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i AM NEW HERE AS OF TONIGHT.. MY band FAILED, AND i REGAINED ALL MY WEIGHT. the DOCTOR HAD HIS STUDENT ESCORT ME OUT OF THE OFFICE BECAUSE HE WAS DISSAPOINTED AT MY WEIGHT GAIN.. WHAT ABOUT ME? LIKE I WASN;T DISSAPOINTED! COME BACK WHEN YOU CAN LOOSE SOME WEIGHT, AND SHOW SOME CONTROLL. HE PUT 2 CC'S IN A 4 CC BAND AND IT BLEW. THIS WAS AT HENRY FORD'S IN DETROIT. SO NOW I AM UP NORTH, AND WANT TO FIND OUT IF ANY OF YOU KNOW OF A GOOD SURGEON IN THE GRAYLING AREA??? PLEASE GET BACK TO ME, I NEED TO HAVE THIS TAKEN OUT, AND GO WITH THE SLEEVE. I JUST FOUND OUT MEDICAIRE PAYS FOR IT... I HOPE THAT'S WRIGHT.. SOMEONE PLEASE GET BACK WITH NAMES, ADDRESS, NUMBERS. THANKS, SHIRLEY.

Today marks 5 weeks since surgery. I am down 35 lbs since start of pre-op, 25 since surgery itself. I’m currently going roughly ½ lb per day, so I am sure not complaining. I feel I have a normal appetite when there’s not food in front of me, in other words, I do get hungry. But once the food is in front of me I don’t really want it. I kinda do miss enjoying my food, but honestly, this is what I signed up for, and I prefer the way I am now. It will just take some getting used to. For 41 years I have been food-obsessed (yes even as an infant, according to my mom). It will no doubt take a while to learn to refocus my energy. I have an awareness that I need to really take advantage of this honeymoon period to change my habits, because I know eventually it will become physically easier and more satisfying to eat and therefore I will be in danger of over eating again. Actually, I think the real danger will be in eating the wrong things. Emotional eating was never my problem, I honestly feel like I was crazy-hungry (the grehlin monster?). Preparing for surgery, I was open to the possibility that I was an emotional eater – I really wanted to figure out the issues and deal with them head on. But apparently that wasn't my problem. My problem was a big appetitie for the wrong things, which exacerbates the cravings for more of the wrong things, which leads to weight gain, which leads to inhibited activity. And down goes the spiral from there. I finally feel like my spiral is turning upward! And, the point of my emotional eating tangent here is that yesterday I had a pretty nasty argument with my husband (we’re good now, thanks), and all I really wanted to make me feel better after our fight was………a cigarette. Ha! I quit in January, and I miss it. But I don’t miss all the icky things that go along with it, so I’ll deal. But I took a moment to acknowledge that in my time of stress I didn't want a chocolate bar. It was interesting to me. I’m also dealing with my impatience – it doesn't seem fair that I am practicing the habits of a fit & slim person, yet I will have to wait months and months (and possible more) to actually BE a fit & slim person. But I guess it's that instant -gratification mentality that got me here in the first place. A healthy weight is not something to be grabbed at the drive-through (figuratively AND literally) This will take time and it will be worth it. I vow to try to find ways to enjoy the journey. It’s going to take time, may as well find it entertaining on the way, right? Onward!

I'd say take a look first at your calories for weight gain. I have to count everything I put in my mouth, and I have to eat pretty low calories not to gain weight. I doubt if the addition of a shake has caused the weight gain, it's more likely due to an increase in calories. If you add the shake to get the Protein, you have to leave something else off. I use myfitnesspal and am brutally honest with myself about what goes in my mouth. Also, 70 gm of protein isn't low by most standards. What's your objective for trying to increase it?

Sadly, it can take a while to get to an ideal place. It seems to me, however, that your experience is out of the ordinary. Bands neither lose nor gain weight. Your weight gain is most likely because of your own food choices and, if applicable, sedentary living. If you have been eating properly for weight-loss, it's probably time for a general physical exam. Also to consider is that some medications contribute to weight gain either by stimulating appetite or affecting metabolism. Assuming that you know understand what to expect from a band that's finely-tuned to you and your 'responsibility' as the band owner/user , I can only suggest that you make an appt to speak with the NP about your band's behavior. Yikes -- I'll leave all the above where it is, but it occurs to me that 3.5cc after 7 fills sounds especially odd. You may have a leak somewhere in the apparatus. Make an appt to discuss the possibility and what to expect when working with a band -- what's called the "green zone" where all is good.

