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So ok. I started having feet problems back in 2004. was working on concrete all day and figured I needed some sort of orthotic. my weight was around 400. over the course of the next year, started having chest pains which the Heart Doc said was caused by stress, weight steady climbing. in 2005 weight is almost 500 lbs, feet and knees killing me, drinking tons of energy drinks to make it thru the work day, seeing a podiatrist who says I have heels spurs and degenerative bone disease. makes me take LOA from work to wear special foot supports (boots) to try and ease the plantars fasciatis. off work for 1 month, weight stable around 500 at this time. september of 2005, the podiatrist again makes me take medical loa and am off my feet for next three months. weight starts climbing. can't sleep at night, chest hurts all the bloody time, usually because I am angry and blood pressure now a major issue. go in to visit with HR and they tell me that my only option is to report for work or be terminated. doctor says I can't work. lose my job, lose my benefits, watch my 401k get eaten alive, go into bankruptcy. I go in for a sleep study and find out I have sleep apnea, the sleep doctor tells me that I have apparently not gotten a good nights sleep in almost 25 years. cause for depression, suicidal thoughts, weight gain, I get put on a cpap. laying flat on my back now, can't move around, weight going up, chest hurts, legs hurt all the way into my hips. get a chest x ray and my heart is the size of a small football. no wonder it hurts...skip forward as all I am doing in 2006, 2007, 2008 is lying in bed dying. finally get aproved for medicare and go see a doctor. after a few visits, he suggest I see Doctor Lee Schmitt from alabama surgical weight loss center. I go to a seminar at St Vincents east in birmingham alabama and weigh myself. 590 lbs.gained almost 2oo lbs in 4 years. speak with Doctor Schmitt. he tells me to get my weight down below 500 lbs and he will do a gastric bypass. I start drinking protein shakes and eating salads. my weight starts inching down a lb or so a month, I start trying to walk and can make it from 1 telephone pole to the next and back again. I start trying to extend my walks every week until I can walk a quarter mile, and go back to a bypass support group meeting st st vincents east, I weigh in at 550. I have lost 40 lbs. I continue doing the protein shakes and salads and start going to the support group meeting every month. I have an interview with Doctor Schmitt and my weight is at 525. NOW I have to start jumping thru some hoops, visiting with a Psychologist and a nutritionist and getting evaluated and poked and prodded. I get a surgical date for december of 2008 and 1 week before my surgery, when I am doing a liquid diet to shrink my liver prior to surgery, the bloody shrink puts a the breaks on my surgery. she insist I speak with a therapist and take a test, the test cost me out of pocket over 400 dollars and told me what I already knew, I am depressed and suicidal and bi polar and just suffering from PTSD. I go in for a sleep study (also required) still need the cpap. I hate that thing. hurts my face, if I roll over I drool and the bloody thing fills up with drool, ever wake up drowning in your own spit? GROSS! february 15th 2009. report to ST V's at 5:30 am. I weigh in at 490 lbs. they lay me down on a bed, a nurse injects something into my IV and off to sleep I go. wake up time, my wife and daughter are trying to wake me up in recovery. jessica tells me that cloee my cat wants me to wake up I think, kinda foggy on that memory, but I wake up. within the next hour Sandra, My Wife, gets me up and walking short distances in the hallway. 2 days later I go home. will continue this story later.

I had my band removed earlier this year For the same reasons you had yours removed. I had my band for 12 years and loved it. I have gained 40 lbs since they removed all the fluid. My doctor recommended RNY when the band was removed and with the weight gain I was experiencing, I agreed. I have been going through all the pre op testing and requirements from my insurance company. Just got approval this week. I hope to be a success story but I would love to hear from others who have gone thru this as well.

Hello everyone, I have not got banded yet. I am just now trying to make a consultation appointment. I wanted to find a good support group and learn as much as i could. I weight 285. 5 ft 9 in. BMI 54%. I have not always been large. My weight when i finished high school was 155. I have been as low as 135 and 285 is my highest. My weight gain began when i started dating my husband. I weighed 165 when we met, 9 months later on our wedding day i weighed 185. Soon after our wedding, i was diagnosed with PMDD. (post menstrual dysfunction disorder) caused by taking Depoprovera shots which sent me into early menopause. I gained 50lbs. in 1 month:cry . i have continued to gain since with heart problems, depression and life in general (nursing school). My weight has stabalized at 285 for the last 6 months. However my bust size continues to grow. I was a DD two years ago....i am a JJ now. I am in the process of having a reduction......My next step is to have the banding. I wanted to do my bust first ........because as you can imagine exercising is impossible when they are that large. Hoping the exercise will come easier after the reduction. I have a few questions. (imagine that!) 1. Any one know a doctor in the Dallas area that uses Presbyterian hosp, that doesn't require psych eval? 2. Is there any little tips to make it easier? 3. What is LBT? 4. What is NCV's? thanks everyone

