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I'm with you. There are many that stay to a very very low carb diet, for me it would I feel backfire for me and trigger weight gain in the future. My system would be shocked and gain weight out of shock. Moderation for me and where the carbs are coming from is key. But to write them off as the Anti-Christ would backfire for me... As far as weight loss I am losing great but the no or almost non existent carb people are 20% faster at losing. I say we are still in the honeymoon phase so I am looking for longevity... Maybe I'm right, maybe im wrong, just my 2 cents....

Well, it's not that I didn't suspect my slow weight loss was attributed to the double grande iced mochas (with half and half). It was that I hadn't realized how they had actually set me on the doorstep of obesity, and now kept me from leaving. I never had a weight loss problem as a child or an adolescent. My mothers family tends to get chunky between 30-55, then get small. My fathers family are all beanpoles. After all three of my children were born, I was a decent size - about 150-160. I had successfully managed to get smaller, and had a few gains and losses, bumping me between 140-170. THEN, my coffee habit began. It was slow initially, no appreciable weight gain, a mochoa now and then. Then mochas became daily, but that wasn't overnight either. I've tried and tried to pinpoint what it was that caused me to gain. There were many other things that could have allowed me to gain, and that stopped me from maintaining that range that I had always stayed in, and then of course the decreased activity. But, after the lap band, I realized the one factor that was causing my weight loss to stagnate, appeared to be coffee, which might be the factor that caused me to gain so much weight slowly over so much time (my family could never understand why I kept gaining weight - I really didn't eat oversize portions, tons of junk food or lots of candy). After the Band was eating practically NOTHING, and yet NOT losing weight. Because I had paid such close attention to my weight, because I was so certain that the food I was actually ingesting could NOT be doing this - I realized what was - my RESTARTED coffee habit (the stagnation happened right around the time I started having my mocha once or twice a day (again). It caused me to realize how eating normally, and having that extra coffee or two a day had affected my body. It was a slow and steady gain - a lb or two a month but 12 months a year, over almost a decade has taken it's toll. I will never be able to have that mocha again every day - and I've realized that. I just can't do it. So every morning I drink drip coffee with coffeemate creamer, and the lbs are starting to come off. Every once in a while I treat myself - but not like before. I've learned to deny myself when I feel a craving. I can't allow it to hurt me any more. And, when I consider the cost - (I paid for my surgery) as well as the actual cost of the coffee - I realize - I just can't afford it. I usually depeleted the cash in my purse every other day (I was always trying to find a dollar or two for my daily coffee) - now, I can go all week and never spend that 10 bucks that's in my wallet. I indulge myself with sugar free candies (I am always carefell never to over-indulge as it has such negative gastric side effects -diahhrea). I hope this helps someone.

I don't think you will be 'successful' until you get to green zone. That's when the band is working at it's full potential. You've come too far to stop trying now, get back in the saddle now and get a fill asap, before the holidays get here. IMO you putting off a very needed fill, will lead to more weight gain and more regret, which it sounds like you don't need any more of at the moment. But, why would you say you're so hungry and say you're not at green, and say you're not happy with the rate of weight loss you've had and then say you don't want a fill until after Christmas??? Are you just giving yourself some "room" to eat more and eat things that you want that are not as easily eaten with more restriction? I think you need to see your surgeon and let him know how you're feeling. No one wants to see you down on your band and not succeeding. But you really should ask yourself what your motives are cause I'm just puzzled why you wouldn't want a fill now asap. Best wishes.

I'm confused as to why your surgeon would lecture you. Some bariatric doctors are just downright mean... Hate that! You may want to try liquids for a couple of days and "restart" so to speak. I would not worry about the weight gain. That's to be expected with your unfills and stuck episode. Log your food, try to stick to low salt, natural foods, and keep up the exercise. Things will go back to normal soon. You're doing great!

I'm 4 weeks post op today. Yesterday was the first day I was able to get in the recommended intake of 600 to 800 calories. I was pretty excited. That was until I got on the scale this morning. I've gained 4 pounds. . Since starting this whole process, all I've heard from acquaintances is that I either won't loose, or I'll gain it all back. I WANT TO CRY!!!!Please tell me I'm freaking out for no reason.

My weight gain and loss has been a roller coaster since Surgery. I have learned to accept the changes in my body and to just keep pushing forward and ignore it. I am 11 months out and have lost a total of 94 pounds. It WILL happen for you too. Just be patient with your body and don't freak out when you notice a gain, eventually you start loosing again.

