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hey guys! im not sure if any veterans still get on here or not but some of you may remember me from my horror experience with my leak. if you never heard of me, you can go to the complications section of this site & read the post "i definitely regret surgery..... so far!" well, let me start off by saying that i no longer regret surgery! took me almost 2yrs to be able to say that but its true! i was sleeved dec 20th, 2011 this surgery almost took my life but at the sametime, its given me life & now im able to give life to my beautiful baby girl. i wouldve never conceived had i not lost all the weight. i started off at 273lbs & im only 5'1. before pregnancy, i went down to 130lbs. i am now 145lbs & very happy, comfortable & secure with gaining the weight. if anything, i felt way too small at 130lbs so i was excited about some of the weight gain. baby girl is due 03.18.14 & i cant wait to hold my baby in my arms. <3

I was also worried because I had gained weight for my final weigh-in, and was scared they would postpone my surgery. Like you, I was still below my initial recorded weight, so I guess as long as you're not over your initial weight, it should be okay. They didn't even mention the weight gain that was noted between my previous weigh in and my last weigh in. That was certainly a load of my chest!

And oh..you can click on my profile and click on Gallery to check my pics to see if I got to my goal weight or not.... Remember once you get to goal, does not mean you will stay there with no small weight gain...

I'm more than three years out. Outside of pregnancy, I've stayed within 5% of my goal weight. Some people can't track. Some people have to do it. I have to do it. I think the biggest thing is to stay disciplined. Weigh daily. If you don't know what the scale says, you can easily slip into denial about weight gain until your pants are too tight. I may eat whatever I want, but I choose wisely about 99% of the time. I can't rely on my sleeve to keep me thin despite myself. I have to think about my food, I prefer to plan my meals and I must weigh myself daily. I cannot just "wing it" for long periods of time or my eating habits get sloppy again. I have decades of disordered eating behind me. I have only three years of being a normal weight and making mostly good choices under my belt. If I leave it up to my habits to see me through, I'm going to find myself with a regain and it's harder to lose weight the closer you are to goal. You'll need to find what works for you and keep with it for the long haul. We regularly see people back in the vets forum that have been offline and without support that need to lose a regain. It's all too easy to gain weight if you get sloppy. ~Cheri

I am banded over 10 years and am alive and healthy and have had no problem with my band. The only "band" problem that I have encountered is the same one anyone would have if you choose not to stay on task of weight re-gain. I would hope everyone does their pre-surgery research to decide what kind or even IF WLS is the way to go. There are no magic bullets! Repeat NO MAGIC BULLETS. I lost weight well and steadily and reached my goal and then hit an emotional rollercoaster and tried as hard to put the weight back on as I did to take it off a few years into my journey. I totally believe that the band is an excellent tool to assist with good eating habits and exercise. No matter what a person decides it takes dedication andd focus. A lot of us are more familiar with being a caretaker than taking care of ourself. I have addressed the emotional component to my weight gain and am back on track. My long term caution to anyone considering the band or newly banded is to NOT DEPEND ON FILLS as being the total answer to losing weight. I believe the less fills the better. Using your band as a tool, listening to your body's "full" signals (and you will acquire some with the band) and staying focused on living a healthy lifestyle will take you where you want to be. Seriously, don't waste your time on any "haters".

