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For sure! Thank you for the heavy pocket/ weights advice. I managed to weigh in at 199 after lunch, lol. We are waiting on results from stress test, then will put in for approval and get a surgery date for July. I need to weigh in no less than 198 and no greater than 200 (initial weigh in) lbs day of surgery which is really going to be tricky with two days of liquids prior to surgery. She said weigh every day and be very aware of weight gain and loss. They will not approve if you are above your first weigh in or if fall below 35. Where in Mexico are you having it done? i hope you have someone going with you. I have watched several youtube journeys of people who went to Mexico. They seem to have all had a good experience. Best of luck!

Hi again... I see Amlodipine, Seroquel and Lyrica all have weight gain as a side effect. I would definitely meet with Dr. to see if there are other weight friendly substitutions. I recall my surgeon warning against this for the rest of life—-to be sure to ask prescriber for something that won’t make the journey more difficult. Hugs and prayer that answers are right around the corner for you!

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

you are not the only 1 chick, woke up this morning and boom 4lb weight gain!!! :biggrin: i could of cried and then thrown my scales out of the window! i was soo upset as im 2 weeks post op i thought that id be losin losin losin but apparently not, not a happy bunny but it made me wanna go to the gym and burn it off immediatly! lol dont like it but i guess that this is real life with the lap band x

Its amazing how putting on a few kgs can affect your whole attitude. Each day I weigh myself the scales have gone up, even if it is only a little bit. 2 weeks and 4 kgs is ALOT. I havent been eating any differently to what I was, only more because the restriction has gone to nearly zilch. My mood is back to that depressive state. I feel fat...so fat. The new clothes I have bought are tight and snug fitting now. I feel yucky and I feel sh*t. Its been 6 months and its never been a problem to him before, why now? Its controlled and I dont even know I have it if I take my meds. For me my prior post is weight gain inevitable...welll right now....yes it is. I cant stop it. The difference in eating little amounts and now eating more normal ppl amounts is making me put weight on in itself. No one here (in real life) understands so please excuse my whining and if you think I need a kick in the butt and told to wake up then please do it. Tell me something...anything just dont tell me that this is the way it has to be...not with a few months left to my dream wedding.

It's perfectly normal not to lose weight at this stage. Your body is directing all its energy towards healing from surgery, so you may even notice weight gain. Concentrate on your recovery right now, and don't worry about the scale. The weight loss will come!

OMG! You are going through EXACTLY what I did! Initially I tried to brush it off. Eventually I was falling asleep every time I sat down to watch TV or got in a semi-comfortable position. My end-symptoms included tongue-swelling and EXTREME weight gain! FINALLY I woke up and sought out a pulmonologist. Due to my travel schedule for work I was unable to undergo an overnight sleep study. Instead, she sent me home with a machine to record my breathing status while sleeping and asked me to sleep for 4 hours with it. When I returned the machine and they did the analysis I found that I was waking up around 58 times per hour! My average oxygen concentration which should have been around 98% was less than 67%! I tried a normal CPAP but eventually ended up with an Autoset (adjusts automatically to what my body needs). My CPAP has been a GODSEND! I now sleep MUCH MUCH better and can be up for 16 or 18 hours if I need to be without falling asleep. In fact, I took my machine with me to my surgery (at my surgeon's orders) and used it throughout my hospital stay. PLEASE don't walk, but RUN to your doctor and get a sleep test! If I (or you) were to fall asleep while driving a car we could kill someone! Sleep Apnea is a VERY VERY serious condition and needs to be treated as soon as you experience symptoms (as you are and I was). Don't be afraid... just get tested as soon as possible! There is light at the end of the sleepless tunnel!

In order to gain 1 pound you have to consume 3500 extra calories, so to have a "true" weight gain of 5 pounds you would have had to consume an extra 17, 500 calories above your suggested daily intake in the last week. Since that really isn't feasible don't stress out. Your body is going through a lot. It isn't unusual for the scale to fluctuate when you start back to normal foods, your body is trying to figure our what is going on. Just continue to follow the rules and don't have a glass anywhere near you at mealtime. This has been an easy one for me but we all struggle with different things (mine is getting enough water). The scale will move in the right direction, just give your body some time to work through all this. In the meantime eat healthy foods and reasonable amounts (whatever your doctor suggested). I experienced the same thing prior to my first fill. For me, I had to stay away from the scale and weigh only once a week. We have so much fluctuation day to day that the ups and downs drove me crazy and caused too much doubt in myself and what I had gone through - so do what is best for you about the scale. HTH!

