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The medical issue is major depression and anxiety. I've tried going of the meds over the past 10 years but it always ended in a mental breakdown so I'm not trying that again. Even with the meds I'm so so.. But I have a wife and 4 kids and got to keep on jugging onwards. Yes the weight came on in the first two years and I've been steady at 270 for the post 8 years. Doctor says my blood work shows fatty liver which would be good if I were a duck and very high cholesterol. I really want to do the sleeve if it will help me get on the right path but it's so expensive in the states..... Regarding taking took the shrink about the weight gain.... My exclusive is that they just look at the DSM and quote "you shouldn't have weight gain" they are pompous.

haha...that is so funny. there are some days where I have no desire to eat at all, and my kids are like.....mom whats for dinner? the good part for me is that my kids are old enough to cook some things on their own. most of the times I manage to feed them just fine. the thing that is really hard for them to deal with is that I am not buying junk anymore. they are going through withdrawls. haha I used to spend about 600-800 a month on food for a family of 5....now I spend about 300! my grocery bill is definatly better now, but they are like.....we dont have anything good to eat. I say....um yeah there is tons of good stuff to eat, just none of the junk anymore. my husband has involuntarily lost 20 pounds since my surgery. lol he was not overweight at all btw, but now he is at the low end of healthy weight for his height. my kids are not losing any weight though...as a matter of fact my son has put on 30 pounds this year! he isnt fat, but i am always on him about how much he eats, and exercising because i dont want him to have the same problems with weight that I did. he is 13 now and going through puberty, and that is the only reason im not totally freaking out about his weight gain. good luck in making sure your kid doesnt starve lol

Hi. I am 7 almost 8 mos post surgery. My weight loss has been great. Each visit I've lost weight and completely excited about it. Today I was going through some clothing that I thought were too big based off of size. Putting each item on i became more and more frustrated. Then I went and tried in things that I've been wearing all of the time now and are a little bit snug. I am now terrified that I have gained weight. Everyone around me is saying I am overreacting. But it all feels very real to me. So much so that I am just drinking Protein shakes and shrimp and vegetables. I plan on spending extra time in the gym. Anyone else going these "struggles"? What did yours end up being? What can I do? Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

I was banded on July 1st. Before that I had lost a substantial amount of weight by JUST changing my eating habits. My doctor is very strict when it comes to carbohydrates and by me cutting out bread Pasta rice and potatoes I was able to lose alot of weight. Since being banded I have lost another 10 lbs. Yes, crackers and ice cream go down easy but honestly they are also triggers for weight gain. Making better food choices is key to weight loss. Exercise makes a difference too but with the weight loss I have experienced so far I was doing very little. I have now started to work out on a regular basis and I am sure this will only boost the weight loss. I believe that the band is what you make it. If you are looking for an easy way out then don't do it because it is definataly NOT that. But if you are looking to change your lifestyle it will work WITH you. For every disaster story there is 2-3 success stories. I will be one of those success stories! I wish you well with your decison!

