PMS lol. About a week before I start ,I typically gain about 4 pounds and don't lose it again until about a day after I start ,I hate it and on top of that I crave salty stuff. Ugh. Do any of you have suggestions on how you deal with the pms weight gain and cravings? Thank you !

I take generic Prozac and get it at WalMart for $4 a month. I love it. I could not make it without it. It's worth looking into. Some other anti-depressants that are available on their $4 plan are Paxil, Celexa and some other older ones (tricyclics but I think they are more likely to cause weight gain). I can't take Celexa because it makes my cravings for carbs and sugars totally uncontrollable. Nobody believes me when I tell them this but I swear its true. It's not that way for everyone though so you have to find whats right for you. I believe that if you need an anti-depressant, you should take one. Life is too short to be miserable and sad all the time. Good luck.

I've been banded for over 3 years. I got down to 160ish from 297. I quit working prior to getting preggo and ended up starting this pregnancy at 234. Well 24 weeks later I'm at 236 and having a heck of a time eating. Yes, I've only gained 2 pounds at 6 months gestation! Prior to getting preggo I also had my band completely unfilled while I was trying to figure out if I wanted to switch to GBS rather than to continue my bumpy road with the band, thus the pre-pregnancy weight gain. Now I have no interest in food. My OB is monitoring the grown of the baby and isn't yelling at me as long as she continues to grow correctly. I've had some nausea, dry hurling and occasional vomiting but nothing extreme just no interest in eating. Anyone else in this frustrating situation??

Hi Tammy.. My surgery witht he Realize band is Monday, January 12th.. I have the realize band due to the fact that I have rhumetoid arthritis. If you have this, the lap band will require a waiver for responsibility for the silicone. some big law suit with breast implants resulting in this. The realize band does not have any such restriction. One of the major reasons that I have decided to get banded - and self paying- was for the health reason and the ability to move and walk and be able to do everyday life without the discomfort of arthritis along with the other over weight issues. I have been told that I should see a significant difference as the weight comes off. While the date is very close now, I am very excited for that time and very apprehensive as I hope that I can do all that I need to do to be successful. I will keep you posted on my success and affects on each of the ailments I have due to weight gain.. Before thinking wheel chair I would be thinking what you need to do band or no band to get you to a point of healthy living :tongue2:.. Good luck..

Thanks for the responses Wendy and Danna. Danna you are so right about the pain. Today the pain is definitely subsiding and I feel like I have more energy. I plan to take a nice long slow walk today. I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day but I can't help it. I have lost 2 pounds of the weight I gained. I know my weight gain couldn't have anything to do with the "food" I am drinking! So I will just keep a positive attitude. Did your stomach growl like there is a wild animal inside of you?