Question:
Lots of weight gain due to Ambien how do lose gained weight

Had weight loss surgery 4 years ago. Just read posts about Ambien and I'm a candidate. Gained weight in places not had before. What must I do? Can you have lapband after gastric bypass to lose what I've gained?    — karenann4328 (posted on October 29, 2009)

October 29, 2009
OMG how did u let that happen work it off never heard of such thing but maybe u can search it how much did u gain back? i would say a serious diet!! god bless
   — bage09

October 30, 2009
I am the one that posted regarding Ambien. I know from experience that you do gain weight, because of sleep walking and eating. If you just stop taking the Ambien you will lose the weight. I gained 7 lbs while taking it and I was on it for 3 months before my daughter found me sleep walking. She said I ate snacks from the night before....So I know I did it. I never in a million years would have guessed that I was a victim to Ambien's side affects. How much weight did you gain? Stop taking the medicine, and then if you still need to lose; then start with the basics of small amounts of protein, veggies, all the post op directions we had. Not a lot of carbs, excercise (yuk) and just staying on track. Remember, the surgery is a tool, you still need to due your part, it won't happen by itself. But please, don't take the Ambien. I am sure there is no evidence of you eating in your sleep, but the weight gain is a clue. I hope you find this post helpful. Email me if you need more help. I am glad you read my post. I think it is important that people get this message.
   — Kristy

October 30, 2009
While I agree that Ambien can cause side effects such as sleep walking, talking, eating, etc., it does not happen to everyone that takes it and I wouldn't resort to blaming it FIRST. First, you need to log your food intake, see if there is a problem there. Next, try to find some evidence of sleep eating. When I took Ambien a couple years ago I always had a voice recorder going next to my bed to listen for sounds of getting out of bed, and we also had a motion activated camera going in our house (normally used for security). Doing the voice recorder part is easier of course. You can also look for evidence of going through food in the night. If all of that fails, then you can talk to your doc about those problems and possibly coming off the meds. There is the band over bypass procedure. If you are still on Ambien though, a Lapband is not going to fix the problem. Getting off the meds (if that really is the cause) will help.
   — Jennifer F.

October 30, 2009
I wish I would of had a camera or something to show me I was sleep walking. My kitchen never had evidence of me ever being in there eating. Nothing was out of place, or left on the counter. I guess I was a neat night time eater. LOL The camera is good idea.
   — Kristy