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Hello, I am 2.5 weeks post op and currently getting in anywhere from 45-65 grams of Protein...depending on the day I noticed on the days that I am in the 60-65 protein range I tend to get constipated. I also noticed that the days when I only get about 45 grams of protein, I don't have this problem and after a couple of days of "low protein" I will lose about 2 to 4 lbs. When I am able to get in the 60-65 grams there is no weight loss. Any ideas on whats going on?

I wish I knew . . . . . . some Protein shakes can taste horrible. I should have gotten a sample before I bought a very expensive barrel sized canister of Protein shake that has been gathering dust in my kitchen closet for six months now. . . . ready to drink Isopure clear shakes were tolerable to drink and helpful for protein intake directly after surgery since they fit in as a clear protein. . . . I did not realize logging all calories and protein on fitday.com would be so helpful during the early days. . . . I thought the journey really started when I was banded, but the help did not really come until after my second fill. I did not have realistic expectations of the unfilled portion in the early days where you are soooo hungry but can not eat anything much. I also did not realize that so many people had weightloss stalls (or some even gain)at this point. . . . I did not realize that weight loss comes in fits and starts. It was only easy and steady directly after surgery during the liquid phases. In general for me it looked more like this 202, 202, 201, 198, 202, 199, 202, 200, 199, 199, 198, 200, 198. I now have a rule that I don't change a ticker value unless I maintain a maximum weight for at least three days. . . . I didn't realize that plateaus can be easily broken if you know what to do, so I suffered a little more in the beginning than necessary. . . . I didn't realize that my TOM means an automatic weight gain(3-5 pounds in the beginning and 1-3 pounds now) that comes and goes in about a week. . . . I did not know that losing weight rapidly floods your body with hormones so that your TOM can be drastically worse than normal (not to mention that you can be verrrryyyy moody as well). However, six months out and I think I have stabilized somewhat. Perhaps the general tone sounds like complaints, but it is not. All of the good far, far, far outweighs the bad. If I listed all the good, I could go on for pages and pages. I love my band and I can not tell you how much better I look and feel at this stage of the game. Congratulations on selecting a most interesting journey and change in lifestyle.

First thing - you may want to change your user name - having your email address as a user name will likely result in a lot more spam due to the email bot finders. So to the advice from people around you - I am assuming they are not medical or health specialists? They may be well meaning and while some family members may be concerned about possible medical complications are more likely to be concerned about the change in the status quo. You are likely to lose the weight that is required for health and maintain that loss long term? If so, you may not need the surgery. But if like most of us, you can lose some weight (not likely all that was needed) and are not able to maintain that weight loss beyond the short term, you will greatly benefit from weight loss surgery. Your medical team believes you are a good fit for the surgery and believes there is a need for it, you had reasons for looking at weight loss surgery - are those still valid? If you don't do the surgery where will you be a year from now? More weight gain - more medical issues?

No weight gain...no weight loss. I wish this wasn't my story. Posted by AngieB, Jun 11 2009, 02:34 PM Admin/Owner Options Make This Entry A Draft

Yes, I am on Tricare. I have been put on things like child-safe weight loss supplements and such all during my childhood and teen years (My weight gain all started by a doctor's misdiagnosis and mistreatment when I was about 6/7 so I have been trying to lose weight since that all started). But living overseas my whole life I was never "old enough" to go to the gyms on base or able to drive to a gym or anything. Even now, I currently live 10 miles out of my town, and was in an almost fatal car accident where my car flipped and turned over about 4 months ago. So the concept of getting to a gym is impossible (my father also commutes 50 miles to the base). I have been a yo-yo dieter in the past, I've tried many fads, bought countless books, etc. I really do worry about my health. I'm about to be put on blood pressure medication before I even turn 19. All of my attempts at a life style change have failed and I think it's time to get REALLY serious about it.

