skhopp

Has ANYONE else found that medications they were on was partly to blame for their slow weight loss? I am 18 mos out from banding and have only lost 12-15 pounds - and that was during the pre-op diet - haven't gained or lost since surgery. This is VERY frustrating to me. No, I am not a perfect eater, and no, I don't exercise religiously. I'm also not blaming my slow weight loss entirely on medications. However, I do take Paxil and birth control daily. Are these making it more difficult to lose the weight, than if I weren't on them? I know there is documented proof that weight gain is a side effect of birth control; however, that is not a side effect listed on my information from the pharmacy for the Paxil. Although, I have heard many, many times that anti-depressants can cause weight gain. So, if they cause weight gain, is there a chance that they are hindering my weight loss? I have given up so many things (ice cream, pop, etc.)that I feel I should have lost SOME weight by now. What do you think?? Please let me know - I'd like someone to either validate my concern or tell me I'm crazy. Thanks

Dug up some interesting information this AM. I started taking Paxil in or around Jan. 2006. At that time, I weighed 180 lbs. In Sept. 2006, I weighed over 200 lbs. I didn't realize that I had gained so much within the first year of taking Paxil. Now, I for sure am contributing some of my weight problems on the medication (not ALL of it is the medications fault - I admit I'm a far from perfect eater and far from an avid fitness expert). What an eye opener!

Has anyone else been told not to use the protein bullets as a way to get your protein in because it is not easily digested??

Dear Jeter2: Thanks so much for your reply. I have actually talked to my dr and he gave me the instructions for weaning myself off the Paxil. So, I am in the process of doing that SLOWLY - I get VERY ill if I cut down too much at a time or too fast! My biggest obstacle is that I used to work for my family doctor - the one that prescribed the Paxil 3 years ago. He INSISTS that, if anything, it will have a weight LOSS side effect - but NOT weight gain. And because I can't find weight GAIN as a documented side effect - he refuses to admit that that is even a possibility. I haven't tried any other anti-depressants in the past; but may get up the nerve to ask him for something different - if I can't make it without anything. Thanks again! As for the bc pill - I quit taking it. I see my "girly" doctor the beginning of December so I'll talk to her about other options; however, that one does have documented side effects of weight gain.

Thanks for your reply. I have discontinued my birth control and am working with my doctor to wean myself off the Paxil. I'm hoping that once I get off these, the weight may come off easier - though I'm not hoping for a miracle, as I don't exercise like I should. That's one thing I need to REALLY work on.

Has anyone that hasn't lost like they thought they should, found that a medication they were on was responsible? I know some medications cause weight gain, appetite changes, etc. I take Paxil and oral birth control and am wondering if either of these or possibly both are partly to blame for my EXTREMELY slow weight loss (banded 18 mos and down 15 pounds!!!!):thumbup:

thanks for your reply. I know every clinic is different in their likes and dislikes. I just hate it when I don't know if it is truly something the surgeon discourages (I don't get to talk to him - haven't seen or talked to him in 1 1/2 years-since surgery)or if it's something the dietician doesn't like. I know they don't want you getting your entire daily protein from these; they'd rather you get it from solid food; however, that doesn't always happen. Do you use them every day, or just occassionally? Where do you get yours? thanks

Sorry, I don't know the answer. I just wanted to let you know that someone is reading this, and I also would like to know the answer. Good question. What kind of jerky do you buy? It's something I like, but one of those things I never buy; however, when I see how much protein is in it, I should start making this a "staple". Thanks for asking this and hopefully we get an answer soon. steph

Hi all! I am 18 mos from surgery and the only weight I've lost was the 12-15 pounds preop. I haven't lost OR GAINED anything since surgery. SOOOOO FRUSTRATING. I'm not a perfect eater, though I do considerably better during the week than on the weekends. And, I don't exercise at all, outside of the usual go to work, come home, clean house, fix supper, do laundry (thank God my washer and dryer are in the basement, at least I have to go up and down the stairs), get the kids in bed and start all over the next day. I really need to kick up the exercise, and get more protein in. But, the real reason for my post is I feel like I have given up a lot with this band, and should be seeing more results than I am. I got to thinking about the medications I take and reading on the internet about them. It appears that both of them have been shown to cause weight gain, and I wonder if that isn't part of my problem??? Just wondered if anyone on here has actually found that medications were part of or all of the cause of their lack of losing or possibly gaining, despite the band? I'm not blaming the medications on my entire lack of success, because I know I have not been as faithful as I should be. In case anyone's interested, the medications I'm specifically wondering about are Apri (generic birth control) and Paxil. Let me know if anyone has come across this, or think that this could contribute to my problem. thanks

