Search the Community

HI everyone! I started my journey in May of 2016 when I went to my family doctor frustrated with my lymphedema issues in my lower ;egs and chronic back pain. I had been to the lymphedema clinic off and on over the past 6 years and was still doing leg compression machine twice daily. In between treatments, my legs swelled bad and hurt to walk. He basically said nothing more could be done. He asked if I had thought about weight loss surgery. I had never really studying up on it and didn't know much about it. He brought in his critical care case manager nurse to talk further about it. After our talk, I agreed for her to schedule me an appointment with the weight loss clinic in nearby town. Couple weeks later I went to the information meeting and had my referral already with me for the program. I was a bit overwhelmed at first but knew this was only way I would feel better. June 2016 I went to my first class and knew this was the plan for me. Meet with the surgeon and he suggested the sleeve for me considering other health issues I had. I was glad for that one from my research. I joined the health club where the weight loss clinic was at to walk the lazy river and get into arthritis exercise classes. I was overwhelming the first couple nutrition classes but I knew I had to follow this or it would be a waste of time. I started watching my 600 lb Life TV show. I was weighing 436 which was my highest weight and was miserable and hated looking at myself in the mirror. Started exercising and eating healthy and charting everything. I lost 9 lbs the first week from cutting out soda, and tons of junk food and not eating fast foods and exercising in the pool. In the 14 week nutrition classes, and following months prior to surgery, I lost 70 lbs. I was approved in January 2017 for surgery and got my date for the operation. I was upset at first that I had to wait 6 months, but now I am so glad. I was able to lose more weight and was mentally prepared for the surgery. Was able to get things prepared at home also. Surgery day came and I was not scared. Actually very eager for my new life to start. Surgery went well and was not in a lot of pain. That day was foggy and still don't remember much. Did develop minor complication but not from surgery itself. I was borderline anemic prior to surgery and was having issues with my blood count being too low. I was in hospital for 6 days as I had to get 5 blood transfusions . It was rough first month adjusting but soon weight starting coming off and feeling better. I was able to get off all asthma meds (3), blood pressure, water pills, depression meds, arthritis meds and pain pills. All I am taking is an allergy med and anxiety med for restless legs. My lymphedema issues are gone, less back and knee pain. First year I lost 105 lbs. Now approaching my 2 year anniversary, I have lost a total of 225 lbs and going in for knee replacement surgery next month. I have had no weight gain since the first month of surgery. I have gone from size 30-32 clothes to a 16/18. Few problems I have encounter were all my own issues in pushing the limits on eating and they were very minor things and didn't last very long. I am so glad I had this operation as I was headed for life in a wheelchair and probably nursing home as my legs were not getting better and chronic ulcers on them. After rehabbing from knee surgery, I will be able to continue losing the additional 25 lbs I want to reach my final goal and toning up that I haven't been able to do because of bad knees. Exercising is just lots of walking and swimming. I have had great support team at the weight loss clinic and family doctor and don't think I could have accomplished all without them. and family and friends support. Pictures of me at my heaviest and then recent one from Easter this year.

