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I have Hashimoto’s that is well controlled. My endocrinologist says that too many people blame hypothyroidism for causing weight gain or hindering weight loss. He says the #1 factor with his healthiest/normal BMI patients are that they all walk everyday, more than the average adult. Not crazy miles but consistently everyday. You do not need to go back to a liquid diet to jump start your weight loss. That is crash diet mentality. The post-op diet was necessary to heal your stomach and prevent staple leaks. Now you need to eat fewer calories and focus on dense protein to fill yourself up.

I hate being away from my scale! I was in New York for two weeks in April and it stressed me out so much! I’m going to London/Paris for two weeks in October and I’m freaking out and weight gain and not being able to monitor weight fluctuations. Particularly as I went off plan in New York and was eating whatever I wanted!!

I've had my lap band for about 5 years now. At first I was loosing weight slowly (due to other separate health problems) then last summer, i lost a huge amount of weight very quickly due to extreme stress, and where my port is I was having discomfort, so i went to my new doctor who told me I had to gained weight and that would help with the discomfort, but did not want me to gain too much. I am 5'9 and I was 135lbs and he told me i needed to be at 160lbs. He is not my original doctor that did my surgery and fills. We moved to a different state. Over the last 5 months I (reluctantly) have gained the weight the doc told me to, and even though some of the port discomfort is gone, I now have constant heart burn and acid reflex and pain under my ribs after i eat (I had my gallbladder removed last year) or drink too much I do not drink any alcohol, soda or things like that mainly water tea sometimes and coffee and food has been getting stuck more than it use to. It is extremely hard for me to get back into the doctor, but do see my family primary monthly. I am wondering what type of tests should i ask my primary to order to make sure everything with the band is ok. And if anyone else has had similar problems and what helped. I'm thinking of trying the apple cider vinegar to help with heart burn acid reflex but am open to trying something

On Depo I had no period at all, no spotting, anything, after the 1st 3 months. I LOVED it! Did it cause weight gain? I'm not sure because I went through a lot of lifestyles changes during those years, and didn't practice a healthy lifestyle. So hard to know if it contributed. One thing that scared me off Depo, was the many studies showing it caused a loss of Bone Mineral Density. I finally figured it wasn't worth the risk the me long term health, sadly https://nwhn.org/depo-provera-and-bone-mineral-density/ I currently have the Mirena IUD, which I got right before my WLS, 6 months ago. I chose it because usually women have no periods on it. I have lots of friends who love it and have had that experience. I had a few normal periods after getting it, and now have annoying, unpredictable spotting. I'm hoping that will go away soon.

I would love to lose my period most months. But I imagine that would make it a monster to deal with the months it did show up. My appointment is coming up soon so have a lot to ask about. Nexplanon, IUD, and maybe even depo...because I don’t want kids. So that side effect mentioned above doesn’t bother me. But the weight gain possibility does. So many choices! 😳

Great to hear and awesome no weight gain only loss. We are book on a cruise in November and i will be 4 months out. Was nervous,but now feel relieved. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

27 Months out and 13 lbs up from my lowest weight! Not a happy camper. At my last NUT appointment she said isn't it crazy that you can eat a very healthy diet, and still gain? Yep, it sure is. Over the past 27 months I have pretty much refused to track my foods. Tried it before and it made me crazy. However, weight gain makes me even more crazy, so.... going to give it another try. I think I'm going to try to log the night before and maybe even do the same menu a few days per week for simplicity. I am using the free version of My Fitness Pal at the moment. Any tips/tricks advice from the expert trackers out there. Also doing a little intermittent fasting but need to increase that I suppose. Thank you for chiming in

Right with you. Had lap band 12 years ago. Dropped 100 pounds and stayed in the 220's for years. Then the trouble started. Dilated esophagus. Slip. Blah blah blah. Had the band removed a year ago - my doc does not do revisions at time of removal - I had to clear up damage first. Horrible weight gain since removal. I'm getting the sleeve next week. Can't wait.

Starting this process now with my surgeon after 8 years with my band over 100lb loss and now esophageal dilitation caused me to have to unfill band and have had an o going weight gain. He recommended bypass and we are checking with insurance now. Anyone have issue with insurance not covering a revision due to complications of the band?

