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I also have a leaking port or band. Dr. had to fix my band last January 2011 and since then I haven't held a good fill and have not lost weight. I had only lost 40 lbs total in the first 6 months then gained 10 of it back and have stayed there until now. Its been over 2 years now. I am fighting to keep the weight gain from happening and its now getting to hard. I have started gaining and hunger is out of control again. I have had several fills since January and I lose fluid each time. Yesterday I went to the Dr and he was in the room when they pulled out the fluid under fluoro and he said yes I have less fluid. I told him everytime I have come in it hasn't held. He was mad because I didn't come to HIM and let him know I was having problems. I thought his nurses would tell him. Anyway, I have to wait 2 more weeks and he will check it again himself. He said I may need a port change but I want him to put contrast in the tubing to see where it is leaking because I don't want to have a port change and find out it is the band not the port. My band was causing me horrible pain when they would unfill. It was so bad that he agreed something was wrong and went in and fixed it.I didn't get a new band. He adjusted the band and I wonder if he nicked it or something and thats where the problem is. He is working hard with me on my issues and gave me hope again yesterday that my HUGE cash payment for the band was worth it. I hope to lose 40 more pounds in the next year. Not asking to much but sure want the band to work properly so I can use my Tool as they constantly say. Hope is in the wind. He hasn't talked about money to do this so I don't know how much it will be. My insurance now coveres Lapband and they will cover me also after appeals on my part were done when I found out they covered the surgery when I had it done. They told me it wasn't a covered expense and the book said that and so did the on line benefits. So I paid out of pocket for it. We must keep the faith. I read so much about it not working and all the problems. I am counting on my DR to get me back on track and he seems to be willing so we will see.

I am sorry for your experience and how you feel this affected your family. That said... weight loss surgery did NOT cause any of this. Mental health problems and addiction were not because he had surgery. They would have reared their ugly head even if he didn't have surgery. He didn't do the work to get through the mental health issues that probably lead to the obesity and additions in the first place. He would have to WANT the health to deal with those mental health issues. He would have had to have a good team of docs to address his issues as a whole. To blame the surgery is just wrong. And why come on our site now... 13 years later... to tell people you hate the surgery? It is not helping those who are looking to make their decision. It would be much more effective to warm them to deal with their mental health issues that MAY have caused their weight problems in the first place. And BTW, I do NOT have an unhealthy relationship with food... other (medical) issues triggered my weight gain and other issues prevented me from losing the weight. and as a whole, the process of approving individuals for surgery and taking care of their physical and mental health needs have improved drastically over the last 13 years. For example... most of us have to have a complete psych eval to be even considered for surgery. Most of us have to see nutritionists regularly. And many of us are referred for mental health treatment. I hope he gets the help he needs, but again... it isn't the surgery that is to blame, and he has to WANT to get better before he will get better. That is how addition recovery works... with a lot of help from the mental health professionals.

Has anyone been diagnosed with lymphedema after starting the process, but before surgery? I have swelling in my legs that is not going away with the help of Lasix. My Dr came to the conclusion that it is lymphedema and that I should continue wearing my compression socks, and discontinue the Lasix.... one problem I can't get the socks on (my legs have swelled that much). The Lasix is also a high risk for me to take because of my QT prolongation (heart concern). As a result I am retaining alot of fluid=weight gain. what kind on treatment should i try to help lose the weight now??? I am already eating mostly fruits and veggies, and getting my Protein in. I am on my feet all day at work (I am a CNA in a nursing home on night shift) and I am in school for 7 hrs 2 days a week... and try to sleep somewhere in there. Oh and my job.... they can force me to work double shifts based on facility needs (so, if someone calls in, they could make me stay). With that being said, I don't necessarily have the extra time for workouts.

I didn't have any documented weight loss program history ether. I told them about using colored weight loss pills and how I always battled weight gains. It's real how you tried to loose weight. Because you think you don't have anything to write down you really do. State your efforts with estimated dates. Tricare says Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig are used as good documentation. I joined Weight Watchers because of the requirement but it was the same dates as my three month doctor supervised diet. For me Tricare didn't check if I was a member or not. The following is straight out of the Tricare requirements. It will all be good for you so try not to worry to much. TRICARE will cost share any of the following open or laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass Vertical banded gastroplasty Gastroplasty (stomach stapling) Adjustable gastric banding (i.e., adjustable LAP-BAND®) If you meet all of the following conditions: You're at least 18 years old or you must provide documentation of completion of bone growth. You were unsuccessful with non-surgical medical treatments for obesity. Your medical records must show your failed attempts. Diet programs, such as Weight Watchers®* and Jenny Craig*, are acceptable methods of dietary management, as long as there are monthly clinical visits with your doctor and medical documentation of your participation and your progress throughout the course of the dietary program. *These programs are not covered by TRICARE. Physician-supervised programs made-up of only weight-loss medication management, do not meet this requirement. You have proof of one of the following: A body-mass index greater than or equal to 40 kilograms per meter squared (kg/m2); or A body-mass index of 35-39.9 kg/m2 with one clinically significant comorbidity, including but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity-related cardiomyopathy, or pulmonary hypertension. TRICARE does not cover the following services: Office visits solely for the treatment of obesity Non-surgical procedures for treatment of obesity Nutrition and diet counseling Biliopancreatic bypass (jejunoileal bypass, Scopinaro procedure) Gastric bubble or balloon Sleeve gastrectomy Gastric wrapping/open gastric banding Unlisted procedures