I was 9 months post op on12/24 (surgery was 3/24). I started at 230 (5'6") and am currently 170 (6 pound weight gain from Thanksgiving until today). I typically come to this site to research questions I have and see if anyone else is experiencing what I am while on this journey. I have posted questions and received good feedback. I figured it is time for me to give back in case there are others that are similar to me and wanting answers as I have. Background: I am 43 years young, a teacher with three kids. I hovered around 180 pounds throughout my 20's with no real concern about my diet or exercise. I decided at age 27 to "get in shape" and started watching my diet and joined the YMCA. I got down to 150 pounds. Then I became pregnent with my first child and thought it was the green light to eat whatever I wanted, subsequently gaining 90 pounds. I also had the mentality that I could just go back to the gym 4-5 days a week and lose it all again. Ha! Was I naive! I got back down to 190 after the first child, then became pregnant with the 2nd child. Here is where my blood sugar issues came into play. I was determined NOT to gain so much weight with this pregnancy but my blood sugar would drop all the time so I ended up gaining 50 pounds. Over the next 6 years, I lost and gained the same 20 pounds all the while with blood sugar issues being my enemy (never formally diagnosed with Type II diabetes only insulin resistance). Then at 200 pounds, I became pregnant with my 3rd child at age 39. I was considered "high risk" due to my age and my weight and eventually had to take insulin shots. However, I only gained 20 pounds with this pregnancy as I was very vigilant with what I ate and the insulin shots helped my blood sugar drops. Decision to have weight loss surgery: The was not an easy decision financially speaking as well as with my family. My husband (who is very fit) just thought if I worked out and watched what I ate, I could lose the weight. However, my blood sugar was still an issue (I was off insulin after the pregnancy and still not considered diabetic although on Metformin). After having an emotional break down, my husband was on board and I started the insurance process in December 2014. I was approved in late February 2015 and had my surgery on 3/24. Honeymoon period: Like most, I was fully committed post surgery and LOVED watching the weight fall off. The fact that you can't eat helps your mind turn away food for a long time and I had the mentality of, "Oh, I can't eat that, it will make me sick." I had no blood sugar issues and I was so happy until about three months ago. What I have learned from the process: About there months ago, the little cheats (a bite of cake here, a nibble of bread there) started to tell my brain that my stomach can tolerate all foods and eventually it can (I am not one who has dumping syndrome etc. I can eat it all). Those cheats lead to bad days. Days I started off really well, eating my Protein, drinking my Water etc. Then there was dinner with friends, treats around the holidays and the days became a wash. This really did't start happening until Thanksgiving. Since then I have gained 6 pounds which has me freaked out and part of the reason I am writing this right now. My period of falling off the wagon has lasted awhile now and some things I have noticed are: 1. With an increase in carbs come an increase in hunger. 2. When trying to get back on track after a period of being off track (more carbs, sugar etc.) If you have blood sugar issues, expect that your will feel the blood sugar drops while your body adjusts to getting back on track. 3. The relationship with food that you had pre-surgery does not automatically change in the honeymoon period. The real work comes at about 6-9 months out! 4. Working out is key to success after the honeymoon period. However, expect to go through an adjustment period where working out doesn't seem "to work" and for frustration to set in. Started Orange Theory last week and still no weight loss. Could be due to water retention and muscle gain. Trust me I have researched the hell out of the effects of starting an intense HIIT work out. 5. TRACK your food. My little vacation that has resulted in a 6 pound weight gain is primarily due to not tracking. It really is key! I equate this experience to needing AA. For me, one bite of sugar or refined carbs leads down a slippery slope which leads to blood sugar drops and feeling like crap. SUGAR = POISON. Getting back on track is hard but can be done. Day one is today and I'm giving myself that mental day 1 chip for success.

Did you have the by pass or sleeve? The reason I ask is I was going to have the sleeve but my surgeon highly suggested the bypass for more weight loss. Because I have noticed that the people that have the sleeve lose less weight than the people that have the bypass I am assuming that is because with the sleeve you still have a larger stomach capacity so you can actually eat more versus the bypass where you have a little bitty pouch. I am not quite six months out and then 112 pounds lighter so I am very thankful for my surgeon knowing and recommending the bypass. Also I was weighing every two weeks but now I only weigh once a month that way if you did have a stall then you wouldn't really notice it because I was very afraid if I seen a weight gain or a stall it would mess with my mind so once a month is all I will wait now and I am still averaging about 8 to 10pounds a month loss. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm gaining weight after 3 fills. I've read the following. Has anyone been thought this terrible time? Thanks, Carol Please read below... Lap Band and weight GAIN... Is there such a thing as having the band tightened too much? Yes, the band can be over-adjusted. When the band is too tight, patients cannot eat solid foods without regurgitating the food or feeling very uncomfortable for many hours. When the band is too tight, patients tend to gain weight because they are resorting to the liquid and/or softer foods that travel through the band easily. These foods tend to be higher in fat and higher in sugar. When patients start this dysfunctional eating pattern, they are taking in more calories than if the band was looser. A band that is too tight will also cause heartburn and coughing in some patients. If after surgery, and despite following all the rules, I am at a plateau of weight loss, what should I do? Plateaus are a normal part of the weight loss process. In the first year or two after surgery, weight loss plateau usually means that you need to come in and have a little bit of Fluid put in the band to increase restriction. Occasionally, plateaus are caused by the Band being too tight. If the Band is too tight, weight loss will resume after a little fluid is taken out of the Band. If the above causes are ruled out, we will have you keep a food and exercise diary. The diary will include the times and quantities of foods eaten, drinks taken, Protein grams consumed, and an exercise log. We may have you consult with the dietician as well. What happens if 10 years from now I start to gain weight? What do I do? We see you annually in the office for a check-up, however if you are gaining weight, it is time to come in so that we can assess the problem. It could mean that you need a little adjustment in your band volume to provide a little more restriction. There may be a problem related to the types of food you are eating or there may have been a life crisis and emotional eating or depression may be taking hold.

