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We had my youngest sons birthday party today and we had such a good time. The whole family was here and the kids made out like bandits. All my kids got gifts "just because". My least favorite is an electric guitar that is very noisy and annoying. But the kids love it.. My dd said something that crushed me today after everyone left. I was fixing dinner, and she said "mom, I don't want to eat tonight, I want to shrink my tummy." I was like What? Why I like your tummy. She then tells me that Nana and her step aunts (nanas dd's) told her she needs to stop eating so much so she can shrink her tummy. This pisses me off beyond belief. I am quite aware of my childs issues, yes i think she can lose weight but I am not going to tell her she needs to stop eating to lose it. I also don't agree with putting that kind of thoughts into a 5 YEAR OLDS head.... I am going to take a step back and look at the whole pic. My father, yes I love him but I have always felt that he did not support me like he should because I was overweight. He left us as kids for months at a time, we didn't know if he was dead or alive. As a child I always felt that I was the reason my dad left my mom. He left when I was two weeks old because of another woman. When my dad was around he would make hurtful commits about my weight that were not incouraging or supportive. I wonder if that played a roll in my weight gain and addiction to food? My dd looks up to her aunts, and her step grandmother (who is the same age as me I might add). They are obsessed with looks. Nana allows the girls to "advertise" with the way they dress. They both have shirts that say things that I would not wear as an adult like "size does matter" and "this shirt looks better wet!" I don't know they are just such snobs that I don't want there opinions about body image effecting my dd happiness. My daughter is thick but in no way is she fat. I do see some signs that tell me she is not eating only when she is hungry. And I am battling those demons, everyday. We are changing our whole family, begining with me. I want our family to HEALTHY not skinny because its the thing to do. My dd will alway be bigger than others her father is 6' and her mother is 6'2. I just want to scream "STAY AWAY FROM MY DD"

I am just about a year out (on the 12th of August I think). I had posted on a couple of threads that lately I had gained 5 pounds and that I felt like I was able to eat WAYYY too much. I was planning a trip down to TJ to visit my doctor and get a contrast xray of my sleeve in a week or two. About 3 months ago I started experiencing some really bad nerve pains in my left arm, one day I woke up with my arm spasming from shoulder to wrist and it turns out I had a herniated disc in my c-spine. The doctor prescribed vicodin for the pain and ibuprofen for the inflamation. It took about 2 months for the arm to feel well enough that tylenol and the ibuprofen alone handled the pain. So I stopped taking the vicodin and HOLY HELL if my body didn't flip out on me. I realized that while I didn't abuse the vicodin and I didn't get a high from the vicodin that my body was in fact experiencing withdraws from not having it. It was the middle of the night and I was having a horrible panic attack and I woke up with my arms flailing and my mind racing and sweating like a pig. I realized immediately that I was having DT's. I had an appt the next day so I popped a half a vicodin and went to sleep about a half hour later and felt fine. I decided because it was going to be physically difficult and emotionally draining to come off them that I was going to wait until after a couple of family trips we had planned. So I continued to use them (not in excess) for the following 3 weeks. Last week I had a huge panic attack, so bad that I called my mother-in-law who lives next door (we live on a farm) to come over because my hubby was not home. I was freaked out because I thought I was having a reaction to the vicodin. Anyways long story made a bit shorter, I stopped taking them that night. I took some anti anxiety drugs to counteract the anxiety I was having and the withdraws at night and the first 5 nights were HELL. I really have a newfound respect for anyone who has kicked an addiction habit. My mother, mother-in-law and hubby were rocks and kept me feeling safe, secure and loved. It has been 11 days and I don't feel the withdraws anymore. My head is clearer then it has been in 3 months. I have a little bit of depression going on which I read is normal after coming off opiates but I am getting out and staying busy and getting plenty of sunshine. Here is the kicker after the 2nd day I realized my hunger had gone back to sleeve norm and I lost 6 pounds over the course of the first 7 days. After reading up more on side effects of Vicodin weight gain is one of the most prevalant. I guess it sort of dulls your sense you dont recognize you are full and it causes you to crave a lot of foods and retain a lot of Water. All-in-all it just is hell for losing weight. So I don't know if anyone suffers from some sort of chronic pain that they have to take a painkiller like vicodin but keep in mind if you are having a stall or changes in weight if you start taking the meds that it could be because of them that things are not moving along. Thanks for letting me ramble

I had 2 kids, then did a tummy tuck after losing the pregnancy weight gain and I had a great looking stomach, with stretch marks gone and even a four pack. I then had two more pregnancies over the next few years and my stomach went flat again and it was a great result to see the tummy tuck held up so great. No added stretch marks for me and no pouch. The four pack went away but the rebound was awesome. Hope that help, Good luck. M.

