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No, not at all. People think their stomach stretches, but it's not that easy for your pouch to stretch out according to my surgeon. I asked her after my 30 lb weight gain and had an endoscopy and she said my pouch was still good to go!

Hi...i was just going through some chats and i came across yours...do you mind me asking what is a belt lipectomy and some other surgeries you had. Are they due to a your weight loss? I had started over May 1 with my sleeve after a long battle of 3 yrs with band. Had the band out and opted for the sleeve. I know for sure once i hit my goal i will need my tummy done. I have had 3 c sections so my tummy is really stretched and with weight gain...i am just curious about the surgeries and what they endure..thank you....

I am scheduled to be sleeved on October 16th. What happens if you gain weight after the supervised diet and exercise classes are done? Ever since I got the call for my surgery date I have been excited, scared, anxious and just about every other emotion you can get during this. I'm just wondering what happens if I do gain weight. Another question I have is....I have my pre op on oct. 4 th. what do I need to expect for that? They said something about test I know I have a class...but if I don't pass a test it will have to be rescheduled. I'm not sure what test it would be.

Hello, I am new to this site, but I just finished my 6 month of the weight management required by my insurance. I must admit I have put on weight. I have just this month lost 5 lbs but I put a total of 19 pounds in the 6 months. I go see the surgeon tomorrow and am a little worried that my weight gain may get me denied. Has anyone had this problem?

I gained 9lbs by one day post op. I know it's all fluid and will come off, but I'm wondering if you all counted your weight loss from the weight pre op or with th weight gain post op. I'm all depressed now thinking that 9 of the 20lbs I expect to los this month are just water weight.

My doctor let me decide though he suggested bypass. I chose the sleeve. First reason - dumping and alcohol. We entertain a lot with wine pairing dinners. Not willing to give that up. Second was purely anecdotal. Having lost a lot with band then regaining after it failed, I am completely averse to rebound weight gain. I saw too many examples of rebound weight gain in bypass patients as people’s intestines learned to absorb nutrients (and calories) again.

NON SCALE VICTORY....lol It is a good feeling when you are in the middle of a simple conversation with your husband and he stops you to say....."wow, babe...you are really beautiful". and of course I ask him where that came from and he say to me. "You know I think you are beautiful. But you can already see a difference in your self confidence and I really like it". <INSERT HAPPY DANCE> I am CRAZY IN LOVE with my husband. It's weird...5 years together and he still gives me butterflies. I didn't realize how my weight gain had effected my relationship...because of how I felt about myself.....but it did. Everytime I turn around today I have Corey coming up behind me to steal kissed or hugs and to tell me how sexy or beautiful I am. The way he acts you would have thought I had already lost 100lbs instead of 25 to 30lbs. It is wonderful.... It truly reaffirms the fact that I made the right decision to get the surgery. He tells me everyday that he is so proud of me. I know I am a very lucky woman and I cannot thank God enough for such a special man in my life. He's not perfect (Lord knows he can make me mad at times) but he is perfect for me. He likes to read my blogs and is always impressed with the support I receive from all of you ...... but I hope he knows that his support is amazing in itself. THAT IS MY NON SCALE VICTORY SO FAR.....and I would say it's a pretty darn good one!

