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Hi JennMarie7979 I can understand your nervousness and sure there is much anticipation involved as you await the removal procedure I had my band removed 2 years and 1month ago. I sustained a number of band problems prior to having it removed due to the fact that the surgeon over filled the band and I also got ill causing me to be sick a lot. This then meant I had a band slippage and it caused me ongoing esophageal damage and damage to my pouch including a pronounced area of my abdomen and inability, eventually, to eat without severe pain. When I went into A&E, they had to call my surgeon who came the next day. It was actually supposed to be corrective surgery but he decided to take it out. This was really hard for me as I'm sure you are anticipating for yourself. I very much needed the band and was not finished losing weight! I am from the UK so fortunately NHS was able to cover it (even though I had the initial op through a private clinic) as if this had been left untreated I would have run the risk of my stomach dieing and internal infection. So monetary things will be different for you. After the procedure I was sore and was on liquids for about 8 days before moving to mushy foods, very small portions and eating regularly as you might when you had the band. Due to the soreness going back to the gym was not possible for about 6 weeks so I just went on really long walks each day, sometimes two or three hours a day so that weight gain would not happen to fast. Most of all i just want to reassure you that everything will be okay, and I hope you are able to get your health back after removal. It's a scary thought going without the crutch of the band to prop yourself up, and undoubtedly weight gain will happen over time (I think I've gained 25(ish) pounds since) but I've learned there is more to life than deprivation and being thin and in control. Try to do the things you enjoy, get outside and be in the company of others. It all helps, it's going to be okay. Best wishes and I hope all goes well, Bryony

Here's my story: I was right at 170 to 180 pounds back in 1995 a few years after my Army days. I had no problem with getting a Woman or a date for that matter. Then I met my children's Mom right after I had started to experience back problems. I had explained to her--how the military service had caused it. She insisted she was a bit phased. We soon was pregnant with child. My son was born in June of 1996. I went back to work without a problem mid 1995. within 3 years--I have major problems. I started to m7y weight go up to, due me always missing work for back pain. In July 1998 I had to have surgery. All of a sudden at the end of 1998 I was totally unappealing. I found out my thyroid was almost asleep. I started on thyroid meds. Soon I got the cold shoulder. During this time--a second child was born. Speeding up a bit--she walked out, complaining hot big and fat I had got--how I was just 1/2 a Man. I went through the up and down weight slide. Down to 250, back up to 300. Tried this diet and that diet. Nothing worked, When I kicked butt with a serious weight loss in 2003--My knee was gone. A full knee replacement, then a second neck surgery. Yes I am disabled, But I pride myself on bouncing back. Now I am 270 and holding. My ex-wife saw me in 2005 and claimed I was l0ooking good. No way I could go back. The mral of the story is, with all of my surgeries, weight gain, weight loss and medical issues. I can't blame my ex-wife. The best thing that came out of it--winning hild custody of my 2 sons--now soon to be and 11 years old. Now I am not even attempting to get a new wife nor girlfriend. I am totally focused on my weight loss--getting the "Lap Band"--even as the medicare policy has changed with the new cuts. I can't blame the ex because--Many years ago before my Marriage. I was really feeling good about this Woman I knew. We attempted dating--but she said --No, No, No. She was like a fit size 8 to 10. But all of sudden she started to gain weight. She had developed Hyperthyroidism--where you lose weight. So her Dr has to place her the meds to gain weight back. Since that is not a clear cut science--she went from that 1o to a large 20 as I would guess. I saw her--I was trying to get away from her. So would I expect someone to date me due to my weight loss and not date me now--again my answer is maybe. I know how folks feel since I have gone from skinny to fat and back.....

I saw the movie. All I took from it was that we shouldn't blame the big corps for gaining weight. no one is forced to say yes to super size. He also tried to discredit the bio Super Size Me. What I took from it: take responsibility for my own weight gain.

