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I think this is a decision only you can make. You know if you need the extra help that the surgery will give you. It seems like you are definitely on the right track and doing amazing! Even with the surgery a lifestyle change is necessary. The surgery is only a tool for your weightloss arsenal. Eventually you will be able to eat food that will cause weight gain and you'll have to make a choice. The only difference is you won't be able to eat as much or absorb as much. It sounds like you're doing really great! Sent from my SM-F926U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had surgery in January 2011.... My starting weight was 278lbs and I am down to about 225.... I have been stuck here for MONTHS! I am so embarrassed and I feel terrible... I skipped my last fill because I was to embarrassed to go to the dr with no weight loss and possibly a weight gain of a few lbs. I am very emotional and short with the people I care about. I am currently on the depo shot and I am wondering if this is also hindering my weight loss. I have made the decision to discontinue the depo shot and I also made an appointment for a fill on Friday. I was just wondering if anyone else has delt with this or has any good advice? I am not good about following the rules and I recently started nursing school which I feel is hindering my weight loss even more due to poor meal planning.... I am just reaching out for any advice or words of wisdom anyone may have! Thanks

I had the copper one before and had it removed for the same reason, plus it was making my bleeding so heavy that I became severely anemic. GYN recommended I try Mirena because it will cause less bleeding but not if it will keep me from losing weight. GYN told me what you just said about the 5% but I keep seeing complaints about weight gain. Anyway I will give it some time to see what happens. Thanks!

4 yrs ago had a Mirena placed. My body rejected it a couple months later. Exact same thing, bleeding like a miscarriage (3 months). August 2012 after over an hour appt with my GYN decided it was the best option to try again. Although my chances of a 2nd rejection are at 30%... So far so good. Still dealing with random spotting. Haven't had a heavy period yet (before 10+ days of Heavy flow). You guys have made me question the weight gain aspect though. Surgery date 5/16/12, I've lost 110 lbs but I've bounced up and down 2 lbs since it was placed. I really never put 2&2 together. Thank you I'll have to bring this up with my Dr.

The people you've heard about and have met regained weight because they chose to eat poorly. They chose to eat the foods and the amounts of food that cause weight-gain. It is possible to gain weight after any of the surgery options. Maintaining weight loss requires changed eating habits forever. There is no magic about it. Reading here I understood that I was wrong about the bypass, I was making a confusion with the balloon Since the balloon must be removed people after start eating because they keep their nutrition issues hidden and after the removal everything was back Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have been posting all over the forum about this being my problem right now! Lol I honestly thought it was me and im not doing something right. I hate it. But I keep telling myself this cant be it abd try to push on. I an also 3wks out as of today. I actually returned to work last thursday. Felt well enough but was starting to doubt if I had gone back too soon because of the weight gain. I feel it's just excuses I'm giving myself though lol. I started excercising yesterday so hopefully it will push me even harder. Best of luck. Im pretty sure you will be fine. We can all hope for the best

What's everyone planning on doing for staying active? I know we have to walk, walk, walk. But anything else in addition to that? I have always been a "thick" girl but my horrible weight gain started after I dislocated my knee cap at the gym in 2012. No bueno. It was on a Saturday so I was rushed to the ER but the military didn't understand how serious it was so they delayed my MRI until that Wednesday. When my doctor got the results he called me and told me he didn't realize it was that bad and had me off my knee for several weeks. It was too late for surgery and I had to do conservative rehab. Since then I have gained 70lbs. Granted, I had a baby 16 months ago but still...that's a lot of weight. So I am very eager to get back to working out. I plan on starting out walking only for the first two weeks. Doctors orders. And then adding light weights for the next two weeks after that. I bought a 4lb bar - very light, I know, but I am going to kill my arms with reps each time I use it. Then I don't know what I'm going to do. I love Zumba but the class I go to is really hard core. I am a licensed instructor myself (not practicing) so I know hundreds of routines. I might just start doing that at home for a month to get back into it. I also have a membership at Orangetheory fitness. Anyone heard of it? I put my membership on hold until March...that's also pretty hardcore - HIIT on the treadmill for 30 minutes plus 30 minutes of weight training. If I stuck with that I would probably go 3 times a week at first. I've recently seen ads on tv for Shaun T's new dvd set - Cize - which is another dance program (I love dancing, can you tell? I was a cheerleader in high school and on the dance team in undergrad). I don't know anyone who's tried it. One appealing thing about it is that it uses actual hit songs that are popular right now which I find very motivating! But anyways, what are some of y'alls plans for working out post-op?

