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I'm scheduled for April 7. I'm nervous wreck. I keep going back and forth about it. If I should have it done or I can lose the weight another way. I had the lap band 2 yrs. then it slipped. so here i am again. weight gained back plus 10 more, since Nov. of 2013. Im afraid I won't take care of myself as I schould and end up worse. I can focus on everyone else but me. I pray I make it thru and dont back out. thanks for listening oceanswaves

For the past 6 weeks I have been very ill with the flu, sinus infection, Upper RI, etc My doctor put me on Penisone and I have gained 7 lbs in 10 days. My 5th of 6 NUT visit is tomorrow. What happens if I gain weight?

If this type of exercise is not what you are used to doing. I would say that 5 lbs gain from building muscle is very realistic. It does vary per individual. Most people will see an initial weight gain within the first 4-5 weeks of intense training and then will drop the pounds and inches within the next 4-6 weeks. Again depending upon their body and what level of training they are participating in. When I started interval bike training sessions, I gained 5 pounds within 3 weeks and did not see weight loss / inches lost until week 6-8. From various reading, research and observations of other's trials and challenges, there is not one way that will work for any one person...You have to experiment to see what type of changes (dietary, exersising) works for your body. Some folks increase / decrease their carb intake, some their fat, and some their Protein, some their overall calorie count is increased or decreased. For myself, I have found that carbs are not my friends and exercise is to be experimented with. For my loss to continue...I have to exercise at minimum 90 minutes for at least 5 days/week of some type of vigorous exercise and then walk for the other two days of the week. I increased my fat and protein intake and keep my carb g down to approx. 60g give or take a 10g lee-way and maintain (for me) between 1,000 - 1,100 cal / day intake. Anything higher and I stop losing weight. Good luck John.

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.

Congrats! Don't be scared. PLENTY of women don't wait the required 12-18 months. If you have had good progress with weight loss, life adjustment, psychological needs, etc that come with life with a band, then you can relax. I think the complaint I hear most from newly pregnant bandsters is they didn't lose enough weight beforehand, or they are scared of the weight gain that they worked so hard to lose. I got pregnant 8 months out after losing about 50 lbs. Depending on your restriction, your band doc can't "require" an unfill. This is your body and your baby and your choice of weight management. I had decent restriction but not overly tight prior to pregnancy and I haven't had tons of issues with the band so far, so I'm comfortable leaving the fill in as long as possible, hopefully the whole time. Some of us have VERY tight fills, and I think you may run into some issues if thats you. Other women found their band incredibly tight in the first few weeks and had to get unfilled simply to be able to eat at all. My advice would be to watch your band, if it gets too tight for too long, then unfill. I have days where mine is tight, others it's fine. I've never gone more than 1 or 2 days at a time with it being super tight, or I would unfill. Also, if you get major morning sickness, UNFILL! You don't wanna have to have band revision surgery due to a slippage.

Hi! I'm hoping to learn a lot of information as I begin this process. I had my first appointment at the surgeon's office this week. I'm having the required tests completed as I wait for my March appointment to speak with the surgeon directly, but the nurse practitioner seemed to think I am a candidate for the surgery. I'm excited and slightly terrified. I'm primarily considering the sleeve because I'm concerned about malabsorption along with the restricted caloric intake. I'll consider whatever options the surgeon offers, if any, but will make my decision based on what I feel is right for me. I've been working hard this year to lose weight. It's more difficult with each passing year. I've been a yo-yo dieter all of my adult life. I'm hoping this surgery will be the tool I can use to stop that cycle forever. I've always been an active person and the gradual weight gain over the past 15-20 years has really slowed me down. I just want to feel like me again. When I topped out at 320 pounds, I cried for two days. Fortunately, my blood work at that visit showed my thyroid that had been barely functional for years had decided to stop working altogether. The addition of a thyroid medication has helped my energy level and so many other issues. It's also helped me lose some weight since starting it. I have no desire to be a Barbie doll. I'll be happy to be healthier. I just want to feel better and have my life back...to not feel like I'm judged when I go out to eat...to not hear other people's comments behind my back...for people to stop asking me if I've ever tried losing weight. (Why didn't I think of that!?!) I had a patient recently tell me "You're such a pretty girl if you weren't so fat." She honestly thought she was giving me a compliment. I cried in the restroom after she left. In the past few years, I've been diagnosed with several co-morbidities- diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol and triglycerides. Depression and anxiety have been sneaking in as well. I don't want to die too young. I want to see my kids begin their adult lives and maybe be a grandmother some day. So....I've told a lot of my story. Probably more than many of you wanted to know, and most likely similar to many here. I'm looking forward to gaining some insight from the posts here. Thanks for your time.

