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these side effects are minor compared to the major side effects of the GB in my opinion, I was not willing to have Dumping or to have my intestines rerouted or malabsorption issues my entire life. I'll take golfball or pbing any day of the week, not to mention with the GB there is the risk of pouch stretching two years out, then weight gain starts again, withthe band it isalways adjustable, no dumping, no rerouting of my intestines, no dumping. yes it may be a slower weight loss then the GB but to me in the long run it is worth it, plus the slower I lose the less flabby I will be. My DH said NO to the GB also

Weight gain after surgery is not such a big deal. It is IV water. When I left the hospital after a few days, I was up 17 #. I still was down 45 # by the end of the month. It will happen. Just wait for it...

People tend to forget or just not realize weight loss is not only a physical change but a mental. Your body has changed faster than your brain has had time to process. That's why photos are always a huge help to help with mental growth. When our minds don't follow our weight loss progress it has been known to slow progress and sometimes cause regression in weight gain. Don't let this happen to you. Losing 140lbs in four months is a lot of weight and I'm sure any psychologist would tell you that your mind has to catch up to your body. I can tell you from a personal experience, the scale means everything to me for psychological reasons. So for me the scale doesn't move, but my clothing sizes do and because I can't see the weight change, I have failed in the past (prior to wls) because of this. Take your time, don't be in a rush to lose the weight and allow your mind and body to change together. You'll find in the long run it's much easier and healthier. But CONGRATS on the huge weightloss, that's amazing.

Tomorrow, I'll be 4 weeks post surgery. In the past 10 days, I've gained 1.5 lbs, despite eating between 500 - 800 calories per day and keeping my daily carbs under 50g. I exercise (usually walking) every day for at least 45 minutes. I'm keeping hydrated. The only part of the program I'm struggling with is getting all my Protein, I'm getting about 40g per day. I've read the FAQ regarding stalls but according to my Doctor, there is no such thing. According to him, If you aren't losing you need to eat less or exercise more or accept that this is all the surgery can do for you. I'm terrified that I'll be dealing with all the life long implications of VSG for nothing. Am I being overly pessimistic or do I need to start dealing with the reality that VSG isn't the cure I was expecting.? I'd love to hear some real life sleevers who had early weight gains and eventually lost the weight. ((False?) hope springs eternal. )

I've had insanely slow weight loss as well but there are so many behavioral, physiological, and environmental contributing factors that I can't just come out and say "the surgery wasn't worth it" without tweaking/ruling out all of those influences. Despite a low 20lb weight loss over 6 months, I can say that I am still 100% better off than I would be without the surgery. At the very least, my band has put the brakes on my consistent weight gain. Without it, I would invariably weigh much more than I do now. In the future, it's possible that I'll see that the band may not have been the best option for my optimal weight loss, but I maintain that I made the best, most logical decision I could at the time. Compared to others, some may consider me a current failure--but I'm not ready to give up on myself or the band just yet. My weight loss journey may be different than others, but perhaps no less successful years from now.

There are so many myths and old wive’s tales with Bariatrics, I’ve never seen anything like it. The majority of successful weight loss patients eat artificial sweeteners. Unless you have a sensitivity to one (and there are plenty of other options), enjoy in moderation . Prior to my surgery, I spent years going back and forth between diets recommended to me by medical professionals or people in the fitness industry. I spent 3-6 months at a time not eating any artificial sweeteners because they’re “toxic” and cause “weight gain” according to my chiro, Dr at the time, and a trainer friend. I lost 5lbs on average in those times with high activity levels. Completely not worth it.

Thanks, I am glad that I'm not the only one who experiences these things! So I have many, many more years to look forward to? Missy, it does suck! About the weight gain, I have a conundrum...I gained 10 pounds OVERNIGHT! I imagined you could gain a few, but 10?

