Search the Community

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

If you have never had children,, IT is wholly H*)) getting it. I thought I was being murdered. Then I felt poking for 2 months. I have nicknamed mine "baby T" since it is shaped like a T. No complications now, no weight gain, no periods. No spotting, nothing that i can tell.

Has anybody had a problem with gaining a couple pounds about two months out?

Just wanted to throw out there that my starting BMI was over 49, and now look at it ! ! ! I wouldn't really be too concerned with a 10% of EWL after 5 years, think of what's going to happen in 5 years with bypass vs. VSG in ways of nutrient/vitamin deficiencies. Don't sell the sleeve or yourself short! ! ! I know that statistics are a great resource, but let's be honest, those stats are only as good as the people questioned. I would recommend checking out the revision and complication forum on obesityhelp.com so you can see for yourself the number of people that are looking at revising from RNY to either DS or ERNY because of weight gain or pouch issues. I won't try to convince you that the sleeve is your best option because you have to make the choice that is best for you, but I challenge you to really think about the fact that with RNY you get only 2 years of malabsorption of calories/fats then after that time period, the intestines adjust and start absorbing everything you eat calorie/fat/carb wise and you get a lifetime of vitamin/nutrient malabsorption. Plus a pouch can and does stretch, our stomach stretching is so minimal and we get to keep our pyloric valve which is a big plus. . . Also, no medication or food restriction for VSG. So, with VSG, you get a non-stretching stomach, no malabsorption, can take all meds, no food restrictions, and you get to keep your pyloric valve (I know I said that twice, but it's really important LOL). . . I had a pouch with my band, and it sucked. My body hated it, it wasn't natural, and nothing feels as good as being able to eat all foods without issue. I know I'm biased, but it's hard to argue that I might have made the wrong decision with VSG when I stare my size 0 Gap jeans ! ! !

I've been on Depo for 10 years. I never have a time of the month and I have been both thin and fat on it. I don't feel that it causes weight gain and I have been happy with it.

The depo definitely is not a good choice since we struggle with weight issues I used it for only 3 months and I went with out my period 4 years and weight gain got out of control and anxiety it was a really bad time and also my obgyn told me it wasnt the best choice for me but I had a stillbirth and I was traumatized and refused to get pregnat and it has been almost 8 years since and after that I struggled with my weight and now I am on microgestin and had no side effects and my weight was the same for almost a whole year make sure you ask obgyn whats the best choice

Have you said anything about this to your surgeon? I would not have let him talk to me this way. There is no difference in your weight gain before surgery and most surgeons don't even ask for a pre-surgery diet. I would look for a new surgeon if that is possible in your area. It's not like you are having Liposuction...you are having a surgery that is supposed to help you with this problem as it is! I would telk to your surgeon before yo do anything rash with your eating habits. If you don't have enough strength to get through the surgery because of your diet before the surgery then that could hurt you more than help. I would ask another doc in your area about this before I went through with it. There is no doubt you could lose 6 pounds in one week. But doing that is not healthy!! Please take care of yourself and don't put your surgery in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing!! Kim

