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Good advice. Just beware runaway weight gain, get on top of it quick, its harder to lose the second time!

Try to consider your new stomach as a new baby that has to be progressed SLOWLY. The food guidelines provided to us are to help our swollen and upset stomachs heal. Can you get down a few bites that aren't allowed? Probably. Will it cause damage or be a problem? Maybe. Should you talk to your Doctor? ABSOLUTELY! Try to stick to the diet so you heal properly and so that you don't being micro-stretching your stomach. The name of the game is to eat until full and not a drop more. That way you'll always fill up faster. If you stretch it out, you're going to run into plateaus and possible future weight gain. Stick to the program. It was designed this way for a VERY specific purpose. Just my 2 cents. J

Hi Oceanblue. What a pretty name. You bring back a lot of memories. It has ALSO been a long time since I have been on this site, and, quite frankly, I have been avoiding it. I started this topic of "looking for October friends" way back in October, 2011 before my Sleeve Operation (one day before your operation) and well, "petered out" in my posts to this site after I had lost close to 100 pounds in just about 6 months! It was really wonderful way back then -- losing all that weight. But, like you, that wonderful fast downhill journey didn't last for all that long. I have a lot of your same problems with craving carbs (especially sweets) and being hungry. Weight started creeping up slowly. I started at 309 pounds and went down to 209 pounds with a goal of 160. I, also, remember those first 10 pounds gained. But I was not so lucky to stop at that. You are doing much better than me. I managed to add another 16 pounds to that and am now at around 235. So I am pretty concerned as well. I started to see a psychologist and continued going to the Weight Loss Center at Mass General Hospital to see the people there for support, but have been in constant struggle for this past year. I remember feeling SO THIN after I lost the 100 pounds, and NOW I feel fat! It is so funny how we see ourselves. So I was actually happy to see your entry on this website even though I hardly even recognize this website anymore. I think I will need to start using it again and, like you, start reaching out for support. I don't know what this "5 day pouch test" is, but it doesn't sound good to me. It sounds too much like a diet and for me, diets ALWAYS means weight gain afterwards. The only cure, I think, is learning how to cut down on the carbs and sweets. Sugar is the real culprit. I have made a couple of efforts at curbing my sugar cravings by substituting fruit, which actually worked for awhile, but I somehow fell into my emotional eating pattern again, and the sweets came back. I wish I could offer you some help or advice now, but I am in your same position, only with more weight gained since my operation. I will have to look for help for the "old-timers" who have maintained their sleeved weight for a long time. But for now, I just want to tell you that I totally understand and perhaps we can support each other in overcoming this road-block to our weight loss and health goals! All the best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving and a little turkey and veggies and tiny dessert! I like to remember that Thanksgiving is only a one-day event! Let me know how you are doing. Hopefulspirit

Ditto!! I was also scheduled for the RNY, but cancelled 10 days prior to surgery…..for the same exact reasons. Though I added plication to my band surgery, I still sleep much better knowing that it can all be reversed. Once the other surgeries are done, they're done…..no going back. I know of too many who've had major Iron deficiency issues with the RNY, and the margin for weight gain over time is equal among all surgeries. Given that, I went with the least invasive.

Why would he yell at you??? For having a medical condition, as Reflux? Your story just goes to prove that Weight Loss comes from the band...Why else did we go through this surgery??? You were doing fine, had a few fills, lost weight......THEN because of problems beyond your control, you had fluid taken out, Thus weight gain....Proves it is the band...I know for a fact I could not loose weight on my own without the band...I'm doing fine right now, but if I should get the slightest fluid take out, it would disrupt this perfect balance.... On the subject of reflux...it is a common theme among banded people....I know I had / have my issues with it....but I have learned to control it by not eating foods that are too spicy....or to eat near bedtime. I won't eat anything after 7pm.... My biggest problem is I can't give up my Bloody Mary's....and I never mix food and Alcohol so it's always on a empty stomach...