Here is my experience with RNY. First, I had my original gastric bypass in January 2005 at the age of 24 with a starting weight of 249 lbs. I did great with no real problems. I never had a goal weight but I got to my stable weight at about 6 months (157 lbs.). My weight stayed the same till January of 2009 after my divorce. I did gain back about 75% of the weight I loss. It is 100% my fault. I could eat anything prior to weight gain but after the divorce when my entire life changed dramatically I started to eat more often and much more carry out/fast food. The weight came back quickly but I was in denial. This past July I decided to look into a revision. I met with a different surgeon that was a revision specialist. My pouch had obviously stretch. On October 31 I had my revision with a starting weight of 217 lbs. I am now 33 and my recovery has been very slow and painful. I have only lost 10 pounds but I have lost inches. I am struggling with Protein intake. I am positive that I can do this again and commit 100% as my life is drastically different and I actively participate in therapy. So in my nine years here is what I know: #1 You gain regain your weight if you stop following the eating rules. The pouch will stretch. #2 Vitamin deficiencies are very real and you MUST take Vitamins for life. You must also take bariatric vitamins. I will note this part was not true in, research wise in 2005. I developed a deficiency because I was told pills like Centrum and Citracal were just fine. I know now the importance of bariatric geared vitamins. #3 Once I got t to about a two years post op I forgot I even had the surgery because my eating habits were just natural. I didn't think about it. #4 I became extremely fertile after bypass and hormonal birth control didn't work. Most people here are under 3 years out so I hope my story tells a more long term view. I am not a model patient. I admit I did not have to try very hard to lose my weight the first time. But on the other hand it didn't take much to regain it back. For me I went back to letting food be my emotional crunch and coping tool. Now that I have that under control I can be successful. I am 110% delighted I had my original surgery in 2005. Even though I am not having an easy time this go around I know that I am older now but I know what is down the road for me. This keeps me in check.

I am going to get banded on April 21st; however, the ENT put me on Prednisone for 10 days due to chronic sinus infection. Will I gain weight using the steroids for 10 days? Thanks,

Lucky duck! :mad: I still have mine pre-op guidelines in my email. I hope this helps! Pre-Operative Diet Guidelines Purposes of the Pre-Operative Diet: ? Reduction in body fat: reducing the amount of fat found in the abdomen and the liver can decrease your surgical risks. ? Preserving muscle tissue: increasing Protein intake helps the body burn fat instead of muscle for energy during a low calorie diet. ? Preparing the patient for the post-operative diet: the pre-op diet is similar to the diet you will follow after surgery in that it is low carbohydrate, high protein, and reduced calorie. Following the diet prior to surgery allows your body to adjust to lower intake levels. The pre-operative diet will begin two weeks prior to surgery, unless otherwise specified by your surgeon. Week One: (14 days prior to surgery) ? Drink two *protein shakes per day, and consume one *meal. ? Consume a minimum of 64 ounces of Water per day. ? You may supplement with sugar free Jell-O Gelatin, sugar free popsicles, and chicken, vegetable, or beef soup broth. Week Two: (7 days prior to surgery) ? Drink four *protein shakes per day. ? Consume a minimum of 64 ounces of water per day. ? You may supplement with sugar free Jell-O gelatin, sugar free popsicles, and chicken, vegetable, or beef soup broth. One day prior to surgery: ? Consume only Clear liquids. This may include water, chicken, vegetable, or beef soup broth, sugar free Jell-O gelatin, sugar free popsicles, unsweetened decaffeinated tea, and Powerade Zero. You should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. Recommendations: ? It is acceptable to begin supplementing with a daily Multivitamin prior to surgery. ? Resist the ?last supper syndrome.? Avoid consuming large quantities of food prior to surgery. This will only lead to dependence on higher calorie levels for satisfaction and possibly weight gain. ? If you are currently being treated with medications and/or insulin for diabetes, contact your primary care physician before beginning the pre-operative diet so that he/she can make the necessary adjustments to these medications. Pre-Op Diet: Protein shake Guidelines Per shake: 200 calories or less 15g protein or more

I have a friend who went in today for a fill and was told "lap band" was still the way to go. That after two years or so with the sleeve you would gain all your weight back. Comments please.