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

Has anyone experienced weight gain before being banded? I was such a nervous wreck before I got the approval from insurance that I feel like I gained some weight. I'm afraid to step on the scale...as usual!!! My doc does not require a pre-op diet, but I think that I will try some protein shakes for a few days before surgery.

I was banded in December 2005. My highest weight was 327 I got down to 200 (never made it to onederland but was very comfortable where I was). I moved to another state in 2007 found a great Dr to do my fills. I really stopped loosing weight when I moved here and only stayed at 200 for a short time but settled at about 210 for most of the time. I broke my ankle in November 2008 and put on a few pounds like 7 and then started infertility treatments. I gained weight from the drugs and went up to about 225-230. I got pregnant and was gaining slowly then was put on bed rest and the weight packed on , I ended up at 290 at last weigh in and then lost the fastest 20 pounds when she was born. I have a beautiful 11 month old to show for all my weight gain LOL and would not trade a "goal" weight for my little one. However I need to get back on the "band" wagon and loose this weight again and more if possible because of my health and wanting to be active with my little one. I have a bad knee that really hurts even with little exercise, I have been doing Water areobics to get some exercise in but even that hurts my knee. I feel like I am in a catch 22.....my knee hurts because of all this extra weight but I cant exercise too hard because it hurts... gggggrrrrr. I want to hear from others who maybe gained back due to pregnancy, injury, or whatever....the cause is not as important as the journey. Also has anyone been able to re-lose weight by using this wonderful tool? Any problems that you had, tips, any info or support is always welcome. I need to get my head back into loosing mode it has just been so long. I know I can do it because I did it before. Thanks and look forward to hearing from you guys!

Normally following a tight regime of a controlled diet and regular exercises are the measures prescribed for weight loss. Most of the people find it difficult to follow these measures over an extended period. It is claimed that with Alli you can escape these grating restrictions and can follow near-normal routines; slowly but steadily you can manage to lose weight and lead a healthier life. Alli is a FDA approved OTC weight loss product. Alli is not a dietary supplement; it is claimed to help you lose weight gradually; by working as a fat binder or fat blocker. Excessive intake of calories causes increase of weight; and fats contribute far more calories in food-intake as compared to Proteins and carbohydrates. Fat in our diet is the main culprit in weight gain. When taken in the prescribed manner, the active ingredient of Alli attach themselves to some of the natural enzymes in the digestive system; this prevents these enzymes from breaking down over 25% of the fat you eat. This undigested fat cannot be absorbed by the body and it passes through the body in the natural way. This excess fat is prevented from contributing to weight gain. Alli only works on enzymes that would normally help in digestion of fat. So carbohydrates and proteins are not affected and these nutrients are absorbed by the body in the normal manner. Alli works only in your digestive system; it does not act on your heart or brain. You would not feel unsettling effects such as sleeplessness, racing heart or jitters which are commonly experienced with other weight loss drugs or supplements. When you use Alli to lose weight, you may have to observe certain drastic dietary restrictions, depending on your existing diet. Manufacturers of Alli advise you to consume reduced-calorie meals of 15gms or less of fats on an average. For some this may be a rather severe restriction, but that is the price to pay for being able to have the option of slow but steady weight loss leading to a better life. You may suffer certain side effects such as loose motion, frequent bowel movements, gas, etc. if you do not observe the restriction of 15 gms of fat. Obviously if you are able to adjust to the dietary limitations and put up with the side effects – “treatment effects” as the makers of Alli call them – Alli should be able to work for you.

