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I drank at 3 weeks post op. It was a week long work event that had nightly cocktails hours. And was otherwise very alcohol focused. I was really drinking just to fit in and to not draw attention to my WLS. i did not enjoy drinking. Which was very different from pre op! I felt no difference in the effect of the alcohol though. I never even got the slightest bit buzzed. After that week I have mostly swore off drinking because it caused a weight gain. That week I averaged 700 cals per day, including alcohol, and returned home to a 2 LB gain. That pissed me off, and made not drinking an easy decision. Since then I have had a couple of glasses of wine. One was forced upon me by my boss when we were out to dinner on my birthday. The other is when I was having a nice tapas style dinner w a friend that had an amazing wine by the glass menu. That was the first time I really wanted a drink. I had one, it tasted good, but not as good as before. These glasses of wine did not hit me harder than usual, in fact I didn’t feel any effect from them at all.

Hey y'all, So, before I started the wls journey I'd continuously been on my own weight loss journey so for the last 3.5 years. My diet has been fairly restrictive for several years. Eating what I wanted but never at the portions I wanted them. (I'd have one slice of pizza for dinner when I wanted 3.4. IDK. I was HUNGRY.) Which I thought would help... Wrong. Yeah, the only time I actually had successful weight loss was when I moved out of country and really couldn't afford food. Broke grad student life. Like really, I was broke. I lost about 80 pounds. I loved it but was not satisfied, I still had another 60 plus left to lose. In hindsight, I had really lost a substantial amount of weight. So, in said oversees country, I met the love of my life who was stationed there. Needless to say, I did NOT finish my graduate degree but rather married. Happily married for almost three years now. Slightly regret. Not getting married, more-so not finishing what I'd set out to do. Still love her though, I wouldn't change that. Any-who, I'm hungry. So after about a year of dating, I gained about 20 pounds in "love fat," you know, constant eating out, eating fatty foods, eating in bed... Oh, and I WAS EATING AGIAN. Yay for me. So we married and spent two years oversees, in which I gained about 30 or so pounds.. Basically gaining more than half of what I'd lost. She loved me... she was my carbs, and I was hungry. But I still watched what I ate. Hoping to reverse some weight gain. Again, eating what I wanted but not as much of it... which did NOT work for me. Fast forward to our return stateside, I have the surgery about one week ago today, 6 days to be exact, and I AM HUNGRY. I was on liquids before surgery for two weeks and am now on the FULL liquid diet, soups, anything strained through this little hair style strainer. I'm struggling, y'all. I've already chewed up some roasted potato and spit it out. Also with some cheese. I'm bad. My surgery went very quickly, we returned stateside and all of a sudden I was on a liquid diet en route to surgery. And I did NOT cheat, for fear of being cancelled. Oh my gosh I have never wished I'd cheated more! Anyways, I'm rambling. Is anyone else struggling this hard so early on? At stage where I hoped I wouldn't even feel hunger. I'm fully aware of head hunger, I know that is exactly why I can't convince myself that the sugar-free raspberry jello I'm eating actually requires chewing. Because it doesn't. And I need to chew. Or at least my head is telling me so... Idk. I'm struggling y'all! Any advice?

Paxil is a brutal wean, Apple, I don't envy you. It's also one of the worst ones out there for weight gain. Plus side: I'm guessing you're gonna see a bump in weight loss after you're off:) I gained 25 pounds in a year on Paxil in the late 90's. Felt great, but ate like a crazed hippy at a rainbow gathering. LOL:) Had crazy dreams when I went off, but a lot of folks have worse discontinuation symptoms. You are very smart to wean.

I do low carb, not "keto". I make that distinction cuz I am old-school. I don't do a bunch of fancy gyrations and artificial stimulation to get my fat high. My keto comes by simply doing no more and no less than dropping my carb level to <50g per day. That gets the body into ketosis. But to be fair, most of us who are eating <800cals per day are probably already in ketosis by proxy of a VLCD (very low calorie diet). So we're already producing ketones for fuel--unless you're consuming a butt load of daily carbs in that 800 or less per day diet. It's can be a good and healthy diet. I do low fat; choose low fat proteins and reduced fat dairy, but my fat still falls in about the 40% range. Anyway, it works for me. But if you over-consume carby food, you WILL see a jump from glycogen stores refilling with water and it takes 2-5 days to re-empty them. That's anywhere from a 2-8lb weight gain overnight. It can be brutal psychologically. But I truly believe this is the way that will maximize my weight loss period. For me.

Some of us can tolerate it while others can't. Is your fear sugar because of dumping syndrome or weight gain? If I have sugar and carbs I crave them more. I don't get sick from it in small amounts. I also feel bogged down when I don't eat healthy.