Hi, For years now i've been sure that weight loss surgery wasn't my answer ... and yet, here I am, starting to seriously consider it and wanting to learn more to help with making the decision. I've met with a surgeon and he has suggested both the gastric sleeve and bypass are options; and explained that I would lose a bit more with the bypass which he would usually recommend at my weight (although not necessarily) ... so now this is another decision to make as far as which way to go before i see him again. For me, I know that while the food and exercise aspect of weight gain and loss have been a very unhealthy relationship for the last 40 years (mid-40's now) it's my thinking that has been the main impact on this journey and subsequent weight loss sabotage. I've always struggled with using food as a coping tool for most things; from dealing with emotions, to distractions, to trying to cope with the impacts of various traumatic experiences. Now after a life time of morbid obesity, my body clings to the weight when I do start losing and I regain so fast it seems like I just blink (although i know it's more than this really). Increasing health issues, and a desire to live a healthier more active and fulfilling life have led me to where i am now .... as well as an increasing number of medical professionals saying that while i might lose the weight without surgery they think it's unlikely I would keep it off. Some of the things that are impacting my decision are I guess the usual questions of what it would be like to not have food to turn to in the same way; wondering how to replace food with other alternatives for coping and wondering how it will impact my life when until now eating has been such a big part of it. Right now, i'm taking some time to focus on working on finding other coping tools aspect of things so that if i go forward I give myself the best chance of success possible. As part of that I'm working with a therapist, reading what i can find that might be helpful and open to other suggestions. I know that for this to work, I need to work on the mental side of things ..... and that in turn will help with being able to do the rest. I'm also in the position of not really having much support to make this journey; so another reason finding online support and people to talk this through with is really important because I keep seeing how it is so much better to do this with the support of others. Currently i'm leaning towards the sleeve, and as well as working on the mental side of things trying to work out whether it would be good to spend some time losing weight prior to surgery or not; the dietician seemed to think that if i did that i might get discouraged and not have the incentive following surgery that i'd need ....... and that if i was going to lose it, i would have already. I'd be interested hearing how others have gone forward with this as far as losing weight prior to surgery (apart from the two weeks prior) or not .... As well as any other suggestions or information; and I think just knowing that there are others going through similar things will help Very glad to have found this site and look forward to taking part I think my current head space is a mixture of being terrified and hopeful all wrapped in one!

I am 32 years old, I am 5 ft 9in and my current weight is 345 lbs my heaviest weights was 362 lbs. I have two children who are 13 and 10. I have been married for almost 14 years. I am scheduled to have surgery on the 19th of June if everything goes according to plan. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I’m hoping that this time next year I can be back in the softball field and running in a 5k and more with my youngest son who is very active. I am so sick of sitting on the sideline in a chair. I want to be out there helping him practice and get back to my old active self. I was in a car accident when I was 17 which is when I started all my weight gain. Then at 18 I got pregnant and gained 90 lbs in 9 months lost 30 of it after having my oldest and then gained 75 when I got pregnant with my youngest. I want to wear high heels and not feel like I’m going to snap the heel. I want to get back to my Hot Mama self lol anyone else with me?

I had my hysterectomy 4 years ago and I'm currently going through the process to get approved for the surgery. I've had weight gain too, but I also had a band slippage at the same time.

Hi all! I am currently deciding to moving forward with gastric revision option. I had the sleeve originally. I was 287 lbs the day of my surgery My lowest weight was 130 and im back up to 185. I had a lifestyle, I chose exercise over food to cope. I was strong and I was so happy. Then it all changed!!!! I was diagnosed as bipolar and throughout the ‘learning’ curves of depression & the medication (which is known for weight gain) i lost my way health and nutrition wise. My depression consumed me and my I was taking meds notorious for weight loss. This along with my first detrimental ‘episode’ led to old bad habit. I see a psychiatrist monthly & psychologist weekly. Ive tried everything to loose weight but nothing worked. So now I want to know about some of your experiences! I am only 28 years old I want to run up the stairs without exhaustion, I’m getting married in the near future, I want kids. I want my lifestyle back I want to be a role model. I want to take my life back , a second chance, and live a happy life. I’ve searched everywhere but I haven’t found any information regarding treatment Resistant Depression & the ECT therapy. •Is it possible to do electroconvulsive therapy & surgery??? Has you done ECT AFTER surgery? / BEFORE surgery? •Has anyone had experience or success as a bipolar candidate? /// What did your surgeon think or say in the matter? •Has anyone had electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT) and Bariatric surgery??

So I decided weeks ago that 5/1 would be my quit date from tobacco! I completely forgot that one side effect of quitting tobacco is weight gain. So far today, I have been craving food!!! I’m only 2 weeks post op the Orbera. Do you think I’m setting myself up for failure? Maybe I should postpone my quit date do I do not have cravings...any thoughts, comments, or questions are appreciated! FYI...I use snuff.

