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@meggie 111 You are not alone in having a gain. Your team is there to help. Give them a call. They will decide if a revision is right for you. A weight gain can be worked back down. I agree with @catwoman7 Get temptation food out of the house. Buy groceries that fit your eating plan, Log your food (stay within your weight loss calories, protein, carb, and fat goals) Find a way to manage stress/emotions without food. Keep healthy options for sweet and salty cravings on hand. Years out, I miss tight stomach restriction. Some things that help manage my hunger. I fill my extra sleeve space with low calories foods at each meal. I detox off real sugar and extra carbs. ( I'm not a carb aphobic) For my body to drop weight I stay in a carb range. low glycemic carbs work for me. Be consistent not perfect. Healthy is the goal, right? Many people on this site will help you get back on track.😀

That's wonderful news! I met my bf on POF and I love him to death but he can eat whatever he wants and it's hard to have him in my life sometimes. I've gained back 15 lbs that I am trying desperately to lose. He eats sweets in front of me all the time. I wanted love in my life so it's worth whatever weight gain! I'm trying hard and I've been sleeved 4 years now. Life goes on! I hope you two are really happy and please post a wedding picture!

Definitely round down the height. I was self pay when I did the band and would have made the insurance requirement but I thought I was a bit taller than i was! I still would have needed to gain a couple of pounds, but heck, I'm really really good at gaining weight It is really stupid what they make you do. Especially as while I've been working toward my revision the doctor said that recent weight gain is bad because that fat nearly always goes right to the liver and makes this surgery more dangerous. So if you do gain it, try to lose it again!

Hunger isn't unusual. Mine returned 3 months out, fiercely. I had an 8 week stall, that started at 2 months out. A 2kg weight gain is only about 5lbs, right? I wouldn't stress about it yet. If you're eating and exercising like you're supposed to, it'll pick up again. I would up your exercise though. Maybe try circuit training and intense cardio, not just walking anymore (if you're physically able to).

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

this makes me very sad... It sounds like you settled for less than you wanted out of a relationship because you thought you didn't deserve better because of your looks... If you are with a man who treats you like that, he will treat you like that whether you are fat or skinny. My husband treats me the same whether I'm skinny or fat, people told me sometimes what a good husband I had because he didn't care about the weight gain and loved me the same? I would think what the hell? so he's a saint for staying with me? No he is a man who loves his wife and I love him and we made a commitment for life. To be side by side through all of our changes. Me being fat or him losing hair has no bearing on the core relationship. Please know that you need to stop selling yourself short and you are much more than just your outward appearance.

I've actually taken both Effexor and Prozac (not at the same time) as well as many other SSRI's and antidepressants. Most SSRI's can make you gain weight (5-10 pounds), but not near as much as the psychotropic meds (Seraquil, Zyprexa). I switched to Welbutrin a few weeks before surgery because its doesn't cause weight gain and is suppose to decrease cravings and binge eating. It seems to be working okay for now. Some psychotropic and antidepressants actually increase your craving for carbs and effect blood sugar (Abilify) so be careful. I don't remember exactly why or how, but ask your doctor or read your drug warning sheet if you want more information. Not everyone experiences the same side effects on these drugs, so only time will tell if it will cause weight gain. The best you can do is stick to the guidelines and Bariatric Eating plan.

Hi Liz I will talk to my friend in California and ask him to join this thread. See if he is experiencing the same problems as you. I need to ask one more question. What is your age? My mom is 85 years old and I take her to see her doctors. She never had bariatric surgery. I have come to learn (from her doctor) that the human body undergoes major physiological changes as we age especially around the age of 85. She only takes about half the dose of medicine to treat her diabetes and high blood pressure than she did a few years ago. It also affects weight gain because she is not absorbing nutrition like she did before. So I was wondering if the conditions you have encountered may be related to aging. Maybe the effects of aging is amplified by the surgery. In looking at the following reference: http://consultgerirn.org/topics/age_related_changes/want_to_know_more/ under the heading Age-Associated Changes in the Oropharyngeal and Gastrointestinal Systems there are two effects of aging identified of interest: * Malabsorption of carbohydrates, Vitamins B12 and D, folic acid, Calcium. * Decreased metabolism of drugs. and then under implications: * Risk of chewing impairment, fluid/electrolyte imbalances, poor nutrition. * Gastric changes: altered drug absorption, increased risk of GERD, maldigestion, NSAID-induced ulcers. This might explain some of your symptoms.

