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I had VSG on 5/25/16. SW: 245. I lost 10 lbs in the first week after surgery, then stalled for the next 2.5 weeks. Then I GAINED 2lbs over the last 3 days. I drink 2 Protein shakes per day and eat pureed diet (Beans, lean meats, cheese). In total I get 7-8 cups of Water a day and 80-100g of protein. I am so frustrated! I am trying hard to follow the program, but I feel like I'm a failure. I feel like this is just one more thing that doesn't work. Has anyone went through this? Advice?

I have a major sugar problem. Cold turkey is the only way. I read once that if you are craving carbs/sugar then you are eating to much. For me this is soooo true. I have had two stalls followed by weight gain since I had surgery. Both times were when I went on vacation and had sugar when I got home I couldn't stop. It takes we a week of trying before I can get a grip on the situation. I think the most important thing is to acknowledge when the sugar monster has you and don't let it go on, kick the problem ASAP. As soon as I stop the sugar/carb intake I start losing again but I can't help but think of the 3-4 weeks I wasted.

@Live43day you are going to do great. Your medical knowledge from your professional training will help you understand the science behind the diet and importance of following your surgeon's plan. Things I'd wished I known ahead of time: *There is nothing magical about the surgery. You have it and you follow the plan. Hunger isn't much of a factor later on and it make following the simple diet extremely easy. *There will likely be some weight gain during your brief hospital stay. It's not that you've done a thing in the world wrong and nobody is going to bark at you for it. It's just a few pounds and it come off QUICKLY. It's nothing more than IV, Fluid retention and some mild inflammation. Don't let it freak you out or bother you in any way. Mine was 8+ pounds and it was gone by the 6th day. It's expected and your surgeon sees it all the time. *Let the rest of the family be responsible for their own meals. Don't pull yourself into to kitchen if you don't need to be. Let them take care of themselves for a couple weeks and you just stick to your plan. It's not being antisocial.....it's just you keeping things simple for right now. *Walking is your friend. I was up 4 hours after surgery and didn't really want to be. My only reason was the soreness and pain from an umbilical hernia repair done at the time of my bypass, too. The sleeve never bothered me. Still hasn't at Day 11, either. The walking will help work out any residual gas you may have. *sleep as well as you can the 2 nights leading up to the surgery because it seems like their job in the hospital is to keep you awake. I kid you not they were in there taking my temp, checking my vitals or doing some task every few minutes....all night long. Funny stuff. *Don't get worked up about the surgery. Stay calm. It's going to go well. Some folks have anxiety because they are having "elective" surgery for weight loss. For me it was simple as I'd already had three prior weight related surgeries: ankle tendon repair that was blown out playing golf (heavy weight made it much worse on that ankle) and two umbilical hernia repairs (too dang heavy and big around the middle). More weight related surgeries would certainly follow over the years ahead if I didn't get the weight off. I was finally IN CONTROL by having this sleeve surgery. Taking a positive step to get things corrected. Yeah....I reached a nice calm state the days leading up to the surgery. *Sipping vs gulping. I'd read all about it....heard all about it.....didn't understand the concept at any real level unit post-op. A sip is a small amount. This little nugget of understanding took me some time to grasp. Even now....at Day 11, I reach for my Water glass and without thinking I'll take a huge swig out of it.....then stop and not swallow it but allow it to trickle down my throat. It's becoming an adopted behavior. So glad I haven't had to face the same principles while eating due to remaining on the "3 shakes per day" diet. I'll have to figure out eating in a few weeks. Glad I don't for now. *The scale is not broken. I'm a daily weigher. Most here don't advise it....nor do I. I simply can't not weigh. I'm stupid that way. During the early days in my bariatric program I bought a really nice scale. It's always read within ounces of what my doctor's scales read. It also talks. Leading up to the surgery I'd hope on it in the mornings and get my reading and roll along with it. Now.....sorry, I'm laughing right now as I type this......now, I get on it....get my reading....and shake my head and say no way, this thing is broken. I'll let it turn off. I'll restart it....zero it.....and then get on it again for a second....and third reading. The weight loss during the pre-op 14 day diet and post-op has been at a rate I'm not familiar with.....even when I was killing it on Atkins a few years ago. It will amaze you.

