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yes, however i do think menopause has something to do with weight gain/loss.

Remember that each of us starts in a different place. Even if we were to find someone the same age,gender,height,HW, and SW, you STILL wouldn’t be able to compare yourself because there are so many many complicated factors and biological systems involved with weight gain and weight loss. I guess about the only people who could compare themselves would be identical twins, and even that could be dangerous. As of today I’ve lost 88 pounds PO and my surgery was 2-6-19. I know many in my February group who’ve blown me out of the water in number of pounds lost, but I’m less than 4 pounds from GW and couldn’t be happier with my progress. My progress was “slow,and steady”, but I’m almost there. I won’t quite hit GW by Saturday, and the story of this entire process for me has been falling short of monthly weight loss goals (I think in the 8 months PO, I’ve only hit a goal on time just ONCE) but I’m going to keep plugging away and working the plan. Guys, this is a marathon, not a sprint bc it is something that will have to be managed for the REST OF OUR LIVES.

Hi Vince, I too am looking at a surgery date of 1st week in December if all goes planned with insurance. I went back and forth since I know (As a busy mom of 3) that this is a crazy time of the year with alot of trigger foods. My motto is however, there is NO time like the present. If its not the holidays, it's Valentines, Halloween etc. candy snd sweets are always around. I can no longer make excuses...it's time for me to get off this roller coaster weight gain/loss journey. I'm done...and ready for the new me to be revealed!!! If you end up being banded in December would love to create a support team of 'Team Holiday' Bandsters!!! We can do this!!!!!

Hi Vince, I too am looking at a surgery date of 1st week in December if all goes planned with insurance. I went back and forth since I know (As a busy mom of 3) that this is a crazy time of the year with alot of trigger foods. My motto is however, there is NO time like the present. If its not the holidays, it's Valentines, Halloween etc. candy snd sweets are always around. I can no longer make excuses...it's time for me to get off this roller coaster weight gain/loss journey. I'm done...and ready for the new me to be revealed!!! If you end up being banded in December would love to create a support team of 'Team Holiday' Bandsters!!! We can do this!!!!!

I was low BMI when I started and my insurance company denied me the first time through. Don't be surprised if you get denied as I think many insurance companies automatically deny anyone who isn't Iron clad with the requirements. Be prepared to appeal and if you don't get through on the first try, you likely will on the appeal. Save the weight gain as a last resort, but it would probably work too. I have offered my appeal letters up many times on this site and have shared them with many people with 100% success. If you end up needing an appeal, I'd be happy to send you what I have for a sample. Good luck to you and let us know how it turns out!

My regular doctor said that any weight loss will reduce the stress on my joints (hips and knees are an issue) from the RA. The surgeon did mention that the GERD could get worse. It is pretty well controlled with medicaiton now, so I'm not as worried about that. I also didn't really mention that I have tried many diets and failed them all: weight watchers, atkins, slim fast, pills, etc. I know a lot of my hunger is mental, but I was always physically hungry on the diets. My brother mentioned that he feels way less hungry than he did before. I like that the sleeve reduces the ghrelin that the body produces. I was working out 3x per week with a personal trainer before I was diagnosed with RA. The RA and fibro make it difficult for me to work out like I used to adding to my steady weight gain. I still work out, but I can't really kill it the gym like I want to.

Will a pouch reset help after 2yrs rny and gaining back 20lbs? Sent from my LM-T600 using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes I am new to the sight, all I have left to do is my preop testing and then I am good to go. Getting banded on 2/23.I am so looking forward to enjoying all the activities I use to enjoy before the major weight gain!!!! Life here I come.

If someone has had a clot in the past, the mirena IUD can still be use (they don't recommend putting it in someone with an active DVT).. It's progesterone. Estrogen is contraindicated for people with DVT's. The progesterone is mostly local, in the uterus but there is minute amounts in the blood stream. The weight gain is minimal or none. The paraguard (10 yr iud) has no hormone so if hormone is a concern, it's a great choice. It's amazing to me that there are surgeons who requires removal of the IUD before surgery because to me if you get pregnant for whatever reason you will GAIN A WHOLE LOT MORE WEIGHT. Just my opinion, I'm an ob/gyn

Are the laser treatments expensive though ??? Bout how much do they run ?? LAurenrd .... you've lost alot of weight and you are still showing your PCOS symptoms ... I thought they go away once we lose the weight... Here are the symptoms and dandruff is in there... I have hair growth, dandruff, HUGE waistline, skin tags, oily skin, and the Patches of thick dark areas in between my breast on my neck and inner thighs!!! What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS: infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes—a condition called hirsutism (HER-suh-tiz-um) ovarian cysts acne, oily skin, or dandruff weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes high cholesterol high blood pressure male-pattern baldness or thinning hair patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area pelvic pain anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep

Anyone had And ablation after sleeve? What was experience with weight gain? Or did continue to lose? I had sleeve done in September 2016 and Ablation done 3/30/17 worried about gaining back the 63 I already lost [emoji53] Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Like a similar poster, I do not diet either unless we count eating better quality food as dieting. I don't measure, weigh, or count calories. Just typing that almost made my head spin. 🙂 However, I do eat plenty of vegetables, proteins and some carbs. I spend my effort on preparing the majority of my meals instead of take out or restaurant. I am a volume eater. The surgery only minimized that just a bit. By including tons of vegetables (preferably cooked) to my meals, I get the satiety without a ton of extra calories. I've had only one week of weight gain, and that was back in August, and I've had one stall, and it was barely a stall. I stayed the same weight from one week to the next week's weigh-in, but the following week was back on the losing streak again.

Essentially, everyone has said what I would say so I thought of skipping this thread, but I also know that it helps to hear from others. In addition to "ditto" covering most of it, let me just say that PCOS (and with it, insulin resistance, fertility issues, etc.) and weight gain/obesity are conspiring bedfellows. PCOS issues will make you gain weight, weight gain will exacerbate PCOS issues. It's a vicious cycle - one I hope to break with my weight loss. My periods are so few and far between (my friend Charlie calls it "natural seasonale") that I sometimes forget women have to deal with that every month. The good news: Now that almost 40 lbs are gone in 5 weeks or so... I have a period! Also, my blood sugars are completely normal... without Actos, without anything but the band supporting my new eating habits and exercise routines. My A1C was 5.9 pre-band, borderline diabetic. I went through months of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia waves. 5 weeks, no more. The band is the best thing I did for my PCOS and related issues... even if the weight loss is first and foremost, the results and affects on other issues is reason enough.

I completely agree with what you said. I also don't understand when people freak out over gaining a pound or two in a few days. There are SO many things that can contribute to a small weight gain like that......water weight, time of the month, did you just eat, have you pooped.....that it seems so trivial to me to get worked up over 1 or 2 pounds. I think these people need to step off the scale and bring it out only weekly or monthly. Now if you gained 5+ pounds in a few days, then that's something to pay attention to and make changes for.

Long time no post...Reason, no weight loss and very busy. Yup. A little frustrated on the no weight losss but pretty excited about the NO WEIGHT gain!!!! Yeah it sounds weird but it's true. I am very excited about another thing. I found a few new snack that are great tasting as well as healthy and full of productive calories not empty ones. My husband and I found Whole Food's Supermarkets. Ok, I would of never went into this place a few months back because it just didn't interest me. plus, I never understood what it was about. Well, guess what... I love it now!!!! i found some Soy rice cakes, some honey roasted soy nuts, dried/baked veggies that really taste yummy. Even my kids loved it. I am so pleased that my kids loved it because no we can all enjoy a healthier lifestyle together!!! I also went to Trader Joe's (also another supermarket) and found some dried fruits and fruit snack that taste like fruit roll ups and only 70 calories!!!! HOLY SH... I can fill my sweet tooth!!!! So a heads up to all those sweet tooths out there...there are other healthier and "allowed" sweets out there, we just need to look for them in the right place!!!!!

Some people are just ignorant and stubborn. He's obviously not very educated in weight loss, most people who diet and exercise to lose weight gain it back within the next two years. I had a couple of friends that did not understand why I would be willing to go through surgery too. I just told them that the Lap-band® is a tool to weightloss, it's not a solution, we still have to work to lose weight. If he's a good friend you should explain everything to him and hopefully he'll understand better. good luck :]

I had that happen with my first wound. Actually, I don't know that it tunneled. New tissue grew too far up, closing over the top of a hole/tunnel. My Dr. had to re-cut through this tissue inside my wound 2 times b/c of this. The nursing service that comes to my house during the week sends a wound specialist every Friday to take care of me. His expertise has been wonderful to have and it seems that I have questions for him almost every week. He (and other nurses) have said that abdominal wounds just tend to take longer to heal. I know I'm just getting impatient, but I really am! I think it was easier to be on the wound vac with my first wound b/c there was a light at the end of the tunnel. A new port once my hole closed up. Now there's nothing to look forward to. No light, only weight gain :cry I know I will pull myself out of this, but it's been a hell of a long, trying almost 6 months. I never thought I would be here on my 6 month 'Band-anniversary'. I have a LOT of pictures on the OH website if you click on the link in my siggy, if anyone's interested. They're pretty graphic though, so consider yourself warned! I've gained 5 lbs in the last 6 weeks or so. I have just GOT to stop gaining! My Dr. prescribed Xenical last week to help me lose, but I haven't noticed anything yet (weight related anyway, BM's are another story!) I'm not eating like I used to, but still more than I did while banded. Hunger sucks!!! Anyone have any experience with Xenical (my Insurance doesn't cover it and it was $215 out of pocket :omg: ) or any other pill that seemed to help at all? Also, I know we've all dieted like crazy (and failed) or we wouldn't have had or be looking into surgery, but did anyone ever do something that really did work? Non surgical obviously. TIA!!!