By Sally Wadyka You walk by your colleague's desk and there's that candy bowl, singing its siren song, You know better, but you just can't resist. Little detours like these can derail the best eating intentions, and the disparity between what Americans want to do and what we actually do is enormous: While 85% percent say that diet and nutrition are important to them, a 2002 report reveals that only 11 percent get the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables (sorry gummy bears don't count.) So whether you're an all-day nibbler or a Breakfast skipper, try these expert strategies to transform the way you eat. "My greatest delight is to take a good bite" - Dylan Thomas, "the Song of the Mischievous Dog" How to eat healthier if… You’re a serious snacker The fallout: You may end up overeating. A healthy snack or two between meals is fine. They can keep blood sugar steady as well as allow you to rack up more servings of fruits and vegetables. “It’s when you snack in place of eating meals that you’re more likely to lose track of how much you’re eating.” Says Tara Gidus, R.D., an Orlando, Florida – based spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Of course, what you eat matters, too. Typical snack foods (chips, Cookies, pretzels) aren’t that nutritious or satisfying, so it’s easy to overdo them. The Fix: To keep your energy up and hunger at bay, allow yourself two Snacks a day of 100 to 300 calories each. “Rather than a cookie or a candy bar, opt for something that feels like real food—half of a small sandwich, whole-grain crackers with cheese, a handful of nuts, baby carrots with hummus, or yogurt sprinkled with Cereal,” says Gidus. You’re a speed-eater The Fallout: Gulping fod may set you up for stomach troubles (PR: or a spasm of PBing) “you take in excess air, which can lead to bloating.” Says Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh medical Center. You also might not be chewing well. Saliva begins to break food down, and too little time in the mouth leaves more work for the rest of the digestive track. This may contribute to indigestion, says Ellie Krieger, R.D. host of the Food Network’s healthy Appetite. Finally, speed eating doesn’t give the brain time to catch up to the stomach; it needs atleast 20 minutes to get the message that your stomach is full. A recent study found that women who ate a meal in 30 minutes ate 10% fewer calories compared with those who wolfed one down in barely 10. The Fix: Try to slow down. Avoid finger foods, and instead choose items you have to put on a plate and eat with utensils, such as stir fries and salads. Pause often, and drink Water throughout meals.( PR: in the case of our fellow bandsters do not drink 30 minutes before or after your meal) You eat your way out of a bad mood The Fallout: It may be soothing in the moment, but feeding your fears and frustrations, instead of confronting them, can lead to a cycle of more bad moods as well as steady weight gain. Many people turn to carbohydrates, in particular, which produce tryptophan, a type of amino acid that is used by the brain to manufacture serotonin. When the brain makes more serotonin, your mood improves, but only temporarily, says Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., a coauthor of The Serotonin Power Diet (Rodale Books). The Fix: Stop to think about what’s bothering you before reflectively opening the cupboard. Then try a nonfood mood booster, such as taking a walk, seeing a movie, or calling a friend. If nothing but carbs will do, get the serotonin boost without triggering a binge, says Gidus. Opt for a whole-grain treat so atleast you get more Fiber and less sugar. Healthy rehabilitation ideas: “We started stocking some of the jars in our office with organic fruit instead of candy. So now I grab a plum, an orange…” “Every Sunday night I boil eggs. I eat one every day for breakfast during the week. I can eat it on the go, and it’s a good way to get some protein…” “Whenever I have party leftovers, I send them home with the guests so I can’t binge..”

You will have some hoops to jump through, as most of us did. There will be medical tests, insurance documentation, psych eval and othere challenges, but the biggest one will be the pre-op diet. Some of these run 2 weeks, others up to 6 months. The two week pre-op diet is usually an all liquid diet, though some are allowed one sparse meal of real food per day, depending on doctor's orders. The object of the pre-op diet is to shrink you liver so the doctor can get at your stomach without nicking it. It's tough, but not impossible. Most of us had the same doubts, but got through it. The first few days are the worst, then it smoothes out. We all faced challenges during our pre-op diets like birthday parties, holiday feasts, etc, but if you make it through (and you will) you will have demonstrated that level of commitment. After surgery, you can look forward to about 6 weeks of liquids, then mushies, then real food. Here's the neat thing though.....you probably won't be hungry, and you will find that many of the things that led to your weight gain over the years you won't be so attracted to. Couple that with the fact that initially your stomach will only hold about 3 ounces, you will feel full very quickly when you eat. Good luck, and I assure you that you won't regret this decision. We're all here pulling for you. Use this site as a support resource and post whenever you have question.

Well yes to gain a pound you still need to consume 3500 extra calories. I guess also though that any weight "gain" that we have has to be related to water. I can eat 200 more calories than normal and gain 1.5 pounds! It is frustrating but I guess I keep my carbs low and my excess water is nil at this point. So water fluctuations it is!!

Do you know... my husband who has always been pretty normal weight gained 15 lbs the first year I was banded. He was complaining about it...and I told him its because I was still cooking normal and he was eating his plus what I couldnt finish! He started to realize there was truth in that and stopped and lost his weight. It just goes to show you what eating too much of even healthy food can do....

