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Gabapentin is a seizure medication and they also use it for nerve pain as stated. It needs to be in your system for a few weeks to even work and can in some people cause weight gain. I was prescribed this for my lumbar stenosis and it didnt work at all for me.

@freiabr I’m so sorry to hear about your mother! I hope it all works out for you. You must be doing something right out there if you’re still losing! Sometimes other things are just more important. So my scale moved for the first time in 2 months - I gained 7 pounds!!!! In a week and a half. I’m livid. I started a new anti depressant and I knew it was making me hungry but I never expected that huge increase. Needless to say, we are switching me to a different medication lol Has anyone tried intermittent fasting? Can someone explain how it works and if you’ve seen results? I see my surgeon and NUT next week because I’m so upset about the weight gain and hope they can get me back on track.

I don't think you fully understood what you signed up for. I work out 6 to 7 days a week and do not have any bulk muscle. I had the Sadi DS 10 years ago and I can eat a horse without weight gain but also no bulk muscle. Instead, I have excellent muscle definition and can work out at a level not possible before wls. The DS fortunately keeps the weight off, so you will never bulk up. You signed up for this, and it's a fantastic thing for you to be able to work out, eat what you want, and be healthy, especially given you previously weighed over 400 lbs.

Ok, ok, I surrender!! Y'all are the only ones I have met that like the name -- you'll not hear another peep out of me about it!! I too am struggling with food and weight gains right now. I made it through Christmas with flying colors, but that was because I was so tight that I pb'd every other day. A little looser now and finding all the 'bad' foods that go down so easily anyway. I've been bouncing around the same 6 pounds for a month. I'm going to try to eat fruit and yogurt for breakfast, drink the protein shake between b'fast and lunch. The dietician says I need at least 1250 calories. I'm finding that hard to do with only 3 cups of food a day...suggestions?? I HATE to cook and usually have a frozen meal for lunch. Oh, btw, Good morning!! Still no server....I need to go see what's going on. Or should I say not going on. Kat and Judy -- still thinking of you and your families... Thanks everyone for the welcome!!

Wow....people...people...take a deep breathe. I think the reason swilkins is here because she knows she is making bad choices. She needs support not slapping. Here is a place where we can go to confession. And be loved and lifted up, not beaten up like we were in our past lives. We were heavy for many reasons. But yes, one soda every day, 150 cal every day, 365 days a year adds up to over 45,000 extra cal per year which blossoms to over 15 extra lbs per year alone.(approx weight gain...the actual numbers are higher...don't slap me cause I am sitting in the dark with no calculator.) If we get to 150 lbs...this is 10 percent body gain per year. Ouch.... Every time you want a soda come here. We all walk with you....and add no calories...lol

Work travel was (and is) really difficult because you’re eating out 3 meals a day and there’s always the damned hotel all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, plus I used to take it as a personal challenge to use my entire meal allowance. On previous and long business trips, I used to avoid major weight gain by going to the hotel gym every morning and getting a parking space that involved a long walk to the office. Fortunately all of my business travel is to my employer’s field offices, and they all sell high-protein, low-carb snacks such as cheese and pepperoni or hard-boiled eggs.

Well heck yes you want both and you will get both!!!! My calorie intake has fluctuated by 200 calories or so per day depending on what's going on and the scale doesn't seem to reflect either higher or lower (I like to think that by confusing my body I can lose faster). BUT, my water intake does reflect in my weight gain or loss. Our bodies are very interesting and very different. It's actually fascinating. Keep up the good work! Short and bathing suit season is right around the corner!!

I know that many people ask the same question but just curious if others having the same problem. If you have can you share what you did to prevent weight gain till you get to the right fill level. I go in next week for first fill and follow up appt but just don't want to keep putting on weight till i get to the green zone. Thanks and appreciate any and all thoughts

