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I haven't been on this site in forever, so it's nice to be posting again. A little back story: I was banded in Jan 2011; starting weight for this journey was 278 and my lowest weight so far has been 165 (my goal; lasted about a day...lol). I'm normally somewhere in the 170-175 range and I'm happy with that. At any rate, I'm currently 5 months pregnant with my first child and just wanted to reconnect with others having band babies. I have been very fortunate that I have had minimal morning sickness and though my appetite was voracious during the 1st trimester I didn't really gain any weight. I was about 172 when I got pregnant and am 176 as of this morning so weight gain has been minimal, though it fluctuates depending on my food/fluid intake. SOO...on to the questions: how much weight did your OB's tell you was okay to gain? Because of my weight history my OB said he would love it if I stayed within the 10lb range though 20-25 would be acceptable for someone my size. If things continue the way they are currently that shouldn't be a problem, but I have to confess I have a history of being a little scale obsessed so it worries me a bit. Other than my belly and a slightly bigger chest I look pretty much the same thank God, so like I said I feel very fortunate that things are going so well thus far. Port: *sigh* I have a love hate relationship with my port. Before I got pregnant I spoke to my surgeon concerning my port; it's not very noticeable when I'm standing but it protruded horribly when I would lie down, especially if I was a bit bloated. He told me my protruding was minimal and that it was something he would revisit after I had a baby but to leave it alone for now. Fast forward about 8 months and it now seems as though my port actually tries to flip when I lie down due to my growing belly; it's not horribly uncomfortable but it looks and feels awful to the touch. For those of you who are further along or have already have babies, should I just expect this to get worse? I know my port is stitched to my muscles, but I have this awful fear it's going to tear and I just moved to a new area so I don't even know where the nearest gastric surgeon is located. Finally: appetite. I have not had any Fluid removed or added to my band in probably about a year and a half; I think I have somewhere between 6-7cc's in a 10cc band. Like I mentioned earlier I ate like a cow first trimester but now there are days where I have to force myself to eat and after about 3 bites I already feel myself getting full. I'm having a hard time getting enough fluids as well . I'm not feeling sick or anything and baby seems to be doing okay, but has anyone experienced this and had issues arise later on down the road? I've never been at a place expect for right after a fill where I have been able to eat the suggest 1/2-1 c of food and feel full; I'm curious to try one of those pouch test diets to see if I stretched it or something but I know now is not a good time for that. Did any of you ladies have trouble eating while pregnant, and did you OB's express any concerns about your caloric intake? How will you know if you're not getting enough, or will that fact that most of us probably started a bit overweight be enough to buffer any possible nutritional concerns for the baby? Sorry for such a long post, but I look forward to hearing what others have to say. Thanks in advance!

Ironically I've stalled as well at 6 months as well. I've focused on maintaining portion size and upping the exercise. I gave myself two weeks off 'dieting' and watching every calorie over the holidays. Fortunately no weight gain. Hoping after treating my body to some treats, I'm back to work, in routine, tracking calories and looking at changing my exercise routine to something more intense to jump start the weight loss again.

So nothing was said about my 2.2 pound weight gain. I should set my date up tomorrow for surgery but it also depends on my insurance/union.

Going through Dr. Kia in Flint, Michigan. Did my 6 weigh ins and consistently lost 1-2 lbs every month. In December was put on Depakote and began to gain weight. Was just denied due to the gain and even worse was told none of my weigh ins count and I’m starting over. I’m devastated. Going to appeal. Anyone have advice? Mclaren Health Plan.