Hey there I'm doing well! Went to my group nutrition class which was about lifestyle and diet before and after surgery. Was very informational appointment. I have to do a FULL liquid diet no 1 meal a day for me even though others have been allowed to by their surgeon but each surgeon can be different. On the sleeve vs bypass this is strictly my opinion whichever WLS u choose is a personal decision between u and ur surgeon based on ur unique situation. Bypass may be a better option for some but not everyone and this goes for the sleeve, bypass, band, switch, and any other WLS. In regards to weigh loss and the ability to gain it back if we don't work our tool weight gain is a great possibility. Now for me I'm not putting my body through holy hell to have this major surgery if I'm not willing to make the lifestyle changes. None of these interventions or surgeries are a magical fix they r tool that we have to actually use and work at to help us not only lose the weight but to also become healthier beings. Weight loss is a huge plus but we also have to focus on the wealth of other benefits we are getting not just the weight loss. I don't knock anyone choice of WLS I just suggest u do the research, know urself, be open with ur surgeon and pick the best surgical procedure for u. We r all in this together and here to support one another regardless of which procedure we decide to have.

I love this sculpture. So much so that when I initially noticed it online I tracked down the actual artist that created it. It's a 3D rendering he made for a client that's planning on using it in their advertisement. One day I'd LOVE to have a sculptor re-create this piece or art or something close to it. It's near to my heart and to every that's struggled with weight gain and loss.

You know, Jennifer, the Doc was actually right about that, strange as it might seem. Some people DO lose weight from using an AD. In the case of Effexor, though, it's pretty well documented that weight GAIN is more prevalent. I read somewhere, years ago, that the AVERAGE weight gain for Effexor use was about 50 pounds. I don't know how accurate that it, probably not very, but in MY case, it was very accurate. I'd also suggest seeing a shrink for help with your AD meds, if you aren't already. PCP's really, really do NOT understand the complexities of dealing with "mind drugs", certainly not with the "cocktail" concept of Psychopharmacology. Some of these shrinks can really "tune in" to just what is causing your depression and they know the chemical combo that can relieve it! :bored: HH

Maybe you should think before you make a smart ass remark like that. These types of surgeries aren't for vanity reasons. They are medically necessary. I was in an accident on ice and subsequently acquired severe spinal stenosis when my hip was injured. Couldn't walk for over a year unassisted. At that time I wasn't overweight and was very physically active. Having to be sedentary caused me to gain over 140 pounds. In 2 years. Then I developed HBP and severe sleep apnea Bc of that weight gain. This surgery could actually help me to lose enough weight that it may take the pressure off my spine and allow me the opportunity to get off disability. You can kiss my fat ass

The whole idea of surgery is to limit your portion sizes and therefore your goal should be to eat the most nutritional food possible not going back to eating high carbs and empty calories; that's what caused all the weight gain and issues in the beginning. Start experimenting and learning more healthy options

I am so glad to see this topic posted... I'll try to be brief. My husband and I have been together for 13 years, married for 10. When we met, I was about 380 (I'm 5'5''). When we got married I was 330 and then after having my daughter gained all the way up to 435. He loves me and never cared much about my weight as long as I was healthy. He is 6'4'' and when we met he was 215, now 290. He was very supportive of my decision to have wls and continues to support and compliment me all the time. I've always been larger than him, so I think he feels "safe" in his weight gain. Odd as it seems, I find myself increasingly frustrated with his food choices even though mine obviously weren't the best if I was 400+ pounds! He eats A LOT and when I'm not around makes terrible food choices. I feel like I have no room to talk because I'm still much heavier than he is, but I wonder if that will change as I continue to lose. Once I weigh less than he does, I'm not sure how I'll feel because in some ways, I feel like I SHOULD weight less than my husband, but at the same time I don't want him to be as large as he his (it's all belly). Plus I'm always worried about his health because he keeps having minor issues that I keep telling him are the warnings before the big stuff comes (like diabetes and high blood pressure), but he keeps on eating crap. Ok I'm rambling... I guess my point is that at some point, I feel like I will become super judgmental of his size and eating habits, and I feel bad about it because he NEVER judged me.