I am so excited I can barely sleep at night! I have always been a big girl but I quit smoking in 2006 and that started the weight gain. Then I quit my job to be a stay at home mom in 2008(9) and that made it worse. Then in 2015 our daughter committed suicide at the age of 18 and depression and stress was the last straw. I now weigh 333lbs and can’t even remember being less than 300 anymore. I am still a stay at home mom and my son does online school so I am basically a homeschool mom too. I am also active with my church. I love to cook so I have always looked for ways to change things up - thus the questions about SF pudding and spices..... lol..... I am so sorry about your band turning on you like that! It sounds like you have had a rough go of it but seems like you are on the road to recovery both physically and mentally! When is your surgery date? Will be sending prayers before during and after!

Weight loss is a different animal as the years pass. Actually experiencing weight gain, weight holding on, and slow weight loss may be hard for newer people to understand. It's a great that you are posting this topic. Yes, get with your team to get the professional advice and confirm or rule out medical issues. The bariatric plan that once worked may not work for you now. it will be trial and error to find the calories and macros that get your body in weight loss mode. This will be specific to your body physiology. Weight loss at years out is not a one size fits all. It is fine tuning your diet to find where your body loses weight. To find the calories and macros that work: Use your food log. If your body is carb sensitive lower your carbs. If your not losing at a certain calorie levels. Raise/lower the calories. Spread out meals a day. Start with three adjust it to four, five six. How you fuel your body is key. Whole foods, Keto, intermittent fasting, vegetarian diets. It still gets down to your calories and macros on any diet plan.

The something worse has me worried for you. Are you safe? As far as the weight gain, your doctor isn't there to judge. Just be honest. And you are taking steps in the right direction by going to therapy and working towards getting your pill/alcohol consumption under control.

I'm a 46 year-old mother/wife with four children. The youngest turning 7 this year. I suffered from gestational diabetes during that pregnancy, but none of the others. Maybe being 39 at the time had something to do with it. I've been struggling with weight gain since 2011. Although, I haven't really done anything about it. Mostly complain and avoid my reflection. Over time with everyday stresses from work and home, I have been taking Zoloft. I had been considered pre-diabetic for several years, but about a year ago was finally put on diabetic medication: Metformin. Only taking one per day. Taking it didn't make me feel any different and being in denial, I guess, I felt like I didn't need it. Along with the weight gain, diabetes diagnosis, I've also been dealing with pre-menopausal stuff (maybe?) and my vision seems to be deteriorating. I've gone from occasionally using reading glasses to actually needing them to read more and more. I was also recently diagnosed with IBS, which has become more of a consistent issue that I have to deal with on an almost daily basis. With the increased stress of declining health, Wellbutrin is now part of my medicinal arsenal. I started looking into and considering bariatric surgery in October 2017 and have finally decided the surgery is needed as part of my determination to get healthy again.