I'm 43 and I've recently be diagnosed with PCOS. Looking at the ultrasound, I have clearly had it for an extremely long time and never knew. I am two years post op and I recently regained 12 pounds (which I'm working on). Since gaining this weight I have had constant pelvic pain and it appears constantly bursting cysts. My Gyno has said it is due to weight gain (although I find it hard to believe that 12 pounds could make such a difference). Has anyone experienced any significant changes in symptoms etc since having the surgery? Has there been any particular dietary changes that you have made that you think helps? I was pre-diabetic before my surgery and my blood sugar level was normal afterwards, so I assumed that the surgery had removed my risk of diabetes. However I have also just discovered that I am still pre-diabetic and that my sugar levels are higher than pre-surgery. Maybe this is part of the problem? I'm really not sure as this is all new to me but I would REALLY appreciate some insight!! TIA

I cannot warn you away from Mirena fast enough. Great for 18 months, no period at all, just 30 lbs of weight gain IMMEDIATELY. Nothing else changed. Then the spotting started and continued constantly for two years. Yes ladies years. And to top it off even though insurance covered putting it in I had to pay $300 to get it out. I realized within minutes of having it removed that the horrible abdominal pressure i had been living with was gone. It is great birth control though because you sure never want to have sex!

I am 2 years post op RNY and have gained 30 lbs over the course of this past year? My surgeons office is not helping, cant ever get hold of the nutritionist and she never calls me back. Getting so frustrated. All they did at my last check up was write me a prescription for PGX Daily to take 2 packets before my meals, told me to stop any and all snacks (not even healthy snacks are aloud). I was not a big snacker anyway, may have had a bananna or a portion of cheese to hold over from lunch to dinner. I will admit that the winter was particular harsh and could not get out much to do all the walking/jogging I was doing (no excuse for not exercising as I should). I cant get the weight to go down. I dont know how much protein I should be consuming, how many calories I should be, or anything. Need help! I was told by my surgeons office that they want me to go back to seeing them every 6 months and if I can not lose the 30 lbs they want to discuss revision surgery making my pouch smaller. I also think that the major weight gain was due to my huge increase in wine for about 6 months. I have stopped drinking wine all together yet still no results?

Bella, What you have gone through is horrible. I hope you start feeling better soon. Once you get back to your old self I hope that you will start to look at the band as a good thing. I'm sure the weight gain is all the fluids. This will pass and things will start to fall into place and off the scale. I think most of us feel like this was our last option. If I had one more diet in me I would have dieted. This was the lifestyle change that many of us need. I hope that everything becomes text book for you after this. Remember all you have gone through to get the band. It isn't the band that created the problems...it was the surgeon and as much as we want to believe that our doctor is perfect we know that isn't possible. I will keep you in my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

Okay..so here is my latest strange question...in my search for answers! In addition to seeing so many wonderful stories here, I've read about people gaining weight, wanting to take diet pills, doing 2 hours of exercise each day.... I understand that the band will just be a tool and you still have lots of hard work to do, but given what the band is suppose to provide for you, like getting fuller faster, digesting slower...it seems like you wouldn't have to kill yourself at the gym or that you could eat enough to gain weight??? Does that make sense? I'm trying not to be offensive, just trying to understand. Do the people who struggle eat more often? Do they eat liquid calories? Are they not following the *rules* of the band? I just want to have a clear understanding of what I'm potentially getting into!! I want to understand what has happened that the band is helping you achieve the weight loss. :confused2:

All my life my weight has been a relationship issue because I feel fat or look fat or get fat. Kinda the biggest hurdle for me. Now I'm married and I was just slightly chubby when I met my hubby and then gained like 55 lbs over the years. I always thought he was disappointed about the weight gain, as I was. So now after losing my 70 lbs I lost a couple more lbs on vacay and he hugged me tonight was kind said "AGHHHH" and I was like "WHAT?" and he said "I just don't want you to get toooooo thin". Which I'm not, I'm 5'1" and still weight 146. But it was such a great thing to hear someone say. I'm like, can you say that like 200 times to me. Because my whole life men have been afraid of me GAINING too much weight and I've never had anyone worry I might get too thin. It was just kinda funny.

