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I've since been reading too about those with slips having issues with replacement bands - that they're at a higher risk of slips in the future too. I think if my complication had been a slip I would have been less inclined to get a band replacement as well. I so hear you though on the whole 'just remove it and do it yourself' thing. I gained weight when I sprung my leak but since managed to arrest the weight gain, and even take some off. So everyone I know can't understand why I would get another band. But I know why. It's because I seriously have to be obsessive with food to maintain. And if I can't exercise (like in the last 3 months due to broken bones) I struggle not to gain, because I'm hungry but can't exercise to burn anything off. So I say do whatever works for you. I have chosen band replacement for a variety of my own reasons but if I were to have complications in the future, I'd weigh up all my options again and decide which way to go at that point, depending on all the information I have in front of me. Good luck with the surgery. I hope the 6 weeks will go quickly for you.

I have never looked into any of those diet programs. What I can tell you is that unhealthy carbs are major culprits in weight gain. I did not review your profile, so I am unaware of your status regarding band surgery. I have done my best to avoid processed foods in all areas of my diet since being banded. With processed foods, your observations are correct. Too much sodium and too many unhealthy carbs. There are usually many additives which one would need a degree in chemistry to understand. I prefer those chemicals to be in a science lab, and not on my plate! Best wishes...

It is wonderful on the other side!!! I am 10 months post op and feel better everyday. I have lost 110 and went from a size 22 to a 6. I now play soccer 5 nights a week on 6 teams. Next month I will take my police entrance exam and I have a whole new outlook on life. I can eat anything I want, but have learned how to control myself better. My reason for having the surgery was to reduce my dependence on prednisone. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have been on the nasty weight gaining drug for 6 years. I am getting real close to coming off of it. My joints feel better without all the weight. The best part of the journey has been my relationship with my hubby. We Celebrate 10 years next month and we are like newlyweds again. As long as you talk about fears and problems relationships can work after rny.

The surgery went well with no complications. The first two weeks I lost one pound a day. Week three I lost nothing. And now in week four I am gaining weight!!! I am so sad and disappointed and scared I altered my whole life for nothing. Im still earing mostly soft food and liquids and walking at least 30 min a day. What am I doing wrong? Has anyone else experienced weight gain after surgery??? I'm dying to know of I'm the only one and what can be done or do I need to contact my doctor? Omg so disappointed!!!

Actually, it's a big misconception that there will be all these foods you can never eat again. Some people do have specific problem foods but even that list is short. Many of us, myself included, can still eat anything we want so long as we take small bites and chew thoroughly. This is just my personal opinion, but I would stop with your bucket list of food. All that will do is result in unnecessary weight gain before surgery. After you're past the post op healing phase you'll likely be able to eat it all again, anyway. Best wishes.

1200 doesn't really seem high enough....2100-2500 is about average for a normal/non-RNY Patient to have a healthy weight gain during pregnancy. I would imagine you're AT LEAST 1500-1800 and will still lose weight, but if the pros say 2100.....I don't think I'd focus so much on quantity as quality though.....make sure you're getting your protein and dairy and fresh fruits and veggies....yup, sounds like you're going to be eating all day long!!!! HW 312, pre-op (lap-band) 294, pre-op (RNY) 255, surgery date 2/11/13, goal weight 154, current weight 223

I am 33 years old. MY starting weight was 360 and I am 5'10''. I have lost about a hundred pounds in three months. I exercise often and try to get all my fluids. I still have some skin issues but I have noticed that they are in places that I previously had stretched my skin from weight gain. (example: under my arms) Honestly, it is not yet a serious "issue" for me and I have noticed that places that seem a bit "saggy" one day have improved and tightened up a bit in the weeks to follow. I do not think there is a clear cut answer to your very valid question. I question, I might add, that weighed heavy on my mind prior to my surgery. Everybody's experience is different because there are way too many factors involved. I truly hope that all goes well for you in your journey. Good luck.