My insurance company BCBS said absolutely no net weight gain during the pre op supervised visits with my PCP.

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

Yea Stay Away, I do not drink soda very often. Hear an interesting thing from my DR. Every person that later had a weight gain after successful weight loss had something in common, and that was they started to drink soda again. Not to say every banster who drinks soda gains their weight back but all that she has seen had this in common. Now certainly this was not the only factor but might have been a symptomatic of a person going back to their old habit of eating. Regardless was an interesting observation. Also the more I hear about the obesity problem one common thing is Soda, DIET and Regular. Our bodies were not meant to drink this stuff. I am certainly not perfect and am having issues but try to keep away. For yourself, I too can go up 5 lbs in a day and its caused by Carbs, Salt etc. My body just loves to retain water and carb do it every time. Anyway good luck to you, you seem that you are well on your way.

Thank you! I appreciate it. Being that it was my first surgery & first time having an IV, I didn’t know about the weight gain, nor was I informed about it so it took me by surprise lol.

Its going great...I started at 257 and Im now 154....Im almost 9 months out.... Dont worry about the small weight gain..your still healing....

Hey all, super new here ! I have been struggling with getting the help from google, or locals who have been sleeved, so I am looking to gather more information to help make the best decision... I was sleeved in June of 2016 - I started at 286lbs, 5ft 6 in tall. Fast forward to now, I am 140lbs, and a BMI in the low 20s. I am active, thin, little loose skin, and LOVING the new life I have been blessed with...for 99% of the time... The kicker is the GERD symptoms I have are out of this world. I was someone who had this pre-op, and had I known what I know now I would have never agreed to the sleeve vs bypass. I have been in the midst of a whirlwind of testing..first my NEW bariatric dr suggested perhaps I have a flare up of the H. Pylori I was known to have after the stomach contents were biopsied, so we started with a stool test for that, thinking we will start small. This came back negative, and I then went in for a barium swallow which showed from his report to me, a "Massive" hiatal hernia in which he defiantly was interested in repairing. Then, I went in for a CTA to look for SMA Syndrome, basically the superior mesenteric artery compressing the duodenum - this was negative. Now, I am waiting on the ph & manometer testing to determine if I am a candidate to just have the hernia repaired by normal forms...but, Here inlays the questions I have, and personal experience is worth every bit to me. IF you have a hernia now (and DID NOT) have one prior to VSG - its causing you so much discomfort that you can not sleep, eating and swallowing pills has become challenging and you basically just refuse it all...what decision do you make..is a hernia repair going to be enough to cure this without the possibility of it returning..OR do you go with the revision to bypass to FIX it once and for all ? My dr has given me a lot of literature to go over and read and things to think about. I just don't know which is best. He has agreed to do either of these to help, provided my esophagus is operating in proper order following the results of my ph probe. He has asked that I TRY to maintain this weight and not lose any more, I am at the bottom of the scale where I ever wanted to be, frequently falling into the high 130s . Other questions I have are - am I going to lose more weight if I am revised to RNYBP? Will I have an intolerance to foods with ANOTHER new tummy? Will I need an open repair to revise this? also, if I choose the hernia repair will I end up with tighter restriction again with them using part of the tiny tummy I have to cuff at the top to fix the hernia? Is mesh safe to repair a hiatal hernia these days should that be the "fix" ? Has ANYONE been through this situation with these quirks. I don't need revision due to weight gain, I am already pretty small for my height. I have been this weight for 15 months or more. Please help! any insight or personal experience either way would be amazing.