I was banded on 9/19/07. A red-letter day. Since then I've had ups and downs on the scale and in medical issues, but I've never regretted having WLS. It turned my life - and my head - around. Except that... After about a year of stable weight, I've been alarmed at gaining 5 pounds in the past month. That is such a puny number compared to my weight gains in the past that I'm embarrassed to admit it, but just 5 pounds freaks me out. It makes me want to smash my scale with a sledge hammer, if only I could find one. And perhaps that lack is a good thing. Knowing me, I'd smash my scale, my foot, and the porcelain tile in the bathroom, at a high cost all 'round. I've logged my food to test my calorie intake, and can't find an explanation there. It's possible that high sodium intake contributes to this, but I'm here to tell ya: my XS-capacity bladder gives me frequent and vivid messages quite soon after sodium indiscretion. So of course, with the weight gain/loss/gain/loss history I bear, I'm in a panic. Until today, when my XS bladder sent me to the loo for the 40th time in 4 hours (perhaps a small exaggeration) and I suddenly realized that (sorry if this is TMI) I'd pulled down my size 4 pants without unzipping them. Again. I raced into my closet to check the size tags on the pants hanging there, and they were size 4's. Yes, this has happened before. I report it now because (of course) I want your sympathy but also because the public declaration reminds me that this is, as I've said so, so many times, a lifetime journey. Jean

Hey guys! So I have yet to get lap band, but I am really interested in getting it. I have looked into a few times and each time I think to myself that I can just lose the weight myself by dieting and working out alone. I think I am finally ready to take the first step and talk to a doctor about getting this procedure done. I’m 20 years old 285 lbs. have awful asthma as well as lower back pains and knee pain. I know I need to do something about this issue while am young. I am hoping that I can get some real information from people who have had this done! I know the basic information that you read online, but what are some of the things that you experienced pre and post op? “(examples: hunger, food you can eat, can’t eat, exercises and when you can start exercising, pain, weight loss and then weight gain, rapid weight loss and extra skin..) I am hoping to gather as much information for myself so that I can better prepare myself…. Also…are any of picky eaters? If so did you find that to be an issue for you after the surgery? Really any information would be great! -Heather

I originally had a sleeve that I was told was done incorrectly. That info has still been upheld with current scans. The original surgeon did not cut enough of my stomach away to have enough effective weight loss. A couple of years later, I approached a surgeon in MX for a revision and they talked me into a MGB as opposed to the full bypass. So now I have two problems, one, my stomach is still too large and the bile duct is "basically dumping bile into my stomach" (dr's words, not mine). Only 2 months after the MGB, I started having reflux issues, but was just told to take medicine and it would pass. I saw Dr's while living in CA for almost 2 years before deciding to move to WA to be closer to family because I was in such bad shape over this and the CA surgeons were shady as hell and trying to just immediately push me into a revision without insurance approval. It still took almost a year for diagnosis and surgery scheduling in WA, but I have a huge amount of faith in the dr's I have here. It's been a long road and I definitely didn't want another weight loss surgery after the first two, but I've been assured that this will fix the issue and even help me shed some of the weight gain that I experienced. I did gain over the last couple of years because consistently eating food was the only thing that kept the acid at bay.

I recently got a tattoo on my arm (a beautiful lady, nothing gangster or scary) and my mom freaked out! I am 30years old, have my masters and am a successful professional and my mother won't talk to me. She cursed me out, cried and said very mean things because of this tattoo (which can be covered by my sleeve). My dad was not happy about the tattoo but said he will love me no matter what. I explained to my dad that I have never liked my body enough to show it off and I finally feel confident to display art that I want. I waited until I was ready. My dad understands. This all triggered me as my mom's history as a parent. Everything was about how I looked and how others perceived us. My sister was skinny and had boyfriends and I was overweight. I have been trying to lose weight all my life and she supports me but when I was younger she would point to morbidly obese people in scooters and say I would become them if I didn't stop gaining weight. Then she would buy me fast food because she didn't want to cook. I'm not upset about the tattoo, I respect that she needs time to accept it, but I am feeling like the child she would constantly remind of how important my looks are and that makes me very upset. I have been upset for days. The good thing is my dad and siblings are very supportive and my boyfriend has always made me feel beautiful with my weight gain, weight loss, tattoos, no tattoos... I finally am proud of all of me and my mom feels I ruined our relationship. I'm shocked.

