Question:
I have gained 5-6 lbs Advice needed....seen the pcp...zoloft

Yesterday I went for my check up I am 13 months out this was my first time seeing this physician I got blood work done but I have not gotten the results back I asked for a referral to see a surgeon to get my pouch checked just to make sure everything is ok but instead he is sending me to a dietician which is fine but I still would like to see the surgeon just to be on the safe side I told my doc that I am always hungry he told me that he feels I have anxiety and he also gave me Zoloft I have gained like 5-6 lbs which is why I really would like to see the surgeon with me always being hungry I am kind of worried I did call back today to talk to him because I really want the referral but he is closed today so now I have to wait until Monday but anyway I am just wondering if I am going over board what should I do    — JENNIFER S. (posted on February 19, 2005)

February 18, 2005
In my opinion you need to relax. A 5-6 lb fluctuation is not unheard of. How long has it been since this showed up? If it's fairly recent then give it time. Keep an eye on things but don't obsess about it. Most likely the lbs will go away. <p>As far as being hungry things change the further we get out. Try to get in really sense proteins which should help keep you satisfied longer. Try splitting your 3 meals (assuming that's what you eat) across the day into 5-6 meals. Some days I have no problem going 5-6 hours between meals and some days 2 hours later I am hungry. Some psych meds can cause you to have an increased appetite or gain weight. I'm not clear if the weight gain came after the Zoloft or was already there. Paxil is known for causing some weight gain. Not sure about Zoloft. There are anxiety and anti-depressant drugs that do not mess with the weight so it doesn't mean you need to quit that category of meds. I am on a very high dose of Celexa, and have been for years before WLS, and it does not affect my weight at all. So there are options. I sincerely doubt the surgeon would even agree to scope you or do any tests for 5-6 lbs. To be absolutely sure what you are doing I would track your food on fitday.com. It may give you a clue as to where you could fine tune your eating. Also it is not uncommon that you need to increase your exercise the further you get out. Our bodies start to adjust to the changes that were made and they begin to absorb more, so we have to do things to shake it up a little. If you don't do some weight training consider starting. Building lean muscle, while it will add some lbs at first, will tone and sculpt your body and in the long run make it a very efficient fuel burner. You might even find you will need to eat more in order to support the increased metabolism. I'd personally give it at least another month and see if you cannot figure out what is up. Then if the weight stays or increases more then push to see the surgeon. Since I hit goal at about 13 months PO I typically float up and down 5-8 lbs. As long as it slowly works it's way back off I don't panic about it. I just watch what I eat more carefully and try and increase my exercise a little and it will start to turn around.
   — zoedogcbr

February 18, 2005
I don't know the answer to why you are hungry, but as a trained mental health clinician there are a few concernes your question raised for me. The physician who diagnosed you as being anxious because of your hunger, what mental health training does he have ? Unless he is trained in this field, you would be best served by a mental health evaluation by either a clinical social worker, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If it is anxiety, there are many excellent psychotropic medications which could be beneficial and which will not have the side effect of causing weight gain. I wish I could help with the issue of the hunger. If it is not from anxiety I don't have any knowledge here. I'm first meeting with my surgeon pre-surgery in 2 weeks. My very best to you, Carol
   — Carol H.

February 19, 2005
I don't have an answer to your question, but can tell you that I gained a 100 pounds from taking the anti-depressant Zoloft. That is why I wound up having the surgery!
   — lindarodham6

February 19, 2005
I don't have an answer to your question, but can tell you that I gained a 100 pounds from taking the anti-depressant Zoloft. That is why I wound up having the surgery!
   — lindarodham6

February 19, 2005
I'm also almost 13 months post op. I have noticed an increase in my appetite and have been going up and down the same 4 pounds for three months now. I asked my surgeon about the increase in appetite and he suggested that it may be the types of food I'm eating, and that I should really focus on protein more. I started a food journal and was very surprised at how much sugar I was eating. I would waste a lot of calories on simple carbs such as crackers. I was practically addicted to graham crackers and would consume alot of them only to be hungry again an hour or two later. When I eat alot of simple carbs, basically sugar, I definately get hungry again very soon after and I also get symtoms such as weakness, fatigue, irritability, shakiness, and extreme hunger. I've since quit eating most simple carbs and have increased my protein intake and have noticed quite a difference in my satiety. Also with the food journal, which I once thought of as useless, I am really able to see how much I'm eating and if I'm consuming too many high calorie and high carb foods. It's also helped me identify some problem foods that I steer clear of altogether now. I am also only 5 lbs away from my goal weight now, and it seems like the closer I have gotten to goal, the more I have to watch what I eat to keep the pounds coming off--where as before it was effortless. I know your situation may be different but I hope some of this was helpful. Best of luck to you!
   — Jill H.

February 20, 2005
You are past the honeymoon period. It is normal for your appetite to return. You now need to manage the pouch by eating solid harder to digest food. Eat 3 meals a day plus a protein shake. Eat protein foods first with some vegetables (minimal carbs) and then fruit if you have space. It only until you are satisfied (don't want to have it come up). About an hour after your meal, start drinking water. Water load about 15 minutes before your next meal. If you cut down the carbs and soft foods you will feel full longer. Don't let more than 5 hours go by between your meals. This will make you too hungry. Pouch stretching is very rare. Most of the time, doctors find that people are eating too many carbs or soft foods which will allow you to eat more and cause you to be hungry all the time.
   — Beatrice C.

February 20, 2005
This could be a couple of things. When I got to be about a year out, I was hungry all the time and had to learn to eat differently. What worked for me was to fill up with dense protein and veggies, avoid drinking with or soon after my meals, and get rid of all white carbs (anything made w/ flour and sugar). This helped me manage my hunger (isn't it a pain that our appetite comes back!?!?!?!) The second thing it could be is the zoloft. I've heard lots of people gain on that. I'm on Wellbutrin and haven't had any problem, although I don't think it's good for anxiety.
   — mom2jtx3