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Hello Everyone, I was given the address to this forum form a woman on my same hospital floor almost two weeks ago. I have been on the OH boards, they are wonderful, but I thought I'd find some "chat" with bandsters only. My BMI was 30. I had a few co-morbidities, but mainly just wanted to stop the up 40, down 40 pattern of weight gain and loss. After gaining back my last "weight watchers" success, I finally decided I would never diet again, because no matter what, I gain it all back plus more. Enough already! As a lower BMI bandster, I have faced some rolled eyes, but I am okay with that. Noone knows me the way I do and I knew/know that this is the highest level of self-care I can implement. For ten days now, I have stayed within 800 calories per day with 60 grams of Protein. I am trying out all different kinds of protein powders and practicing slow sipping, eating (yogourt). I am down 13 pounds, which I know will plateau very soon. I am walking every other day and already seeing positive changes. My skin is smoother and more "rosey." I sleep better. I am practicing the art of "not trying to get everyone's approaval" for my choices in life. I am so going to benefit from the band!!! Yeehaw! Cindy P.S. My incisions are 90% healed.

The positive is that I have lost 40 pounds. My ankles no longer swell up so much that I can't wear shoes and my pain level is a lot less. My feet have shrunk (yeah!) and my clothes are loose. I can fit in a restaurant booth. Man, for about 3 weeks there I had bad head hunger, but I have now overcome it and lost 7 pounds this week, after I was staying the same or even gaining. Before I had the band I was on a steady weight gain and miserable. Now for the first time I am losing weight! I can't eat bread (it's a blessing, probably), but I eat all the veggies I want, moist meats, fish, string cheese, and soft foods. I can eat most fruits. I forget to chew enough sometimes, but I get a "quick" reminder. (ouch!) So am I starving? No. Can I eat lots of healthy food? Yes. Can I eat my beloved bread products? No. But who the heck cares when I am on my way to being a normal person. I just spent the last 3 weeks barfing daily, in pain from eating the wrong stuff and feeling lousy. When I saw that I gained 2 pounds I told my husband that I should never have gotten the band. Then I realized that the band was working, I had ceased to work at it. I gave myself a pep talk, went to the gym and was a good girl. And I lost 7 pounds in a week. Now this sounds stupid, but I made my family fried potatoes last night for dinner. I wasn't going to have any. Then I tasted one. It was like heaven. There were a few slices left over and I picked them up to eat them. I realized that I was starting down a "slppery slope" and would eat all night if I put those salty, fatty slices of pure heaven in my mouth. When I turned to physically toss the potatoes back onto the plate, my innards literally panged really painfully for about 2 seconds. They wanted those potates but I said NO! That shows how head hunger can cause a physical response. For me to not listen to my gut and to do the right thing is a tremendous victory. :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

So, I totally did things "against suggestions" totally by accident but I'll share.... I had surgery on May 9th 2006. The last week of May I called my surgeon's office to find out if having surgery messed with your cycles. I knew I couldn't get pregnant as I was rx'd infertile several years ago. Right. :biggrin1: Doctors make best guesses and sometimes, wonderfully, they are wrong. On June 2, 2006 at 36 years old my pregnancy was confirmed...my first child. WOO HOO! I had a pretty event free pregnancy. Because I was so close out of surgery, I didn't have a fill. I was diabetic before surgery and became insulin dependant while pregnant. No high blood pressure, no crazy weight gain. I gained 17 lbs and Joslyn was 8.5 of it. The band probably kept me from putting on more weight....well, that and being crazy about controlling my blood sugars. So, my opinion? Do things when they feel right to you. My baby is healthy and beautiful. I had no complications with the band at all. I'm excited to report I just got my first fill and am still 30 lbs less than when I had surgery last year. ROCK!! Not waiting a full year won't be the end of the world. Anything can be managed.

Since I already had a “Thanksgiving Dinner” with my family early as stated above I decided to start a 10 day Herbal Cleanse to avoid all the leftovers in my house and to try to avoid any weight gain maybe get some weight loss. Cheri

food funerals are a very common topic on this website. I struggle to understand it, but that's just my own experience. I paid out of pocket for the procedure and so I was committed with my mind and pocketbook to making sure I am successful, no matter what. When I received my preop and post op plans, I started comparing all my food choices against my surgeon's directions. If it was something I shouldn't be eating to be successful after surgery, I tried to cut it out before starting the process. I ended up doing an extra few weeks of preop because I was anxious to get the ball rolling. The kinds of foods I crave are my nemesis, not my friends. I wouldn't mourn the loss of someone that ruined my life and ditto for the foods that contributed to my weight gain. Good riddance, I say.

