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I joined this forum today and read a lot of interesting posts with different points of view on the Lap Band. I decided to share my story and let anyone who reads it take from it what helps them. I was banded three years ago in Mexico. To date I have lost 30 pounds. I would say it’s more of a maintenance weight of 185. Is it a “fail?” I don’t know… I’m still in deliberations. 1) I can tell you I have always had problems getting protein down from the beginning so I chose foods that went down easier. It didn’t matter what size fill I had. Protein was not my friend, ever. But I was eating 1/3 my normal portion and sometimes even less. But it was pasta, rice, and adding gravies made food go down even easier so I wouldn’t get stuck, which happened quite frequently. That was a wrong choice, so for any reader here, don’t do this! When my surgery was performed the Dr. fixed what he described the biggest Hiatal hernia he’d seen, which would explain the feeling of Satan living in my stomach for years. I recently had bouts of heart burn, waking from sleep choking, a lot of sliming episodes and it didn’t matter what I ate, I ignored it and went to liquids for a day or two on several occasions with success (but not this last time), again don’t do this! My point…I had to go back to the Dr. 2 weeks ago, it was an emergency visit because I let it get to the point where water was having a hard time going down and staying down (for a couple of days. You know what I’m going to say, don’t ignore this symptom of a tight band). The Dr. thought that I may have had a slipped band and had symptoms of a perforated stomach (from what happens when you get stuck repeatedly and ignore the signs of a tight band, yes, vomiting food back up). Turns out it was neither of the above and with an un-fill (now two weeks) I am fine and enjoying protein and other foods I still shouldn’t be eating BUT CAN. Big FAIL on my part! I realized the other day with a 5 pound gain in 2 weeks that HELL, like alcoholism, drug addiction, and other addictions, that food is an addiction for most of us on here that have had the surgery whether we have all realized that or not. We’re just not wired like thin people, bless their tiny little bodies . So I proclaim tomorrow is day one again for me with eyes wide open. I’ve already messed up breakfast today! In two weeks I’ll get a refill and start counting down again, smarter this time. A poke from someone on here now and then would be great. I will say that the band stopped weight gain but I don’t think my Dr. would agree that using this tool upside down is how it works. I’m glad I found this forum because when you have surgery in Mexico you go home and that’s it. You have no support group, no follow-up nutrition classes to go to, no nice office staff to check up on you to see how you are progressing or to give helpful pointers during plateauing. You are on your own to figure the whole band experience out for yourself, good, bad and indifferent.

weight gain is also a concern of mine after ridding the band.

After two failed lap bands, I am scheduled to have the band removed and revised to a sleeve. Despite my best efforts, my surgeon insists that I have the band removed, allow 3 months 'rest' time for my stomach then have the sleeve procedure. Has anyone had the same experience and how did you manage/control your weight over that time? I'm terrified I will gain back majority, if not all of the 60lbs I've lost this far in that 3 months. Any story's or tips from fellow banders/ex banders/current sleevers would be appreciated!

Yes, once you go back to solid foods, it is normal to see some weight gain back and it is OK! The band is designed to work with a fill. Just advise her to continue to eat good healthy meals like she has been doing and make sure that she is watching her calorie intake and getting enough water. Fitday is a good free source to log those calories. Best wishes!

I'm currently recovering from brachioplasty and have had some complications. I'm almost 3 weeks out and actually am going to have to take 2 more weeks off b/c I had to get 18 stitches today. I can't lift anything... pretty much need to baby my left arm. Since I'm a nurse I can't work without a left arm! All that said... don't be scared I don't regret a thing. I say wait absolutly! The reason... you never know if you will have complications. If you do have complications you don't want to rush back to work b/c you won't heal. The weight gain is also a factor! I gained 30 lbs at one point down 10 of that now but still have 20 lbs to work off. You don't want to have to do that twice! Plastic surgery is no joke. I found my brachioplasty to be the toughest surgery I've undergone. I've had my gallbladder out, pilinidal cyst removed, and the lap band.

