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I lost 50 lbs a few yrs ago and felt this way. I liked the look of my fat body more than the lighter, flabbier body. I am certain this will be a struggle for me this time around as well. We have to focus on our health and be grateful for regaining control of our lives. There are always plastics if we need them later.

One of the biggest thing that I am concerned about as I begin this journey is regain. I promised myself while I was laying on that table that I was not going to ever do this to myself again. I promised myself that I was going to work on the things that I needed to work on that I am no longer going to use food as my lover as my companion as my confidant. So to ensure that I continue on this journey I decided that I was going to go public. It is so easy to stay behind the scenes but I know myself. So today I made a YouTube video and now it's kind of crazy and it's not really for other people is just for me to Chronicle my journey and to keep myself accountable. I know this might be viewed as real silly because really it is a personal Journey but I feel that at this moment I don't want to be a secret anymore. Many bad things has happened to me because of Secrets and going public is actually cathartic. I don't know of any other people feel the way that I do but I guess we all have our own way of coping and embracing this new Journey. Mine is still very very new. I just have been on here and I have to tell you that knowing that there's somebody out there and the responses and support that I have received has been amazing. So I'm thankful to this community for making me feel less isolated and feel welcomed. I hope that I can continue to be a blessing to somebody as you guys have been to me Sent from my SM-J737VPP using BariatricPal mobile app

It is an intermittant fasting approach first studied for extending lifespan but can work to help get weight off. You eat "normal" 5 days and do a very restricted day 2 days - most consider about 500 calories during the 2 fast days. The key is having long periods of time with no eating, like you finish eating at say 7 pm and don't eat until midday the next day (for example, that next day is your fast day). It works. My opinion is that it is a useful technique for "veterans" who are trying to lose a regain or perhaps making that final push to goal.... but i would not recommend it to someone who is still losing well "in the honeymoon phase" post surgery. I did 5:2 when I was bouncing up higher than my maintenance bounce range and then it went so well, i decided to lose a bit more!

If you continue to eat that way... waiting for some food to digest then eating a little more, you are essentially "grazing", which is one of the ways WLS patients regain weight. You want to try to avoid that. Once you are all healed up, which you should be at 3 months out, you want to try to confine each "meal" or "snack" to about 20 minutes of eating. Then wait 30-40 minutes before drinking. Then don't eat again until your next scheduled meal or snack. At 3 months out, I was eating 5-6 meals/snacks per day. Trying to get about 10-20 grams of protein in each time. I didn't have much room for vegetables, which is why I was diligent about taking all of my vitamins and supplements.

after surgery about 900 calories later up to 1,200 for regaining stamina (at least for me heading back to gym as well as slowing weight loss - in month 5 I am near goal) Prior around 800 to 900 to reduce fatty tissue. Get in your Protein 60 to 70 grams as sleeve not as bad as bypass. Try for 64 ounces Water keep skin soft.

I am prohibited from a sleeve "active status" , I will go for it anyways I am tired of starving myself and running 10 trillions miles just to pass PT test and weight in only to regain in few short months plus my knees starting to pack up . I am not a high BMI I just want to stop fighting the battle of the bulge

My goal is 140. For my height I could go as low as 120 but I don't think that would look good on me. I am worried about regain so I want a little wiggle room but I guess I will know if that weight suits me when I get there. I have another 28 pounds to go to reach 140..:thumbup:

Everyone's story is different, but I have absolutely no regrets in having this surgery. If you look at my posts, yes, you can gain weight after VSG, but if you stay on top of it, it is fairly easy to get back on track. I was self-pay so I don't have a lot of insurance knowledge. I'm sure others will chime in . Good luck at your information night ... don't be afraid to ask questions. Find out about their success rate ... ask what size boughie they use & if they sew tight or loose. There is A LOT of research about weight regain if the sleeve is left too big and strictures if too small. Keep reading on here & ask any questions that you have.

At 5 months post-op I had lost a whopping 40 pounds... However, my frustration about the slow rate of weight loss dissipated long ago. I took 17+ months to lose 100 pounds and attain my goal weight. So, yes, I was surely a slower loser. Nonetheless, I've been maintaining my loss nicely and that's what matters. In the past, prior to surgery, I would have regained it all plus more. Good luck to you...realistic expectations are helpful in your journey.

