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Donna, I know you don't know me but I just want to tell you how proud I am of you! Your honesty is inspirational. My weight gain in the past was ALWAYS tied to emotional pain, family problems, and a lack of self esteem. I am slowly beginning to heal, and I know that you will too.

Tricia K.....I have always had a tendency to gain weight "easily"I just assumed I had a slow metabolism ( I always managed to stay within a "normal" weight range through starvation and exercise) then when I was 32 my periods became irregular and I started gaining weight. I went to the doctor who did blood tests and told me my testosterone levels were elevated but it was nothing to worry about. Between my 32nd and 38th birthdays I gained 100lbs....I had no idea how, but blamed my inactivity and love of food. So again I went to the doctor who just told me to lose weight and my periods would get back to normal. Then one day I was watching a current affairs show that had a story on "Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome"...a lightbulb went off in my head....I had ALL the symptoms. I went back to the doctor and told him all about PCOS, I had tests and it was confirmed I was one of millions of women with dreaded PCOS! I thought to myself "Hallelujah!.... Now I know why I've gained so much weight, I've got PCOS, I'll have treatment or take a pill and it will go away. I was so excited that there was a "reason" behind my rapid weight gain, lethargy, excess hair growth, irregular periods and moodswings however this feeling of elation soon subsided when I asked my doctor what I should do for treatment for PCOS and he replied "Lose Weight!" AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!

Why am I fat? The real reason is I ate too much and didn't exercise. Like so many others on this thread I came from a so called dysfunctional family but I had a strong mother that helped us make it through. My dad was an alcoholic. We were never sure if he would come home drunk, sober or somewhere inbetween. We were never sure what his mood would be. I'm the third oldest of 8 kids. My oldest brother is Downs so my dad was always mad about that. He basically made my older sister his son by having her help with all the farm work. I don't remember very much about my childhood. I was told while taking Psychology classes that often that happens when we want to block out unpleasant activities. I do remember wanting to please my dad but being scared of him. At times I recall physical and now I know verbal abuse too. I was also the heavest of all of us kids. You've heard of pre-conceived perception. That's what I did because I was always told I was fat and lazy. My uncle always said I was his favorite because there was more of me to love. Because of these statements I ate and did become very lazy. My mother was a strong hold in the family. She would always have something warm coming out of the oven for a snack when we got home from school, cake, cookies, bread, pie. I always ate more than my share. I left home as soon as I graduated and went to college. By than my eating habits were aready established. I tried every diet that I could do. I used diet pills and everything. I always felt that no one would ever love me. Then I met my wonderful husband. Although I didn't loose any weight, it stopped going up and up. Doug never said anything about my weight. His concern was my health as heart problems and diabetis ran in the family. He ate properly and ran 4 miles 5 days a week. In the almost 30 years we were married my dress size went from a 12 to 18. That's not too bad for 30 years I don't think. When Doug passed away 5 1/2 years food once again became my good friend. I couldn't eat enough to kill my feelings of loneliness. Each season I had to get new clothes because last seasons clothes didn't fit again. My finacial adviser was telling me a year and half ago about the lap band he had put on. Until then I had never heard of lap band except the adds on TV. I began researching and after a little over a year decided that was what I needed to end this cycle of weight gain. I've probably gained and lost 500 pounds in my life time. I use to tell people that if I wasn't an overeater I would probably be an alcoholic. Being an overeater the only person I was hurting was myself but now I know different. Do I love myself any better, I'm not sure if I love myself completely but I don't hate myself. Maybe just dislike just a little. This weekend I read the book Inside My Heart by Robin McGraw. I got to thinking how much I can change myself is I just work at it. I'm going to work at getting more of what I want out of life. What I really want I can never have again, my husband Doug. Now I'm just rattling but it does feel better to get things off my chest. Thank you for this thread.