Hello! I am sleeved as well, and I also believe I can answer, keep in mind that each person is different but I hope that all the answers that you get will help you make your decision and give you some much needed information! 1. I do believe that you will be able to get lower than that easily, especially if you stick to the program and add the appropriate amount, as well as the appropriate exercise depending on the phase you are on. Yes I am a male but the weight that I lost was absolutely insane and happened much faster than I thought it would. I have not been at my current weight in YEARS, almost so long that I feel like I came out of the womb at this weight! 2. I do feel as if last winter was the worst of my lifetime, I was sitting in the house in a knit cap, scarf, gloves and a jacket while the kids were walking around in pajamas.... recently took a cruise to Alaska and it was 50-60's and I felt fine. I usually am a polar bear and enjoy weather in the 30's and 40's. Normally I am able to go outside in just a light jacket, pants and sweater and I am very comfortable. Lets just say that I am curious to see if my cold tolerance has changed over the course of this year and since my weight loss has stabilized I will be able to tolerate it better. 3. I would say that depends on you, I can tell you that my relationship with food has changed, while I can say that working around food may be a trigger, it can also work in your favor if you let it. I do not work around food but I do work for a fire department and people are dropping off good snacks and food all the time. Prior to surgery I could not say no whatsoever (unless it looked unappetizing) now I am able to walk by and just look. 4. As long as you stick to protein you will be fine, you will find that protein is your best friend, and when you eat it, you will not be hungry whatsoever. Had to take a 10 hour trip up to PA to pick up my puppy, I was able to eat breakfast around 9 and make it home and only had a banana and a couple of protein shakes. I got home about 9pm and did not feel hungry the entire ride, before I would have stopped and McDonalds and Chick Fil A several times before I got home. 5. As long as you follow the plan you should be fine, I can tell you that there were days that I did not follow the plan because I was not hungry but I was not malnourished. There are still days at almost a year out that I do not really eat much, I have my normal handful of vitamins and several protein shakes and I am good. I am pretty healthy and definitely malnourished whatsoever! 6. As long as your Dr knows what meds you take you should be absolutely fine, not to mention that you taking off the excess weight will help your joints because they are not carrying all the weight that they are used to carrying. Ask me how I know....... Not sure of what surgery you are having but my Dr says that with the VSG NSAIDS are ok. Just as long as I follow the label so they are not an issue for me. 7. Have not had any depression at all, I will say that I was a little moody for a bit because there are times that you realize that you counted on food to cope with certain issues. You have to relearn how to cope and not use food, as well as saying goodbye to old lifelong habits. 8. I am not on Paleo and I do not make about half of my food, I love Chick Fil A and will always love it, I still eat it, but I watch what I eat! Grilled sandwich (only able to eat half) and a small superfood side salad are my typical meal there. Its about you finding the healthier choice and picking it most of the time. I am a cook and enjoy cooking so its pretty easy to fix a protein and low carb veg for me and add in a carbohydrate for the rest of the family. Its all about choices. When I am at the fire station there are times that I just eat a Healthy Choice meal for lunch and call it a day! 9. If you are as active as you say you are, then you should be fine! Hate to bring it up but I can tell you that I have been on several cruises (average weight gain during a 7 day cruise is anywhere between 5-10 pounds) I have been on several and actually lost weight! I watched what I ate and didn't get stupid, and took the stairs almost EVERYWHERE we went on the ship. If you are willing to workout 30-40 minutes several times a week you will be fine!!! Past month has been absolutely insane here and I have not been working out as I should have, but I have still managed to keep my weight the same. 10. I have not had dumping whatsoever (once again I had the VSG) only side affect that I have had is GERD, which I am currently trying to get under control. I have had anything and everything else on your list and more without one issue whatsoever! Only thing is that I notice that I do not tolerate spicy that well, not because it causes serious issues it just makes my stomach more acidic so I have to take some Tums or something. 11. I can tell you from my experience that guzzling will not be an option. Water does not compress, it will change shape but it does not compress. When you swallow a large amount of water and it is too much to easily go through the small pipes that you have it is going to HURT, I can tell you that you will be able to drink normally after awhile (not at first!!!!) but you have to take it easy. One year out I still have to watch how fast I drink! Hope this helps and good luck !!!

I came across a study this morning on Cancer that was rather interesting, so I thought I would share it. But first I might discuss the implications as it applies to me and other that undergo weight loss surgery. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 5 years ago. Prior to surgery I was diabetic. This condition went into remission right after surgery and I went off all my blood sugar diabetic prescription medicine the day I left the hospital two days after surgery and haven't taken any since. I periodically test my blood sugar levels once per month and they remain fine. In tandem with my surgery, I changed my eating habits. I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. O.K. now onto the study. Basically the findings of this study indicate that people who rely on artificial sweeteners experience a 20% reduction in cancer rates. Now, researchers claim that artificial sweeteners prevent cancer. Do they? It's biologically plausible. Cancer cells undergo what is known as the Warburg effect. Typically, our body cells generate energy through a process known as aerobic respiration, but cancer cells ramp up fermentation, instead. Just like a muscle doing vigorous exercise, cancer gobbles up glucose (a sugar) and spits out lactic acid. Hypothetically, depriving a cancer cell of sugar could remove an important fuel source. A team of researchers conducted a cohort study that examined the self-reported dietary habits of 1,018 patients during and after chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer. Their main finding was that artificially sweetened beverages lowered the risk of cancer recurrence or death by about 23%. Do Artificial Sweeteners Prevent Cancer?

My face was bloated and definitely was the first place I showed weight gain. It’s not bloated anymore thank god. Four weeks out now and stalled. Hoping the weight loss will pick back up.