Ok so I'm three days away from my two month post op mark. I'm so worried cause I haven't lost anymore weight and I'm adding new foods. I'm worried that ill gain weight or that I've lost all I'm going to lose. Preop weight was 236 current post op 195. I was so happy to reach 195 and now I'm worried cause the scale has not moved in weeks. I do Pilates and strength training for toning. I am a lot more active. I am however under a lot of stress. I broke out in hives last night and had to go to ER and get a shot. It was a steroid! The doc said I had no choice because of the rash. So now I'm really panicking. Steroids equal weight gain. I know the shot is temporary and won't last but a day or so but I don't need any help gaining! I guess my question is am I losing weight at a normal rate? Have I stalled? Help! My goal is 145 realistically but really want 135. I do drink tea with sweetnlow and water with crystal lite. Only one slice of toast a day with sugar free jelly. Any ideas?

First post.. I'm frustrated and need a place to vent. I've been browsing these forums for the past week reading up on the gastric sleeve procedure, success stories, and complications. Here's some history on me: Last week, I went through the bariatric workup program at a very prominent, high profile, good reputation clinic. My goal was to meet with the physician and his team to help me lose weight non-surgically. I'm 34, just weighed in at 295 (my absolute highest, I was mortified), and have tried several attempts at low carb resulting in 20, 40, or 60 lbs lost. I was able to keep off the weight for about two years with maintaining a low carb lifestyle and running in the mornings until I injured my knee at my old job. I regained the weight quickly and have been discouraged many times since. The really discouraging part, though, happened during my appointments. I met with the nutritionist and she listened carefully; we mapped out a diet program for me and I left the office feeling positive about making smaller, incremental changes instead of drastic 'no sugar ever' changes that I've fallen from before. Next was the psychologist. The first question that the psychologist asked was, "So, what kind of surgery are you contemplating?" I told her politely that I hadn't been interested in surgery, that I was coming for a doctor-guided weight loss program since I've until now just worked on my own. That's when the appt went downhill.. From there on, she told me that I would not ever be able to break the cycle of weight loss/frustration/weight gain. She said my body would always want to be 295 now that I'd topped out at this weight, and that nothing would work for me except for biological intervention (cutting out that hunger center in the stomach) through surgery. She said choosing not to do surgery would be choosing to be morbidly obese for the rest of my life, and spent the rest of the appointment going over the two kinds of surgery they provide (bypass and sleeve). I left that appointment feeling miserable. I'm a very rebellious person, so my tendency is to want to prove her wrong and double down on my weight loss attempts. The other part of me is miserable and worrisome, and concerned that she's just telling me a hard truth that I don't want to swallow. I don't know what to do. I'm conflicted, sad, and frustrated. That appointment has left me an emotional mess as I try to sort out the truths and fallacies in her statements towards me. I'm open to the concept of having surgery, but I have avoided serious consideration until now because it seems like such a drastic intervention.. but now I feel like I've been punched in the gut saying that I can't do this through dieting and never will be able to. I'm 34 and I've been heavy since I was a teenager. I've failed multiple attempts at diets. But does that really mean I'll never be able to do it? Would love to hear your thoughts

I have had to have revisionary band surgery (two actually). They weren't worse than the intial surgery and I'm still alive. I haven't "strictly" followed the diet plan. I am an emotional eater, but the band keeps me from emotionally overeating. I have emotional problems (childhood of abuse) that caused my weight gain as well as medical problems (PCOS) that made it all but impossible to lose on my own. 8 months out, I've lost 102lbs. I bet you could find a ton of other successful people. One question: why all the band hate?