Wow! You are me ... or I am you ... or something ... At 15 months post I had a micro-discectomy on L4/5 as I had numbness in my right foot which was emanating up into my right leg. Due to the disc leakage and now removal of said disc leakage stuff, the space between the vertebrae had lessened to the point where now bone was pressing against the nerve and now I had numbness in my left foot. A laminectomy 3 months later was the solution. Prior to surgery, I had been an exercising machine. I would run ~30 miles a week and participated in many races even winning my age/division a few times. Then the numbness ... So, as you are experiencing, my activity basically went to nil. I mean nothing. Everything was painful as pretty much any and all motion goes through your core and well ... yeah ... not going to happen. Walking, sitting or standing was painful after a few minutes. 2 months post second surgery, I began physical therapy which was a slow process. I was somewhat compliant with my at home exercises, but it was difficult as it was painful, but I knew it was the only way I could get moving again. I was finally cleared for exercise 4 months after starting PT, but wasn't able to do what I wanted as it was too painful, so I stuck with the basics from PT hoping I would strengthen. About a month ago I was finally able to run more than one block without having to stop due to pain. I attribute this to doing elliptical as it is very low impact. I am now able to run a mile and a half at about an 8 minute per mile pace. I also do an hour of weight training about 5 times a week at the gym focusing on lower back and core strength. So ... what about eating? I had been at goal and maintaining for about 10 months when I stopped exercising. I quickly added 10 pounds as I did not change my eating habits, so I knew that I would have to change that. What I did was to get back to basics stringently. I ate Protein first, didn't drink with meals and chewed very well. I stopped eating before I was full and limited my "cheats". This halted my weight gain and I lost 5 of the 10 I had gained. Since getting back into exercise I have lost the other 5 pounds and have eased how stringent I follow the guidelines as I do understand that I need calories to maintain my current level of activity. So, that is what worked for me. Follow the guidelines closer until you can get back to being active. If you need to, track everything in MyFitnessPal. Just to let you know, my numbness has been reduced drastically, but I do still have a little, which I will probably have the rest of my life. It is by far tolerable compared to where I was, which was occasionally falling as I didn't get the feedback from my feet when walking. It takes time and did get worse before it got better. Good luck!

I weigh myself all the time and I know that makes me a "slave to the scale!" Anytime I'm at home I get on the scale - all hours of day & night. I work during the day (btw). I contribute some of my weight gain for not having a scale for a few years and it was "out of sight - out of mind." It's probably better to weigh once a week. Whatever is best for you! I'm a little psycho about it (lol) & I know I am!

My new ticker puts me back in the 200s!!! I am now so far from goal and it sucks. Imagine my surprise when I saw my overnight 55 pound weight gain on my ticker.

Wow, yeah there's no way you're eating too little. Especially considering your work outs, you must have a huge calorie deficit. I'd very strongly suggest going to your primary care doctor and making sure there's no medical issue causing the weight gain. Thyroid, blood sugar, hormones, or many other imbalances in the body can cause weight gain. If I were you, I'd get a full blood work up to make sure there isn't an underlying problem.

First, breath. I know it is frustrating when the scale gets stuck or, worse still, goes up. It happens. I have had several instances of 5 pound weight gain...overnight. Yes, I weigh myself every morning (there are many folks who advise against this but I have my reasons). My practice is dangerous 'cause I catch my short duration weight fluctuations. See a post, from a few weeks ago, by gamergirl. She was similarly disturbed by apparent weight stalls/increases. As she graphed her weight over time her increases/stalls smoothed out and she saw her amazing trend downward. I think her "long view" is wise and wonderful for us all. Too close a look at our moment by moment weight can make us nuts as well as give us a false impression of our overall success.

ccjll, thank you for your post. I am schedule for surgery on Dec. 17th & you have just out so much in perspective for me. You reminded why I started this process and the reasons I need to follow through with it. I have nothing to lose except the weight that has been holding me back from living the life I deserve, the life I want to live! It's not easy being overweight & it's something I've struggled with literally since I was born. I tried of being sick & tried. I lose weight, gain weight! It's just a cycle of disappoint!!! I'm sorry for my rant. Congratulations to everyone who has already made tours changing choice and began the banded journey. I also want to congratulate all of us who have taken the steps to begin our own banded journey...

Everyone has feelings and ideas about this surgery and how they wish to relate it to the outside world. All are valid, they are yours and you have a right to them. My personal feeling about this surgery is that I am extremely proud of myself for coming out fighting. I was suffering extreme weight gain, the after effects of prostate cancer treatment. Steroids, lupron,( a testosterone killer), radiation, chemo, all took a toll on me. I was told I would never lose the weight gain and would die in a couple years, that was 2009. My urologist didn't like the surgery saying it was too hard on the body but signed off on it. My other doctors were on board. I knew I was dying, I felt like a heart attack or stroke would get me before the cancer would. I couldn't breath, I had no energy, aches and pains by the multitude. It was a fierce act. I was fully aware of the possible consequences. I prayed about it. I felt God's smile on me about it. I don't understand everything but I know I am loved by Him. I feel really good about what I did. It is a very personal thing but my dramatic change invites many questions. Truth is easy to remember, it is always the same. I chose not to hide it from anyone who asks. If you chose to, more power to you, you have my respect.