Do you know what all an endocrinologist tests for? It’s not just hypo and hyperthyroidism, right?? I am in maintenance and struggling big time. I feel like the only way to maintain my weight is to be on a diet (and hungry) for the rest of my life cause I add in a few calories and I gain. I feel like there is something going on with my hormones that my primary doc is missing. I see him today and plan to ask a lot of questions. Just wondering what conditions cause weight gain that I should be questioning him about.

When my long time {former}boss/Dr saw me in the office and didn't recognize me!!! {Among airplane seats, walking up the stairs, knees hurting, etc etc} He didn't say anything, it was written all over his face.Standing there in front of him wearing what I thought was a great poncho that hid a multiple of sins, all he could see was a big fat face! I even commented to him saying, "what, did I gain that much weight that you didn't recognize me"? He didn't say a word but just hugged me. Months later I bumped into his wife at the grocery store buying my pre-op liquid diet and told her we were having WLS surgery. She confided in me then what her husband had said about me when he got home. I've yet to see either one of them lately but even though I need to lose a good 35lbs more, I think they will definitely recognize the old me. And that was just one person. Now, after the surgery, I'm hearing from other friends & loved one's who held their tongues re: my recent weight gain and are my greatest supporters now!

I guess I counted Monday, the day of surgery as Day 1 but really that should've been Day 0. Anyway - I weighed this morning at 268! I've lost 15 pounds in the first 6 days. I am still on liquids so I am attributing this to water weight and just the shock of my body going through the surgery. It makes me really wonder what the hell was I eating and how much was I really eating before surgery?! jeeeez. I admit that I am a restaurant lover. If I could, I would eat every meal out. I actually like cooking but hate the shopping, preparation and clean-up. If I could be a t.v. cook and have everyone do all of those other things for me I'd be sooo happy!! I could sweep in and prepare a fantastic, healthy meal for me and my family and walk out of the kitchen with the first bite! Ah if only! Anyway, I'm guessing that a lot of my recent weight gain came from 1. Not exercising 2. Eating out at restaurants or fast food places at least 5-6 times a week 3. Eating snacks late at night So because of this I'm trying to change those 3 things. The late night snacking I've gotten under control but that is mainly because it takes sooo little to fill me up. If I eat dinner around 6 or 7 pm I will usually have a sugar-free jello or pudding or popsicle around 9 or 10 pm and that's it. I drink water until I go to bed but I really want to learn to tame the night time eating. Today we went out to eat for the first time since my surgery. We were away from home and I had only had some crystal light with protein powder at about 9 am. By 2 pm I was feeling a little light headed. I could feel a teeny tiny bit of hunger but just barely. We met some friends at a phenomenal Mexican restaurant with a huge menu. The smells were amazing and I admit, for a moment, I was bummed I couldn't devour my usual basket of tortilla chips, salsa, 3-4 tortillas, 3-4 drinks plus my entree. I am supposed to be mainly on liquids until tomorrow so I ordered Caldo de Res, a vegetable/beef stew with broth. We were there with friends and 1 of my good friends knows I had the band and that I was planning on having plication. She was pretty amazed at how I was able to get around relatively well, considering. Anyway I really enjoyed sitting with friends and my family, enjoying their company. I sipped my broth and didn't feel weird or excluded or anything. I did take a bite or two of some super mashed, refried beans and a bite of the egg off a chili relleno, which were out-of-this-world!!! Other than that, I was pretty much on track. Everyone left complaining and holding their stomachs and I left pretty full myself but not miserable and stuffed (like usual). I'm so happy that things are going so well. I am still fairly sore and still take pain medicine at night before bed to help me sleep. I am planning on being off of work for another 4 more weeks as I have a very active profession so I'm hoping to fully recover before returning to work and to be able to start an exercise regimen. Take care, Jenn <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wuVsfBP/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wuVsfBP/weight.png"></a>

Starvation mode doesn't really exist. Sure you can starve, but that takes generally 72 hours of no Water and food for your body to kick into such a situation. But what many people who attempt to lose weight eating extremely low calories experience is a metabolic downgrade, which means that your body adapts tot he low calories you are feeding it and when you exceed that number, you eventually gain weight, even though it seems silly to gain weight eating 1200 calories, but consider this. A woman eats 700 calories a day and loses weight perfectly. However, she hits a plateau and wonders why. Well, instinct tells her to drop her calories even more, which may result in SOME weight-loss but at such low calories you're hardly able to eat enough food to fuel yourself, so then you generally opt to eat more, but adding to your calories causes weight gain because your metabolism has downgraded. And the only way to really fix such a situation is to lose the insane calorie deficits and eat higher calories. I went through this personally, still am. When I was first starting out I was eating 600-800 calories a day for almost a good 5-6 months, but it worked, but it also ruined my metabolism. So yes I've packed on 10lbs, but my metabolism is re-regulating itself, so nowadays I CAN eat 1800 and lose. Just something to consider.