Ahhhhhh, I guess all I have to say is: "don't hate da playa, hate da game!" okay, so I got a lot more to say actually.... First things first... I don't feel that ALL plastic surgery is cosmetic nor is the band always cosmetic. But I do feel that the band was cosmetic for ME as I am just being a realist on how I feel about it. Doesn't make me (or anyone who feels this way) "less deserving" at all. I am all for lower BMI's getting the band as a weight loss tool. If someone is a BMI of 29 and they want the band, hell yeah go get it. yes, it is a surgery but so is breast augmentations. So is it your opinion that a certain cup size are not allowed breast implants? Now, I may not feel that lower bmi's of under 35 should be getting bypass but come onnnnn, this is a implantable and fully removable and reversable operation that is minimally invasive and carries little risk. In many cases it is outpatient surgery. Just because it has the words "weight loss surgery" attached to it there is a qualifier for it. I don't call it WLS when I talk about it to others as they automatically assume bypass or stomach stapleing... I call it WLT (weight loss tool) and then I explain. The only thing I am really "against" is designing ways for insurance to pay for it when it is more cosmetic than life saving. It is definitely a CASE BY CASE basis. And YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR are the only ones who can really determine that, not anyone on this board. If it is life saving, insurance should pay. If it is cosmetic and you just feel icky about being fat (like me) then pay for it yourself and don't eventually make us all pay for it in higher premiums, difficulty in getting other necessities covered, etc etc. And I say this as obviously as the devil's advocate so to speak as I am a low BMI that paid out the nose. Would I have liked insurance to pay for it? well sureeeeee! But at what cost to everyone else and am I really contributing to the healthcare insuance issues in our country if I did? Maybe I overthink things and think one person CAN make a difference. When my healthcare insurance premiums are rising yearly and I never go to the doctor, that ticks me off a bit. And I don't even want to get started on the entire welfare/state paid insurance for low income/homeless, that is a wholeeeee 'nother egg to crack for me. Now, I have noooooo idea what your situation is. But I can tell you that I had depression (I am fat and hated it), I have joint pain (well duh, I was fat), I had stress (umm, again, I am feeling like a cow), I have back pain (hello cow lady here), I am snoring like a freight train these days, possible apnea (again, my weight gain). None of these things I (note the use of the word I) consider morbidities as I will not be dying from the fact that my knees hurt or I feel like I look like a cow so I get the blues. But... it is fixed by losing my weight. BOTTOM LINE: It is an individual choice and individual lifestyle option. As a BMI of 33.7 (and one of those OMG what is she doing candidates, size 18, 5'8" tall) I can tell you to stick... okay, I won't go there tonight I guess. I will be good. But don't hate on someone that chooses to change their appearance because they actually took a good long look at themselves int the mirror and are catching their weight gain early enough to NOT have the physical issues that come with being morbidly obese. As someone who was once digging in her couch to find a quarter to go buy Top Ramen for my daily meal I can tell you that if there is a will there is a way. I will be honest in that my parents (although I wouldn't accept their money) used to come visit and purposely drop money in my couch or crumple a $5 and stick it in a pocket of my jeans in the laundry. I never to this day told her I knew she did it. Anyoneeee, can afford this. It just takes manipulative planning and saving. It may not be next month but I guarentee that it can be done with the right limitations and restrictions on money spending. (for example: a friend of mine was living with her parents, complaining how broke she was, getting her car repo'd, yet she was paying $200 a month for a storage unit to house all of her garage sale crap (broken walmart dressers that weren't going to feed her or her child) and these cheap figurines. Go figure. It took a few months (and many heated arguements), but she DID get on her feet again and is now doing great. Now a summary so there is no misunderstandings about my opinions: 1. Low BMI's (or I don't even care if they are 5'2" and 100 lbs) if they want the weight loss TOOL then so be it. Their choice, their body. 2. Because of the insurance and healthcare issues of the US lower BMI's without LIFE THREATENING conditions should not try and take advantage of the healthcare system for coverage. (but again if they need it to save their lives, then do it and have insurance pay for it!) Just my opinion that is all. 3. Mexico and Europe have been banding for 4 x's as long as American doctors so therefore just because they are "american" standards does not make them golden. 4. I appreciate everyone's opinion on things, good and bad. yes, some of it may piss me off a little but I still respect your right to have an opinion nonetheless. All comments here are appreciated and thought about. I do not dismiss anyone's comments. 5. I am in no way bashing anyone for being morbidly obese and not doing something sooner, I am merely saying that just because someone notices an issue sooner they should not be persecuted for it. In my particular case, coming from a family with severe morbid obesity, my personal battle with an eating disorder and at least 3 immediate family members with RNY GBypass, I only noticed my obesity sooner and was more aware due to my elders. 6. Debate is a GOOD thing, not a negative thing. It is healthy and makes us more aware of how others feel, even if we do not agree. 7. Weight-Schmeight! Who cares? If you want it, get it. If you need it, get it. If you can afford it, spend it. If you can't afford it, finance it. 7. Do what ye will, yet harm none.... words I try and live by. I again commend any lower BMI's who are stepping forward and recognizing their obesity and getting it under control now instead of later. I think it is admirable. I also think that those high BMI's that have come to terms with their obesity are also respected in the fact that they are taking back control of their pysical and mental self and creating a change to be healthy. Because bottom line that is all it is about right? We all (low bmi or high bmi, everyone) want healthy bodies and live life to its fullest. Thank you to anyone that took the time to read what I had to say. I greatly appreciate it.