I lost 76.5 lbs since my surgery in 9/06. Doc tells me I'm at goal, I figure another 10-15 lbs. Eating well, exercising semi-regularly with a buddy, getting nice compliments, shopping at decent clothing stores. All the perks of being a normal weight. Then, the week before Christmas my kitchen and 3 other rooms in the house flood from a faulty dishwasher connection. Rooms are gutted and most meals are prepared/microwaved or restaurant/diner. Fast forward to this past weekend (152 days later). scale is returned to kitchen and I am 14 lbs heavier!!!! I just went on a 152 day LSD food trip. It's back to square one for me--shakes all meals for a week and I'll gradually build up. I'm astounded at myself for so easily slipping into such awful eating behaviors and food choices. Any advice, encouragement?

ok so let me start off by saying before my surgery i was very active i played football for a good part of my life, was into gym lifting weights and started boxing was introduced to cross fit last year and had a blast!! due to past injuries i had to leave the gym and thats when my weight gaining started! but had my surgery to avoid a possible hernia surgery on my l4 l5 disk so been out of surgery 20 days now and was wondering o pick up my boxing routine atleast the cardio part of it. but not sure if jumping rope is allowed yet but wondered if anyone here has experience with this and if atleast working the heavy bag is ok because im kinda scared about actually being hit in the stomach and dying jeje

I did when I first started it probably about 20lbs...however then I was not eating well or exercising. I have been on it for years and it doesn't seem to affect me anymore...but heck was my weight gain the shot or the cheeseburgers and chicken fried steaks LOL

Hello, I've been banded for almost two years. I've had a crazy journey. Lost weight, gained some back, mainly my fault. For quite a few months I was too tight and didn't realize it. It got to the point that I was contemplating removing the band. I would throw up every single day, some days it got so bad that I couldn't even swallow my own saliva. Finally I went for an unfill, the doctor took out 1cc. I have a 10 cc band and was at 6.4, now i'm at 5.4 Once she removed the cc I was immediately better. It's been well over a month and I've only thrown up twice and that's because both times I truly didn't chew chicken well and couldn't pass it. Now here's my current problem. About a week ago I felt a weird tingling sensation on my port area. Not painful, but weird. Then a few hours later I had a sharp pain on my side (right side, closes to the port) and sharp shoulder pain. I figured it was gas because I had a laparoscopic procedure done two weeks prior in my pelvic area and was still dealing with the gas from surgery. However, the pain on my side and shoulder has not gone and I"m getting worried. I can't take a deep breath, when I do, I feel a sharp tug/stab like feeling on my side and on my shoulder. It's not so bad when I'm standing, but it is worse when I'm laying down. I"m a side sleeper and laying on either side now bothers me. It's almost as if when I lay on my side I'm pulling on something inside me which causes the tugging like feeling and shoulder pain. I was hoping it would have gone by now, but I no longer think it's gas from my recent surgery. I would go to my lap band doctor but of course, as soon as this started, my job changed our medical insurance and they are telling me they cover ZERO obesity treatment, including follow up visits or diagnostic visits for lap band. I was wondering if this has happened to anyone? Any ideas what it might be? All answers are welcome! Thanks, Niobe

