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Oh woowww..yayyyy.! Congrats!!! Thanks for sharing this info. I was soooo, concerned Bcuz I was thinking it wouldn't work. But, have ur metabolism boosted up since the surgery? And did u experience any weight gain after the surgery

So today is August 19th and I am now over 4 months post VSG. I thought I would write an update on a few things that I regularly see asked on this forum. 1. Hair loss- I am definitely shedding more, and it is pretty annoying, but not alarming. I noticed it start at about 3 months out, and decided to add another protein shake to my daily intake. I figure it will last another month or two, based on what I have seen other people post. Honestly, though, it is not something I am worried about. I am not having huge clumps of hair fall out, and thank goodness for that! I have really fine hair already, LoL. 2. Vitamins and water- I take my vitamins and drink at least 64 oz of water daily. Those are two things I don't mess with. The one supplement that is not included in my vitamin is iron though, and it tends to give me stomach issues. I am able to regularly eat 1200 calories per day, and my blood tests have come out normal, so I am on kind of "wait and see" pattern for that one. 3. Caffeine and soda- The food police will not appreciate my moment of honesty here. I do drink caffeine but it doesn't bother me at all. I drink the grape flavor of crystal light, and the small amount of caffeine helps me get going in the morning. Yes yes, I know that not all doctors approve of it, but I need a boost. And for soda, even before surgery, I had a calorie-free soda at night as a "bedtime snack". It was always my reward for drinking at least 100 ounces of water (I miss being able to chug water, lol). Well, I now have a small glass of sprite zero at night, as long as I hit my water goals beforehand. 4. Portion sizes - I feel like I can eat decent size portions, similar to a kid-sized meal. I see people post that they can only eat 2 or 3 bites of food, and that just is not me. For example, we eat breakfast tacos (with low carb tortillas) often. I can eat just over half of a breakfast taco. If we are eating crispy beef (or turkey) tacos, I can eat one whole one. I can also eat a small chicken breast, turkey patty, fish, etc. Honestly, I eat just about everything, although I make it a habit to make healthy choices most of the time (I am totally eating half of a strawberry shortcake cupcake as I write this, but don't tell anyone, lol). I still don't like rice (nothing new), and definitely can't eat fried foods anymore. I had issues with that after I had my gallbladder removed (5 months before surgery), and it is even worse now. 5. Daily caloric intake - I am eating roughly 1200 calories per day and I am losing weight really quickly. I have lost 45 pounds since the day of my surgery, which is a good amount considering I started with a lower BMI (38). Today I weighed in at 184 and my personal goal is 170. My doctors think I will easily surpass that, but I would be content at just hitting that weight. I worry about that though, because my doctors want me to lose more. At a height of 5'6, they prefer that I weigh 140-150. If and when I get to 160, I will increase my calories to maintenance , and hopefully stay between 160-170. 6. Excess skin- I am doing ok with this right now, although my arms look like wings at this point. Saying that, they have looked this way for years from previous weight loss and weight gaining patterns, so I don't contribute it to my VSG. I may consider having surgery in the future, but not until we are done having kids and I build my muscle back up. As for the rest of my body, I am doing well, no issues to report. I hope that it remains that way, but time will tell. I think at this point though, even losing 20 more pounds will not make enough of a difference to justify plastics (outside of my arms).

I also have Anthem BCBS and had to go through 6 months of doctor visits, 1 psych evaluation, a nutritionist visit, etc. I began my journey in May and met the surgeon yesterday as the final step and sign off. The Bariatric Coordinator submitted my paperwork for approval today and it came back approved today!! So it was an immediate turn around. As for the weight gain, I lost about 8lbs and regained a few. I was still approved.