You have made a great decision! Good luck! All of us pretty much have the similar weight gain stories and emotions attached to it. You are not alone! You have come to the right place for support. Things will get better. You will run with your son's bike when you teach him to ride one!

It is reassuring to read that others have this struggle too. I know that it's a dilemma that we all share. I also know that in some aspect I just don't want to cook myself. I have cooked for many years and had just decided I didn't want to cook any more. I call it just plain being lazy. But today is a new day and I will work harder to fix my own foods. I've noticed with me, that since I can put a limited amount of foods in my stomach, I am focusing alot more on organic foods like wild salmon, organically grown veggies, and I do avoid the processed foods when I do cook. That's my new goal. Organic foods. I can't handle the thought of eating pesticides in my food any more. I also believe that processed foods contributed a lot to my weight gain. Besides eating way too much. I just realized that I have been getting really picky when eating out, not happy when I don't know the grade of meat I'm getting. Wow, I just realized that I handle my anxiety by going out instead eating at home. Oh, I know I also have to have better time management skills to do a better job with eating healthy. SOrry for the rant. Thank you everyone for your feed back. XOXOXOXO! :wub:

I had my surgery consult today and nutrition. The nurse mentioned the weight gain that some have. I think that is why we should hide the scale and not think success is only in the lbs lost. You've taken giant strides so give your body a chance to settle. Cheers for you!!

I finally decided to actually join VST. I've lurked on the forums for about nine months as part of my decision-making process. Unexpected things happened when I finally talked with my doctor here, and I ended up being added to a study in progress here in the Middle East. So instead of having to pay the whole shebang myself, I only had to pay the hospital part. That definitely swayed my choice toward surgery. So here I am. April 4 was sleeve day, and other than some pretty incredible nausea afterward for about three days, everything went really well. I had no pain medication at all, much to the surprise of the nursing staff here who are accustomed to giving morphine every four hours on the dot. No thanks. No drains, and no other complications either. Whoo hoo. I guess the biggest surprise is how quickly my attitude toward food changed. I thought a lot about what being sleeved would mean before the surgery, and actually had a grief response at the idea of not being able to eat as before. I didn't really think of specific things I would miss, but rather that I would miss eating itself. My husband (HWHN) and I are Culture Vultures and Foodies... for about the past 30 years. I couldn't imagine how that would work for us if I couldn't eat. So I imagined how I would feel and got all emotional. Reality is that I'm now completely turned off by foods I used to love. I have been reflecting on the change - I HAVE to eat rather than I WANT to eat. It's so different. Sometimes I get "mental hunger" but thanks to reading the forums I expected that, and given what I do, took a little mini self-quiz and recognized that the mental hunger comes when I'm Bored, Angry, Lonely, or Tired (the bane of addiction). That was a bit of a shock, since I would never have said I was addicted to food. Other than the initial weight gain during/after diagnosis, I've remained at a stable weight... too much, but stable. ;P Never would have said I'm addicted to food, but the mental/psychological struggle tells a tale. So I'm getting back to doing some things I loved and let go. Swimming, photography, writing, and reading what my mother always used to call, "Penny Horribles." (Novels with no redeeming value except to pass time pleasurably) And... HWHN and I had our first official date post op this week, and it was great. He orders what he wants, and I nibble off his plate. Beautifully done cube of rare roast beef and a sliver of Manchego cheese. Heaven. Tonight is my regular doctor visit, and I know I've lost weight because of my clothes, but I don't know how much. I don't keep a scale at home. I want the amount to be a surprise, and I want to gauge where I am in the process by how I'm feeling about myself, not by the numbers on some stupid torture instrument. Had enough of that. After 96 days, I'm down 6 sizes and coveting those pink skinny jeans. CE

That's great! I too lost weight on my own many times but guess what? it came back but if I had a band in me I could have tried to stop the weight gain sooner. For me Losing is the easy part, keeping it off is the hard part. If you ever stray you may find yourself wanting to fill your band and it will be there for you wether you need it or not. That's is he bonus of being banded