Hello everyone!! I am back on and in need of some input. I will have my band now for 6 yrs in July. When I first got the band it worked great! For the past couple years I have been at a stall then all of a sudden I began gaining weight.. Knowing that muscle weighs more then fat I am just hoping my weight gain is muscle.. My tummy is big with fat and then with all the muscle back there which I can totally feel my mid section is bigger and my jeans don't fit ;-( this makes me sad and adds to the discouragement. A couple years ago I had issues with high cholesterol and my fibromyagla got really bad. So I began hitting the gym a min of 3 days a week I really got into the gym and to my surprise really enjoyed it. Not at all a fan of cardio and to be honest I detest it!! Anyway I also began doing organic and seriously paying better attn to what I put in my mouth. I do not eat out and I am a great cook thanks to this band. I am not a huge carbs eater other then things that are natural organic carbs, fresh fruits and veggies. I have a 10cc band and it was full to 8 1/2 and it really did take a long time to eat things when I went back home to St Louis in Nov last year my surgeon took out a tiny bit of Fluid did not help ;-( He backed out some because he said it was taking way to long for me to eat things.. I love the surgeon I have here in the So Jersey area however his office staff are a ridiculous bunch of nit wits and that I simply can not deal with!! So I am looking now for a new doctor here in NJ Bottom line here is I eat healthy and I do workout again a min of 3day a week sometimes 4 or 5 days. I have muscles in places I never knew I had them and my pants will not button!! My jeans are tight, my thighs are bigger, my butt is bigger, everything is bigger even the numbers on the scale!! What on earth am I doing wrong I feel now like I am d&*(%^ if I do and if I don't!! I have gotten very discouraged and feel like giving up at this point. I would love to hear some input and thoughts. I think I need to be here again for some great support from all of us who have been there and done that! Thanks Michele

My disclaimer – (newbies) Its normal to be excited and a bit obsessive about the process and practicing basics in your honeymoon phase ***its normal** this topic is more for people maintaining and if they are riding a fine line between bariatric lifestyle and disordered thinking. It’s something that does not affect all of us after goal. When healthy eating go’s to far (please read the link below) https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/orthorexia-when-healthy-eating-goes-too-far/ I love that the things we are taught, and practice as bariatric patients are not much different than athletes. Logging and weight our food, putting thought into buying groceries and how you fuel your body, what foods are allowed and not allowed on our plans, researching new diet/fitness health trends and knowing what’s works to lose the weight and stay healthy. Here is the double edge sword for many of us that have been formerly obese and fear weight gain. Where is the fine line between bariatric life style and disordered thinking about food and weight??? Letting go of the “bariatric weight loss rules” Scared the hell out of me after goal. The fear of weight gain kept me in check, But I noticed the fear was not in a normal range. I needed to relax and not feel guilty about indulging within reason. It’s taken me time not to totally freak out with a weight gain. I learned to maintain my weight maintaining bounce range. I had to learn to trust myself. Balance with this is something I’m still working on years out. I would like your thoughts on the fear of weight gain after goal/maintaining. Is it a healthy or unhealthy range for you?

We actually have a similar story.. Well no it's exactly the same Lolz minus the preeclampsia. I got pregnant at 17 had my first at 18 and my second at 24. I too am 5'7 and was 150 at the start of my weight gain. I hope you get your date soon! Good luck mama and cheers to us running amuck with the kiddos ☺️☺️

...because I'm seven weeks pregnant. As you can see from my ticker I didn't have too much left to go to goal. We started TTC in March. This is our first child and it was our first time TTC. I still didn't expect it to happen so soon! I saw my OB/GYN for the first time yesterday & she said to aim for no more than a 20 pound weight gain. As for fills, my fill doc has said that unless I have a lot of vomiting or am not eating enough for the baby's growth, I should be able to keep my fill. So far I've gained maybe a pound. I'm eating normally (although carb cravings are pretty bad) and exercising as much as possible -- low-impact. Some nausea here and there but no vomiting. Let's hope that lasts! Hope all are well!

Hi Princess, I'm on my preop and gained weight. But the few days before I had all type of last meal crap. That I didn't even really want. But my psyche almost convinced me I needed. Smh. But anyway the morning of day three of preop I had gained 3lbs. But I was actually following the preop diet it was just the crap had finally metabolized itself into weight gain. Any who I'm on day five now and I've lost those three pounds I gained in two days and think it will continue through next week. Could this be what happened to you?

This is a great post for those of us who are just now reaching goal and have NOT had to deal with any weight gain. I was wondering how and if it would come back off easily. Thanks for the information and congrats on your success!!