Forced portion control, which is what I needed. I know numerous by pass patients, some personal friends, who have gained all or some of their weight back. Of course, there are sleeve patients who will regain. The doctor does the surgery, then it's up to us. I went for my three year check up last Friday. His daughter in law works in his office. She has gotten sleeve surgery. That tells me something, but still you have to do what you think is best for YOU. Good luck!

Every insurance company has different requirements. I have an out of state BCBS (illinios) and my employer is Catholic Health Initiatives and they have a program called carewise. Through them I had to have six months of phone nutrition calls with a documented end weight from primary doctor at end of six months. I also had a RN case manager. Basically, we talked about any diagnosis I had, concerns, changes I needed to make to prepare for surgery. I lost maybe 10 pounds then regained bc I hurt my back and was literally in bed for a time. So in the end I weighed 3 pounds less then when I started. They were fine with that. I struggled with years being insulin dependent and very metabolically resistant even when I ate low carb. I also had to have a psych review, primary doctor review. The entire process went fast even though initially I thought six months would take forever. I am glad it took that long gave me plenty of time to weigh my options and do lots of research on complications and lifestyle changes. I started the process May of 2012 and had surgery Jan 24 2013. I can say trying to eat smaller portions, with baby spoons and all that is tough prior to surgery and for the most part I didnt do it just knew I would have changes to be made after surgery. I have had no issues since surgery. Good Luck

I had a gastroplasty back in 2001. I have since regained all the weight, plus more, that I lost. It was a dismal failure but that was the only option back then. Is there anyone here that has had a previous surgery and then a sleeve? I guess I'm wondering if its even possible to have this surgery with the previous one in there.

Deep breaths!! Just keep telling yourself what a wonderful thing you're doing for both yourself and those that love you. You're regaining control of your health and this is the first step. This is a GOOD thing! Congratulations!!!

HI I joined forum today. In November 2012 I started my journey...my insurance required 9 months with a medical doctor for weight loss efforts. I completed it and all other test and clearances by August 2013. I didn't hear anything for about 2 months. I tried to contact the clinic and all they kept telling me was the person over the department had to review my file and send it to insurance. Called my insurance and they said it only take maybe a week for approval BUT no one sent then anything. Frustrated, it seemed when I called the clinic to get some direction people avoided my calls and began not being as friendly as they had been before. Now, I wasn't calling a lot and I even told the redeptionist I understand workers are busy and things take time I just wanted to know a time limit..1mth...3...6..before my paper work is submitted to insurance? Everyone who has been through the process knows for insurance it is time sensitive because after a certain amt of time I would have to start my 9mths all over again. Then one day the receptionist said well you need to speak with the coordinator she has some questions...ok 2 mth later and you are just telling me this? At this time I had postponed starting a new position because I couldn't miss any days during my 6 week training. Left a message for coordinator to contact me..stil nothing I had to start my training. In my 3rd week of training she finally called me at 8am in the morning and she wasn't friendly at all. I was told that since I had gained weight during the 9 mths that they need me to do another psych eval which I was cleared before. They all knew I was seeing one of their doctors for weight loss using phentermine which I lost 22lbs in 3 mths 20 in the first 2 mths. I had gained 10 of those back during the last 7mths being off the meds and by law you can't be on for more than 3mths at a time. This has been my weight loss struggle for over 20 yrs I would do well on some meds until the effect wore off and although still trying weight over the years would creep back on plus some. We all know that story. I was very upset that it took them 3 mths to get in touch with me to tell me they wanted another psych eval and my insurance company was stunned as well they even said "It is proven that usually people who take meds for weight loss regain some if not all and more weight back after the dosage has stopped". I was not happy...I am ok with the waiting process as long as things are moving forward but it was the disregard I felt that made me uncomfortable. So I thought if it is this hard to get and answer and the feeling I was bothering those who are suppose to help...how will my after care be? How will the surgery go? One lady in one of my nutrition classes said her April 2013 surgery was postponed due to sergeon not being available and it was July and she was still waiting for a new date. So I called another hospital OSU Medical Center. They scheduled me for intake. I met the coordinator first who was very nice and gave me a lot of information on what she will be doing for me during the process (she will handle paper work for insurance) and same day met the nurse who went over all my options because they do all 3 surgeries at OSU (I stuck with lapband) and after her met with the nutritionist. They received my paper work from the other clinic and if all goes well all I would need to do is 4 weeks of nutrition with OSU (once per week) and meeting with the surgeon because everything else hopefully is done. They did their own lab work on me but will accept all my other clearances. I felt comfortable and at home at OSU. Crossing fingers that I can get approved and maybe surgery before the summer. I will finishing up my degree in April this year as well! woot woot lol Looking forward to the support this forum offers & future banding friendships. ~Blessings

Yep, been there, felt that, have a t-shirt. All I can say is it has been wonderful on the other side. Take some time to explore the site, we have all had fear going in. Most have had great experiences on the other side. Do you know how cool it is not to have to think about "how am I going to cut my toe nails?" No more inhale reach, exhale, breathe... Read here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/195065-you-know-you-lost-weight-when/ Regain your reason for doing this...

