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I'm having a really hard time getting approved for my revision - I've had the lap band since 2008 and I've lost at most 60 lbs, I would get sick often, and haven't been able to afford a fill adjustment in awhile because I did not have insurance. Now that I have it - I find out about the sleeve and I really want to switch to it as I've weighed the pros and cons - but my insurance won't approve the revision unless I can prove medically necessary. I have some port pain, but I have a very high tolerance for pain, so I can ignore it most times... When I finally went for my band adjustment last July - they showed that the band had slipped a bit and that my pouch was enlarged. They unfilled it a bit and that is when I started doing research and found out about the sleeve. So many people were talking about all the issues they had with the band and not being able to be comfortable about going out to eat because you have to case the place basically to make sure you know where the restroom is and how quickly you can get to it, how some days I could eat a lil bit but then the next day its Soups or nothing kinda day... I thought - hey I could do the sleeve and I wouldn't have to worry about stuck food anymore and I would still have a restriction that would keep me from overdoing it - I was very careful about not overdoing it. I've done all the requirements for it and have met them all - I keep reading about all of you that have had the revision done and I'm starting to get really fustrated and upset because it seems like I'm trying to do this before I get really sick with any of the overweight caused diseases - I am right now at around 270 - because I gained back 20lbs ( i admit - I regained because I was suddenly able to eat all the things I hadn't been able to eat in the past 8 years, like bread, brocoli(sp), vegetables, steak, actual pizza, pasta - I do not eat junk like candy or processed bakery stuff and am a rather 'healthy' eater - I just over do it because I never feel full) after I got my band unfilled in preparation for surgery, atm I still do not have real health issues other then my joints are getting older and having a harder time at the gym because of the weight gain - I still go to the gym at least 1 - 2 times a week and work on the treadmill. Last week I went back to my surgeon and his assistant has put me on a liquid diet to help me lose some of the weight I gained back, and because my EDG and swallow study came back normal - they weren't able to prove that its medically necessary to remove the band - so we're trying for intolerance since I was getting sick before when it was filled. So, we agreed to get my band filled again with 2 ccs - I went for the appointment that was set up with the hospial and when I got there the lady that was supposed to do my fill was almost like she didn't want to do it because she was confused as to why I was there - she said I was telling her the wrong things - that because I told her I don't want to gain anymore weight and that I want to prove to the insurance that the band wasn't working for me, so I have to get it refilled and go back through everything I was going through before. She almost didn't fill it and as it is - I don't believe she put the whole 2ccs in either. I'm waiting until this week is done on the liquid diet, I still have port pain and it hurts sometimes like a bad stitch and sharp pain - but apparently that's not enough I'm not giving up - but I can't afford this as a self pay, my credit is really horrible, so I am unable to get approved for a loan to pay for the removal of the band. Please excuse any incorrect grammer and the fact that I skip from topic to topic - I'm not sure what its called but I type and talk in random sometimes jumping from topic to topic as my mind grabs a thought. I try to go back and edit, but if I missed something... I've done 7 nutrition visits now, provided my gym check ins, did all the requirements for a normal just getting the sleeve done as well as doing the requirements for getting a revision done - I just want to get this done, so I can get started... I don't understand how some people are getting approved for revisions or getting the sleeve done when they have so much less to lose then I do, and I'm having such difficulty - what am I doing wrong?! even my surgeon's assistant is at a loss, but she is trying to help me and hopefully we can prove intolerance... I feel almost as if I'm being pushed into self paying for it - which I can't afford to do...