I have struggled with weight gain since about 1998. I was small during my high school years but after marriage I gained up to 180. After getting pregnant the 1st time I gained up to 214. Got down to 193 when I found out at 5 months after my first child I was pregnant with baby number 2. I have been struggling with dieting and been up and down with my weight. I decided after my body feels like a broken record that it was time to get my life back. So I started my journey in Oct of 2011 and did not make a consultation until march. Now I have started my pre op diet and I must admit its hard. My surgery is scheduled for the 28 of June. I am excited for the chance to have this opportunity but it is hard right now. I am needing all the support I can get.

I just had mine done and from the day I talked to my doctor I 100% knew this is what I had to do! I could lose weight on my own but never could maintain it for any large amount of time, me and my body were so sick of the yoyo weight gain and loss that I knew this would be the only way for me to maintain a healthy weight! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had Dr. Bertha and was banded Nov. 23. I first saw him a year and a half ago, but my insurance--which was CIGNA--denied the surgery. Then my husband's employer switched to BC/BS--Empire. I was 5'7" and 285 pounds, with high blood pressure and borderline diabetic. So I resubmitted this Nov. The only "evidence" I had of being on a weight loss program were my Weight Watchers meeting booklets from way back, logging my progress. My family doctor was very helpful with his letter, and mentioned "prescribing Weight Watchers, Atkins Diet, and Meridia, all with no success." While he did tell me to try Weight Watchers (didn't help much) and then a lowfat version of Atkins (I lost 50 pounds and gained it back) and prescribed Meridia, which I took for one day because it made me sick, the diets weren't really "medically supervised." But BC/BS did not request any medical records to substantiate this. They just accepted my doctor's letter that he had prescribed these things. I also had my father write a letter detailing our family history of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes and expressing his personal concern for my health. I read that someone else did something like this and figured a personal touch couldn't hurt. The BC/BS nurse called me less than an hour after Dr. Bertha's office faxed my request, and she said "It was a very easy decision to approve you" and was extremely nice. So I think you'll have good luck, particularly if you have a co-morbidity. Newband, hi! I agree the liquid phase was very hard to survive (my last day is today). I haven't "cheated" exactly, but I've had some liquids that have a tiny bit of soft solids in them. Maggi makes a good Hot & Sour Soup mix. It's 35 calories per cup and has tiny little bits of mushy mushroom and tofu. I heat it to boiling and stir in one egg (like egg drop soup). It is pretty satisfying. Also, for my Protein I put whey Pro Protein powder in a blender/smoothie maker with 1 cup milk and 1 cup crushed ice (and Splenda). It's thicker and more pleasant to eat and helps me get in extra Water. The ice crunching makes me feel like I'm "eating" instead of drinking. I also have a really good recipe for a fairly smooth tortilla soup if you're interested. I ate that for two days straight. I also pureed clam chowder. I ate a few Yoplait Whips, the pina colada flavor. (I tried sugarless yogurt but it was icky). I also went out with my family twice and ordered egg drop soup once and cream of potato soup another time. So far, I'm down 13 pounds, although I went up one pound last night, which must be water retention because I definitely didn't eat anything differently or consume enough calories to gain a pound. I think some of the initial two week weight loss comes from emptying our digestive system of foods, in particular carbs, which hold water. One cup of water weighs 2/3 pound. So I think when people start mushies and gain a little or don't lose weight at first, it's because of the increased food matter inside their bodies and not real weight gain. Anyway, good luck to you Sonia and nice to meet some fellow New Jerseyeans.