My thyroid has been checked through and through. (Because docs look at me and assume thyroid.) I get under 1200 calories a day, never feel hungry really, and I am usually at 700 cal. Due to the Celiac's it slowed down my digestive system very badly. I am assuming my weight gain is due to Celiac's as I cheat a lot (when depressed) and have caused damage because of that. I am really worried about the GERD, I already lose my voice from it. I also have PCOS w/insulin resistance which makes my body turn almost everything into fat. I have been overweight my whole life 100 lbs. at 7 and 200 lbs. at 13. My Mother restricted my food intake a lot but with poor quality foods. I am just super used to not eating. I get sick if I eat something I am not "craving". At this point I am tired... I sprain my back by just standing, and even though I have been this weight for 5 years. I am tired. I need something. I just don't know if this will work for me.

So much passion and emotion on here. The truth of the matter is that all WLS is sad. Is sad that we would get to this point, to even have to think about it. (I understand there are a few with medical issues and could not hep their weight gain) but most of us was an addiction to food that developed from a bad relationship with food. My biggest wish right now is that ALL of us that have endured all this suffering invest as much energy into preventing this from happening to future generations. our children, and our children's children. (too late for my children) but I'm going to be a grandmother and I will be damn if that baby will be obese. I will do everything in my power to make sure that he has a healthy relationship with food from his birth. I'm 24 days post op, and its been an extremely difficult recovery because of nerve damage, one of the many risks of any surgery. My daughter is twenty-six years old and she had gastric bypass surgery ten years ago on her sixteenth birthday, a year ago she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which has been linked to vitamin deficiencies If God himself showed up and gave me the opportunity to change one thing in my life, I would change the way that I fed my children. (and I grew up in the system without any parents) And I would not change that given a chance. Please people lets prevent this from happening to future generations. enough is enough.

I would venture to guess the weight gain is due to re-hydration. It should level out and you should start losing again.

****** We have different body chemistry and different brain chemistry, if we didn't we would not be in our starting conditions. We eat like "normal" people yet we are at least 100 pounds overweigh ************** really? you truly really believe this? I just read a quote about someone who put a shotgun on the porch, with shells inside of it. he came back, and low and behold it hadn't killed anyone. he was going to check on his spoons now, because he heard they make people fat. tell y'all what. if and when the day comes that you take responsibility for your own weight gain, then perhaps, just maybe, you'll be able to keep weight off. as long as you continue to believe that "you are different from others, you eat normal but gain weight" you will never succeed. it's called personal responsibilty. the other day he said to me, oh, those that gain weight, they eat ice cream and fast food. i don't do that. and i said, honey, neither of us does that. yet we've both managed to gain weight over the years. it has to be more then that. and he said, yeah, you're right. god if nothing else, i hope he leaves this site. it appears that many, not all of you by far, but many of you truly believe that you've done nothing but wake up one day as an obese person. i don't want him here. i want him to know that he can enjoy food again, just by using portion control.

Hello, I was sleeved on Sep.7th, 2013. I am 7 months post-op and have gone down from 232 pounds to 153 pounds that's 80pounds since surgery. This Sunday I found out I'm pregnant and eventho I'm excited I'm also very concerned since I can't eat enough for one person let alone another human being. I also have struggled with my water intake and protein. But anyways... I have questions for anyone who has been sleeved and been pregnant! can u share with me your experience, your struggles, the weight gain, the weight loss after birth, was it easy was it hard... etc... Thankyou!!!

You are quite the ass - to put it as nicely as I possibly can. You assume that everyone who is overweight eats like a horse. You have such a horrible perception of obesity. People gain weight for a variety of reasons, some are involved in accidents that cause them not be active, some have other diseases that the medications given actually cause weight gain, and many contrary to your simple minded beliefs actually have ruined their metabolisms with yo- yo dieting. Obesity is a disease, not a choice and for many a death sentence if not corrected. Do you honestly believe that people go through this hell just because they don't want to diet anymore? I honestly feel sorry for Rick he is probably raking leaves not to hear you run your mouth. You want a Protein suggestion for him - mini meatballs. Just don't put sugar in them. If you really want recipes - google them like everyone else does. Why do you expect a bunch of fat losers to help you when you clearly are to lazy to help yourself. Find somewhere else to bother people please - you are a plague upon this site. Sorry I am blunt and honest too!

