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I'm sorry you are struggling and feeling anxiety about the water weight gain. That is bad that you had to change meds and it's affecting you this way, but they should be able to understand. Try to get in a lot of fluids, perhaps that will help your body start releasing the water you are retaining. I am sending you positive vibes for a good outcome and a surgery date soon!

Bella, What you have gone through is horrible. I hope you start feeling better soon. Once you get back to your old self I hope that you will start to look at the band as a good thing. I'm sure the weight gain is all the fluids. This will pass and things will start to fall into place and off the scale. I think most of us feel like this was our last option. If I had one more diet in me I would have dieted. This was the lifestyle change that many of us need. I hope that everything becomes text book for you after this. Remember all you have gone through to get the band. It isn't the band that created the problems...it was the surgeon and as much as we want to believe that our doctor is perfect we know that isn't possible. I will keep you in my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

Sudden weight gains 99.999999999% of the time are just fluid fluctuations. It's weight gain, not fat gain. And fat's what we really care about, right? :biggrin:

Jaime “Pandora” Williams has not had anything handed to her. She has worked hard for everything she has, including every pound of her 250-lb weight loss. From weight loss surgery and overcoming food addiction to figuring out how to deal with her father’s death to paying for training for a new career, Pandora has kept moving forward and earned her spot as one of our weight loss surgery heroes. Jaime “Pandora” Williams has not had anything handed to her. She has worked hard for everything she has, including every pound of her 250-lb weight loss. From weight loss surgery and overcoming food addiction to figuring out how to deal with her father’s death to paying for training for a new career, Pandora has kept moving forward and earned her spot as one of our weight loss surgery heroes. Throughout it all, she has kept her determination to help others. She has shared every step of her journey on her Desperately Seeking Slender blog, and has made a career as a weight loss and wellness coach. Find out how Pandora Williams, who was “Desperately Seeking Slender,” turned her life around and is helping others do the same! Struggling with Weight from Childhood to Early Adulthood Pandora comes from a family that did not eat healthy. They ate fast food often, and home cooked meals were likely to be tacos, pot roast and potatoes, and other high-calorie foods. She remembers father loving his sweets, and her mother struggled with weight gain and obesity after quitting smoking. With a diet of cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets, not surprisingly, Pandora had been overweight since childhood. She hit the 400-lb. mark 4 years after graduating high school, and also had chronic depression, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Atkins and intense exercise helped her get down to 225 lbs. before getting married, but the weight came back after marriage. Weight Loss Surgery and a New Lifestyle Pandora wanted weight loss surgery, but put it off for a few years because she couldn’t afford it. She got serious when her health insurance began to cover it, and got the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 2010. She chronicled her entire weight loss journey on her blog. She lost 100 pounds by December of 2010, 200 pounds six months later in June of 2011, and entered “Onederland” (under 200 pounds) in October of 2011. Now, she maintains a weight of 165 lb. – quite a difference from her highest BMI of 69.9! Needless to say, she threw away the old habits of eating a half-gallon of ice cream or a dozen tacos. She worked hard to overcome her food addiction. Portion control and measuring were new behaviors she had to follow. Now, five years post-op, she is able to get away without writing down every bite when things are going right. Still, she keeps herself on track by food journaling and calorie counting the second she is unsure of herself, whether because of a jump on the scale or a high-sodium day. Pandora follows a carb cycling plan where she eats higher and