Thanks for your advice I attended my seminar on Saturday and I am going to my regular dr to korrow to fill in some of the gaps as to my weight gain. Hopefully it is smooth sailing from here

Just a quick warning about the board. There are MANY very sincere people here with great insight and experience. However, there are a few who seems to have a chicken little view of things. You really have to view things over time to be able to discern the difference, so be patient and try to get a good feel for those that really want to help and those that are looking for playmates to their pity party. Here is my opinion: The band works for some and not others. If your expectation is that the band is a tool as part of a larger solution, then you have a GREAT chance of success. However, if you are looking for a fix that will allow long term weight loss with no change of the emotional and psychological reasons for your weight gain, than your chance of success is MUCH lower. Also, be very sure that you have a decent basic health and fitness education. If you are not aware that eating a large Big Mac value meal (with an extra Big Mac just to be sure) is a bad thing, then you are not ready for the band. Keep in mind, even the band doesn't prohibit me from grazing all day on really bad things. For me, the band is the best tool for me to control my portion size and assist me in making better choices for the limited space I have.

I truly believe genetics play a role in obesity, also LIFESTYLE plays a huge role as well. Take for instance an Obese family -- They may never exercise, eat very high calorie foods daily, burger, fries, cakes, donuts, pizza, Pasta, fried foods, etc. -- I believe THIS type of obesity comes from eating the wrong foods and not exercising. Some people ARE TRULY naturally thin -- have high metabolisms, some people have medical conditions that make them naturally thin, I've known a few Type 1 diabetics, to be naturally thin, some people with chron's disease and have to frequent the bathroom, are thinner because more is leaving the body than staying in....so SOME people have illness that MAKE them thin....such as some people have illness that can cause weight gain. Some people will say some thin people eat what they want and never gain weight, but if you REALLY watch those thin people they do NOT eat that often, I have a niece that has always been thin and she eats junk all the time, HOWEVER, she barely eats food if you watch her carefully. She may eat a GOOD meal once or twice a week. But if you track most OBESE people and what they eat they are CONSTANTLY EATING, regardless if it is healthy food or junk. So I believe genetics has some play into obesity, but CALORIES IN AND CALORIES OUT, and what we eat -- and exercise plays a huge roles in obesity...

This foolish behavior deserves consequences. Maybe not as bad as a life threatening leak, but something...I suppose I can be happy knowing that if they are so silly as to push their program directly after surgery, despite the horrific medical consequences they could face, I should be at least happy knowing they weren't committed enough and they will likely be back in two years whining about their weight gains. Really, you ripped out most of your stomach and now you want to see if you can pop the dang thing because you feel you are immune to consequences. Smart...very smart! Edited to reflect a grumpy post in the middle of the night

Does anyone know if Cigna will deny you for net weight gain after the supervised visits with a dietician? I see a lot of threads on the topic of Aetna and weight gain, so I was just wondering.... Thanks.

The process for my surgery in Alabama will not take a long time so I am excitedly nervous. I just attended a college homecoming and I looked like I had eaten everything that everyone else lost. My surgery is the jumpstart to a brand new life. I have been defining myself by what I cannot do and I have a child who is watching me fail this test with obesity. I can't let that happen. I also have to remove the crutch I have used for all of my failures in life. My fear of success rest on my body image. I know it shouldn't but it does right now. I am in need of counseling. I am going to get it. My weight gain is a manifestation of something else and need to find out what. I don't want to go down this path again - EVER!!!!!

I don't know anyone who has done that, but I am also the only person I know who has a band! Just wanted to say that it's possible. But it's usually preventable. Unless there's a malfunction with the band, you can get it tighted and prevent weight gain. Just like when you are losing weight. That's the #1 reason I went with the band. jayme

I have never personally known anyone who has gained their weight back and I do know a few people with the band. But since the band is relatively new who knows. But, when you think about it logically I really think you would have to try to gain it back. I would think that if weight gain begins then you can just go and get a fill. But maybe they're something that I'm missing. On the other hand, if a person became an ice cream and milkshake addict and refused to give that up they'd gain back no question. Or if they drank Coke and didn't follow any rules. Hmmm, now you've got me thinkin'....