See you said you will taste things. So the band is not completely restraining you. So for those of us that aren't at goal yet and therefore still carefully managing our calories those little tastes do add up. Now will there be enough tastes to cause weight gain? Probably not if the band is properly adjusted but there might not be a loss on the scale. And then remember how many on this site are newbies. Their bands probably are not properly adjusted. So the band is not fully working. And they know that a taste can turn into a full fledge bite that can turn into a high calorie meal. These are some reasons why people are struggling. Just think back to your early struggles and you'll find some understanding.

back to topic guys "what was your final straw" i had so many trips/falls due to my heavy weight - knee replacements femur broke twice, etc i slowly realized that all my excess weight caused these problems falling since i had problems because of my "excess" weight i was always so sad about my weight weight gain, weight loss, weight gain etc, etc realized i had so many health problems i needed help, immediately hello sleeve good by diabetes meds/high blood pressure meds, no more CPAP my big NSV one was having my epilepsy meds dosage cut in half i was taking dosage for someone that weighed 235 lbs now that my weight was going down, down etc - i was taking too taking to many meds/pills so meds were less for a smaller person life is great now that's my story and i'm sticking to it kathy

LeighaMason, good job on your exercise progress! It will increase your metabolism and allow you to enjoy more food. What explains the weight gain? Well I'm with BestyB and kcg on this one. It's almost assuredly fluids. From your post I'm assuming this is a significant increase in intensity and calorie intake all at once. It will take some time for your body to adjust to that, and in the meantime the shock of it all causes a lot of people to gain fluids. Rest assured that it isn't a legitimate fat gain so long as you're not eating a bunch of simple carbs, and still have an overall weekly calorie deficit. It would help to limit Fluid gain by slowly increasing intensity and calorie intake, rather than an abrupt and sudden change. This may sound weird, but the most effective way to rid yourself of extra fluid - drink more fluid - preferably pure Water. I find myself holding the least amount of excess fluid when I drink a gallon of water a day in addition to my other beverages. Unfortunately, that yields more trips to the restroom than I have time for so I frequently have to scale water intake back. Muscle gain is an interesting topic. It's really hard to gain period, but especially so for women (due to hormones). Training the muscle you have and making it more efficient is much easier - and often confused with a muscle gain. I know this is hard to do, but I would give your routine a solid 4-6 weeks in order to have a good evaluation period. Then you can make adjustments from there. If you have a good intense workout regimen going then don't worry about gaining a bunch of fat unless you're eating junky or extremely large amounts (which is hard for us to do). Good luck and keep up the hard work! Brad

The same thing happened to me. I was a month out and only lost 10 lbs. I was PISSED. I griped and moaned, "how can this happen? I'm not eating anything! Am I one of those special cases where the person has a weight loss surgery and doesn't lose not one pound?" For me, the issue was Water retention, and I wasn't having regular bowel movements. That can sort of disguise any weight loss as a stall, or even create a 'false' weight gain (meaning it's not fat weight) on the scale. As the weeks go by your body will have no choice but to let go of that fat. You've got two things working in your favor. 1) you can't physically take in anything to slow down weight loss 2) at some point your body has to give up the fight to hold on to the fat. It's inevitable, and I know as each week goes by it seems like nothing is happening but it is. By the end of next month you'll see a difference. Just focus on healing and getting in your Protein and fluids.

@@MichiganChic Thanks, Do you have anything else you can share in terms of what the bad habits were that caused the weight gain? Also, what did you do to get rid of those pounds and why do you think it took so long? Thanks!

Hey all! Another banded and pg gal here! I'm 9 wks pregnant (found out right at 4 weeks) and had planned to keep my fill until I needed it out (with the blessing of my doc.) Last week I ended up in the ER with a gall bladder attack. We managed to avoid surgery (thank goodness!) but with all the violent throwing up (about 24 hours worth) I opted for a complete unfill so that I didn't end up with a slipped band. Even the anti-nausea meds weren't doing anything. So, here I am, 9 weeks in and no fill. I've been fairly nauseated all day long (though thankfully, not to much actual throwing up outside of the gall bladder stuff.) But man, am I hungry! No weight gain yet, but I'm trying to decide if I should try to get a partial fill, or just try to get through the pregnancy and stay unfilled in case the gall bladder kicks up again. (Took several hours to find somebody who could do an unfill . . .) What would you do?

Ok so I've met with my nutritionist once so far. I had gained 4 lbs when she weighed me from the time I met with the surgeon at 284 and she weighed me at 288. My question is will I automatically be denied from that initial weight gain? If I'm able to lose that weight by my next visit, which is on October 16, and continue to either lose or maintain that weight will I not be denied. I'm just getting really worried over that initial gain. I also think it's a bit ironic that the very thing we're getting surgery for could wind up denying us the surgery that would help alleviate that problem. Ugh, oh well, please if anyone has some info about Aetna and all this please respond! Thanks!!