The feeling of having energy is more than your basal metabolic rate. I would venture to say as long as thyroid hormone is in normal range, low energy would not be a definite symptom your diet. This is assuming your BMR has slowed. After wls a lot of metabolic imbalances are corrected. Obesity goes hand and hand with inflammation, depression and insulin resistance. Wls and/or weight loss has been shown to improve these issues, so an increase in energy level and overall quality of life is expected. Remember also that if you stress your body too much you may get a burst of energy. In the short term stress can increase energy as a survival mechanism, but chronically this takes a toll. If you are eating very little, weight loss can slow down a lot. If you are exercising too much, weight loss can slow down. Sometimes you need to let your body recover to see the weight loss. If you are almost manic in energy you may having an acute physical stress response and that can stop weight loss. Think cortisol weight gain along with adrenaline energy. At 6 weeks after RNY I was at 252. I was 282 before pre op diet, and around 276 at the time of surgery. My doctors were fine with my loss, but it definitely has slowed down. The expectation was I loose about 15-20 in the first month and 10 pounds every month after. Also, watch portions and track your foods. I have to weight things to get accurate measurements. Alternate hard exercise days with easier days or rest days. Exercise works best when you allow recovery. Getting your diet right is the most important, but if you get too much physical activity on too little calories, it can really slow you down. You are still pretty early on, so your body might still be struggling to find a balance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Zoe, I'm sorry to hear about your back trouble. I really hope that the steroids help you asap so that you can feel better and not have to worry about those things causing any weight gain. I'm struggling a little also with weight gain, but mine seems to be attributed to lack of finding the oh so ever sweet fill spot A little background... I have the Swedish band that holds 10-11cc's, so it's the larger band... I flew back to Monterrey for my first fill. I was filled to 5.0cc's (no significant restriction felt) A month after that, I had my second fill with Dr. Houston. He filled me to 6.4cc's. (perfect restriction, a little too tight at first, but I hung in there and it loosened up) On February 19, I was in Monterrey with a couple of ladies who were getting lapband surgery, and Dr. Rodriguez said that he would give me a fill if I wanted/needed one. Since I was already planning on getting another fill soon, I took him up on his offer. (No restriction at all after this fill, as a matter of fact, I felt wide open again) A week ago Friday I went back to Dr. Houston for another fill. (Still no restriction) He said that I only had 4.5cc's in my band. I knew that my restriction had disappeared, not sure what happened in Mexico. Dr. Houston filled me to 6.2cc's using flouro. He said that he didn't want to go any tighter than that based on what he saw on the screen. Last Friday I went in to Dr. Houston for yet another fill, this time he filled me to 7.8cc's! I thought for sure this would do the trick, but to no avail, I still have very little restriction. I'm kind of giving up (for now) on fills....I'm going to see how I do over the next 4 weeks. I keep gaining a couple pounds, then putting myself on a stricter diet and it taking a couple weeks for me to lose those two pounds. Hopefully I will reach that "sweet spot" again with my fill level and start the losing ways again. For now, I'm just kind of frustrated, but have worked too hard to start gaining weight again so I'm going to be extra careful about what I eat and start moving (ugh) a little more. At least the weather is starting to get nicer, maybe I'll be more enthusiastic about riding my bike again. Hang in there! Hopefully you can discontinue the steroids soon~

This is INFURIATING to me! The first endocrinologist I was referred to in my new insurance network upon moving to OR last year told me that "if I can't lose the weight on my own, surgery won't help." This is a man who deals with obese people with diabetes all day long...and he knows damn well that insulin and other drugs make it even harder to lose weight. For him to tell me that my problems are because of will power makes me sick. When I was a fat four year old, what was the problem then? What was my personality flaw then, Mr Biased!?? Then, then! I go for my annual pap and the guy wants to give me a hysterectomy because I have a soggy uterus from adenomyosis - no pain, nothing, he just wants to cut but is worried about how fat I am. He tells me I'm so obese that I have to worry about cancer at this point. I mention having the bypass and he literally guffawed. He said that "there's no such thing as magic." I wanted to punch him in the face. Did I say it was magic? No. Did I say I wasn't willing to remove my uterus on his nine second whim even though the last time I saw him, he said he wouldn't do any testing on me to insure a HPV stage 1 cancer scare hadn't reared its ugly head again after a lot of weight gain in a recent pregnancy? - - he said even though the LEEP procedure I had to get rid of it was 10 years ago, I'd be "silly" to think I'd actually be the 1 in 15 million who would test positive again (even though his statistic was for over a five year period). AAARGH. You know, there was a time in this country where doctors deserved to be revered - or heck, maybe we were all just blind sheep without the power of the internet and they never deserved it - but I tell you what. You sound like you care WAAAAAY too much about what this doctor thinks. The only people you should be discussing weight loss surgery options with is a weight loss center of excellence staff member and/or surgeon. If you want positive encouragement (or honest feedback), go to a support group. But to allow people who don't support your endeavor to get healthy rock your confidence to the point of seeking advice on a website for it....? This doctor needs to be cut from your life. She had the nurse call? Are you sure you have a great relationship? We cannot have it both ways. We cannot change without changing everything, including the people we surround ourselves with who can't support us (and who are usually in relationships with us because we're obese to some degree because it makes them feel better about their own insecurities), and then be surprised or concerned and get upset when these people who keep us - fat, self doubting, depressed, confused - reveal their biases. When I found another endo, by the way, she said gastric bypass is the closest thing in the world to a cure for diabetes and that she was utterly floored by the PA who spoke to me so unprofessionally. She was so angry, she is taking action in her own office and is going to be a stronger advocate for her patients on this issue. Progress somewhere is better than haters who have no specialization or true knowledge of the surgery/process/outcomes/etc. I don't mean to sound insensitive to YOU or cynical, but I have just HAD it, especially with male doctors, who feel it's their right to put me down no matter what I do.