Hi everyone, I'm new here! I'm also newly sleeved (8/10/2017) and reading a lot about everyone's experiences and questions/answers has helped me so much already! My story is a long one but I'll make it short and sweet! As a child, I had a lot of trouble losing weight. Eventually my mother took me to see a pediatric endocrinologist who diagnosed me with PCOS which has been the bane of my existence. This contributed to weight gain for the next several years. I wanted to try all other alternatives before this and found a great endocrinologist to work with a few years later. I was very successful using non-insulin Victoza (liraglutide). It's a once daily injection in your belly. I lost about 50 pounds and was so happy, until the insurance companies came in and essentially ruined my life. 🤷🏼‍♀️ So naturally over the next few years I gained it all back - and then some. Fast forward to September 2016, my wonderful boyfriend gets sleeved. I commit myself to taking care of him and supporting him in his journey. May 2017 I start to get my ducks in a row for surgery. I held off for so long fighting with my insurance to pay for it, but it never happens (that's a whole different ordeal). I proceeded as a hybrid/self pay. Which is basically getting the insurance company to pay for them to go in and do a liver biopsy (I had a slightly enlarged liver) and I picked up the tab for the cost of the procedure. I am now 1 week post op and even though I have mixed emotions right now, I don't have any regrets. Thanks for taking the time to read my little story and I'd be glad to answer any questions! HW - 315 SW - 293 CW - 276 GW - 180

I just thought I would share some of my story for those of you who are struggling with getting to the green zone as I am. I was banded in July. I lost 15 lbs in 14 days on the pre op diet. My first fill was 2 CC and I was primed with 1CC during my procedure. I had 5 fills in between then and now. I only lost another 15 and gained 5 back even though I felt like I was eating way less. I realized i had been misleading my Dr., unintentionally. I had been telling them what I was eating. Not what I was capable of eating. When I was discouraged, my portions became larger as I started to give up and not watch what I was putting in my mouth. Had I been more forthcoming with what I was able to eat, he most likely would have been giving me larger fills. I was also discouraged right after a fill. The first week I would be tight and feeling like I was in the green zone and by week 2 I could eat almost anything again. I was embarrassed that I had gained those 5 lbs back and finally worked up the courage to make another fill appointment and get back on track. I went to my fill appointment and waited until my dr came in, fully expecting to be scolded or frowned upon for my weight gain. I explained to him everything that I was experiencing and he gave me a larger fill of .75 CC. I believe my band has just over 5CC now. He also wrote me a prescription for a new drug called contrave. At first I was resistant to try it. I just had weight loss surgery and now it's back to the pills that have never worked for me in the past? He told me it was only temporary and it was a way to jump start my weight loss as the scale was moving in the wrong direction. I agreed. Filled the prescription and waited two days before I started taking it. I read some reviews online and found very few positive ones. I decided to give it a shot anyway despite the negative side effects I read about online. Turns out, it is working for me. I have lost 9 lbs in a very short period of time and the scale is moving in the right direction again. I have my motivation back, however I am experiencing some side effects but very mild and they have lessoned as time went on. So the moral of this story is.. Communicate with your surgeon and be extremely honest. And DON'T give up

I have my second pre-op appointment next week, and will be having surgery on the 22 of June. I guess I should confess my history with being overweight. I tried weight watchers for the first time when I was eight years old, and have been trying every diet known to man since. My mother has gastric bypass a few years ago and is now thin for the first time in her life. My mother and I decide, after a 30 pound weight gain after my first year at college, that I should go ahead and do something that we know works. I am so excited about lap-band, because I am so young (only 19) I was concerned about the side effects of gastric, but this seems like a much better alternative. My only concern with the band is it failing, like all of these other diets I have tried have, but I am trying to have faith.

All of this. I have a HUGE tote of heels I wore just 8-9 years ago when I was 140lbs. Soon...soon... I hate my body much less now than I did back then; something that started all the weight gain. I look back at those pics and I'm like WTF WAS WRONG WITH YOU. Fat at 140lbs?! Way to go, me. lol. I can't wait for my appearance to match my give no effs attitude that I've developed. First thing I do when I hit a size 12 is drop serious $$$ at Express and White House Black Market. And everywhere. Everywherreeeeee. hahaha.