I think March is busiest month for lap band surgeons because people really start thinking about this surgery after the weight gain during the holidays and the New Year's Resolutions. By March, most testing and insurance companies have already given the ok and the surgery is done.

This is a big issue that I don't feel gets addressed enough before or after surgery. I really felt this alot and spoke to my doctor about this. I didnt try to hide what I was feeling, they are your feelings. I also started a journal that I write positive affirmations about my weight loss journey. If I feel like I am going down that dysmorphia rabbit hole I reach out and speak to someone about this. It really helps when speaking with someone that has had the surgery and the same challenges and understands the process emotionally that goes with this surgery. Its hard to explain stuff or get true feedback and support from someone that doesnt really understand this process in my opinion. One of my coworkers had the same surgery and when we first met we smiled at each other and said "sister". I know that sounds odd but we bounce stuff off each other whenever we work together. For example she reached out to me because she was having issues with her husband (who is very supportive of her, but just doesnt understand the process emotionally.) talking about her watching her carbs. He felt she was getting "overly obsessive" about it. She is 3 yrs post op and has been struggling with some weight gain. Her husband makes her lunch for work and the stuff he puts in there is just bad! lots of breads, pastas, etc. well you can imagine. she has been making her own and bringing more healthier choices and she has started to drop again. The thing is you can't be afraid of your feelings, and need to address them whether its finding a support group or connecting with someone that you feel comfortable talking to. I talk to my doctor (reg doc) and have come up with some approaches that work for me. For me the anxiety is what gets me and I am proud to say I have a good handle on that now and the dysmorphia is so much more under control if you will. One really important thing that also helped me was to be realistic in my vision of myself. I am not 18 years old and will never have that body again. Accepting my self now at the age I am at now (60) and really feeling comfortable with my body now is extremely important. Society does woman an injustice by attempting to dictate how we are supposed to look. I feel great, better than I have EVER felt and I feel more alive now that before my surgery. I embrace that. I am happy and healthier for my surgery and owe it to myself to love myself and enjoy the rest of my life feeling good. Don't be hard on yourself. I recommend getting a book of positive affirmations and reading one every day. It sounds corny but the more positive you put into things (its hard in this negative world we live) the more positive you will feel. Love and light.

This is the best time of year to get banded - you won't be gaining weight during the holiday season you will be losing -:clap2: Think of it that way in a more positive light instead of the negative - omg i can't eat - well - that's why you are getting the band cuz you over eat... You can have a taste of this or that the band isn't going to stop you - you can have a bite or 2 of cake - just not those hugh and more than one piece that you had before - you can have turkey - mashed potatoes - stuffing - gravey - pie etc - where does it say you can't - it's just you will be eating alot smaller portions and of course you should be making wise & healthy food choices - low fat, low sugar - this is about a lifestyle change You can learn to reprogram your mind to strip away the guilt that comes with dieting. You have to realize that it’s not that the first slice of cake that will doom your diet – it’s the second or third or whole thing that leads to weight gain. As to giving our BEST FRIEND FOOD up - is it really your best friend??? it made you (when I am saying you - I do me WE) fat and unhealthy and is robbing you of your life.... It's not your best freind - it is your drug of choice - you have been hiding behind it for most of your life - we eat to sooth our emotions - boredom - stress - cuz it taste good = sertionan increase in our brain - our high... Ya i felt all these emotions too- (i was on pre-op diet for my Sons BD) I just put on my big girl panties and deal with it - We are not weak people - we gotta stop thinking like one - we gotta quit makeing up all these reason we are going to fail before we even start - (this was always my biggest problem).. You have to listen to your body & respond smartly to your cravings and emotions but over time you will learn how to eat right and mange your craving and that’s when you’ll train your brain to stop obsessing about eating right and punishing yourself – If you stop over thinking you’ll stop over eating..

