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I PB'd and slimed a few times during the past week -- I was still on liquids at the time, and misjudging small container as well as not noticing the difference between that tightness in my throat from having too much versus the similarly-felt ache from just having the surgery a week ago. I felt like hell. It was one of the least dignified and humiliating experiences of recent memory. But I'm getting the hang of it, I think. I'm sure I'll have others along the way. But what I'm mostly concerned about is the six-inch sub. Plus the Cookies. The cookies shouldn't even be on your plate, I'd wager, but the sub? I could see the non-bread portions of the six-inch sub, maybe spread over two meals, but the bread itself isn't doing you that much good: too many calories for too little nutritive value. You have a limited budget -- physically, if nothing else -- and you need to spend it wisely. Even switching from hoagie roll to a low-carb/high-Fiber tortilla would probably be better. Switching to a lettuce wrap would be better yet (if you can manage lettuce -- this is a way I've enjoyed sandwiches in the past). Thin-sliced discs of apple? There are a variety of better choices that should be able to substitute in some measure for what the sub loaf provided, and perhaps excel in ways that loaf cannot. You have to remember that the band only helps through your efforts and good choices. I'd be concerned that if what you described is your typical pattern, that it will lead toward recklessness that'll derail you. I know for my own part that this is the sort of behavior largely responsible for getting me where I was when I started pre-op. So just because you *can* have a sub and 3 cookies doesn't mean you should, restriction or no. I know that can be difficult -- I'd love to have a rather slab-o-meat and gnaw on that for an hour right now. But even if it were fat-free, and despite all the wonderful Protein it'd provide me right when I need it to heal, it would still be a bad choice, right? Dividing it among many, appropriately-sized and -spaced meals -- good choice. Do you keep a food diary or somesuch to keep track of what your food intake is providing you? Do you have the support of a nutritionist or other qualified person to help guide your food choices post-op, and to who you can feel accountable to? I know a lot of people don't -- I do, and I have to say it's helped to have someone scold me (gently) in between praising the parts I've done well, and of whom I could ask questions about how I should approach certain foods (preparation ideas, suitability, problems noted by other patients, what I medically need at this stage, etc). Don't take this as criticism -- it's more concern. I've heard of and seen a lot of folks crowing over being able to revert to the same eating habits that led to their weight gain in the first place ("I just managed to eat a whole cheeseburger with PBing!", "I just ate an entire Hershey's bar without dumping!"), and in the same breath complain that they gained back some of the pounds they fought very hard to lose. This post (and a few others) raised warning flags. Good luck with the fills. I'm expecting my first at the end of the month, if they decide I need one.

By the way the scale said I was +3 lbs this morning. Boo on weight gain! Although I am not surprised. But still, boo.

Sorry for the long response. Pre surgery, I don't think I had a sensation of full. Hunger and cravings were intense. Post surgery - Many of us experience times of real and head hunger. I'm not " really hungry all the time" Five years out, My hunger is manageable. It normal to have less sleeve restriction years out, ( my sleeve is not stretched or back to full size) I can fill the extra space with real whole foods, stay within my maintenance calories, and feel satisfied. There is no reason to eat weight gain calories just because I can hold more food. Only my experience, (you most likely have herd these things before) Real hunger happens when I skip meals, eat the wrong food, eat under my calories, and working out. Head hunger happens when I'm bored, around temptation or stressed/emotional. I know theses things about myself. I learned how to satisfy hunger when it happens. If I deny cravings, I just want them more. I keep healthy low calorie options for sweet and salty on hand. In weight loss mode, I avoid certain things. I cant stop at a small amount of chocolate or a bag of chips. *laughing* I know myself. My husband hides them from me. Life should be lived in maintenance. I have times I indulge, take vacations, and carb load for sports. Afterward, I have cravings and hunger. I eat my bariatric plan and carvings/ hunger go away. I eat dense protein, veggies and other items on my plan. (They stay in my sleeve longer than slider/soft stage foods) peppermint tea calms my sleeve I spread my meals out five/six a day, Schedule a protein snack before bed. Head hunger and night snacking -I keep a veggie tray and fruit in the fridge, I allow my self to eat as much until full. If I try to bargain for other items I know its head hunger.

