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Has anyone had any serious weight gain? I haven't had weight gain I was just wondering in fact totally the opposite for me, I'm at a stage where I'm trying to stop the weight loss!! My mate had the procedure fond on the same day & he's started regaining weight.

In the search bar, look for the boot camp diet. It is really hard and you have to set your mind to not putting anything in your mouth in between meals, and not to snack during the evening. It's fine to have one evening snack of something, but getting up all evening long and getting something was exactly what led to my weight gain. You can also google intermitant fasting and that works really well. That's how a bunch of us here took off our regain. The links are in the veterans forum.

Hello All, It has been a really long time since I have been on the message boards. The last time I posted I got some what negative or no feedback but I am desperate and going to try again. First of all I got banded in May of 2012 and since then I have lost about 50lbs. I was so excited when I hit the 299 mark! Well the holidays threw me off track and I did not get a fill since like October. When I finally went for my fill 2 weeks ago I had only gained 5lbs since my last visit so I was dissappointed about the gaining weight...but psyched that I didn't gain way more because I basically ate whatever I wanted over the holidays. So since getting the fill in January I feel so very uncomfortable. It feels like Water trickles...every meal hurts and I am resorting to soft foods just so I can get things down because it takes forever to eat anything. I really feel like I am in the red zone. I called the doctor about getting an unfill but was basically told "no chew slower". I know my body and my weightloss has been pretty good but this just doesn't feel right. Prior to my fill I actually lost 2lbs. But since then...only been gaining! I am back above 300....306 to be exact and not pleased!!! Now on to my second "problem". I have recently found out I am pregnant!!!!!!! Needless to say it was not planned. I am sad and happy at the same time. I was in a relationship for almost 10 years and could not get pregnant. After all that time he tells me he is now too old to have kids (43yrs). We broke up almost a year ago. I since then had found a "special friend" and low and behold...when I gave up on every being pregnant here I am 37, banded and 6 weeks pregnant! I can only assume the weightloss led to an increase in fertility...I knew that could happen but assumed after all that time I just couldn't get pregnant. So now I am freaking out because I don't want to tell my Band Dr that I'm pregnant because he might remove all the Fluid in my band. I want to go in and tell them to take some fluid out due to the "red zone" feelings....but definitely not all...and most important...I don't want to gain all of my weight back because I am now pregnant. At this point my mind is spinning and I'm scared to gain back weight when I was so close to being under 300lbs! I don't want to gain any weight during my pregnancy but I also want to do whats best for the baby. Not even sure if weight gain is baby related, band related or what....definitely think its too early to be baby related. So that is my novel!!! Help me with Red Zone thoughts, help with dieting while preggers, and help with worries about gaining...just help!

Hey girl! I am so sorry I didn't see this earlier. First of all, congrats on your pregnancy! It sounds like being a mom is something you wanted for a very long time, but its still a shock the way that it happened when you least expected. I think once a few months go by and you see this living thing growing inside of you, you will just fall in love with your baby! It's a blessing! I can understand the fear and panic of gaining weight, especially when you worked so hard to get the band and lose so much! You really need to talk to your doctor and express those concerns. Your primary concern for the next year will be getting adequate nutrition that you AND the baby needs.. That may mean an unfill and weight gain. This will mean a short detour in your weight loss goals but it does NOT mean its gone totally off the rails! With less Fluid in your band you might need to eat more often but can still make healthy food choices through the pregnancy, and keep exercising (as long as Dr says its safe). Sorry I cannot give you better advice but I have seen a few here who've been pregnant with the band. Maybe you can send them a private message. Wish you all the best & please keep me posted.

Hello fellow lapband patients! It's been a very very long time since my last post. I am approaching my 2nd year anniversay this Feb 09. I have not had a fill in about 7months. OK i'v notice 2 things: 1. I have consistently seen the scale go out a total of about 7lbs(freaking out) 2. I am always hungry as if I've never had surgery at all.Now I've made an appt for a fill and it is mid Jan 09. Now let me be honest I have broken every band rule . Which is th purpose of this post. I have been consistently eating and drinking together. Is it possible that I may have permanently stretch my band. I am so back on track now. I've must have terribly lost my mind. My band story has been an easy one. I started at 215lbs day of surgery size 16-18 lost 50lbs with no real problems now 165lbs size 8-10. I am so obsessed about weight gain that I am freaking out about this 7lbs and the possibly of messing my tool(band) up for life. Please help! All suggestions appreciated!