I've only had this question on medical forms - like "any unexplained weight gain/loss?" Just in case I'm depressed or something, I guess... But if an actual person said "did you mean to lose weight" to me, I don't know that I'd be able to hold back on the choice language. I imagine the mildest thing I'd manage would be something awfully sarcastic.... "no, actually - funny story - I was walking along in Short Pump and tripped and fell on a surgeon... Next thing I know, I have 1/4 of my stomach left and I weigh 75 pounds less!!! And $15,000 is missing!! Do you think I should sue?" But what would probably come out of my mouth would be more along the lines of "JESUS ******* CHRIST WHAT THE ******* DO YOU THINK?!" I'm just a b*tch like that tho. Especially if I get stressed. Such low patience for inane questions....

Yes, the pre op diet is terrible and it was the worst part of the process for me . Due to weight gains when close to surgery my Dr made me do a 3-week pre op diet, which was horrific. Just follow their instructions and it will be worth it in the end. The doctors know what they're doing and this is great way to begin the process of losing lots of weight.

I feel bad for everyone who wants to get rid of their band. I had problems with acid reflux and the band slipped - when they tried to fix it, I ended up having a reaction and they had to remove it. I miss my band. I liked having control over my eating. I liked the fact that food did not control my life. I am 50 days out of surgery and have gained 25 pounds. I really don't think I am eating more than when I had the band but the weight keeps coming on. I continue to exercise 60-90 minutes a day. I measure my food. I track my diet and exercise. But it just doesn't seem to work. And this weight gain is real. I can hardly sit in pants that I could take off without unzipping 2 months ago. Sorry to complain but I am hoping someone who has lost their band will have some tips for me. And living in Baghdad doesn't give me alot of people to whine to...

I went through this but unfortunately for me, I had almost a year to even get a date for my surgery. So I had alot of last meals that lead to 14 lb weight gain. You of course don't have that long. When I finally did get closer to my surgery I had to join Weight Watchers to lose that excess weight. It has all worked out and since I have been post op, I have been doing great. My advise to you is not to go overboard on the last meals, because if you gain that is just going to be more weight you will have to lose after surgery. Good luck

I have taken gabapentin used to take 2400 mg before I switched to lyrica the weight gain was minimal it can be managed by decreasing your calories a bit its a very good drug. Although I would ask about lyrica because its been way better at managing my pain than gabapentin did

I said "lower carb". My husband is on Atkins less than 20gms (yes, he lives that way, not just 2 weeks Induction) I'm not into depriving myself of fruit or a pc of bread at bfast. What I mean by lower is I can have a pc of toast in the morning if I don't eat a 1/2 sandwich later. I can have an apple and almond butter. I can eat brown rice with my stir fry. Just not at every meal. ...dark chocolate ...not low carb Why tempt yourself with chocolate? Wasn't the chocolate in your bedside table part of your downfall? Why not low carb? That's what this new lifeplan is prescribed to be by most doctors. Carbs aren't the devil, but they are certainly a key component in hunger, cravings, weight gain and weight loss. Why not go back to square one and start following your doctor's orders to the T instead of making up your own plan? No judgement, just wondering. . And the chocolate: 1 pc of Dove ddark chocolate takes away my sweet craving (that happens often). My nightstand is devoid of junk food now. And yes, I can eat just 1 pc and suclk on it for 5 minutes. I won't eat the whole bag. I have a hubby that reminds me of everything I put in my mouth. Thanks for the suggestions.

I posted the other night about whether or not I should get a fill as my restriction has just about gone. I never even considered he would say No or tell me the things he said. I have had reflux since about my 5 th fill I think. I have had 9 fills. He gave me medication(losec) for the reflux and it has been fine....now he is saying I have 6 weeks to get rid of the reflux or he is taking all my fill out, if that still doesnt fix it he will take my BAND!!!! I was like OMG WTF!!!!!!!!! How did a friendly visit for a bit of a top up turn into this. This is my worst nightmare, remember my weight gain is inevitable post???? Well was that a coincidence or what. Someone please tell me this is crazy...pleaseeeee. If you cant tell me that can someone let me rest my head on their shoulder and cry while they stroke my head and tell me I am not going to end up a big fat porker again. :think :think :think

Research is always good. Have you considered the sleeve ! You loose weight a little faster, you can eventually eat what you like "BUT A LIMITED AMOUNT OF FOOD" , you are no longer hungry "That's my thing" I had my knees replaced do to weight gain, I lost 120lbs. by myself in order to get those knees replaced. Then Banded. Lost 28lbs., and the band blew on a fill. 4cc band blew on 2cc's "defective" I now have insurance again and will be going in this month to see what they want to do or change to. Just remember it is like a tire, it can go bad at any time. Then gl with getting it fixed especially if you have it done in Mexico. You have to go back to your original surgeon to fix there mistakes. "THAT'S THE WAY THE SURGEONS THREWOUT THIS STATE EXPLAINED IT TO ME ! So I'm letting you know that somewhere you will need follow up work. Check this with your surgeon.. Shirley.