First off, congrats. Secondly, start eating carbs, not necessarily white carbs, but don't be in ketosis. You need to get into see a doctor immediately so they can pull blood levels, and type your blood. They may not want to see you until you are 8 weeks, every doctor is different. I was advised to eat 1700-1800 calories a day of a well-balanced, nutrient dense diet. You do not necessarily have to see a high risk ob. I have to see one because of my clotting disorder and because of previous miscarriages and my age, VSG plays a very small role in my pregnancy. You'll need to continue to take Vitamins. I'm actually allowed to stay on my Celebrate bariatric vitamins because they have more folic acid, and Iron than some prenatals which are the 2 they look at for pre-natal vitamins. As for the concern of weight gain, believe me, I 'm right there with you. I've gained about 5lbs in 12 weeks, and my belly has popped so none of my regular clothes are fitting, and I'm back up to a size 5. Which is a total mind f*ck, but it's getting better, and I don't want to hear that I'll lose the weight, I effin know I'll lose the weight, but that doesn't make the fact that I'm gaining any easier. I can not comment on getting married. I personally do not believe in getting married out of convenience or pregnancy. But, if you love the man, and want to marry him, then that is what is important. I'm an Air Force wife, and let me just say that if you have not experienced being married to or dated someone in the military or have zero military life experience, it is a total bitch. Believe me, I love the life that the Air Force affords us, but we sacrifice a lot. You and the baby will come second to his career, the military in general does NOT care if you have a baby while he is deployed, his schedule won't change because he's married, nor will they accommodate him in any manner other than giving him more money for his housing allowance, and you'll get insurance that is not all it's cracked up to be. I have learned to maneuver the system, but it is not fun, and there are a lot of regulations that you might or might not like. Being a military wife is by far the most frustrating thing I have ever done. But, I am grateful for the guaranteed paycheck, and benefits, the sacrifices that we make do not compare to the amount of time we spend apart, nor does any of it get any easier. I've adjusted well, but being pregnant, and my husband working 12-15hours a day, 5-6 days a week is exhausting and it's very draining. Marrying a man in the military is not as romanticized as TV or movies it, there are 3 wars/conflicts going on, my husband has a 72 hour bag, and 90 day bag packed and ready to go at a moment's notice, and I have to stare at those damn things every day of my life knowing that if the call comes in, he's gone. My husband has been in for almost 11 years, and is an E5 about to sew on E6, and believe me, military pay sucks. You'll qualify for WIC, and possibly other gov't assistance, and you'll need it. I know I'm not being positive polly, but being married to the military is just that, you're married to the military. There is an old saying " if we( the US military) wanted you to have a wife, we'd issue you one." And in some regards that is 100% true. There are tons of services available to you as a military spouse, and it is a great community, but there is a lot of negatives that come with it as well. I could tell you that it's all sunshine and daisies, but that's a complete and utter lie. With the new administration, they have cut funding, my husband's allowances were cut this year, as were health benefits, and regulations are stringent. BUT, there are a lot of positives. I have zero regrets being a military wife. I'm proud of my husband, and the job he does, but I can tell you that it is stressful, and draining. I use every resource, and available benefit the military life offers. There is spouse tuition assistance, and the Post-911 GI bill can be used for the spouse or children. We are actually using John's GI bill for the kids. He gets an annual tuition assistance from the military, and that is what he uses for online classes for his degree instead of using his GI bill. I am a stay at home mom/wife, but I do major couponing, I shop on base, I stretch every dollar we have, and by no means do we live paycheck to paycheck, but that will all change when the baby arrives. We do live very comfortably on my husband's salary, and I supplement by working part time with my lia sophia business. I really do love the Air Force because of all the resources and services that are available to us, but I won't lie and tell you that the long hours, deployments, TDYs, and exhausting shifts are easy to manage especially with children. If you have questions about the insurance, how it works, or anything else, please feel free to message me. There are 2 different options for the insurance, and it truly depends on how you want to manage your healthcare. There are pros and cons to both options. You will need to sign up for military dental insurance for spouses/children. Again, there is a lot of information, and stuff that you'll have to do if you get married. It's a great opportunity, but go in "eyes wide open". Also, know that the plication surgery is not a covered service with Tricare, nor is VSG, so you might be limited to the first Tricare Prime option which is the H M O option, and Tricare Standard which is the PPO definitely will not cover anything related to your plication. I can explain all this to you in more details, but it's extensive and might be easier to explain via a phone call.

Woo HOO.. Congrats to the Tampa Bay Rays :biggrin: Off to the world series they go.. I was so nervous for them I almost got the nervous munchies, but I caught myself... ha ha.. During the world series I think I am going to have to go to an island far way with no T.V. and no food.. HA HA Wish me luck everyone ha ha I don't want any World Series weight gain :thumbup:

Maybe change up the types of foods you're eating for a few weeks, like eat different vegetables or different proteins, or do different exercises to the extent your able to? But I agree with @catwoman7 that depo can cause weight gain so it could be from that, or just your body reacting to the medical procedure you just had. I hope you are able to lose again soon!