I have been about 20 lbs. overweight for a long time. I'm sure it is a physical tendency as well as a few food issues, but I was always able to keep it under control with exercise. So, Why Am I Fat? I have a thyroid problem (diagnosed 7 years ago) which has thrown my whole body into another world. Like many of you on this site, I knew I was headed for trouble and as much as I talked to my doctors, they didn't listen. I changed doctors multiple times in an effort to find someone who would treat my WHOLE BODY and not just look at my thyroid test results...no luck (and the issue of Doctors not dealing with the whole person is one which I would gladly get in to with anyone wanting to vent a little). I tried many things and finally, out of total frustration, I gave up...and the weight piled on. 75lbs later I looked in the mirror and said "this is rediculous. Something MUST be done because I can't live a full and productive life with this issue dominating everything I do." Life is difficult. No matter where you are in it there are stresses, and a person can only deal with a certain number of stresses at any single time. I decided that the issue of weight was one which, if I was going to deal with it on my own, was going to dominate my life and leave little energy for dealing with anything else. So I started looking for a solution, and here I am (37 years old, banded in May at 245 and down 36lbs with about 40 to go). Like many major issues in life, I think that weight is one of those things which, for some people, requires "professional intervention". I think of it in the same category as an addiction or a disease...an issue which requires outside help and internal resolve. Once you get help and deal with the issues on the table and then you can let the issue of weight fall into the background of life...off of your radar of things which require IMMEDIATE attention and into the category of things which require diligence, maintenance and "checking" on a regular basis. I am very greatful for my band (and my Doctor, Dr. Franco Favretti in Italy) and I'm eager to get down to a reasonable weight. Of course this does nothing to address the other issues which my thyroid disease has left me with (hair falling out, dry skin, dry eyes, Betty Davis eyes, difficulty concentrating, the mental "fog" which is so common among thyroid patients, inability to work a traditional 9-5 job, falling asleep anytime, anywhere regardless of how much sleep I get), but it takes ONE issue off the list and that is a great thing, because it leaves more brain power available to deal with the remaining ones. When I was diagnosed with Thyroid Graves' Disease, I remember a doctor telling me that it was an easy issue to deal with ... something to the effect of "pop your pills as perscribed and Voila!" Well, that was a HUGE oversimplification. Nothing is that simple. Neither is my Band that simple. I have approached my Band like I have approached most of life... do my research, map out a plan for success and then try to stick to it as much as possible. 2 1/2 years ago I revamped my diet, removing prepared foods, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, preservatives...and added more vegetables...blah, blah, blah. I took this step because I realized that I needed outside help to deal with my Thyroid issues and so sought out a nutritionist who suggested that it might help with both my health and my weight gain. I got Banded because the change in diet alone wasn't working to control my weight and it was impacting my health...it was recognition that my health and thus my weight is linked to my happiness/quality of life. There are a multitue of reasons people are fat. Rarely is it just one. So, take a look at what your reasons are and get help with them. Everyone says that the Band is just a tool and for most people, we will utilize many tools in dealing with our weight, because weight is linked to health and health to quality of life. The body is a very complicated SYSTEM of interconnected functions. My thyroid no longer functions, but contrary to my Doctor's statements, pumping replacement hormones ("horror moans" as I like to call them) into my body has NOT taken care of all the symptoms, so I look for complimentary solutions. The same can be said of being overweight and getting Banded. It isn't the "fix it" which some advertise it to be. In both cases, the problem needs to be ATTACKED from many angles to get the desired result. So, Good Luck Warriors!

To preface, many moons ago I played soccer in college and despite my weight gain, I still identify as an athlete. Exercise is not punishment for me, it’s something I’m excited to do again and to have more successful with. That being said, I recently hit 4 wks and doc cleared me for cardio. I downloaded a couch to 5k app and for the last 5 days have been going on hour long run/walks for about 3-4 miles. Combined with daily activity I’m getting in 5-6 miles/day. Problem is that I get really tired in the afternoon and am constantly hungry. I’m eating about 800-900 cal/day but wondering if I need to up that? Also following a keto diet. I’ve been doing soft foods for a couple weeks and am capable of eating more but have been trying to stay less than 900...for no other reason than most people on here are eating so damn little after 4 weeks and I’m trying to follow suit. A typical day may be: 8am - Decaf coffee w/ half premier protein 9am - 2 scrambled eggs 11am - Half serving ground beef noodle-less lasagna 2pm - other half lasagna 5pm - Greek yogurt 7pm - 2 oz Smoked Salmon, one soft cheese wedge 9pm - 1/4 cup cottage cheese 11pm - Decaf coffee w/ half premier protein I’ve been keeping track in MyFitnessPal and you can see the breakdown. Questions - for those that exercise, how many calories are you consuming? Any suggestions on why I’m hitting a wall in the afternoon and need a nap? If I don’t eat every 2 hours my stomach starts grumbling and I get light headed. Should I be eating more at meals? I’ve been hesitant to because I’m nervous that I’ll still need the snack and will go too high on calories for the day. I’ve also been in a pretty major stall over the last 3 weeks. 10 days with nothing, then 5lbs in 2 days, now another 6 days with no loss. Thanks for any help! Sleeved 3/12/18, HW 270, SW 253, CW 238, GW 160, 5’9”