Monymo...I was banded in aug. I've lost about 25 lbs. I'm on weight gaining psychiatric drugs...diabetic...low thyroid..and having alot pbing...don't eat enough right things...not enough Protein...don't know what to fix...I'm a mess. I have short term memory problems. I've had problems from day 1 but also have had some success...I don't overeat...I don't snack alot once in awhile. I can go several days eating the same thing then the next time food won't stay down then it goes another couple days and does the same thing. I'm not having 2nd thoughts about the band I'm having 2nd and 3rd thoughts about what I am doing wrong. Can you help or do I sound like too much of a buden?

Yay I just got unhooked from most of the gadgets and the catheter! Didn't have a drain. And I now have water :-D Been walking really good. My nurse said the average weight gain from the gas & fluids is 10-20 pounds. I've only gained 3, so that's awesome! I may ask to stay a second night just so I don't have to be home alone all day tomorrow. Then ill also have help over the weekend and I should be fine to be alone on Monday. They gave me the option. We'll see later on today.

Procedure might help my wife. We have been round and round and round with this nagging issue for about four years. She has been battling this issue for ten more! <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:12pt; height:12pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1ScottLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image001.gif" o:href="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/default%20smilies/frown.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> I have been very supportive and encouraging since the get go. To further aggravate the issue I am not a MD. And I assure you all that it’s not about the looks of it! It is much more than that. And this is a WE issue for sure. I know it bothers her to the core, makes her feel uncomfortable in her own skin and feels ashamed of the shape she is in. These are the facts of the case AFAIK: -Was an athlete in high school always height weight proportionate. Were 160 on a 5'6.5" frame -At age 19 gave birth to second child 14 years ago, had complications, and was bed ridden for a few months before giving birth. This is when the weight gain started. -Since then has been approximately 260- 280 lb till 4.5 years ago then dropped to 185 by not eating anything but lettuce and water for 6 months. (This is when I met her) -Then the climb was back on after I met her, back up to 285 ish. <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:15pt;height:15pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1ScottLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image002.gif" o:href="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/modern/sad.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--> -Last spring I gave her come to Jesus talk about her over all health and the weight was a part of it. And that I want her around for a long time and right now she may feel fine but it is not going to last (I know this I am older and not as bullet-proof either) <!--[endif]--> <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style='width:28.8pt;height:15pt'> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:DOCUME~1ScottLOCALS~1Tempmsohtml101clip_image003.gif" o:href="http://www.lapbandtalk.com/images/smilies/modern/thumbup.gif"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--> -I am a cyclist and moved to CO for the riding. I begged her to participate more on the bike with me. We started to commute to work 13 miles one way at least a few times a week and the weight loss was back on and dropped 50 pounds! (225) -All of her blood work has come back perfect and normal, BP is fine, and the only issue is excess weight. (And nagging ankle issues related to the weight). The doctors have said that she is a specimen of health! TOTALLY FRUSTRATING! -I have been watching her eating habits for some time now and what I am seeing is this. Eating sweets is her downfall, but not addict. Not eating for 5 or more hours is normal for her or worse yet not eating till 5 in the afternoon. I am not sure if this is as bad as I think? Or is it as simple as too much in and too little out? It can’t be good? And if she is not eating enough calories she should lose? Is she over eating?? I am so confused I can’t tell you! Am I over analyzing everything? All I like to do is help her FIX this once for all. No more failing! Will the dietician really be the fix? I like to know. We are seeing are PCP (internist) for this issue and he is on board for the band. And the Dr. is saying 1400 calories is where she should be on a daily basis. I am thinking this better said that done. Just getting the ducks in a row is going to be the hard part (I think). The question is what you guys and gals think?

Hello ladies, So, I had my blood results back and they indicated that I am early stages of meopause or perimenopause cos my monthlies ain't quite stopped, although they are all over the place. I went to see a specialist and she has given me HRT, mainly due to my age - going through this a lil early at nearly 40! She recommended this as low levels of estrogen can have long term problems for young 'uns?!! To be honest, this is not what I wanted to hear... I ain't sure why, as the friends I have spoken to about it don't really see it as a huge issue... perhaps I am being too sensitive. Anyway, I have started the evorel conti Patches... put my first one on today! Just wanted to put it out there to see if anyone else had used them and what it was like? I suppose I am really worried about weight gain, as I have read that it can be a side effect... I don't want to sound superficial but I can't help it. I am almost positive that the hormone thing is the reason that I still haven't lost any weight since the end of Jan and the thought of gaining really freaks me out. I asked her about this issue and she said she is a firm believer in 'you are what you eat' and that as long as I eat Protein and veggies I shouldn't gain and should continue to lose... hmmmm... thoughts or comments would be warmly rec'd ( and I'll try not to cry...lol)

well if she doesn't notice ( and i'm sure she will because grandma's are notorious for noticing weight gain/loss ) CONGRATUALTIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS!!