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?

Hi Everyone, My name is Eli and I am 21 years old. I just wanted to share my amazing journey with everyone and hopefully help anyone that needs it. Since I was a young boy I struggled with weight loss. I put weight on and I took weight off and it didn't seem like I could ever get it right. Growing up, all of my friends were thin so they never understood what it was really like to be overweight, nobody actually understands unless they actually walk a mile in your shoes. I was miserable, depressed, and felt like there was nothing in the world that could help me. As a lineman for my high school football team I justified my extreme weight gain with the fact that I needed to be bigger to play my position and this mindset caused my weight to spiral out of control. When I graduated high school in 2011 I weighed the most I ever did and it took a huge toll on me as I was about to go away to college and had literally no self-esteem. Jumping ahead to my sophomore year of college I had now put on even more weight and it was affecting me more then ever. My grades were slipping, it didn't seem like any girl would ever want to talk to me, and most of all it was hard to look at myself in the mirror. When I came home from school after my sophomore year I weighed about 320 pounds, which was by far the most I ever weighed. When I came home in May that year I just came to the realization of what I did to myself and I asked myself, "How did I let this happen?" Before I continue I want everyone to know that this is not a sob story and that there is a huge gleaming light at the end of that tunnel. When the conversation of weight loss surgery was brought up for the first time I honestly felt offended because I never thought that it would possibly come to that and after countless talks with family members and friends I finally agreed to schedule an appointment and the Center for Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss in Ridgewood, New Jersey in June of 2013. Fast forward to September of that year I had completed all of my pre-surgery requirements and a date for surgery was scheduled. My surgery happened on November 4th at New York-Presbyterian in New York City. Let me tell you that November 4th, 2013 was the first day of the rest of my life. I'll save the details of pre-surgery, hospital stay, and post-surgery for another post. On the day of surgery I weighed 316 pounds having lost a little in the months prior to my surgery date. Now, in October of 2014 I am proud to say that I weigh 196 pounds putting my total weight loss at 120 pounds. My life has changed in the most extreme way, not just with how I physically look and feel, but mentally, I am a different person. I am the happiest I've been in my entire life. I understand that there are countless reservations people have before making probably the hardest decision of your entire life, because for me it was, but I can also proudly say that it was the best decision I have made in my entire life. I understand that you might feel that there is no way out of being overweight, but I'm here to tell you that there is. I am willing to talk to anyone who has questions and I am always available because I understand how hard it is to make this decision. PLEASE don't hesitate to ask me anything. Thank you for listening to my journey and my story and I hope this might help anyone who is on the fence or anyone who is scared or nervous. Lastly, I'd like to say how amazing the last year of my life has been and I hope everyone can share the same happiness I do. -Eli