I'm really glad you posted this topic. It is a great one. My first reaction is to say success to me is about being able to wear anything I want and look awesome!! Clothes are a major love for me. I like the attention I get from the opposite sex, compliments from other women, my ex husband eating his heart out every time he sees me. Haha. That's awesome!! But that's all really surface stuff. It feels good but it's not the real indicator of success. I don't think I've reached what success means for me in spite of being at my goal weight. I still haven't gotten into a steady exercise routine. That's a huge goal for me. I won't feel really successful until I'm not so scared of weight gain. I still need more time to remain at a stable weight. I'm trying to figure out a long term pattern of eating where I don't have to worry so much about very thing I ate every day. Success to me will mean staying at this weight and also not having to obsess over food. Having a stronger fit body and being very active are really important to me. I have some malnutrition issues to correct still and I want my hair to grow back. Success to me means real physical health and emotional stability.

Dr Phil's wife did a show for him about the change and talked about some drops you can put under your tongue for hot flashes. Here, I found this info on drphil.com: supplements for Menopausal and Hormonal Symptoms Robin McGraw shares a list of natural supplements that have helped her put her hormones back in balance and ease menopausal symptoms. To Relieve Menopausal Symptoms Black Cohosh B12 and B6 Vitamins Folic Acid Inositol "These four items are very good for overall menopausal symptoms," explains Robin, "especially black cohosh, which is good for hot flashes. The B12, B6 and folic acid help with mood and to ease you through the transition. The inositol also helps with mood. You take it at night and it helps you to sleep." Essential Oils Flax Seed Oil Evening Primrose Oil Vitamin E Omega-3 "These are really good overall for hormone symptoms," says Robin. "Essential oils are good for joints because sore joints can be a symptom of menopause." Menopause and Weight Gain Robin goes on to explain that weight gain can be a symptom of menopause because menopause affects the thyroid gland, which helps regulate body weight. "When you get your blood work done, there is a range for the thyroid and your doctor can tell you if yours is normal. I bought a basil thermometer and every morning for 10 days, I put it under my arm and recorded my temperature. If it's even a degree below 98, then you are susceptible to having a low thyroid. Mine was 95. My doctor had told me I was fine, but mine was very low so I went on natural hormone therapy."

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.

@emk101009 wonderful weight loss how do you know hungry you "should" be???? "it" varies for all of us some of us might never have lost their hunger issues others maybe at 3 months others at.............. stalls happen to most all of us Get Over It must be patient - it will pass (like gas ) time periods/stalls will vary from 3 weeks to.............. God Grant Me Patience, Just Hurry Up About It!!! We're all different we lose amount of weight in different time periods we lose inches at the beginning from different areas ie less boobs or less tushy!!! yogurt is not that filling but it is great, and has lots of Protein too you can never have too much protein during the day dense protein like chicken is wonderful - very filling you didn't chew thoroughly?? means you probably ate too fast too!!!! KNOCK IT OFF slow down with your eating and chew better that wouldn't cause you to stretch your sleeve after each bite, put your utensil down for a few seconds too use a baby spoon - that helps too i "think" many people at one time or another worry that they might have stretched their new little tummies as far as "stretching" your tummy eat wayyyy too much food, too fast all morning, noon, afternoon, evening & night in other words 24/7 grazing ALL day (like you/me did in the good 'ol days this will cause weight gain but as far as stretching the sleeve - don't "think"it happens follow all the rules and things should be good you'll get wrinkles if you worry toooo much good luck 43 lbs down!!! kathy congrats

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.

Hello Sarah, Weight gain after surgery is normal, you should not be weighing in at this time can be discouraging. My first weigh in was at my post-op appt. I am 3 weeks out and still have a lot of gas, its easy to pass so I am no longer using the gas-x unless its really necessary. Itchy scar means healing, good sign. Stomach protectiveness I feel the same way, I guard mine daily and let no one touch it lol. Try focusing on healing and not weight during this phase. Welcome to the other side, good luck on your journey into becoming a healthier you.

From what my insurance coordinator told me, Oxford/UHC are not big sticklers to weight loss. They just want to see the 6 months of nut visits. Try not to gain obviously but it's not a big deal if you do. I had periods of weight gain also but I got approved

Paxil is a brutal wean, Apple, I don't envy you. It's also one of the worst ones out there for weight gain. Plus side: I'm guessing you're gonna see a bump in weight loss after you're off:) I gained 25 pounds in a year on Paxil in the late 90's. Felt great, but ate like a crazed hippy at a rainbow gathering. LOL:) Had crazy dreams when I went off, but a lot of folks have worse discontinuation symptoms. You are very smart to wean.

