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I have had to have revisionary band surgery (two actually). They weren't worse than the intial surgery and I'm still alive. I haven't "strictly" followed the diet plan. I am an emotional eater, but the band keeps me from emotionally overeating. I have emotional problems (childhood of abuse) that caused my weight gain as well as medical problems (PCOS) that made it all but impossible to lose on my own. 8 months out, I've lost 102lbs. I bet you could find a ton of other successful people. One question: why all the band hate?

I am 2 years post op RNY and have gained 30 lbs over the course of this past year? My surgeons office is not helping, cant ever get hold of the nutritionist and she never calls me back. Getting so frustrated. All they did at my last check up was write me a prescription for PGX Daily to take 2 packets before my meals, told me to stop any and all snacks (not even healthy snacks are aloud). I was not a big snacker anyway, may have had a bananna or a portion of cheese to hold over from lunch to dinner. I will admit that the winter was particular harsh and could not get out much to do all the walking/jogging I was doing (no excuse for not exercising as I should). I cant get the weight to go down. I dont know how much protein I should be consuming, how many calories I should be, or anything. Need help! I was told by my surgeons office that they want me to go back to seeing them every 6 months and if I can not lose the 30 lbs they want to discuss revision surgery making my pouch smaller. I also think that the major weight gain was due to my huge increase in wine for about 6 months. I have stopped drinking wine all together yet still no results?

Congrats on six years out. You are not alone in having a weight gain. Many of us working them off. Here is a link to the vegan/vegetarian bariatric forum. Hope this helps. https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

iam just starting to research plastic surgery. I want abd skin removal and breast augmentation. I want to have a large firm chest. I always had big boobs- even before weight gain. I don't know if i should just get a lift or get implants too. I want to be suuuuuppppper sexy now that I have lost almost 100 pounds.

Hey guys, I'm new around here, and I'm hoping you guys can offer some advice. I'm 10 weeks pregnant and was banded a few years ago. Was about 25 pounds from goal when I found out we'd conceived. My doctor is one that requires an unfill during pregnancy. No biggie, I thought.. I'm having a huge problem with weight gain though. Between my first OB's visit and my second (5 weeks) I had gained 14 pounds. During that time, I was constantly queasy (keeping food in tummy made queasiness better), had quit smoking (can't smoke? EAT! ) and received my unfill. So things are not stacked in my favor. However, after going to the OB and being told nicely that that is a freakish amount of weight to gain, I've really been trying to cut down on everything. When I'm hungry, I'm snacking on fruits and veggies and having a Protein shake for Breakfast. I'm *still* gaining about 2 pounds every few days. It's insane! I dunno what else I can do to get control of this. I am exercising and there's no greasy foods in my diet. Ugh. Has anyone experienced anything like this? I feel full of shame. I'm not at all worried about losing after the baby is born, but I don't want my baby to get an unhealthy start at life, yknow? :thumbup:

2 years 8 months out. Doing good. Reached goal last August. I still have in the back of my mind the twenty pound weight gain they say will / can happen at the two or three year mark.. I weigh weekly so I can stay on top of that situation..

I'm 3 months out of surgery and it took me 4 fills to reach restriction...even though I've had restriction now for a few weeks, learning to eat again has been tough. I still reach for food I know I can't handle, try to eat it, and get the pain that I knew was coming...perhaps my brain has short-term memory loss about how much the pain from eating the wrong foods or overeating causes?! Be kind to yourself, though. Luckily, I haven't had any significant weight gain since the surgery. I've gone up and down a few pounds here and there (especially during Spring Break), but I've maintained a constant downward trend. When you've had enough fills, there will be a COMPLETE change in how/what you eat...even if your brain doesn't accept it. I'm still fighting with my brain/eyes on a daily basis...but I've recommitted to myself today and plan on having a good journey from here!