What foods are allowed on your surgeon’s plan? Do you have a print out? I can’t stress enough to log your food. You will never know how many calories and carbs your eating unless you log them. You can’t guess your way through weight loss. Restriction alone will not make you successful in the long term. food log apps - free download. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en_US https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.baritastic.view&hl=en_US Processed carbs are going to make you crave them more and make you hungry. Seriously, I hope you are not eating 267 carbs in the estimate below. My carb range is 55 grams of plant and low glycemic carbs. You didn’t give brands or how many ounces/serving sizes you ate. This is a estimated based on the information you gave. If this is correct you are eating weight gaining calories and macros – You can log your information correctly and get a better look at what you are doing with your diet Logged in Myfitnesspal: 1802 calories - 74 grams protein - 267 carbohydrates - 51 fats 1 cup Black coffee 5 calories .5 cup soy milk 50 calories 1 cup fresh squeezed Orange juice 112 calories Nabisco rice crackers 48 calories 2 table spoons cream cheese 99 calories 1 banana 105 calories oats 1 cup 300 calories meat balls 171 calories .8 cup rice 150 2 oz sweet potatoes 51 calories 1 Banana 105 calories 1 cup papaya 62 calories 2 light n fit Greek yogurt 160 calories 2.5 oz Brie cheese 238 calories 15 small pretzels 145 calories

Talk to your NP. Make sure you are logging your food counts accurately by using an online tool like FitDay or MyFitnessPal and that you include everything--even your coffee/tea and "no cal" sweetener and that 1/4 oz. of cheddar you had the other day. (Wait. That was me.) I miscalculated twice last week and went over my counts even though I was carefully measuring and planning. It happens. Stalls also happen. They can be maddening. Have you taken measurements of yourself or written down things that have changed physically for you (crossing legs, not breathing so hard, feeling like you fit into that movie theater seat more easily, stuff like that). It's really tough to get through those periods. Can your surgeon point you to a support group you could attend? It always helps me to realize I'm not alone even if no one there actually knows how to fix it. I would make absolutely certain I was eating correctly 100% for quite some time and still experiencing weight gain before I even thought of putting myself through the expense and health ramifications of another surgery. You know what? You can do this. You went through I don't know how many months' weight loss before your pre-op diet, a week or two or even a month of pre-op, plus all the post-op relearning. You've lost forty-eight pounds. That is freaking amazing. You should be damned proud of yourself. Your hard work will pay off. Sometimes it takes our bodies a little extra time to catch up.

Good morning all! I am looking to see if anyone has gone thru the same thing as I am now. So I had my sleeve surgery in Jun 2016 weighing in at 255. After the surgery, I lost down to 135 within the first 2 years because I was very strict in staying below 20 carbs daily and working out. After the 2 years though, I was getting to a point where my face looked sunken and I just felt like I definetly didn't want to lose anymore. The problem was that by sticking to my diet, I kept losing a few pounds each week. So I started to add more carbs back slowly. Over the last year though, I have gained about 15 pounds. I now am planning to go back to my orignial diet to try and lose the weight. Did anyone have any issues with weight gain? If so, were you able to get back on track and lose weight? I'm just worried that my body won't get back into that mode of losing weight like it was after the surgery. Any suggestions? Thank you all!

