Search the Community

I'm just starting my process. Saw the surgeon last week, the endo today, NUT tomorrow...etc. The reason I had to see the endo was elevated A1C. It must be below 9.0 before they'll operate. I'm tentatively scheduled for 12/18. Endo put me on Xultophy, which is insulin/liraglutide. I've never been on insulin. I know it causes weight gain and the doc was adamant that I not gain weight prior to surgery. My question, however, is were any of you able to come off insulin after surgery?

I'm 2+ years out, and I don't eat Pasta and haven't since surgery. I'm personally choosing to stay away from anything "white"--pasta noodles, bread, rice, potatoes. They are processed differently in our bodies which can possibly cause cravings and hunger (and weight gain). I eat pretty clean, because let's face it, eating the way I did before didn't work, right? I was morbidly obese and so unhealthy. The "little of this and a little if that" theory works great for most people early out pre op, because let's face it, you're going to lose some weight no matter what. But there's going to come a time when you can eat more, you're hungry more frequently, and can tolerate pretty much everything. So what's the better choice then? A cup of linguini or a cup of zucchini noodles? A cup of white rice, or a cup of a whole grain rice that's actually good for you? A peice of white, starchy bread with 150 calories,or a peice of grainy whole wheat bread with 80 calories? All that stuff adds up the further out from surgery we are and causes weight gain. I'm choosing to eat more deliberately, both for my health and for ensuring I'm maintaining my weight. I take pleasure now in being able to run a couple miles and fit into size 6 jeans, not just food. I'm not perfect, but I know if I stick to that 90-95% of the time, an occasional english muffin or piece of cake isn't gonna kill me. That's what "moderation" means to me.

When we first got married I was at 174. Then I had babies and several surgeries so my weight gain started. I has cheated on me before so I would not be surprised if he did again. Thank you everyone for the support. I really don't have anyone to stay with. I can do this. It will be hard but I can do this.. If he wants to leave after I loose my weight I really don't think I am going to stop him. Like someone said he is controlling. Thank you again Sent from my N9518 using the BariatricPal App

If you're relying on mostly liquids because you can't keep regular foods down, you're likely too tight. A band too tight actually can (and often does) lead to weight gain because you're stuck drinking calories or relying on slider foods. In fact, most people who gain with a band too tight will start losing again once they get a slight unfill and can actually eat a variety of healthy foods again.

hi so it wasnt until about 4 months ago i started thinking about the land band, someone who i know but not to well got it almost a year ago i believe we are close in body type i might be a little smaller but i also feel given my weight gain in the last 3 years ill be another 10 pounds heavier by next year. i saw her on Sunday after not seeing her for a month and she looked like she had lost another 10 pounds! i feel like its so unfair, i work out 6 days a week and lose nothing! ive been doing weight watchers a month and ive only lost 2 lbs. i had my blood work done its not my thyroid. the doctor told me to count my calories better and it was my genetics i would always have this problem with my weight. i have gained 35 pounds in 3 years, i seem like i cant control a diet strict enough to lose weight i already work out more then most people i know. the last two years of my life have been a constant battle with my weight and every day i am constantly feeling self-conscious about my body, disgusted and saddened with how i look. while on vacation 2 months ago i felt this the worst i ever have. i was so uncomfortable i didnt get to enjoy the beach the way i should have. i couldnt wear shorts nor a swim suit i was constantly trying to cover up while the other girls in family ran around in there small outfits i was sad. so here are my questions. is this right for me. i am 31, 170ish pounds, 5'2 with a bmi of 31. the Quest for lap band grew even more stronger in the last few days when lauren manzo came out about her surgery, for the past few years i felt i related to her best we have so much in common including career. i think she would wonderful with her 30 pound loss, i would like to be 40-50 pounds lighter without the constant yoyo of weight loss and gain.