lower amounts of carbs on alternating days. She’s an exercise addict, and that also helps her keep her weight in check. Body Image and Reconstructive Surgery Despite maintaining a healthy weight and feeling more confident in overcoming her food addiction, Pandora says her body image is a bit of a struggle. She has had 6 rounds of reconstructive surgery, and still has trouble accepting the mistakes she made in the past with her body and health. A Life-Changing Letter to Chris Powell! By August of 2012, Pandora’s weight was well under control, but she was not satisfied with that. She wanted to help others do the same. She knew she had the “the passion, desire to help, and love” for people who were struggling with their weight, because she knew exactly what they were struggling with. What she needed was help figuring out how to help them, and she just couldn’t get in touch with someone who could guide her. Then, in August of 2012, Pandora wrote a letter to Chris Powell, the celebrity trainer on “Extreme Makeover.” After some persistence, she managed to get her letter to him, and she received a reply! He posted an encouraging message on Facebook, and that was enough to keep her motivated. Since then, she has had a couple more interactions with him on social media – including an encouraging message when she was feeling down – and was able to meet him in Hollywood at the Extreme Makeover Finale. She considers him and his wife Heidi an inspiration. A Day in the Life Between taking care of herself and helping others be the best they can be, Pandora is very busy! Here is a typical day in her life. 8:00 a.m. Wake up, food prep, get ready for work. Coffee, coffee, coffee! 9:30 a.m. Arrive at the gym. May do a 4 to 5-mile run or take a group exercise class like yoga before work. 10:30 a.m. Breakfast: Quest protein bar. 11:00 a.m. Start work - working the front desk and doing either one-on-one training or weight loss/wellness coaching sessions. 12:30 p.m. Lunch: Veggies (cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots): about five of each and either some low-sodium turkey breast with low-fat Swiss cheese or some hard-boiled egg whites filled with chicken salad made with a Greek yogurt base and green onions. 2:30 p.m. Snack: Usually a container of Greek yogurt or some homemade steel cut oats from home. 3:00 p.m. Leads a weight loss boot camp group training session with light weights and cardio – usually works out with the group. 5:00 p.m. Snack: Usually a piece of fruit like an apple or an orange, or a banana on higher-mileage days. 7:00 p.m. Leads a weight loss boot camp group training session with light weights and cardio – usually works out with the group. 8:30 p.m. Finishes running for the day if she didn’t get in an early morning run or get more than 5 miles already that day. 10:00 p.m. Home/Shower/Dinner: usually a lean protein like baked chicken or turkey and steamed veggies. Uses spices and changes the vegetables a lot for variety. Includes a serving of brown rice, couscous, quinoa or whole wheat pasta on days she eats carbs. 11:00 p.m. Snack: Usually Greek yogurt, no sugar added ice cream sandwich, a frozen protein bar, or an extra-thick protein shake. 12:00 a.m. Bedtime Pandora tries to run longer distances after work if she doesn’t get to work out during her weight loss boot camp classes. Her days off on Sundays and some Thursdays may include an extra kickboxing class, a spin class, or a run over 10 miles. New Lifestyle, New Career, and Paying It Forward. As a morbidly obese high school graduate, Pandora had been limited in her career options. She made a living working from home at jobs such as customer support and data entry. Since losing weight and getting healthy, she has thrown herself into something she is passionate about – helping others get and stay healthy through lifestyle. Now, Pandora works as a weight loss and wellness coach at a ladies-only fitness facility gym, and has earned multiple certifications in the fitness and coaching industry. She also pays it forward as a weight loss surgery advocate. She has spoken at the Obesity Action Coalition and Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA), as well as at other bariatric support clinics and groups. She publishes articles regularly, including here on BariatricPal! You can follow Pandora on Desperately Seeking Slender and on Facebook and Twitter @SeekingSlender.