I have no weight gain to report, but no loss either. It seems I'm holding steady and can't break the 190. I've been fluctuating between 190 and 192 for the past month. I get a 5th fill tomorrow so I'm hoping that will really kick it off.

I am fat ..... I wasn't always fat. In high school I was really skinny, active and felt amazing. Then one day I passed out. Just out like a light....when I came to, my chest was killing me and I was freezing. Ambulance called and doctors seen, it was discovered that I had a condition called "Vasodepressorsincopy" a.k.a. abnormality in the reagulation of my blood pressure causing my heart to off be and as a result my blood pressure would plumit, my heart would start to pump harder to compincate and it would be lights out. I was 15 when that happened. I was put on a medication for a long periode of time that as a side affect would cause weight gain. (wasn't told about that until 60 pounds or so gained) The aslo took away ALL physical activity for 2 years until docs were sure that was the problem. I couldn't even walk a golf course! Well you put thoes to things together alone with depression and vwalla FAT! Now I have also developed fibromialgya so not only am I fat now but I feel like someone took a baseball bat to every inch of my body. I feel brused everywere but nobody can see the bruses....my joints hurt and my muscles feel like they have been threw the workout of 10 olypians! But no longer! I am having my surgery in October of this year and I WILL lose the weight. It wont fix the FMS...I will have that for the rest of my life but I will lighten the pain by loseing the weight.

I'm fat because even if I woke up at 10am and ate, if it was 12pm I'd eat lunch and then 6pm I would eat dinner even if I wasn't hungry. My portion sizes where ridiculous and overall my doctors where the result of my weight gain. I've been on prednisone on and off since I was 10 and anyone that's been on it knows that a side affect is weight gain. I was one of those unlucky ones. I'm not saying that the doctors are to blame overall for my weight gain but most of it is - And they even acknowledge that.

You go girl! Maybe I should have, too! It might have helped me with my Water weight gain. I had lots of Soup this weekend because I had a fill Friday and my surgeon told me to do liquids all weekend. I would have stuck to Protein shakes but the ones I have are really high in protein and I didn't want to overdo it.

Newbie here, I’m getting sleeved on the 22nd of March at a BMI of 35.1 Ive had so many people tell me I’m not “that” fat but I’m sorry, 35.1 is severely obese (even though I may not look “that fat”) and as a doctor I know the risks that come with excess weight. I also know the research around weight loss and that this is my best shot of losing the weight and maintaining it long term. I have tried every diet known to man, been to see countless dietitians, have tried all the medications, I exercise like crazy and all I’ve managed is to stall the weight gain. My hubby and I want to start a family next year and I want to give myself the best opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby- which means I need a healthy weight. I feel my weight is impacting on my chronic migraines and my asthma, and I’m really hoping that losing the weight and feeling better about myself will be that last thing I need to finally fully recover from years of severe treatment resistant depression. So yes, many reasons why I am choosing to have a sleeve at a “low” BMI. Mostly I just want to be healthy! Thanks for reading...