First off, I'm so glad your hubby is completely on board- he's the person that's in the house with you and will be the person you really need on your side. As far as the other people in your life, they can have a seat. Your adult choices-especially ones you're making to benefit your health- are none of their business, especially your boss! How does she know what's right for you? Has she been a friend your whole life and is she there through all your weight struggles? On top of that- this sleeve is NOT easy. It's easier to do weight watchers and have a day where you "cheat" then get back on the wagon. But what would happen-your weight would continue to fluctuate up and down and you would be in the same position or worse this time next year. Right now if I didn't have my sleeve and I was doing some other program, I GUARANTEE I would've cheated and had something I wasn't supposed to. Having the sleeve and knowing something may possibly make me sick is deterrent enough for me- that was part of my personal reasons for getting the sleeve in addition to weight loss and having something in place to help me keep off/ control weight gain long term. The people who are saying these things to you should do some research on the sleeve before they chime in on what you should/shouldn't be doing. I would be willing to bet if you countered their opinion by asking them what they know about the surgery they couldn't even tell you what it is. And for sure the weight doesn't just fall off- you still have to work out to see good progress. Your supposed to exercise 60-90 minutes daily with this in addition to trying to drink all your water, all your protein, and take all the vitamins. Some people get the surgery and lose a small amount of weight and then nothing else (now that we're all together, I came upon a sleeve to bypass revision thread). Easy- I definitely don't think so. You could not be more correct barb! I shouldn't be letting these people who dont fully understand my situation try and use there opinions to change my mind, when exactly they have no idea what the surgery or the future of someone having a sleeve done entails! but thats why its soo nice having other people who understand your situation to talk to! so my next question would be have any of you tried progressive veg essentials? what are your takes on vegan shakes or non whey protien shakes. Im curious what all of you guys think of them?!

I know you're frustrated, but this is a good thing. If your thyroid is out of whack then you will need to be on medications to correct it. Otherwise, you won't lose weight even with the Lap Band. Unfortunately, just because you lose weight doesn't necessarily mean you'll be off all meds anyway. That's especially true when the damage to the body is already done or can't be fixed by weight loss. Thyroid issues are often not fixed by weight loss, in fact they are what causes the weight gain to begin with. Your doctor is doing the right thing. Be patient, it's all in your best interest.

First off, I'm so glad your hubby is completely on board- he's the person that's in the house with you and will be the person you really need on your side. As far as the other people in your life, they can have a seat. Your adult choices-especially ones you're making to benefit your health- are none of their business, especially your boss! How does she know what's right for you? Has she been a friend your whole life and is she there through all your weight struggles? On top of that- this sleeve is NOT easy. It's easier to do weight watchers and have a day where you "cheat" then get back on the wagon. But what would happen-your weight would continue to fluctuate up and down and you would be in the same position or worse this time next year. Right now if I didn't have my sleeve and I was doing some other program, I GUARANTEE I would've cheated and had something I wasn't supposed to. Having the sleeve and knowing something may possibly make me sick is deterrent enough for me- that was part of my personal reasons for getting the sleeve in addition to weight loss and having something in place to help me keep off/ control weight gain long term. The people who are saying these things to you should do some research on the sleeve before they chime in on what you should/shouldn't be doing. I would be willing to bet if you countered their opinion by asking them what they know about the surgery they couldn't even tell you what it is. And for sure the weight doesn't just fall off- you still have to work out to see good progress. Your supposed to exercise 60-90 minutes daily with this in addition to trying to drink all your water, all your protein, and take all the vitamins. Some people get the surgery and lose a small amount of weight and then nothing else (now that we're all together, I came upon a sleeve to bypass revision thread). Easy- I definitely don't think so.

Nope no soda for me. It was a bummer and I still on occasion really want one but I don't partake. I too have read the information that diet soda does cause weight gain. More than anything I gave it up and don't want to start it back up. I have taken to drinking tea and half decaf coffee (1 in the morning) and obviously Water.