My doc says I should eat 70 grams of Protein and less than 30 grams of carbs each day. But not to worry about calories. Do you count protein grams? Carbohydrates? Calories? None of the above? Today marks my sixth week post op... I weigh myself on Mondays and today I am UP 2lbs. I am trying not to get discouraged... but it seems as though everyone does it differently... I know that last week I ate more than 30 grams of carbs a couple of days, but my caloric intake total was still around 650 calories... would this account for the weight gain?

After being denied the first time, TRS Active Care/BCBS approved me after my surgeon's office sent an appeal coupled with a letter from my family doctor stating that the band was medically necessary because of my diabetes and after many tried and failed attempts at weight loss programs. She also used the words morbidly obese more times than I ever wanted to see! At any rate, I just found out yesterday that the appeal was approved, so I haven't scheduled a date yet. In fact, I don't even think my surgeon's office knows it has been approved as I called BCBS late yesterday afternoon. They submitted the appeal on the 17th and I was approved yesterday! That's pretty quick, in my opinion. I am hoping to schedule my surgery for spring break as I am a teacher. Having that week off to get back on my feet should be enough. I'm just ecstatic to begin my journey. I am only 26 years old, and I have been diabetic for over year. After the diagnosis, I lost 33 lbs. on Weight Watchers but didn't maintain it because I was always hungry. I got sick of the deprivation. As a result of the weight gain, I now have hypertension to add to the list. I weigh 250 lbs. My surgeon thinks that I am the perfect candidate for the surgery. I know this isn't a magic bullet as I have done research and have two friends who have been banned; however, I think it is my best shot at a healthy lifestyle. :tongue_smilie:

I'm sure there must be more than 1 psych in your area...try getting into a different office. These meds are extremely important as being depressed can cause you to gain weight (IMO). I personally think you're better off trying a medication at least until you're able to go in August OR finding another dr. I have been on diff meds and 1 of them caused a lot of weight gain, but they weaned me off of it and I'm not experiencing the cravings like I was. So if they put you on it "temporarily" to relieve other side effects, that may be best. I can't speak for you...but I know I wouldn't want to be without my meds for several months. They help me feel better and think more clearly.

Yes those numbers are correct. But, I only had a total of 60 lbs to lose prior to surgery. I lost 25 w/i about 2-3 months but it has slowed since.When band was too tight I was eating higher calorie "slider foods" that caused the weight gain. In addition, I am too indulgent at social settings and that is my biggest obsticle b/c I tell myself "I deserve It" problem is I am very social!!!! I need to stop lying to myself. I know what I have to do...I just have a hard time actually doing it in this environment. I m having no issues with the surgery itself, I truly beleive in this surgery. I don't even feel as though I have had any procedure in terms of after effects, side effects etc. It is absolutely the best thing I have done for my weight and health issues. Biggest perk: being satisfied with less food/weight loss. Biggest drawback: not a big one but probably the scars. Back on track and I feel terrific

I am down another lb. 237 and am so excited. That is 12 since Jan. 15, 2011. I have decided that I will go get 1 cc (I had 4 taken out last April). I will go next Friday. I feel like the one will help me. I know I do not ever want to be sick like I was last year. I was desperate going into my 3 rd year anniv. I paid for that. No more speedy go fast marathon. I am choosing to go steady. I have also learned to stay away from high sodium stuff. Weight gain galore. Bought the biggest loser juliann protein choc. powder, had it last night. Very good. I did 1 cup ice, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tbsp p.nut butter, 1/2 cup 1% milk and 1/2 cup water. I am proud of my self.

My clinic told me. I worked with my pcp on the DASH diet, it is helpful for blood pressure but wouldn't necessarily make me gain weight. Think south beach with no salt (grain rice, grain Pasta, fish/chicken). My weight gain is also heavily from rx meds. So it's impossible to get off without serious intervention ie surgery.

I have decided to get the Lap Band after many years of weight gain and loss and now am looking for a place to do it. I have had a consultation at CIBO and they can do the procedure very quickly which kind of scares me...shouldnt there be a longer wait...regardless I am looking for positive stories from CIBO patients

Hi I'm two & 1/2 weeks out from surgery. At time of surgery I was 223. So far I've only lost 16 pounds, 207 lbs. I'm on my liquid diet & I gained "2 lbs" was 207lbs now 209lbs. I drink powerade zero, my stomach isn't tolerating water. I do get my soups from Olive Garden, pot belly, & panara bread. I'm shure there not the best choices but it's only two Tbls, twice a day & my stumach has always been finicky so if something actually sits well I eat that. Also my protein drink is called core power, which I love & only 100 cal/20g protein but there's 11g sugar. Could this be why I've gained weight or stalling weight loss? please let me know.