My disclaimer – (newbies) Its normal to be excited and a bit obsessive about the process and practicing basics in your honeymoon phase ***its normal** this topic is more for people maintaining and if they are riding a fine line between bariatric lifestyle and disordered thinking. It’s something that does not affect all of us after goal. When healthy eating go’s to far (please read the link below) https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/orthorexia-when-healthy-eating-goes-too-far/ I love that the things we are taught, and practice as bariatric patients are not much different than athletes. Logging and weight our food, putting thought into buying groceries and how you fuel your body, what foods are allowed and not allowed on our plans, researching new diet/fitness health trends and knowing what’s works to lose the weight and stay healthy. Here is the double edge sword for many of us that have been formerly obese and fear weight gain. Where is the fine line between bariatric life style and disordered thinking about food and weight??? Letting go of the “bariatric weight loss rules” Scared the hell out of me after goal. The fear of weight gain kept me in check, But I noticed the fear was not in a normal range. I needed to relax and not feel guilty about indulging within reason. It’s taken me time not to totally freak out with a weight gain. I learned to maintain my weight maintaining bounce range. I had to learn to trust myself. Balance with this is something I’m still working on years out. I would like your thoughts on the fear of weight gain after goal/maintaining. Is it a healthy or unhealthy range for you?

Thank you all for the nice comments and suggestions.I had RNY Gastric Bypass 1/26/2017.On lots of meds especially for reflux and pancreas enzymes and IBS.I agree with the whole med issue and weight gain it is tough.That does not help with losing weight or maintaining loss.Some meds if not taken the risks are greater than the outcome of not taking them.

I’m so sorry your struggling with this. I think the fear is what’s causing her to say unkind things to you and I bet once she sees you drop the weight, gain confidence and become happier she will come around. I wish for your sake she could come around sooner but if she doesn’t now I believe she will later. Best of luck to you! Stephie

Thanks for replying! I have a caliper that is very very cheap so I gave up using after it told me I was 8% one time and like 35% the next time (haha) and there's a machine that's at my gym that gives you all kinds of information, including body fat. It rates me between 15 and 18% depending on the day. That is utter nonsense though because by all accounts i am still "fat". I look and feel like I could easily lose 40-50lbs from my abdomen and inner thighs alone. I was using a trainer for a time and am friends with the training staff at my gym but none of them have knowledge about bariatric patients, including their nutritionist. It feels like two different worlds to me - the gym environment and the bariatric environment. Neither one appears to have legit knowledge about the other. This is part of the reason I've been stressing about this. I need to know where the balance is. I'd also love to know if it's possible for me to actually use this surgery after 12 months for something other than creating a toxic bathroom and buying lots of vitamins for the rest of my life! You would think that would be covered day one of your consultation, but I feel like it's skimmed over in minor detail, and when I asked the simple question I got five different answers from five different medical experts. If you google something like "gastric bypass two years later" there's next to nothing other than a few weight gain articles and one forum post that says "gastric bypass 8 years later and out of control!" I am also very interested in talking to someone who knows both athletics and bariatric stuff. The nutritionist at my hospital comes across like she mostly deals with older people who cannot/do not exercise and doesn't really know my needs. And I'm scared about how hungry I am all the time. I feel like I did this for nothing :(

@FluffyChix And speaking of Ken, how is that whole "thang" goin? What's the latest and greatest news? Anything? Things are great, like need to pinch myself level of great. He met the fam on Easter. I got great feedback all around, my family liked him, and he liked my family. It was also really nice he is a totally self sufficient social butterfly. I was hosting, so I'm grateful he didn't need any handholding. Next big step will be meeting his mom when she come out to visit next month. This forum shows me that there is hope in Veteranville--that it is possible to maintain this weight longterm and that weight gain doesn't "arbitrarily" happen for the most part I agree, I feel confident that I've got this. Because I'm diligent about logging my food and weighing myself, I feel that I can easily course correct when needed. In the past I just buried my head in the sand because the thought of long term dieting was overwhelming. But making tweaks to my eating and/or exercise as I go feels totally manageable. When you say 4oz of semi solid food, is that volume or scalemeasurement? And I'm assuming 3oz solid protein is by scale? Yes, the weights are by scale. I'm guessing if I squished the burrito portion into a measuring cup it would probably be about 3/4-1 cup. Yes, protein is by weight. I don't eat a lot of solid protein at home, so I haven't weighed it out recently. But for instance, if I'm out and order an 8 oz steak (which are always 8 oz+), I can get through about a 3rd of it. In early days when I was eating pure protein at home and weighing, 3/4-1 oz had me stuffed. So I also can judge my current capacity because I can eat 3 x 4 times that now. I make a big enough dent in a small steak that it doesn't raised questions, which is so nice! We were out at the park all day at a festival and I had 2 Mich Ultras for the day. I raised a bottle to you. Did you see me? Nice! I fortunately I got over my IPA phase years ago, and prefer a lager these days, so much less cals! (I used to tease a guy I dated about drinking Ultra's, now I'm that guy! )