I made my decision in April to start the journey to Gastric Bypass. I made my surgeons appointment and started my 6m monitored weigh-ins. Surgeon requires clearances from cardiologist as well as pulmonologist. I called those offices to make appointments and both required referrals from the Dr requiring the clearances. I naturally called the surgeons office, they informed me they do not submit referrals, that it was up to my PCP to refer. Fine. Called my PCP, they flat out refused. Said they "have no reason to refer you". Return call to surgeons office with tears of desperation, managed to get the PA to "see what she can do". Woo-hoo! Got the cardiology and pulmonology appointments! Went to my 4th month weigh-in at 4lbs up, uggh! how did that happen?!?!?! Called surgeons office to see if I would have to start over, or if a little flub is still ok, the PA (again, love her!) said the only insurance she knows of that gives grief over weight gain in those 6m is Gateway, and I don't have Gateway. Whewf!!!! *sidenote* Still totally working on getting those 4lb gone by next weigh-in!! My next appointment with surgeon is on Aug 31st, at that point I figure, I will have 5m weigh-ins, cardio clearance, pulm clearance, bloodwork and psych eval done, we will probably be submitting to insurance. The insurance coordinator told me I need to have a letter from my Dr's on their letterhead, with the years and my weights on them for the last 5 years. Now I already had these Dr's fax over my medical records and they did, so now I need to ask them for more? OK fine. I called my OB's office (because I have seen them consistently, whereas the family Dr I hadn't seen in 3 years previous to my 1st weigh-in) asking them for this letter, was told "No. We faxed them all the records, they have it. They are just being lazy and do not want to organize the paperwork themselves and are passing the buck" Really? Ok maybe. But really? I'm afraid to even call my PCP to ask, in fear they will tell me the same thing, especially considering they were the ones to refuse my referrals. UGGGGHHHH!!! Are the stars against me for this surgery?!?!?! I know, in the scheme of things, these are not horrible setbacks, but nonetheless, should I take them as an omen that I shouldn't have the surgery. Or listen to my husband and say, they are hurdles to jump to make me sure I really want this surgery. I DO! I DO! I DO!! Please, tell me I'm an idiot and just being over scared. Or tell me to turn and run and never look at surgery again. Sincerely, The worry-wart LOL

The purpose of the flour in these types of recipes is to thicken the sauce. Using powdered tapioca works just as well and doesn't have gluten. The amount of piccatta you are going to be able to eat isn't going to cost you that much carb-wise by elimanating the flour or using powdered tapioca. This will not be the cause of any stall or weight gain ...

I take Paxil for anxiety/depression. Before I started it, I didn’t want to leave my house. It’s helped me so much, but it’s also got the highest incidence of weight gain of the antidepressants.. I tried Celexa. It it didn’t do anything for me.

If you started the antidepressants after sleeve surgery you will have that initial boost in hunger and weight gain, those are noted regular side effects, ones that should have been well explained. If you had the sleeve after you were already on antidepressants you may need to speak with your clinician about modifications to accommodate your weight loss in addition to a therapy aspect like the suggested OA. Either way, your mental health team needs to be looped in (and don't go off cold turkey, that causes tons of issues) Tracking/logging plus eating clean again sounds like a wonderful plan and its nice to have a supportive partner.

I am on prozac have been for years and it never caused weight gain for me.

Honestly, no. My weight gain made absolutely no difference to how he was with me and nor is the weight loss. I honestly did it for myself.

Hi LadyTonya! The weight management people are (supposed to be anyway) registered dieticians to help you in your weight loss journey..I have seen mine once so far--11 more visits to go. They help you make good decisions when it comes to eating..esp after being banded. Endocrinology is for glands and hormones...hmm not sure on that one, but maybe they want to rule out any glandular problems that would cause weight gain...cause then the banding would be useless. I called my pulm docs office to ask a question and they got all up in arms...they were completely unreasonable! I asked them if I could go to another sleep apnea location (same company mind you) and they told me the doc doesn't read there and I explained that my insurance covered the "other" location and ----they could get me in way sooner than where they wanted me to go...doc promised to get me in asap...and the staff scheduled me for 5 weeks later!!!! Ummmmm, no that doesn't work for me! They were so rude they told the person at the other sleep center that I called them, and the new girl had the nerve to tell me that me getting the sleep apnea test sooner wouldn't get me surgery sooner!!!!!!! OMG....so I explained to her that I could not afford to pay out of pocket and as a patient I had the right to make sure that everyone got paid for services rendered. She was much better after that! I wanted to slap her. My surgeon specifically told me the sooner the sleep test, the sooner the band. Don't feel that you are being a pest......it is your right to see that anything related to your surgery goes smoothly!! I haven't been banded yet, I am like you--I really want this to happen!!! Best Wishes!!! Let us know how you are doing!!