Just me, but I'm not sure that there is a finite amount time post op that people start gaining weight (2yrs, 3 yrs, etc), I think it is more a period of time AFTER one's weight stabilizes. Some people hit their weight goals (or just stop losing weight) earlier, some later. So I would assume that the folks in former group start weight gain sooner than the latter group...and not so much because of loosening of tummies (which is a factor, yes), but more because of the loosening of eating habits. With that said, I think that it would follow that if a person were to stay on course for perpetuity (and continually adjust* as needed), he/she would never gain unwanted weight. *Noting of course that some people would need to adjust more than others.

Hi! I have tried switching but it did’nt work out for me. But indeed, . Paxil is the worst when it comes to weight gain, and the hardest to taper off. but I hope someone has an answer to my intitial question

Yep, and more frequent eating...fasting (intermittent or not) is more conducive to weight loss than maintenance or weight gain. But again, only if one wants to and/OR is ready to stop weight loss and for reals get into maintenance.

Well, remember 1st and foremost that you will go through phases and hormonal changes monthly can cause weight gain. I tried to keep this in mind when I saw the scale go up a pound or two....just wait it out. Having a fill doesn't mean you are adjusted to the correct amount. You may have to go back for another fill. We all hope we can be lucky enough to not have even 1 fill! Or hoping the first fill does the trick...but often times it does not. Just enjoy yourself these next four weeks before you see your doc again for another adjustment. Meantime, try to re-learn how to eat. Get a jump on a new way of eating for nutrition and wellness. pizza is a tough one...was my toughest. I would eat a bite...and then rationalize I could eat more/alot more and just slime it up. Yep, my children hated it when I ate pizza!

Good Luck!!! I was banded in 2006 lost 88 pounds then it slipped. Second band put in 2008. Not much success, weight gain, etc. Finally, sleeved August 8, 2012! You can do it! You will feel so much better!

I wasn't placed on a pre-op diet so no. I actually feel like I lost out on so much. Everyone seems to have had so much care on here. I was to go to a class titled "Mindful Eating" which is offered once a month and I was out of town and have yet made it up. I did go to a Nutritional class but that was it. So I absolutely feel lost here. I'm not sure if it's because I can tolerate most foods I'm not losing or if I'm just slow. I might mention I'm on medication for my back which is known for weight gain. I don't want to use that as an excuse but it could be part of why I'm not losing at a faster rate. What is your diet right now?

Your stomach is permanently small. I'm still less than a year out, and I'm back up to near 1000 calories a day. I think as you shift from loss to maintenance you can eat more - but you still can't fit more than 1c of food at a time, and eating too often leads to grazing which leads to weight gain. You don't want to be back for a revision (I actually met someone who has had all three surgeries - band revised to sleeve revised to RNY!). It's a lifelong journey. If you aren't prepared for the lifelong changes, make sure you get the facts and really think. It's a tool and it's not removable

I'm also waiting to be banded. I really can't believe that I have gotten this big. My weight gain, especially in the last 1 1/2, has been emotional eating at it's worst:cry . I have been fat most of my life but it has been the last five years or so that I've really been defeated by my weight. I too thought that I was one of the few that thought about not wanting to take pictures and be around people. I don't shop at peak hours because I don't want some kid to comment on my weight. I don't like to go out and participate in outdoor activities. That's why I'm so happy that I finally was ready to be banded. I want to take pictures with my family, I want to go swimming. As a matter of a fact next year I turn 40. I'm having family pictures taken with my daughters to celebrate the success that I will have achieved by next year. :clap2: The level of hopelessness that I have felt because of the weight has been overwhelming but now I have hope. Now I know that I will succeed like so many of you. Thanks for the words of encouragement !!! Michele/soon to be banded

It is so good to hear from you Simply Southern. Keep your chin up! By now it can only get better! Lisa, I'm so sorry that you are going through all of this! Hopefully your doctor can finally figure everything out for you soon! I too am now struggling with some weight gain. It helps to come on hear and read everyone elses issues, and they are not far from our own. We are all truly blessed to have a brand new lease on life! 2013 will rock for us all!