I think an important thing to be said is how life changing a VSG can be. I read on here and on OH about people wanting to eat more than their stomachs will allow and how long it takes to get to eat alittle more. The surgery I have chosen is meant to reduce the amount I am able to eat. I have to be accepting and even grateful for that. I have come to accept that I will never ever be able to eat 3 to 4 cups of anything at one time ever again. Should I want to? Yes its a grieving thing, a missing of that almighty drug of choice in the amounts that we have grown acustome to. You know the amount that made us huge and made everyone else comment behind our backs. But I dont think the food addicted mind will let some of us grasp what that change is really going to be like. It is permanent, that means forever! Sure we can eat around our sleeve like we could around the band. Grazing all day on high calorie mushies is wonderful weight gaining sabotager. Still there are those of us who cant fathom not being able to eat a plate full of a large meal like other non sleeve freinds and family can. We are limited to our 3 to 4 oz, sometimes a bit more if you have a bigger pouch and that is only after several long months out. If this is something that is difficult for a person's mind to grasp, they perhaps should rethink the sleeve surgery. I dont mean to be preachy but it isnt something that was talked about much before I had my sleeve and when it was, I wasnt able to make the connection at that time anymore than some pre surgery patients can now, so I feel it is worth mentioning again. I have an addiction to foods. One taste of some foods is too many and a thousand is never enough. I still grieve the loss of the ability to have all that my brain wants to eat but grieving will pass. I feel better about it every day. I would just like to reinforce the concept and purpose of the sleeve. It is to greatly control our intake. Forever. Ok, that is off my chest and alot of fat is off my ass as a result of this life change. There are soooo many positive life changing gifts we can accept from this surgery. I want to dwell on those for now.

Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen All medicines can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen: Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; excitability; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach pain or upset; thickening of mucus in nose or throat. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Diphenhydramine/Ibuprofen: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes. Interesting thing is once I read the side effects I have actually been suffering from a few of these.....huh! I have also had a stiff neck lately and some unexplained dizziness. I guess I am a lucky one who had a negative reaction to this one.

