I had the surgery fall 2012... The first year was great... The end of the second year, I have gained 18lbs and went through menopause... I am wondering if this is common... I still average about 1300 calories a day, but cannot seem to shake this weight gain... On 1/15, I started doing the 5:2 Intermittent Fast Diet... One week out, I am finally down 3.6lbs... I am committed to doing this 5:2 plan for at least a month to see if this gives me the results I need... I have read that a weight gain after menopause is not uncommon, but I thought 18lbs was quite a bit for one year. ????

Thank you so much for sharing your strategies. I've employed much of the same strategies, unfortunately with a lot more medication. I just hope that when I'm post instead of peri, I can sleep better!

How did you manage the insomnia, and how long did it take before you could sleep well again? This symptom is driving me crazy! Thank you!

I didn't manage the insomnia very well. I honestly think the insomnia contributed to my continuing weight gain through my 50s and 60s. There's all kinds of research that links insomnia and weight gain.

Here's what I'm doing these days that's helping a lot:

* Post-WLS I'm drinking less coffee than I did before -- no more than a cup a day. That is helping.

* I'm exercising a lot more than I did 100 pounds ago -- and that physically "wears me out" and lets me rest better at night.

* About 50% of the nights I take either a Melatonin or half an Ambien. It helps. Sometimes.

* Since WLS I go to bed when my husband goes to bed, in other words -- at the same time every night. Following that sleep schedule rule really does help.

* I manage my reflux a lot better since WLS -- meaning that I actually take my H2 blocker antacid (Ranitadine) every day and on time.

* Since losing 100 pounds, I don't have stress incontinence and don't have to get up during the night to pee anymore. Not a single time.

* Finally, I'm just a lot less stressed at 100 pounds less than I used to weigh than I used to be. I fall asleep easier and generally sleep better throughout the night.

However, one thing I have NOT conquered that still messes with my sleep is to deal with the damned cat who always wants out when I'm sleeping soundly; I then have trouble getting back to sleep. I think the cat and I are going to have a serious discussion. I think he's going to have to spend the whole night outside from now on.

Thanks for making me focus on this a little better. The cat won't appreciate it, but I do.

So I am replying to this very ate. I had rny gastric bypass on 4/2004. I lost too much weight within the first year causing low blood sugar and was advised to gain some which I did. I stayed around the 200 lbs I had lost literally struggling to keep weight on! Around 2017 I entered perimenopause and menopause as of 2018. I also broke my ankle around the same time. I gained weight rather quickly regardless of what I did. I am now post menopausal and have gained 90 pounds. I am trying to stop the weight growth.

This is an old topic but I came around looking for answers regarding menopause and perimenopause. There is evidence to link perimenopause and menopause to weight gain and a divided medical agreement regarding even mild thyroid issues that can potentially cause significant weight gain. There is also now evidence showing women on menopause hormone therapy experience more significant weight reduction following gastric bypass surgery than those who do not. It is unfortunate we have so little information but the information we do have is quite significant. Consider also lipedema is more resistant to diet and exercise and increases in perimenopause and menopause stage. My surgeon did not even mention one part of this to me. Please do your research and practice self compassion. This is not your fault. Science is just not there yet. For myself I was able to reduce significant amounts of weight from my body in one year over 115 pounds. This is likely because I was on menopause hormone therapy, thyroid hormone medication and high vitamin D all prescribed to me by my gynecologist and family doctor. I did not exercise much, did not stress too much over food and managed to reach my goal weight. I also wonder about intensive exercise and stress hormones but I do intend to start my exercising programs, I am interested to see if this has a positive or negative impact on my body size and hormone health now that I am past 50 years old.