Still not losing weight. Gained 5 pounds while I was getting dehydrated. Dr said it was my body trying to retain what fluids it could. Then lost 2 after not being dehydrated anymore. Weighed this morning to find out I've gained the two back, stopped weighing everyday cuz it's just so disappointing. I'm about ready to throw the scale out the window. i walk about 40 minutes each day and just don't know wth is going on. I'm getting fluids and protein. Any ideas or similar experiences? Gen :-)

Just walked in from what I "think" is my last pre-surgical meeting....but with the way things have gone for me since Thanksgiving with Dr. R, I never know.....I'm scheduled for the anesthesiologist next week and surgery on the 27th. I'm hoping this time things go as I've planned. I noticed the posting about last night's meeting after it happened. I'll go when you guys go!! I miss seeing all of you and I want control over my eating and my life back. After living for 3 years with my band, the past 5 months have been absolute hell. I now understand why the people who need to be unbanded are bitter. I recognize that the underlying reasons for my obesity are still there, though latent for a few years. Hidden well by my working out incessantly and eating very little, but nonetheless, still all there! Jay, you'll appreciate that I've been on the pre-op diet for 4 weeks now. Dr. R kept sending me home to lose weight.....thought I was gonna die. Seriously, I wouldn't have this band if not for needing it. I assure you, if I could lose weight without it, I would. I didn't think surgery was just something fun to try! Even WITH my weight gain, I've still maintained 55% of my excess body weight lost.....so I wasn't very nice the last few times he gave me a hard time. This time I even accidently swore when defending myself. With as far as I've come in the past few years, I'll be damned if some man with a few degrees more than me is gonna make me think I'm a complete effing failure. So....I miss you guys. Need my old life back and need to drop a few so I can go wedding dress shopping. My life has been on hold for 5 months and I want it back.....

Congrats to all of you. You are all doing such a wonderful job. I didnt realize how pregnancy and gaining weight were going to affect me. I go up and down 5 pounds, but I have put on about 4 inches around my waist. I am pregnant with twins, not for sure if I told you guys that or not. I have moments when I get down about weight gain. I am eating like crazy and still have all my fill. I guess I was just going so hard at losing weight that now I am having trouble adjusting to the fact that I am suppose to gain. I know in the end I will be able to get back on track. And wow, who would have thought how far we would have come in 6 months!!

It's common for low thyroid to impede weight loss or cause weight gain, but it doesn't necessarily work that way. Have you been working with an endocrinologist? Has your dosage been switched around for four months at a time? My doctor told me it takes about that long to know the result of a change. After nearly 30 years taking synthroid or L-thyroxine, my numbers went wildly cuckoo a few years ago. My primary referred me to an endocrinologist who changed my dose a couple of times. I've been in the normal range for a decent time now and see him every four months for blood work. We're still tweaking slightly. It's a good thing I like the endocrinologist greatly and we have good conversations about all sorts of things. Otherwise I'd resent having to go in that often. I hope you get to a good place. It seems unreasonable to me that your medical plan might deny you for the reason you mention, especially since your doctors will submit letters in support.

Weight gain is possible in all facets of life banded or not, WE will watch our calorie intake and how quickly we eat, Our band and fills will help with our portions, WE will get thin and healthy and remain there, Amen,

Was given topiramate for binge eating due to medication weight gain, did not have any affect on weight gain. Metformin for type 2 diabetes, had no affect on my weight. Have also been on bupropion for depression and did not notice any weight loss.

I am due June 9th as the official due-date although by LMP it should be the end of May. I was 150 or so around the time when I got pregnant, dropped to 141 over the first two months. I have pretty much held steady but I had seen 143 on the scale for 2 days in a row now . . . and I fear the higher weight might stick. I feel like so far I have been lucky with my weight . . . my lack of weight gain has had nothing to do with me maintaining a strict dietary plan. I have been eating when I am hungry, drinking tons of milk and water and trying to avoid too much sugar and fat (but sometimes I indulge). If I am hungry, I eat and have now gone up to 4 meals a day instead of 3. My extra meal generally is a small bowl of cereal because I have been craving it a lot. I don't want to gain more than 20 pounds . . . but I guess it will be what it will be when I get to the end. I know I have my band waiting to be kicked back into action when the time is right.