Hi all, just checking in on you guys. I've been having way too much fun this summer camping, surfing (yes, even in WA!!) and quilting. Suzz, congrats on your new baby. I'm sorry about his eye. My baby (97 pound yellow lab) is in an e-collar too....that's why we're getting such good tv reception right now! lol He's got hot spots and still chews on his leg....he was a kennel rescue dog, and this is common. As far as the weight gain, I think what works best for me is to get in a mental frame of mind. For me it's all in my head. Try to focus on what motivated you in the first place. Are you wearing your BB? Maybe I can commit to you to wear my BB and log my food...and we can check in with each other? I haven't been doing that or exercising. I got 4.0 put back in my band on Wednesday, after a month with a complete unfill. I'll go back in 2 weeks and get more. Still no restriction, and I did gain a bit back. But, I'm going to get back on the band wagon! lol Insub, congrats on embarking on your new trip. I'll look forward to updates on your location and activities. I'm jealous too! Mj, ahhhhhh bread! Nirvana! I've enjoyed my month of bread! Why can the french eat bread, butter, cheese, beef, wine and still be skinny? I have a friend who is filled pretty tight and she can eat bread. I know when I get my restriction back, there's no way I can eat it, or rice or pasta. Bigbaby, thanks for all your motivation. I know I can log in here and you'll have something positive to post. I printed out your plateau breaker. It reminds me of Adkins. I think I will try it...but will miss my fruit! Of course, fruit for a diabetic......I might as well eat a candy bar! Everyone else, do like Bigbaby says!! Keep on keeping on!

I think these are really valid and helpful observations and questions. I know they help me really think and own my spit. You know? I never want to rationalize my own "poor" behavior or stinking thinking by convincing myself that my viewpoint is the only right one. I also am hopeful that this might benefit someone else who might not want to post their stuff here--be able to work through some things and gain insight into their eating behaviors that both keep them thin/losing or are contributing to gain. Right? So there is no doubt that I am goal driven. I've never in my life reached my target weight goal--even as a young kid dieting (dieting since 9). 😕 And it became very important to me as I went "all in" with this surgery, that I achieve my goal weight--even if it's only for a day--or an hour. It's just a milestone that psychologically I feel like I need. And knowing what my sis (who is 2 inches taller than me) looked like with a similar build to me -- at 120lbs, she did not look anorexic. Knowing that at 23BMI today on the scale and that in real life, I still have very jiggly fat filled aspirin bottle and thighs, makes me feel like I do still have extra fat available that I can at least achieve that burning drive to 130lbs. At the very least. *I'd have to review the BDG once I get to 130lbs. Cuz it really may not be realistic for me to even hit it. There is NOOOOOO doubt I have body dysmorphia. No doubt. I work on it daily. And the struggle is real. I def don't see myself as super thin. Just normal for a 56 year old woman. Flabby flat as* and all. TY for telling me how awesome I look! Sometimes I can actually feel it - nowadays. Yesterday (no pic) I felt great in my outfit until I looked in the mirror in my white shorts. And felt I look huge in my thighs and ass--so didn't bother snapping the pic. I still wore the outfit and got so many complements including a, "You are so skinny" comment that I was a little "proud" of. I've never been a member of the you-are-so-skinny-"normal"-girl-barbie-tribe. You know? And I'm not gonna lie. It's a seductive group. Great T & A and tiny waists among all of those bi*ches! hehe. I do think I will be thin enough. That's why I think 130lbs will be end of the line for me. Cuz when I was sick just before surgery, I was 131lbs and I felt "right". Even though I was craptastically ill at the time. But yeah, that BD funhouse mirror plays wicked mind games. So the only way to tell is once I get there. I know I have no interest in going deep dive to the low 120s and maybe not even anything under the 130lbs. I keep cals that low and deeply nutrient rich cuz I flat out maintain or even gain weight in the >850 range. And that terrifies me! I'm not like @ms.sss who is having issues deterring weight loss at these levels. I WISH! Right? Cuz if you look at my graph, I'm maintaining. And I'm super terrified I've forked my metabolism. I also know I take a hormone blocker for cancer remission that puts me in supre menopause. So I am trying to restore my body fat hormones while having one hand tied behind my back via the blocking of all female hormone production. Which really sucks cuz the regulation of those hormones really drive a lot of the insulin and hunger hormones response to fat loss. Also being hypothyroid also contributes to the lowered metabolic rate. Sorry for the book. I didn't want to just blow off your question, but rather offer some glimmer of where my thought process and logic is taking me. My hope is that once I hit my 130 Goal #3 weight, then I can officially say, "I'm goal baybeeee!" And then I will be able to maintain at 1000-1400 cals with a day or 2 of fasting thrown in per week like Dr. Fung discusses. Cuz that would be sweet! But my body is resisting going lower right now. And it does not reward me with a scale drop when I up cals and give a treat day--rather it rewards me with the predicted weight gain. Also, I'm not going quietly into that good night. I will fight that fuc*ing bounce like a demon. I am not gonna accept that it has to happen. And if I start looking like I'm eating crap I really want you guys to call me on it and hold my toes to the fire! Cuz I will need y'all more than ever if/when backsliding enters the equation. Right? Ok, so yeah. There you have it. My full 10lbs of crazy shoved into the 5lb can! Certifiable? Yes or no? Here's my weight graph of the past year. The last big jump is from surgery and IVs. But you can see, I'm having trouble maintaining right now post surgery and struggling with huge hunger. I attribute it to IV antibiotics and disruption of gut biome/gut hormone disruption and insulin surges as a result. There is a study just out about this. I think @catwoman7 may have posted this on another board? Can't remember...