I'd suggest "jumping through the hoops" so to speak. Go on their "diet" and not really diet. If you feel that it will be another lose weight, gain back more scenario. Shawn

Don't remember how much I gained in swelling but instead of my usual 00-2 i was wearing size 4 for many months!! Keep following your plan, get your protein and liquids. Also, wear compression as long as you can, the longer you do, the better the final result will be. Once I could wear my own, I bought extra firm compression garments, which I wore for about 6 months. The weight gain is very scary, but it's just swelling. Congrats and best of luck for a smooth recovery.

Hi all: On May 20th, I had an abdominalplasty and brachoplasty. So far so good, except that I have gained about 10lbs! I am scared of my mind. Has this happned to any of you? Any suggestions as to what I should do? I was thinking of doing my post WLS diet. Just Protein shakes and Soups. What do you guys think? Thanks!

Bobby you are correct in your statement. The misconception that surgery is the easy way out for obesity is worldwide. I noticed that even some in my family have discounted my success because they assume it has been easy. I too had been on every weight loss program and gimmick on the market. if I had all the money I have spent on those things I would be extremely wealthy. In reference to the Big Fat Happy girl , Whitney, she knows she is obese and has tried to accept it but is actually trying to lose weight. I give her credit for dancing and trying to keep moving. I am not sure what her diet is like they do not show her eating so I wouldn't judge her. I do believe there are medical issues that cause weight gain. I went through menopause and hormone therapy in my late 40's and put on about 50 lbs in the process. But I still believe that limiting your intake and choosing healthier foods will get you where you need to be. this is the first time since I started trying to lose weight that I have been able to maintain . I am happy that I made the right decision for me. My health has improved drastically and I am enjoying life much more. We would all like that "pill" but I know from experience with pills that they don't work long term and do damage to your health.

My name is Meg Huffman and I was a member of this forum pre and post surgery. Since my surgery, so much has happened. I tried for 8 years, no birth control during that time, and never was successful in getting pregnant. Prior to my weight gain, I was told by several doctors that if I hadn't been successful in that length of time, I would probably never get pregnant. Six months after I had my sleeve surgery, I got pregnant. I was ecstatic! I continued to lose weight during the first part of my pregnancy for a total loss of 80 pounds in about 8 months post surgery. My doctor's assistant (who I later learned was a nut lol) scolded me on several occasions for continuing to lose weight, despite my telling her that I'd had surgery and despite the fact that I only lost 10 pounds from the time I found out I was pregnant until I was about 2 months along. Her comments freaked me out, worrying me that my baby wouldn't be healthy. Therefore, I started bad eating habits again. Not so much eating things I shouldn't, but eating more. By the time I gave birth to my healthy 7 lb 11 oz baby boy, I had gained the 10 pounds I originally lost plus another 16. Within a week after his birth, I had lost all of it. Beck will be 10 months old on Tuesday and I have gained about 20 pounds- all since his birth. I'm assuming that the extra calories I was taking in during my pregnancy were going to him and now they're coming to me. I am able to eat much more than I should and despite trying everything I can think of (eating soft foods and drinking fluids for several days), nothing seems to work. I paid, out of pocket, for my surgery. I did not care for my doctor and to be honest, I want to see if I can jumpstart my weight loss and go back to him only as a last resort. I'm still paying on the loan I took out for my surgery and am extremely depressed that I have gained this weight. I wouldn't trade Beck for ANYTHING, including not having this weight gain, but I am frustrated that I never reached my goal of 100 pounds lost before I got pregnant. Please do not comment with any judgments about my pregnancy. I am 39 years old and thought that I would never have a child. He is much more important to me than anything and was born with no health issues stemming from me getting pregnant "too soon". I am a Christian and a firm believer that things happen in God's time. So, please, no questions about why I didn't use birth control. Again, I was told that I my chances of getting pregnant were slim to none, so I didn't think that applied to me. I just need some advice on how to jumpstart my weigh loss again. How do I shrink my stomach again and what would be good things to eat that would help me on my way to losing my weight? Any help is greatly appreciated. I am extremely depressed and very much down on myself right now.

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'm 6 days post op and doing great! Lost the surgery weight gain plus 2 lbs.

"I'm hoping that this band will give me a little more control than that." Yes, your band with proper fill will help the hunger but you will always have to maintain a certain level of self control. Now the trick is...was the food you ate healthy? If so, then don't worry about it. If not, then you may need to step back and make sure you get yourself going in the right direction. Don't worry about the weight gain. This happens to almost all of us from the switch-over to regular food. It will settle down within the next week or so. And don't let yourself get discouraged. So, go ahead and eat, stop when you're satisfied, and make sure it's food you're proud of--if you do this you'll be just fine!