Helllo alll, I am a bit depressed now, my friends are trying to talk me out of this surgery ! I am a lower BMI so they keep saying I dont need it .. "just do this or try that " ! ughgh I am getting soo frustrated, I have done everything ....lost weight gained it back plus more !! They just don't get it -- I will keep gaining and getting bigger and bigger if I don't do this. I am the heaviest I have ever been at 5'4 195 # . I don't want to go out anymore, I don't want people to see me ... In my mind this is what I need to do. I can't go on like this anymore. I understand that they're concerned because of the whole Mexico thing and complications and all but I have done soo much research. I just have to stick to what I believe and hope there are no problems !! Thank goodness for this site cuz I get encouragement here just by reading other people's experiences .. Thanks for listening all !

I have had PCOS for so long...when I was originally diagnosed it was called Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. I struggled 20 YEARS with it. Every single symptom, I have/had. Wls saved my life. I went from 6 insulin injections a day, to nothing. My PCOS helped me get high lipids, battle diabetes, high blood pressure, hair loss on my head, excessive hair growth everywhere else, extreme weight gain...I could go on and on. 2 years post vsg, my ONLY regret: that I didn't do the surgery sooner! 2 years post op, 188 pounds down, healthy, and 10 weeks pregnant!

I take the same medication. I had bypass on 11/14/16 and have lost 57 pounds so far. No problems with weight gain.

Congrats on the girl Juno! When are you due and do you have any kids already? Cyrena - pretty name by the way. I can only speak for myself in that my lapband surgeon ok'd me for a fill while I am 11 weeks pregnant because I have gained a lot of weight, being very loose since January. On the other hand, my OB says - get the fill if you want, but why risk a healthy pregnancy and malnurishing your baby. He said this "80% of Americans are obese, don't worry about the weight gain", so I'm not going to. I have the band as a tool to help me loose the weight after pregnancy. What do you want more? A small, cute pregnant body or a healthy baby? If money weren't an issue, would you follow the doc's orders & get the unfill if it were free? I don't get fills/unfills using fluro. My doc just feels for the port & sticks the needle in, then I drink water to make sure it can go down. No sweat. I will probaby get a complete unfill when I feel I need it, probably around 7 months. Read all of the posts on this thread, it might help you decide from other banders experiences. If you are truly having reflux though, you should probably get an unfill. Sometimes, I just need someone to make the call for me. Sounds like your doc and your hubby already have!

Hey ladies. Congratulations to all the new mommies and mommies to be out there. And Laura0703, congrats on the BOY! I'm 17 weeks now and have gained about 3 or 4 lbs. I'm hoping to keep my weight gain in the 15 - 25lb range but we'll see what happens. I still have my fill. I got a slight unfill (-0.3cc) at 8 weeks and have been fine since then. I was lucky and didn't have any m/s and my band has been good to me so far. We go for our BIG ULTRASOUND next Monday (Feb 8th) and we're so excited to find out whether it's a boy or a girl. For some reason i'm thinking BOY. I will be really surprised if they tell me it's a girl! I'm ecstatic about either! I've had a really good pregnancy so far and the only thing i'm really dealing with is some tiredness and headaches. I'm still not showing yet, but i can feel the baby bump if i rub my lower tummy. I think i might have even felt one of those "flutters" they talk about as being baby moving. It's hard to tell though!

HeatherO wrote: I have also been on a fruity yogurt kick lately. I like the Yoplait Whips or the Yoplait Light "Thick" yogurts. I like the different textures, there is plenty of calcium and not too many calories. Hey peeps! Heather, are you eating yogurt sweetened with aspartame, as most light/fat free yogurts are? I've been looking everywhere for non-fat yogurts sweetened without aspartame and can't find any....since preggos can't have aspartame, I've been eating regular lowfat yogurt, but at nearly 220 calories per cup, thats just hard on me. I am up about 5-7 lbs depending on the day I weigh. Not great for only 7 weeks, but I am TRULY getting hungry all the time now, so trying to make good choices. My cravings are similar to all of yours, mostly sweet stuff (powdered donuts, grapes, blueberries, yogurt and cereal) I think part of the weight gain is due to constipation and water retention...at least I hope so!