Yep, just that simple. If they enrolled you in that group appointment you're already approved. When you go, they'll have you fill out a bunch of paperwork about your weight struggles, diets you've tried etc. Be honest. They'll measure your vitals, height, weight, and calculate your starting BMI; that will be your criteria. As long as you don't increase from that intial weight and BMI, you're good. You'll meet the Bariatric Team at this group session, including an individual appt with the surgeon who will spend a good bit of time talking to you and explaining everything and answer any questions you may have. If you smoke, quit. You'll get disenrolled / delayed if you continue to smoke. They offer smoking cessation classes as part of the program. They check compliance by doing a urine cotinine test. The majority of the program is simply going through the nutrition classes and you are required to keep a food log (on paper or something like My Fitness Pal). They meet once per month and you must attend each one. You will be weighed at every appt. and if you feel like you need additional help, you can go to the nutrition clinic at any point. Lab work gets ordered to check you for baseline things that may be causing weight gain (Vitamin D deficiency, low Cortisol levels, undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, anemia, low thyroid etc). If anything comes back abnormal, they'll offer you treatment and medications. Once you complete the group nutrition classes, you'll have an individual nutrition appt and that is who will clear you as a good surgery candidate. If the nutritionist feels you haven't done "the work" (food journaling, meeting daily Protein requirements, Water intake, exercising), you'll be considered "non-compliant" and not ready for surgery because you've demonstrated an inability to make changes. They'll work with you more until you get there. You have to attend one Weight Loss Support Group. They usually only meet once per month as well. Once the nutritionist clears you, the Bariatric Nurse will schedule your Psych evaluation. Most people get cleared with that first appt. If not, they'll have you go back for a follow-up. They are just evaluating you for readiness for such a life altering change; making sure you have a support system in place; that you don't think surgery is a magic bullet; and that you understand your risk for cross dependency. The surgery forces you to physically give up food as a crutch but does absolutely nothing for the emotional dependency you have with food. Plenty of times food addiction is traded for something else like alcohol. Once you are cleared from your Psych eval, the Bariatric Nurse will schedule your EGD. This is done to assess the health of your esophagus, stomach, gall bladder, biopsy stomach skin to check for H. Pylori, and to check for any hernias that may be present (like a hiatal hernia) - because they would remove an unhealthy gall bladder and repair the hernia when the sleeve surgery is done. H. Pylori (a common bacterial infection in the stomach) would have to be treated prior to surgery; this encompasses two weeks on 2 different antibiotics. Once cleared from the EGD, you'll be scheduled for a final appt with the surgeon. It's at that time you'll need medical clearance from any specialist you may see for pre-existing confitions (such as cardiology or pulmonology). Then your surgery gets scheduled. A two week liquid diet is required before surgery (in order to shrink your liver so the surgery is easier to perform), and two weeks after surgery. Your diet will be progressed from then on as you go back for follow-ups. Hope this helps!

Thanks for everyone's advice. I will let you know when this stall and weight gain stops. I have added another mile to my walks and trying to drink more water and I had stopped the protein shakes because my Nut said no protein shakes after 1 month because of my kidney disease and am restarting to drink them.

Exercise burns fat. There are plenty of medical reports to back this up as well as a myriad of recommended daily exercising amounts. For WLS patients, 60 mins of focused exercise is more beneficial than not. Active muscles use more fuel then sedentary muscles. And larger muscle mass needs more fuel than smaller, so, exercising has several, critical benefits to WLS patients, including building habits that support continued success and reduction in potential rebound weight gains. My suggestions are just that, suggestions. Based on facts and research, but you all can absolutely do whatever works for your situation. Just trying to be helpful. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

From what my insurance says for revision due to weight gain, it must be over 2 years since first surgery, and less than 50% excess body weight loss, and following the nutrition guidelines for weight loss since the operation. Good luck!!

Thanks for the input and questions. I don't count calories because the NUT instructed the class to focus on low carb high Protein. I have looked back at what I have eaten for the past week and the calories are around 1000. I swim laps in the community pool (big) and alternate the breast stroke, side stroke, back stroke and don't coast after turning. My main concern is the low protein (yes the weight gain is bothersome but if I am not absorbing the protein consumed I worry that I will become malnourished) I am not against increasing my protein intake, actually I have tried adding addition protein Snacks to get up to 100 gm of protein. I managed to get to goal one day but I was eating almost constantly. I had to stay aware of the time and make the snacks in advance so they were handy. Eating constantly is not a lifestyle I want to adopt and taking food with me when running errands is not especially convenient.

Alex, I have always had an ALL-OR-NOTHING mentality throughout my life..... only where weight loss, dieting, and exercise was concerned. Thus, I had never been able to MAINTAIN a weight loss. As soon as I would lose, and hit my first plateau, I would start to gain. But, my decision to give up daily and weekly weigh-ins has changed me. I don't see the stalls or plateaus as much, so I don't throw in the towel, so to speak. It was very liberating for ME. Plateaus in the past, would put me over the edge, and in the end, always resulted in weight GAIN, because I couldn't handle them. Enjoyed your article. It made me realize again that the road to weight loss and getting fit is NOT a straight path, but a road with twists, turns, and even plateaus along the way!

Over the past week I have gained 3.2 lb, so I am freaking out; however, I have been working out twice a week with a trainer, and have lost 2.2% body fat over the past week as well. I did not realize miscle weighs that much more than fat.....is this normal to gain weight with weight training???