Wondering if anyone has any experience of having the lap band while being on tamoxifen. I am on tamoxifen, and am wondering if it will effect my Weight loss with the Lap band. A lot of woman complain of weight gain on tamoxifen, and while I dont know if I really gained any more weight while on it, I do know that it has made it VERY difficult to loose weight. I am currently on day 3 of my 2 week liquid diet. Surgery is August 16. I guess I am just worried that I will go through this surgery and still will have a difficult time loosing the weight. I know that's a common fear with newbies. Just wondering if anyone has any input. Thank you !

Hey Babe, your labs all look very low to me. (I never thought I'd be able read lab results, I'm a computer geek, not a medical geek! sheesh! So, Addison's (adreanal insufficiency) is the opposite of Cushing. But those of us who are Cyclical Cushing's can and sometimes do have both because we either have too much cortisol, Cushing's, or not enough, Addison's. It just depends on how far your disease has progressed, if you have this. If you post your results on the Cushing's help site, the link is in my signature, and ask for help reading. There are folks there who really understand lab results. Addison patients typically are very skinny, Cushies are typically fat. Buffalo hump, central obesisty (all our weight tends to be "trunk centered" as opposed to equally spread about) and bright purple stretch marks and the inability to lose weight, or worse yet, rapid weight gain, and a red moon face. Not everyone has all the symptoms of course, but those are all the hall-marks of Cushing's. I strongly hope you spend some time on the Cushing's board, since that is one of the best places to get information on Cushing's. PM me if you need me. You have my phone number still, right? Just remember I'm on the West Coast! (((((hugs)))))

Hi, I don't know if this is anything other people think about but here goes. How do you single gals out there deal with explaining scars and your new body to somebody new?? I used to be pretty confident before my epic weight gain and now I'm wondering if you choose to tell a new man in your life or if you lie?? I have no intention of jumping into anything for quite a while, but eventually would love to. I broke up with my ex about a 1.5 months ago when I had some other medical issues and he was unable to be supportive and turned out to definitely not be the person I thought he was. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have always had a weight problem, with weight gains and losses, but now I am out of control with my weight. I am over 300 lbs. 17 months ago, I was at 200 lbs. I am so miserable, so depressed, that the doctors keep putting me on diets that don't work, and I honestly follow them. I actually excercise too. I think it's the depression pills they have me on along with my other meds that are making me gain so much. I need help. Does anyone know if Kaiser pays any part of the surgery?:scared2:

"...data in both animal models and humans suggest that the effects of artificial sweeteners may contribute to metabolic syndrome and the obesity epidemic. Artificial sweeteners appear to change the host microbiome, lead to decreased satiety, and alter glucose homeostasis, and are associated with increased caloric consumption and weight gain." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29159583/ Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

Studies have found that artificial sweeteners create a false dependency. They stimulate your appetite, Increase carbohydrate cravings and stimulate fat storage and weight gain. In short artificial sugars prepare your body for food that often is not coming and thus confuses your system while also making your body crave more and more sweeter things.

Hello, I am 32 years old 5'8 and 235 pounds. At my heaviest I weight 270 pounds. I have yo-yo dieted it seems like my whole life. At one point I lost almost a 100 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 10 in less than a year. I was unable to maintain the weight past a 2 year period. I just watched the Dr. Oz show about the new FDA regulations for people who are not considered morbidly obese and I am seriously considering the surgery. I don't really have any medical problems, but I feel that depression is becoming a real problem for me. I worry about dating, about starting a family- I just don't feel confident enough with myself and the depression is impacting my life more and more- I know weight is the main problem! Also, although I'm healthy now, I worry about the health problems that I will have in the future. Don't get me wrong, I know that food and weight gain is a symptom of the emotional stuff. Believe me, I've read all the books, watched all the shows- In fact, I was invited to an Oprah Winfrey show after reading the book Women, Food, and God. However, to win the fight against your emotions - it has to be a 24/7 battle. I would like to have a life that's not consumed with eating or trying not to eat. I would appreciate any opinions.

It sounds you know what has led to your weight gain. I recommend that you go back to basics and make an appointment with your NUT. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall