Question:
I'm taking several meds, gained 100 lbs in a year and I'm considering surgery

Hi. I've been reading all the wonderful things from post-op patients and congrats to all of you. I take Prem-pro, Neurontin, Ativan, Paxil, Zocor, Seroquel and a daily vitamin. I have gained 100 lbs in a year. I have developed high cholesteral (hence the Zocor), high blood pressure, GERD and sleep apnea. My PCP doesn't want to give me anything for the blood pressure or GERD because I'm already "taking enough pills". I can't tie my shoes, walk for more than 15 - 20 minutes without getting short of breath. I work up a sweat taking a shower. I'm constantly sweating especially under breasts, between thighs. I am 5'3" and I weigh 220. I know this isn't much compared to some of you, but I didn't weigh this much when I was pregnant and I gained 66 lbs (I weighed 188 when I went in to have my daughter 15 years ago). My PCP didn't seem concerned at all when gained 20 lbs or 30 lbs and I constantly asked him to help me out. He just shrugged it off. Now that I am 100 lbs heavier - he's chewing my butt to "quit eating so much", "watch what you eat", "count calories". I've done all that and then some, but I keep gaining. Does anybody think that this surgery would be a good option for me or should I just keep trying what the PCP says and continue to be discouraged. P.S> I"ve been doing my homework on these surgeries for about 3 months. HELP!!!    — Theresa H. (posted on June 4, 2002)

June 4, 2002
I think you need a new PCP, or perhaps to see a specialist? Maybe you could side step that all together and go to a Bariatric Center? I think you know she/he is not helping by saying "watch what you eat, count your calories" while not looking into the fact it could be the MEDS that stimulate your appetite. I don't know what half of the stuff is that you are taking- but she/he should, and should know their side effects. If you are ingesting something that stimulates your appetite, and causes your body to think it needs food, I really do not lay the blame of you gaining 100lbs. solely on YOURSELF! Neither should your Doctor. I really don't see how this person is going to help you- they don't seem to have the "lets fix you" attitude, but rather the "try this new pill, and PS- lose some weight" frame of mind. See someone else, first get copies of your records, meds and weight gain. It is possible with your insurance you do not even need their referral to see a Surgeon- I didn't. Then again, have you ASKED them for a referral, have you mentioned WLS?
   — Karen R.

June 4, 2002
HI. I know exactly how you feel. I've been on tons of medication myself. I have been on steroids for years and when I first started to use them regularly to control my asthma, I gained 120 pounds in about a year. I tried to take it off for about 7 or 8 years and finally realized (after developing diabetes that required several insulin shots daily) that there was no way to lose it on my own so I began to research the surgery. The main reason I had it was because I had uncontrolled diabetes and I had heard that the RNY often allowed patients to stop insulin and other diabetes medications. I did have a history of weight loss programs, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, low calorie diets, etc. I think that weight gain from medication is a great reason to have the surgery, especially if you have tried everything else to get the weight off. Most people are able to cut down on their medications or completely stop after surgery. Talk to your PCP about it, and if (s)he is not supportive, find a new PCP as soon as possible and begin looking into it. I think you will probably be a good candidate. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected] Good luck! Maria
   — Maria H.

June 4, 2002
Theresa, It sounds to me like you are a good candidate for the weight loss surgery and I admire your decision to research this before you jump into it. I am 7 months post op, started out at 286, have lost 82 lbs. so far, but the main thing is, I am off 3 of my 4 meds, my cholesterol, blood pressure and arthritis med. I am very happy about that. Hopefully, your PCP will support your decision as mine did -- he was great and supported my decision wholeheartedly. Like he told me, it was a preventive measure as heart disease, diabetes was lurking around the corner in my future as it is in my family history. So I wish you the best. I'd do it again if I had to. I've got 70 to lose before I'm at goal, but already feel so much better. I wish I had done it sooner. I'm 50.
   — Annie H.

June 5, 2002
Just my opinion here BUT I gained 100 pounds due to Paxil. Even after I stopped it I didnt lose. No slams here as my weight gain is DOCCUMENTED as being a result of paxil Some people have a class action law suit against them. No me as I chose to take it BUT I did stop and have since had weight loss surgery. Again this is just my opinion
   — Melody F.

August 8, 2005
Hi, I also gained A LOT of weight too from depression, anxiety meds so I know exactly where you're coming from. I went from 160 to 230. So I gained about 70 pounds. I'm considering having the surgery as well but because of other health issues Im not sure it would be right for me either. I would say go for it. The reason I say this is because when you gain weight from meds it is HARD to get off. Trust me I know this. Also it depends how your body reacts to certain things like carbohydrates. I know for me I became very sensitive to them and that made the weight loss that much harder. The other thing is when you're gaining from meds you gain REALLY fast its like all of a sudden you're a completely different sized person. It took me such a long time to find what fit me after I gained the weight because I was always looking for my old size. Anyway, I would go for it. It will pribably change your life and make you feel that much better. Alison <3
   — Alison B.