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Congrats Cindy! I am in my 27th week and so far i've gained just under 10 lbs. I've had 2 slight unfills so far. The first was at 8 weeks (-0.3 cc) and the second was yesterday (-0.5 cc). I've been happy with my weight gain and my OB has no problem with it either. I know i will start to gain more in the home stretch so i didn't mind putting too much on in the beginning. I was also lucky and didn't have any morning sickness to worry about. Enjoy your pregnancy!

I have the MIrena IUD and have had it during my lapband surgeries and my sleeve. Had no issues with weight gain. Dr told me since the hormones are released in the reproductive tract, it works differently. A previous post explained it well. I have 3 different doctors put the lapband in/take it out and do the sleeve. None of the 3 even mentioned removing the Mirena. That's over the top (in my opinion). I barely get my period and have zero cramps. I highly recommend it!

Hi Everyone - Don't put me out on a siesta yet. I am here and happening until Tues am. However, my mind is going a mile a minute trying to get it all together. Jenifermarch - your timeline looked so familiar. yes, we can lose on a diet, but it all falls apart and then it is a terrible thing psychologically, emotionally and physically. I haven't been close to "perfect" on my band diet, but am taking measures to really change my lifestyle, and even under tremendous stress (yes, the binge eating reemerges) - but I have other positive things in place that pull me back into positive eating behaviors that save an extreme weight gain. In addition to my band I have a trainer, psychologist and until last week an acupuncturist, that I will go back to on an as needed basis. I am really under construction with marvelous positive people around me. It takes that for me to change, because the pattern has lasted for so many years (I'm 57). Hugs all, have wonderful weekends, Michelle

@ Mal -- I absolutely think that we should blame "office TOM" for any weight gain! :lol:@ Dee -- I know those "working girl" scrubs all too well. My sexiest ones had jelly Beans printed on them ~~ and probably some in the pockets, too, back then . Congrats you bunch of losers!!!!!!!!!! You know who you are! Ami -- Belly dancing, SO COOL! I hope the Motrin does the trick -- keep us posted. SidAnn -- One word = AWESOME! LA -- Thanks for the Protein calorie list -- another great find! Mini -- Pack your bags, woman! It's almost time! 5 weeks left!! I think I'm down a total of 7 (help me with my math Dee), which means I've got to get my fanny perpendicular and crank it up to get 13 off in 5 weeks. Let's go peeps! We can do this!!

I went to the doctor's today regarding the medication. Here's what's up. I wrote the name and doseage of all six drugs on a large index card. When compared, it was apparent I had four drugs that could cause weight gain. I can't say there was a hunger issue because my appetite has been so tame compared to what it use to be. We switched the medications and right now I am transitioning to one new medication, the one for depression. It's a new drug that WHO WAS IT RECOMMENDED IT? it's late and I can't remember at this moment. I was taking Inderal and this is a drug that she said, "given your age I never would have put you on this." I take this for migraines. We switched that one too. Lesson learned: Check your medications yourself on the web. Search the drug name and side effects then see if it applies to you.

Congratulations on the losses everyone. Great job with the minor flux in weight gain, could have been steeper (think of our history beforeWLS). MissMom - I'm glad you weren't filled as well. Ack! Prty- I have read indications there are problems were things like overeating, not able to eat, pain in that area of the stomach, difficulty swallowing, reflux, ... Glad that CT scan was checked by doctor K. I wish he could do my two hernias. He's a great surgeon. My scars are so minor and my recovery was so quick. *speaking of hernias, I had a CT done of my stomach. I was pushing 400 at one point so I have wondered if there was any 'damage' done to my abdomen for bearing all that weight. Found out I do have a herniated navel deep inside that I will notice more and more as the weight comes off my stomach. Right now I'm thinking and have been that nothing I ate was ever worth a herniated navel.