Hi! I was banded and shortly afterwards had some family emergencies (terminal illnesses) that required me to move to another State and basically got in the way of me doing any of the follow up fills for two years. I dropped just 20# in that period, which most people would consider a failure of the surgery, but I did not, if only because my weight, which had been on a trajectory of a 10# gain each year, did not go up above the weight I was at the time of the surgery. I, too, have PCOS, so I understand that challenge of losing weight when your hormones are making your body think its on steroids. I'm not a 'bad eater' per se, but portion control has been always been challenging for me. Once I got a couple of fills and got some restriction, I started losing more weight, but it still took 18 months to drop an additional 40#. At the 40# post-op mark I found that moving my body got easier and I started walking more and eventually joined a health club, which accelerated my weightloss. 2 months after joining the club, I got pregnant, and once I realized I was pregnant I panicked over the possibility of gaining back the weight I'd worked to lose--I'd just gotten under the 300# mark and absolutely didn't want to cross it again. I contacted a dietician to work out how to manage my weight so that the baby's nutritional needs were being met while keeping my pregnancy weight gain to a minimum. I upped my exercise and watched my portions and managed to keep my weight gain to 7#. Because I stayed active during my pregnancy--which was difficult, I felt like I was walking through a pool full of Water most of the time--I actually lost weight. A few days after delivery I weighed at 16# less than I had when the pregnancy started. I'm 3 weeks postpartum and I'm down a total of 27 pounds from 10 months ago. I am breastfeeding, and my exercise is limited to a mile walk a day plus normal household activity. I just had 1cc removed from my band (I had 2.5 cc filled) because I dropped 8# in 2 weeks and am worried about keeping up milk production with such rapid weightloss. I'm not a perfect eater, but I've developed some coping mechanisms and strategies to help me stay on track. I've learned how to handle cravings, for example. I know when to re-direct and when to relent. I know when to stop indulging (most of the time) and I know when to get rid of something tasty because I can't resist the temptation to keep indulging. Redirect: This strategy starts with a question: Am I really hungry, or am I bored/nervous/upset? If the answer is yes, I really am hungry, then I try to redirect focus from the death-by-chocolate cake I am craving to a Protein or granola bar or a piece of fresh fruit--ie, to something healthier that tastes good, too. If the answer is no, I'm not hungry, I'm bored/anxious/whatever, then I redirect to an activity that gets my mind and/or body off the comfort-food focus. Depending on the craving and the reason, I may meditate to calm myself, or take a 5-minute yoga break, or go for a walk, do some weeding/chores, take a bath, masturbate, or take a time-out to touch base with what is really going on inside me (ie administer some emotional first aid). Relent: Relent, for me, comes after multiple attempts to redirect. If I've eaten my healthy mandarin and I've done my chores and I've finished writing an email or whatever other tasks I've put to myself to in order to get my mind off the craving and I still want that cake (especially if I've craved it for a few days), I'll go buy a single-serving cupcake or something, both as acceptance of the craving, and as reward for the work I've done to earn it. If I absolutely have to have a slice of that $20 death-by-chocolate cake and they don't sell it by the slice, I'll buy it at the bakery, ask them to slice me a piece, and then give the rest away to the people working there, or as samples for their customers. (Yes, it raises eyebrows, but no one has refused me yet.) Then I relish my $20 piece of cake, eating it slowly, savoring every bite. I don't bring home more than one serving of a craved food anymore. It's too easy to say to myself, "Oh, I'll bring this whole cake home and share it with my family" and then end up eating more than one serving because I don't want it to go to waste or because it is just that good. I suppose I should have the self-discipline to be able to eat just one serving of something I crave and leave the rest alone for others or for another time, but I don't. And I am self-aware enough to accept that. I'm also self-loving enough to get over the whole self-sabotage / self-punishing thing for my supposed lack of will-power, no longer hating myself even as I am rewarding myself with a tasty treat. Today, I allow myself to eat that thing I really want, but just one small serving. And I give away or toss away the rest. I may feel a little foolish for eating what amounts to a $20 slice of cake -but- I figure that it's $18 worth of extra calories I'm not adding to my waistline, and given the work I have to do to take off just one pound, it's f-ing worth it. So--this is how I've learned to deal with food cravings over the years, and how I managed not to gain weight during my pregnancy. I practice self-awareness and self-acceptance, a bit of self-discipline, and a lot of self-love. I'm as flawed, outrageous, and complex as the next person, and what works for me may not work for others. Still, it's worth sharing if even just one person benefits from it.

I guess I will start off by saying that I had rny surgery in January of this year and the last couple months my husband has been talking about wanting to have a baby. We already have a 2 year old son. Since starting this wls journey in November 2012 I have lost a total of 81 pounds. Just this week I finally hit 199 pounds ( first time being under 200 in years). Part of me doesn't want to have another pregnancy because I'm afraid of the weight gain and that I won't lose the baby weight and I've worked so hard to get where I am now and want to continue until I get to my goal weight and part of me feels guilty for not wanting another child because I don't wanna gain any weight. Anyone else feel this way or am I just being selfish. I'm so afraid to go back to the way I was before this journey started.

I know that I've been on this site before many times but I still don't know how to start a new subject or reply without doing a quote first. Please someone help me. I may be seemingy stupid but I just can't seem to find it. Thx. Now I've lost 30lbs in 8 months. I take a few weight gaining drugs plus insulin. So I know my losing will be slow . I have 6cc in 10cc band. I now think next months ckup I'll need another fill. Everything is going down nice..pills too. But I'm still eating far too much and still getting hungry...I know everyones different but anyone with a 10cc band what amount of ccs have you found to be beneficial?