Hi, I am 1 yr post op and have 6 mls in my band. In August I started a new job and during my orientation I have been switching between day shift and night shift every few days. My eating habits are crazy trying to eat at night and then eat during the day. And now I'm just hungry all the time and I've gained 15 lbs. Does anyone have any advice on how to get back on track and to not feel hungry at all hours of night and day? I will be permanent night shift when my orientation ends.

I'm on steroids for chronic back pain and was very concerned about weight gain. It hasn't happened but I understand the frustration behind weight gain when you haven't indulged.

@@chellede Your doing well. Don't stress it, you are going to lose and you are not that far out from the surgery date. TOM and sodium and 101 other things can cause weight gain on a scale. You could go the gym and have some lactic acid in your muscles and see a bit of gain so don't weigh ever single day. Once a week maybe hide the scale all the other days. Try to stick with what your doc told you so that your compliant and keeping your pouch at the right size. Take your time to eat what ever it is and enjoy the aroma, texture and flavor of the food. Keep up the good work!

@@Cognorati001, I was always a "normal" size. I didn't gain my weight until I had my daughter & was diagnosed with thyroid disease (which also contributed to my weight gain)-I was 30. I managed to lose weight again but it only last for a couple years. I spent almost 12 years overweight before I decided on the surgery. I thought since I spent half of my life with no weight issues, it would be easy to return back, especially since I'm married. I do struggle with it some days-especially when I get attention from men. I would encourage you to speak to a therapist. Life doesn't miraculously get better with weight loss. It can definitely help. I am over the moon excited & wouldn't change a thing but...... It is a new normal and you have to learn how to live in your new skin. Best wishes.

My sister had the band. It was with miserable outcome and no real long term success. She was approved for revision to a sleeve and has lost all her weight gain (since she was banded) and more. Look for a new bariatric surgeon and rule out any medical issues before you beat yourself up too badly. It is discouraging to gain weight back but it could be other things aside from bad choices and loss of control. Could be several factors that you are not even aware of.

Good afternoon, I am now three weeks out-down 25lbs and total of 38lbs since I had to lose some to make the insurance requirements. All my blood work that was done last Saturday came back great, except for my blood sugar. It was 185 for fasting. I took 3 units before bed as it was 169. My bariatric surgeon placed me on a sliding scale for the insulin. So my endo calls me. She's not happy with that number. She wants to add either metformin along with the insulin being bumped up and maybe long acting insulin at night. WTH? The reason I did this surgery was to get off all these darned meds. In three weeks, I am feeling better than I have in years because I am not on all those meds. I am actually sleep fully the whole night through. They were the death knell for me. I am walking-targeting 10,000 steps per day-last week I walked 18.79 miles. Not too shabby. But my numbers aren't budging on the blood sugars even after a hour on the treadmill and bringing my target heart rate up to 130. I don't get it. I am very frustrated. I don't want to go back on those meds as they all have weight gain! Then I may as well NOT have done this surgery. She says it to help me heal faster. Bull. I don't buy it at all. I just want to sit and cry. I am so sick of having type 2-that appears to never go away as others have. Anyone else in this boat? Nell

I suppose I should clarify my weight gain is less than 10 lbs (fluctuation). I just don't feel the restriction I once felt. Now I still measure food and exercise. So I've not necessarily fell off the wagon. I just want to ensure my pouch is not stretched out or developed a enlargement at the fundus, in order to hear of weight gain in the future.