My surgeon considers me a slow healer. Not necessarily the incisions, but my energy/feeling good level. I think my incision scars look as good or better then typical from a healing perspective. I would say that was true after my VSG too. I took 3 weeks off from work - I have a somewhat stressful desk job - and I wound up needing to take a few more days because i was so tired. I am not sure if i am a slow healer, or just complain more. I tend to "worry" about medical stuff so notice every little thing...lol Maybe my mental attitude and uncomfortableness with all things medical makes it harder for me? not sure. My arm incisions have been tingling a little. I emailed the surgeon about it and he told me that is just nerve recovery but it is happening a little later for me then some other patients - I guess more evidence for him I am slow healer. Thing is, I get lots of Protein and am fit, I feel like I SHOULD be a fast healer but that is my reality. I think in hindsight I should have allowed myself more carbs and stuff during my recovery but I am doing so little activity I worried about weight gain. So now I am cleared to ditch the compression garments and start working out. i am still wearing the garments because I like that I am not swollen and want to keep it that way and I am going to go really slow with the exercise. I am very focused on NOT putting tension on my scars with the goal of giving them the best chance to heal to a thin line.

Are you logging your food? Need to see how much Protein you are taking in, how many carbs, and then calorie count. Your metabolism might be in starvation mode and you may have to jump start it by increasing your food intake. Also make sure you are excerising. I've been stalled for three weeks, put on two pounds, and now back down and am hoping it continues to drop. But I'm a slow loser as don't have much weight to lose, so it will take more time for me to get those nasty pounds off. But I can't stress enough your need to log your food intake and make sure you get all your fluids in. I look at a stall like I did with my diets and weight gain. Yo-yo instead of up and down with weight gain and weight loss, now I yo-yo food intake and if it weren't for My Fitness Pal where I can log and it calculates I would be at a loss.

Normal weight gain for a bandster would be what any other normal person's weight gain would be. I gained about 50 lbs but I had half my fluid removed at 10 weeks and had no restriction. I think you are doing just fine!

I truly believe genetics play a role in obesity, also LIFESTYLE plays a huge role as well. Take for instance an Obese family -- They may never exercise, eat very high calorie foods daily, burger, fries, cakes, donuts, pizza, Pasta, fried foods, etc. -- I believe THIS type of obesity comes from eating the wrong foods and not exercising. Some people ARE TRULY naturally thin -- have high metabolisms, some people have medical conditions that make them naturally thin, I've known a few Type 1 diabetics, to be naturally thin, some people with chron's disease and have to frequent the bathroom, are thinner because more is leaving the body than staying in....so SOME people have illness that MAKE them thin....such as some people have illness that can cause weight gain. Some people will say some thin people eat what they want and never gain weight, but if you REALLY watch those thin people they do NOT eat that often, I have a niece that has always been thin and she eats junk all the time, HOWEVER, she barely eats food if you watch her carefully. She may eat a GOOD meal once or twice a week. But if you track most OBESE people and what they eat they are CONSTANTLY EATING, regardless if it is healthy food or junk. So I believe genetics has some play into obesity, but CALORIES IN AND CALORIES OUT, and what we eat -- and exercise plays a huge roles in obesity...

Thanks Border for understanding. I guess it is a fear of the unknown when it comes to that particular doctor visit as well as having to pay someone to judge us for any psychological fitness. Know what I mean? It's already difficult when people are judging us for weight gain and then this, it's just another difficult appointment that I have dreaded. I will be calling Monday to make my appointment but now I think I will have a little more confidence when I go. Good luck Border.

Most people who choose to undergo Lap Band surgery, do so because they want to change their body and improve their health. Most people understand what to eat to lose weight, however you need to understand how to do this in conjunction with the Lap Band. The Lap Band can behave slightly differently each day creating variability in the food you can tolerate. The most important consideration is to ensure that the Lap Band falls within the green zone. That is, the Lap Band is not too tight. Clients do come to me frustrated that they are not losing weight quickly enough. My response always is; what is holding you back? The band or you? I often get a confused looking client in front me. This question can be quite confronting and forces one to self-reflect and be honest with themselves. I believe honesty is the best policy. With this article I would like to discuss a common challenge faced by most lapbanders, how much and how often one should eat? My philosophy is to keep things simple and easy to digest. Realistically I like to see a minimum of three meals a day consumed. Rather than focusing on how much to eat, try and place the focus on eating quality healthy food that would fit on a small toddler portion plate. This portion should take 15 to 20mins maximum to eat, after which you should feel disinterested in eating more food and be happy to stop eating. Remember, it is not the role of the Lap Band to stop you from eating, this is your responsibility. Ask yourself, are you really using the Lap Band to its maximum potential? Happy eating Helen Bauzon If interested, on Wednesday night 27th November, I will be running a 30min live webinar where you can ask me any question, plus learn a key activity you can do to prevent weight gain during the festive season. http://weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au/index.php/online-webinars