I just received my Tricare approval on September 17th. I was first denied because I didn't weigh enough and no co-morbids. After two plus months of medical records, weight gaining, etc., I am now qualified on my weight and have been able to show two co-morbids (Sleep apena and arthritis in knees). Plus I am pre-diabetic, have a heart valve issue, and hypothyroidism. I don't have my surgery date yet, I am hoping to find out today. Good luck to everyone and thank you for your support and a special thanks to Suzanne for her appeal letters.

Just thought of something else to add. When I went for my seminar, tehy giv eyou a questionare/ Why do you think you need lapband? Most of us can and have lost weight. I get bored with it and that is why I (and most others) gain it back. Getting bored was the number 1 answer. After 40 lbs with WW, I got bored. Have you tried liquid proein diet? I lsot a lot of weight, not sure how much, but after you stop the diet, weight gain starts because it is not normal way to "eat". My stomach was so sensitive, I ate dry cheerois between meals. Best wishes. Karen

Sounds to me like you guys need to have a real heart-to-heart. In my psych eval we covered this... weight loss just like weight gain can put a strain on any relationship... that she had it too though her reactions really surprise me.. You guys may need some kind of couples counseling to actually fetter out what is bothering her and why she isn't as enthused about the new you....because I doubt it will just go away on its own.

All right. So I'm due back at work next week and I'm definitely ready to get out of the house! My question is, what did you guys tell people when you didn't want to reveal the real surgery? I'm at a loss. Some coworkers can be inquisitive. I won't say "nosey" because they're all very nice, but I'm sure they'll ask where I've been for 3 weeks and notice the ~15 lbs lost! My thoughts were to say something about stomach ulcers. Or maybe something about my PCOS. I DO have PCOS and that's a major cause of my weight gain, so it's not a huge lie. And then part of me wants to just tell the truth... Worded in a way like "my PCOS was bad and my insulin was skyrocketing (all true!) so I had this surgery to help me lose weight and fix the issues." I'm sure I'm worrying over nothing but was just interested in what you guys told others. I'm a "lightweight" so I feel like this may confuse some of them or even insult some of the ladies who are larger than me. Any tips?

Yes I agree try to get documentation from your doctor saying the reason for the weight gain... When I appealed and my appeal stated that I gained weight due to medication they denied it and in the letter it stated I didn't have any supporting documentation so a letter from the doc would be good

I think your doctor was too hard on you at your last weigh in. I wonder how many patients don't have emotional issues tied into their weight gain. I know I do. I also know that I can gain 5 lbs in Water weight in a single day. Please don't beat yourself up -- you obviously are making some great decisions to move in the right direction to lose your excess weight as most of us here on these boards are doing. I'm sure a lot of people have slipped on their diets along the way. I have too. Starvation is a quick way to lose headway on your diet though, because after the starvation you'll be eating like crazy after your weigh in. Be honest, even if it means a temporary postponement of your surgery. And be sure to tell them their criticisms of you at your last weigh in hurt your feelings and led to the gain. Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out as some people may think---and those of us who have elected this surgery know we have a lifetime of changes we have to make to reach our goals and stay healthy. We are all at different points (pre and post-operatively). Good luck, and hope all goes well with your appointments. I'm praying for you that your insurance approves you and you have a successful surgery.

Because of how rapid my weight gain was, I was in the fortunate (if one can call it that) position of having a lot of new clothes (in one US visit went on a small spree of like $3,000) that suddenly were too small for me. Instead of throwing them out or donating them I kept them stored away until I lost weight again (whenever that would be). I remember even 50x32's were way too tight on me only a couple months ago, now I fit in 40x32 and 42x32 pants with some extra room to spare (a couple need belts). Added like 15-20 (all hardly worn) pairs of shorts back to my dresser, 15 pairs of pants, 30 pairs of boxers, and 20 t-shirts.. so f**king stoked.

So I was watching these videos by one of the WLS Surgeons and he isn't pro-sweeterners! He thinks it can also spike Insulin by your body responding to the sweet taste in the mouth. And can also cause weight gain! I do have medical knowledge and Insulin is only secreted in response to Glucose molecules attaching to the receptors in your Pancreas, so him extrapolating Insulin release to the taste itself kinda doesn't make sense to me! May be Slpenda, aspartame etc may not be the best alternatives but natural sweeteners seem safe so far especially how Keto diet is revolves a lot around such natural sweeteners! Thoughts? Are you a fan? Whether or not sweeteners are safe to be used in your weight loss journey esp cause many of us may not tolerate sugar well for life! https://youtu.be/DTIK8n0WTBU