Leisa - I always have time to talk. No worries there. When I started at Kaiser they had only been doing the band for about 5 months. What I decided was that they were more proned to wanting to do the bypass because they were more comfortable with it. Kaiser itself doesn't have a lot of their own statistics but the band has been very successful in aiding in weight loss. I myself have lost 126 pounds which is 100% of my excess weight. When I first saw my surgeon I had already lost more than 50 pounds (due to being on their pre-op for so long). He told me that he was very proud of what I had done but to not expect to loose much more. I asked him if he was saying this because the statistics said that. He said yes and I told him to hold onto his statistics because I was going to blow them out the window. At my pre-op appointment I had lost 70 lbs. I got the same remarks. I gave the same remarks. He now wants pictures. Kaiser at SSF is now starting to sing a different tune about the bands and at the last support group meeting I went to they were telling the bypass people that if they got where they could eat more food in the future and were gainig weight that they would have to have a revision. They said "but if you have the band it just a matter of adjusting it". The way they said it really made it sound like they were beginning to push banding. The lapband will give whatever you want to work for. There are no magic pills in this world and you do have to follow the rules most of the time. Do I never eat the "wrong" foods? Sure I eat what is considered wrong. I had birthday cake just yesterday. Do I do it all the time? Not a chance. But if you don't allow yourself to live life you will be setting yourself up for failure. What I have found is that I give a lot of thought to those times I have something special which makes me slow down and enjoy it. I also don't have that "I've failed so I might as well give up" feeling afterwards. I still journal my foods because it makes me feel more secure in the fact that I'm not eating mindlessly. Weekends are the days that I don't journal. I'm usually not near a computer and carrying a notebook isn't me. LOL The first thing I would do if I were you is get that thyroid adjusted. Hopefully they've got you on meds for it. It can cause more than just weight gain. I know it can cause lack of energy, depression and a bunch of other things. Make them fix that! Then I would go into the surgeon's office and TELL HIM what YOU ARE comfortable with. Ask him outright if he is uncomfortable with doing the lapband surgery. If he is, ask for another surgeon. They have more than one. This is your body and your surgery. The only way I personally would go with a bypass is if that is the only choice I had. It scares the c**p out of me. But that is MY opinion for me. I understand the lure of quick weight loss. But 126 pounds in 14 months is pretty quick in my opinion. The second thing I would do is go online to www.smartbandsters.com. It is a yahoo group and it has a lot of people on there that have been so successful with the band and can give you the statistics to knock your doctor's socks off. There is also a bariactric nurse on there named Jessie that had her band placed 10 years ago in Mexico. She's great at answering questions. There are very few reasons (unless medical) that people can't loose weight with the band. Everyone can eat around ANY WLS. The band has to be adjusted properly. My surgeon (Dr. David Le) was very causcious in sneaking up on the "right" fill. At first this frustrated me but now I'm glad he did. I have had no problems with my band. None! The only time it even speaks to me (scolding) is when I eat too fast, too much or something that is too dry. Otherwise I get the subtle signal of satisfaction that lets me know I'm done. This is restriction. A lot of people think that restriction is a stranglehold on your stomach. That's too tight. As far as depression about missing foods goes, not really. My biggest thing is I like the taste of food. Sometimes when I'm really enjoying a meal I get angry because I can't over induldge like I used to. But I'm learning to stop being the spoiled child and remember that I can take it home and enjoy it again later. Because of how I'm adjusted I can eat almost anything. It has to be WAY overcooked for me to have trouble. Therefore, I don't "miss" anything. I don't eat very many sweets anymore by choice. After not having them for a while they surprisingly don't taste as good as I used to think they did. BUT if I want a small desert, I have it. Like I said, a calorie is a calorie. If you count them, keep them limited, the weight will come off. However, I got where I would look at that high calorie food and think to myself that there wasn't much there and I would rather be able to eat something with more volume. Now I'm just used to not having that stuff and the band controls the volume. I think the only thing I had to do as far as getting my mind around it was to get where I believed it would work as I had heard. It does that. I also put it in my mind that during the period when I was waiting to be properly adjusted that I would have to continue to do the 1200 calorie diet in order to loose weight or just not worry about loosing weight until I was properly adjusted. That is an important thing because many people get depressed when they don't just magically start to loose weight. I made sure that the people who would be "watching" understood this. I also made sure that I was totally comfortable with my decission to do the surgery. There are things that will come up in your life after surgery that you'll want to turn to food for. After WLS you won't be able to. I suggest that you get the Beck Diet Solution (book). It isn't a "diet" but a book that addresses why we eat like we do. I thought I was a real emotional eater and found this to be helpful. Otherwise, I'm so happy with my band that I will have it with me for life. I take care of it so that I don't do a lot of throwing up or cause it harm. It's really easy to take care of it and have not PB'd yet. I would recommend the band for anybody. I wish they had had it sooner so that I would not have wasted so much of my life. Get your facts together. Do this by doing as much research as you can. The next time you see your surgeon, confront him with the "facts" and take a stand. This doesn't mean go in there and take his head off. It means that you can tell him that you've throughly researched the surgery, made an educated decision and if he's not comfortable doing the surgery/follow-up you understand and would be happy to see another surgeon. Plain and simple. If he's not having much success with his banded patients, then maybe he's not good at banding or he's not good at educating them. I didn't rely on Kaiser because I knew they were in the infancy stage of banding. I made sure I got online and found out the answers to my questions. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever asked them a question. But they have to start somewhere. Check out smartbandsters.com. Also, do a lot of research with your husband and arm yourself and make sure you are comfortable. You'll be ok. If you don't mind my rambling style of writing, feel free to contact me anytime. You can PM me if you want too. Take care and keep me posted. Ask any questions you want. Vicki