I watched a good M. Knight Sham. movie so I'm handling the weight gain much better now that I'm chilled. L.A. how are you feeling? My girls... I miss you. Thinking of that FIRST Red Robin gathering and how great it was. I hold you all dear to my heart and that moment in time. .......................... Mona you are funny and I love that you write with emoticons like I do. The drool one is my fav.

hi all this board moves so fast when i come back and check how your all doing i have to read at least two pages..lol and today was three pages!!!! my fill is 20th of january:) sweethot....i can feel my port but thankfully cant see it it also still looks a little swollen but maybe i was always that swollen..pmsl i think i have noticed my weight and the bits i hate even more since having band as i now dare to believe that these wobbly extras will be one day gone:) i was really upset when i took b4 pics (in my underwear on boxing day not great idea)i was sooooo upset i couldnt believe thats how i really looked i guess i had a different view of me. stephc..i had my first meal out two nights ago in chinese resteraunt it was m8s birthday so felt like i should go i had a great time...ok food not succesful i had wan ton soup and it lovely but hubby ate half dumplings as they gave me 5..and i tried a duck in black bean and duck tough so i just chewed three bits and then politely got rid in napkin..ewww it felt great i was like anorexic chick...pmsl but my point was i have 4 glasses of wine and a cocktail and was fine and my surgeon french and is a great believer of having fun,his exact advise is you must try very hard to eat all the right things for this to work but if you are at party you must have fun and a few glasses of good wine is absolutely fine:) dont think he would recommend lots of partying though but at least he understand it party season !! blackbutterfly & stacey &denise congrats and welcome vabandster...i cant wait for all the visiting and party food to leave the house as i dont mind my diet but you cant help feeling a little dismayed at tins of sweets and fancy biscuits and a whole cupboard full of nice treats ,if i had no children i would throw it all out .:faint: also first week i lost 14lbs then throughout last week the scales were moving up:mad: and finally when i weighed in on saturday 2 weeks i was back down so im still at 14lbs lost but im not worried at all because i know im not eating enough for any weight gain and it will move and besides that my clothes are getting baggier it looks like im shrinking in height because the trouser legs are too long now i must have been holding them up with my tummy :embarassed: slnp..when did you get banded ??saw your quick message you sound great dieselangel...geez that sound awful about stitches why cant they put paper stitches on now or glue i think that seems so strange just to leave opening wounds as your scars surely will be wider than neccesary if they heal opened ,i think i would kick up a bit..good luck il be worrying for you tonijo..i think it be great to have a target for whole of dec bandsters i wonder how many of us there actually are ??? beversman...hi honey you doing really well your dr also seems really happy with you and im glad you getting fill quickly you can tell me what its like ..lol also i think you be great diplomat...i think it important in this type of group were we all have varying advice and ideas and opinions that we dont condemn someone else because they do things differently or their treatment is different ,as you said "lets keep things positive " your a great girl !!!! kay...those scales will be moving really well when you get back to gym ,but i understand how you feel patience is not a virtue i posses as far as weight loss concerned i would have like to have band on and then lose 102 pound ,seems i will have to work at it after all....lol carol..what a wonderful support your daughter is she has no doubts of your abilty to lose the weight clothes swap is a great idea but im so lucky im a hoarder and i have in my wardrobe descending sizes im a 22 now a baggy one though yeah!!! and i have 20s 18s 16s all awaiting me after that il be sooooo happy to shop til i drop as last time i was below that i think i was 14 years old .

Hi, I'm also 4 mos out with a stall between 192-195. I'm also became caretaker for my elderly Mom so lots of stress going on here. I know how that can impact a person's health but at least I'm not gaining. Still thrilled to be in "onederland" and really enjoying breaks I get from other fam members so I can do my. Reformer Pilates classes where my focus is now cardio/sculpt. I also hop on my treadmill at home buty water intake has really taken a dive. Need to work on that. The great news is that my A1c # for diabetes no longer requires meds. I'm so, so, happy about that🙂. Btw, my highest history of weight gain was 261, pre-op was 245 to 235 from the week fast, and now 192. Goal is 150 since I am 5'6". I had the revision from lap band to gastric sleeve. My niece had the bypass and she said that her stall required her to go back on protein shakes 3x a day un order to trigger more weight loss and so far she has lost 100 pounds. I think I will be trying that, too. Good luck to everyone and I love seeing the pics Mizzkay! You look awesome. Blueslily, thx for keeping this topic alive. I'm right there with you on the stall. We can do this! Sincerely, Trish