Maybe you should step away from the scale for a few days, Elizabeth. Sometimes weight can fluctuate so much from one day to the next for a number of reasons. It could be a weight gain due to hormones or you could be retaining water. Are you close to that time of the month? Does the stew have a high amount of salt in it? Just be patient. That band is not going anywhere, but the weight will! Just concentrate on following all of your doctors orders. This time is about healing and learning all of the new, healthy eating habits that you will carry with you on your journey. If you have a local Lap-Band support group, try attending the next meeting. Maybe someone there has experienced the same thing and can help ease your mind. Whatever you do, don't get discouraged. You're doing great!

Just curious to know if anyone continued to use birth control pills after their surgery and how effective was it? I am seeing mix reviews with weight gain & weight loss however I tried to get the IUD 2 days ago & it was no success(no kids so extremely painful) I am not concerned about the kids part I just have bad uterine polyps that occur so birth control helps but as stated before I’ve read that the pills may not be that effective... just wondering about birth control options anyone may have found.

Hi everyone, I have been struggling with weight gain weight loss for the past six years. My highest was 230 and was able to loose about 20 lbs with diet and exercise but then the weight loss stopped despite of changing the entire diet and exercise. Currently I am 210 pounds, 5 3". There are multiple factors that have caused this of course... Eating habits and exercise habits but also I was diagnosed with resistance to insulin and at some point was told I had hypothyroidism. Over the years as I have struggled to lose weight while trying everything possible, I was told my thyroid was back to "normal". However I still cannot seem to lose weight... Several of my friends have had very successful Sleeve stories and I have been thinking about the surgery for the past two or three years. I already spoke to a surgeon but I am still feeling pretty nervous about this as it is a lifestyle change and commitment. A friend told me about this forum, so I was wondering if you guys could help me out and tell me what your success has been and if you have any regrets to your decision? Please don't sugarcoat it Thanks in advance to everyone and good luck on your progress!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anyone had the sleeve and getting a revision due to having no restriction and weight gain? I was Sleeved April 2015 and only lost 60lbs. I’m scheduled for revision on Sept. 4th. I lost my restriction with my sleeve 6 months out and could eat regularly. I don’t have GERD issues. I’m nervous for my bypass because I keep seeing soooo many stories of people not losing enough weight or really slow. My highest weight with the sleeve was 330 in 2015. I’m currently 320. Anyone loss 100+ lbs after revision?

I think this thread was asking how us Vets continue to be sucessful. I am happy I am not pre sleeve or even in my first 6 months of being sleeved, so I know I will not get in trouble weighing myself or drive my self nuts. Smile!!!! I like to see what is happening to my body before there are any changes in the mirror or a change in the way my clothes fit. For me if I waited that long, that would be a 10lbs or more weight gain. The scale is on the top of my list, because being a woman, my weight fluctuates through out the month. It helps me to know what is going on with my body. I also have a husband and kids that do not eat the same way that I do. Sometimes, Mr Sweetpee brings home some really wonderful delectable food for the entire family. I even cook our favorite meals on special occasions which can cause weight gain. And for me, and being a woman, weight is so much harder to get off. So when I notice I have gained 2lbs, or 5lbs, I know I better do something about it quickly, (work harder at the gym) and this is where weighing myself everyday comes in. I do not eat the right portion sizes and the right foods 100 percent of the times. I have to be balanced or I would drive my family crazy. Let me explain: 90 percent of the time, all I eat are vegetables, fruits, nuts, and Beans. I eat organic! I am extremely particular about what I eat. I could go on and on about my obsession with organic and Non GMO, and so on. I drive 1 hour just to get soy free organic eggs every week. However, then there are other times I like to have a hamburger and french fries and enjoy a fast food meal while on a road trip with my family. But in the back of my mind, I am thinking that the hormone injected beef and the chemical pesticide lettuce and tomatoes, and the heart stoping oil soaked salty fries are going to kill me. Then I say - "Oh Well, it's been a whole year since I ate a burger!" I eat it and enjoy it!!!., And yes I do enjoy it!!!! I enjoy it a lot , because those are very rare occasions that I will allow my self to do it. Also the holiday food. (Thanksgiving and Christmas) Those are once a year times where I have a party in my mouth, but I am a vet, and I know how to enjoy those occasions, then get right back on track. I weight my self and say, OMG, 3lbs, did I really eat that much! I am a vet, so I know how to enjoy those things and get back on track. What helps me quickly force myself to do what I am suppose to do? My scale: I love my scale! Also after plastic surgery, I could not exercise the way I wanted to. Most of the time I could not exercise at all. I had to take it very slow, and very easy. It has been so hard getting back into physical shape post surgery. Since I could not exercise regularly, I had to stay on the scale, eat right, and monitor myself even closer so as not to gain weight. This has also been a cold winter and I admit, there has been some lazy none exercise days, when I curl up under the covers and watch TV. The scale has helped me through those times after surgery to maintain my weight. My scale motivates me in a positive way. I no longer see 270lbs on my scale. Today my scale told me I weigh 136lbs. I am still smiling about that!!! It is my tool that I use to gauge myself. My scale: I love my scale! Happy Happy Happy Vet! Sweetpee