I've been banded for over 3 years. I got down to 160ish from 297. I quit working prior to getting preggo and ended up starting this pregnancy at 234. Well 24 weeks later I'm at 236 and having a heck of a time eating. Yes, I've only gained 2 pounds at 6 months gestation! Prior to getting preggo I also had my band completely unfilled while I was trying to figure out if I wanted to switch to GBS rather than to continue my bumpy road with the band, thus the pre-pregnancy weight gain. Now I have no interest in food. My OB is monitoring the grown of the baby and isn't yelling at me as long as she continues to grow correctly. I've had some nausea, dry hurling and occasional vomiting but nothing extreme just no interest in eating. Anyone else in this frustrating situation??

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.

Hey Jay9mal, this is such a truth! I think that the goal focus thing only puts a massive amount of pressure and stress on us. Believe me a year ago, I was admant that I would be a goal by now and one groovy hot chick... the reality is that, my body just ain't ready to be that groovy hot chick yet... ok, perhaps just a groovy chick!!! When my year marker came and I still hadn't reached my surgeons's goal, I was disappointed but happy with the progress... yet another conflicting mental state. Grrrrr! I really have come to appreciate that I will get there in my own time. I have been struggling with weight gain and being morbidly obese for so many years, it is hard not to feel a little scared that my goal weight is ever going to happen. I know I am doing all I can, I think there are many of us here that are doing the same thing. As long as we are true to ourselves, we will do this. There are days - not many - when I let go ... I eat as I please only much less, obviously. 6mths ago I would have been racked with guilt but now I feel that it is ok.... I am human and like I said, it is only now and again; perhaps once every 4-6 weeks. Remember, slow but sure wins the race... =]

that medication you started the side affect listed on it is possible weight gain. But lets start there at your food habits... Are you still eating healthy? making sure to limit carbs and sugars? or are you just eating whatever? I am only 9 months out and i dont feel the restriction i did 5 months ago. I can eat much larger portions than before. The goal tho is to limit those portions regardless. The goal is not to eat until you cant anymore. Its to eat until you are satisfied. not full but good. Not sure what else you can do with surgery. you already had the sleeve and then bypass which is what most people go to when they gain too much weight after sleeve or have GERD issues.

I weighed in today with a 3 lb weight gain for the last month. Prior to this I lost 6 lbs over 2 weeks. I am naturally disappointed but I was not perfect. How do you regroup after a disappointing weigh in? Me? Imam having wine tonight and will regroup for the next 6week weigh in.

You are an inspriation to me. I want to run again...it is one of my goals/my dream! I ran thrughout my 20's to my mid-30's and then something happened that I just gave up on myself after a few physical, emotional, and spiritual set-backs resulting in a nearly 90 lb weight gain. I am in the pro-app phase at the Ohio State Unversity program. Once I begin to lose weight after getting banded I look forward to running again again

since my december 3 surgery. i was doing great. lost almost 30 lbs including the weightloss from the pre-op diet. then...the holidays hit. i was finally able to eat normal food but it had to be on the softer side. anyways, i have gained almost 6 lbs. i don't feel the full feeling like i did a few weeks ago after surgery. i know its because my stomach isn't swollen from surgery anymore and that i transitioned out of a liquid diet but i just need assurance that it will not be like this after i get my fills. it scares me that i can eat so much without feeling "like i just ate a thanksgiving dinner"..as my clinic told me how i would feel after eating. anyways, this small weight gain has really put a damper on my journey and i feel completely guilty for it. any input helps. thanks!

Hi Simba, you sound just like I was. My Dr. told me to drink as much as I needed to. Not to worry about weight gain during this time. I did'nt gain any, I lost. One thing that helped me was I would take regular soups blend them with extra broth. It was really thin, but it filled me up longer. You want it as thin as you can get it. Also gatorade helps. Good luck. Hope this helps you.

Google says: How can I avoid gaining weight on Zoloft? Maintain your normal eating habits. Sertraline may affect your appetite, causing you to feel less satisfied by food than normal. To minimize weight gain, try to maintain your previous eating habits, such as food choices, portion sizes and meal timing.

Hello everyone. I got sleeved on Dec 21 and in about 10 days lost over 20 pounds. But now stalling and gained 8 lbs. So from 264 I went down to 242 and am now at 251. Am on very low carbs, 80 gms protien, about 800 calories per day. Walk for over a mile a day. Am feeling very depressed since the weight gain. Hope the stall is normal. I do want to lose weight !