I'm still going through my weigh ins, have two left. I'm worried because I'm gaining weight. Is this normal?

Hey, I had a TT, Breast Lift and lipo of the flanks back and arms 4 weeks ago. I asked my Dr shitloads of questions, and I still emailed nearly daily with more questions to ask him up until the surgery. Jamie, just remember be CLEAR as possible about what you want. Let them know exactly so you both go into the op with the exactly the same ideas of the final results...How tight, muscle repair, sutures or staples, how high for the nipple, extended vs normal TT, lipo etc...ask it all!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying to find my questions I asked him at my first consult so I can show you... 1.Can you tell how far apart the muscles are before the op? 2.How aggresive are you with muscle repair? 3.How tight do you pull the stomach down? 4.How much longer is my ETT scar going to be vs a normal TT scar? 5.How long for the drains - how long for the binder? 6.How much are you going to take off with lipo in the flanks and back area? 7.Is the ETT going to pull the top of my thighs up and my pinny - Will it lift my butt a little also if the scar goes further around? 8.Will I wake up in pain or is that controlled already? 9.How high do you do the boobs with a lift and what happens with them if I lose more weight, say 15kgs 10.Will you use my ceasar scar? How do you do the scar, long or curved or?? 11.How much skin app will be removed with my TT? 12.Will I have a roll when I sit? 13.Does the ETT involve the vertical cut also? 14.How do you do the belly button - looks wise? Can it be pierced later? 15.How long till I am standing straight? 16.Will my body match with a flat tummy and a waist etc but still fat arms and thighs? 17.Will me having a port with the lapband effect where you can do the lipo on my flanks? 18.staples, stiches or glue? 19.Do we use Bromelain, Arnica or lymphatic massage afterwards? 20.Is pain levels controlled by a pump after? 21.Will I lose nipple sensation? 22.What kind of cut do you do with the TT and the breasts. 23.What kind of belly button do you create. These are questions copied from a plastic surgery forum I am a member of : Muscle Repair Most women who are seeking a tummy tuck will require some muscle repair. Childbirth, weight gain, and aging all contribute. The fascia which holds the muscles together to form a strong core is actually what is repaired, not the muscles. To understand what the fascia is, think about the gristley part of a steak. The part between the meat and the fat. That is what the PS's sew back together to draw the muscles back in. For those who need MR, it can be what causes the most dramatic changes in appearance. Most women having a FTT will have roughly the same amount of skin removed, the area between the pubic mound to just above the belly button. The main difference between a good TT and a great TT is in the details of the MR and the incisions. Having the muscles pulled in nice and tight is what brings in the waist line and the sides, so as to 'frame' the body that the skin will drape over. So how do you know which Drs do the better job? Here's a few tips. * First educate yourself by looking at tons of pics. You can find many right here on MMH -Pictures. Compare one persons results with the other. Visit the Tummy Tuck Message Boards, and follow the recoveries of women. Who was standing straight at what point, how do their results compare with others? What was their initial body type in comparison to yours? Learn to look at pictures with a discerning eye, that's how you'll be able to judge the work of the PS when you visit for a consult. I like to compare a good TT with getting a good paint job. If you take an old rusty car to Maaco and get the $199 special, you'll still be thrilled with the results in comparison to the befores. But if you take the same car to the custom shop, and they remove the bumpers and rebadge and do extra body work, you would be able to tell the difference when compared side by side. In PS, surgeons usually charge about the same in a given geographic area, so make sure you're getting the custom job. * Ask your PS what his philosophy on MR is.. He won't be able to gaurantee you what he'll be able to do for you until he gets into surgery, but he should be able to tell you what he 'usually' does. Is he aggressive? How close - in mm's - will he try and pull them together? How soon can you expect to stand straight? If he tells you, you can stand straight w/i a week, then he either doesn't do aggressive MR, or you didn't need it. Some PS still don't do any MR, and some do only a modest amount. They have their reasons. There's a longer recovery time, more pain for the patient. It also takes them longer in surgery to do a good job, as it usually requires more layers of stitches to do it tighter and have it hold. Discuss your Dr's techniques and his philosophy with him to make sure your expectations are on the same page. Your case may be one where MR is either not required or where he can't be as aggressive for very real reasons. Make sure you have all the info you need to make the right choice. Sutures and Closure Most Dr's will use disolvable internal sutures. Where they vary most is in how they close the incision. Here's the most common types: * Steri-strips or tape. This is placed over the incision to help the 'top' close cleanly. Your Dr will usually advise you not to shower for several days up to a week, to allow the incision to close before exposing to