Thanks NewSho! I had read your advice before, but just read it again as a refresher. Couple things, tho: I HATE yogurt and cottage cheese. I do like eggs and other cheeses. Did/Do you eat regular cheese or low or no fat? Also, what kinds of "seeds and nuts" do you eat? One more thing - I read a lot on here about "protein bullets" - did you ever use them to help get in protein? My surgeons dietician says they don't recommend them because they're not easily digestible. I'm so stuck right now. There's so many things I think I should try - I figure not a lot can make me do worse than I already am. Please respond and thanks so much for your help. It really is beneficial to hear from someone who was also a slow loser. Stephanie

for anyone who's interested ---- I spoke with my dietician regarding the use of Alli. She said that it is NOT contraindicated with the lap band. It can safely be used; however, they do NOT recommend it. 1. It can have "very unpleasant" side effects. 2. If you're eating a low fat diet (as we should be for the band to do its job) it isn't going to offer much benefit, because it rids the body of excess fat so that it isn't absorbed. I guess that makes sense, but I am sooooo depressed, disgusted, disappointed that I am ready to give up. I am really tired of giving up so much and not getting anything back in return (weight loss). For those of you that haven't read my sob story before, I am 1 1/2 years out from surgery and am still stuck at a 12-15 pound weight loss (all that was before surgery). Granted, I haven't gained but 2,3,4 pounds, but I haven't lost either. Ready to scream:cursing:Need a pick me up if anyone has one. steph

This was a perfect thread for me to read today. I was just thinking yesterday that maybe I would give the WW program a go AGAIN. I've never tried the Core Plan, but after reading everyone's responses on here, I think I will. I'm not actually going to join - just use my materials from the last 100 times I've gone! I always wished that a "Lifetime Member" was a person that had joined so many times , not that you stayed at goal for a certain period of time. <lol> I think I will try the Core Plan, starting today. Thanks for the ideas and advice.

I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL! I have been banded 1 1/2 years, have 3 cc's in a 4 cc band, and have lost about 15 pounds - and that was all before surgery. I make the wrong food choices and don't exercise any more than I hafta - cleaning house, walking back and forth to parking lots. Although I am NOT proud of my lack of success - it's a healing tool for me to share it with the world. I know what my problems are - I just have a really hard time fixing them. I didn't figure out until my 1 year bandiversary that what they said at my consultation is absolutely true - the band is only a tool! And all that time I was hoping they were wrong and it would do the work for me. I have FINALLY realized that I have to work at this. The band does its job - it controls my portions; however, what I choose to make my portions out of, is all up to me. I'm proud to say that I haven't had pop in 5 days, and ice cream in over a week. These were my 2 biggest downfalls. Although I'm still waiting for the scale to move DOWN, I am sure that I am going in the right direction. I don't keep track of calories, though I probably should. And, I don't get in my share of protein. I have a lot to work on. What I keep telling myself is, I haven't GAINED any weight to speak of in the last 1 1/2 years, and I am sure I would've without the band. And, although, I haven't been as successful as I would have liked to be - I have made an accomplishment. I have a long way to go, too. Please don't feel alone. I have found many people on this site to be very helpful and uplifting. You ARE NOT alone! I am not considering having my band removed at this point - because I don't feel I've given it a fair chance to show me what it can do. Log on anytime for some "cheerleading". That's what has helped me come to my realizations - I AM AT FAULT. Good Luck to you. I take my days 1 hour at a time, rather than taking my life 1 day at a time - because a whole day is very overwhelming for me!