I've been noticing something weird...didn't think much of it, but am giving it alot more thought now. I don't think it's a 'bad' thing...but a phenomena none the less. I met my goal in January and went in for a slight unfill to begin maintenance. The goal at that point was to cease weightloss and ensure no weight gain. The scale would move up a pound or two...or three, but within a week w/o dieting would come back down. Go up, come down. So maintenance is working for me. I'm done! I don't diet and haven't with the band. My goal with the band was modifying my behavior of how much I eat...not what I eat. Dining out so much (used to go several times a day to binge) has stopped. I go about 1-2x a week now. I cook more now instead of my nuke it. So you can see what I eat has changed for the better w/o giving up on the things I love. Thing is, today I weighed myself for the first time in a week (weigh at least weekly so I can catch if I start gaining) I lost another 2 pounds. And this week I haven't eaten as much as I usually do. So...my thoughts are.... I am eating to sustain my weight. My caloric/fat/carb intake is keeping me at 143. But when I go below that, I lose weight. I still have some restriction to keep me from binging. That will be a lifetime challenge for me as I did it for so many years. Anyone else on maintenance and having similar things happen or can anyone share insight as to should I 'diet' and get another unfill to loosen the restriction? Or just count my lucky stars?

Hi All, it's been raining here for 2 days. We need the rain. Before surgery we planted some grass to fill in the bare spots in the yard and we have been having to water them for weeks. Now we are getting a good soaking rain. I feel sorry for DH, he has to work out in it but at least it's not cold and raining. I am feeling a little better each day. I am stull very swollen, but have no weight gain ????? Maybe I will be a few pounds lighter when this is all over. We ate at Cracker Barrel today, I had turkey sausage and a biscuit....yum! With my band empty I can have a bit of bread, that's nice. I have never been a bread junkie, but sometimes I miss it. My mom and dad came over and we played dominoes until almost midnight last night, but it was welcome company, Dave was at work and they left about 20 mins before he came home. I'm still not sleeping very well, and I plan on talking to the doctor about that on tuesday. Maybe hormones will help, if not sleeping pills are going to be needed. I am sooooo tired, I know that is also from the surgery, but I am 20 days out and still need naps like a baby. I can't sleep more then a few hours at a time. It stinks. I listed a bunch of stuff on Ebay this week, spending money for Disney! WooHoo! My mom and I are going to hit the outlets while we are there. I'll check in later. ~Mandy

I want to lead off by saying I am an outlier. I had a very easy surgery and recovery. I have an iron sleeve, almost nothing bothers it, and hasn't from the beginning. I have lost 100% of my excess weight, am below my goal weight, and have maintained for nearly 6 months now. So, take what I say with a grain of salt, knowing that I have been supremely lucky, and the stars have aligned for me, for now (who knows what the future holds though). I am also a foodie. I eat out very frequently, both for business, and just as my personal lifestyle. I have not have any issue eating a very wide range of food (with one exception, I'll get to later). My first business trip was 3 weeks post op. It was a week long wine and dine event, with elaborate meals, dinners being upwards of 20 courses. I ate ahead of my plan, and had little tiny bits of just about everything. I don't recommend this, but it caused no issue for me, other than a weight gain of 3 lbs when I returned. I have been on multiple international trips post op. I ate meat pies and drank beer in Scotland. I ate pasta and drank wine in Italy. I ate falafel and drank tea in Egypt. BUT, it wasn't all just eat whatever I want, but smaller portions. I balanced "off plan" meals with being very disciplined, especially when I was home. For many months, until my hunger returned, I was routinely under 500 cals a day. I took advantage of not being hungry, and not having head hunger triggers, by eating to only get my required protein in, and therefore consuming very few cals, many days. Now that I am in maintenance, I have been fortunate so far. My BMR appear to be north of 1500 cals a day. I still have a fair amount of restriction, so I am able to eat relatively freely. But I log everything I eat and weigh myself nearly everyday I am home. I am willing to adjust my diet and cals in order to maintain at a weight I'm happy with (which may eventually end up higher than my current weight). But even if I do end up having to be more careful with my diet, it will always be a combo of disciplined and splurge meals. It will just be about finding the balance between the two. On the topic of digestive issues, I have had no accidents, no diarrhea (other than the occasional that everyone gets from time to time). I was constipated early post op, and added Benefiber to every non-water liquid I ingested. I can get nausea if I over eat, but it passes quickly. I have only gotten sick twice, and it was vitamins on too empty of a stomach. The only negative consequence I have had, is dumping-ish symptoms, from time to time. Occasionally it is random, but the most common trigger is liquid sugar, such as Vietnamese coffee, or Baileys Irish Cream for example. I just get extreme nausea and my heart races. So I've given up any large quantities of sweet beverages, or anything similar, like ice cream, pudding. So, it is possible to live a normal foodie life, post sleeve. But this journey is very, very individual. It is a true YMMV situation. So just as there are outliers who have lots of complications & food sensitivities, I am an outlier that has had practically none. I am at one extreme of the bell curve. Hope that helps!