God bless that doctor for truly understanding PCOS! Every doctor should memorize that statement. We've all been told for years that 'calories in vs. calories out' = weight loss or weight gain. Not true for PCOS sufferers. We hold on to everything. Anyways, off of my soap box. I would like to encourage you by telling you that I am a 49 yr. old woman with PCOS. I had my lapband surgery in September 2008 and I have now lost 80 pounds. Totally unbelievable because the most I have ever lost on my own is maybe 25 pounds. And that was with dieting and a cardio work out 1 hour a day 6 days a week. I've had an excellent experience so far with the lap band and I wish you the same and even better luck. PCOS women can lose weight with the lap band.

Yes, it happens to me about every 2 weeks. I think it is dependent on how many carbs I consume. The body stores more Water when it converts carbs to glycogen for energy. I have gained as much as 4lbs over a weekend - without changing the amount of calories I eat, just by eating more carbs. And then I lose it over the course of the week and drop an additional pound or two. You didn't mention if your weight was measured on your home scales or the doctors - when you noted the weight gain. I know that my home scales do not measure my weight the same as the doctor's. So I go by my home scales, since I don't see the doc but once a month.

I too see a weight gain when I eat too many carbs. Thanks for the explanation joatsaint!

Hello! Next week Thursday is my final appointment with my surgeon before he submits to my insurance company for approval. The problem is, my insurance specifically says that I cannot have any net weight gain. Well, after COVID and my gym being closed, I am 5 pounds heavier than I was 6 months ago. Does anyone have any tips to drop 5 pounds quickly that I could do in the days leading up to my next appointment? Thanks!

I have my last nut apt Wed and then my stuff will be submitted to insurance. My bmi was 40.1 so they told me not to loose any weight. I weighed myself this morning and I am 3 lbs heavier. Should I reschedule my apt until I drop those pounds? I dont want to be denyed. The surgery cord did not say not to gain, just not to loose but I have read here that some people have been denyed for a gain.

The others have made some great suggestions: eating Peanut Butter , eating calorie dense foods and eating more often. I also agree eating a small meal every 2 hours is a great idea so your body gets used to wanting a higher caloric load during the day. You might also try drinking some higher calorie Protein shakes. For example, mine has 400 calories a serving. I have also seen mass building Protein Shakes that give you 600-700 calories a serving. Drinking a casein shake right before bed is a great way to finish out the day with an extra 200-300 calories. Eat complex carbs and good fats. Try eating oatmeal with Protein powder mixed in. Try eating avocados, olives and salmon. I love to eat salmon because it is not only tasty, but gives you good fats with the protein. My weight oscillates between 175 and 178 for the last month and I am trying my darndest to pack on muscle so am shoveling in as much protein as possible during the day. At 175, I am almost mid BMI healthy range for my height of 5'11". Let's see, what else can help you? Perhaps eat some healthy Cereal like Fiber one (200 calories for 1/2 cup). Eat fruit when you can. Bananas are higher on the glycemic index and will "stick to you" more than, say, an apple. Getting your carbs over 150 a day should help you gain a little. Once you are at 130 or where ever you want to stop, drop daily carbs to about 80-100. Just be a little careful about making good food choices as it will be easy to tip the scales in the other direction. If you eat not so good choices of food, you may find yourself with the opposite problem: too much weight gain. It is a careful balancing act to figure out where your caloric and macro loads need to be in order to hit that sweet maintain range and stay there. Good luck.

Well I am really bumbed. I was not going to share my problem I am having but decided I am bumbed enough about it I would go ahead. About a week and a half ago I started taking calcium because I was told to. Well, now I can't go to the bathroom, you know..... poop!!!!! And today I weighed in with a 1.2 lb weight gain. :thumbup: I am so depressed. It was my goal to never have a gainl. But they assured me that if I take the benifiber I will start going again. What a hassle. Well okay I was told in group today that for every negative I say about self I have to say a positive so, this week I am able to drop one of my blood pressure meds and my blood sugar is staying around 100-115. So there we go. Oh and I had a pair of shorts on for the first time in 2 years today. yeeha!!! Man are my legs white.:eek: I'll have to work on that.