Hi Michelle...well done you! Wishing you every success with your fills...It’s weird how dr’s differ with their advice my dr advised 3 months unfill and Not to go onto shakes or mushy food was really adamant about it, he said to eat normally within the band requirements obviously meaning portion control and watch the calorie intake to assist with not gaining weight which I’ve been trying but goodness it’s so hard and the hunger I’ve gained a few pounds and only week 3 so far I don’t know what to do for the best not sure why their advice differs so...I’m trying it his way but it’s not curbing the hunger...you seemed to be better on shakes less hungry ? I need some motivation to stop this weight gain and hunger [emoji30]

I also have no food addictions or medical reasons to have gotten to 243 at 5'3". My weight gain was caused by making poor choices at nearly every opportunity. French fries or steamed veggies, vinaigrette or ranch, etc., etc.. I simply made the tastier choice because my mindset was, "this one meal isn't going to make a difference" This was compounded by going from a physical job to a sedentary job in my mid twenties. Then my weight gain accelerated when I began traveling and entertaining for business.

My weight gain came from pregnancy. Looking back i now understand that I knew how to maintain a weight but not lose weight.

@FluffyChix Is it accepting your best shot? Is it accepting if you don't make goal? The goal is healthy. That will look different for each of us. I don't want to overlook people that may have more things to battle and overcome. I am sympathetic to anyone that doesn't make goal or gain weight. (medical issues, mobility, eating disorder, medications etc.) It can take a toll on you mentally. I'm like you, I didn't have surgery to settle. I fought to get the most out of it. My personal choice was not to be a bariatric statistic. Made goal in six months. Side note - I love all the research, chart's formulas etc. There is a fine line between useful charting and obsessive compulsive lol I have to be careful, I have an addictive personality and fear of weight gain.

Doesn't for me. I feel exactly the same about myself as I did at 270. I like myself. I feel attractive. I have better than average self worth. I will concede that I feel better about my health, however. My health was a source of worry for myself and my family, and I'm happy to have taken action to correct it, and lessen the concern of those who love me. I also love being able to do more physical activities, get more projects done...I am enjoying being active:) I love that. So many things I've wanted to do....I can finally start doing. It's awesome:) I understand what the person was saying in the article. Every point they made......resonates with me as very true. To each, their own:) I dunno...I don't obsess about this ****. I like me. Whatever number the scale settles on is fine with me as long as my labs look good and I'm enjoying my life. Real changes that matter MORE to me than the number on the scale: 1. Creating and maintaining a forever diet that I genuinely like. Foods that are delicious and make me feel healthy. 2. Keeping fit. Getting my 12,000 steps every day and my 3 cardio activities every week. Doing them because they're enjoyable and fun. Keeping flexible and working my back and core to stay back-pain free. 3. Cutting out behaviors and foods that sabotage my health. Getting rid of refined foods. Getting rid of most white flour and white sugar. Getting rid of high fat foods. Eating LOTS of fruits and veggies each day. Increasing plant protein in my diet. Picking smarter cleaner fats. Keeping protein super lean. 4. I refuse to starve anymore. Starving always leads back to weight gain. I want off that merry go round. When I'm hungry, I'm gonna eat. F*ck starving. I can eat and make good choices, now. I trust myself. 5. I'm done being in a hurry. I don't "Need" to be any particular weight by any particular moment in time. What I "Need" to do is eat responsibly, exercise responsibly, not obsess, and enjoy my life.....for the rest of my life. 6. I can and do eat treats in moderation. My diet allows 75 calories a day for sweets and naughty items. I can use them daily, or I can bank them all week for a special occasion. It's workable and I never feel deprived. Life in moderation is balanced. It's a forever diet I can live with. 7. Most of all...being happy and healthy matter. Scale numbers and clothes sizes can kiss my ass. That said, I'm looking damned fine in clothes these days and it's fun to shop:) Meh...I liked the article. Rings true to me:)

I wonder if it's him who is actually wanting 'an easy way out', using the WLS as a means to force a break up? FutureSleevie read your own post back a couple of times, now what would you ask/tell or advise a close friend or family member after you've watched them struggle with weight gain and maintaining losses for a long time, struggling with obese related health issues, struggling with making what is one of their most important decisions in their life? I am guessing you wouldn't be telling them they are taking the easy way out and that you would be a hell of a lot more caring than that.