I don't like the term "bandster hell". It just seems like kicking your own @$$ when you're already down! Why associate this good thing in life with such a negative state of being. But again, that's just me! I've tried very hard to remain positive throughout this journey and to anticipate that there will be small failures. The battle is when it's time to pick yourself up and move on from those failures. Just keep in mind the big picture, all the things you've already done for yourself that are going to improve your lifestyle! I will admit, during these 4 weeks since my surgery, I wondered about all the pizza, ice cream, cake and buffets i'm missing out on in life! It was my husband who finally put it into perspective when he said "buffet? people aren't supposed to eat like that!" The past two weeks have been especially tricky. Work has been busy and stressful, I accepted a promotion right before surgery and returned to a heavy training schedule and being thrown in with the sharks to figure out this new job! Needless to say, before surgery, i'd cope by ordering pizza for dinner, pigging out and having some oreos. It somehow made everything feel better. It's not an option anymore! I found myself window shopping(more like walking around) for 4 hours from store to store because i didn't know how to deal with the frustration i was feeling! All i could do was walk, walk, and walk some more until i felt level headed again. My poor husband got the nasty side of this episode, but it's a lifestyle change right? Just remember, it took us all our lives up until the time of surgery to get this way! It's not going to change in just 4 weeks! It's going to take some time. A positive attitude goes a long way, and so does medication! This is not an easy journey to embark on, but it's definately a worthwhile one! Don't beat yourself up too much about the little setbacks (stalled weight, gaining a few pounds), a year from now when you're doing so great, they only be a speck on this fantastic voyage! Good luck and cheer up, you're going to be just fine

I've just weighed myself and I've put on 12lbs in the past 4 weeks! Part of the reason will be that 4 weeks ago I had shoulder surgery and have been off work since, so a lot less active - the other reason ofcourse will be all the goodies that I have surrounded myself with thinking that I was too strong of mind to be tempted.. and I had a bit of the 'i'm thin and can eat anything' mentality.... oh how wrong I've been. Tomorrow I'm starting back on the Protein shakes - not sure at this moment if I will just have the Protein Shakes or if I should have some sort of meat product for a main meal.. either chicken or beef. Any thoughts or ideas out there? I take my Vitamins and supplements daily, so no chance of me not getting those in and I drink plenty fluids too - although not plain Water, its water with crystal light which I realise isn't ideal, but its the only way I get my fluids in. I couldn't drink plain water unless its ice cold.

I remember why I did the surgery in the first place. I weight everyday. I track everything I put in my mouth. I exercise. I'm getting back on track too after a brief hiatus and 3 lb weight gain.

I know that my surgeon said it is normal to gain at first. When a body is injured it collects fluid and that is notorious weight gain. I believe one gal of water weighs about eight pounds.

I was sleeved in December 2011, revised to bypass in Aug 2014 due to weight gain and acid reflux. And going for revision surgery in March 2017. The revision is for rapid gastric emptying. My pouch has not stretched at all. Has anyone had this?

I didn't have a pre-op liquid diet. Just a 'normal' weight loss diet. My recollection was that I gained weight which was a constant worry on surgery day. My surgeon repeatedly told me he would cancel my surgery on the day of if I didn't lose weight. Gaining was freaky. As it turned out there were things beyond our control as my surgery was open and instructional for other surgeons. So gain or lose it turns out the surgery was happening no matter what. I was lucky. For once. Good luck, Tek

Honestly it takes a good amount of work to kick any addiction. Weather it's food, soda, alcohol, drugs, work or whatever. Of course most of us on here I believe are battling food and soda addictions. But for me I have beaten one addiction many years ago. I am a recovering drug addict. I was a heavy meth user and dealer years ago. Before the weight gain. For me I had to get myself into a intensive drug and alcohol treatment program and attended NA and AA meetings for a good solid 2 years. I have been clean for over 12 years now and will never trade my life now for what I was back then. So much like my drug addiction food is another addiction that has to be battled. I do that by gaining as much support from those around me and work to change my thinking. I have to think about why am I consuming this food. Do I really need this or is this something that I want? By the grace of God I am doing very well with the fight and will continue to push forward. Migraines can be treated with medicine by a physician. I know because I am a person who has gotten migraines since I was about 10 years old. I do still get them today but I also have medication to take when I feel one coming on and deal with it in that manner. As for soda that was a hard one to stop. But I did back in October. For me it first was a change from Pepsi to Sprite to Sprite Zero to no soda at all. This actually was over a period of about 5 years but I did it. I do not drink any carbonated beverages anymore and don't even crave them anymore either. It just takes telling yourself that you don't need it and being strong to change your ways. Best of luck!