Clients do come to me frustrated that they are not losing weight quickly enough. My response always is; what is holding you back? The band or you? Most people who choose to undergo Lap Band surgery, do so because they want to change their body and improve their health. Most people understand what to eat to lose weight, however you need to understand how to do this in conjunction with the Lap Band. The Lap Band can behave slightly differently each day creating variability in the food you can tolerate. The most important consideration is to ensure that the Lap Band falls within the green zone. That is, the Lap Band is not too tight. Clients do come to me frustrated that they are not losing weight quickly enough. My response always is; what is holding you back? The band or you? I often get a confused looking client in front me. This question can be quite confronting and forces one to self-reflect and be honest with themselves. I believe honesty is the best policy. With this article I would like to discuss a common challenge faced by most lapbanders, how much and how often one should eat? My philosophy is to keep things simple and easy to digest. Realistically I like to see a minimum of three meals a day consumed. Rather than focusing on how much to eat, try and place the focus on eating quality healthy food that would fit on a small toddler portion plate. This portion should take 15 to 20mins maximum to eat, after which you should feel disinterested in eating more food and be happy to stop eating. Remember, it is not the role of the Lap Band to stop you from eating, this is your responsibility. Ask yourself, are you really using the Lap Band to its maximum potential? Happy eating Helen Bauzon If interested, on Wednesday night 27th November, I will be running a 30min live webinar where you can ask me any question, plus learn a key activity you can do to prevent weight gain during the festive season. http://weightlosssurgerydiet.com.au/index.php/online-webinars

Here is my experience with RNY. First, I had my original gastric bypass in January 2005 at the age of 24 with a starting weight of 249 lbs. I did great with no real problems. I never had a goal weight but I got to my stable weight at about 6 months (157 lbs.). My weight stayed the same till January of 2009 after my divorce. I did gain back about 75% of the weight I loss. It is 100% my fault. I could eat anything prior to weight gain but after the divorce when my entire life changed dramatically I started to eat more often and much more carry out/fast food. The weight came back quickly but I was in denial. This past July I decided to look into a revision. I met with a different surgeon that was a revision specialist. My pouch had obviously stretch. On October 31 I had my revision with a starting weight of 217 lbs. I am now 33 and my recovery has been very slow and painful. I have only lost 10 pounds but I have lost inches. I am struggling with Protein intake. I am positive that I can do this again and commit 100% as my life is drastically different and I actively participate in therapy. So in my nine years here is what I know: #1 You gain regain your weight if you stop following the eating rules. The pouch will stretch. #2 Vitamin deficiencies are very real and you MUST take Vitamins for life. You must also take bariatric vitamins. I will note this part was not true in, research wise in 2005. I developed a deficiency because I was told pills like Centrum and Citracal were just fine. I know now the importance of bariatric geared vitamins. #3 Once I got t to about a two years post op I forgot I even had the surgery because my eating habits were just natural. I didn't think about it. #4 I became extremely fertile after bypass and hormonal birth control didn't work. Most people here are under 3 years out so I hope my story tells a more long term view. I am not a model patient. I admit I did not have to try very hard to lose my weight the first time. But on the other hand it didn't take much to regain it back. For me I went back to letting food be my emotional crunch and coping tool. Now that I have that under control I can be successful. I am 110% delighted I had my original surgery in 2005. Even though I am not having an easy time this go around I know that I am older now but I know what is down the road for me. This keeps me in check.