Three years ago I had set my mind into having bariatric surgery. I searched information on the internet and came across lapbandtalk. Through this website I found the information I needed to make a decision and a commitment to have lap band surgery. I lost about 50 pounds before I was banded in Sept 2011. I lost another 60 pounds by Feb 2012. I felt like the model lap bander. I loved working out. I loved Protein shakes. Everything was easy peasy. I had a really bad break up from my boyfriend on Valentines day, 2012. After that day, I just didn't care anymore what happened to me. I gave up. I ate with reckless abandon. Fast forward to now. I have gained ALL but 24 pounds of my weight back. I finally went back to my surgeon a few weeks ago after my gastrointestial system began rebelling and causing great discomfort. He removed all the Fluid in my band and sent me for an upper GI series. Thank goodness everything was ok with my band. I just got home from seeing the surgeon. He and I had a very long discussion about the band, my weight gain, and where to go from here. We discussed having gastric bypass. I am cautiously considering this as an option. In the mean time, I have to give my band another try. The surgeon gave me a 3cc fill. He is sending me back to the nutritionist and the psychologist. I know I have it in me to get it back on track, but I need some help. So I am reaching out to the good people at the place where I began this journey. I would love to find a texting buddy or email buddy that will hold me accountable and encourage me to make positive choices.

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.

So glad to find this post because I am also over 2 years out with my band and lost 65 pounds the first year and then put on 30 pounds the next year. I am really struggling, but like the suggestions here. I have a terrible addiction to sweets which seem to go down just fine with the band so I know my weight gain is due to too many calories in and little to no exercise. It is time I get back in control and like the idea of going back to the shakes. Thanks so much for the advice. I should have come on here a long time ago. It is nice to know that I am not the only one struggling.

I have Aetna, amd they require three months supervised diet, with no weight gain. I use this stuff called Teami tea, a colon cleanse that helps with a pound or two. I went through Irma this past month and had gained weight. So four days prior to weight in I went on a full liquid diet and drank the Teami tea (double dose) and lost 1.2 lbs from my previous months weigh in. I suggest you do this and get weighed again. Now I'm one month away and trying so hard not to binge this last weigh in is so important. Good luck to you. Keep us abreast of what's happening! Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

1) Increase your calories a little if you can. There is no point in starving yourself, just take it slow, eat every couple hours, and make sure what you eat is high in protein - Your protein goal is far more important than calories. 2) Accept the stall. It's almost impossible to do while you're in it, but a few weeks out I hit a stall that lasted 3 full weeks. I was nutty at that point worrying that I'd gotten stuck and wouldn't continue losing. I tried EVERYTHING I could think of. Eventually it just broke on its own. I know I am gonna jinx myself typing this so *knock on wood* I have not had a stall since. My weight loss is slowing down a bit now (About 3.5 months out) but I'm still losing a good 2+ pounds a week. 3) Do something fun. All the stress just increases cortisol in your body, which can be a contributing factor to weight gain. I dunno if it really makes a huge difference, but either way - getting out and doing something for you so that you feel good is healthy! You're doing great. Hang in there and the pounds will just randomly start coming off again one day after your body finishes adjusting.

Amanda, I am 5 years out from lapband and then 2 years ago converted to bypass. I have learned alot over the last 5 years and I can give some advice I wish I was told. I am 61 now and have lost 85 lbs. I had to lose 10 lbs before surgery and it was very hard. What I would do to help your future journey with WLS is to focus on exercise. The easiest time in my life to work out was when I was at home with my toddlers. When I was younger I was really into exercise and I did it at home by myself. It took so much less time and work than I expected to get in good shape. Everyone is different and what works for one doesn't work for another. Some go to gyms, some go to classes, some walk outside, some use a treadmill, etc. Anything that raises the heartrate for 15 minutes per day works. Since my bypass I knew I should exercise but I was losing weight so easily and felt so great I just didn't do it. Keeping a habit of daily workout (15 to 20 minutes per day is all I need) is crucial. Because now I am 2 years out from my surgery and I reached my low weight at one year. Beginning of this year it started going up again. I wasn't eating more. I was being a lot more sedentary. For me, lack of activity brings more lack of energy and I just feel too tired to move much. I KNOW that if I kept on working out as I lost my weight, I would not have this problem now. The more muscle mass we have, the more calories we can eat and not gain weight. As I lost the weight, I am sure my muscle mass was reducing and I was setting myself up for future weight gain. The weight loss doesn't last forever with bypass. So to get into a habit of regular aerobic movement, you would be preparing yourself to live a thin life from now on. And you would probably lose some weight too.