diet update- was going very well until I had to take a strong anti-inflammatory because of my jaw operation - water retention, rapid weight gain and constipation - up about 6 pounds! prescription ends in 3 and 1/2 days and will see if weight goes back down.

Count me as another roller coaster victim! I'd always been heavy, but after meeting my (now) husband, I put on another 40 lbs of "happy fat". We went to Cedar Point to ride roller coasters shortly after my weight gain, and walked up to the latest roller coaster. There was an operator at the entrance who stopped me and said, in a loud voice, "Miss, why don't you sit down on this sample chair to see if you'll fit." I was mortified by his comment and the large crowd listening, so I made up a quick lie, saying that I'd already been on the ride and fit just fine. He gave me a doubtful look and let me proceed. In my mind, it hadn't occurred to me that at 250 lbs I might not fit. After waiting in line for 2 hours, we were almost ready to be seated. The operator was loading a car with people, and I noticed him starting to argue with a man who was just a little too big to wear the seat belt. I looked at the man, then looked at myself and realized that I was about the same size as him. Surrounded by hundreds of people waiting, and with nowhere else to go but climb in the next car, I nearly panicked. When it was our turn to load, I pulled on the belt with all my might and barely managed to fasten it. The operator came over to check and I could tell he was about to argue that there wasn't enough slack on the belt, but I gave him a desperate look and he just passed by. Thank goodness. Nevertheless, it ruined the rest of the day, and I haven't been to a theme park since, to my husband's dismay. A positive thing that's come out of this long pre-approval process is, for the first time, I'm starting to tell my husband about a lifetime full of these embarrassing and anxious incidents. He's always been thin, so he hadn't realized what a terrible head-game it is to be obese. He's more thankful now than ever that the band might be a way to end it all.

I am wondering if my fill level is where it needs to stay. I have not had a fill in over a year, but I have gained weight. The reason for the weight gain is that I have found foods that I can get down easily and eat a lot of. I have had my band for over two years. My current fill level does restrict me from overeating most foods and I still throw up if I do overeat a lot of foods. So, I am wondering if my level is okay. I do know that I have to stop eating those foods that I can eat so easily that are so bad (candy, sweets, pasta).

Welcome! I encourage you to go to the Forum Jump at the bottom of the site and see all of the topics. I spent days reading doctors and hospitals and insurance issues. You can read my insurance woes in the Blue Cross thread. I weight 361 at this moment. Last week I was up to 372 having spent a week in bed from an ankle sprain. I fall so easily these days. I have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure which is controlled by medication. I also have diverticulitis and sleep apnea. I am on 8 medications and use a CPAP machine for the apnea. My insurance denied my surgery despite the all clear from all the other doctors. I have an "exclusion" that specifically does not cover anything related to weight loss or weight gain. Do as much research as possible. Make phone calls to these doctors and ask questions. do what you feel is the right thing for you. Most of us have been BURNED by the arch angel of weight loss who lives on the air at midnight in the form of infomercials or in print ads with promises of "tighter abs" (and a glowing white smile and hot looking partner to go with it). Do what is right for you.

Are u certain the weight gain was the reason for the denial? Did they specifically tell her that? If they didn't give a specific reason, I would call immediately to understand why they denied. There can be so many hoops to jump thru, it may not be the weight gain. Was she doing the doctor supervised diet requirement? Another thing, does ur daughter have a BMI over 40? I thought with a BMI over 40, it's usually the comorbidities (like apnea, diabetes, etc) that would allow an approval, not so much a weight gain. Hell, that's the whole reason we're trying to get these surgeries, for goodness sakes! I know u said her surgeon is going to submit an appeal but I would certainly also be on the phone with Aetna to understand exactly why I was denied and what criteria I need to do to get approved. And how often can she submit to be approved for this surgery, if they end up denying the appeal? This can't be the end of it forever. Push on. Make them tell u how to get this approval! I'm sorry she has to go thru this and I wish u guys all the luck. I hope Aetna relents and gives the damn approval!!