I started having consults the month I reached goal (7 months post-op) with the intention of getting it done in a couple months. Turns out my doc was booked up, so I had to wait anyway. I ended up getting arm lift, breast lift and tummy tuck 6.5 months into maintenance (14 months post-op over all). In retrospect its good that there was a wait time because I ended up losing another 15-ish lbs by the time PS surgery came around. My doc did say that in terms of effect on results, weight loss results in more effect on results than weight gain. The reason being that scar tissue may not shrink as well as it expands. My PS was done in Dec 2019, and I'm supremely happy that I had it done. Having tight arms in tank tops and being able to go braless in a tube top is pure joy, lol. P.S. I had mine done in Canada, so I can offer no personal recommendations. I do hear that Columbia is an inexpensive and reliable place to consider though.

Lots of solid advice here. I am very grateful that I waited for breast work until I was at a stable weight. When I was at what I thought was my goal weight I was a solid C. I dropped 15 lbs below goal, and went from a C to an A in a month. So my breasts were drastically affected by relatively minor weight loss. On the other hand I am 10-15 lbs above my lowest weight, and my lower body lift has help up perfectly. So my experience also says weight loss is more detrimental that (small to moderate) weight gain.

Hey, I had a TT, Breast Lift and lipo of the flanks back and arms 4 weeks ago. I asked my Dr shitloads of questions, and I still emailed nearly daily with more questions to ask him up until the surgery. Jamie, just remember be CLEAR as possible about what you want. Let them know exactly so you both go into the op with the exactly the same ideas of the final results...How tight, muscle repair, sutures or staples, how high for the nipple, extended vs normal TT, lipo etc...ask it all!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying to find my questions I asked him at my first consult so I can show you... 1.Can you tell how far apart the muscles are before the op? 2.How aggresive are you with muscle repair? 3.How tight do you pull the stomach down? 4.How much longer is my ETT scar going to be vs a normal TT scar? 5.How long for the drains - how long for the binder? 6.How much are you going to take off with lipo in the flanks and back area? 7.Is the ETT going to pull the top of my thighs up and my pinny - Will it lift my butt a little also if the scar goes further around? 8.Will I wake up in pain or is that controlled already? 9.How high do you do the boobs with a lift and what happens with them if I lose more weight, say 15kgs 10.Will you use my ceasar scar? How do you do the scar, long or curved or?? 11.How much skin app will be removed with my TT? 12.Will I have a roll when I sit? 13.Does the ETT involve the vertical cut also? 14.How do you do the belly button - looks wise? Can it be pierced later? 15.How long till I am standing straight? 16.Will my body match with a flat tummy and a waist etc but still fat arms and thighs? 17.Will me having a port with the lapband effect where you can do the lipo on my flanks? 18.staples, stiches or glue? 19.Do we use Bromelain, Arnica or lymphatic massage afterwards? 20.Is pain levels controlled by a pump after? 21.Will I lose nipple sensation? 22.What kind of cut do you do with the TT and the breasts. 23.What kind of belly button do you create. These are questions copied from a plastic surgery forum I am a member of : Muscle Repair Most women who are seeking a tummy tuck will require some muscle repair. Childbirth, weight gain, and aging all contribute. The fascia which holds the muscles together to form a strong core is actually what is repaired, not the muscles. To understand what the fascia is, think about the gristley part of a steak. The part between the meat and the fat. That is what the PS's sew back together to draw the muscles back in. For those who need MR, it can be what causes the most dramatic changes in appearance. Most women having a FTT will have roughly the same amount of skin removed, the area between the pubic mound to just above the belly button. The main difference between a good TT and a great TT is in the details of the MR and the incisions. Having the muscles pulled in nice and tight is what brings in the waist line and the sides, so as to 'frame' the body that the skin will drape over. So how do you know which Drs do the better job? Here's a few tips. * First educate yourself by looking at tons of pics. You can find many right here on MMH -Pictures. Compare one persons results with the other. Visit the Tummy Tuck Message Boards, and follow the recoveries of women. Who was standing straight at what point, how do their results compare with others? What was their initial body type in comparison to yours? Learn to look at pictures with a discerning eye, that's how you'll be able to judge the work of the PS when you visit for a consult. I like to compare a good TT with getting a good paint job. If you take an old rusty car to Maaco and get the $199 special, you'll still be thrilled with the results in comparison to the befores. But if you take the same car to the custom shop, and they remove the bumpers and rebadge and do extra body work, you would be able to tell the difference when compared side by side. In PS, surgeons usually charge about the same in a given geographic area, so make sure you're getting the custom job. * Ask your PS what his philosophy on MR is.. He won't be able to gaurantee you what he'll be able to do for you until he gets into surgery, but he should be able to tell you what he 'usually' does. Is he aggressive? How close - in mm's - will he try and pull them together? How soon can you expect to stand straight? If he tells you, you can stand straight w/i a week, then he either doesn't do aggressive MR, or you didn't need it. Some PS still don't do any MR, and some do only a modest amount. They have their reasons. There's a longer recovery time, more pain for the patient. It also takes them longer in surgery to do a good job, as it usually requires more layers of stitches to do it tighter and have