Hey Suzanne. The headaches have reduced in number since starting the Prednisone. I am gradually tapering off of them, but I have a little over two more weeks left on them. I've been having them on and off every few days. I go to the doctor tomorrow, so I'll let ya'll know what happens. Unfortunately I've blown up like a whale since starting the steroids. My face and stomach is SO swollen and fat looking. I look 7 months pregnant! It's really embarrassing because people are noticing the weight gain. I guess I'm in a rut and just praying I can get out soon! Thanks for asking about me. How is your foot doing? I hope it is better.

P.S. tomorrow will be one week without Pop. It hasn't been a problem. It is all the food and the continuous weight gain (ooops). My brain thinks that because I'm having surgery- I can eat what I want. Totally backwards I know- but it does. So this 6 month for insurance has really done nothing positive for me. Oh well

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”

It's healthy to want the things you want. What you desire is healthy. The problem is when we are unhealthy for whatever reason emotionally, we choose unhealthy partners. I'm going to go out on a little limb here and may be way off base. What I think from all you say is that early on you both had issues. I suspect he was really the charmer when you initially met as young adults. I also suspect that the mask fell off very fast, and you've been dealing with a lot. I also suspect he's a bit Narcissistic. I don't like labels but the comment regarding you being crazy as you implore him to not treat you as he does by asking WHY he does, kind of stood out like a huge red flag. Whatever is happening with him is bad. There is a poster on here who suggested a book for you and described her own abuse. She hit the nail on the head. And you did too when you talked about the fat you gained being so tied to your childhood issues once you were married and realized the status quo of your bad marriage. The weight gain is like insulation, comfort when hurt. I think your best recourse is to get counseling on your own. I even suggest a therapist, because if he is a Narcissist, or has some other mental issue, he's probably nearly broken your spirit. I can almost imagine the emotional roller coaster you've been on. The label doesn't even matter, what matters is he's being utterly selfish and cruel. And I'll tell you something, I was with an abusive guy too. Spent 14 years trying to get away, once I did, wow. I felt better. I learned a lot. What we don't know is how stumped our own self growth is when we stay in relationships that negate us from who we really are. I think counseling as you break away will help you, this way if things get ugly you're not completely without someone to lean on. Also one last piece of unwarranted advice, please. Don't engage him about the weight issue. Don't bring it up. If he brings up your weight, just listen and say you understand his views and let it go. Be kind and pleasant but don't engage arguments or rude comments. Be like a strong object, feel little, react even less. Otherwise he just takes more pot shots and you give him more fuel to fire. You'll be in my prayers and thoughts. If you feel you need to message for any reason, please do.

The decision of whether or not to proceed with WLS needs to be carefully considered, because the lifestyle changes which are required are made for life. No one but you are able to process your motivations and priorities for your life but you. There have been 3 other times in my life when I lost significant amounts of weight; after 2 pregnancies (first time I lost 85 pounds, then I lost 65 pounds after my third son), and once after gaining weight with medication I was prescribed (lost 60 pounds). Between those 3 episodes, I was able to maintain a healthy weight of 130. About 10 years ago, it was medication again which caused the weight gain which stayed with me until having my WLS this past February. I had tried to loose the weight on my own, but being post menopause, my metabolism would not help me the way that it did when I was younger. What caused me to move forward with the surgery was finding out that my A1C levels had crossed the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis. I successfully lowered the A1C with diet and exercise, but then I was in a serious car accident, and could not be active except for physical therapy for 5 months. My insulin resistance was worse, and I knew that I would never be a compliant diabetic. The band provided the opportunity to regain some of the health that my excess weight was taking from me. The weight loss journey is not an easy one, but one which I strongly feel that most everyone is pleased with the results of their hard work. Loosing the excess weight while you are young, you should be able to avoid many of the health issues which present when you are older. IMHO, your mileage may vary. Good luck with your continuing deliberations!