I think the issue is more the empty calories from regualr sodas. Like I said, I know the artificial crap in Coke Zero or diet soda isn't ideal, either. I also know that there seems to be some studies saying that artifical sweeteners can cause weight gain (the jury is still out on that). I like my little can of Coke Zero a day. So far I've maintained my weight for a year up or down 5 pounds, so for now it's working for me. When and if it's not, I'll figure it out. @@LipstickLady has maintained her weight for like 2 years, so it's obviously working for her, too. What works for me may not work for you. In the mean time, you'll pry my Coke Zero from my cold, dead hands.

okay I am gonna be really honest here and talk about some problems have been experiencing. Background info on me; Banded almost 2 years really no problems. Last fill 1 year and 2 months ago. I have a 10cc AP Band and 3.8 cc in it. I have lost 84 lbs so far and would like to lose another at least 15 lbs. I try to work out every night at least 1 or 1½ hours. But in the past month, month ½. I have been experiencing bing eating almost on a daily basis. It lasts about ten minutes but a lot can be eaten in 10 minutes. Did I mention I work from my home and 3 days a week I watch my Grandbabies 4 year old and a 23 month old for about 4 hours or so while I work. I also suffer from clincal depression and have probably my whole life but dignosed about 7 or 8 years. Meds seem to help pretty much but still have some depression and anxiey anyway. I also went through 3 years of therapy. But it was not about eating disorder. I have never been a binge eater in my life. It happens usually once a day. I eat it, but do not vomit it up. It is like my mind just turns off and I will I do it, it seems unstoppable at the time. I am not eating large amounts of food but just lots of little bites of everything bad for you. I usually return to liquids for a couple of days and get back in control. I have not lost any more weight nor have I gained any. I exercise hard. I think if I got on the scale and it showed a weight gain or if my pants got tighter I would be able to stop. Every morning I wake up ready to go and sometime in the afternoon it happens I start out with a Greek Yogart and then I might have a chip or 2, some grapes, maybe eat a couple of small spoons of ice cream out of the containier.or a small package of Dora fruit Snacks and then maybe a orange which always get stuck and puts an end to it. I feel so horribile. My husband works at the chemical plants and has been working a lot of overtime, including the weekends hence I am alone at that time. This has got to stop I can not go on like this. I do not like how I feel thinner, I do not know how to feel . . . .it is as if I lost my idenity. I did like this once before without the band when I lost 100 pounds on my own I totally lost my mind had a break down. The identity issues was what I found out is my problem during therapy that and bad thought patterns. I either think of myself as Roberts mother, or Mauro's wife, Grandma, employee, child of God and nothing else. I do not know who I really am. I did not know I should also be me standing alone, but I just do not get it how do you figure that out? After I reread this I might not post it it but I hope someone will read this and say oh that sounds like me. My therapist does not deal with eating disorders she is suppose to find me one. Even if I am not gaining weight it is not healthly for me mentally or physically. Any ideas? Cheri

Believe it or not, this is normal. Your body is simply rehydrating. The next 4-6 weeks will be the hardest. You have to let your body heal, and you need nutrition for that. Don't worry about minor weight gain during this time. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. After your restriction (which may take several fills to get right) things get better. One thing I've found really useful is to use a weighted rolling average to keep track of my weight trend. There's a useful tool at https://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/HackDiet/ that keeps track of your weight and generates charts that show your true trend, rather than the instantaneous point. That's useful, especially when Water weight and other variables make the daily/weekly weigh-in unreliable.

Ohhh thank you all for the input!! Glad to know its normal to have sine weight gain!! Thank you all for the support!

Hey, Don't feel sorry for me. I am happy with the way things are going for me. I have the money right now, I am happy with my choice in doctor, and will let the cards play out the way they are supposed to. I don't think your weight gain has anything to do with the time of year. I too have gained weight, and I think it is more psychological than anything. Every meal has been my last time to have this type of thing, you know. I was thinking these thoughts three months ago, LOL. I wish I could have had the surgery three months ago but travel plans wouldn't let me. My time is coming, and your's is too. Bill