I've used MyFitnessPal for almost two years now and highly recommend it. It's quick, easy and makes you accountable - to you. I have found that it establishes an irrefutable link between what I put in my mouth and what I see on the scales. That link is reinforced every day. And perhaps more importantly, the control and confidence that my log gives me is beyond priceless. Enjoying those special occasions in life that involve food will often result in a little weight gain. I simply adjust my calorie goal down by 100-200 calories for a day or two and my weight comes right back down. I've done it not just once or twice but many times. You don't have to do that too many times before your confidence goes right through the roof. You don't think you're in control, you know you're in control. You no longer stress or worry about enjoying a special occasion because you know you can correct it. Food logs/apps/photos are an enormously powerful tool that should be in everyone's toolbox!

I am so sad I feel like going somewhere and hiding. I hopefully will get my surgery in march due to my insurance. I have a 6 months process I need to complete before surgery. I am approaching the third month..... In which I am very excited About, however it is extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing for me to even attend family gatherings and events due to my noticeable weight gain. I never would have seen myself here in a million years Nd I get so upset with myself a lot. I traveled to Virginia today for my nephews 1st birthday although I feel so out of place even though I am around family I feel like crying. I notice people looking at me strange like close family friends that I haven't seen in years. I almost did not come to the party because of my weight. Just tonight As I help clean and set up for the party my mother pulled me to the side and gave me that look that I am so familiar with. She asked "did u stop going to the gym?" I became so defensive and went upstairs to the guest room to cry. I seriously don't want to be here I hate to seem so selfish but I have been emotional ever since. I not only need march to come a lot faster but I am so anxious to start this new life.

HeatherinCA…. so you've had your band three years now? your weight loss has stalled?? when you say your diet isn't good… how much are you eating ? what sort of foods? I'm wondering if you have an ''acid stomach'… it definitely sounds irritated, for sure. Perhaps you are eating foods that are too acidic? have you tried taking some antacids? to see if that gives relief? even at 5 you have a lot of fill.. well, in comparison to me you do. ARE you having wine? i have to ask because that is one of the worst things we can have as it prevents weight loss. … even causes weight gain. Also, as its acidic, it causes acid stomach. This is why I'm asking you if you have tried any antacids. Ive been having issues. Ive lost about 35 lbs in two years and ive levelled out now. But, I'm having some white and red wine. I feel this is causing acidity and my stomach isn't good some of the time. I do slime a bit sometimes. i have to be very careful what i eat. i have a lot of Soups. At the moment I'm taking Zantac for the acidity… its helping me. So, do you think that your stomach is too acid? are you sleeping at night? i was sleeping half sitting up some nights…. last night i slept well after taking zantac.

Hi guys! I was banded in December 2010. Lost some weight, gained it back. I'm at about the same weight I was when I started. I've been having pain like right under my ribcage, and where my bra sits, especially when I sit down, (i feel better walking or lying flat), like something is pushing me there (center of my chest), it's extremely uncomfortable and bras are horrible, I've been through a bunch.. could that be my port? Or something? I know where they put in the needle is maybe 3 inches lower toward my belly button, but I know there is something near my ribcage. Also a ton of gas, burping gas. The last few weeks I've been scared to eat, because it's so bad. I did get 1 CC taken out a few weeks ago (I guess I had 6 now I have 5, but I don't know my capacity), that feels a little better. Eating less seems to help, I'm not going to lie my diet isn't good. I've been eating fairly regularly for the past 2 years. I can still get food down now, I'm not vomiting or sliming. I'm scared something is wrong.. But, it could be my bad anxiety blowing everything out of proportion (I have terrible anxiety). Any advice? I have an appointment soon and I feel like I need to ask my band doctor for help, but I don't know what to say exactly. (is there a test I should take, or should they empty my band? did I slip?) Last time they just asked if I was vomiting and then he took a little out and that was it...