Hello, I had sleeve on 12/16 and my weight has not moved much and today I noticed it's back up 3lbs. I lost 13lbs on pre op but nothing after surgery. Is this normal? I'm feeling discouraged. I've been on full liquids. I get my protein in the form of shakes and yogurt. It's hard to get fluids in but I am doing that too. Any advice or help? Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

Well I am 2 weeks post op and gained 1.4 lbs!!!!! How is that possible? Things have been going great but when I stepped on the scale this morning I had gained weight. Of course I was disappointed and now all I wanna do is figure out what I was doing wrong. Could I already be hitting a stall? Some advice would be great!!

Do you have kids? They said it is easier if you do so was curious... I was suppose to get the skyla this past Tuesday but as I stated before I couldn't don't know if it was because my period was here or of the medicine they gave me to soften my cervix but I couldn't do it. Yes! I was beyond scared but days passing I have been thinking about weight gain on pills and other complications that may occur. And I'm hitting the gym tonight [emoji1491](period slowing down)

I have been thinking about this a lot! I have crazy, sporadic deadlines for work and my sleep really suffers. Sometimes I only sleep 2-3 hrs at a time, get up and work 4-5 hrs, sleep 45 minutes bc I am so miserable--etc. I don't necessarily have more food cravings, but I SWEAR I do not lose weight no matter what when I am not sleeping enough. I think sleep is when our bodies repair themselves and that restoration supports weight loss. sometimes I also retain some Fluid in my ankles when I am at my desk too long working or don't walk enough during the day, which causes a temporary weight gain in fluid. I seriously have a resolution right now to get 8 hrs of sleep a night.

Hey guys... Ok so i got sleeved on 10/06. As of 3 days ago. my weightloss was of 40 pounds. But today, when I got on the scale, I was up 4 pounds. Im freaking out a little bit... I hope it doesn't continue to climb.... Anyone had a similar experience? Thanks for sharing any thoughts or advice with me.

For me it was when I could not adequately clean personal areas in the shower. Once I hit that I was done and had my surgery about a month later. My weight gain has been due to medication so my approval was quick and easy!

One of the best parts of getting back on track and living like a compliant bandster is the amazing food I get to eat. Nope, not kidding. I happen to be a pretty darned good cook. The problem is that when I'm not living right with my band, I get lazy. Cooking for one person half the time just doesn't seem "worth it," as if I'm not worth taking care of as much as the other people I cook for. That leads to take out, dining out, fast food, convenience foods, and processed foods. And that leads to weight gain. But when I'm concentrating on improving my life by working with the band, I eat not only healthier foods, but often tastier ones as well. Just in the past week, I made band friendly versions of beef Bourguignon, macaroni and cheese, braised chicken thighs with mushroom sauce, and for dinner tonight, Asian lettuce wraps with chicken and vegetables. It's all fresh, high protein, low fat, unprocessed, organic, and so much better than anything I could get at a supermarket or a cheap restaurant that it makes me shake my head that I ever made those choices. Even with the band, I love to cook, I love to eat, and I love flavorful foods. Now, I'm just finding ways to eat them the right way in the right amounts with the right ingredients. And it just rocks!

I love my Wellbutrin-I had no weight gain with it....