Hi Just joining site. I am attending an informational meeting on LapBand on Friday. I am 38 year old, 5 ft 1 in. 215 pounds. I have tried Diet Workshop, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. I had a hysterectomy five years ago and it has been a struggle to lose weight. I gained 50 pounds just since surgery. I have struggled with my weight which seems like forever. I have always had a bad body image even when I was in my teens without a weight problem. Since having children (5) I have struggled with my weight. Two of my children were born stillborn so pregnancy was not a good time in my life. All of my weight settles into my stomach area and I must get asked a few times a month if I am expecting. Very embarrassing and emotional especially where that wasn't a great time in my life. I am active. My children are 14, 11, and 7. I think I am fighting genetics with this also. I don't have significant health issues. I do have fibromyalgia which is very painful and complicated by weight gain. I did have gestational diabetes with one of my pregnancies. Unfortunately not a great deal of this weight is from my pregnancies. A few pounds here and there from pregnancies. I am over 80 pounds over weight. My question is the safety of surgery? Is this surgery available to someone who is not 100 pounds overweight? What are the health risk? How is the recovery? I would like to hear positive and negative experiences. Thanks

Hi all Looking for advice on exercise. I see so many people saying they exercise 4, 5 or 6 days a week for 60 minutes. I find it hard to fathom that after being overweight and sitting on our asses for years or decades - boop!!,... you have sleeve surgery and now want to exercise like Jack Lalane.... well, it's hard to believe. Here is my reality. I smoked 2 to 2 1/2 packs of cigarettes for 42 years. I quit 14 weeks ago with the assistance of Chantix. I quit so I would be eligible for WLS. I have been obese for most of my adult life. I have never, let me repeat that, NEVER, been into exercising per say. I loved playing sports, softball, volleyball, basketball, frisbee, swimming, etc but sit-ups, push-ups, crunches, jumping rope, etc. was not for me. As I got older and fatter, and it was harder to breathe and move (weight gain, smoking and now arthritis in my knees, hips and back) even the sports I loved to play became too much for me to be physically able to do. I mean, my weight and arthritis can make it difficult to walk thru a flea market or on the beach without putting me in excruciating pain for a day or two. On top of that Aleve is the what the orthopedic doctor has told me to take for the arthritis (and it is the only thing that helps). I would love to hear from the "older folks" that have arthritis or perhaps made the bad choice to smoke for 40 some-odd years or their others whose weight makes them short of breath... please how does the sleeve work for you and just what do you do for exercise and how often. I mean I would love to be able to able to play volleyball or softball or basketball but, seriously, is that a reality for me? And the fact that I can't do much (at least 'til I lose the first 40 or 50 lbs) physically - will that be discouraging mentally/emotionally for me because of lack of weight loss? I am pre-surgery and still struggling with the question of bypass or sleeve. I would prefer the sleeve but want to be REAL about the results I should expect -- will I be able to lose the 120 lbs I need to lose with the sleeve?

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.

I agree with many of you here. I was a BIG beer drinker. I have not had one in 16 months now. I do miss it in the summer, and even dreamed about drinking it just two nights ago..... But I drink wine, martinis, vodka and cranberry, and I too like bloody marys. I was good about doing it ocasionally, but have been under tremendous stress at work (could lose my job the end of next month) and my adult sons are wearing me thin, so I've been drinking a glass of wine almost every day when I get home. My doctor is concerned with the increase and I guess I am too, but it really hasn't caused any weight gain. I'm to stressed to eat!!! So be careful. I know I'm going to have to put the breaks on sooner or later. I just need the relaxation at the moment.

Yes, go ahead and start your vitamins now, for 2 reasons: getting used to taking them and to hopefully help with the hair loss. I started taking a multi-vitamin about 2 months before my surgery (GNC Hair, Nails, and Skins brand is good; about $20.00 for a month supply). Yes, I have had some hair loss, but not as bad as I thought it would be, and I like to think it has been because I got a jump start on the vitamins. As you know, vitamin imbalances can cause weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, aches, etc. So, the better in balance your body is, hopefully it will help you heal quicker, maintain muscle, and lose weight steadily. Taking vitamins responsibly is always a good thing. I am 9 months out from my surgery and I faithfully take an iron pill and 5000 mg biotin once a day, and a hair/skin/nail multivitamin 2 times a day. I have had labs done twice, and my numbers are perfect---no vitamin, iron, or any other deficiancies of any kind. Of course, for at least a month after your surgery, you won't be able to swallow a pill, so prepare to buy liquid vitamins or be prepared to crush up (nasty) and swallow your pills. But, you will have to do this, so just prepare yourself. If you go the crushed up pill route, mix it with a spoonful of applesauce and it will go down lots easier. Best wishes!!!