AH Madigan Army Medical what a wonderful place to get lost in bureaucracy lol. We were stationed at Ft. Lewis when all this started. They were the ones that denied my cervical cancer, after one of their doctors had performed a full radical hysterectomy . I’m glad you are feeling better about your situation. I know it’s an inconvenience, but I still feel you made the right move to get the ball rolling. My conditions stem from digestive troubles which ultimately led to weight gain that led to other disorders. And the rest is history. I personally feel like military doctors are programmed to discourage what they consider elective surgery. I got the same response for most of the doctors at Lewis that I just needed to exercise. They lacked to realize I was quickly declining in the ability to do so even though I struggled through and dieted and exercised as hard as I could and still do. I have actually had a physician from a military installation tell me he feels that spouse’s use the services of the Army medical to get surgeries they don’t need. And it is this mindset that has most likely discouraged many people who need specific treatments in order to obtain better health. My disease came with no warning signs or symptoms and it was by chance they discovered the fibrosis of my liver while I was having my gallbladder removed. With every part of my being I implore everyone to ask questions about your liver before or after surgery for your own sake. I wish you the best of luck and keep in touch on your progress J P.S. No charge on the Therapy session, it’s my job jkjkjkjk ( I’m a psychology student..lol)

Okay, so I've overshot my final goal, and my wife is upset that I'm getting "too skinny". Now what? I'm still losing, slowly, but I really need to stop, and maybe even put 2-3 pounds back on. I guess I need to get out of ketosis. My doc suggested adding back carbs that you'd eat cooked with a meal (brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat Pasta, etc. And I'm guessing quinoa, barley and oatmeal would probably be okay, too. Can any of you vets who have successfully transitioned to maintenance advise about how you did it? What can we do to stop the weight loss – and what shouldn't we do – in order to prevent weight gain? Thanks in advance!!!

Oh my just weighed myself today. I have gained 4 pounds can’t seem to get them off I do not know what to do. I am exercising and eating right. My surgery is February 7th. I am so worried that if I don’t lose the weight they will cancel my surgery. Any one ever had surgery cancelled? I am to start my period (sorry TMI) soon and I think that is why I am bloated, but will they understand that? Any advice?

I have heard that having a BMI to that extreme, it would be quickly moved along to prevent further weight gain and complications. But, I have also heard that a 3 month requirement of trying to lose weight on your own may have to be done. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, my insurance is a 3 month wait. And there have been times that it was sooooo long! But now i have my last appointment April 10! It feels like it flew by (if that makes sense). Since I decided to get surgery in November, I went through a lot of different emotions, food funerals, weight gain, and acceptance. Looking back I think I really do need this time to prepare myself for this transition. I know what I want, and I am figuring out ways to deal with my emotional eating habits before the big day. I am hopeful it is going to help me tremendously. Take this time to focus on yourself and really deal with the issues you personally have with food. The time goes by faster than you think : ) good luck!

Green I hear you about the history of depression and yet have little to feel depressed about. Interesting times we live in huh? i mean so many popel on depression meds. What is going on? Cloe do not wean yourself from Effexor it can be hell, do it as your doc tells you so you don't have a hard time of it okay? I don't know is it our weight that contibutes to or is thecause of our depression or a side effect of being depressed is the weight gain? I mean look at me now, banded, liek I am taking care of this busness and still stuffing my face, although I can't get in half of what i used to, even before the restriction, but I have messed up already so many times. I am now on pureed but sick of that so I am eating normally sort of. Anyway correlation definetly between the wirght and depression although i like the depression with the losing weight issues others have. I could've used that for a year or two. Anyway I am stil goign to try and get to the gym today bt I ahve to take my Newf sophie to the vet and I have a feeling it might be time to put her down.

Edie, thanks for your message. I don't think I am trying to hurt myself. Why do I eat or anyone here who go to this place? I dunno, But all I know is that I have eaten for celebrations, grief, just about everything and even numbness and continued well after i wasn't hungry. I am seeing a shrink right now as I know I needed help with the eating thing and it was she who suggested the lapband, I didn't know anything about it before. AS far as why I eat....I still do not know or how I got here. I have taken wellbutrin and as you know many antidepressants have side effects that are worse than what they are for and the one big one is weight gain, so I had little alternative. Thankyou for your concern. This has been hard for me...I have stumbled and fell a few times and this is the only place I feel safe and accepted to discuss my fears and hopefully success. I am inspired by the many folks here who are there for each other and me too, so I tell all, and do not worry about judgement and that alone is very freeing. I must say I had a non weight victory today if that is what they call it. This was the first day I actually did some excercise and was able to do half an hour on my tread mill. I may not have been able to get with it in the aug challenge that Cloe started but hopefully I can get with it for Sept. I thank you for your care and concern.:hug: Kim

Hey everyone I had the switch in September of 2020. I was 419 pounds and got to the lowest point on October 14 where I was 172 pounds. However in the last 3 weeks I am back to 179. I’m getting all in my head and trying to figure out if I’m doing something wrong or is there going to be weight gain regardless. I just figured I had more time. Any feedback would be super amazing.