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie. After 3 yrs of back and forth (and weight gain), I decided to make a change. The insurance approval finally came, and the surgery date happened so fast! My liquid pre-op diet starts tomorrow, surgery 8/26. I'm getting a little nervous bc I'be tried EVERY diet known to man, but never a liquid diet for 2 wks. Im going to get dressed now and pick up some shakes/vitamins. Just wanted to say hi and that I'm happy there is a forum of ppl who understand the weightloss struggle. Im def anxious to start my new healthy way of life :-) Tiff

I knew you meant one week per stage. U might need longer... They took me off the combination blood pressure pill so I no longer have the diuretic aspect... just in a regular bp pill that doesn't cause weight gain..first change my gp made Seeing endocrinologist is a great idea to rule out medical problems. I keep thinking there is a test that can show if your sleeve is still correctly done....?? I hope you keep or kept logs if your diet reset and weight numbers to show the Dr. They love stuff like that pkus when we're re fat, ppl don't likely give us the benefit of a doubt when we say, the diet isn't working or related!!

Thank you so much ! Well don't lose hope. The extra weight I was carrying was the reason I had trouble for years getting pregnant. We tried for sooooooooooo long and then I lost some weight and bam it happened! Can't say I had any complications. Will say I was watched carefully. In my 3rd month found out had gestational diabetes. So I was sorta of labeled high risk. My diabetes was controlled with diet. <~~ Which I really watched and I think that was the reason for the low weight gain. I wish you well and thanks for the wonderful response

for the last twenty years I was over weight, whey bigger the my older brother! now im alot smaller now he just hates it. I have thirty pounds to my goal weight of 180.in the past i was down to 190 and took a break from any thing to do with weight loss, after two years of living on a low calorie diet and walking I, just needed a break to clear my mind. I had a problem and a fear of weight gain and I let my self gain a few pounds back and i m happy to say that I can gain a few pounds and I, can lose weight as I want.........I have the power to lose and the knowledge to do it. as of today I, will start watching my weight and start counting calories again. I hope every one out there is taking time to lose weight! good luck I, will be talking to you soon as I start to come closer to my goal weight! JOHN

Well, likely you WILL be restricted to a small amount of food forever or suffer painful consequences, or one would hope so, the other side of that coin in rebound weight gain. Two and a bit years on, I find this tiresome sometimes, not at home, but out, like sometimes I think "I wish I could take this darn thing out and just eat easily this once". Not that I have many problems, I can eat anything, but I tire of being "aware" of it all the time to avoid blockages and PB, particularly in social situations where I am talking (dangerous for me!). Other than that, I dont count Protein, dont count calories, dont obsess over drinking Water and never did. I find maintenance eating IS easier than losing weight eating, I'm much less stringent these days and enjoy a very normal lifestyle, but you do have to think about long term health. You can maintain your weight on crap food if you eat small amounts, and that's not ideal. As to exercise, well, where there's a will there's a way. I run regularly but do suffer from sciatica, a heavy and aching right leg and chronic heel bursitis on the right side, it really makes life misery sometimes, but I can run strangely enough where I cant walk fast. Its more the day to day drudgery of this condition and not actual pain or discomfort while I am exercising that bothers me and I'm still doing the rounds of various therapies to try to find something that will a) identify what the problem actually is after more than five years and :biggrin: relieve the problem. I've had GREAT success with acupuncture lately. But I keep on running because I'd rather run, stay thin and fit and have discomfort (not bad pain usually) than stop running, mimise my symptoms, get fat again and get the symptoms back due to obesity anyway. And every single professional I've seen has advised me to remain active. But its a matter of finding an activity you can tolerate - swimming for example?