Just a couple of observations: don't use food as a reward, two treats a week are not needed, drop the sweets for good! you might want to try an anti-depressant, wellbutrin does not promote weight gain, possibly loss. what did you eat to lose the 75 pounds? Sounds like you need to go back to this eating plan. finally the truth, stop making excuses and start using your DS to help you lose your weight you can do this just make a plan and stick with it.

When I found out I was pregant I was 43 years old and 15 weeks along. I had 2.5cc in my band and was pursuing a course of slow weightloss (2 to 3 pounds a month). I had just gotten below the 300# mark and freaked out when I learned it was likely I would gain back much of what I'd worked so hard to lose. I immediately contacted a team that specializes in helping women who are pregnant post-WLS to manage their weight while ensuring good nutrition for their babies. With their guidance, moderate exercise, and with the tools I'd already learned regarding handing cravings and whatnot (see this post http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/147416-one-year-post-op-no-results-please-help/page__st__20__p__1787949#entry1787949) I managed to keep my weight gain down. The day I went in to labor I was 7# up from my pre-pregnancy weight, with an added benefit that keeping my weight down meant a smaller (7#1oz) baby for vaginal birth. I experienced some nausea and had little room for food the last month of pregnancy and practically lived on frozen yogurt bars and Protein drinks, but did not have my band unfilled because I knew it wasn't my band that was causing the problem, it was my being so pregnant (my mother lived on popsicles on the last month of her 3 pregnancies, she said). I'm 3 weeks post partum and just had 1cc removed from my band yesterday -- I'm struggling to keep down food along with all the Fluid I'm drinking (at least 64oz a day) because I'm breastfeeding and losing 4# a week is too fast. I've dropped 27# from my pre-pregnancy weight, and I've done that by making sure to get up and around as soon as possible. Moving my body and keeping my metabolism up is integral to reducing my weight. I've been walking a mile (minimum) every day since the baby was 10 days old, first with the pram and now I'm wearing him in a baby bjorn for the walks and a few hours a day. I'm 3.5 years post-op and down 90# with 90# to go. It is slow going, mainly because I've got PCOS and I'm a foodie (I like really good food rather than junk-food) who had portion-control issues. I've learned to address emotional eating and cravings, portion control (I use salad/dessert plates for meals now) and to move my body however I can (be it dancing in my living room, parking father away from my destination, or going for a swim). So far, having a baby hasn't hijacked my weight loss -- it's increased my focus. I have doubled-down now that there is a little person dependent on me being healthy and here for the new couple of decades. I suppose what Im trying to say is -- it can be done. The band is a tool, but in order to use it effectively over the long term, you have to develop tools to deal with cravings and portion sizes and food choices, and once you've got those tools down, the lap band is more of a back-up tool, rather than the primary method of weight reduction and maintenace.

I just wrote and article about the link between marriage, depression, and obesity. I think it played a huge role in my weight gain.

@@dgross congratulations on your upcoming surgery! so many women here saying that pregnancy ruined their bodies, or at least started them down the slippery slope of weight gain.

Yes he has most of his experience in the xyz surgery, but the sleeve is a close second. His concern has to do with regaining weight and resolving other health issues like type 2, high lipids ect. As he tells it weight gain is about 8-10% with the xyz surgery as opposed to 15% with the sleeve. Truly I just want to be done with this and get on to living instead of existing!!!!!

Hi All I'm a newbie to this site, and am currently going through the pre-op clearance process. I am 90% sure this is the decision for me (sleeve), however, I still have some doubts. What I am most concerned about is the maintenance phase of this journey. (Is it weird to have nerves about that part so early in the game??). I've just completed a 1 year cognitive behavioral program to help change my relationship with food (this will always be a work in progress--never "cured"), and see a nutritionist weekly (even before surgery consultation). I am trying to begin following some of the bariatric guidelines now (drinking Water 30 min before meals, eating slowly, chewing a lot, being mindful of meals and not multitasking/inhaling food) I'm hoping this will introduce me to the structure I will adhere to the rest of my post-surgery. Here are my burning questions for the vets out there who've had this surgery 2 years ago or more (that are past the honeymoon phase and have had some time under their belt in maintenance): 1. Did you ever find you were subject to weight gain, even if you followed the "rules/guidelines" (monitored Protein, water, 30 min in between h20/meals etc) 2. If you did steer off course for a bit of time and happened to gain weight---did the weight come off when you went back to the "old rules"? I guess what I'm asking here---is do/did you find weight loss just as difficult as when you were heavier? My personal nightmare is to go through this surgery, and gain it all back. I am not a fast food eater, I don't even eat big portions. I am a sugar addict and while I often go for days without eating sugar/sugar products (flour/pasta/rice etc), I will wind up in a state where I'm binging like crazy. (Still working on this--will be a lifetime battle) Thoughts/Pearls of Wisdom?