Just got back from obgyn. Next week starts the weekly cervical exams (fun!) and some strep test where they swab your hooha and your bum..ew. Carson is measuring 38cm.. and apparently he's suppose to measure with the week. I am 34 weeks, so he should be 34cm! She never asked me, I don't know why.. but I brought up the fact (well I am tall obviously) but my brother & dad are giants!! And she asked about how big we were when we were born.. me & siblings were all 21", which is taller than normal baby, but our weight was normal. So they scheduled an ultrasound for next week to see if he's 'big' or just tall. I have a feeling he's just tall, I don't know why.. maybe from all the kicking, but that I'm not as huge as some people this far along. Either way, still cool I get a free ultrasound! BCBS only pays for 2 ultrasounds unless there's a medical reason, so if she has a medical reason I get another one. She also asked because of my hip, if I wanted to get a note to be home from work duration of my pregnancy. Wow, it's that easy!! I said no. I feel better at work than I do at home, sitting at my desk doesn't give me problems.. when I get home and I'm in my bed, is when I hurt the worst. Plus I'd go crazy just laying around at home!! Oh and I heard back from my band doc today, I e-mailed them last week about my chest pain and lack of restriction, etc. I am getting real paranoid about that, it's like I'm not banded anymore, and they only took out .5cc!!!! Plus with the weight gain, I should be more restricted. In any event this was their response... I guess it's good they're not worried?

This fear is what has kept me from getting surgery when I first considered it at age 22. I'm (almost) 32 now and have only ballooned even bigger in the last 10 years!! I look back now and WISH I was the same weight I was at age 22 - and I thought I was at my max BACK THEN. Also, I have worked in health insurance for the last 10 years as well - In claims, pre-authorizations, AND in underwriting, so I've seen the good, bad, ugly and UGLIEST of things people have gone through with these surgeries. I feel like I've seen it all!! But on the flip side, I could also be one of those unfortunate people that strokes out or has a heart attack in their 30s simply because they're too fat. Would I rather give up cake for the rest of my life or be paralyzed? Uh, I'll pass on that cake... What really made me open my eyes and say this is the better choice is that I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. Despite lifelong obesity, I've remained relatively healthy. The only major medical problem I've had is gall stones and I had my gall bladder removed right away with zero complications. Other than that, good blood work, good bp (until recently), good everything else except being big. I just know that without this tool, I'm going to fail at losing weight as I have been doing for my whole life. Weight gain and/or complications are just bridges I'll have to cross when/if I get to them. In the meantime, the best thing we can do for our health is to THINK POSITIVELY! Whatever weight loss plan you ultimately choose, surgery or not, it's gonna require patience and commitment - and plenty of setbacks. That is what makes our journey our own. Good luck! You can do this!

Oh my dear VV's!! My are we struggling??? It's such a great heartache for all of us. Lori, never feel like you are being silly because you lost your cat. I've been through that before - and I see it again on my horizon. My little buddy is getting up there, and is definitely slowing down lately. I try to ignore it, but in my heart I know it's looming. Probably not in the too near future I hope, but it's coming. Ugh, I even feel tears just thinking about it. We have for the many of us been dealing with weight gain. I know for a fact now its much more common than many might think. So many have this false hope that once they have the band that they will lose weight "forever". Well I really try to stress that, that is a false hope. Not in a bad way, but to make sure they understand that no matter what you do - YOU HAVE TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. The band is not some magical wizard that is going to do this for you. It helps, sure - but its more like - 10% Band - 90% Willpower. It still beats the 100% willpower though, no? My vacation was super! I just re-charged and I feel great. Now I have to get back to getting up early again. I feel sleepy! Only got about 5 hours sleep!! Anyway, back to what I was mentioning... I am seriously going to get back my weight loss mojo. I am going to be super strick for the month of August. I'm only going to have my 3 square meals - and my lunch and dinner will be strictly portion controlled. My only Snacks allowed are fruit or beef jerkey. No sliders, ie yogurt or whatever. I need to eat things that I know wont leave me hungry again too soon. Good luck and as always - KEEP SWIMMING!! This truly is a life long battle. The good thing is there is no limit on how many times we can try again. :biggrin:

Hey LilMiss, The issues you are having - are you sure that cancelling the unfill was best? I REALLY hate to think that you might be doing some damage to your system through your nightly coughing. The appointment with the nutritionist can't do any harm, and may be beneficial, but I worry about your coughing. The sweet demon isn't my enemy - but those high fat Proteins are doing me in! Nuts, nuts and more nuts! I know that some of my weight gain can be attributed to the empty calories of alcohol (I went from one glass of wine a week, to having multiple glasses almost every day while on holiday). BAH!!! That is easily controlled. But the need for proteins, and my loves of all things nutty and cheesy are going to be a bigger struggle. How is everyone else doing? Roll call: Shiny, Ezma; Marathinner; Angie; Lori; Jul; RSG; St Louis; CKK;TSK; Mom; and others.

OK... I just updated my ticker with the weight gain... I think I might be a bit more motivated now... The rest of that cake icing is baout to meet the garbage disposal!!!

Ugh, I'd definitely be up a size if I put on 5lb. I dont let my weight vary by more than 2. I'm very lucky, my weight stays VERY stable, it never goes down, but it doesnt usually go up by more than 1lb unless its period time. I take action at 1lb, I cut back for a few days. And I absolutely NEVER miss my exercise. I really believe that the true benefit of exercise in relation to weight is in preventing regain, I am amazed at how far I can push things without gaining weight, and I've had the same experience at times in my life before when I've been a regular exerciser for long periods. It'd be PANIC stations here if I gained 5lb. I dont even want to think about it happening. I must not be prone to Water weight gain becuase you're right, you're not gaining and losing fat really.

I saw my surgeon last week and he said all is well and to begin eating normally over the weekend. I thought that was sounding good until I began eating again. I had lost weight pretty consistently in the beginning then gained and lost the same pound or two for a week. Today I weighed in and gained 3 pounds! I haven't had a fill and feel little to no restriction and understand that when you go from liquids only to mushies, to real food the odds are that your body will try to hang on to it and weight gain is likely. Maybe I was in denial about it all, but gosh, those 3 pounds are gnawing at me like crazy! I am not eating a lot and exercising, so I hoped I wouldn't gain but I did. I am looking forward to my first fill (which will be later than usual since doc will be on vacation. :thumbup:) Oh well, I just had to vent. It's just a frustrating day.

Good morning all, and Happy Friday!!! SLG - Your trip sounded marvelous; hope you took some great pics! And as for your weight gain - you should be so proud of yourself! SHM - Congrats on the house! Now, I can focus all my good wishes on the promotion.... So, where is everyone else? How are you doing? If you are 'lurking', could I entice you to post even just once a month - I miss my VVs. And now for todays news bulletin - it snowed last night!!! ARGHH I don't have the garden winterized yet.....:scared2:

And that is perfectly fine. And completely your right. Perez Hilton is just blowing this whole thing out of proportion. everything is all fine and dandy with him as long as it aligns with his opinion of life. But when someone goes against how he feels, watch out. Then there is a personal vendetta. He is the worlds biggest hypocrite, as evidenced on how he makes fun of Jessica Simpson for her weight gain, yet praises Beth Ditto (or whatever her name is) from The Gossip on being so hot.

NATALIE forgive yourself honey your doing great and when it my time of month i eat all the wrong stuff my skin gets spotty and i blame hormones rather than my increase of chocolate........i bet weight gain not too bad you probably feeling 10lb of guilt...lol BRANDI you sound like life alot of fun at the moment !!!dont worry about knowing how to cope with the attention just go with the flow you will soon know if there is just one you want to be with all the time then concentrate on seeing where that goes ...dont pressure yourself youve taken an amazing journey and this just part of the trip so relax ...enjoy and take control ..it suits you to be confident ..you rock girl ,il be popping in for updates. well im fine now just odd nausea ..not many pains still feel a little gassy but feeling lighter and better...i cant tell though as my son soaked my scales and im praying they dry out and work again .