@@judy vsg Yes, being hyper kept my weight off for most of my life, but it turned 2 years ago, while still hyper and I had a massive, rapid weight gain. I became one of those 5% hyperthyroid sufferers that gained weight! I did not like my shaking hands, the sweats and feeling hot all the time, the irritability, racing pulse, high blood pressure, horrible headaches, muscle spasms, the runs and insomnia. Now, with treatment most of those symptoms disappeared, except insomnia and feeling hot on and off. Thank you for your well wishes.

Weight before sleeve: 250LBS Weight after sleeve: 238lbs I was just sleeved on Monday Weight gain: God I hope not. lol

Well... My understanding is that many of the products (like at GNC) that advertise they're for weight gain have lots of stuff other than Protein in them...like carbs, etc. I wouldn't use those. But some pure protein products are sold for weight gain, since they help to add muscle. The only real way I can think of to tell is to look at the nutrition label...how many calories/scoop or serving? Should be very little if it is just protein. What kind of ingredients are listed? For instance...Unjury powder is 90 calories per scoop, with 0 grams of fat, 3g total carbs, 20g of protein. Pro Gainer weigh gain supplement protein powder has 645 calories/serving, 7g of fat, 110g of carbs...

well which proteins shakes are for what?? i was getting the gnc protein powders and was just told they are for gaining weight. i have been using since i got banded! is there a difference of weight gaining and whatever other ones are out there? i'm getting confused here:confused:

Definitely over-enjoyed my band freedom and regained 17 pounds eating without abandon. Some problems persist: Pills are still tough to get down. I can eat raw carrots and radishes, but they do get a bit stuck if I'm not careful. Had to give up tomato juice - acid reflux. Have to take an antacid before eating something with tomato sauce or anything remotely greasy - surprise! turkey bacon is a bit too fatty for me. Still feel banded when I eat with a bra on The weight gain gave me that out-of-control feeling and I started considering the gastric sleeve or the full bypass until it dawned on me that neither restricts your eating persay. It might take you longer to get it down and you might end up vomiting or dumping, but if you're an emotional and/or binge eater, you're likely to press on. Actually started missing my band with the thought that at least it kept me from blossoming back to 283. Then I started listening to myself and it sounded like I wasn't taking any responsibility for any of my weight issues, but I still decided I couldn't trust myself. I mentioned to my husband that I was thinking of going to an informational seminar at a new bariatrics practice which just opened locally with a highly respected surgeon. He said he thought I was, "nuts" but he'd go with me if I really wanted to go down this road again. Still on the fence when I got a call from an old friend who was aware I'd had the procedure, but not the complications. We got to talking. He begged me not to go through another surgery - he and his wife just lost a good friend who'd gone in for the sleeve and died several days later from a blood clot. Yes, I know, all surgery has risks but it sat in the back of my mind... About a week later, I had lunch with a new friend who didn't know I'd had the procedure, but was aware of my apparent inability to eat much of anything. When I ordred something besides my usual soup, she mentioned it was good to see me actually eating something. This opened the door and I told her about my band experience. Her response surprised me - she commented that I was "lucky" to have made it!? Apparently, she has a friend who'd used the same surgeon as I. Her friend also was banded, and ended up in the hospital for over a month with complications. She survived but continues to have troubles. Again, Yes - I know, all surgery has risks but it sat in the back of my mind... Yesterday sealed the deal. One of my business associates had sleeve surgery about six weeks ago. He seemed to be doing fine. We were schedule to meet yesterday afternoon to discuss a proposal. When he didn't show, I called his office. His assistant told me he'd collapsed at work in severe pain and they had to call 911. I'm still waiting to hear what happened - all I know is he's, "stable". Maybe it has nothing to do with his sleeve surgery - but is that likely? That old saying about things happening in threes got me thinking that maybe this is a sign and I should pay attention. I've decided it's time to parent myself. If I won't feed my nieces and nephews crap, why am I feeding it to myself? I've begun working through various self-help books on disordered eating. One amusingly but perhaps accurately pointed out that a binge is an adult form of a temper tantrum. I'm scared, angry, not getting my own way. I'm too old to throw myself on the floor kicking and screaming, so what can I do? I'll stuff myself with the kind of food that sooths the child in me - Candy! Ice Cream! Junk Food! until I stuff down the fear, anger or disappointment. Interesting idea. I've gone back to Weight Watchers and am embracing a more vegan diet. Not a bad idea as a cancer survivor with a family history of heart disease. I'm finding that by focusing on whole grains, limiting processed food and added sugar plus nixing coffee after 3pm, I'm not feeling bloated and sluggish. With meals in the 300-400 calorie range, I'm able to go about four hours without needing to snack. If I do need a little something, I've got string cheese, carrots, celery, fruit on hand. I don't feel guilty when I eat and I'm not skipping meals so that I get to the point that I'm ravenous and looking for candy and fast food. Am I a saint? No. Will I slip? Of course. But when I lay the cards out on the table, I realize it's up to me to save my health. So far, I've lost seven of the gained pounds. I'm taking it one day at a time.