Maybe you just didn't recognize MB? How old is she now? She probably has more wrinkles than me, even! hahahaha! Wooohoooo and we all know you Ken is anatomically correct!!!! Bonus! And speaking of Ken, how is that whole "thang" goin? What's the latest and greatest news? Anything? ((hugs)) Boobs as the price of magic. But so glad Santa is bringing you a couple of "whole new bags" ! What a Christmas pressie! Right? And I think your weight really looks beautiful on your body. You have a gorgeous figure. And you know, down the road if regain "does happen to us all" that you would likely settle around 140ish pounds. So this may not be your forever body--but as a temp, it's a smokin' hot one. Right? And yes, you know, I really don't know where I would be without you guys! This journey would have been filled with uncertainty, unknown, loneliness from lack of commonality, and ungrounded. This forum shows me that there is hope in Veteranville--that it is possible to maintain this weight longterm and that weight gain doesn't "arbitrarily" happen for the most part. It is almost 100% caused by some level of recidivism in our choices. But with tight observance of our weight/diet and having a weight window, any little mishaps can be dealt with at the 2-5lb range. I think you said, "Never again spending a year on weight loss?" Or maybe it was @Biddy zz 🏳️🌈 who said that? But it resonates with me and keeps it in perspective. And I wouldn't have it if it wasn't for this forum!!! So glad your business meetings/dinings are going easier for you and that you are still in solid maintenance because of it!!! When you say 4oz of semi solid food, is that volume or scale measurement? And I'm assuming 3oz solid protein is by scale? You know me...always trying to make sure I don't have a football sized pouch! Cheers to your diet soda. I thought about you yesterday. We were out at the park all day at a festival and I had 2 Mich Ultras for the day. I raised a bottle to you. Did you see me? *snort*

I think weight gain because of medication is something different than "the usual" regain so even if there were more veterans talking about this issue it might very well be that it's not helping you. However, maybe there are some veterans on this board who need to take similar meds and still maintain? Is there a chance that your meds can be reduced again in the future? There seem to be different strategies. I notice that several veterans talk about how they maintain their weight. It can usually be found in the threads about regain.

This is ridiculous, yes, I’m not done. I know how weight gain messes with your head. Depression, shame beating yourself up. Much of getting back on track is the mental battles. If your struggling Talk it out with us, find a counselor, find some books on the issues your battling. Night snacking is my battle – some of my go to items - veggie tray with hummus, strawberries dipped in Hershey’s sugar free syrup or sugar free popsicles. Nip it in the bud and stop. Exercise/ increase your activity. Find what you enjoy. Do it even on days you don’t want to. Below is my reason why I get it in. Video "where does the fat go when you lose weight?"

Hi I am 27 months out.I had made goal fairly quickly in the first year.And had passed it.Then I was hospitalized in my 13th month and was on a liquid diet and constant ivs.I had some weight gain from that and during that year I was on a week of Prednisone.I have been on trials of meds for certain things.My total weight gain was 20 pounds.My surgeon gives a 10 pound grace.I am 10 pounds over.Any help or suggestions would be appreciated thank you

I like this analogy! @myfanwymoi your stats are amazing! Prior to WLS, I had lost large amounts of weight on 3 or 4 separate occasions, but obviously regained it each time. I knew I would lose weight after WLS, but I was terrified of gaining afterwards. Yet, here I am - 15kg (33lb) up from my lowest weight. I wish there were more veterans on these forums talking about maintenance. Assuming I can lose this weight gain, I want to figure maintenance out.