Ok so really this is the first in a series of blogs on my journey though this addiction called food. I have been banded since june of 008 and have lost 80 pounds to date. That is untill recently...three weeks ago I went to get a fill and had exray done and my band had slipped. So he took all the fluid out and said if it does not go back to normal then I will have to have surgury again to fix....Well to me I heard that the surgury was a for gone conclusion and screw it go on and eat anything you want because ur going to have surgury anyway...felt no hope so I ate and ate and ate and ate.....17 pounds worth of eating....Felling depressed that It has not worked....but really I was not working....I know it is only a tool but I was not ready to give it up....I came into it thinking that ok really it will be forced behavior modification and i just have to choose wisely...well really I have not been...fell of the wagon....I want the freedom and not the prison of food...the goal is not to throw up....to finally listen to my body....please forgive me body for ignore you and for beating you up....I think this blogging will help.....I do not know the plan to be on I think really the only plan is to listen to my body and not throw up....I am not ready to give up the band...I am almost done paying off the band. I am a cash patient and have 2000 left to pay on the bill...care credit is such a loan shark but am thankful to have them out of my hair...so really I think it will be ok....I have PCOS and think that all the yeast and sugar has sent my pancreas into overdrive....that would explain the rapid weight gain....feeding the sickness....so im going to start metphormin again and see if that helps....will keep you posted.....

Denise, something you should also be aware is that there is currently research on stress and weight gain. Some of the stress hormones that we generate actually cause us to gain weight. Not a fun thing. Something about "flight or fight." One of the companies I worked for went out of business and I wasn't able to find a job that paid even close to what I was making. I finally took at job at about 2/3 of what I had been making. After talking things over with my son and DH, I went back to school to get my university degree. It will take me to the next level. Good luck on your decision.

For my journal readers here is a bit more about me: I am 31 and the mother of two children - my daughter is 14 years old and my son is 10. I'm newly married *3rd and last time!* to a man who is 18 years my senior. I was first married at 16 - to my DD father - divorced by 19 and remarried at 22. That one didn't work after 7 years of marriage. I'm married again - more secure now, more mature, more sure of myself. The kids have had a hard time adjusting to the change... I have a day job and also own my own online company. (www.providerwatch.com and www.findadaycare.com) I enjoy living in Western Washington for the weather, the green, and the fact I can get in the car and drive somewhere. NOT like when I lived in Anchorage, Alaska! I write - poetry mostly. I love music - listening to it cause I don't have a musical bone in my body. I love to read - anything from fiction to interesting non fiction. I think I'm more serious than I should be.... From the thread "Why are you Fat?" My weight gain began about 9 years ago - it was a slow process that began with excessive drinking - high calorie drinks -depression...I gained about 30 pounds those first few years, lost some and have steadily increased reaching my all time high - currently 255. I quit drinking a year ago - eat more to replace it - and have worked at a desk job for 3 years. That combined with no physical activity. I ENJOY food, its emotional for me. When I cook and enjoy a good meal, it feels good deep down. But this good feeling is followed by guilt and remorse. When I feel full - I feel guilty. I think about being fat from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed at night and sometimes in my sleep. The bottom line is I overeat, food is emotional satisfaction, and I sit on my a$$ at work all day.

I was thinking the same thing, mostly because that sounds like the kind of guy I would fall for! (and pay for it later...) Gotta love the comment from the guys! I would have been totally blushing! That is a great "moment" and a lovely reality check about what the guys are thinking too! I am doing a happy dance for you, but not singing at the same time yet... waiting for it to "stick" before I break out in song! OK, Im doing a play by play analysis of my holiday weight gain/loss... Looks like I actually gain before holidays rather than on them! (lead up parties I guessing!) the chart shows 5 pounds between the lines...

Hi Bright- It makes sence that when we eat ALOT of food that we haven't been eating regularly it stays in our intestins longer to break down & process. It may take several days for this "food" to be expelled & therefore you weight gain will be high until its all gone. That added with too much Salt- is the culprit. But once you get back on track you will see progress. I think alot of newbies & Those yet to be banded(myself) choose the band kinda for that reason. You know that we CAN eat the SAME stuff as before- we truely are not willing to give it up for a LIFETIME> At least I think its one of the componets for the band choice. With RNY- most wouldn't be able to do sweets & other things(dumping syndrome). But even they gain weight back. I saw my GYN 2 days ago & she had had the RNY-lost 90 pd in 1 yr & gained 40 pds back. How sad? She thinks her tummy stretched. I may switch Docs & tonight go to a new seminar w/this new Doc who does both types of surgery. I hope to be even more convinced of the band but RNY does have pluses as well. But as to gaining & plateus they are with BOTH surgeries & Both have pitfalls & most importantly BOTH will not work unless we follow them to a tee!!! Which means when we have fun- we will need a little mending period. I guess I wrote this for you as much for myself-because I am very scared of failure. You think I would be so used to it by now-lol Keep your chin up Bright- & yes maybe go get a "tiny" bit more of a fill. Than do your thing- I know we will be hearing weight loss stories from you in no time!