I have finally scheduled the gastric sleeve surgery after contemplating it for several years and going up and down my whole life. I am excited but very nervous about regain after having surgery and then feeling like a failure once again. Any tips??

I'm going to share my positive experiences with having the VSG with the hope it will ignite a spark of optimism in you about it. Besides my mild state of panic about having the IV inserted (I have a completely irrational needle phobia and always freak out about them, no matter how much I promise myself I won't) the surgery itself was as smooth as it could possibly be. When I regained consciousness I actually was confused for a moment and thought the surgery hadn't happened yet because of the absence of pain and discomfort. The anesthesiologist had done a terrific job. My period started during the surgery, and it did feel like the cramps had been amplified that first day. I'd brought a heating pad with me, and that provided some relief along with the ample pain medicine I was given. I was slightly nauseous but that abated when they increased my meds a tad. I slept for a few hours, and then felt ready to start going on laps. I actually was told I needed to slow down my pace because I was feeling so well I just zipped up and down the hallway. I slept very well through the two nights in the hospital, and during the day would snooze when I wasn't walking or watching movies. I brought my laptop and a HDMI cable so that I could hook it up to the TV and my parents (my support team since my husband was working) and I could watch them. I had the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, because my BMI was too low for my insurance to be willing to cover any of the costs, and the facilities exceeded my expectations. After I was released I felt energetic enough to go to the little touristy area and explore and shop, and then chilled out by the pool at the hotel. After we left Tijuana my parents and I went shopping at the outlet just over the border before making our two hour road trip back up to LA. We stopped at a couple of scenic places, and at Panera for dinner where I had broth. I felt completely comfortable the entire way, without being burdened by fatigue or pain. The only discomfort I experienced was from an allergic reaction to the tape used over the incisions. They caused tiny, itchy, angry welts. Fortunately they healed quickly. My recovery was easy. In a way it was even enjoyable because I gave myself permission to just lounge around the house and recuperate. I'd stocked my kitchen with Protein powders, popsicles, Crystal Light, PB2, broths, Jello, and the like before surgery, along with everything else I thought I might need, and put the house in order so I could just relax. The blog site "The World According to Eggface" has a great post about things to stock up for the liquid phase, and I recommend that you check it out. You can also find packing list for the surgery on YouTube and this forum. I binge watched Ray Donovan and all these other shows people had raved about but I never had time to watch, read books, and took gentle strolls through the neighborhood. I'm a professor, and I started teaching one month post-op with more vitality than expected. I was back on campus preparing for the quarter prior to that point. I think if I'd had another job a total of two weeks off - one for the surgery, and one for post-op - would have been sufficient. I'd worried I'd be lacking in stamina, but was already benefitting from the weight loss in that first month. I've increasingly gained energy, fitness, and confidence in the months since surgery. I learned about my appetite changes and got myself into an eating and drinking schedule during the time in between surgery and going back to work. I threw up due to having the VSG just once. I'd eaten something that was spicier than expected, and guzzled Water to try to put out the flames. That caused me to throw it up. I was really sick in December, but that was due to a virus that several of my students had, and I would have gotten regardless of having had the VSG. It was a week of misery, and then I rebounded. I'd been a tad bit concerned prior to surgery that I'd lose hair, have loose skin, and would look and feel aged. I'm grateful that none of those problems became a reality. I lost a tiny amount of hair around the four-month mark, but it was only perceptible to me. My skin isn't the least bit loose, and my scars have faded entirely. You cannot tell I ever had surgery. I'm in my early 30s and am now getting carded again, and confused for being a student. Strangers have paid me sweet compliments. I've gone from a size 14 / XL to a size 6 and am still losing. The shirt I wore today was an XS. I have PCOS and have seen an improvement in my blood work and symptoms post-surgery (no more painful acne breakouts that throb all night and make me want to hermit at home because they are so unsightly). This time last year I was incredibly self-conscious and would dread the thought of running into friends I hadn't seen in a while because I knew they'd notice my weight gain. I shrank into myself like a turtle retreating into its shell then. Now I am emerging, blossoming. I am actually living my life instead of just existing in it. I feel freed. I had mentally prepared myself to have "buyer's remorse" because I'd read that it was quite common, especially in the first month, but I have honestly never regretted this surgery. For every medical procedure there is, there is someone who has had a painful and horrific experience. Someone who has had everything that could go wrong go wrong on them. There are people who've died from having their wisdom teeth or their tonsils removed, from reactions to OTC medicines, from childbirth. And we're surrounded by risks everyday - cars, tubs we could slip in, food we could choke on. You have to look at the risks of not taking action, too. Obesity can shorten your life, and it can shackle you to health problems. The VSG is really a low-risk surgery if you chose a qualified surgeon and follow the guidelines given to you. Many of the problems people experience post-surgery have solutions to them. As an example, some people with acid reflux problems have felt better by taking a PPI. People who are very fatigued might have a Vitamin deficiency a blood test can identify, and then they can treat. I felt better when I increased my Vitamin D. You're likely to be able to make it over any obstacle you encounter, too. Hopefully you'll go for this surgery, and you'll benefit from it like I and so many others have. Best wishes to you.