Something you need to remember. At some point, the "honeymoon" period where hunger is less and restriction is great ends eventually. Yes, your hunger will return and restriction wanes over time. No, your stomach will never be the size it was pre surgery, but at some point you will be able to eat a normal, albeit smaller, portion. That is why it is so important to cement healthy eating habits during the honeymoon period for when that time comes. Because believe me, the "little bit of this and little bit of that" eventually turns into weight gain. The purpose of this surgery isn't to just lose weight. The purpose is to change your lifestyle enough to keep the weight off. Otherwise, what's the point?

Hi Caroline - I was pretty darn successful while I was banded, but since my unbanding... not so much... :cry But heck, I'll give you advice anyhow!! lol Okay, the trick when you're not as tight as you'd like to be, for whatever reason, is to maximize what your pouch CAN do for you. So you have to think, "How can I get my pouch to get full and stay full for the maximum amount of time?" Common knowledge: 1. Cold drinks generally tighten restriction 2. Hot Drinks generally loosen restriction 3. Water-loading gives an early pouch stretch, the sensation of which can last for some time, even after the pouch empties 4. Foods that do not "dissolve" with chewing tend to pass more slowly through the pouch - i.e. meats, raw veggies, fibrous things 5. Drinking sooner than 1 hour after eating washes food through the pouch faster, minimizing the amount of time to feel full, leading to return of hunger sooner 6. Exercise is a natural appetite suppressant 7. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger - most people are slightly dehydrated 8. sleep deprivation increases stress, which can result in weight gain Based on the above knowledge, this would be my suggestion to you to try: 1. Make sure you're drinking all of your Water every day - .5 oz per pound of body weight. Water and Fat Loss The levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well hydrated. The more oxygen the body has readily available the more fat it will burn for energy. Without the presence of oxygen the body cannot utilize stored fat for energy efficiently. Not only will the body burn more fat when well hydrated but because of the increased oxygen levels you will also have more energy. http://www.tbfinc.com/water.htm 2. Get a good night's sleep - go to bed earlier than you're used to. 3. Do a brisk, 30 minute walk each day. 4. Water load before meals. Try to drink a quart of water in the hour before you eat, and then drink as much icy-cold water as you can, as quickly as you can, 15 minutes before your meal. 5. Eat solid Proteins and lots of raw/cooked veggies. 6. NO liquids for an hour after meals! 7. Plan, plan, plan. Plan your meals beforehand, so you know already what you're going to eat. Make your lunch and take it with you to work. PLAN on having Snacks, and plan what you're going to use as a snack, and make sure you have it with you so you have a better chance of sticking to your plan. Good luck, and I hope some of this helps!! I need to do this myself... lol

Looking for support from long time banded. I was banded in 2007. As with everyone I have had ups and downs. Overall happy since I was able to stop my weight gain but haven't had the large weigh loss. I am 230 , was 260, want to be 180. I eat lots of small meals can't eat any more than about a cup of anything but like I said, lots of small meals. Had slippage a few months ago so was unfilled and let the band settle. Band ended up ok so was refilled. I guess I'm looking for words of encouragement and support. I find once I get pounds off they stay off, am considering opti fast to get weight down. Any advice out there?

I'm new to the forum. I haven't had the surgery yet. I went through the whole process of evaluation, etc. a few years ago and didn't have it done b/c insurance wouldn't pay. Then, I lost some weight going to WW and exercising A LOT. I was cycling several days a week including 5-6 hours on Saturdays. Then, at 38, I found out I was pregnant with my 4th child. I gained a reasonable amount of weight, but have had difficulty taking it off -- I'm one of those people who loses about 10 lbs of baby weight naturally and the rest may as well be regular weight-gain. So, now my son is 16 mos. old and I am still struggling, so I'm going to give myself the surgery for my 41st birthday. I want to be healthier and live a long time! My son will be graduating from high school when I am almost 60 -- I want to be here and healthy. I'm looking forward to getting information and support from others that have gone before me. Thanks in advance!

