Question:
rapid weight gain

I had a lap band done 3 years ago. I have lost 147 lbs. I recently had a gastric occlusion related to band slipping. Erosion and muccosal inflamation were also found. I was told I will need repair done and my band was emptied. In about 4 days I gained 15-20 lbs!!!! I could not believe it. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I dont think I increased my calorie intake that much, I am probably drinking alot more than I was. Is this a "normal" reaction? Is the rapid weight gain temporary? I am planning to either have the band replaced or trying another form of surgery. Thanks for any reply.    — marlo (posted on October 16, 2007)

October 15, 2007
I had the rny done 4/06 and have lost 202# so far. need to lose 30 more to be at goal. amazing to say that. I had nooo complications and would reccommend that procedure to any one. i have a friend that had lap band 6 yrs ago and she is still needs to lose much weight. You have tried the lap band, now try the RNY. good luck to you.
   — shalmar

October 16, 2007
Jeez Mario, I am soooo sorry! I don't know if it is temporary, but I would think so. Check out the VGS forum. You will be amazed at the great people and the up beat attitude and the great news you will hear. I am scheduled for the VGS on Oct. 25, I will keep you posted, Keep the faith! It will all be OK. Pat
   — pjennjr

October 16, 2007
Hi Marlo, I have not yet had surgery, but yesterday I went to my primary care dr., and he asked me if I knew the different type of surgeries, and I said, "OH Yes, i have been researching this since 2004. I told him the different types of surgeries and that I know that the lap band seems the most unsuccessful. And he said yes, you are right not many people know that. The reason that i am telling you this is that u may need to have a different type of surgery. Wish u all of the luck in theworld. God bless u. Deb
   — drtorre

October 16, 2007
I don't have a band, but have worked with banders for more than 10 yrs (trials and out of country) and yes. Once the band is disabled, they gain. No matter how dedicated, careful or "obedient" they are. This is not a character flaw, it's mechanical. When you revise to RNY (or DS), this will go away.
   — vitalady

October 16, 2007
I dopubt that much gain in so few days. 15 pounds times 3400 calories 510,000 or gain was likely water weight. Did you have any IVs?
   — bob-haller

October 16, 2007
Check out the duodenal switch. Come to the DS forum here on OH and read about many others who have had or are seeking revisions to the DS from RnY or a lapband or VSG. Also, check out duodenal switch.com for m ore information.
   — KRWaters

October 16, 2007
Please contact your doctor ASAP. If you have really gained that much weight in such a short amount of time, it could be signaling something very wrong not related to the band. If you have had IV fluids that could explain it, though 15-20 lbs still seems high. On the scary end of things it could indicate kidney, heart, or liver issues. God bless and take care.
   — tazthewiz23

October 18, 2007
could it be water gain or muscle.
   — yvettetas