Water. * Glue. If your insicison has been sealed with glue, then you will be able to shower on or about day 2, as the glue will prevent water from touching the incision. Within a week or so, the glue will begin to peel off. * There are still a few Dr's that use staples. There is some risk that the staples will cause extra scarring, tho alot of women have done just fine. And the staples will have to be removed during the first week. Scar Placement As with everything else, this largely is a preference determined by the PS, depending on your body type, the amount of skin to be removed, and the natural fold of the skin. If you get an Extended TT (ETT), then your incision will go all the to the back of your hips. If you have a mini TT (MTT), then your scar will be low and much smaller than most. You may or may not be able to have much say over where the scar is placed, as doing it other than the way the PS recommends could give less than satisfactory results and cause issues such as 'dog ears'. * Where does he recommend the inisicion be placed? * Will it be the smiley face shape or a more straight line? * Can you wear your favorite panties or swim suit to help determine the placement? * How far back will the inicision go? Binders Here in the states most Dr's use a binder for at least some period of time. It helps close the space that was created when seperating the skin/fat from the fascia, which keeps Fluid from collecting. This is to help prevent complications such as a seroma or a hematoma. It can also reduce the amount of swelling by compressing the tissue and forcing fluids out. Some Dr's recommend the Stage 1 binder for a week or two, before graduating you up to a stage 2 garment . A stage 2 garment is usually just a high waisted support panty that you can buy in a store. You don't want something that just comes to the waist, as it can pinch the ab muscles and be extremely uncomfortable. Some Dr's will take the binder away from you in a couple of weeks and not have you use anything. And then there are some - especially in Great Britian - who don't use a binder or garment at all. * Will you wake up in a binder after surgery? If so, what kind? How long will you need to wear this binder? * If you're to provide your own, what does he recommend? * If you're having a combination of procedures, such as a "breast augmentation" or liposuction, how will that effect the garment you should wear? * Can or should you wear a stage 2, and if so, when can you switch from the binder, and how long should you remain in it? Drains Almost all Drs use drains of some type. This is because the lymph system has been disrupted with the skin removal and incision. The drains are put in to assist the body in removing the fluids, so as to reduce swelling and prevent a build up that could cause a seroma or a hematoma. There are some new techniques available now, where drains aren't required. One is a procedure where a sort of 'glue' is made from your own blood to seal the pocket, and another is called pregressive tension sutures, which also closes that pockets. Since they're both pretty new at this point, alot of Dr's are taking a wait and see approach before using this technique for themselves. * Where does the Dr put the entry points for the drains? In the incision directly? Or in the pubis area? Will there be a seperate scar? * How long does he typically leave the drains in? Will he remove one first and then the other? Does it depend on the amount of fluid being drained? * Is there a max length of time that he'll leave a drain in? If it extends for longer than anticipated, does he prescribe antibiotics so as to prevent infection? Time off work The amount of time for recovery depends alot on the amount of MR, as well as the general health and condition of the patient. It seems that most Dr's will recommend at least 2 weeks before returning to work, depending on the type of work you do. Even with a desk job. Sitting can be harder than standing, because of the pressure it puts on the MR. If you return to work at a desk job, make sure you get up often and move around to prevent the muscles from cramping up. During lunch, I would often go out to my car and lean the seat all the way back, so I could rest the muscles mid-day. * How long before you can return to work full time? * How soon before you can resume household duties? I recommend at least 6 months off from this activity. ; ) * How soon before you can take care of small children if you have them? * How long before you can resume exercise? Walking? Weights? * How soon can you drive? Definitions seroma A mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum within a tissue or organ. hematoma A localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel. fascia A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body. As for weight, you will lose about 6 or so kgs if you have a TT. Thats average, some dont lose any. It will also take a while to see it come off because of swelling etc. My Ps said that you can lose another 20 kgs or so after a TT so it doesnt effect the results. I really have to stress that muscle repair is a huge factor of the final results with a TT. It is an absolute must. Make sure you and your PS are both clear that he performs it, because some dont. Also make sure you look at lot of pics of patients they have done with the same procedure. I think you are a perfect weight now to have it done and will get optimal results being so close to your goal. Good Luck if want to know anything else just let me know.