Ive gained backed 7 lbs this fall as ive not been able to walk or run due to a heel injury. ( No walking allowed until January ) Id give anything to be able to run , so if your body is strong enough to exercise, try to take advantage of it ! Find something you like, or try something you've never tried before. How about cycling class, swimming, dance class , etc. As far as food, my weight gain is also because im eating too many sweets ! Sugar is my kryptonite ! I don't cook much differently than I did before, we just lean meals towards Diabetic cooking, its all good and lots of variety. Try googling for some meal ideas. Good luck !!

I am not in the same situation as you but just wanted to say that I have gained about 90 lbs since hubby and I have been together and he never said a word about my weight. I don't think that he "likes" me fat....I think that he just lovea me despite that...lol. He probably never said anything because he didn't want to be hurtful...I'm sure he noticed my weight gain. Lol

I know the feeling, it truly makes you wanna skip the whole process, but when you think about light at the end of the tunnel you're reminded why you started this journey in the first place. I can go on and on about water weight, muscle vs. fat to explain the weight gain and as logical as it is it doesn't make you or any of us feel any better when the numbers on the scale go UP. A week and a half go, I got on the scale, log my weight, had my band adjusted ate properly, exercised 3 days out of 7, got back on the scale the following week and had gained 10 freaking pounds. So trust me when I say, I feel your pain. I encourage you to hang in there, keep your head up and keep doing the right thing and it'll all pay off in the end.

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.

Hey all! I need some help or advice! I lost 53 pounds last year with my band. I hurt my back and was very limited on my exercise and ended up gaining back 15 pound the past 4 months! I have had one fill in the last 4 months and somedays I feel constricted and other days I feel nothing! Has anybody else gone through a weight gain and what did u do to get back on track??? #frusterated!

Like I said my psychologist is aware of how I am. And no I do not think eating a healthy homade soup everyday is a problem. You do not have to eat a ton of food to lose weight. Soup has a ton of nutrients in it including Protein. It is not canned food with tons of salt and preservative. In fact my nutritionist wrote down the recipe. I will continue to drink the 30 grams of Protein Drink as much as I can. My primary doctor will also check on me and I go to both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. So I am good. In fact it was my psychiatrist a gift for me to even get the surgery. Because she knew how much this weight gain bothered me. I am in good hands if my doctor seems any kind of life threatening issues he will make me get it reversed. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Good evening, everyone! I am a 21 year-old with a BMI of 38 and hoping to get the lap band surgery sometime in the near future. I have tons and tons of questions and I have heard that this board is incredibly helpful so here they are! Firstly, my husband and I don't have insurance yet. He changed jobs which caused us to not have insurance for a couple of months. Our new insurance is going to kick in as of June 1, 2007 and this is when I'm going to start my journey of trying to get approved for the surgery. I don't even know if our insurance covers any of it but I am hopeful and I still want to get as much research as possible within me. We are going to have UHC so my guess some of it could be covered but who knows, I will find out in June once we get our cards, info packets, etc. etc. Anywho, here are my questions.... 1) It's been a little over a year since I've had a pap smear. I'm going to go once our insurance kicks in and I'm going to let my doctor know that I haven't had a period in 7 months and that I am interested in having a weight loss surgery. I'm very sure it's due to my recent weight gain, do you think she would be willing to write a letter of recommendation to the insurance company that the reason for surgery is a health issue? 2) How will I know what other procedures I need to get done before being considered for the surgery? Does the insurance company tell me this or the surgeon? 3)After that, do I just call up my surgeon (I'm wanting to go to Dr. Spivak in Houston, TX) and say "Hey! I'm interested in getting the lap band surgery!" and do they just guide me from there? 4)Is it possible to lose weight w/ out fills or are they necessary? ...Grr, that's all I can think of as of right now. I took a shower earlier and I swear that I had questions coming out of my ears! Anyway, thanks in advance for all of your help!