Thank you all for the nice comments and suggestions.I had RNY Gastric Bypass 1/26/2017.On lots of meds especially for reflux and pancreas enzymes and IBS.I agree with the whole med issue and weight gain it is tough.That does not help with losing weight or maintaining loss.Some meds if not taken the risks are greater than the outcome of not taking them.

I like this analogy! @myfanwymoi your stats are amazing! Prior to WLS, I had lost large amounts of weight on 3 or 4 separate occasions, but obviously regained it each time. I knew I would lose weight after WLS, but I was terrified of gaining afterwards. Yet, here I am - 15kg (33lb) up from my lowest weight. I wish there were more veterans on these forums talking about maintenance. Assuming I can lose this weight gain, I want to figure maintenance out.

Hey @Ava324 - thats a really good plan... i think i would be ok with 150 over all... but i am shooting for 140. (esp if there is some weight gain later down the road) The doc had said he thought that surgery was a factor for the DVT, but i went on a business trip about 6 weeks out & he and another doc said "oh it was due to air plane ride"... well 5 weeks later the blood work came back & I tested positive for some clotting gene, i will see a blood dr in a week or so... i am not worried or upset about it... it is what it is. I cant change it nor could i have prevented it... honestly, had i not had the surgery, i might have not found out that i had the blood clot untill it was too late.... i would have continued to think i over extened my knee... so i look at it the Sleeved saved my life - more then just dropping the weight... I am gonna have to find something that works for me as far as fluids go... i know what i am currently doing is not enough - i drink for sure TWO 16.9 oz of Water a day... then about 4 oz of Protein shake - that is the bare bones... some days i might drink another 16.9 of water with another 4 oz of protein shake, but that is not my average... (not lately anyway) Well its MAY 2 - and i am going to get this train back on track! Keep in touch!!! would to hear about your progress & any tips you might have!

It often seems to me that people make things up as they go along.Very often,depending on who they are talking to,the story changes to suite the audience.About events in their lives,about the way they feel about thing and the way they have experienced it.Human beings are great at self deception and deceiving....not always on purpose either.Often to make things seem better.Often to make ourselves look better and often because we just dont remember things the way they happened.I have friends that had this surgery and the way they remember the early days now is not the way I remember it at all,and I did go through this at some small level with them...what they ate,how they felt,how they reacted to things. The purpose of my blog is to expose the way having a surgery like this makes me feel.What it does to me physically and my reactions to it.How it affects my every day life and what my expectations are. Now,I live in a country where no one is prepaired to admit they had this surgery.Support group is in early developmental stage and my great therapist left abruptly in the middle of last year sans a 65 pounds regain from me and the surgery as a result. I do not work outside of my house and I have a full time live in housekeeper.I have 2 kids,one at uni and one going to middle school next year.I have a lot of free time on my hands at the moment as a whole lot of my close friends left the country last year and the friends I have left are the people that we mostly eat with and have coffee mornings or tea with.That in itself is slightly challenging for me at the moment.Eating out,going to Friday "brunch" (lunch like on sunday) going to lunch with friends and eating cakes at coffee shops for some reason,mostly peoples birthdays or going away teas, are big passtimes for us here.o,when we are not to heavy or ashamed of the weight gains we also exercise together when we can agree on which class to do.Life as an expat is different.life in the middle east is different.It is a good life with lots of disposable cash and no family support structure and a lot of heartache over good friends leaving.It is a trancient society where no one ever really gets to know anyone too well...they will leave again so you just dont invest too much of yourself in people anymore...10 years experiencing all this teaches one how to protect your heart.All this might seem very trivial to some but I do not need to defend my life or justify the way we live anymore.This was the first thing I now had to overcome.This is my life and it is great. We are blessed beyond believe with a wonderful church and wonderful people in church.Our kids are healthy and doing great.We have enough money to travel a lot and life in general...just great. This surgery is a big thing in my life.I believe I am as positive as I can be about it.As for my feelings about the long term outcome.I know I will have to make this work.At the moment it is still a little overwhelming to me that it is school holiday and insteat of going to stay at a beach resort we will stay home...the eating thing is just to complicated for me at the moment.Summer holidays are coming up in little less than 3 months.This is the time of year we go back to our home countries for 2 months or travel to europe to holiday,how will I cope with that?The lack of routine always gets to me during summer and the family back home do not know about this surgery. I am,and will go through all 120 different emotions every day and I will acknowledge each and every one of them.Pay attention to the good ones and let go of the bad ones.That is the way I will earn to deal with the new me.The me that cannot eat away pain.The me that constantly think about food.The me that realize that my hunger has always been in my head,and it feels no different now. This is how I will overcome using food for fun and learn to be normal.I can feel all this and not react to it.Not act on it.Not give in to it.I will be honest about everything I eat and feel. I will win this battle to become normal.