I was banded in December and have done really well with following the rules and doing everything the "right" way. I've also been really good about making good food choices, avoiding junk, exercising, and just following a healthy lifestyle. Until now. I've been on vacation for the last week and I've eaten like a pig. I've eaten tons of junk, even candy and cake . I weighed in this morning and I'm up 2 lbs. I know some of it is probably Water retention but I'm sure some of it is true weight gain and I am kicking myself for allowing that to happen . So last night I decided that, starting today, I'm going to do liquids only for a few days to help get me back on track and then it's back to following the rules and making healthy choices again. I've come too far to mess this up now!

Heya Annie, did you not get my pm to you??! lol How you doin? 44pnds that's awesome!! Well done! I haven't skipped a period but mine are irregular anywayz as I have the implanon in, but prior to being banded when I lost a lot of weight before, I didn't get a period for a while. I was told by my doc it was cause of the weight loss, it messes with your hormones. It could also be stress (that has happened to me before too!) I just googled it and found this list ... Why do some women's periods stop altogether (amenorrhoea)? Periods can stop for a number of reasons. The most common are: pregnancy. premature menopause (this can affect women in their early twenties). weight loss. weight gain. some forms of medication including the contraceptive pill or injections. drug abuse. stress. hormonal imbalances such as an underactive thyroid gland or the overproduction of a hormone called prolactin. a condition called polycystic ovaries is a very common cause of irregular or absent periods.

Hey all, Well I am eleven days post op and I was down 12lbs. Today I weighed myself and I am up one pound. Ugh!!! Is this normal? Have I reached my "plateau"? I am still on liquids, I have slowly introduced tomato Soup, and cream of asparagus soup. Do I go back to Clear Liquids? Or stay on the full liquids and just keep trudging through this? Any advice out there for frustrated me?

I also had my band surgery on 1-22 and have never experienced any weight gain. I lost 18 pounds the first 6 days and have not slowed down much. I have now lost 97 lbs and gone from 54BMI to 32 BMI. As the other person said I lost most of my weight without feeling any or much restriction. I have had 3 fills.

I went shopping for our annual Thanksgiving meal yesterday. I was trying to think of wise food choices this year - not just for me but for the family. I opted on grilled vegetables in place of starchy corn, turkey & ham (Protein, Protein, protein), etc. I do not believe that weight gain is inevitable during the holidays. There is no rule that you have to gorge until you are over-full. I am focusing on the great times with family and friends rather than the food. A different perspective perhaps. I will make my families favorites such as stuffing balls, sweet potato souffle, and the likes. I'm thinking a late Thanksgiving walk may be a way to ward off any unwanted calories. Stay tuned...

September 21st Current Stats: Nationality: Canadian Age: 26 Height: 5'3 Weight: 195 lbs BMI: 30+ Surgery: Gastric Sleeve Date: Jan 5th, 2016 Reasons why I am being sleeved 1. Digestive issues: IBS like symptoms 2. Fertility: TTC 5 years 3. Intolerances: Wheat, Dairy: Hard to avoid, so I figure if stomach is smaller I would eat smaller amounts so it may cause less havoc on my system. Reasons for my weight gain: I always been small all through school age, ate like a bird. Once high school hit a total different story. I don't over eat, I just eat the wrong foods, mainly fast foods and restaurants. I do not like a whole lot of fruits and veggies, I am obsessed with pasta; especially mac n cheese. And I am not active, And my thyroid is low. Now balanced with meds. When TTC I was put on a lot of meds because I been through 4 IVFs in 2 years. That also caused weight gain. It started to increase over the past 5 years. I was in the 150's 5 years ago, now in the 190's. It may not seem much but it shows. Especially since I am short. My mother was really overweight my whole life, Got the sleeve last year and lost 110 lbs . My sister is also doing the sleeve with me in Jan. When its my turn I hope you will follow along with my journey, and hope to inspire others to take charge of their health. I do not have the attitude that this is "The Easy Way Out" because its not! It is just as much as struggle as anything else. This surgery is a tool to assist, we still got to put in the work of eating healthy, eating the right amount, and exercising. I will continue this blog in January

Hi ya'll. I had my lap band about 3 years ago. I lost 80 pounds and was doing great. Then I had severe pain and had to have my gall bladder removed (and 3 stones that were stuck in my liver removed). After that I have had steady weight GAIN. I am so frustrated! I started at 320lbs, got down to 240 and now am at 300 again. Anyone know what I can do to reverse this??? I also moved to West TN and had to see a new surgeon. There are no support groups, only 1 doctor an hour away. I really feel lost here.