I was stalled forever and then suddenly, after kicking artificial sweeteners to the curb and drinking plain water (advice from my nutritionist), my stall ended and I have lost 4 pounds! A call with my nutritionist today was even more eye opening... she said, "don't be afraid of a little sugar!" Here's what that means.. Artificial sweeteners can be, for some, tougher to break down than regular sugar. Sure, regular sugar isn't good for you in large doses and may cause dumping, but don't shy away from it completely, especially when you need to up your caloric intake to lose weight. Some of us strain to get 600 calories a day, or when we stall, we need to push additional calories to shake up our metabolism. I drink coffee and before surgery, I used to drink a caramel latte daily (I love caramel). But that's way too sweet for me and causes dumping big time. However, after her advice, I began adding 1 pump of caramel to my regular Dunkin Donuts coffee along with skim milk and Splenda. It's the only sugar and artificial sweetener I consume every day (now). I began drinking more water and the weight loss has resumed. It's my one "sweet" treat a day, and I look forward to it every morning. It hasn't interrupted my weight loss and I no longer feel cheated when I get coffee. I'm not promoting ice cream or candy, resuming the crazy binge sugar feasts we may have once had (our bodies can't handle that anyway). But for some of us, artificial sweetener can cause us to stall or cause water weight gain. Natural sugar is, in small small doses, sometimes better for us than the artificial kind. If you can handle it, add a little sugar to your coffee (be realistic) or some sweetened flavoring like the International Delights flavors with Splenda or Stevia. Just once a day, it won't kill you. (Now, if you think it is a "gateway" to eating more sugar a day... then don't. You know yourself better than my nutritionist. For me, once a day sweet treat is plenty. I can no longer tolerate anything super sweet.) I'm so happy to be losing again after a long stall, and I won't jeopardize that by overindulging in anything, but I enjoy my coffee every morning and this makes it so much more pleasurable. I feel like I get something sweet and yummy without going nuts.

At a group pre-op meeting, my surgeon's nurse practitioner warned us to not gain weight during our pre-op diets, and to emphasize her point, she told us our surgeon had already postponed three surgeries that week due to weight gain. That statement helped me stick with it.

HI...I have never heard the statement that it can take up to 10 days for a weight loss or gain to show up on the scales. That is very scary to me. The weight loss part would be fine but the weight gain part OUCH...All of our nurses out there is this really true?...Janie

If you gain, they won't do it. I know some will say you can't gain, some 10% weight loss, but no matter what, any weight gain on the period before, no one will do it. I'm sorry.

@@Pi Sano for me, at a little over 3 'months post op i can tell you bloated feeling will go away and get better stick to your plan Water sip sip sip. You will feel it fill up and small sips make it more comfortable. You will likely find as i did that it takes quite a long time to finish especially at first. This show rationale for post op liquid diet as it would be hard to abide by 30/30 rule with constant sips! food you loved well I guess that is a philosophical discussion for many on this board. I believe it is about a new way of eating and living as we have changed our body to help change the outcome of eating in long run. That means a long run of eating differently and recognizing what that means to you personally. Will you indulge? Can you one day? Should you and how do you balance quality of that indulgence and monitoring any weight gain? For me that seems way off in future. But many foods can be changed to high Protein and diet friendly --- bunless cheeseburgers, "pizza" interpreted as sauce and cheese on parmasean crisp (or other variations). Your body has changed, now is time for mind and actions to support!

Hey, I too am looking for a buddy. I was banded in 2005. I had been diagnosed with Addison's disease and was put on two different steroids and have gained weight back. People keep telling me that it was not my fault that I was gaining weight because it was the steroids. I started to become upset because of the weight gain and then started to make horrible food choices and stopped exercising. I told myself that it was because I am sick. I have gained around 50 pounds in the last three years. I have decided I need to go back to the basics with my lap band. My habits are up and down and so is my weight. I still have restriction so I know it works I too am very discouraged and determined to get back on track. I use my fitness pal to log all foods, Water and exercise. My name on my fitness pal is DaisyRN look me up and friend me, it is an awesome site. Good luck and message me whenever you need support. Good Luck!!!

Hello- I am new to this site (well I have come through and read others stories so not really). I have struggled ALL my life with my weight. I have tried EVERYTHING, and the weight will come off, but some how end up right back on if not more so. I have become so discouraged that I have all but given up. For the last 3.5 years I have been absolutely miserable, clothes dont fit, I have decreased energy, I am sweaty, and now seem to snore ALL the time ( I NEVER snore). I attribute this to the increase in meat on my bones. It's funny because people who don't have weight issues can ALWAYS provide you with "easy" answers. LOL I don't want to go anywhere because I don't feel good about my appearance. Being smaller doesnt solve all of life's problems (this I know), but it sure as hell makes life a "little" more easier not to mention enjoyable. I have made a concious decision to have this surgery to take back my life. I am scheduled to have it 4/20, in Mexico, but have questions. Anyone have it done at Jerusalim Hospital? How was your treatment? Recovery? Any words of wisdom anyone can offer I would be ETERNALLY gratefull. I don't have much support from my family members who seem to think I am taking the "easy" way out. Or who think my weight gain isnt that bad. I am 5'4" and weigh a good 270ish-I stopped getting on the scale cuz it was damn depressing. More than anything else I need words of encouragement as I am not getting that at home.