Nighttime snacking is definitely my downfall also. I eat a semi healthy Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (only eating 6-8 bites) but start my mindless snacking at nite when I lie in bed and watch tv. Thought about making my bedroom off limits for food. I have 22 lbs to get to goal and I made a deal with myself last month. I'd start trying to lose again after the holidays. Until then, I'm happy maintaining. Hubby also gained 40 lbs over the last 9 mths since he's been eating carbs willy nilly (he's usually an Atkins fan) and also has plans of starting Atkins Induction on Jan 2nd. So while I won't be doing Atkins, I can certainly cut down on my bad carbs and cut out the nighttime snacking. And my nightly glass of red wine - of course while in bed. I'm hoping my eating carbs (not to mention that we recently moved in with my FIL and hubbys daughter. MIL passed away 2 mths ago so we're helping out FIL) and others eating carbs (I don't eat much so I never really caused him to stumble but now that there's 2 other people in the household, not sure whats gunna happen) don't make my husband stumble. Anyway, as I was saying, I know where ur coming from. Snacking is the culprit on much of our weight gain or at least preventing us from losing. And I don't mean 1/2 an apple with PB. I'm talking a handful of cheese Its, a scoop of ice cream, 1/2 PB and banana sandwich, a few bits of dinner leftovers, a handful of corn nuts, 5-10 Hershey Kisses (who can resist the green and red ones at holiday time?), an ice cream sandwich, or 1/2 Starbucks biscotti. All things I've snacked on this past week So on jan 2nd, I will ban all food in my bedroom. That oughta help take off the final 22 lbs (albeit slowly. I know the last 20 are the hardest) Good luck to u too!

I didn't want to take lyrica because of the possible weight gain. I've tried everything and I'm on Lexapro and Cymbalta. But the only thing that takes the edge off is hydrocodone. And it totally is a catch 22 because it is so painful to exercise.... Especially afterwards, it feels like my muscles just tighten up and I can hardly move:/

I had a similar conversation with a friend recently, (my BMI is supposed to be 100 lbs. I would be happy at 135-145! But my nutritionist suggested if I strive toward closer to my BMI, when the natural weight gain happens, I will be around 125.... ) she completely didn't see the point of getting so tiny and it really confused me. . I am so glad to share this with someone.

I had lost 3 lbs. then at my last visit to set the surgery date I had gained seven. I told the doctor I had quit smoking and was trying to fight both battles. Plus my insurance was changing and they were not going to cover the operation, I had a appointment within two weeks to be banded on Dec. 30th. And they were strict also about the no weight gain. It all in how you present it.

Okay I had my 3rd fill and I gained 2lbs. Now I must accept resonsibility, because I know I have made the worse food choices this past six weeks. I've even been drinking, wine :thumbdown: and mojitos. Forgive me (I'm holding my head down in shame). Now I can two 1 of two things at this point. Feel sorry for myself or be greatful that it was only a 2lb weight gain and get off my butt and do what I know is right. I choose to get off my butt and do what I know is right. I didn't go through all this for nothing I tell you that. The surgery, time off of work, the money I've invested So today is a new day for me and I'm going to start making the right choices. and move forward. My birthday is July 23rd and I will be 43 years old. My current weight is 262,. My goal is to be at 225 by my birthday. That is a weight lost of 37lbs in 3.5 months. That is something that I should be able to do. So here I go... Hope to hear from you ladies soon. Our board was one of the most happening spots and now I hear crickets when I sign on ...

That's wonderful , a whole pregnancy with no weight gain !! I know your very excited for your new bundle of joy.. I wish you all the best with the continued weight loss and your new baby .. congratulations

It's quite normal to put on weight during pregnancy! Your body is growing and changing to give your baby the best start in life. Here's where the extra weight comes from: At birth, the average baby weighs anywhere between 2.8 and 3.3kg. During pregnancy, the muscle layer of your womb (uterus) grows dramatically and weighs an extra 0.9kg. The placenta, which nourishes your baby, weighs just over 0.5kg. Your breasts weigh an extra 0.4kg. Your blood volume increases and weighs an extra 1.2kg. You have extra Fluid in your body, and amniotic fluid around the baby, weighing around 2.6kg. You will also lay down some fat during your pregnancy to provide you with extra energy for breastfeeding. This comes to about 2.5kg. So, by the end of your pregnancy you might weigh about 10.5 - 11kg more than you did before you became pregnant. This is an average weight gain but of course, you're not an average woman. And no woman is. Thanks Toronto Gazebos