My band eroded. put in feb 2003, emergency removal and fixed hole in stomach 4/07. I had NO symptoms at all except weight gain due to no restriction! They couldnt even see the erosion thru the fluoro. THey only saw it in an endoscopy and took me right into surgery to get it out. Pretty bad...ICU, etc. I think that people with slips have more "symptoms" and can try to unfill and play around with it to fix it first before having it removed. Doc said no more bands for me, trying for DS surgery now. Gained all weight back. good luck, make sure you get a fluoro, and perhaps take out some fluid!

I just gotta throw this out there. These drugs taken for appetite suppressant are not entirely "without serious side effects". Pherntermine is an amphetamine that has very similar effects on your heart and central nervous system as cocaine. Would you take cocaine to lose weight? At the very least, you are getting high each time you take one, and Long term use of appetite suppressants can result in convulsions, heart arrhythmias, heart disease, high BP, and death...even when taken at the prescribed dose. As for the antidepressants, my mom was rushed to the hospital twice for tachycardia and fainting. Turned out it was the anti anxiety medicine they prescribed for her. My younger brother died from a heart arrhythmia that the medical examiner attributed to the Adderall he was taking for ADHD. The amount in his blood stream was normal, therapeutic levels, but after an extensive autopsy and toxicology screen, that was the only plausible finding. He was 42. And, BTW, he was adopted so this is not a "genetic" thing. The other point I'd like to make is that appetite suppressants simply do not work as a long term weight loss solution. We KNOW this or we wouldn't have needed surgery. Sure, you'll feel great (why not, you're stoned) and lose a few pounds. But as soon as you stop taking them you are right back where you started, fighting your appetite and weight gain. Sure, drugs are another "tool" we can use, but all the tools in the world can't build a house without lumber. Our heads and ability to make good choices is the concrete foundation AND the lumber required for our lifetime fight with obesity. That is what we need to work on, not short term, temporary Patches.

Okay I have been on vacation since 8/30 and I GAINED 2.5 POUNDS!!!!!!!ARRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My fault so I have to take owner ship of this mess. Must have been the beers on the beach and the chips and salsa. Damn Coors light!!! LOL.... I am positive it will come off in a few days of not eating. Nothing is tasting any good. Don't want to upset my tummy anymore than it is. Sticking with the broth and a little yogurt. Well to top it off I have a cold/flu. I so feel like POO!!!!!!! Ate or should I say I drank some chicken broth. Then some chobani yogurt. Lets not forget the Thera-Flu and Ricola!!!!!YUMMY!!!!! Can't wait till I feel better. Went and bought the kettlebell set and got a few dvd's for the workout. I so want to try them soon!!!!!!!!!!! Deb.

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.

I'm here, I'm here. I just posted on the 'Slow Loser' thread. I have an awesome new job that unfortunately requires that I travel more than 3 weeks out of every month. When I'm on the raod, I don't have an opportunity to check in, except on weekends. I'm still turtleing along here. No weight loss, in.... I don't know... three months?!?! But - no weight gain either! And that was through the holidays AND a CRUISE. There is no way I could have done that without my band. Hang in there turtles!