So after I had Fluid taken OUT of my band in October 2011, and after gaining 20 lbs, I finally got the courage to go back to my Dr. and get a fill... 18lbs I gained I had my fill today, and just ate some broth for dinner (Drs.' orders) i am SO HUNGRY and craving sweets... Im full, but I still want something. Water is helping a little - hopefully I get back on track and get motovated to work out and get my a$$ in gear!!!!!!!!!! How do I combat these cravings/urges... i feel lost again

has anyone gone through pregnancy being banded and going to a midwife? are they ok with having the band? i've lost about 40lb since AUG and am NOT looking forward to gaining any weight. I lost 35 through morning sickness with dd but gained it all back and then some after about 6 months. can having the band help keep weight gain to an absolute minimum or do they want you to gain like everyone else? i don't even want to step on a scale anymore.

Changing tastebuds are a very common side effect of VSG. You may or may not regain a taste for sweets- many people do not. If sweets were a big part of your previous diet and contributed to weight gain, then I'd call it a victory. It will probably take months to feel "normal", but its all relative as your eating patterns are now permanently changed.

I think you are doing great! The important thing is that you keep following the dietitians advice concerning Protein and portion intake. Do you feel satisfied after eating, with no late night urges for carb munchies? I GAINED weight after surgery... I didn't start losing until after my third fill. And, I also joined a "no judgement" gym for cardio. A lot of folks lose weight quickly, then hit slow periods with little or no weight loss. Too much fill can lead to weight gain and some unhealthy side effects if there is too much restriction. My APRN (who does the fills) told me he is happy to see a 1/4 pound a week weight loss. I've lost a total of 33 pounds since my December 2012 surgery. I wish I was doing as great as you are!

Hi Everyone, I am 56 years old and had lap band surgery in 2009 and lost 65 lbs. Over the past couple of years, I have had excessive stress in my life and have gained 25+ lbs back. I feel like I am eating pre lap band, I don't seem to have any control. My weight seemed to be stable until late last year when I started having bad reflux. Long story short....my band was too tight and Fluid was removed. Some was put back in a few months ago, but I am still gaining weight because I am eating too much. I can't seem to get myself back on track and I am getting panicky about it. My clothes don't fit, I just had to buy some clothes in a bigger size. I feel like I am going to lose this battle. Has this happened to anyone? Any advice on how to get myself back on track? Help! and thanks. Mary

My clinic say no weight gain. I'm freaking out about it as I haven't been good in what I've been eating lately. I gotta get back on track and stop eating myself out of surgery.

your reintroducing carbs into your day, going from liquid to that sometimes causes weight gain. They call this period of time between surgery day to first fill, bandster hell, so relax and focus on the beginning of your journey. The doc told me not to focus so much on the scale but to focus on making healthy choices and exercising. So good luck and try not to weigh yourself so much, I still have a problem with that. I weigh myself like 10 times a day but remember they say a person's weight can fluctuate 8 lbs a day, thats a lot, so don't worry.

Wow. In one week, I will be celebrating my 3 months surgiversay. I can't believe my new life. It is amazing and I am so greatful for having the surgery. In retrospect, I can see clearly how being so overweight was affecting my life in a negative way. You make your own destiny. I truly believe that. You have to be willing to reach for your goals and seize opportunites when they arise. Being fat made me reluctant to reach for anything other than food. This sounds harsh, but it was true, so very true. Being so sad on the inside and mad at myself was reflected in my choices, decisions, actions, words, looks, marriage. Once some of the heavy weight fell off, so did the heavy feelings and it has been liberating! Since the surgery, my husband has been crazy affectionate ( more so than he used to be), I have earned a promotion and a substantial raise at work, I am remodeling my house and adding a large addition, and better yet, my husband has decided to take us to Cozumel first part of December-will be my first trip out of the country! I really think that because I BELIEVE good things can come my way now, they are. Before my weigth loss, I would have dreaded a beach vacation before because that means swimsuits, I would have stressed about a promotion and gained more weight, I would probably still be indecisive about what I wanted to do with y house because I was fearful of making decisions so I just didn't make them. I have lost weight before, lots of weight, but I was always overshadowed emotionally by the fear that I would gain it back--and i DID, everytime, plus some. This time, I just know in my heart and mind, that WLS is the key to PERMANENT, MEANINGFUL weight loss because it has forced that hand of changing my lifestyle. I have NO CHOICE but to eat right and if I don't the consequences are very real, very rapid, and very lasting. Hair loss, weight gain, feeling crummy, bone disease, dehydration, and malnutrition are pretty serious tools of leverage for maintaing a better lifestyle when I choose what I fuel up with! I never thought I would get such a sense of empowerment and forward momentum after surgery--I guess because I couldn't believe it to be possible, but NOW, I can!