it hold. Discuss your Dr's techniques and his philosophy with him to make sure your expectations are on the same page. Your case may be one where MR is either not required or where he can't be as aggressive for very real reasons. Make sure you have all the info you need to make the right choice. Sutures and Closure Most Dr's will use disolvable internal sutures. Where they vary most is in how they close the incision. Here's the most common types: * Steri-strips or tape. This is placed over the incision to help the 'top' close cleanly. Your Dr will usually advise you not to shower for several days up to a week, to allow the incision to close before exposing to Water. * Glue. If your insicison has been sealed with glue, then you will be able to shower on or about day 2, as the glue will prevent water from touching the incision. Within a week or so, the glue will begin to peel off. * There are still a few Dr's that use staples. There is some risk that the staples will cause extra scarring, tho alot of women have done just fine. And the staples will have to be removed during the first week. Scar Placement As with everything else, this largely is a preference determined by the PS, depending on your body type, the amount of skin to be removed, and the natural fold of the skin. If you get an Extended TT (ETT), then your incision will go all the to the back of your hips. If you have a mini TT (MTT), then your scar will be low and much smaller than most. You may or may not be able to have much say over where the scar is placed, as doing it other than the way the PS recommends could give less than satisfactory results and cause issues such as 'dog ears'. * Where does he recommend the inisicion be placed? * Will it be the smiley face shape or a more straight line? * Can you wear your favorite panties or swim suit to help determine the placement? * How far back will the inicision go? Binders Here in the states most Dr's use a binder for at least some period of time. It helps close the space that was created when seperating the skin/fat from the fascia, which keeps Fluid from collecting. This is to help prevent complications such as a seroma or a hematoma. It can also reduce the amount of swelling by compressing the tissue and forcing fluids out. Some Dr's recommend the Stage 1 binder for a week or two, before graduating you up to a stage 2 garment . A stage 2 garment is usually just a high waisted support panty that you can buy in a store. You don't want something that just comes to the waist, as it can pinch the ab muscles and be extremely uncomfortable. Some Dr's will take the binder away from you in a couple of weeks and not have you use anything. And then there are some - especially in Great Britian - who don't use a binder or garment at all. * Will you wake up in a binder after surgery? If so, what kind? How long will you need to wear this binder? * If you're to provide your own, what does he recommend? * If you're having a combination of procedures, such as a "breast augmentation" or liposuction, how will that effect the garment you should wear? * Can or should you wear a stage 2, and if so, when can you switch from the binder, and how long should you remain in it? Drains Almost all Drs use drains of some type. This is because the lymph system has been disrupted with the skin removal and incision. The drains are put in to assist the body in removing the fluids, so as to reduce swelling and prevent a build up that could cause a seroma or a hematoma. There are some new techniques available now, where drains aren't required. One is a procedure where a sort of 'glue' is made from your own blood to seal the pocket, and another is called pregressive tension sutures, which also closes that pockets. Since they're both pretty new at this point, alot of Dr's are taking a wait and see approach before using this technique for themselves. * Where does the Dr put the entry points for the drains? In the incision directly? Or in the pubis area? Will there be a seperate scar? * How long does he typically leave the drains in? Will he remove one first and then the other? Does it depend on the amount of fluid being drained? * Is there a max length of time that he'll leave a drain in? If it extends for longer than anticipated, does he prescribe antibiotics so as to prevent infection? Time off work The amount of time for recovery depends alot on the amount of MR, as well as the general health and condition of the patient. It seems that most Dr's will recommend at least 2 weeks before returning to work, depending on the type of work you do. Even with a desk job. Sitting can be harder than standing, because of the pressure it puts on the MR. If you return to work at a desk job, make sure you get up often and move around to prevent the muscles from cramping up. During lunch, I would often go out to my car and lean the seat all the way back, so I could rest the muscles mid-day. * How long before you can return to work full time? * How soon before you can resume household duties? I recommend at least 6 months off from this activity. ; ) * How soon before you can take care of small children if you have them? * How long before you can resume exercise? Walking? Weights? * How soon can you drive? Definitions seroma A mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum within a tissue or organ. hematoma A localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel. fascia A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body. As for weight, you will lose about 6 or so kgs if you have a TT. Thats average, some dont lose any. It will also take a while to see it come off because of swelling etc. My Ps said that you can lose another 20 kgs or so after a TT so it doesnt effect the results. I really have to stress that muscle repair is a huge factor of the final results with a TT. It is an absolute must. Make sure you and your PS are both clear that he performs it, because some dont. Also make sure you look at lot of pics of patients they have done with the same procedure. I think you are a perfect weight now to have it done and will get optimal results being so close to your goal. Good Luck if want to know anything else just let me know.