I am feeling really good. I had a lot of second thoughts at first. I canceled my first appt. and everything. I am just so sick of being fat and tired. I have a gorgeous husband and two handsome sons and I just feel out of place. My husband is supportive but, says he loves me no matter what. I know that is sweet but, I need to do this for me. I have a really bad back and I take some serious pain meds which probably helped with the weight gain. I work full time and honestly I don't know how I do it sometimes. I am 207.5lbs but, on a 5'0 frame. I feel so terrible. I fell like a 4x4 (hahahaha). I want me back and I am willing to do this to get me back. I know it is scary and I am not telling many about this. If they notice I am losing weight, I am going to say thanks and go about my merry way. My work people do not need to know, I don't need any judgements. Most we tell are like you are not big enough or you will just gain it all back, or my favorite, I heard someone died of complications of that surgery.....I will just keep it to myself for now. Did I hear you say you were going to Mexico? Tell me about that and I would also like to hear more about you......nice to have a pal on here. Thanks for posting.......Heather

I stopped taking my birth control a month before surgery and haven't needed to restart it. However, my period has been really heavy and I am thinking about going back on it. Has been on the pill affected your weight loss at all? I know it can sometimes cause weight gain.

I have trouble remembering to take pills, so my DR recommended Nuva Ring. I've been using it for two months & love it! I have not had any weight gain or swelling.

Ditto here took mine the same night after surgery. i take Ortho-cyclen and it's smaller than a tic tac ! For what my GYN has said the pill will only increase weight gain in some individuals by just 3.5 lbs. If you're swelling up then its water retention and you need to drink, drink, drink water.

Anyone have vsg after lap band removal? I had my band removed 9 months ago and am slowly gaining. BMI 27. Considering Dr. Pompa in Mexico. Any advice welcome!

I've gained 10 now but I bounce in weight up and down. Every body I have spoken with said your restriction returns and weightloss happens just make sure even if you indulge stay as best you can on diet. I haven't been putting enough Water in and eating instead that's how I've gained a bit. But because I want to breastfeed I'm trying to train myself now to start drinking more. I also struggle to keep my blood sugar up. It keeps diving so I have to eat late at night which also contributes. But don't fret the weight it comes off. congrats! By the way I was 7 months when I got preggers hw: 294 dos:261 when I got pregnant: 196-97 currently:207. I could worry I just don't look at myself in the mirror naked it reminds how I looked before all the weight was gone lol I'm currently 21 weeks most of the weight gained since I've started snacking late. I know this is all temporary. Sent from my EVO using VST

@@Buttercupbrown, yes you are right. Flabby "bat wing" arms are quite unforgiving and hard to shape up. Hard, but not impossible. Our arms will never look flawless as they did prior to massive weight gain, but other than plastic surgery, weights are all we have. Lighter weights (those in the range you are using) are good for people who have limitations or they are already a normal weight and just trying to tone. Light weights + lots of repetitions = toning for regular folks. Heavy weights + lower repititions = muscle building for obese folks. The building of muscles is what helps the appearance of the arms. Cardio exercises will help burn off the fat and the heavy weights will help build the muscles to fill out the loose skin. If you can do more than 8-10 repititions with your weights, they aren't heavy enough.

My skin due to age, genetics, weight gain, weight loss and pregnancies had totally stretched to the point where it was not going to "bounce" back. http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/116222-sweet-pee/ Some of us need a little more help with our skin after weigh loss, which for me was not time, but skin removal.

Can anyone explain how on day 4 I gained 4lbs? I am getting all my liquids in and only drinking sugar free drinks. I will say I started my period on day 2 and just yesterday got the OK to take all my meds, one of which is hydyoclorosine (sp?). I have done everything by the book so to gain weight about makes me want to cry. I originally told myself

I couldn't tolerate Lyrica or the weight gain. I basically just take Tylenol and suffer. I find though if I get enough sleep I feel a lot better.