This one is controversial! I am sure you will get multiple answers. Some surgeons absoluetly say no, but there are some who say the sleeve is very difficult to stretch compared to other surgeries. I've chosen not to but my reason is because I was uber addicted to diet coke and for me I associated it with the kinds of food that would cause weight gain, and secondly I had loads of tummy problems had to get an endoscopy and was told I needed to be on SIX presciptions (at 28) but before I started them my dr wanted me to try a week without soda and all my symptoms went away. This is not a common occurence but was enough to keep me away. After all my jabber, it ultimately comes down to what you are comfortable with, and your surgeon and NUT's advice is probably more valuable then what your internet pals can give you. Anna

Hey! *waves* Just found this and was compelled to post! Just want to say, thank you to each and every one of you who posted kind words about me! Heart warming indeed! The reason i don't post that often nowadays is because I feel that many newbies and not so newbies don't think my journey is successful cos I ain't at goal. Often I will post and my comments are over looked... I guess I can't be bothered to be ignored! However, I do pop on here most days and stay in touch with my sleeve friends! I am sure my story is not uncommon, the fact that I am still around here is more to do with me being proud of my achievements, regardless of that stupid scale, whereas others might see not reaching goal as a failure. I have to be honest, I was in that failure place... and believe me it was dark, damp and ugly. I really had to kick my own ar*e - with the lil help of my cyber friends (you know who you are) - and get on with it!! I've said it elsewhere, so forgive me if you've read this before... Over the last 2 - 2 1/2 years there has been many 'issues' in my personal life that has really knocked me for six, and only now on reflection can I see that I have come through them as a better, stronger person - with no weight gain - NSV right there. I was told that I was peri menopausal 2 years ago, but I have had the 'symptoms' a long time before that - I just blamed my weight! I am now menopausal at 41 yrs of age, and although it is not an excuse, I do feel that is part explains why my body has stopped losing and would seem rather comfortable at this weight! Stupid body.Since being sleeved I have also had other health complaints... are they other reasons for my lack of weight loss? Who knows! The upshot is that I've been in a stall for nearly 18 mths. I've exercised, dieted, done the refeed, taken time out and so on with no results on the scale. Do I stop trying... hell no! My sleeve is precious to me, it has given me a life back that I never thought I would ever get! There is no expiry date on this bad boy! Will I make goal? Dunno! Do I care... yes!!! For those of you who know me, you will know that I will keep on keeping on... I've got my eye on the prize! Oh and to Celebrate my 'failure' *coughs*, I mean success I am getting a TT with uplift this week. And that will only mean one thing... yep! Me rocking a new pair of skinny jeans...lol! Seriously though, if you consider yourself a slow loser, cut yourself some slack. Take a deep breath and remember the bigger picture. I used to say that my journey to goal was the scenic route because it is much prettier!!

Hazel...I totally AGREE, one can't expect to eat 3-4 oz of food FOREVER, it's just not doable nor is it healthy long term. Remember these posters that are DISAGREEING...are only 1-2 years post op and their metabolisms has not REALLY regulated at this point, so anyone who gets their bands emptied in the 1-2 year can easily "diet" and exercise to keep their weight off. A damaged metabolism really don't happen until a few years later, but again everyone is different and have different body makeups. However...like I said BEFORE...everyone that I've known -- and I've followed thousands lap banders over 8 years have regained weight when they got their bands emptied...some were able to keep weight off after band removal for a year...but MOST gained their weight back if they did not have a band or "restriction" longer than 1-2 years. Here is cited material on Weight gain, and Pouch dilatation with both RNY and the lap band after a few years post op. http://jcem.endojour...91/11/4223.full Mechanisms for Weight Regain One possible mechanism for weight regain seen after 1 yr is increase in energy intake. Sjostromet al. (11) reported daily intakes of about 2900, 1500, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 kcal/d, respectively, at baseline and 6 months, 12 months, 2 yr, 3 yr, and 4–10 yr after surgery. The role of energy intake in weight regain may be greater than that observed because subjects tend to overadhere to their dietary recommendations on the day that the diet is assessed (25). Late pouch dilatation has been reported in patients who undergo laparoscopic Gastric Band surgery (28) and is the leading indication for conversion of GB to a RYGB (29) but is seen less frequently after RYGB surgery (30). Revision surgery to correct these changes leads to improved weight loss (28, 29). However, these complications have been described in only a handful of patients, implying that other factors may be involved in modulating weight regain after bariatric surgery. Regular physical activity is an important factor in weight loss maintenance (31). According to one survey in RYGB patients with a mean follow-up of 7 yr, successful patients (those who maintained at least 74% of their initial weight loss) exercised regularly (no details given) (32). In the prospective study by Sjostrom et al. (11), the approximate proportion of bariatric surgery patients who reported being active at work changed from 70% at baseline to 90% at yr 1 and 80% at yr 10. The proportion of patients who were active during leisure time was 55, 90, and 80%, respectively. The difference in the proportion active at work and during leisure time between the surgery patients and controls was narrower at 10 yr than at 1 yr. This may explain some of the observed weight regain seen in the surgery patients. Also physical activity may be overreported and thus needs to be assessed objectively. Whether increased physical activity in bariatric surgery patients is effective in weight loss maintenance remains to be proven by randomized trials.