I have not reached restriction yet but I have read enough here to know that it is better to get a small unfill than to be too tight. Being too tight can actually lead to a stall or even a weight gain because you will start relying on slider foods which can actually be more calories than you should eat. Not to mention the health problems that can occur from being too tight. Maybe have them take out .25 or .50 cc and you could end up being at your "sweet spot". Good luck.

Reality has hit, hard. I decided to weigh myself this morning as I was getting ready for work. Even before I stepped on the scale that I haven't used now for months, I gave myself a pep talk. I tried to convince myself that the weight I knew I've gained was okay because after all I am pregnant. I convinced myself even before lifting one toe toward the horrible weighing machine that whatever the display read I would not let it ruin my day. Finally, I gained the courage to make the step onto the scale and it read 119.5. I was confused. Oops! Someone set the scale to Kg (probably my foreign-born spouse who can make total sense out of the meteric system). Okay trying again, now with the scale settings properly adjusted, it read "264.5". Holy crap! That's 30lbs since November!!! Yes, I know that I'm pregnant, but the recommended weight gain for overweight women is like 15lbs or something. I am not disappointed that I've gained weight with my pregnancy, it's the amount of weight that I'm disappointed in. So, analyzing the situation, I know what has happened. 1) I haven't exercised all winter. 2) I eat ice cream or chips or popcorn or candy or chocolate on a daily basis. (an 8 count box of ice cream drumsticks in 2 days) 3) Having my band unfilled in December was not a good idea-I have no restriction nor do I have self control. I am just out of control. Really. I've known this for a while now, but I have finally decided to face the reality of the situation. I've been warned by my OB/GYN that the hospital I plan on having my baby at will not deliver a woman with a BMI over 40 (I think)-maybe it's that they won't take a pregnant woman with a BMI over 40 because of the weight they'll gain, then they'll be well over a 40 BMI when they deliver. Whatever. I need to start eating healthier and exercising. BTW-the scale at her office read 258 2 weeks ago. Either I've gained 6lbs in 2 weeks or our scales are not calibrated the same. I'm praying for the latter. I need to make some changes, now! It sounds so easy. 1) Eat healthy, nutritious food. 2) Move your body. I definately am not looking to lose weight, again I am pregnant and I'm well read on the topic of weightloss during pregnancy. Still, my focus should be to get back to the basics of being banded (I've nearly forgot that I have a band except for the occasional morning PB on a bagel or some other type of bread). Here is the agreement that I've made with myself. 1) Completely cut out candy,ice cream and junk food 2) Limit liquids to water, crystal light, lowfat milk (no soda!!!) 3) Eat fish 3 times/week (not fried)-omega3's are so good for ya! 4) Exercise daily even if the weather is crappy, I will find a place and time everyday to at least take a 20-30 minute walk. I know that I need to get back on track not only for me and my health, but for the little girl living in my womb. I know that I'm way less moody and more energetic when I eat well and get my exercise. Oh yeah, and my skin looks great, I guess it's the protein. There's my plan all layed out.

I did gain about 20 lbs in year 3 post-op, but a 10-20 lb rebound weight gain after hitting your lowest weight is very common. And to be honest, I think I look better at this higher weight, even though part of me would like to get back down there again! To maintain it, I track everything I eat and try to get some exercise most days of the week.