Hey folks, I have had my band for 6 years now, finally went in for a fill b/c I noticed weight gain and very little restriction. When I finally decided to get a fill, under the x-ray they saw that the port and tube was disconnected. Next step is an Endoscopy to see what needs to determine exactly what is going on and what needs to be done. Ok so here I am at this point. 1) I have to finance as my insurance deductible is extremely high so I have to pay OOP. which will have to wait because of the $$$$'s 2) Second I am so nervous about having surgery again as my options are a port replacement or a new band if needed. I'm really concerned and could use some support, please and thank you. Has anyone had a disconnect?

Hi dreamers! First of all, take a deep breath. I had a lot of worries going into this too, knowing I wanted to make the change but not believing that I could after so many years of unhealthy habits. Congratulations for quitting smoking -- you have just added YEARS to your life! Many of us went into panic mode that week before starting the pre op diet. I hit all of my favorite restaurants and drive thru's. You know that you are only sabotaging yourself, so it is essential to reach out for help. What does your doctor say about the 30lb weight gain? Are you required to see a nutritionist or therapist? Please set up an appointment ASAP so they can help you get to the root of this. As far as practical suggestions -- how is your exercise? You have not been banded yet but the earlier you start, the better. Even just 15 minutes. Have you considered a personal trainer for motivation and accountability? If hubby is willing to work out with you, even better. Figure out your trigger foods because frankly those will have to go for the next few months. DO NOT have any unhealthy foods in your house, period. Pack your lunches for work. It is not worth damaging your chances of having the surgery, and later damaging your band. How would you feel knowing you threw away this life changing opportunity just for the temporary satisfaction of junk food? You deserve better.

I completely understand what your going through. Two months before lap band I gained 62 pounds. I ate so much junk food, fast food preparing for this new life style. My family kept telling me I was sabatogizing myself and they were completely right. My advice is: each pound you gain before lap band surgery is only making you further from your ultimate goal. I am so incredibly mad at myself for gaining so much weight right before surgery. Start now!! They say with lap band we can expect one-two pounds per week of Weightloss. Each pound you gain preparing for surgery is adding a week to loose...I know my body can gain one pound per day and it did. If I only didn't do what I did I'd be almost 200 pounds today but instead I'm 275. Also, my surgeon explained to me that the weight we gain before surgery is belly fat that can cause complications during surgery. He said the fat all stays in belly first and makes the surgery harder to perform. That scared me, and I wish I knew this before gaining 62 pounds right before surgery. Also, be careful about weight gain because you can get denied if they weigh you, and a month later you've gained more. It shows insurance and surgeon unreadiness for life style change. Also, try going on a shake morning and lunch..and eat sensible dinner..I lost twelve pounds week before surgery drinking the two shakes and having dinner. Three weeks of liquids is a lot....and mentally if you know you don't have too, it makes it very difficult. Try one day of replacing breakfast and lunch with shake and see if you can manage that before going straight to all liquids.....

Congratulations on making it this far! My surgery is in 7 days and I am super excited. I know how you feel, when you have to hear the negative views and opinions of others. Don't let them break your spirit though. You are doing this surgery for you and not for them. Many people don't realize that it's not about what you eat that causes the weight gain. Emotions, stress, depression and mental well being contribute to weight as well. If the people that view your choice in a negative light can't be happy and supportive of you, then they obviously don't truly care about you. People that care, can see where you have struggled and will do their best to encourage, support and uplift you on this journey. I wish you much success on your journey!!!

Have you ever had a sleep study? I just completed my second night of testing where I got to wear the CPAP machine to help me breathe. I didn't get but 5 hours of sleep(in a lab with wires attached to me everywhere and a hose attached to my face for the first time) but the quality of sleep was great. Today was the first day in years that I did not have to take a short 30 minute nap about 4:00. I get my machine for home next week, and while I dread wearing it, I hope that it will give me the improved quality of life while I am awake to be worthwhile. I have felt fatigue for years, even with 8 hours of sleep every night. What I didn't know was that I was waking up between 300 and 350 times a night and never got a full nights sleep. I don't know if this is your case, but sleep deprivation is going to cause fatigue, irritability, weight gain, hormone imbalance, heart disease, and more. I am not an expert, just on my second day of learning about it, but my experience today is making me a little more hopeful. Bill