Rain, will they keep deflating you or does it depend on how you feel or weight gain or what...10 lbs isn't bad, seeing i gained 3or 4 in a week.lol...and I am not pregnant. Yeah well as far as the upper GI, dr H. said its hard to tell about exact restriction with the test, so she said if I wasn't too restricted she might give me a smidge, so we will see. Wow Rain you really were restricted with 6 cc, I cant tolerate 5.5. oh well we are all different...how are you feeling otherwise, keep us posted.:biggrin:

Hi! I would try to stay off the scales if I were you. The weight gain that you are experiencing is probably due to fluid imbalance/redistribution. My doctor said not to pay attention to the scale until after you get a fill. He said that your body needs a good 6 weeks to heal itself. It sounds like you are doing well. I am only 6 days post-band. I am so tempted to get on the scale,but at the same time kind of afraid. I lost 16lbs on the pre-surgery diet. I hope I've lost more despite of what my MD says about the 1st 6 weeks being a time for healing and not weight loss. Best of luck to you-Gigi:)

@@Amurillo04 And that's why weight loss surgery gets a bad rap with regards to weight gain. Some people just think it's the magic bullet, that they will no longer have to sacrifice some of their favorite foods or can continue to give into cravings.

“Melissa, Why do you work with bariatric surgery patients?” I’m often asked this. Clients and readers are often curious because I’m not a weight loss surgery patient myself and because I don’t have a “weight loss story.” Except that I do. My story has emerged from the stories of others. The truth is, I founded Enduring Change Coaching after years of practicing as a Clinical Psychologist. As a Clinical Psychologist, one area of expertise has been helping people with food and weight issues. Since 1995, I have worked with just about every kind of eating disorder, weight issue, and food issue an adult can have. I’ve witnessed peoples’ pain, struggles and desperation, and I’ve had the honor of sharing in their experiences of transformation (and I’m not just talking about weight)—as they found their own paths to making peace with food, resolving weight issues, putting eating and food in a much smaller place in their lives, and moving on to focusing on more enjoyable and empowering things. I developed the Emotional Eating Toolbox™ Program and run the bariatric surgery coaching programs at Enduring Change because I saw people struggling with their weight and feeling hopeless and I knew the tools and strategies that I have developed with my clients can make a profound difference. I’ve met too many people who believe that taking control of their weight and their relationship with food isn’t possible and who believe that they must resign themselves to fighting—and losing—battles with weight forever. I’ve known and worked with too many bariatric surgery patients who are stuck in a mode of self-blame. They believe they should be able to succeed with weight loss and with weight loss surgery without help or support and they blame themselves when they struggle. I’ve known other weight loss surgery patients who were never told that there are other essential tools they need to acquire and use with weight loss surgery. (Thankfully, I’m seeing less of this.) They too feel like failures when they find themselves struggling with emotional eating, overeating and weight gain after surgery. And I’ve worked with plenty of people who have had weight loss surgery, who know darned well that the procedure they had is only one tool. They know that they have other challenging work ahead of them, and other tools they will need to acquire to get where they want to go. The problem is, they aren’t sure where to get those tools. There are (in many areas) too few support groups (especially for individuals who are 12 months or more post-surgery) and not enough information about good resources. There is not enough information about overeating and emotional eating. People are quick to tell you not to overeat, not to use food to fill an “emotional hole,” and not to eat to cope with stress or boredom or loneliness. But there is not enough quality information and help out there about what to do instead. That’s been my experience. And that’s why I coach individuals and hold special coaching programs and conferences for people who have had bariatric surgery—by telephone—so anyone can attend. It’s why I periodically offer free teleclasses. Most importantly, it was one of my motivations for creating the Emotional Eating Toolbox™ Self-guided Program. Because there is too much shame and self-blame out there. And because we all are a lot more likely to succeed when we have the right tools. Melissa McCreery, Ph.D. is a Psychologist and the founder of Enduring Change Coaching. She helps her clients create and live the life they crave. She is also the creator of the Emotional Eating Toolbox 28-day Program for Taking Control and Moving Beyond Dieting. Sign up for a free 5 part Self-care Package Audio Course, learn about upcoming WLS seminars and other programs or contact her www.enduringchange.com.