Another good point. I'm frustrated right now at my lack of restriction, but the plus side is I'm not gaining. And I know for a fact from past dieting, for every 1lb I could lose, I gained 5lb more. I gained nearly 80lbs in one year before I decided to do the band (after losing quite a bit from Atkins), and it was only getting worse. Even on my bad months, right now where I'm not restricted and losing, I'm not gaining. That's a bonus. My great g'ma was morbidly obese and bed ridden by age 30. She weighed around 500-600lbs and died by age 35 from diabetes. I felt like I was heading that way with my gross weight gain and predisposition in my family to be diabetic.

I was in the same boat, band slipped and had issues and gained some weight. That weight gain has been devastating for me. When everything came back as band had slipped, my doctor gave me option to put it back in place or have revision to sleeve. I know there is higher chance of band slipping again after first slip. Doctor told me about the sleeve and gave me a few weeks to research it and come back with any questions. So I did all that and decided that I really didn't want to have surgery again for band slipping because it has caused such awful acid reflux issues already. Last Monday, I had the band out and end of October will have revision to sleeve. I'm still very nervous about it but look forward to getting back on the downhill slide towards my goal.

First of all, just want to say hi to everyone. This website is amazing. I've been doing research most of this year and I'm on this site a lot but this is my first post. Everyone seems really supportive. I'm having my surgery in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz next Friday and I'm freaking out. I think it's partially because I haven't told anyone yet. I am also younger than most of the people I see posting here. I've never had any type of surgery and I'm just praying this one goes well with no complications. The complications that are possible have almost scared me out of taking this HUGE step in my life. I mostly want to say hi because I'm sure I'll be coming here with more questions in the months to come. I also am wondering if there is anyone out there who had this surgery with Grave's Disease? I was diagnosed over two years ago and my thyroid levels have been mostly stable (though when my medication is adjusted I have gone up and down by 40 pounds). This last weight gain was just enough for me, I've had it with the yo-yo dieting. Anyway, I haven't had my thyroid ablated with radiation or surgery..anyone else have a similar experience?? Thanks

Are you revising because of reflux, weight gain, or both? Not having restriction wont keep you from losing weight if that is what you are worried about. In fact I lost 12 lbs the first month after revision and weighed 180 at the time. In 2017 I weighed 296 the day of VSG surgery and only lost 14 lbs. You wont overeat because you will get sick and if you dump that is just as bad. ( at least it is for me lol ) I get violently ill and can lasts a few hours. Once it lasted 4 hours. Good luck to you !

In my unprofessional opinion it is more likely puberty than PCOS. If her mom is a strict vegetarian, it entirely possible her daughter may be malnourished/protein deficient unless she is on top of her nutrition (and most 11 year olds that I know aren't nutrition experts). When my niece was vegetarian she seriously thought she could live on French fries. Puberty is a very dangerous time for developing eating disorders. Often because of an overreaction to some natural weight gain as our bodies are developing. I wish I knew the answer. I'll see if I can find a book or other resource.

High protein foods include meat, poultry and fish, eggs, dairy products, seeds and nuts, beans and lentils, grains like wheat, rice, barley and corn, and soy products. These are generally recommended for athletes and body builders in their Weight gain diet. High protein diet includes foods like eggs, milk, spinach, soybean, quinoa, meat, fish, whole grains, rice, beans, legumes, corn, oats, peas and peanut butter which are good sources of high protein.

Congratulations on making it this far! My surgery is in 7 days and I am super excited. I know how you feel, when you have to hear the negative views and opinions of others. Don't let them break your spirit though. You are doing this surgery for you and not for them. Many people don't realize that it's not about what you eat that causes the weight gain. Emotions, stress, depression and mental well being contribute to weight as well. If the people that view your choice in a negative light can't be happy and supportive of you, then they obviously don't truly care about you. People that care, can see where you have struggled and will do their best to encourage, support and uplift you on this journey. I wish you much success on your journey!!!