Thanks GG, good luck on getting more protein in...I find it very hard to do. I did have some "cheat days" over the holidays, but thanks to the lap band I didn't gain any weight! This morning my scale put me at 193 and Dr. scale this afternoon (fully clothed) put me at 195.5. 5 pounds lost since the last weigh in at my doctors. I am feeling good, liquids for one day then soft food for a day or two. My in-laws will be here Saturday, I am happy I got the fill so I will not have to worry about weight gain. Usually a visit from family means eating out every single meal and trying all of the places here in San Antonio they have seen on the food channel. I am going to work on trying to get more protein in as well. As for the getting stuck, I have learned/decided no more pills in the morning, and maybe liquid or protein shake for breakfast. Only real meals will be lunch and dinner.. 1100 calories, huh? My fitnesspal tells me I should get 1200 and when I eat under that I usually lose better. Well good luck to all out there over the holidays, I KNOW they can be hard!

Historically, I don't think I ate enough real sugar items to affect my weight with any significance and with that, any subsequent dumping was just a sad consequence (with no real weight gain "suppression" benefits). My "normal" average calories are and remain 1800-2000 regardless of my occasional trip down sugar lane, LOL. I think this recent phase of sugar-free chocolate mega-consumption just replaced the water weight I lost (i.e, 6 lbs) immediate after PS. I was averaging probably 700 cals that first week. So i guess my carb increase (along with these damn chocolates) just put back what I lost as a result of the extreme calorie and carb deficit. My body seems to like 115 lbs (based on an average calorie intake of 1800-2000 and my normal activity levels). I will go up or down a few pounds all the time but my average for the last 6-ish months is solidly around 115 lbs. Which is fine by me. So I am not really mourning the regain. However, I really want to get toned and buff once I am cleared for exercise and I will need to figure out what my future new "normal" weight will be WHEN I add extra muscle. Also will need to figure out how to tweak my daily menus to support this endeavour. PROJECT!!

I have to agree that once you start, it's hard to stop... this has been my problem the last week or so... all those xmas parties and food. I try to stick with the plan but have noticed that I want more food than I was having. I so desperately want to get through xmas without too much damage but with my current level of restriction I'm afraid that I will go in the wrong direction. So far no weight gain but the idea is to lose. Good luck getting through this.

You are doing great Kareyquilts. Plateau's and minor weight gains can be contibuted to almost anything when it comes to women. If you want to kick in another cardio exercise that is great but try not to stress yourself. Keeping carbs and sodium low it can be helpful.

Had RNY August of 2007. Maintained well until 2013. Slow and steadily gaining all of my weight back. I am so frustrated! Day of surgery weight 260, lowest weight 144, back to 210. Help

Inner surfer girl I do not find you guys to be rude at all. I am taking it all in. I was giving a menu for what to eat and when to add more. I follow it to the tee. I am not worried about eating bad carbs I was always good about that. My weight gain is only last 2 years I have not been heavy all my life I lost a brother and father in law in the same week that tragic loss made me quit the gym my job and I sat on my butt for a year I gained over 100 pounds. I lost it on Medifast eating 500 calories a day when I stopped boom that and more! I went in to deep depression and started to see a shrink she's the one suggested I get the surgery. I will show you a pic of me from 2013 Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

@@finding_onederland I had a small hiatus hernia over 20 years ago. I was most surprised after my pre op endoscopy, that it was gone! It fixed itself, amazing. As to reflux, I had a bit of intermittent reflux in the past couple of years, I put it down to my big weight gain, and eating lot of chocolates. I was given pantoprazole that I took for 2-3 weeks, and was good afterward. Post op, gastric sleeve however, I was horrified by the strong reflux I had, even while on rabeprazole. Every day I was uncomfortable or in pain during my nightly reflux foaming and frothing attacks. I also noticed that at every food phase change, reflux was bad again, even with me eating the correct food, eating slowly and chewing lots. So for me, Nexium was heaven sent. It fixed my reflux, and from then on I was fine. Good luck to you.

Mimi, that unconscious food fest is so well known as to have a name: it's the Last Supper Syndrome. We all go through it. Sometimes twice--once when we make up our minds to have surgery and then again, much later, when we actually get the surgery date. It's very hard to conquer, I know--I gained 7 lbs in the last two months before surgery. But it really is important not to let it get out of control, since you want to be as healthy as possible for the procedure and healing. Take comfort in knowing that our food choices are the same after banding as before, and the behaviors that will change are those that MUST change if we want to leave our obesity behind us. So eat what you want, but try to practice not gorging. That will set you on the right path and possibly abort your weight gain in the process. Good luck with this!!