I am told to stop taking BC two weeks before and 6-8 weeks after due to it increasing the risk of developing clots. My surgeon automatically gives heparin while in the hospital to decrease the chances. I have been on BC for many years to regulate and it is always given a bad rap about weight gain- if you read the fine print it says weight gain OR loss....AND is minimal, less than 5 pounds. So I wouldn't worry about it affecting your weight loss. My concern isn't it affecting my weight loss but more so my weight loss affecting my periods. Rapid weight gain or loss can drastically change menstrations....so to me.... The benefits outweigh the risks. So I will continue taking my BC when cleared to do so.

Good job getting the fill out. Sounds like a pretty bad PB episode and your band and body needed the rest. You weight gain can be avoided if you'll do the work of eating well, eating less, drinking your Water and exercise. If you get another fill, cutting back your eating will be much easier. However, you must must get your head around the idea of slowing down, chewing well, and taking smaller bites. This is the only way to avoid another PB episode when you are properly restricted. It's a dance with the band. If you want the band to work for you, you have to work with it by 1)getting the right fill level 2)slowing down, chewing well, taking smaller bites 3) making the right food and exercise choices. In some ways it's simple, but in other ways, it isn't always easy. Go back in your mind to when you got banded and use your band to start over fresh. Don't gain back that 50 pounds! It isn't worth it! Get your spunk back...it's in there somewhere!

Awesome advice! I am a firm believer that staying busy with good stuff, helps. I knit, walk, play a game with my kids and keep a book and puzzle going at all times. It helped a lot. I also journal, plan meals, and watch every bite that goes in. But remember that Water, etc., fluctuates a lot, so don't get down by day to day weight gains.

Right now is what people like to call "bandster hell" which is when you have healed from surgery, swelling has gone down and you have little to no restriction from your band. I had the same thing and right now is all based on your own will power.....you have to stop thinking I can eat like I did and keep the pre op/post op diet fresh in your mind....I can only eat this much and stop yourself. Don't let the "I can eat again food monster invade your thoughts" bc he will and I think that monster is the cause of a lot of post op weight gain. My loss since surgery has been SLOOOOOOWWW and I just had my first fill Friday. Are you scheduled for your first fill?

Update for my August revision: I had my revision earlier this month and although it feels the same as VSG physically, it is different in that I am just not hungry at all. After 1 oz of unsweetened applesauce for dinner last night, I just didn't want another bite. Some people got that with their VSG, I never did. It's hard to eat if one has zero appetite. This week my average calories was 296. I have no idea what my goal is for this stage. My surgery water weight gain is finally coming off then I can see where my weight is at but at 296 average a day, I know I lost quite a bit. Luckily, so far, it's been a pretty easy recovery. I do not have any nausea, and have not vomited. I do have off and on diarrhea. I took an Equate equivalent of Imodium, that fixed it. I still have a stitch feeling on the left side though, maybe due to CO2 still in there. I drink with no problem but I still try to sip slowly because if I do drink fast, I just know I will get nauseated. I've slept better than ever because no Gerd. I have good energy due to good sleep. Of course, I'm always worried about future complications though since it is a more serious operation compared to my sleeve.

WOW I had no idea the military was so hard on their people. I knew there were weight guidelines but my goodness that is borderline abuse!!! I think that is grat that you have taken the time to gain insight into your issues that cause your weight gain! That is wonderful b/c for a lot fo people that can't see that far into the process! Looking forward to your blog!

all great advice up above. You said you have a hard time getting in your protein. Just a little side note. You get more bang for buck with protein. Not only does your body need it but it takes twice as much calories to break down protein than it does carbs. I was a huge carbie before surgery so I understand how hard it can be to get in the protein. At Christmas all rules went out the window and I ate all kinds of carbs, especially See's Candy and my own peanut brittle. I can honestly say what a huge negative affect it had on my body. Not only from weight gain, but I was so tired it was crazy! So get your mind in the game again and start following the rules! You lost 36 pounds, you CAN lose the other 87!