It has been just about a year since I visited this site. That date coincides with having my band removed for medical reasons. I am not writing this post to "bash" the band. I am thankful for my opportunity to lose weight with my band, and to get my life back. I wanted to let others know that should they have the misfortune of having to have their band removed, it is not the end of your healthier life. I wanted to share my experiences, as I know what an emotional journey it has been for me, and to perhaps inspire others to never give up on themselves. Unlike many others who opted to revise to another WLS, I chose to not have a revision because my PCP advised me to give my inflamed GI tract a rest, as there was excessive scar tissue at my band site. I am amazed that if not careful, I am still able to get food stuck, even after the initial adjustment post band removal. I believe I knew from the beginning that I would not have a long relationship with my band. I decided to make the most of my banded life, and embraced my new banded lifestyle. I was the poster child for diet and exercise compliance. And I feel I was reasonably successful with losing 90+ pounds during the 22 months I was banded. Now, about a year later, I have gained 5-6 pounds. The surgeon who removed my band told me to expect to gain around 10 pounds. I feel good about not gaining 10 pounds, but I need to be vigilant every day post band, as I was while I had my band to make healthy food choices and control my portions. What has worked to help me to maintain a healthier weight: Continue to eat like a banister. I still choose a lean Protein and a produce carb for every meal. My portions are still band sized, with the exception of adding a couple of ounces of lean protein for meals. I look for signs of satiety, and leave leftovers on my plate. Exercise continues to be a priority, both cardio and toning. Snacks are limited to Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, and a few raw nuts. Above all I am thankful for the opportunity to have lost weight, and with continued good choices for diet and exercise am so far maintaining a healthier weight. I never achieved my goal weight, a huge disappointment for me. However, there is so much more on the positive side for me. I am now in training, and on pace to complete my first Half Marathon in February. This event is on my bucket list! There are the same challenges every day, with or without the band. I have to manage my hunger, drink sufficient Water to help avoid eating between meals and in the evening. I keep my mind active with other focal points. My best practice I want to share, is that awareness and mindful eating is a life long event for anyone who has had to battle their weight. So is getting active with exercise, and continuing to be dedicated to your goals. My enduring motivation to continue to make good choices is always to remember how much my overall health has improved. I had several serious co-morbidities prior to being banded, and now am able to walk for miles with no pain and without getting winded. Most of my health issues are resolved. I am mindful that I could lose all of the benefits I have gained through weight loss if I lose my focus on my healthier habits. Those habits have become internalized, and now are second nature. Can I eat more if I wanted to, yes. I feel good about choosing not to. Can I choose slider foods that are high in fat and calories? Of course, we all can. But for me, it just feels better, both physically and psychologically not to. Am I hungry? Yes, most times than not. It is my accepted "normal". I wanted to let others know that losing your band can be a very scary and anxiety provoking event. This past year has been a proverbial emotional roller coaster for me. But it does not mean that it is the end of a healthier life and inevitable excessive weight gain. Do I sometimes question the wisdom of not choosing to have a revision? Yes, and I know that if my weight ever were to get out of control I do have the option to choose another WLS. Above all, I understand that my future with my weight is dependent on the choices I make every day. I am up for the challenge, every day. And we all take a day at a time. Best wishes for continuing success to us all!

Hi! Yay for a poster in the April banders section! I'm doing really well. I had some really big issues with dry heaving at the start until we figured out my Vitamins and B12 were causing it. I've been taken totally off those as of 3.5 weeks and its stopped the problems. That did, however cause a 4 pound weight GAIN because I could suddenly actually eat again. (I was literally starving myself because of the dry heaving) That being said...I've relost those 4 pounds and am down a total of 21 pounds so far with a goal to hit 25 by this next sunday...4 pounds this week? lol. I can try, right? I was banded 4/24/13. Two days ago I decided to try on a pair of capris that have always been too tight and hurt my belly if I wore them for any amount of time. They fit! No pain! No rubbing! No gut sucking to zip them up. That was a great NSV. Those capris have caused me so much grief over the years, though...I can't wait to get rid of them because they are too big! No fill yet...Scheduled for June 7th.

Sorry to hear of your injury, Coops! Sounds like you have a handle on the tracking of your food intake. I think that is the best way you could prevent any weight gain while you are out of commission as far as exercise goes. Keep your chin up! Maybe it will sort itself out quickly