I ask about Sleeve with band because they perform plication with band. I was curious why they didn't do this with the sleeve... some people mention they don't feel full with the sleeve or weight gain. I always felt like my band didn't work like it should because my upper pouch would fill and then my lower stomach would still be "hungry". search "failed sleeve" or "weight gain after sleeve" you'll see lots of people mention they were revisions. Also- my surgeon lets you choose the size of your sleeve.

Mirena IUD. No weight gain. No painful periods (if any at all). Needs to be changed in a few months.

There are a couple of reasons for my weight gain, but I suspect the biggest one is the slippage. My pouch is larger than it should be and not having it checked last year just made the weight gain worse. On top of that, a couple of years ago I underwent infertility treatment and gained about 25 lbs from the hormone injections. I am looking forward to getting back on track and getting this weight off once and for all.

So for the last few months or so I was having a terrible plateau and when I was losing the scale was barely moving down. Had a fill and the same thing, even though I felt more restriction this time! So I have been going crazy because I am following the plan, exercising and have been using spark for my food journal...nothing has changed in that way at all. I have increased my work outs in recent as well! I have notice I am hungry at night and have been making great snack choices, nothing bad! So anyway, I went for a 5 mile hike with my trainer yesterday and we got to talking. She just could not understand after reading my food and exercise journal why this was happening. (and talking how my weight loss has stopped....and actually now I am up four pounds) So she asked me if I take any meds and I said no just Advil PM. She literally stopped in her tracks and said DUH! that stuff will do it to you every time. She said it is an appetite stimulant, you hold Water weight ( I am so feeling bloated which is what started the conversation in the 1st place) and it increases constipation! Anything with with diphenhydramine in it can cause weight gain, when using at night because it slows you down too much, and apparently effects your metabolism! I started doing research and it is all over the net about this exact topic. I found this blog all about it! Cranky Mommy Anyway, I wanted to share just in case any of you use sleep aids or benedryl at night and your weight loss has not been exactly fast or slowing down. I have officially quit taking Advil and Tylenol PM as of tonight! And will certianly update you if the scale starts moving again. I just feel horrible that this could have sabotaged all the hard work I have done, it has also slowed my progress down immensely considering I have been taking this for a few months. UUUGGHHHH at least I figured it out now instead of later....

Just be honest about the injury and falling off the wagon. She will probably say the same thing as your mom. Just get back on, forget yesterday and move forward to today and then tomorrow. This is a journey! Keep your eye on the prize! She might even give you some helpful tips on how to get past this and how to deal with this sort of thing in the future. Everyone on this sight has gone through weight gain and not feeling motivated. That is how we landed here in the first place. Good luck, I hope your back feels better and keep on keeping on!

I gained a couple pounds when I started on puree/mushee too. Then I stalled. I was like GREAT! A stall AND a weight gain?! It came off plus 2 pounds after the stall broke. No worries. I have the same feelings.. "I'm going to be fat forever! I did this surgery in vain!" Don't fret, It WILL come off.

Congrats on your pregancy btw!!!! 130lb weight loss is AMAZING!!!!!!!! So you are due at the end of March I take it? Do you know what your having? I'm having another boy! I have a 6 year old daughter and a 3.5 year old boy. Both I had before I was banded! This is my first band baby. I feel you on the weight gain jitters.....Seeing every week the numbers go up is so hard for me. I haven't been eating a ton but I have a major sweet tooth Its killing me.....lol......Started out at 116ish and I'm now 135.5......My due date is March 10th but I'm sure my OBGYN will induce me a week early as my husband works out west and will have to make arrangements to be home....

No suggestions about better methods I'm afraid as I'm post menopausal, but I think you're right about the pill causing weight gain. My daughter who was always very slim put on a ton of weight when she went on the pill and really struggled to lose it. She became pregnant last summer almost immediately on giving up the pill to ttc, and was nearly 3 stone over the weight she should have been i.e. that she had been until she went on the pill. While pregnant she has managed to gain hardly any weight with very little effort and while eating well for the baby. So when she isn't on the pill she can control her weight easily and when she's on it she balloons. Hope you find a good solution!