I just had band surgery May 1st. I see my doctor tomorrow. It is important to write down what you eat each day! For me this is a new way of managing your food. instead of the food managing you!! It has been a challenge for me not to want to eat more than I should.. But at age 53 I DON'T want to weigh 280 lbs. Nobody said this was a miracle cure for obesity. I contributed to my weight gain so I need to contribute to my weight loss. "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Please hang in there it will be worth it. I know WE can do it!! Debbiedawl

Brintellix is not known for weight gain. It is one of the newer medications out there. I was on Cymbalta for 10 years and gained over 40 pounds. It took me over 6 months to withdraw from it and the process was hell. I won't ever take it again!!

Just curious if I'm alone here. I started taking citalopram for anxiety a few years ago. I knew a potential side effect was weight gain. I'm guessing some gain weight because it mellows you out and takes away some of that energy that may keep one from exercising. Sure enough, I gained weight. . . Because of the citalopram or because I turned 40, not sure the cause. Anyway, I am 10 weeks post op and down from 280 to 215, and feeling great! I kind of assumed that my anxiety would go away with the extra weight, but I am finding that my stress and anxiety are still present and I am thinking about going back on citalopram because it really helped me with anxiety. But I don't want to slow down my weight loss as I am a consistent 3-4 pounds a week and don't want to slow down until I hit my 185 target. Any and all thoughts, experiences, and opinions, are welcome. Thanks!

My regular doctor said that any weight loss will reduce the stress on my joints (hips and knees are an issue) from the RA. The surgeon did mention that the GERD could get worse. It is pretty well controlled with medicaiton now, so I'm not as worried about that. I also didn't really mention that I have tried many diets and failed them all: weight watchers, atkins, slim fast, pills, etc. I know a lot of my hunger is mental, but I was always physically hungry on the diets. My brother mentioned that he feels way less hungry than he did before. I like that the sleeve reduces the ghrelin that the body produces. I was working out 3x per week with a personal trainer before I was diagnosed with RA. The RA and fibro make it difficult for me to work out like I used to adding to my steady weight gain. I still work out, but I can't really kill it the gym like I want to.

Let's see...where do I begin? I think I should start by letting you all know that I am 30 pounds from my goal weight. I had my surgery in October of this year...just a couple of months ago...literally. Since then, I have lost 16 pounds. However, I lost an even greater amount of weight before my surgery. I have lost a total of 67 pounds since beginning my journey of weight loss back in June of this year. Now, I have to tell you that I am not your "normal" lapband patient. Nope! I eat normal...chicken, beef, popcorn...you name it, I can eat it. I swallow pills...regular pills...Not a problem. I live my life normal. BUT~~my normal is not YOUR normal. We are all different. My lapband is NOT the reason I have lost ANY of my weight...not even the 16 pounds since my surgery. Why? Because I made a conscience decision to begin eating healthier way before my surgery. I had already begun to get in the mindset of eating smaller portion...that is something "most skinny folks" do already. I had already begun making wiser choices in my food preparations. I had a healthy mindset. So why did I get lapband surgery? Because I wanted a backup plan. Yep! I had to gain weight three weeks before my surgery in order to make the cut off line of weight limit. We are not talking 20 pounds...only like 7 or so. I have always had the yoyo thing going on with weight gain and loss. So, gaining it was a breeze! Now, what I can say is that I have conditioned my mind and my body to eat "normal". And if my normal is 1/2 a cup...fine. If my normal is 3/4 cup fine. If my normal is 1 whole cup..GREAT! The deal is that my body is now working with my band. I am not overeating. I have never thrown up. I have a grasp on my life. I have a NEW life! But~~YOU may be different. And if so, just remember, just as I have a testimony, I also have had many tests...and I am certain I will have more! So, as you are going forward with your journey, remember you are awesome, and your journey is YOUR journey. You are an individual and what works for one person may not work for another. Smile! And you will have a story to tell! :-)

My new ticker puts me back in the 200s!!! I am now so far from goal and it sucks. Imagine my surprise when I saw my overnight 55 pound weight gain on my ticker.