Hey Jessica. We were banded the same day! I have lost 16 pounds pre-op and as of today...3 since surgery. I was also told that weight gain/loss is not important right now. Healing and getting our protein and water in are!! I wish you all the best!

I don' think food is entirely the blame. My total cholesterol has been under 130 for the past 12 years. It was over 260 before I started eating right. But diet alone isn't going to shed pounds for those of us who are genetically prone to weight gain I can only lose weight when I exercise DAILY, and that means either an hour at the gym or a good two hour daily walk with the dog. Even cutting to under 1200 calories at best will hold my weight. I sure hope they can find a cure a for this disease, and for many people it is a disease or eating disorder. No one should have to undergo WLS in the future. And I hope the public perception of our problem improves.

Hunger continues to be my nemesis!!! I just keep eating a lot of clean solid Protein to satisfy it. I know carbs food is going to feed the hunger and make it stronger, so I do not go there. A chicken sausage or a baby bel helps keep it at bay. As long as my extra eating does not result in weight gain, I will do it. I should start tracking it though as to not break any hard calories boundaries I have set for myself. It is a little strange as to where the hunger feeling comes from. It is not from the stomach, but in the back of my throat. Maybe it is caused by salivation at the back of my mouth, top of throat. No idea. What are your thoughts?

I chose this surgery so I would not fall off the wagon. Falling off for me wasn't just a meal or a day, it was a month and wasn't just a few pounds but 10-15. I was so tired of the yo-yo dieting and weight gain/weight loss. No matter what restrictive surgery you choose, you will still have to watch what you eat (more quality than quantity) and exercise.

Just curious for the Sleevers that have been sleeved 9 months or more. Has anyone fell off the wagon and gained back a significant amount of weight ?? Or some of there old weight back ? And is your restriction still good as far as how much you can eat?

So many of these postings hit home for me. In the end, I am tired of thinking about my weight. I am consumed by it daily - from assessing whether I am the "fattest" person in the room to figuring out if someone is treating me differently because of my weight. Stereotyping of larger people makes it very difficult for me in my job as many assume I am heavy merely because I am not a hard worker, or lazy, or I cannot get away from the fridge. It would sometimes make me sad. Often it would make me angry. I want energy back... I am going to channel myself to accomplish this goal for me. I cannot wait until I am able to shake loose all the negativity from weight gain, all the self-hatred, the denial, and the guilt. Losing the weight will not do that on its own, it will take a complete overhaul of my mindset. I am ready...finally. I do not want to be embarrassed anymore, or angry, or humiliated, or sad... or miss out on anything I want to do because I am heavier. Tired of blurring the edges, hiding from mirrors, hiding from cameras, films, being posted on FB, the waterslide, the planes, that darn waiting room chair made for someone size 8.... I might have reached my lowest point when I asked myself if my friends felt sorry for me because they hung out with me. (Not being worthy on my personality alone). I know I am not alone but I have felt that way for over a decade.

Absolutely. I weigh every day first thing in the morning, the scales keep me accountable to myself. I only write the weight down once a week tho, but it is a documented fact that people who weigh themselves regularly are less likely to gain the weight back. I got to 400 lbs by not weighing myself, would u really be aggravated at a friend if they said u look like u put a lb of weight on, just treat the scales like a friend, and if they show a lb increase use it as motivation to work harder the next day. I would hate to weigh myself at lesser intervals and find i had put on a few lbs and not know why. Everyday allows u to recall what u did the day before and pinpoint maybe what caused a weight gain. I agree we are all different and many people manage fine just weighing at the doctors office or only 1 a week or month, but that wouldnt work for me, i have maintained my weight loss for nearly a year now and maintaining a 237 lb weight loss takes a lot of hard work and determination, the scales help me in that determination.