Thanks Christina.Rose I am so pleased for you that its started to work again....that's fantastic news!!!! For me I have had no end of frustrations and complications and I am now getting severe reflux when my band is filled to a semi restrictive level. I have had "3" port revisions and I still have trouble eating with my bra on as the port is now under my bra line (4th spot they had put the port and only successful spot too) I had lost a lot of weight but then I think I have had a slip as I started to get really hungry all of a sudden and started gaining weight slowly but surely. Not long after that my reflux got to a point where it was so bad prescription meds couldnt help me so I had to have it let out and am almost back to square 1. My specialist wants me to have it out to prevent any or any further damage. I just dont think that the band likes me haha In all seriousness I think that my body is not agreeing with the foreign bodies (band and port) and is rejecting them. I have given it 4 years but now there seems to be a better option for me I think. SleeveConvert.......I know that the band and sleeve are only a tool and are not an easy answer. Anyone who has gone through what I have gone through to try to lose weight can not say I am taking the easy road. There is no magic thing that will make it work I know, and there are a lot easier ways to lose weight than what I personally have been through with 5 surgeries (and counting) so far for weight loss. but......I need this or it will never stay off This is because I am committed and by having to have my band unfilled for 6 months due to complications and gaining 30 kilos in that short time confirms to me that I can't do this forever without my tool for weight loss that is the band/sleeve. I am taking the hardest road possible and trying my best with every effort and I do get upset when all that I have been through people comment that I am taking the 'easy way out' I wish some could see/feel what I have been through to know its been a nightmare and something that I have to do in order to live life normally. I am morbidly obese and need help and this is my last resort. Something that made me feel a little better and understand obesity a lot better and may help some of you: I went to visit my surgeon after gaining back my 30 kilo's in 6 months. I said to him "I am so dissapointed with myself and embarressed that I have allowed myself to gain so much weight so quickly......I don't know how I let myself get to this" He quickly said "Do not ever say that about yourself, I do not ever want to hear you speak like that again. Obesity is a DISEASE! Just like diabeties etc........its most often genetic and such a terrible disease. There is no magic pill only help to control it. One day there might be but now and in the near future there is not so the best way we can help people with this disease it to give them as much control as possible. Do not feel guilty or embarressed about it EVER.....this 'is a disease' and we will help you with that the best way we can." Right then and there something clicked and I cried and understood my life long battle then and there. I am trying not to beat myself up about my weight gain and rather focus on the success to come with lots of hard work and determination I know I will get there and they will help me through every step of the way. Just to let you know he is not getting any money from me for this at all. When I got the lapband, they guaranteed in writing that they would help me lose weight and that any other surgery, if ever needed, even years down the track is free. What I paid for the fist surgery is all I will ever have to pay with them and they will work with me and do whatever it takes to help me get to a healthy weight. They are committed to helping people with this Disease that is Obesity. Gamblers can never gamble again, Alcoholics can never drink again but Obese people have to eat to survive...... and then we have some of the hardest obstacles to overcome

Hey Guys, I'm well overdue for an entry into my blog. My original weight was about 325 lbs and I've lost over 100 lbs with the lap band. I'm definitely up a few pounds since my last post. I weigh about 206. I had been maintaing about 195 for a year or so. But I've recently gone back to a sedentary job (5 months ago) so I've put on about 10lbs. Since my job is pretty boring, I eat my way through the day. There are snacks...bad snacks at every turn. I guess sweets and cakes keep people motivated in these environments. I'm also in a new relationship, which some say may cause you to gain weight. I cook alot more foods that taste good but may not be very low fat. I'm not exercising much either which doesn't help. I have gone to see a nutritionist who gave me some tips, however, I still gained a couple of pounds after seeing her, so i sort of stopped her recommendations, which included protein bars and shakes. I think I was eating even more food and I was still pretty hungry. So I'm back to eating when I'm hungry and eating what I want :-/ . I do try to get some healthy foods in, like salads and vegetables and I definitely try to prepare as many meals as I can at home. I recently went back to my GI (gastroenterologist) to get a partial unfill. I had my band tighetened pretty tight about 2 years ago. Then I was laid off from my job, which meant I had no insurance to go back for any adjustments. I really was too tight and I would wake up at night coughing up food, which was pretty scary. I was a little torn about getting an unfill because ofcourse I didn't want to chance gaining any weight back, but after many months of uncomfortable nights, sleeping sitting up waiting for my food to digest or choking in my sleep on food, I dediced to get an unfill. My GI took out about .4cc's he told me. He wouldn't tell me how much was left in the band....I suppose he didn't want me to focus on that. I've felt better ever since. I haven't had any bouts of coughing or choking at night. I really need to get an exercise regimen on board now. That is really my focus. I was never one for traditional exercise though. I lost weight mainly through going out dancing, but since I'm involved in a relationship,I don't feel it's the best thing to do now. I may join some dance exercise classes if I can find anything I'm interested in. I would really like to do a belly dancing class. I have visited another plastic surgeon to look at a tummy tuck, butt and breast augmentation. The cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 thousand dollars. So I'm putting that on the back burner for now. I may have to have one procedure then go back for another later, but it's seems safer and more economical to do two at once. It's really important to my self-image to get these things done, because I have a lot of lose and saggy skin that I feel could be improved. Anyway, that's my update for now. I wish I could post pictures, but I will make sure I do so next time. I'm satisfied with my band experience so far. It has helped me to maintain a significant weight loss over the last 4 1/2 years and I don't forsee any significant weight gain. I am pain free and pretty happy about my decision. I wish everyone well in their weight loss journey! W8tygirl AKA Kia