I totally agree with @Bufflehead. It's hard. It's my reality, and I can choose. I know that I have to do all the things she listed, including eat under 1000 calories a day to lose. I think people may sometimes overestimate the amount of calories it takes to maintain weight. I know I sure did, and WLS is the only reason I was able to figure it out. During my weight loss, I was able to eat 400 calories at first, and eventually worked my way up to 800. Once I got over 1000, my weight loss stopped. Grazing is the other thing that is a killer for me. It takes a lot of will power not to do that, and the sleeve does not help with it. And if I graze, I sure do get up over 1000 calories in a hurry. In other words, it takes lots of energy on my part to prevent weight gain. All of this is to say you can do something about this. Start counting your calories and follow the general rules of bariatric surgery. While exercise is great for lots, I agree that it contributes about only 20%(from what I've read) and in my case, it contributes 0%. It's up to you. Now how empowering is that?

My whole life I grew up living in fear. We lived in a bad neighborhood and young males were killed frequently. The sound of a pop or firecracker would make me dive to the floor. Spent a lot of time indoors because I was afraid to go outside. Probably how my weight gain started. Also find this walking down the street thing interesting. Here it is generally considered safer to walk close to the street or even in the street.

So I'm going on eight years since my rny lost 164lbs but now I've gained 30lbs trying to go baby steps again to loose the pounds back don't want to go back. Have been keeping track of what I've been doing wrong it's not hunger but just I see munching and I join in. The good thing is that when I do eat solids I get full fast and sneeze from being full and u stop eating sadly it doesn't happen with liquids

My program doesn't allow for any weight gain. I'm nervous everytime I go. They weigh and record it at every appointment, nutrition, support group, surgeon,psych etc so I have a system down. I weigh myself in same outfit same time of day so my scale matches dr scale. I go every week and check my weight on a kaiser scale at the health information center then I have them log it in so I'm never suprised when I get weighed in. If I feel heavy I do all shakes for a day or two with extra Water and one low sodium meal at night it helps me a lot. By day two my tummy is flatter and I feel lighter. Clean food and a daily walk keeps me losing a little every week. Good luck.

I understand before I even went to my pcp I had to make up my mind if I was gonna quit for life for this! It is a hard decision I understand, smoking to me was almost a best friend...lol...but one I know I have to let go! We have decided for me that chantix with Wellbutrin would be right for me! With the sleeve right after I quit the weight gain associated with quitting would be gone! You can do this! And for life! To have a life free from nicotine and obesity is priceless;)

Sux what do you attribute your weight gain too?

My weight gain started with pregnancy. 60 lbs gained with my first child. I lost 40lbs but with each child I pilled 20 pounds. Then, with 3 kids I just didn't take care of myself, I was too busy caring for my family and I didn't matter. I used food as a source of pleasure. It's what relaxed me. But I must say, I was hungry all the time. Even after a Thanksgiving meal I was hungry. I am so glad I don't feel that hunger anymore. It was horrible and there was nothing I could do to control it.

I had a breast reduction prior to the sleeve. I went from a really large I think DD or larger to a high B cup, which increased to a C with weight gain. The surgeries are nothing alike, I needed more help with the reduction because of the initial restriction in movement. I did have to lie on my back for both operations to sleep but couldn't use the restroom on my own after the reduction. I don't remember how long until I drove but I remember every bump in the road when in a car was uncomfortable. Hope that helps

I'm very sorry he is so cruel to you with his words. As for the weight gain, you got this! You know what needs to be done and don't let his lack of support effect you.