Was probably 300 lbs at my highest, about 270 when I had my surgery 3 years ago. Finally got into a size 10 and was feeling great was weighing 170 or so. Throughout 2007 I am gaining weight and need to get control of this. Went to the Dr. yesterday (internist) and my weight read 201. My home scale reads 190 so I am somewhere inbetween but this is unacceptable and I have to start going down again. When my band is filled too much I vomit all the time. Right now there aren't many foods that stay down so I am hesitant to get more of a fill and want to take some control on my own. Find myself eating high fat content foods because they stay down (and they taste good). Need a new plan for 2008, going to PR in June for a wedding, have to be down 25 lbs or so by then. Want to get my chin/neck done at the end of this year and will only do so if I have controlled my weight. I will keep this journal up and hope that it will help me control and monitor myself. Am using the word control a lot. I definitely have some willpower and responsibility issues. Am 48 years old, thought I'd have a better grip on this by now. Guess not. Have been home sick for 6 days now, (borderline pneumonia) laying in bed, eating, but not too much, there's no food here which is probably good. Am taking a steroid for lung inflammation which probably has added a few pounds. Took 2 Diruex (otc fluid pills) in desperation. Want this to be the year I get healthy on a more natural note. Always looking for an easy fix and with this weight gain I have see that the lap is a tool and I still have to take responsibility. Cannot go up a size. Cannot buy bigger clothes. Will start to journal my food. Can do that on actual paper. :clap2: Will drink water. Will not eat candy (maybe a little once a month). Will try to start some kind of excercise. My husband is a world of warcraft "addict" and we only have one computer. He is going to have to share or get me a laptop. So happy 2008 to me and everyone else on this journey. My goal is get back down another 20 - 30 lbs at least this year and to STOP GAINING. Good luck to us all. :clap2:

Was probably 300 lbs at my highest, about 270 when I had my surgery 3 years ago. Finally got into a size 10 and was feeling great was weighing 170 or so. Throughout 2007 I am gaining weight and need to get control of this. Went to the Dr. yesterday (internist) and my weight read 201. My home scale reads 190 so I am somewhere inbetween but this is unacceptable and I have to start going down again. When my band is filled too much I vomit all the time. Right now there aren't many foods that stay down so I am hesitant to get more of a fill and want to take some control on my own. Find myself eating high fat content foods because they stay down (and they taste good). Need a new plan for 2008, going to PR in June for a wedding, have to be down 25 lbs or so by then. Want to get my chin/neck done at the end of this year and will only do so if I have controlled my weight. I will keep this journal up and hope that it will help me control and monitor myself. Am using the word control a lot. I definitely have some willpower and responsibility issues. Am 48 years old, thought I'd have a better grip on this by now. Guess not. Have been home sick for 6 days now, (borderline pneumonia) laying in bed, eating, but not too much, there's no food here which is probably good. Am taking a steroid for lung inflammation which probably has added a few pounds. Took 2 Diruex (otc fluid pills) in desperation. Want this to be the year I get healthy on a more natural note. Always looking for an easy fix and with this weight gain I have see that the lap is a tool and I still have to take responsibility. Cannot go up a size. Cannot buy bigger clothes. Will start to journal my food. Can do that on actual paper. :clap2: Will drink water. Will not eat candy (maybe a little once a month). Will try to start some kind of excercise. My husband is a world of warcraft "addict" and we only have one computer. He is going to have to share or get me a laptop. So happy 2008 to me and everyone else on this journey. My goal is get back down another 20 - 30 lbs at least this year and to STOP GAINING. Good luck to us all. :clap2:

I'm with Aetna as well. From my understanding you have to provide a 2 year weight history as well as follow a doctor's supervised diet program for 3 months. I'm unsure if you're able to follow a program that's not your surgeon. During the 3 months, there can be no weight gain or you'll be denied. Not sure if this info is helpful.

be proud that you know you need to act and are reaching out! life is hard and we all need to start again sometimes. how long ago was your surgery? what eating style made you successful in loosing weight last time ? what do you think your biggest issue is that is causing weight gain ?