Hello! I just wanted to pop in with a few updates. My husband is doing very well! They had him up and walking today, and he managed to do a full lap around the floor (a total of about 150ft) 3 times, which is apparently a big deal. In addition, they were able to take all drainage tubes out so he is feeling MUCH better. There is a possibility he may even get to come home on Friday! He is already getting up from the bed/chair with minimal assistance, and using the rest room on his own. It truly is a wonder how far we have come in medical field. My mom has decided to basically move in next week and the week after to help. I have to work next week to train my coverage for my own surgery, which at this point I am proceeding with. If he struggles this weekend, I will definitely push it out. Now for the not so great news... living off hospital food has caused me to gain 4lbs. They had very little gluten free options (unless I wanted wilted salad) and so in addition to the weight gain I have stomach pain too. Joy. Thankfully I have at most 2 days left, then I am putting myself on a liquid diet next week in hopes of losing those 4lbs I just put on Once again, I wish to thank you all for your kindness and support. It has been an immense help to me by keeping me distracted during this chaotic time. Kind regards, Kay

Hello everyone! I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share? Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

Hello everyone! I know I need o get on some kind of BC for after my surgery but I'm unsure on which to get. The dietitian recommended getting an IUD because sometimes after surgery your body will absorb medications differently than before. I don't know much about an IUD but my main concern is weight gain or stalling postop. Does anyone have any experience they'd be willing to share? Also, if I do get the IUD, should I get it before my surgery or shortly after?

I'm at a stall. I've been between 170 and 175 for the past couple of months, which my DR. told me to expect after I dropped the amount of weight I did. The past week or so, I've been seeing that my weight is slowing creeping up to the 180 mark and I'm scared to death. I've been monitoring my carb and sugar intake and I've gone back on the protein shakes for breakfast or lunch. I'm extremely worried that i'm going to gain back all the weight. I've seen myself falling into past habits (binge eating disorder and weighing myself every day up to 3x a day), eating sugary food (candy) and not getting enough liquids in. It probably isn't helping that i'm trying to complete my degree for college and I signed myself up for 6 summer classes to finish in the next 4 months. I need help. I tried talking to my husband, and though he is sympathetic, his advice is stop eating bad food, which is easier said than done. If anybody has gone through something similar, i'd love to hear how you overcome this stall.

What sleevers need to know: After 6 months the tight restriction starts to fade. At about a year or more out you will definitely be able to hold more food. Understand your stomach is not back to full size. Only a small percentage of sleeves that need revision. The problem is when people confuse grazing with stomach capacity/stretching. If you eat several meals with excess calories. (Can be healthy or unhealthy food choices) you will start seeing weight gain. I can easily get in 3000 calories in a day if I graze. The sensation is as if I didn't have surgery at all. Surgery does not take away hunger for most of us. You will feel head and real hunger. Eating sugar and carbs will make you crave them more and increase your hunger level. . My disclaimer: low carb is not everyone's weight loss plan. (carbs may/will increase maintaining and higher fitness level. ( if you gain go back to low carb or your plan) If you are struggling with the extra space and hunger : Some tips to keep you full and satisfied within your calorie range. (I'm not a medical professional this is just my experience/opinion) increase your protein goal. Add veggies. The bulk and fiber will help fill the increased stomach volume Detox off carbs and sugar. Keep healthy sweet and salty snacks on hand for cravings night snacking or head hunger - Buy a veggie tray. If you are at the end of your daily calorie allotment for weight loss mode. Eat from your veggie tray. If you try to bargain with yourself for another option then you know its head hunger.

It's never too late to make changes. So many people are struggling with weight gain. Your experience and support in this area is needed. People need to know you can get back into weight loss mode. Keep inspiring! thanks for your post.

Just wanted to share something I experienced and would love to know if this has happened to anyone else. For the last couple of years I have experienced ongoing severe lower back pain. I assumed it was due to my weight gain but it restricted my activity to the point that I rarely left the house. Going to the grocery store was excruciating....had to find places to sit down briefly while shopping due to the pain. Husband suggested using one of the motorized shopping carts but there is no way I would do that. Terrible pain when doing simple housework activity and had to sit on a stool while cooking. It got so bad I consulted a spine specialist and had an MRI. It showed normal wear and tear. He suggested some steroid/long acting analgesic injections and I reluctantly agreed. Had the injections on each side and there was no change in the pain at all. He then prescribed a topical NSAID cream which had no effect whatsoever. I rarely left my house for the next couple of months other than my preop appointments. Started the preop diet April 18 and when I got up on April 22 I noticed that my back was not hurting AT ALL. It has not hurt AT ALL since then. Surgeon had no explanation when I saw him last week for preop appt. and said he did not think my liver could be that enlarged to cause severe back pain. It is still hard for me to process but I am so thankful!!

I'm required to complete 90 days of the program which includes 2 nitrition appointments, psych eval, no weight gain among other requirements. What do you mean by "approved instution"? Do you mean the hospital must be approved?