I weighed in today with a 3 lb weight gain for the last month. Prior to this I lost 6 lbs over 2 weeks. I am naturally disappointed but I was not perfect. How do you regroup after a disappointing weigh in? Me? Imam having wine tonight and will regroup for the next 6week weigh in.

thb, Hello. I didn't know if you were experiencing this personally or if it was just a research q. But yes, you can technically gain weight post fill. Examples: 1) First few fills may not get you to green. Some people may not feel any restriction at all depending on how aggressive/conservative the doc fills them. As a result, they may struggle with hunger, portions and food choices. Resulting in weight gain 2) Too tight? Than there's the bandster who gets too tight of a fill and either they don't recognize the symptoms or are so #'s focused they deal with it. As a result, this bandster does not eat proper foods to avoid getting stuck. Rather, they eat sliders and justify higher cal foods like milkshakes. And, you can stall or gain weight as a consequence. Hope this helps

I actually let myself indulge a bit and had a few sugar cookies a couple chocolates and a snickerdoodle over the past few days. Stayed within my calories and no weight gain. It feels good to have enough confidence to occasionally eat junk! It took me awhile to let go of “letting go” a little.

well i have been waiting in fear for this day....i drink sweet tea with lemon EVERY DAY and yep i only use splenda.... i use 85% natural organic products but i just cant use ANY form of true sugar...i have used the turbinado...weight gain... so if they pull it i will again switch to Raw sugar but will have to cut it back to a glass a day... i have no doubts that splenda has things in it that are not good for our health...at this point (until they pull it) i will stick with it. i feel like i cut enough of the additives by not eating anything proccessed but splenda ( and the occasional chocolate bar) i have seen first hand the 'side effects' calvins mother has recently (the last 6 months ) having skin rashes that she thought was associated with allergies...after all the testing they told her it was likey the splenda. she has quit the splenda and is getting better....

I am on my weight loss journey with the support of a dear friend who is on a weight gain journey. Honestly, she hears more rude comments on a daily basis than I do. People are awful. I would never make a comment to someone regarding their weight (unless it was a close family member and I knew they needed intervention) because you just don't know the situation. I was molested as a young child and dealt with a lot of death throughout my life. I ate to feel better. My friend had cancer and lost a lot of weight. While she has always been small, she just can't seem to keep up with her own metabolism. Different situations, different issues. Yet people want to judge. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Just know that people make comments when they can't seem to control what is going on in their own lives. They feel like they need to bring you into their misery.

Steph- if I am filled to a spot where I lose weight I cannot even eat 1/2 cup at a time. You will get used to it. As far as the gas, try some Gas X before bed. Also may need to increase the fiber, which could cause more gas intially but got make sure things are moving thru there well. If you get constipated, it really backs things up I have noticed Update on me- pg is going well, except i have a horrid rash and I am allergic to my own progesterone!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelieveable! Sometimes it just makes me cry! Oh well onlt 28 more weeks to go! My weight has stayed the same even with my unfill. I thought I had gained a pound but as of this morning I am still at my lowest weight ever! YEAH Made it thru 1st trimester (almost) and no weight gain. So how much do you think I will gain on this cruise coming up in may??? LOL I will probably make up for it there! Jill

hi brandi babe its so good to hear from you ,im sorry to hear that you have been so poorly and i think as wonderul as the band is ,its not without its risks and problems and we all got so excited about ability to fight the flab we didnt really consider what we were actually doing to ourselves i think i worry about long term effects but all we can do is deal with each hurdle along the way ,as you are doing now ,dont worry about the weight gain u know u will lose it again after op its just a bump in the road ive been all over the place with my weight im back up to to 174 pounds i quit smoking gained 10 lbs then had too many xmas chocs gained a few more was a bit upset but... hey im human so now drinking green tea and homemade soups ,no junk! ,i know this must have been and feels like end of world but you are a fighter you can so do this and i will definately be around for you and i hope when others see that you want our support they be back too ,take care of yourself and let me know how you getting on i want to lose 14lb but instead of being so tight i cant eat solids im going to work at the traditional method of getting it off so fingers crossed . talk soon x