I was told to write it all down and it would make me feel better...Well here it goes! All my life I was up and down in my weight but never considered myself to be obest..weighting in at about 150lbs my highschool year. Right out of highschool I was pregnant with my daughter and weighed near close to 225lbs. After delivery 199 seemed to be where I was at. I should have been more concerned as my weight started to go from 199 to 215 to 225 while trying every weightloss gimic out there.... 7 years into my weight gain..I had the biggest weightloss imaginable..lol I lost a 250lb husband (divorce) and about 30 lbs of my own. Funny cuz even at 199..or even 189 (Smallest Ive been since giving birth) I always had a gut I could just hide it better then, than I can now ..lol however I was in a size 8 (I'm 5'9 BTW) some may have even said I was too thin..of course I didn't think so..How did I loose that much weight and keep it off you ask? Strees Stress and more stress...Getting back into the relationship scene, I slowly started to get alittle too comfortable with myself and the weight (after 2 years of keeping it off) started to find itself back to me whether I wanted it too or not! age 36, 242 LBS..it could be worse right? I mean at least I wasn't 250 LBS..well just give me another 1/2 year Id get there... I decided to look into the lap band when I stepped in the scale and weighed in at 253 LBS..High closterol, High Blood Pressure, bad knees, bad back...I was convinced this was the only way to go. Found a clinic in my home town and Feb 1 2010, I went for a consultation. Did my psych test and nutrictional evals over the phone and March 26, 2010 went in for Surgery..**** I didn't even meet the Dr untill the day of... It's been 2 years this month..I feel like it was just yesterday and I'm still learning and struggling..Lol I can't speak for others but in my opionion "this was a get thin quick"..or so I thought..I rememeber I use to tell my adjustment guy that I refuse to beleive that all those people on the commercials did EXACTLY what they were supose to do when they were supose to do it! How do you automaticlly just get UNLAZY? They say the band is a tool, to help you with the eating..you eat you full faster..you stop eating...well mines broke!..lol I know I need to do the things I am supose to I just think that my Dr forgot to fill my band with Motivation!...I am hopeing to find some sort of inspiration joining this group. My day starts off with a cup ( or I should say Coffee Mug of coffee) breakfast? How am I supose to eat breakfast and drink coffee at the same time..I need my coffee so breakfast doen't exsist ( I know I know mistake). Computer, housecleaning, laundry, occasion trip to the store..continues my day By about 1 am decided that I should prolly eat something althougth I am not hungry..Really? I'm not hungry? tell that to my mouth! I eat so fast that I'm throwing up what looks to me like a ball of slim! Research... your body produces saliva to help break down your food the more you eat the more salvia builds up and has no where to go cuz your stomach is smaller so out it goes... Slow down? How do I do that? I have always eating this way... By dinner and soon there after I am looking for anything and everything that I am able to eat..to eat..and I say able to eat cuz we all know there are things that just don't mesh well with us anymore..some pasta, bread, bananas, grapes, But low and behold! I have NO PROBLEMS keeping cookies and Ice cream..anything sweet ( my weekness).. My adjustment guy explains to me that most things sweet disolve in you mouth there for there are no restrictions!.. Great who knew? besides my Dr!. My current weight post surgery is 205...2 years and only 52 lbs lost...(Yes I know thats off alittle, cuz i gained a few) I just resently went to see my Dr for the 2nd UNadjustment in the past 8 months...For a few months now Ive been having alot of heartburn..after the first scare (I got sick with fever, dehydration ) I was better for a few months and all the symptoms started up again only this time I was spitting up what looked to me to be coffee grounds, Dr says it's blood! Great! Now what? the blood could be 1 of a few things, bleeding ulcer..or stomach erosion.. After having me drink water and feeling pressure build up he rules out Erosion...Good for me no Surgery!!! But now what. Back on the bland diet and food diary (ugh) no NSAI's (bad back, knees mentioned before) and come back in a month! I ask again "What did I get myself into!...needless to say I'm not gonna give up...I'm gonna figure out a way to get thru this all without the strees and headach of when and what did I eat and how long did it take me to eat and how much protein have I had today!!! And hopefully reading other peoples experainces with help me make sence of this all! I beat myself up because I know I need to take control!! It just hard..I have no paying job (I am a stay at home Mom) which means no insurance so I can't afford for these issues to get any bigger... Any suggestions? Diet wise, excersises for the Lazy...Good and inexpensive protein powders...horror stories so I don't feel alone!..lol