Not that I'm advising a crash-diet or anything, but you could always try to substitute out some shakes for meals. If regaining is going to put your approval in jeopardy, then I'd put it off, but you can always talk to your NUT about it. Call them, get the answers you need.

Keep up the great work. I am one month ahead of you. Down 40 lbs and feeling good. I need to keep up the momentum. I have list and regained 20 lbs before often. I need to ensure I continue on track

I am down 56lbs so far and down 4 dress sizes. It's only been with this last 10lbs that I've been having the most lovely compliments about how I'm looking and how healthy and happy I look!! Needless to say, this is boosting my zero confident some what!! Thank you gastric band as I feel like I am regaining my life back!! I have more energy, I am happy, motivated and making lovely friends. My husband looks at me like I am the most gorgeous thing on earth again!!! Happy happy happy!! Probably about 40lbs to go to my target weight but slowly but surely getting there! If I had any doubts along the way, I certainly don't have now. Good luck to all of you just post op with your incredible journey ahead xx

I have had the lap band since Oct 27, only puked 2, and both times were due to my own insane eating. I am healthier than I have been in 10 years, lost 63 lbs, and at this moment in time would repay the full 16800 I paid for the surg in the begnning. Its not the same as a diet, as dieting was something I did for years and lost and regained the lbs lost, this is a lifestyle change that partly forces you to work at it, but its not always easy and its not for someone who really is not 100% open to change. Its a tool, as you will hear a million times, not a miracle. I am glad I did it, for myself, my family and friends. This is coming from a Canadian who has spent the money and is not rich. But happily skinnier and skinnier every day. best of wishes to you.

