I am curious as to what the last result of test they told you as to your blackouts, I am 2 1/2 years post op, I weighted day of surgery 356 and my lowest weight was 196, and at this point I am 226, I did not have any complications thank god, but about 1 year ago I started passing out, or blacking out, and I went to every type of doctor under the sun, and they said it was vasal vagal, and they are not sure why a person gets it and what makes it go away, I have since been taking medication which has alot of salt which makes me retain water, and they believe that is the reason for my weight gain, but I am not so sure, I just went back to the doctor and he now has spoken with various different gastric bypass patients with this similar problem, they believe it has to do with some kind of deficiency that is not detected in the blood work, I also now have a low heart rate it runs in the 45 -52 range, which is low, and my blood pressure now is also alwyas low. If you could let me know if you have gotten any other answers from doctors that would be great, also if there is anyone else out there that has begin to gain weight and can let me know what type of diet they are sticking to to keep from gaining weight and lose this weight that I have gained I would be so Greatful. Thanks Tara

I'm atleast not as depressed seeing how I'm not the olny one to regain. My begin: 277 My lowest: 153 (124 down) My current: 179 (26 back) I have made up my mind today though>>>>>no more cheating! I've never quit walking (at least 2 miles a day) and I also lift weights. It is mentioned above about the problem with low blood suger.....I've had awful problems with mine dropping to low, I blame this for about 15# of regain. I was having such a problem with it dropping that I keep hard candy on me so I can get my suger level back up and don't fall asleep. But the candy has turned into habbit ( I don't dump anymore, heck, hardly did to begen with) and I munch on it all the time. But today is a new day....I walked this morning, have had 4 bottles of 20oz water, a banana, a protein shake, and two protein bars. As much as I still love food .....a 153 sure did feel alot better than this 179. I'm almost a bmi of 30 again. Anyhow...this wasn't a cure....it is still ALOT of hard work and constant effort just like before. Sarah P.S. what is the stoma tightening surgery??????

I see that you are in Anchorage--I hear it is very lovely there, but I think it would be just too cold for me--especially post op. As you continue looking into plastic surgery options, you might also want to look into some form of counseling to address the reality of your body. Even after ps, you won't look like the tv and magazine ad women. So you will need to find a place of peace for yourself. I have had the tummy tuck and the breast/arm lift, and I am much happier with my body now. But I also have horrible thighs, calves, and butt skin. I carried a lot of my weight in my legs and it shows. I can't/won't wear skirts because people assume I have something wrong with my legs--and that's just if I show my calves--forget the thighs! If I could afford it, I would have them done even though ps on the legs is more painful and problematic than the other surgeries I've had. But having said that, I'm so much better off than I was at over twice my size now. I can wear pants to hid the legs and a body shaper to lift the butt! The "ugliness" of the skin is both a badge of what I accomplished (it wouldn't be drooping if it were still full of fat) and a reminder for humility of what I did to myself and that I must remain vigilant. I do get discouraged at times, but if excess skin were the worst problem in my life, I would be so ahead of the game! If you are depressed, you need to get help for it. The skin may be just the focus of your depression and getting rid of the skin will not "cure" the depression. Take care, Sally

Have you considered being a self pay pateint to have your excess skin removed? It is very expensive to have done but very well worth it. They have many finance programs to help cover the costs. I hope you are seeking out a counsler to deal with your depression. You have come so far and your life is worth more than killing yourself. Please get the professional help that you need!

I don't know how to help you, but I hope that you don't let excess skin be the reason to kill yourself. That would be a terrible waste. You are more than the package you are in, you have the ability to help others, you have been given life to show what love is. So never give up. Step out of your own problems and see that the world is in need of you. best wishes for you and your situation, S=)