For those of you who want to review what issues/problems may occur with a bariatric surgeon, I've been updating my blog. The latest has to do with the FOIA'ed police reports I got. Basically the cops never found me in violation of any laws and that I ever did anything "concerning" to the bariatric surgeon, the staff, or the patients. While there were claims of trespassing, it couldn't be justified in any way. I've got more questions on the way. Be careful all, unfortunately there are some programs that you need to really ask deep probing questions about. Whatever you do, ask about complications and their experiences 2 years or more out. Ask how many people come back after 2 or 3 years and how old are their figures and when they gather them. If they deal with nothing but "everything ok", what medical reason do they have to get you back in? Outside of their database for ASMBS? Ask to talk to people who have had complications over 1 year out that were NOT weight gain related. You'll find out some good info very quickly.

I don't want to take the thread in a whole other direction so I'll try to answer short. =) All of the above. Here is what went wrong: I had a knee injury early last year which caused me to stop working out the way I loved to, so I became depressed (literally). I started eating terrible which both of which lead to the weight gain. Then I had knee surgery and was told I will never run again which caused more depression. I always had GERD since my lap band but in the past year it has gotten progressively worse. It's so bad right now I sound like a crying frog and cough like a 2 pack a day smoker and choke in my sleep. This does not help with the weight. I found out the Sleeve can make GERD worse so I went to see my surgeon via my insurance and he ordered tests to see if I did have it and if so how bad. Turns out my stomach looks like an hourglass and I do have GERD so bad I can't keep anything down, no matter what it is I'm eating. He has suggested the best offer he can give me to help me with my physical problems is to give me a bypass. I don't feel I have a choice because even though the tests did not show any issues yet but in time the GERD will lead to Barrett's or cancer, not a chance I'm willing to take. In the past few months I've gotten my attitude in order and working to get back into shape the best way I can and get off the bad foods. I'm doing good and doing everything I can to prepare myself for my revision. I kept all my weight off for nearly 3 years so I know I can do it. I just can't let depression get to me in the future like I did last time, and to stay diligent with any signs I'm having problems.

I have a question. I feel like since I will be having this surgery I am eating more. Ugh I ate so much today I got sick to my stomach can't figure this out. I need to get control. Has this happened to any of you? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't made my decision which surgery is best for me. Has anyone started to regain or not lose the desired amount of weight before 1 to 2 years post- op Sent from my 5056N using the BariatricPal App

In my experience, my OB didn't have much knowledge of the band so him and my surgeon communicated often and also my nutritionist. It worked well and my daughter is beautiful and healthy and I stayed right on target for weight gain. This might be an option for you with your local OB and surgeon. Good luck and congratulations on yor pregnancy.

Hi All, I'm Lynette and I'm being banded on June 27 in florence, KY by Dr. Sonnanstine. Still a ways off, but I'm enjoying the time on this site and all the information it has. It's great talking with people who have already had the surgery, and knowing what is out there on the other side. I hope to meet other June 07 bansters to share experiences with. Does anyone feel like you've been sentenced to death, and will be resurected the day of surgery???? I know, kind of weird, but I've been overweight for so long. I don't have a life to get back to, but I have a new life to begin. I don't know what it is to be thin, or not overweight. I really have no before weight gain pictures to stare at for motivation. But I'm in the right place now, and I'm headed in the right direction. I wish surgery was tomorrow, but good things come to those who wait, and I feel like I've waited all my life for this tool to work with. Can't wait to put it to use. Good luck to all those who visit that are being banded in May. We're so jealous and green with envy, but we'll be there too, soon, in the land of Lapband with you.:clap2: Lynette:)

congratulations! i, too, suggest a slight unfill. regarding the weight gain, try to be careful, but just know that after delivery, you will still have your tool in place. good luck! :cursing:

I agree with clk, I even have had a hysterectomy and every month I gain and lose with in that one week. I am a slow loser as well. I lose about 1 lb. a week, so I know how bad that weight gain looks. I try to stay away from the salty meats around that time of the month, because I also swell ( I can tell with my ring ). As for the constipation, it's common because you're not putting as much food in as before. (tmi) I go about once a week now. If it goes longer than that I have a prune.

I'm 6 weeks post op and have gained about 6lbs. I'm thinking its from not reaching my water goal but not really sure. I get about 2/2.5 16 oz. bottles down a day. Which I know is definitely not enough. Anyone have any ideas on how to get more water in? I use the flavor packets but its still hard to get down.