Hi Lourdas, To start with, I have absolutely no answer for you. Only to say that I have the same question. I have a rare disease, and along with the disease is trunk/belly fat. Most of us with the condition have gained a lot of weight post-disease surgery and then more on certain medications. I, like you are wondering if the procedure is even going to work considering that the weight gain is a side effect of other issues. I am willing to try though. Good luck to you. And I hope someone can answer the question for us both.

Hello everyone. I an new obviously to this site and I had a question that hopefully I could get some feedback on. I am due to have surgery in June or July. My weight gain has been at a stand still since 2008 when I had a complete hysterectomy. Was never able to take hormone replacement and have literally been stuck at the same weight since then;give or take 2-5 pounds. What are your thoughts on getting the procedure and not having it work in the end due to my hormonal issue?

So I was just wondering if anyone has had a weight gain early on? In the last 2 weeks I have gained 3 lbs. Not sure if this is normal, I have moved back on to eating normal now. Just 2 days ago, I can't poop, not sure if I should bump up my workouts or not. Is it okay to gain a little??

I also have PCOS, so I wasn't on BC before surgery. I just recently had my yearly well-woman appointment and decided to get on BC again since I don't want another child any time soon- if at all. I only have one, but I'm happy with that. My original intent was to get the arm implant because I had a bad experience with the IUD a couple years ago, but she said they see more weight gain with the arm implant and the Depo shot than they do with the pill. So I decided to go with the pill.

I led a very sedentary life for about 15 years before surgery (which directly explains my massive weight gain during that period). Today, I do at least one hour of some sort of exercise every day, and while I wouldn't go so far as to say I LOVE it, it has just become part of daily life that I just DO. Like breathing. Or getting dressed every day. With that said, I do hate weight training which is why I only do it for about 20-30 minutes 1 or 2 times a week (a necessary evil though, to maintain/build muscle mass. Boo.) I do find that I prefer going to classes. Something about being around others makes it less boring. I enjoy Zumba and Hot Yoga. I started going to a Cardio Pump class which is ok (but is basically weight training disguised as aerobics) so I don't think I'll last long there. I have gone to a few Spinning classes, which I like so far, but I can't keep up with the rest of the class yet so I am working on it. When I can find someone to go with me, I'll go climbing/bouldering at a gym nearby, but partners are hard to find, and climbing/bouldering can get expensive! I also do a lot of walking, which I thought would bore me out of my mind, but turned out to be my favourite form of exercise. I put on my headphones and just head out the door and come back an hour later. The time just flies by it seems...which is a good sign In short, find something that you like to do, you will more likely stick to it and make it part of your everyday life. Try out different things until you find the activities that work for you. And it doesn't have to be just going to a gym or classes...you could join a sport team, take up running/hiking, swimming...the options are endless. Good Luck!

You are not alone - See same topic below https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/424799-help-weight-gain-2-years-out-is-it-the-meds/?tab=comments#comment-4769639 https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/424777-struggling-regain/?tab=comments#comment-4769516

So here I am 3 years out (VSG Sept. 2016) and I’ve gained 30lbs and I’m so mad that I let myself get here. I did the pouch reset recently and it was more of a temporary fix, however I can tell my stomach has shrunk cause I cannot eat as much. I still can eat a good bit though. I’ve definitely included more protein and my diet, cut the carbs and sugar, but the process is very slow. Any suggestions on what I can do? I was thinking trying 500 calories a day but someone told me that’s not enough. I’m almost to the point where I’m scared to eat because I don’t want to gain more weight. I also walk about 30 minutes a day. I know that’s not much but I’m slowing building up my fitness level. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Sleeve nov 2016 highest weight 277 lowest 150 in August 2018 gained 29 pounds since August. Was put on Zoloft for anxiety last spring. Had maintained weight for over a year. Didn’t change diet or exercise. Anyone else experience this?

Hello I had my surgery on Feb. 11, 2019. I have lost 41lbs. I also take a couple of medication that cause weight gain. Mine is coming off slowly, but I am glad I am losing. Hang in there! [emoji4] Sent from my LG-TP260 using BariatricPal mobile app