HI! I had my band removed in September of this year after 3 years, but not for erosion. I'm sorry yours has eroded. It's good they found it early (or at least before you started having ugly symptoms). I chose to not have any more weight loss surgery. My insurance covered the removal as it was medically necessary. It also paid to have it implanted. Your idea of continuing to eat as though banded is good, in my opinion. It is what has helped me. I continue to lose weight or hold. At first I lost 8 pounds pretty quickly. Now it is slow and I sometimes stall for a while before it drops again. I want to lose at least 40 more pounds. Having your band removed is not an automatic sentence of weight gain! Not at all!!! Keep your goal as your top priority, no matter what. I feel so much better without the band because my body was rejecting it; so it helps me to feel how wonderful I feel being at a lighter weight and continuing on from here. I eat mostly protein and vegetables. I'm finding recipes from www.health-bent.com are helpful. My surgeon suggests a modified Mediterranean diet and also promotes the cook book found on health-bent called, Primal Cravings. I also take a high quality probiotic from Metagenics called, Acute Care. Banded or not, keep heading in the direction of your goal! I feel very fortunate to have found a surgeon who realized my band needed to come out. Your surgeon may have saved you a lot of pain and grief by getting to the problem before things got bad (as other people have described on this site). I had 3 years of discomfort, the last 2 quite miserable, before finding someone who could see clearly what needed to happen. I am so grateful. I'm glad you're being proactive about diet and thinking about how to proceed! ~hiddn~ There is another great site on Mediterranean food that I know about. Follow the link to check it up, and there are a number of great food recipes of all Mediterranean Cuisines.

They suspected Lupus and thyroid problems with me for years, but all the tests always came out fine. I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) in 2006. Stress brings it on full blown. My mom died toward the end of 2005 and it was so stressful for me. It caused the fibro to be full blown and I went to a new PCP. It didn't take him long to diagnose and I believe he has the correct diagnosis finally. It sure does explain all the symptoms I had for so many years. I think I've had fibro most of my life including childhood. He put me on cymbalta, Ultram, and a fab med for the fatigue ....... I'll have to think of the name of it and get back with you ........ It worked GREAT!!!! but then my husband's job changed and we no longer had insurance, so I had to stop the meds. Since then I have been able to control the fibro with stress reduction. I do still have to use some NSAIDS. I know they are contraindicated with the band, but I just take a double does of Jr. Strength liquid ibuprophen. I don't have to take it often because the stress reduction really works like a charm. I think that Rx for CFS is called Provagil. At the time it was new and very expensive. They may have a generic out now. The problem now is that with the band taking pills whole is bad and these can not be crushed. I don't take and Rx meds right now and only take vits. and things in liquid, sublingual, or chewable forms. I don't exercise. I'm not sure if the fibro & CFS can be part of the reason or not. I do find it much easier to be more active in general with all the excess weight gone. I know the FMS & CFS can be blamed for some of my excess weight gain over the years.

Well I'm 28 weeks now and am up to 135.5 lbs so getting close to 20lbs I've gained. I find I reach for Soups and yogurts and things that go down easily. I can eat an english muffin in the am with a HOT coffee and its fine. Anything really hot helps me get my foods down easily. If I try to take a few sips of Water that is cold I will throw that up. My OB thinks by 39 weeks when they plan to induce me I should be around the 145-150 mark so 35lb weight gain in total. I have a HUGE love affair with sweets that's def not helping me along with the weight gain....lol....Get's even worse when I'm breastfeeding...... Fritzy1980.......Do find you have restriction at all? Are there any foods you can't get down?

No who are banded. I am just curious what a normal weight gain should be with someone who has undergone the procedure. My OB would like for me to eventually get another slight defill but I think I have gained properly as of now....That's why I was asking Sorry I know I'm new to the board so I don't want to sound pushy just noticed a few people read my post so was curious if maybe people were hesitant to reply due to me being new here

Hi Ellen, Your goals and decisions our yours. I’m not going to say what you can or can’t do with your weight. You are not alone, Weight gains can bring you down. It’s easier to work off a 20-pound gain than a 40, 60, 80-pound gain. You may want to start with a five pound loss as a goal. Think of this as being healthy Vs being 170. No one can predict how much you can or can’t lose @GreenTealael mention joining a weight loss challenge.(click on her link) It’s a great place to start and get support. Best of luck to you.