Hi Mare, I have heard of a band being placed after a failed RNY; however, the sleeve wouldn't be an option. I wondered though, have you checked out a procedure called the ROSE procedure? I will copy and paste what I found below: ROSE Procedure, Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal, obesity surgery, gastric bypass, Albany, Macon, Columbus, Dotham Restorative "Incisionless" Obesity Surgery Even the most successful gastric bypass patients occasionally regain weight [/url]New surgical technology now allows surgeons to treat one of the potential sources of this weight regain. The ROSE procedure (Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal) provides an incisionless surgical option to restore gastric bypass patients' anatomy to closely match original post-surgery sizes Dr. Bagnato performs the scar-free ROSE Procedure (Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal) entirely through the mouth without making any external incisions into the body. Eliminating incisions means less risk than traditional open or laparoscopic surgery, minimal post operative pain, fast recovery time and no scarring. Patients generally report minimal or no pain after the procedure and many of them return to work and normal activities the next day. Who is eligible? Patients who originally lost significant weight following gastric bypass but who now find themselves regaining weight may be ideal candidates for this procedure. After an initial screening, you will undergo a series of evaluations including nutritional and dietary counseling, a full medical exam, and endoscopy to determine if you are a good candidate. What does the ROSE procedure entail? The ROSE procedure is performed with the patient under anesthesia using a four-channel tube and special Incisionless Surgery tools. The bariatric surgeon advances the flexible tube and a small endoscope through the patient's mouth, into the stomach pouch. The surgeon will then insert the surgical tools through the channels of the tube. Tissue anchors are used to create multiple tissue folds around the stoma to reduce the diameter. The surgeon will then use the same technique to place anchors in the stomach pouch to reduce its volume. Are there other treatment options available? To perform the initial gastric bypass, the bariatric surgeon creates smaller stomach "pouch" and then bypasses the top portion of the small intestine. The procedure leaves a significant amount of scar tissue behind. This scar tissue makes traditional or "open" revision (performed through an abdominal incision) surgery far riskier than the original surgery. The most feared complication of gastric bypass - a leak, an incomplete tissue connection that allows the stomach contents to spill into the body - is four times more common in revision procedures than in the original bypass. Most surgeons don't perform open revisions today because of the risks. In recent years, many medical device companies have developed new tools that allow surgeons to operate through the mouth. We've chosen a set of tools known as the EndoSurgical Operating SystemTM (EOS) because the system's sutures and tissue anchors distribute holding force across tissue, leading us to believe that they will hold longer than other tissue fasteners. The EOS is also unique because it allows us to reduce the size of both the pouch and the stoma. How long will you need to stay in the hospital? Hospital stay is determined on a case-by-case basis. You may be discharged the same day if the procedure was done early in the morning or Dr. Bagnato may want you to stay overnight. Your surgeon will make the determination following your procedure. What are the benefits of an Incisionless procedure? By eliminating skin incisions, the new procedure may provide important advantages to patients, including reduced risk of infection and associated complications, less post-operative pain, faster recovery time and no abdominal scars. What type of side effects can I expect? It is anticipated that patients will feel little or no discomfort from the procedure. To date, the only noted side effects have been short-term sore throat, swelling of the tongue or lip discomfort from the insertion of the instruments into the mouth. These issues usually go away in one or two days. Is it safe? As with any surgery there is risk involved. This less invasive approach should reduce the likelihood of many of the complications associated with the other open or laparoscopic revision procedures. ROSE is a new procedure, however, and long term outcomes are unknown. What is the success rate? As with any weight loss procedure, results vary with each patient. The ROSE procedure has been well tolerated and most patients immediately lose weight as they eat less - with the return of the early feeling of "fullness" due to the restriction of the new, smaller pouch. The ROSE procedure is new and long-term data are not yet available. What is the recovery process? Typically, patients return to normal activity within a few days of their procedure. Dr. Bagnato will give you specific instructions. In addition, you will be required to follow a post-procedure diet and exercise plan, similar to the regimen prescribed following your initial bypass surgery. This generally means that patients will need to consume only liquids for a day or two after the surgery, and then slowly add soft, pureed foods for about two weeks before resuming a regular diet. To help you on your journey, follow-up appointments with Dr. Bagnato and regular visits with our bariatric support staff will be required. Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery LAP-BAND System REALIZE Band Advantages of LAP-BAND LAP BAND Adjustments StomaphyX procedure ROSE Procedure Weight Loss Procedure Videos Weight Loss Surgery| Meet Our Team| LAP-BAND System| REALIZE Band| StomaphyX proced

I attended 4 different seminars with 4 different surgeons. I felt overwhelmed at all of them to the point of tears. Feeling horrible that it had come to this point. Left the first two feeling like I could do this on my own, that surgery was too extreme and then struggled with yet another attempt to lose and of course....then regain weight. You will know when you are ready and when you find the right surgeon. Although still feeling sad that it has gotten to this point. I am now looking forward to a new healthier me with the help and support of my lap band (my soon to be new best friend) these forums and my local gym!!!!

Thank you and I appreciate the kind words. Kinda anxious for them to give me the go ahead. Tired of the yoyo syndrome I've been going through with losing and regaining the weight....want it off and able to maintain a decent weight for health reasons. Again, thanks. Blu

WE are women. We have mood swings. You will have ups and downs and whatever. It is whether you are willing to learn how to control what it is that brings you to this decision. This is not the easy way out and weight loss surgery is a tool to use to learn that food is to nourish our bodies and nothing more. It will be a time to learn other ways to enjoy time well spent with family. Without food as the main event. It all comes with time. Work and effort will give the rewards and goals you seek. But it will not be easy as I mentioned it will be a life long struggle to make it stick.... 30% of WLS patients go back to their old ways and regain their weight. Not retraining our brain is the reason. Going through the training sessions sounds like a good idea to me. It prolongs the surgery date..yes..but you will be well informed about nutrition and what you need to know and do to make this a successful journey! I wish you success and good health and happiness!