So I am currently down 73lbs...honestly can't believe it myself but it feels amazing! I went from a size 18, if I was lucky, to wearing anywhere between a 12-14....lord only knows how long it has been since I have seen that size! I have had an extremely positive experience with vsg and would do it all over again if necessary. I am loving my self again and starting to gain my confidence back to where it was before the massive weight gain! I was lucky that my recover was so quick and my three small incisions are basically gone....bikini body next year!! I a truly thankful every day for this surgery, it has changed my life! i am also very thankful for the continued support I get from my friends and family Prep op: 258, surgery day 5/7/12 weight: 249, current weight: 185

I took ortho tri-cyclen and ortho tri-cyclen lo, and my doctors told me I could take the 'active' pills back to back (skip the 'sugar pills') and I don't have periods.. when I had surgery and was off 2 months, it was horrendous. I swapped to Yaz about 3 weeks ago, to see if it helps on my moodiness (thats why I was swapped to lo a couple years ago, but I still am a mess around TOM even if I'm not bleeding), and I am taking the 'active' pills back to back to keep from having periods again. I did try the depo shot a couple years ago and gained 30lbs in 1 month. My friend gained 80lbs from depo.. so I'm not a big advocate of it. Since I have been on B/C pills since I was 14 I can't ever tell if it's responsible for weight gain, and of course only time I was off was 2 months for lap-band and I was losing weight anyway! Once we have 2 kids, I'm having him get 'fixed' and I'll be off b/c, and I guess by then I'll be at my ideal and will never know

Hi everyone, My name is Tina and i am new to the board. For the past month I have visited the board and love the type of community that is here. Since my decision to get the Lap Band I have felt very alone until now. The few people I have told have not been very supportive. I have decided not to tell anyone if I am approved and have the surgery. To tell you about myself, i am 5,9 and 320 lbs. My BMI is 49. I am in the process of getting approved for the Lap Band in New York with Dr. Christine Ren and Dr. Fielding. I have been referred by primary doctor and my insurance company Oxford said that the surgery is covered if medically necessary. My doctor says its medically necessary because i can barely move without pain due to fall during last year's winter. I am in the process of getting my medical records from childbirth until now, my gym memberships and all other documents. I have photos at various stages of weight gain and loss. Does any one have any suggestions on what other information i should gather? Is Oxford a pain to deal with. Dr. Ren said that her office usually handles getting the approvals and provides me with a copy for my records. I have to be honest with you, I am afraid of what will happen in the course of the next few months. Does anyone have words of wisdom of dealing with their Lap Band decision and surgery? Thanks for your help. Tina

I had my surgery November 8, 2008. I successfully went from 258 to 140. I had to have shoulder surgery in June of this year and now the fight is on. Blood sugar out of control, weight gain to 185, and thyroid medication d/t hypothyroidism, I am so ashamed of myself, I have gained all this weight and there seems to be nothing working. The Dr totally unfilled my band and since then he has put fluid back. No luck I am still gaining, and I feel like a hungry bear with no stopping. Blood sugar is crazy. i took 100 unit of insulin prior to surgery and I was able to go off the anything at all for blood sugar. My A1c has climbed and now having to do sliding scale. Anyone else having these issues?

Not eating and drinking is a struggle for most of us, so this is what I do, I do not allow the waiter/waiteress to bring water and neither do I have it on the table while I am eating. Just out of habit we do things so don't make it so convient for yourself. You difinately needed your band to rest, you gave it to much in a day. After any PB episodes you must allow your band to rest. Take it slow, it will be alright. For me, fills are always a challenge. Usually up to 2/3 weeks after a fill I am very limited with what I can eat and then one day I wake up and I can eat things that have been a struggle. That's my sign for a fill. I usually wait 5/6 weeks in between fills. I waited over 2 months before getting my first fill so I feel like I'm behind on my weight lost but it's still been consistant and no weight gains since I was banded. That is a blessing for me all together. Stay encourage and try to follow the band rules. I know it's hard just from my own personal experience.