After a whole year (2012) of no fills due to lack of insurance, and me not being able to afford $350 p/fill, I went and got my 1st of 2 INSURED fill last month, I maintained my weight for the 11months i did not have a fill, which my Dr. said was pretty darn good, as he said he expected a weight gain, as did I. So we were both pretty surprised. 1st fill was 1/10/13 - weight was 259, 2nd January fill 1/31/13 - weight was 254. Im going for my 3rd tomorrow and i cant WAIT!!!! The hardest thing I think i had to "get used to again" was the restriction. After almost a year of being able to eat more than I should, its pretty difficult to only eat 1cup of food. Mentally this is hard. Sort of like starting over again but, Im excited and ready for 2013!!! Have any of you out there had the same experience, how did you overcome the mental hunger - bc its getting more difficult each day.

I can't help but notice how some posters are being somewhat righteous ... shunning those who are more obese than them. I have incredibly sympathy towards those who happen to be morbidly or super-obese. Due to medications, I have been there when I lost all feelings of satiety, where it didn't matter how much I ate, I never felt full, and it was non-stop, never-ending hunger, and getting food was all I thought about. Thankfully I was able to stop those medications before I gained even more weight, but some people don't have that luxury. Then the weight comes on, and the cycle of depression continues. Isolation from public humiliation causes depression, lack of movement, further contributing to the weight gain. I could go on and on.... Rather than sounding like you look at people with such disgust and disdain, how about being a bit sympathetic and understanding of their plight, rather than thinking to yourself "oh god I never want to get THAT fat", talking about the smell of yeast in fat rolls, them not being able to wipe themselves properly, etc. etc. I would sincerely hope that those, who work as health care professionals, would show some kindness towards that patient. It might be the first show of sympathy and care that that poor person has had in ages. He/she was humiliated enough being there.

I like nessa, have a scale in the kitchen. I weigh myself just once a day. I think that has kept me on track. If I am up a couple of pounds I can get rid of it right away. I like to nip it in the bud, quick. I also can tell what foods agree with my weight loss and which ones hinder it. I have noticed for me too many veggies cause weight gain.(probably gas), without my scale, and daily checks, I wouldn't notice that. I love my scale.

Good morning :rolleyes2: I was officially banded this past Monday and I am doing pretty good so far. Have followed my Clear liquids religiously and I am looking forward to full liquids this Saturday. I do have a silly question but I can't help but ask - did you experience a slight weight gain after the sugery? I went in as 204, was 206.5 yesterday and today now 204.5- Oh and I am not being anal retentive about weighing myself I was just curious to see what happens after and how quickly. I know that your body fluids fluctuate greatly and I want anyone who reads this to know I do not weigh myself normally more than once a week :thumbup: My urine is clearish and I am pleased with that is as I am drinking as much Fluid as possible to stay hydrated. I find that I am very tired easily but I have been getting up and walking around - which has helped with the gas greatly. Any ways, back to my original silly worry - did you gain weight directly after surgery and how long was it before you actually started to lose weight?

Thank and please keep us posted on your recovery. ..I'm just barely getting started...and I'm excited for you....did you ever sought about getting the surgery Sent from my SM-G386T1 using the BariatricPal App I actually had second thought many times throughout my 2 wk preop liquid phase. I wondered if I could really do it or not. I pushed through and jumped in with both feet and did it. I can't honestly say that I made the right decision yet as it is too early to tell. Last night I ran a 102.4 temp and have gained 5 lbs in 24 hours. I believe the fever was a result of a virus lurking around instead of it connecting to my surgery. As far as the weight gain, I have no idea....I look 8 months pregnant....and feel it too. I'll post more updates on my experience. We will get through this together! Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App