There's no way that weight gain is fat! Probably just water. Keep monitoring and I'm sure you'll find the right balance. I hope to have a similar problem in 6 months!

I believe the amount of excess skin depends on several factors, genetics, weight gain and loss over your life, pregnancies and natural elactisity of your skin. I have had 2 surgeries (tummy/boobs and face) with one to go (arms). It's not for everyone, luckily clothes hide a lot.

I agree with AvaFern! After this time you know what you need to do. Yes, it is hard. I have a 10 pound regain too. I'm trying 5:2 to drop it and I'm limiting drinks and treats to 2 days per week. So, I'll have two days of semi fasting with very low calorie lunch and dinner, three days of three meals and two healthy Snacks, and two days where I can splurge with cocktails, desert, etc. I'm hoping that will do the trick. If not, I'll have to cut back more. One final thought: You can't hate yourself thin. So next time you start beating yourself up over the weight gain, ask yourself what you would tell your best friend and then say that to yourself instead. Lynda

I start my preop diet friday. I stopped smoking years ago, but recently realized how comforting I feel from food. My marriage is not good, I have no one to tell about my surgery, by choice in some ways, as I don't want to. I've isolated myself drastically since this last weight gain. I avoid going home for years...bc I don't want anyone to judge me! I will not smoke or drink after surgery...I want to but it's something I have up. It's hard not having any crutch. What's going to happen when I lose food? I'm scared and emotional over this, although READY....just struggling. I don't know what to do when I get emotional or angry about not being able to eat. How do I handle this right???

I got my APAP machine in January 2013 and have never slept better. I wish I'd have gone for my sleep study long before that. All those years without sleep really was one of my biggest contributors to my weight gain. Getting clearance for surgery from my pulmonary doctor was a requirement for WLS. When I had my upper GI endoscopy and when I had my WLS the hospital told me to bring my hose and mask with me. They said they had machines and would adjust the pressures as needed. But in both cases it was never used. Funny thing is when I went in for my surgery this past Monday I was admitted to the hospital for the night and it wouldn't have mattered if I had used the machine. They never let me get any sleep anyway. I was getting poked, prodded and checked every 15 minutes by one member of the staff or another. It ends up that I had become famous with the surgical staff since I woke up during the surgery and started having a conversation with the surgeon. I don't remember a dang thing, but I guess it freaked them out a bit.

No specific amount during my pre-op workup. They just didn't want to see any weight gain over my initial consultation weight. I ended up going up and down during the 6-month workup period, but didn't ever end up going above my first weight. I'm now a clinical reviewer for my hospital's weight-loss surgery program and have seen many cases where patients gain and gain and gain up to their surgery day, and they still get approval.

Hello guys for those with Aetna if you were denied was it because of recent weight gain.. I did my last weigh in and I told them its the time of the month and also going through other things I put on couple of lbs I wanted to scream..but I hope I don't get denied I will prob be devasted...thanks for any help!

I am with Marimu. I weight every day. (Don't have the self-control to stop! LOL) My weight fluctuates up to 5 pounds at different times of the day. I have also decided that it only counts toward my ticker if it is down on Sunday. Somehow, that helps. Oh yes, and I have noticed a pattern where I lose a bunch of weight, gain 2 back and then lose it again quickly.

Hello everyone... I had bypass on 8/29/17 so I am about 6 days out and I was wondering if anyone has had weight gain? On surgery day I weighed 209 and they weighed me afrter surgery and I weighed 216 and I have lost some weight but not very much. This is super frusrating since I havent eaten anything in a week, I am getting my daily water and close to my protein...whats wrong!!! Any ideas!!!!????

HA!!!! Not to mention the fat redistribution, severe mood swings, hair loss (well, it moves to other areas), and then the joys of coming down off steriods. That is the point the weight gain restarts. Of course, it all depends on which illegal drug he refers to. Bad stuff.

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.

Who told you that? If it wasn't a representative at Aetna, then I wouldn't worry too much about it, and three pounds isn't much, 3lbs of weight gain could be a number of things. I'll lose 3lbs if I take some Miralax and have a good dump. LOL