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!

I haven't had a fillin way over a year... no major weight gain, but plateau city

Hello! I found this forum when doing some on-line research. I am only now starting to think about having this surgery. A few years ago my primary doc brought it up, but I left it on the back burner. I have a new doc now and am nervous to even bring it up to her. I have been up and down with my weight....I lose some and gain it back. One time I managed to lose 100# over the course of a year or 2 but it slowly started creeping back on and now I am about 20# less than my starting weight from that time. But now I have more health issues that I am not even sure would preclude me from the surgery. Because of having RA I take a lot of meds, plus fibromyalgia and bipolar disease and interstitial cystitis. I know a couple of these meds can contribute to weight gain, but can't stop taking them without a lot of pain, etc. Without these meds I don't function so til now I've just thought weight gain was a necessary evil. I exercise but it doesn't help the weight, although does help a bit with pain, yet if I overdo it my pain is worse. So it's not like I can do a lot more than I do now. Whenever I try it sets me back. I hesitate to bring the surgery up to my doc for fear of being shot down, don't want to get my hopes up. My BMI is less than 40 (38) so not sure if I'd even qualify. I know I need to talk to my doc. Is there anybody here with similar health issues that has any insight or suggestions? Thanks

Janine, I couldn't help but notice you haven't posted since this post. How are you doing now? I understand what you are saying about mourning the loss of the band. I have gone through that, too. I think it's normal, and I think it's OK..... as long as you give yourself a reasonable amount of time to mourn and then get back up and move on. You, and I-- and all of us-- have gone through too much to let this fail us. Look-- I don't think that there are many of us that go through this process thinking it's short term. We make a commitment to our band and we do our part. If it fails us, we feel cheated, and rightfully so. But in the end, we have to realize there are some things we have control over and some things we don't. The only thing we have control over at this point is how we handle the outcome of losing our bands. The 12 pound weight gain is not what you wanted, but is to be expected. Just don't let the 12 pounds continue to multiply. You are adjusting your eating patterns once again. You CAN do this and we will be right here with you!!! (((hugs)))

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

Is hernia from weight gain?

No he said it can just happen and can also runs in family but they notice the weight gain and the test shows the dilated pouch. So i have to watch what I eat and how often I eat and consider working out a bit won't hurt he said.

I have had Mirena for about 3 yrs I've lost about 50 lbs the only change i noticed. Was I started getting periods again with the weight loss, I've discussed it with my OB and she thinks its the weight loss over-riding the IUD in a little over a year and I have not had a problem.Once i het to a stopping point things should stop again. I have not had any weight gain from it either. I am not allowed high dose hormones due to my stroke history and at the time of placement the paragard was not an option. Don't worry because of someone else's complications. Discuss the concerns with ur doctor and let them help you make a decision you'll be happy with. Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Its not so much that its the easy way out as its the SUCCESSFULL way out. at 4+ years out, I have to work as hard as ever to get it off, keep it off as any diet in the past, however, the amount of work actually WORKS now. Before, I could work this hard and get very little and temporary success. Now I have a chance of keeping a big chunk of weight off. Will I be at goal forever? .... well not so far, but I am pretty close and that is awesome! Statistics say it is uncommon for someone with this surgery to get to or stay at 100% EWL, and weight gain is most common after 3 years out.... but I really count myself as a success.

I don't know how to fix the header but I obviously meant weight gain!!

As was already said the carbonation expands the pouch and it is believed that that expansion could cause stretching. The gas can be painful for some as well. Another point, I was a 6+ 16oz. bottle a day Diet Pepsi drinker and when I quit I noticed that I didn't crave food as much. There are currently studies that show that diet drinks may actually cause weight gain and cravings. Apparently the artificial sweetner and additives used in these drinks change your metabolic structure and your brain chemistry...makes me glad I kicked my Pepsi habit.

Based on the studies that I've read, on average there is some weight gain, but not as much as in the control group (and those with the balloon lost more in the first place). It's just like anything else - it requires behavior modification for the long haul in order to be successful. So patients need to use the six months with the balloon to prepare for life without it. In other words, it's not a magic bullet, it's just a tool to help you to adopt better habits. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App