Read your program materials back to front. Take notes, and then immediately commit to follow your program. Too many slips could lead to weight gain...

Breast thread. I was more of a private eater like Laura-Ven. I didn't eat in public a lot other than going out wit my wife or business associates. When I was out on business meetings, I ordered conservatively and never had dessert. My wife owns a bakery and would routinely send sweets not sold to my office. I would give out most of it, but always keep some for myself which I always ate in my office with the door closed. My wife always blamed herself for my weight gain saying that she should have been more diligent in insisting that I eat better, exercise more. I told her it was not her fault but mine.we had arguments after I gained back huge amounts of weight I lost and blamed herself for enabling me. On this forum, there is a lot of enabling people to cheat. This is done mostly by the newbies who need justification for their own bad behavior. I don't want to sound "holier than thou", but I can't condone someone intentionally eating something unhealthy after wls. No one should eat garbage at this point just because they can, and try to justify by saying they're not going to deprive themselves or will exercise it away. Yes we can eat what we want in moderation. However, we need to think before we eat. Should I eat that piece of cake because I want it or need it? The answer is I don't need the food I used to eat and I am not going to derail myself this time around. I think I am much older and wiser to give into temptation now that I've been sleeved. I just wish I had this insight 30 years ago. Again great thread and good luck to us all.

I have a 6 month waiting period before I can have surgery. People are telling me that Winter months are going to be the hardest time to lose weight. Holiday meals and all. I dont know how the Dr thinks I can lose any more weight. I have tried and failed to lose weight countless times. I dont want to be turned down for lap band due to recent weight gain. I am very scared!! I just dont know what to do! Any suggestions?

MFP really helps me to keep on track. No tracking? Weight gain! I also gained 22 pounds over around a 9 month period... I just got it back off and it took me 5 months! I used the 5:2....You can do it! Protein first, no Water with meals, and get moving girl.... and oh yes... hang out here for support! So true!

Well, I would agree with you but two weeks ago, we went on a Halloween cruise as a last hurrah, and I did enough damage to my liver, I better stick with the diet just in case. Thus, the 4 lb weight gain. But soooo worth it. I am thinking of getting the shirt that says, "Hi, I am B_tchy! The 8th drawf!" Thanks all for the encouragement. It helps so much to talk to people who have gone through this.

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 all. My name is Caroline from Memphis. I have three grown children and two of them are considering having babies. I have to get in shape! I've been steadily gaining weight for about 20 years. I'm 5'3", 263 lbs. I start pre-op diet Friday and surgery is scheduled 11/22. I'm so tired of being tired, my knees hurt all the time, acid reflux stinks, COPD and asthma are worse with weight gain, depression is worse, on days off I just want to sleep. Something very strange...since I got my surgery date I've realized how weight gain has affected my life for so many years. It's been very depressing. I want to be able to put socks and shoes on without huffing and puffing. I'm glad to have found this group and the segment for 50 and over. I look forward to starting my journey!