No who are banded. I am just curious what a normal weight gain should be with someone who has undergone the procedure. My OB would like for me to eventually get another slight defill but I think I have gained properly as of now....That's why I was asking Sorry I know I'm new to the board so I don't want to sound pushy just noticed a few people read my post so was curious if maybe people were hesitant to reply due to me being new here

I'm really glad you got some Fluid removed. It sounds like you were definitely too tight. Here's a really great article Jean McMillan wrote called "Tighter Isn't Always Better". She explains why a too tight band isn't only dangerous but how it can hurt weight loss and even cause weight gain: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/161269-tighter-isnt-always-better/ My two year band anniversary is coming up in January but I personally haven't had any of those issues. I tend to be extremely cautious about my band and not over filling it. Thankfully, my surgeon is too. Best wishes.

Hello! I am new to the board and had a few questions. I am currently 24.5 weeks pg with my 3rd child. I was banded back in 2011 and lost all and some of my weight. I had very high blood pressure issues but not extremely over weight and so was considered a candidate for the surgery. I started out this pg at 115 lbs and am now sitting at 132.5 lbs. I had a slight defill done in my first trimester (1cc was filled to 7.5cc's so I'm still at 6.5cc's about).... So my question is how much totaly weight did everyone gain during there pg's? I find I am still restricted to a certain amount and have a hard time eating certain Proteins, rice and dry things.....I am not really wanting to get a defill as I find I am gaining a sifficiant amount of weight.........How did all you ladies make out in that department? I am noticing I am eating alot of ice cream and chocolate at night.....lol......My cravings....lol

I'm so excited...I woke up this morning and after a couple of weeks of plateuing and teetering with weight gain I'm losing again, pretty big time too. I am now the weight I was during my sophomore/junior high school years. Yay me!

I relied on sweets cake mostly ( my husband would buy me a whole cake sometimes when I asked for a piece. I never complained mind you) and I would eat it in 2 days. Thank you for being a reasonable voice here also!! Anger is not bad your right! I just felt like I have no valid reason to be so mad. All the reasons you mentioned are prefect examples of why it's ok to be angered sometimes. I am being treated differently if I really think into it. More people look you in the eye. I have even got longer looks from men (and to be honest I really don't like it) But that's just me now. I don't know what to do when I get those looks. My husband and I had a talk about what may have triggered my weight gain. We pinned the start of it back when he was in the military and his soldiers would (apprise) me more than I was comfortable. He was fine with it knew I loved him and I'm sure felt proud in some way. It was shortly after a night where a few said I was acting in a way I would never act. (It was how they seen it in there eyes) I was just being me. My husband was amazed they thought that. And I must have in my head freaked out. I started to gain to keep the unwanted attractions away. MMM I haven't thought bout that in so long. Anger at missing the last 5 years. Holding me back from functions, activities I enjoy is another. I am thinking about things I haven't in years. You all are such a huge help! I feel like this is therapy and I must need it because releasing these thought free in my head are helping me understand myself more again! I suppose that's why we call it a support site!

Hi I've been banded since 8-23-13. I haven't done real well about 24 lbs. But I take 29 pills a day some are weight gaining and I've not had a fill yet. Do you know when lapbandtalk.com switched to bariatricpal.com? I havent6 found it in over 3 weeks. Just dense I guess. Anyhow the way I fiund my dr ( Grossbard) by googling. I'm sure you know how to do that but also call other drs to ask for recommendatons. Good luck on your journey.

I know about thinking about the outcome instead of the journey...We are all so excited about it being our turn to succeed with WLS that most of us never think of the journey...I know now that the journey is long and full of uncertainty regarding the day to day struggles of the ups and downs of fixing the real problems that caused us to depend on food as our support system.... I am so glad for your comments as regards the encouragement that was given here...Your a trooper and you will get it together.....To be in fear is a good thing really because you will never take it for granted....Share your journey with your loved ones as you become an example for them to lean on even in other things in life besides weight gain or loss.... Depression is something that is as unique as the individual who suffers from it...It takes time for the meds to really settle into your system and for the results of the strain from going into the depression to pass or get better even a little or a lot depending on you.... Use what you can to get through this part of the journey...Find the inner strength that I know you can muster and if you need extra help we are here for you...message me if you need to...k.. You got this kid...Your soon going to get through this and see the changes and the reasons why you did such a drastic thing and be happy you did.... Give out extra hugs and kisses tonight and make them count....K

HHib