Hello Group! Today is my first day here onsite. I started my lifestyle change on 3/9/2009 when I had my WLS-Lapband. I went through some immediate results but 6 years later I developed an erosion in the mouth of the stomach that caused my tool to be removed. I experienced a rapid weight gain! On April 19 2016, my surgeon revisited my case and I was approved for a revision. We agreed on the Gastric Bypass. The surgery went well. I take my vitamins, eat right etc. On august 16, 2019 I underwent the Panniculectomy surgery which went very well. The recovery process was about a month. I am very happy with the results. Now, what I am currently experiencing is the UPs and Downs of weight loss and weight gain due to the unprecedented times we are experiencing and the challenges we faces each day. In March 2020, I was required to work from home which was great but the exercising has been limited. OMG how I miss the gym... I visited my nutritionist and she recommended I join this website for some guidance, support or even a fruitful tip that can keep me motivated. I do not wish to go backwards, I want to continue losing and I just seem to have lost sight. HELP

I have a very similar story. Lost about 85 pounds in about 14 months and then just stopped for about 2 and a half months. I also had an unfill in there which didn't help. I broke my plateau by cutting out all white flour and sugar, and counting strictly 1,000-1,300 calories per day, and exercising. Well, actually I'm not too good about the exercising part (only doing it about two or three times a week), but the other stuff has definitely helped. The first two weeks of this regimine I lost 6.4 pounds. Now I'm on week three, but I'm getting my period, and thus begins the monthly Water weight gain of between 3-5 pounds, which is so disheartening. But, I really think that my regimine is helping. I plan to resume white flour and sugar in limited portions, only after I reach goal.

Hi all. I had my surgery on Jan 16 and am currently one week post op. So far so good! The only issue I've noticed is I can consume anything cold. But down 10 lbs :-) A little back story. I'm 25 and was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder when I was 14. It's caused a lot if weight gain, blood sugar problems, and infertility. I've always been athletic, played volleyball and was a runner most of my school years, but I was always the chunky one. After high school I got married and have been a nanny/homemaker. To no avail, my husband and I have not been able to conceive. So 120 lbs later and countless failed diets, except use routines, and fertility treatments, I am here. I feel good about my decision. I'm hoping to get to know other RNYers and have a support system since my surgeons office is 4 hours away and I won't be able to make the support meetings. I've read so many post and have so much respect for this outlet and the people who bare the souls on here! Hope to get to know y'all Mandi

shake the other partner psychologically when one loses weight, gains confidence and starts getting more attention. But the experience taught me that someone who is jealous of something that makes me better, healthier and stronger never had my best interests at heart. Dating after that was a struggle, until I met my current boyfriend six months ago. Most guys got scared because they were afraid to take me to dinner, afraid they would break my new diet resolve, and when they saw a picture of what I used to look like, they started to wonder what would happen if I gained a few pounds again. What else has surprised me about losing weight? No one ever told me that it would upset me when severely obese people get special attention because they choose to be heavy -- like when TV shows feature people who are happy to weigh 600 pounds, or people who post YouTube videos professing love of their excess weight. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that people are comfortable in their own skin, because many times I'm not always comfortable in my own skin. But for me, being heavy wasn't a choice. So I guess I have a hard time identifying with them. Obesity is debilitating to your health. I used gastric bypass surgery as a tool to save my life so that I wouldn't develop diabetes, have a heart attack at age 35, have a stroke, and to hopefully lower my risk of cancer. Now I have no tolerance for excuses about not being able to eat healthy and exercise. See, here's the bottom line: The biggest thing that no one ever tells you about losing weight is that eventually, the number on the scale no longer matters. What matters is how you feel, how you look and how happy you are. I know at my current weight I am still medically obese, but I have a clean bill of health. Through my bad days and my good days, I am happier now than I have ever been. When I struggle or feel myself about to slip into old habits, I pull out a picture of what I used to look like. And I remind myself that nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels.

swde73 ~ You are 3 weeks post op and your tummy is still really swollen from the staple line. The weight gain is most likely fluid retention. I love your out look and you are going to be very successful in loosing your weight! I love the positive attitude! Keep Rockin that Sleeve! It will happen.