I had to pay out of pocket for fills too. I was frustrated too. I would be really hungry, get a fill and then get sick even on protein shakes. That required another hour drive to the doc. and another payment to have some of the fluid removed. I did have months here and there where I had "restriction", but it overall wasn't the tool I hoped it would be. I did manage to loose all my excess weight by sticking to a lowcarb/lowfat diet and working out almost every day. Unfortunately I have gained quite a bit back. Struggling to get back on track. My band is not filled much, had a bunch taken out after I lost the weight. I wanted to be able to eat a real breakfast, not just a shake et.. I know I should go in for a fill, but my experience with them is not great as I've said. I also have to admit to being embarrassed about the weight gain. My plan now is lowfat, good carbs and lots of protein and work out regularly. I think I was too strict with myself and lost the weight too fast (107 pounds in 10 months). I never really made a "lifestyle" change. So far it's been a really good week. I am sorry the band isn't working as well for you as you would like. My doctor was really good about listening to me and giving fills when I felt I needed one. We talked together about it. You may want to have a talk with your dr. about more aggressive fills. .3 really isn't all that much. Go in with a record of what your eating when and how satisfied you are for how long. As mentioned, it may be that the previous issue you had is making him conservative with the fills. It's worth a heart to heart I think. Explain that also you have lost weight (which is awsome) but that you are dealing with a lot of hunger. Best of luck! Veronica

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!

Taken together, these findings indicate that in obese persons who have lost weight, multiple compensatory mechanisms encouraging weight gain, which persist for at least 1 year, must be overcome in order to maintain weight loss. These mechanisms would be advantageous for a lean person in an environment where food was scarce, but in an environment in which energy-dense food is abundant and physical activity is largely unnecessary, the high rate of relapse after weight loss is not surprising. Furthermore, the activation of this coordinated response in people who remain obese after weight loss supports the view that there is an elevated body-weight set point in obese persons and that efforts to reduce weight below this point are vigorously resisted. In keeping with this theory, studies have shown that after adjustment for body composition, people whose weight is normal and those who are obese have similar energy requirements for weight maintenance11 and equivalent reductions in energy expenditure30 after weight loss. If this is the case, successful management of obesity will require the development of safe, effective, long-term treatments to counteract these compensatory mechanisms and reduce appetite. Given the number of alterations in appetite-regulating mechanisms that have been described so far, a combination of medications will probably be required. Several such combinations are undergoing evaluation,34,35 but none have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Bariatric surgery has well-documented favorable effects on appetite-mediating hormones, hunger, body weight, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and mortality.36-38 However, because of the attendant costs and long waiting periods, bariatric surgery is not readily accessible to most people. So, looking at the last section in particular, it would appear that although it may be difficult to lose and maintain weight loss, and that we,after losing a significant amount, may have hormonal challenges and have to eat a low calorie diet, we as WLS patients might be ahead of the game?! And, I'm also wondering that after a year or more of being at the same weight, the body might readjust its needs....did I read that right? Does that mean that once the body has adjusted to the new and lower weight it might shed more fat? I'm also interested in the leptin discussion... On marksdailyapple.com, I'm sure I've seen a thread about leptin reset? Gonna have to look it up and see what this leptin hormone is all about! Anyway, I suppose this information at least helps us understand why our bodies are hanging on to that last 10-30 extra pounds.

My biggest scar is where the lapband port was inserted and removed (used same scar line). It is faded quite white and barely noticable, especially compared to the stretch marks from childbirth and a liftetime of weight gain and loss and regain even more.... Scars from lap surgery are NOTHING compared to the stretch marks and wrinkly skin. One of these days I will have to post a photo of that hot mess...LOL

It works by creating an artificial pouch at the top of your stomach that triggers your satiation response more easily. How quickly and easily food leaves the pouch is adjusted by modifying the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of your stomach. The surgery itself is generally less risky than other weight loss surgeries since it is less invasive but there are risks of complications since an artificial device is being implanted and there is a chance of malfunction. Like all bariatric surgery options the key to success is modified behavior along with the surgery. My research has indicated that all weightloss surgeries have approx the same success rate 3yrs post op. some have rapid loss followed by weight gain until they stabilize but Lap band usually has slower consistent loss and then stabilizes.