First off, don't panic! It's only 14 pounds. Think back to past weight loss attempts and I'm sure you've regained far more in the past. 14 pounds is doable. You've caught it in time. You are determined to turn it around. So you are already off to a good start. Now is the time to evaluate what has changed for you. What behaviors have led to the weight gain? Where could you do better? Where are you already/still doing well? How can you get back to a solid foundation to rebuild your healthy habits on? You could start by tracking your food and making an effort to increase your activity level. Doesn't have to be anything extreme, just a few minutes a day to start.

Speaking for my self only... These are the symptoms I had. 1.I was not able to eat any sort of solid food, no matter how small the bite was or how well I chewed it. I was only able to get a couple of bites down and then I would have the build up of saliva and have to go and visit the bathroom. 2. Once I vomitted I was not able to even drink water unless hours went by and if I drank to fast I had to visit the bathroom. 3. I was only able to get maybe 20 ounces of H2O a day and that is not good. 4. When I sent to see my doctor she said my band was so irritated that she took out a little more so the swelling and irritation could go down. 5. I was only able to eat ice cream and other slidder foods. 6. My doc said that in the red zone for the lap and realize band you have no weight loss because you turn to comfort foods and you don't have any weight loss and poss weight gain. 7. She has be taking a prilosec for 30days to help heal any irritation that was done. 8. I honestly was vomitting anytime I ate or drank something. 9. Often times when I went for a removal I was bummed that they had to take out fluid but, this time I did not care. I was just very missrable. I hope this does help you guys. And remember I am speaking for my self and not for others.

I dont think getting the band removed will help the RA. Once you have it you have it. And with the steroids you may need it as they cause terrible hunger and weight gain. This would be bad for your joints. Ask a rhuemotogist but that is my opinion. Jill

Hello, My surgery was 12/10. Everything was so easy with this procedure. I saw my surgeon yesterday for a post-op visit & he again reassured me I would be good to go on my cruise. My cruise is 6 weeks post-op. My plan is to bring my individual packets of my protein drinks onboard for added protein mixed in my water bottle. I think the packets are the best for this situation because I don't think I'll get through security with a container of open powder protein mix & I don't want to bring the huge jug it comes in. I plan to meet with one of the chefs immediately after boarding the ship & explaining my situation & asking for simple options like chicken & fish with mild to no seasonings at all, a small salad and a non starchy vegetable option nightly. They will work with us. Just think how nice it will be to come home from a cruise & not have the usual weight gain of one pound per day. ????