Thanks for your replies Jacqui and Emily- Jacqui: It's funny but I didn't think of it that way at all. I really like my surgeon in fact and he has a lap band himself. He told me that he has had too many people show up for surgery with a weight gain and has had to turn them away so this is a way for him to see who is serious about real lifestyle changes and not an easy fix. He is of the mindset that it's VERY important to have the liver shrink before surgery. It makes sense to me on some levels. Emily: I also think it's sadistic. LOL My DH just reminded me though that while it will be tough it means less weight that I have to lose later. I am just trying to think of it that way. Anyone else have any suggestions about things they have done to make it through the pre-op liquid diet?

Weight before sleeve: 388 Current weight: 308 9 weeks post op No weight gain. 80 pounds lost

At 8 months the weight loss stopped. I was stalled for 4 months. Weight gain started around 13 months. I just re did the math and I am 16 months out now. My wife and I have a baby mid July and I have put on 20 pounds since then. I am sure some of it is stress eating, but that is no excuse. Most of it is due to poor choices and lack of exercise.

I'm approaching my 1 year bandaversary in a few weeks and there has been one issue over the past year that I can't seem to get a handle on. This past week I've been miserable and after a few days of weight gain (just 2 pounds in a week)...I finally figured it out. Correctol took care of it. 1 dose didn't work. I took 1 and a half dosage the following night. Finally, relief...and those 2 pounds gone. Constipation has been an untold issue for me since being banded. I remember having this problem when I was on Atkins a few years back. I've increased Fiber...I've decreased fiber, MoM doesn't help. Softeners don't help....I require a stimulant to do the job. I'm really concerned with what my liver and large intestines are going to look like before long. My doctor has recommended many things and even a script. But the only thing that I can get to move me is sugar. But I try to avoid sugar as my new way of eating. Yet, it's either a Krispey Kreme or Correctol. Can anyone shed some light on this issue? I need my large intestines to not absorb so much Water. HELP!

Thank you - I am so ready for this - current weight 274 - I'm 6"1 and have 2 herniated disk which caused most my weight gain - but always big.... Tired of hating looking in the mirror so I'm ready Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You could always be ready with a line like "yeah the last person who told me WLS was the easy way out---she looks much worse!!" I am totally surprised I did not get similar comments----although I think my nose remained large and bumpy throughout my weight gain, and eventual loss, so it looks no different!!! I did have one woman ask me if I had gotten my teeth capped!!! Here's to those of us who "nose" best!!! Kat

Hi there. I think Frustr8 was trying to answer your questions about any advice we could give you and multivitamins for hair loss. She told you that: -She takes Vitamins D, A and Prenatals with Iron -She believes she experienced some hair loss but it's hard to tell since red heads traditionally have less hair -With the minor hair loss she did experience, it was isolated to her bangs and was a simple fix that her hairdresser solved by giving her one of those haircuts she had when she was young -At around 3 months, she incorporated hair, skin and nails vitamins into her regimen which seems to help fight hair loss -She was having a difficult time swallowing capsules and even though she had by-pass, they gave her really bad acid reflux which is typically only an issue for those that opted for sleeve so her Dr. approved a multivitamin in a gummy form instead. Be careful with those and read the ingredients as many contain corn syrup and processed sugars which is not allowed after surgery since it can lead to "dumping" and get you back to being sugar-addicted which leads to weight gain. Go for gummies that are 100% fruit juice based instead -She now notices that she can no longer even tolerate the desserts and sweets that she used to love. She had a bit of a jelly bean this past Easter and vomited immediately. She was trying to be helpful and offer you some advice, insight, tips, that she noticed from her own experiences that could be helpful to you. Like you asked. Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all, I’m new here and only 1 day post op. I was excited to get home and step on the scale but I’m up 7 pounds! I also have my menses. Anyone else experience this?