Here's some info I found online about Protein powders: Protein powder: What Ingredients to Look For and associated Risks Some products use additive to enhance the flavor, mix-ability, texture, longevity, convenience to transport, or just to bulk the product up and make it cheaper to produce – think popular lines like Muscle Milk, Apex, and Vi. When reading labels, it’s valuable to know that ingredients are typically listed in the order of the highest amount used in the product to the least amount. Aspartame and Sucralose – Sucralose is sometimes sold as “Splenda”, both are sweeteners containing no calories and are sweeter than sugar. There may be a link between sucralose and leukemia in mice, so its safety rating has changed from “Safe” to “Avoid.” Regarding Aspartame in 2007 it was found that long-term exposure to low doses of aspartame increased cancer in rats. Maltodextrin – Maltodextrin is an artificial sugar that has a mild, sweet taste. It’s also known as a polysaccharide, or chain of sugars, and is created by applying acids or other enzymes to cornstarch. Maltodextrin is actually a term that applies to any starch hydrolysis product containing fewer than 20 glucose units. Therefore, maltodextrin refers to a family of products rather than one specific product. It has side effects and health risks similar to most food additives. These include allergic reactions, unexplained weight gain, bloating, and flatulence. Specific allergic reactions include rash, asthma, itching, and difficulty breathing. Wheat-derived maltodextrin may pose health concerns for individuals with celiac disease because it contains gluten. However, in most cases the maltodextrin production process completely removes the protein from the wheat resulting in a gluten-free wheat-derived maltodextrin. Soy Lecithin – This additive is extracted from soybeans, either mechanically or chemically, using hexane. It’s actually a byproduct of soybean oil production. It can cause side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, or fullness. Soy lecithin has been linked to negative effects on fertility and reproductionand there are links to a promotion in the risk of cancer. Xanthan Gum – Xanthan Gum is made by fermenting corn sugar with a bacteria. Xanthan Gum can be derived from a variety of sources such as corn, wheat, and soy. Individuals with an allergy to such sources should avoid foods containing Xanthan Gum. As a carbohydrate with 7 grams of Fiber per tablespoon, it may cause bloating in some people.

Don't give up on yourself. If your hungry all the time, it may be that you have alot of acid in your stomach. Check with you surgeon to see if you can take a PPI (prilosec). I was always hungry and I started taking prilosec and I'm not hungry anymore. How many calories are you consuming on your liquid diet? Are you getting enough protein? Are you exercising at all, like walking? Have you lost inches? Hang in there, it will happen..... Kaiser educated on the dangers of drinking of alcohol. Some weight loss patients have died from drinking alcohol. How manydrinks they had, I don't really know. Also, alcohol can contribute to weight gain.

Why is there weight gained ? I'm not understanding? I barely eat! Example today protein shake breakfast salmon for lunch 3 bites nibbled on salmon for dinner theme 2 bites of spam & 62 oz of water what's wrong with that

I was sleeved on 2/14. I found it interesting that they did not wake me before surgery luckily I weighed myself before going to the hospital and weighed in at 250 however when I was discharged yesterday I weighed myself at the hospital and wait in that 256. Is that normal? Did anyone else experience weight gain? When did you start to notice weight loss?

Hi again Jack, I agree with you completely. I too have an interest in the psycology of weight gain & loss however I wonder if it's not a bit 'too much too soon 'for a lot of bandsters. I know myself that I am just so greatfull to have the band and it's finally working. Maybe down the track, if I'm no longer happy with my progress, I'll look at it more closely but right now I feel like I've won the lotto.

So have you looked at what you have done differently that created the weight gain? I'd love to help, but it's you that needs to make the choices and the changes. Or, could you possibly need a fill? Are you eating around the band? A little more information would really be great so I can help you help yourself through this. OK?