Weapon. Sound like a true plateau. And yes, they can last for months. To go off of Lisa's comment. Tricking the body is precisely what you want to do. You've been so clean for so long that the body has acclimated, metabolism has shifted etc. This is a an old bodybuilder trick. They eat clean for 6 days than eat like crap the 7th. As soon as the body starts detecting starvation, bam, it has a huge rise in cals and it calls off the plateau (or hoarding of fat reserves). Since you are well into your plateau. Forget one meal, or one day. Try a week. Truly, kick the diet for a week. Let your body 'think' it's flush w/ cals. After a week, go back on diet. Typically any weight gained flies off but you will see the scale start to go down. At that point my recommendation is to have a cheat meal or cheat day weekly to keep plateaus in check. Hope this helps. (and yes cal cycling is effective), however, your 900-1100 cal range is what Im at and Im a woman. Most banded men are a few hundred higher like 1100-1300 and that may be playing a factor. However, you won't hear from me not to weigh or track daily..that's a must in my book <wink>

I posted on a similar question and hope I don't bore anyone. I am 4 months post op from what you are facing and it has been just like starting all over again, including the journey to restriction, which I am still trying to attain. It has been no more painful or difficult than the original surgery...the one good thing is I knew what was coming and that made things easier. I gained close to 30 pounds from my lowest and am still struggling to get off those pounds. I have no regrets for getting the band or the re-positioning....my weight gain proved it is working for me. Best wishes, Mimi

I hate to hi-jack this thread but it caught my eye because my 15 (just turned 15) year old daughter was just diagnosed with this. Do you think this condition led to your initial weight gains? Any words of wisdom for a mom of a teen with this....for now and/or in the future. Thanks for any information you might share. Her doctor really kind of scared me with all the "high risk" problems associated with this!

I am actually getting my first depo shot today, so I will let you know what happens on the scale. My gyneo said that since you work out so much you really should not gain any weight. Hope j can keep losing though. He said the weight gain is no different than any other birth control.

Oh gosh, you've had a rough and tumble path, but it's great to see you still kicking and not giving up! I can relate on a much smaller level, I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2011, and that sort of killed me because it directly impacts whether I could ever carry a child or not. Fast forward to 8 months ago when I got sleeved after trying 5-6 years on my own of losing the weight (I didn't balloon up until 2009-2010). I have a friend who was sleeved with PCOS about 8 years ago, back before it was actually a big thing. She went to Spain to have it done because the doctors here just weren't that knowledgeable at the time. She's had 2 kids in the last 3 years and she's 43 years old. She gain some weight, but has dropped it back off once her hormones leveled back out. So it's possible as long as you remain smart during the pregnancy and then maybe start back at post-op phase 1 after just to get things back to how it was after. A lot of women overeat during pregnancy because of the "I'm eating for two" belief, but many doctors have stated that it's not necessary and causes unnecessary weight gain. So as long as you're aware and sticking to healthy foods and to good portions, I don't see it being too big of an impact. I also took this journey with the hopes of suppressing my symptoms and giving me a better chance of getting pregnant. The good news is that my cycle is getting back to normal, and that's a sign that my body is agreeing with all the changes!

Have you been to a seminar yet? At our seminar, the surgeon went through each one and which one was best suited for which situation. The lap band or realize bands he said were good for about 60-70lbs but more than that it wasn't going to cut a significant amount of weight and did have issues with long term loss. Like people learned how to eat around it I guess. then he showed us the sleeve and said it's good for 100+lbs weightloss, but a lot of times again, people find ways around it's usefulness and end up with a weight gain and eventually if they have a significant weight to lose will have it switched over to a bypass. It also tends to come with GERD/acid reflux and it can be very painful to deal with that. The bypass he referred to as his "gold standard" in weightloss because it has shown to work long term, the weight loss experienced is quite dramatic and fast and for the most part, a person with bypass can expect to lose 70% for their excess weight in the first year and maintain that loss or improve over the next 5 yrs without slipping backwards. He also cover plication and some new battery operated thing that shocks the vagus nerves causing them to not send the message of being hungry. I forget what it was called, but it was neat. It's not really good for someone in my situation though, I think it was comparable to the lap band in weightloss. I went into the seminar thinking sleeve seemed the way to go because I didn't want anyone fiddling with my intestines and dumping sounds REALLY painful, but by the time we left, I had really committed in my heart to the roux en y because I really don't want to do this again. I want to do 1 surgery and be good for life. I find out for certain what the surgeon thinks is our best plan of attack Fri. I'm pretty sure he's going to suggest the bypass though. At my weight and with my history, I'd be shocked if he didn't.