I was sleeved 4/25/18 by NYBG. I had some reservations and right before surgery I had some doubts, however I felt I was to far into the process to back out. I did the 10 day pre op diet which consisted of Protein Shakes, broth, Yogurt, Jello-pudding and pops. I had started the week before doing Meal Replacements. I felt that it would help relieve the shock of not eating my 900 calories meals 3 times a day.🤦‍♀️. The only cheat I had was I would have 3 slices of dill pickles in the afternoon. 2 days before the surgery I stopped with that. The liquid phase wasn’t that bad. I have to admit that by that point I was laser focused on the surgery. Surgery- Not sure if others can identity but I had made it so much scarier in my mind. From the moment I entered the hospital to the time I left I felt as if it were my family members who were taking care of me. They keep me comfortable and informed every step of the way. My only complaint would be, they should give you a nice big dose of pain killers for the ride home. It was an hour away from my house and a lot of turns and potholes. That was the first time I had experienced pain from the surgery. Home- The first night I was home the pain was pretty bad. I found myself thinking, WTH did I do to myself. I tried to go up stairs to bed and that was just not a good idea. Laying flat on your back when you are a side sleeper just wasn’t happening. I picked up my pillows and went down and slept on the recliner down stairs. I woke frequently and when I did I would get up and walk around the downstairs of the house. Each time I got up I would sip on Water. I was told at the hospital that for the first 3 days worry more about staying hydrated then getting Protein in. That the Protein would come in time and that was exactly like it happened. Pain Medication- They prescribed me Percocet. I took one and began itching. So I stopped that right away and went to extra strength Tylenol which helped take the edge off. After the first day of being home I jumped up on the scale, and was shocked when I saw that I had gained 7 lbs from the time I went into the hospital. Pain and weight gain, this was not what I signed up for. So day 2 and 3 were just trying to get Fluid into me and the gas and excess Water from the IV’s out of me. I walked, sipped, walked, sipped, walked, sipped. Day 4- The skies opened up. It was the first time I felt better. I was finally able to sleep on my side and go back up to sleep in my bed. The 7lbs that I had gained from water weight were now off. At this point I was able to go for a walk in the neighborhood and felt closer to better then to crap. I was able to get 30 grams of protein in, 64 oz of water. I was also able to get a 1/2 teaspoon of Peanut Butter down as well as 3 oz of yogurt. Day 5- Woke up not feeling as good. I took the Vitamins I had started on day 3 and also an Iron pill. My Iron had been low after surgery. I think I tried to do to much on day 4 because I felt really good. I rested and felt fine the rest of the day. I was able to get 64 oz of fluids, 1/2 scrambled egg with cottage cheese, 3 oz of purée tuna fish, 1 Protein Shake in. All sat fine with no indigestion, heartburn, or nausea. The only issue I am having with swallowing is my chewable Calcium. They hurt going down. I am going to see if there is an alternative. 5’3 HW 227 SWPOD 213 SW 204 CW 200 GW 130 Total weight loss -27lbs

Hi All, I understand. I've got an extra 15 I'd like to be rid of. But please... BIG picture!! I've got 15, not 115!! Do NOT beat yourselves up!! I think that only leads to depression and more weight gain. Take some small steps. And, maybe recognize that if it doesn't change, you are STILL so much better off!! :D

Today is day 2 out of the hospital. Everything I eat, I’m dying of hunger like 20 min later looking for the next thing to eat. I feel like a zombie lol I’m hoping this is temporary! Scared of weight gain!!

It was due to reflux and weight gain. I only lost about 30 lbs with the sleeve and I need to lose 100+ lbs. i wish I had done the bypass originally.

I think one of the reasons my program has lower protein requirements than you'll often see....is that my program serves a LOT of international clients, many of whom are vegetarian or semi-vegetarian culturally. High protein diets DO promote faster weight loss. This is undeniable. But I'm building my forever diet...and I'm trying to get my body used to a diet it can be on forever...so I don't have a big metabolic shift later. (or the weight gain that can occur with big dietary changes) For me, a high protein low carb diet is not a great choice for a forever diet. If I were 400 pounds...I would consider a very restrictive high protein diet for a short period of time for rapid weight loss. At 190...I want something sustainable and permanent. I want a forever diet that I can live with...well...forever. LOL:)

I truly can’t pin point one thing, but growing up as a child, it was any & everything for me: sweets (ice cream/cake), carbs (bread/potatoes) & soda (the infamous Mountain Dew & root beer) my weight gain began as a very young child, my family didn’t have a lot, but we always had food. And cheap food was/is the worst food. Our Friday’s/Saturday’s were always for eating out for dinner & looked forward to my happy meal’s. I don’t blame my parents really because they did what they had to do. I blame myself as a young adult because I could have changed my mindset