Hi! Paxil is a NOTORIOUS weight gainer! You're lucky you've been able to keep the 12 lbs. off that you lost. I've seen many people gain 5-10 lbs. A MONTH on Paxil. Of course, this doesn't happen to everyone, but Paxil has gained the reputation as one of the antidepressants that can cause the most weight gain. While everyone is different, have you tried Lexapro? In MOST patients it is weight neutral and in some can help w/weight loss at the beginning of use. Good Luck! Give yourself a pat on the back that you have been able to keep that intial weight loss and not gain more. One thing I will say, though, never stop taking your meds without talking to your doctor and you will probably have to be weaned off the Paxil slowly, in increments, if that's what you and your doctor decide.

Has ANYONE else found that medications they were on was partly to blame for their slow weight loss? I am 18 mos out from banding and have only lost 12-15 pounds - and that was during the pre-op diet - haven't gained or lost since surgery. This is VERY frustrating to me. No, I am not a perfect eater, and no, I don't exercise religiously. I'm also not blaming my slow weight loss entirely on medications. However, I do take Paxil and birth control daily. Are these making it more difficult to lose the weight, than if I weren't on them? I know there is documented proof that weight gain is a side effect of birth control; however, that is not a side effect listed on my information from the pharmacy for the Paxil. Although, I have heard many, many times that anti-depressants can cause weight gain. So, if they cause weight gain, is there a chance that they are hindering my weight loss? I have given up so many things (ice cream, pop, etc.)that I feel I should have lost SOME weight by now. What do you think?? Please let me know - I'd like someone to either validate my concern or tell me I'm crazy. Thanks

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 am so dissapointed with myself. It has been a rough year for me and I have returned to seek comfort food. As a result, I have gained 10lbs back.

Don't remember how much I gained in swelling but instead of my usual 00-2 i was wearing size 4 for many months!! Keep following your plan, get your protein and liquids. Also, wear compression as long as you can, the longer you do, the better the final result will be. Once I could wear my own, I bought extra firm compression garments, which I wore for about 6 months. The weight gain is very scary, but it's just swelling. Congrats and best of luck for a smooth recovery.

I agree with sleevesk about the therapist. A lot of people swear that they help so much. I wish I could find someone near me who specializes in disordered eating. I am 16 months post op and got down to my easy goal but not my dream goal. I am on medications that can cause some weight gain so they warned me that may happen. I would’ve been happy enough to maintain there but now I am dealing with some life stress and a medication change and my weight is already starting to creep back up. Not trying to scare you but I am an emotional eater and I know that this would’ve been easier if I had the tools that are learned in therapy. I say you have come this far, may as well do whatever you can to set yourself up for long term success.

Hi all: On May 20th, I had an abdominalplasty and brachoplasty. So far so good, except that I have gained about 10lbs! I am scared of my mind. Has this happned to any of you? Any suggestions as to what I should do? I was thinking of doing my post WLS diet. Just Protein shakes and Soups. What do you guys think? Thanks!