I was drinking Coke on a regular basis - and never had ANY problem with it, which is why it has been so hard to give it up. I haven't had any in 5 days! I decided to give it up because when I went for a fill on Friday, I asked my nurse (because I never get to see my doctor-haven't seen him in 1 1/2 years) exactly what the dangers of carbonation are, and she said gas and it does stretch the size of your pouch. I could very easily go back to it - I LOVE it more than food - if you can imagine. Good Luck to you!

I L-O-V-E Coca-Cola. I would drink it all day every day, if I let myself. I don't have ANY problems with drinking pop. However, I did ask my nurse on Friday when I went for another fill, what exactly the reason is for staying away from carbonation. She said gas is one reason, the other is it does affect the size of your pouch. I decided to quit cold turkey that day - haven't had any since. Yeah for me! It's mind over matter - my mind is going and it does matter!

You are not alone. I was banded 1 1/2 years ago, and have only lost 15 pounds. I know EXACTLY what you are going thru. I, too, don't eat right, never exercise, and battle depression. I have a 4cc band, and last Friday I received my 6th fill, which brings me up to 3cc. I am doing better since my last fill than I have with any of my others. I hope that means I'm finally feeling restriction and may be getting closer to that "sweet spot" so many talk about. Don't give up - easier said than done - I know because I've been there. I have found this site to be the best support ever - because we're all here because of the same addiction - FOOD! I agree, keep that chin up. YOU CAN DO THIS! We're here to help you. Good Luck, and keep on pushin'. One hour at a time is all I do - anything more than that is overwhelming.

What an eye opener. thanks for the tips. My biggest problem is not enough protein. I'm definitely going to try this, starting TODAY. Congrats on your success and thank you for taking the time to share with everyone else what finally worked for you.

Wanted to pat myself on the back - and get some pats from you too! lol I haven't had any ice cream in 5 days (partly because I ran out of my favorite kind, and haven't given in to buying more, and partly because I've been working hard on staying away from it. It really helps that the only DQ in my town has closed for the winter. Thanks for listening to me gloat - this is a huge goal for me.

Thanks for the info! I asked my nurse about the protein bullets at my fill appointment Friday. She wouldn't give me any names of any, because they "don't like them". Apparently, they don't have enough amino acids in them, so the dietician doesn't approve of them. They gave me some samples of some new protein drinks to try. I HATE protein drinks, and I know I don't get enough protein in, so I would like to try these "bullets" instead. ???? What to do????

thanks for the smoothie recipe. It sounds like something I might like, so I'm gonna give it a try.

4meonly - Thanks for your info, and Good Luck to you! Congrats on how far you've come.

Can I ask - why are you switching from a band to a sleeve? Just curious because I am not succeeding on the band, but haven't heard much about the sleeve. Sounds like you've lost lots on the band! Congrats!

OMG - I am soooo glad to hear from someone else that is addicted to Coke. I, too, THINK that I need a bottle every day. I am trying so hard to give it up. I have switched to the G2 drinks (like Gatorade, but with less calories) I have to be in the right mood for just plain water - unfortunately, I'm not in the right mood very often. I don't have an answer for you, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Good luck on your endeavor. It's tough, I'll agree with that.

I want to first thank everyone who took the time to respond to my post. For those of you who thought it was concerning or offending - I am sorry. But, when you are at the point that I'm at - if you don't use humor to get through each day - you'll go out of your mind. That's my way of dealing with touchy issues. I will ask my nurse about it next Friday when I go for a fill and I will post the response I get. I am very upset that I have never seen my doctor, or been offered the chance to meet with him since surgery. I thought this was the way every clinic worked???? After reading all the posts, it made me feel much better to know that I am not alone. I took phentermine - long before WLS - had good look, but very temporary results, and I had a monster headache ALL THE TIME. I am disappointed in myself that I'm even looking for yet another way to lose weight - as I've already taken such a drastic measure. I just need to figure out a way to make the tool I have, work to its maximum potential. thanks for taking the time!

You are not alone! I have been banded for 1 1/2 years and have lost about 12 pounds total - including what I lost during the preop liquid phase. I, too, am SOOOOO disappointed and embarrassed and feel like such a failure. I don't know what to do about it either - just wanted you to know you are not alone. Let's keep in touch and see if we can help each other out! I wish you luck!