To that_prime_mom: What happened with your claim? Did ChampVA approve surgery? My Wife has ChampVA and has been trying to lose weight for 20 years, but has never succeeded- knee surgery, chronic pain... tried weight watchers twice, keto/atkins, many types of diets, but always failed. She has many chronic health issues. But she has never reported to a doc each month with any kind of “supervised plan”. It was more like the doc/docs constantly told her to try to lose weight and made suggestions for what she could do, but something always derailed her attempts— she had her gallbladder removed for gallstones, couldn’t exercise because of bad knees, has to take anxiety/depression meds which CAUSE weight gain, etc. I know my wife can’t succeed on willpower alone; bariatric surgery is her ONLY chance. So, did you convince ChampVA without a huge paper-trail of doc visits? Was it enough to just “write a letter”? I’m praying my wife doesn’t have to spend 6 months trying to diet again, only to fail, and be crushed once more, all while being “medically supervised” by her doc.

It really takes some time for your body to adjust to this new way of eating and getting nutrients. You may experience some weight gain and even stalls over time but it’s normal. your weight will adjust if you just keep following the routine your surgeon/team put you on.

Hi Everyone! I had vsg surgery June 2016. I went from 230 to 154. I got pregnant with our 3rd boy in 2017. During the pregnancy I maintained the weight until the very end I was up a few lbs to 158. I had a csection and by the time i got home from hospital I was up to 167!!!! I had gained weight after delivering which made no sense to me but i learned it was mostly fluid retention from hospital iv’s. I watched carefully what i ate and after 2 months the retention came off plus more as i was down to 144lbs. After that and 2 months of breastfeeding I developed major cravings for junk.....mostly sugar. I was also very stressed and had been hit with ppd...depression. I was treated for depression but my cravings turned into out of control eatting of anything sweet. I am beginning to gain weight and definitely look ALOT heavier although i am 158, i look bigger than i did when i was last 158 if that makes sense. This is really depressing me and I need help as im afraid if i keep up at this rate ill be 230lbs again. Im also eating alot more quantity wise...its like i never had the surgery! I dont get the tight full feeling anymore that told me when to stop eating, i also dont the pain that tells me I overate. Has anyone else gone through this? How can i reverse it and start loosing again? Is it possible that ive stretched my sleeve? lastly, has anyone else breastfed and have gotten these cravings?

Please note that while the sleeve can be converted to bypass...not every doctor nor insurance company is willing to do so. Especially if the reason is just for not enough weight lost or weight gain.

My weight gain was due to me not having any restriction from sleeve. There was legit no explanation as to why I had no restriction. I could eat a plate of protein and be full after the entire plate, not just a cup of food like I was taught. I believe developing GERD didn’t help as well. As time went on, certain foods caused it and one learns to stay away from those foods. But GERD can also lead to eating unhealthy foods because they’re more tolerable...thus the weight gain.

There are so many factors that contribute to weight gain. Many you can’t control. Be kind to yourself. You are doing your best to tackle the weight. I had a RNY bipass 7/18. I was scared too. I asked myself if I had another disease would I not seek treatment? In my opinion this surgery gives me a shot at a better quality and length of life.

I found this link. It addresses whole fresh fruit, fruit juices, and dried fruit. https://www.nationalbariatriclink.org/bariatric-blog/eating-fruits-gastric-bypass-surgery/ "After Gastric Bypass Surgery, there will be things you have enjoyed your entire life that your body will no longer be able to digest without discomfort. You will also have to give up some things that may seem healthy such as fruit juices, which are actually high in sugar content. About half of all Bariatric surgery patients can dilute fruit juices such as apple and orange juice and enjoy a glass now and then. Keep a close eye on your goal weight though, as these juices can quickly send you backwards on the scale. Your stomach may not be able to handle dried fruits after Gastric Bypass or other weight loss surgeries, most particularly dried cranberries, apricots and raisins. Again, this is due to the high amounts of sugar used to cure these dried fruits. After some time has passed after your Bariatric surgery, you may be able to indulge in and tolerate dried fruits again but use caution, watching for sudden weight gain."

OP: Have you tried therapy to address your emotional/overeating tendencies? And is your “hunger” actual physical hunger OR could it be head hunger, due to GERD, or are you still chasing the full feeling you had with the band? Relying on appetite suppressants after so many WLS procedures will also not address the root cause(s) of your weight gain. One’s pouch or sleeve is just a tool and long term success must include healthy eating and portion control. Good luck!

For those of you that need or have had revision surgery, what do you think was the gateway to the weight gain? What do those undergoing WLS really need to be careful about?