Hi I'm new here. I followed this site pre op and did post once cause I was scared. I had surgery on Monday 28th Oct 2013 and was sent home on The Wednesday. I have to be honest my body does not deal with anaesthetic well and I am allergic to morphine so recovery was a shiet to deal with (only panadol thru IV). I retched until Late Tuesday night and did not have my swallow test till Wednesday. I am grateful to the fantastic nursing staff who looked after me without prejudice rubbed my back and kept me focused. I have a spinal problem and loosing weight will help me, not being able to excersise caused more weight gain along with the bad food choices that comforted my constant back pain which only got worse the heavier I got. I have had great support from my 19 yr old son and my brother. I did regret in the first 3 days doing this but each day has gotten easier, and I am determine to make my life better. I weighed in at 121kg (266lb) and 152cm (5ft). 4 week preop diet I only lost 4 kg. I went in optimistic but worried this would not work for me and some how I would be a failure. Today is day is day five and I weigh 113kg (249lb). Eating is not easy each day I manage a little more (I'm actually not hungry but I do dream about a big chicken and salad sandwich lol). Realistically that is just my head talking and I know this because my stomach says there is no room in here for anything but that tablespoon of soup you just had now get up and walk it off (walking also helps with the reflux along with the reflux pill in the morning). My days are filled with several activities to span out the day and not think about food, a glass of warm water (sipped slowly) to start the day. A walk around the house with my old faithful dog. Take my pills, sip a protein drink another walk around the house. Have a scroll on FB and do a crossword or puzzle while sipping another glass of water. Another walk around the house with doggy (she thinks I'm crazy). Watch 30 mins of TV and have a hydro lite ice block. Another walk around the house. More puzzles (keep the mind active so it does not dwell on misery). Lunch, walk, TV. Catch up with my son and what he has done for the day. Another walk more water. Blah blah blah. The advantages at the moment. I am not spending any money cause I can't go out right now and food purchases are minimal. Saving for the clothes I will have to buy (how exciting). My doggy is getting extra attention. As for friends I have one great friend who has supported me from the start no questions, and the ones that I have lost I figure they were not friends anyway. Be positive, always start the day as a new one, not a roll over of yesterday and don't be afraid to ask for help. My new daily mantra 'if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got'. Change it up. My yard is not big but I try to look at something different in the garden every time I go out there and appreciate being here and knowing that the better my health the more I will see of my son's life. Well done to everyone's daily achievements before we know it we will be enjoying our new bodies, buying off the rack CHEAP clothes and laughing because the meal out was only a starter that cost $8, a seat on the bus or train was easier to sit in. Good luck everyone

I had my mid band surgery in 2004. I successfully lost 87 lbs. Over the past 6 months I have gained 38 lbs! I have gone in for many Fills and can't maintain restriction. After a couple of days my restriction disappears. I have had the barium test and last week in day surgery had the port checked. It is fine. My surgeon is at a loss. There was 6cc in my band. I have always needed a larger fill than his other patients. I am hungry all the time, eat healthy, organic foods but due to Polycystic Ovarian Disease compounded with genetic obesity I have to eat next to nothing to maintain weight loss. I eat about 1200 - 1500 calories a day keeping carbs low. The band gave me the restriction I needed. I am at a loss as is my surgeon. Please, any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. I am depressed and ashamed of the weight gain after so many years of success. I do not know where to turn for help.

That first drop is so exciting but there is the leveling off and even sometimes a gain prior to getting fill right and adopting to new lifestyle. I lost 10 pre-op, 10 immediately post-op, then another 4-5 which I then regained. Just got that off again following my first fill. I recognize there will be ups and downs, water weight gain and loss, etc., but I know I'm on my way to good health no matter what. You are, too!

I was sleeved 4/17/17 and, after a 10 day stall w/ walking 2-3 miles per day for the last 2 weeks, the scale finally moved today. Do not be disappointed as your body is just trying to catch up w/ the trauma it just endured. It will get better as your body heals, you will see the loss reflected on the scale. Rejoice in the non scale victories. A thinner face, looser pants and being able to resist temptation, as hard as THAT can be sometimes! I think when people ask "how much have you lost so far", I might just reply w/ "enough" as the change I see does not match the # reflected on the scale. Besides, I can't expect to lose 30 years of weight gain in less than one month. I know they are just curious but ask me in a year and I will give them a #. You will get there, just give it some time to work.

Suddenly, my band tightened. Self diagnosed, I went to a clear liquid diet. It did not help, it became more uncomfortable and I could not get water down. I was also having regurgitation in my sleep. It was very unpleasant. I had an emergency appointment to relieve the pressure in my band. Immediately I felt relief. It took a few weeks for the reflux to subside. However, it did. My appetite never increased, nor did I regain any weight. I see many members suffering from "tightness", yet sacred to have any fluid removed in fear they will regain. I just want to confirm that a decrease in fluid from the band doesn't mean weight gain will occur. I remained in the "green zone". Please do not refrain from getting an "unfill" because of fear. The relief is priceless.

I get weighed everytime I see my doctors, even my family doctor. Remember its your weight gain and nobodys else. Get back on track and count carbs. SIP lots of water 1 hour before eating.

Oh he would definitely know I'm getting my thighs done but I'd rather tell him that it was one of the things that the doc noticed and said he could fix. Although, today I saw my sister in laws thighs up close and I feel much better with my own now. Hers look like mine and she's a normal weight. Hers was just from pregnancy weight gain.

I am kind of scared of this. I have a prescription for nuvaring in my refrigerator, but my weight loss already feels slow - I don't think I need to set myself back by starting on it and gaining some back. Has anyone started nuvaring post-op and not had any weight gain/stalling?