I definitely never ever let anyone make up my plate. That just wont work long term for you. The reason i say that, as time goes by you will be able to eat more food and because it is there, likely you will. In the beginning I measured everything until i got used to what a real portion for me looks like. Now i can eyeball what food i can eat and am pretty good about not overeating. Even when i order in a restaurant i have learned to ask for a to go box and remove most of the food off of my plate right away. I do this because, i dont want to over eat and for some reason my husband is on a seefood diet. if he sees more food he will eat it. LOL and my weight loss has become his weight gain! So we have gotten good at sharing or stashing the extras away. Just tell Mom you would like to fill your own plate and choose only items you can and should eat. Protein and veggies.... I promise, you will get the hang of this.

I saw the nutritionist today. She said that I’m doing everything the way that I should. She recommended that I only drink one protein shake a day and make sure I add some carbs to my meals. She reassured me that this phase is the prep phase for my soon to be new way of living. She said that some people don’t lose weight before they go on the pre-op liquid diet. However, when I start that diet I will lose some pounds. All in all I feel better. She has not seen any weight gain due to protein brands, but think that my lack of a loss was due to too much protein. Now I am focused on eating 2 good nutritious meals, my 1 protein shake and listening to my body. I was trying to walk 5 days a week, but it’s hard when you work overnight. So I’ll do 2 days of walking at home. When I’m at the hospital walk up the stairs, take the long way to the units… anything to get mg heart beating and steps in. last thing… I thank you all for being there. This forum has been great.

First off, don't panic! It's only 14 pounds. Think back to past weight loss attempts and I'm sure you've regained far more in the past. 14 pounds is doable. You've caught it in time. You are determined to turn it around. So you are already off to a good start. Now is the time to evaluate what has changed for you. What behaviors have led to the weight gain? Where could you do better? Where are you already/still doing well? How can you get back to a solid foundation to rebuild your healthy habits on? You could start by tracking your food and making an effort to increase your activity level. Doesn't have to be anything extreme, just a few minutes a day to start.

You are still in that perfect honeymoon period where you can turn this around!! I had the sleeve in 2014 and I did great. I got lower than my goal, but then life got hard. I ate “slider foods” as they feel better going down than dense protein. I became obsessed with frozen coffees that are full of sugar. I hurt my neck and I had an ovary removed, the other tied, and had major hormonal changes. Boom, 40 pounds back on. It’s a struggle!! I am converting to bypass due to damage from severe reflux, not the weight gain. I am also looking at it as another chance to do it right. I refuse to fail.

Prior to 20-May I couldn't feed the end of this belt through the buckle. My thumb references where the end of the belt now ends. Fortunately I had a couple of pairs of uniform pants tucked away from before my huge weight gain. These are now getting to big. I see new uniforms and belt in the near future. I'm kinda liking the new me. #journeyofalifetime Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you all for all of your help. Newmebithebypass, thank you I was completely unaware of trileptal. My doctor did explain the serious rash/death side effects that sometimes can happen to people, but he said it was that or seroquil, and that the people that could tolerate lamictal were very happy with the med and were not overly drowsy, brain fog, or weight gain. I am seeing your post after my visit, but he put me on a single 100mg sublingual dose in the morning. He gave me the option of the chewables and even if I wanted to adjust the dosage, but I am the "slow and steady" type personality when it comes to mental medications. He explained that lamictal originally came out as a sublingual, and that sublingual was the best way to get the medication into the blood. He did say (And expect) some flack from my insurance company, so it might take a week or two before I start it (My pharmacy is small and usually has to order out-of-the-ordinary meds). I will update this thread once I get on the sublingual ones.

Thank you for the quick responses! I've been wearing orthotics since I was young, so I don't expect that to ever go away, but my feet definitely got worse over the years with more weight gain, especially in the last 3 years it became so painful to walk for longer than 20 minutes without massive aching in my arches and feet, and of course the fun bonuses that go with it like shin splints, tight tendons, and knee pain! I'm just hoping some of those symtpoms go away with the weight loss. I've got some good ASICS now that have taken me a long time to 'break in', my feet still get sore no matter what I wear after a certain period, but at least I know that it should improve a bit and that I'm wearing good shoes and have proper orthotics. I'll see how I go later down the track when I've lost some weight!

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!