Hello, I have been lurking for a week or so and wanted to check in. I am female, 53, with a BMI of 46.5, need I say more - but I must. I have been doing some research and really, really want to make this lifelong, lifestyle, life saving change. So I contacted not my PCP but my Gastroenterologist, see there is one hitch to a lap band for me, 15 years ago I had a liver transplant. I have done amazingly well no issues around the transplant, except weight gain which is common, although I have been on the heavy side since my teens, heavier in my 20ies - 30ies and out of control since then. About 10 years ago I did manage to loose about 70 lbs on WW but like so many I just can't keep it off. I thought perhaps the doctor would simply shut me down but she did not. Bypass was simply not an option for me because I take anti-rejection meds that must have a chance to absorb in the lower tract. The banding is different and it seems that there have been some documented success with people like me. Well I got my referral to bariatric surgery and it has been a week and have not heard from them, to me that's good news, perhaps I wont get the boot right at the gate. IS THERE ANYBODY HERE THAT HAS HAS A TRANSPLANT, Liver, Kidney or Heart and then been banded? The GI doc mentioned something about possible adhesions, IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAD PREVIOUS ABDOMINAL SURGERY, that encountered problems, or not, when they got their band that can tell me stories? I am ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING pills once banded, none of them are as large as say a big Vitamin, all about the size of a regular small pill, the anti-rejection med is a small capsule. I take pills twice a day about every 12 hours. They used to make a liquid form of the anti-rejection med but, I am not too clear, I do remember it was notoriously bad tasting though. SO ANY ONE WHO TAKES ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY MEDICATION REGULARLY TELL ME WHAT YOU DO? I don't even know that they are going to accept me as a candidate so I have not even consulted a bariatric surgeon, you all are my very first reach out and touch someone. I have enjoyed reading your posts, I can relate to each of you. I especially like reading the "things I won't miss about being overweight" Ditto to it all. Best - newfilter (as in new liver - I have used this as my on-line nick name since I got my x-plant 15 years ago, maybe I will be able to change it to newbod in a couple of years :laugh:)

Hello I'm 13 days postoperative I was sleeved on 7/19 at Celebration hospital with Dr. Kim. Up until this week I had been consistently losing at least 0.5lb or more a day. My weight at surgery was 293.4. I know I'm going to be a slow loser as I have had a thryroidectomy and I my metabolism has been shot since then. Anyways here my question?! On 7/29 I was 280.8 On 7/30 I was 280.8 On 7/31 I was 280.2 Today I was 282.4???? That weight was on the same scale after using the bathroom. I did take some stool softeners and senna lax last night. And they did work this morning so how did I gain two pounds. I'm getting in at least 60oz of fluids and at least 60grams of protein(my NUT sat my Protein goals at 81-107grams because of my height I'm 6ft tall).

Congrats!! I can relate to the weight gain after having back problems. Sounds like you're doing great now!

I lost 33 lbs total from Preop diet to Sunday. I am 10 days post op. I have gained 4 lbs. I haven't had but one BM and was told today this may be the reason.....any experience with weight gain immediately after surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have been on prenisone since August 28th having had the gastric sleeve surgery on July 12th. I was diagnosed with temporal arteritis prednisone dosge from 60 mg. a day to 55 mg.a day for a month and now reducing weekly. The last two weeks is when my weight gain began and my moon face....eeek.....I am grateful to not be blind or infirmd but I went through this surgery to lose weight. I just needed to vent to like minded peers.

Wheetsin, thank you for all the great suggestions! It had crossed my mind this morning that I could possibly get my Internist to maybe help me push on this since she was very supportive of me taking this path for help when I mentioned to her. And, of course she has the records of all my bloodwork, etc. We have been struggling for the past two years trying to find a cholesterol medication that would work for me which might could help too. The weight gain, in spite of multitudes of attemtpts to get it down, has been steadily going to up by 6-10 lbs every year. It's simply in my genes. My brother got sleeved last July and he just looks great and is so much happier, energetic, and healthy.

Apnea should definitely count as a comorbodity. Also you might want to talk to your PCP and see if you have anything else going on. Lots of people have comorbidites and don't know it. I had early onset osteoarthritis, and had no clue... I just got a gritty sensation when I turned my head on humid days. I would throw in your BP and diabetes, too, because those will be costly to insurance in the long run. At your height, 218.5 lbs will put you at a BMI of 40. What has your weight gain looked like in the past few years? E.g. do you have a trend of gaining about 10 lbs a year or anything? You could also "project" (as long as you have history to back it) a likely timeframe when your BMI will reach 40, and include that info. It won't win you an appeal, but every little nudge in your favor helps. You can also see if your PCP could write you a letter explaining adjusted BMI. BMI really is a crock of poop. By any BMI stnadards, weightlifters with under 10% body fat are still "obese" because they're heavy. "Modern" BMI charts account for your age, gender, and build as well. One of my co-workers is very tall and lanky, "beanpole" if you will, and weighs around 200 and is categorized as "obese" and wears a 34" waist. Sigh...

Had gastric sleeve surgery 11-29-2016. Went from 398 lb, down to 210. I'm currently 250 and it was what I called "covid" pounds because of staying home and eating small meals but too frequently during the day. Has anyone else had these weight gain issues and how did you address it?