did you check your hormone levels. you may have estogen dominance. too much estrogen makes you store fat. even if you eat tiny amounts. check your thyroid and glucose. work up your cholesterol. if you have metabolic syndrome you may have insuline resistance. all these factors contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. i reccommend also keeping a food diary. i hate that . but it does keep you on track. i lost 85 lbs in a 14months. i work out and eat well. but i had to get some help when i wasnt losing anymore,. so now i take progesterone and metaformin. i think it is working so far. also i work out even more. i hate that too. sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. that totally sucks. maybe your port leaks and your not staying filled. i dont understand why you are not shrinking. i hope you get the right help and let us know what happens. keep strong.

Whether you’re young in age or young-at-heart, there are a few key steps you can take to keep your metabolism motor humming so you are blasting away calories at the highest rate possible. As you age, your metabolism slows down. Older people also tend to have less muscle mass than younger people, which also reduces metabolic rate. This is why we encourage older patients to add light weight-bearing exercise to their fitness routines. So how do you keep that furnace burning in order to burn calories, even if you’re already achieved your goal weight? There are many simple tools to accomplish this task. I’ve outlined my favorites below: Exercise This weapon is key to maintaining and increasing metabolism. Seniors, take note−The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 65 and older get 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week and perform weight-bearing exercises on all the body’s major muscle groups at least twice a week. At any age, indoctrinate a 30-minute daily work-out, just like brushing your teeth and eating lunch, into your daily routine. Sleep To increase the chances of boosting metabolism, adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting too little shut-eye can significantly alter your body’s processes enough to predispose you to gain weight. (Do you ever feel hungry for no reason when you’re exhausted and then reach for the wrong foods to boot?) De-Stress When you’re tense, your body releases cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal system that is linked to weight gain. It can also significantly weaken your immune system and open the door to acute and chronic illnesses. Turn to regular physical activity, deep breathing, a quiet evening stroll, or professional help from a psychologist or counselor if you are experiencing chronic stress. Eat and Drink (First and foremost, follow your bariatric practice's instructions on post-op nutrition.) Eating the right foods−clean proteins, fruits and vegetables−fuels your metabolism firing on all cylinders. As soon as you awaken, charge-up those calorie burners by feeding them a protein and a fruit (think omelette with feta cheese, spinach and veggies and a cup of berries). Eat small meals throughout the day but stop by around 7 p.m. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining good health. Keep a glass or refillable water bottle with you throughout the day. You are properly hydrated if your urine is nearly clear. Other than choosing the right foods to eat and finding spiritual solace in your life, these tools serve as a roadmap to good health, including maintaining a healthy weight. Best of all, once you’ve adopted these tips, you will look and feel better--sooner than you think.

Harley - youre completely amazing. You look great. I was a 36DD before this weight gain - went to a 38F and I am now on the way back down. Hoping to look as good as you when I am done. Please post more photos once you believe you are at your final size.

I know several people with PCOS personally, although I don't have it myself. It seems that PCOS, insulin resistance and being significantly overweight all go hand-in-hand in every case. What I am not sure about is which came first, the chicken or the egg. Does being overweight lead to insulin resistance and PCOS in people that are predisposed to developing it? Or is PCOS the primary issue and weight gain and insulin resistance are side effects? In my friends that do have it, they can go on extreme diets, exercise an incredible amount and only have a very small impact on weight. It is almost as if traditional weight loss methods are minimally effective when PCOS is an issue. Does that also seem to be the case for those of you who have it?