I met a woman today who told me she got banded 16 years ago. She has a non adjustable band, no port or anything. She lost 130 pounds and kept it off until a few years ago when she had a bad car accident and badly damaged both knees. She's currently recovering from her second knee replacement. She's heavy but not morbidly obese. She attributes her weight gain to lack of exercise due to her knees and her love of chocolate. She still pb's when she's not careful.

I think it is because this is our sensitive point. If you have been jeered at nagged and ridiculed all your life about the one point it does make you sensitive ...no matter if it was not intended to be hurtful. It has been my observation that usual people who have an issue ( weight, facial features, whatever) and who have been singled out in the past because of it..rarely make such personal comments because they know how it feels and they have empathy. That is why we find it so surprising that people feel it is their duty to comment on our physical condition ...as if maybe we just didnt know we were fat... and once they point it out then we might do something about it. I have noticed this particularly with my husband's ethnic group. They are traditionally not prone to weight gain and they are constantly amazed how people such as myself cannot control themselves... so they have in the past said things such as "My you really are fat" or "isnt your husband nice that he loves you despite you being so fat..you are lucky" and the advice they can give you is priceless such as "you should try to eat less" or drink a glass of Water before each meal, or most priceless the specialist who I went to see re Gastroscopy said that I shouldnt waste my time with banding and that I should eat an orange before each meal. She was a Professor of her speciality who would have weighed 59 kgs dripping wet ( which I would have gladly made her except for the fact that I needed her approval for the band) So instead I thanked her for her wonderful advice and said I would certainly give it the college try. All in all I think this is why I certainly am sensitive:smile2:

Hey all- I have yet to get banded (Just started my journey and will eventually be banded after the hoops and whistles of insurance in October) I've been skimming this site a bit and I've learned in post op to expect due to IV's to gain some weight (Water weight) after surgery and it will fall off. In addition to this the liquid diet that everyone has to be on after surgery, obviously because of this we all drop weight. My question is after the liquid diet/mushy food phase and back onto solid foods - do you see a weight gain at all because of adding actual "food" back into your diet? Just wondering what to expect. Thanks!!

Weight gain & weight loss can cause a fluctuation in all of our hormones, as our body tries to become accustomed to new requirements. It sounds like your hormones were kept level & under control with the pill... Did you have an alternative method of BC placed for the surgery? IUD or Depo-Provera shot? If not, it seems like your body is in estrogen overload. Also, while PCOS is more common in larger people, it's not solely reliant on that factor, & may still be giving you some trouble. I'd make an appointment with your PCP or OB/GYN. They should be able to give you some options to help make you more comfortable. So while, heat, exercise, and fluids are needed to get you through this go round, I'd check with a doctor for options best suited for your individual needs... Just some thoughts & suggestions... Hope it helps. ☺️ Ohhh, lastly sounds like your retaining Fluid. No worries there.

I had the same thing happen to me yesterday. He moved the furniture and so, the scale also got moved. I weighed myself and it said I gained 14 pounds! Today, at the dr's office, I was the same weight as I was before the scale was moved. No 14 pound weight gain.

I've only had three weeks out and I don't want to get discouraged. Is there anyone that can tell me that this is normal. The day of my surgery I weighed in at 226, this morning, I am at 230. My weight has been slowly inching up after my initial lost. I am confused because I exercise almost everyday. I have run up to two miles and walked up to three miles. I have done some resistant training with the bands and with my own body. I have joined my fitness pal to keep track of my caloric intake and I never go over 1000 calories, to be frank, I usually don't come close to that. I have to admit, I don't drink enough water and I am working on that, but I don't know what else to do. Should I just wait? I am reading everyday how others are losing this or that and many of you have said just be patient. My first fill will be April 2, I am trying to see if anything changes by then. My family and friends keep asking have I lost anything yet and I get frustrated. I expected at least six lbs by now. I know everyone's journey is different. Can anyone relate?

I have been eating like there is no tomorrow. I know that I shouldn't be...but...I can't for the life of me stop. I am so glad that I am having surgery on the 6th. I am hazard to my health..lol. I start my pre-op low carb diet on Tuesday. So...hopefully....at the very least I will get my liver where it needs to be for surgery and I will deal with the weight gain post op. I know that I am dealing with the 'last meal' syndrome. I just didn't realize that I was going to have so many of them! This too shall pass. I don't want to beat myself up about it. It is what it is.

April 11th with Dr Almanza. I'll start my preop diet on March 30th just because I want to give my body the BEST possible chance for a great surgery and recovery. I am also looking forward to the "clean' feeling you get from high Protein liquid diets. I've been on the lose weight gain weight diets pills fads extremes roller coaster for 16 years and I'm ready to cross the bridge to FREEDOM!!! I wish you the very best and look forward to hearing your results!! Christal