I'm 6 years out from treatment after a high grade, Stage IIIC, hormone positive BC. I had 3 recon surgeries after the treatments and the first surgery, a double mast/1st recon. I have excruciating neuropathy about 9inches wide almost 360 degrees around my chest and neuropathy in both feet from hand-foot syndrome during chemo. The neuro drugs don't touch the pain. I also have some bone changes in my spine and hip that add to that pain load--so sleeping for longer than 2 hours in any other position is impossible--and I have to sleep in a reclining chair. I do have a script for Norco and muscle relaxants and I guard them like a demon. I ration when I take one of them because I know it costs my PCP plenty to prescribe them--so I try to keep it to 1 script per year. I have to be at an 11 (cuz you know...my amps go up to 11--thanks Spinal Tap) before I take one because: 1.) I know they are rarer than hen's teeth and there might come a day when I will need them worse than today. 2.) They make me gain 5 pounds of fluid overnight. I resist going the pain manager route because I don't want to be on drugs like Celebrex or Lyrica that also have weight gain as a side effect. Mostly I don't want to be on daily pain pills, nor do I want to surrender autonomy (the right to take a pain pill ONLY when I need one) for a pain script. I also don't want the stigma attached to being a patient seen by a PMC. I see both sides of the argument and am sympathetic to both the prescriber and the patient. I also understand how easy it could be to become an addict (and that by nature of the addiction, addicts will lie and might sell their grandmother for a fix). It sucks that a few bad apples spoil the pie and make everyone's position so difficult. Sorry you're experiencing such difficulties. Pain and quality of life--man--it's a fargin' marathon. I look ahead at a life expectancy for me and sometimes get super sad, because no way do I want to live endure 25-30 more years in this pain-filled world. I'm shooting the dice and optimistic that losing weight down to a normal BMI might help my pain/recurrence experience.

I am on the way to the pot of gold. I am so excited that I could sing, wait a minute I am singing. :redface: I am scheduled for my surgery on 12/8/09 at 5:00 am. I am told I should be on my way home by 2:00. I start my liquid diet on the 24th. I am working on getting us to that diet. I am finding it hard to eat only a dime size bite as well as chewing that piece 30 times. I have always drank something with every meal and now that too has been hard. I know I shouldn't complain after reading pages and pages of stuff on this site. I have nothing but to forge on. I will do that. I am not sure where to get protein drinks from. My son said that you can get it just about anywhere but that a lot of them are nasty tasting. If there is anyone out there that can fill me in on the do's and dont's of protein shakes. That would be wonderful. I am 48 years old and am about 180 lbs over weight. That is a terrifying weight gain when you think about how toxic fat cells can be to your body. I am so ashamed of myself for getting this size.:confused: I truly didn't think about the weight until I became diabetic then took a long look at myself (I think that was the scaryest of all so far) and here I am. After the blood pressure was going up and up. I began this process. I would be lying if I said that it is all overwhelming right now. I have information swimming around my head like a over crowded fish bowl. This to shall pass I have to doubt. :confused: So as the journey is underway. Lay back and enjoy the ride. TaTa For Now:smile2: . How can you beat that

In addition to other posts above, you may also want to look for water retention as a cause for weight gain. If so, review the sodium levels in you food choices. You are eating a fair amount of food for your time out from surgery. I remember only eating shakes for a month after surgery (2-3 ounces every hour). Once I got solids, it was tough to get more than an ounce of protein like pork, chicken or beef. Salmon was easier. I ended up only having 300-600 calories a day until month 3.

Got really bad news today. True Results does not accept my insurance. Now I start searching over again. Like you, I don't have issues with food. I was thin all my life until I went thru chemo. The steroids caused a massive weight gain. Sounds like you're on the right path.

Haven't binged, not a binger - but a single binge is not going to do much to you . Any weight gain is likely from the break in ketosis, and should come off as soon as your ketosis is - reinstated. Tomorrow is always another opportunity. So is right now. (Meaning - the "tomorrow" syndrome kills plans, the "right now" doesn't).

I'm a year out and my periods are irregular and have way to many. I've been on the pill for 3 months now and it's made them worse, to the point of bleeding almost every other week. I can't do Mirena (New job cant take off work plus I've never had kids so they said it would be harder to insert), so I'm seriously considering the Depo Shot. YES i've heard all the horror stories from people who've had it BEFORE surgery and the weight gain blah blah blah, my question is for people who had it AFTER surgery and what happened. Generally speaking I dont see how you could gain weight after surgery if you can't eat much. Please those who've had the Depo Shot after surgery, did it make you gain weight, did it screw up your periods any more than mine already are, have you had any complications? Thank you