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Changing tastebuds are a very common side effect of VSG. You may or may not regain a taste for sweets- many people do not. If sweets were a big part of your previous diet and contributed to weight gain, then I'd call it a victory. It will probably take months to feel "normal", but its all relative as your eating patterns are now permanently changed.

I definitely think you should find a new lap band doctor, having a good doctor gives you reinsurance and the knowledge you need to get through certain obstacles. As for the slight weight gain, everyone hits a plateau sometime during their lap band journey, the only way to continue on your journey is to push through and continue trying. I wish you all the best, good luck!

Well.. Closing in on a decade of this banded life: It truly is a life style make-over that we need to maintain through the years as I see it. No more on and off dieting.... Seems like a small regain is likely.... Though some have not experienced that.. By stats, many others must bounce upward. For me, a liquid Protein day occasionally does seem to help keep my hunger at bay for a period of time. If I (very) occasionally overdo , I seem to get more hungry the next day, and thus have to have a light day, or the lapband road is paved with land mines. Gotta say, this was one of the best decisions of my life, and I am grateful for the availability of WLS . Without surgery, I saw nothing but yo-yo, unsuccessful weight gain.... Now I feel like I can live at a comfortable weight and life just goes on..... May it always be so! I am thankful.

I'm almost 15 weeks right now, and my doctor told me it's ok to continue my workouts (45 minutes, 4 or 5 times per week), but told me to keep my heart rate around 140 or less. I agree that sometimes i used to work out harder, but I still feel good about exercising at this rate. I usually do the elliptical, or walk and jog a bit on the treadmill. I do some weights, but the doc told me to go easy a bit with any of those that may pull or stress my tummy area. I'll be 2 years banded next month. I'm worried about gaining too much, so I'm trying hard to keep up the exercise. With my son, I gained a lot of weight (several years pre-band of course!). So, i'm hoping that w/the band and exercise, I can keep my weight gain at a reasonable, managable amount. . .

You're not going to stretch out your sleeve. My recommendation is to start snacking on more complex carbs, and Protein based foods. You can not cut carbs in pregnancy. It is not possible because being in ketosis will cause fetal brain damage and can lead to defects, and pre-term labor/stillbirths. So, DO not cut carbs, but get on a good eating plan. My instructions are to at 1700-1800 calories a day with 100gr of protein, a minimum of 100-200gr of carbs (can be any form of carbs, but preferably complex carbs), and 100oz of water/clear fluids per day. Depending on your early pregnancy weight (like around 6-8 weeks pregnancy weight), that will determine your caloric intake. For me at 131lbs, they put me on the above requirements. I am projected to gain 30-35 pounds in the pregnancy, and at 24.5 weeks pregnant, I've the 18-19lb gain already. My surgeon and ob's are both elated with my gain and due to my low body fat percentage, they are not concerned with my weight gain. Weight regain sucks. I hate it, but it's getting better for me mentally. As for getting things under control, you're just going to have to tweak your intake. Pack veggies and ranch dip for a snack, or cheese and whole wheat crackers. Start choosing healthier options. Don't forget just because we have lost weight doesn't make us any less of a risk for gestational diabetes and gaining too much weight too fast in the pregnancy can contribute to that issue. I'm going through testing at this point for gestational diabetes and it's not because I've gained too much, but it's because Tatum is weighing 8-10oz heavier than she should at this point. Good luck with the pregnancy, push fluids, take your Vitamins, and have your labs monitored carefully.

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I posted on here. But I noticed that since I have been prego (13 weeks 5 days now) that ALL of my bad old habits have creeped back in and I have gained so far a fluctuating 8-10 lbs depending on the day. And I want to nip this in the bud before I get out of control. I have decent restriction (if you will), I can eat about a cup sometimes slightly more with less dense foods, but I want to eat all day! like more then 6-8 times a day, not enough water and more carbs too. I did get to goal 4 months before I was prego. I haven't been exercising either. There are a lot of "reasons" I can give as to why I am so far off the program (cravings, morning sickness, death in the family/depression, ragging hormones ect.), but the fact of the matter is I need to get a reality check on this before I get out of hand. I am excited to be prego, but also scared-of weight gain (at least excessive all be it this is my 3rd baby and the first two I gained 25-30lbs and I was already over weight with both of them) and scared of stretching out my sleeve...

My name is Jamie and I am 28. I currently weigh 255lbs. I have been overweight my whole life. I have been able to lose some weight with weight watchers, but never keep it off. Then I quit going and gain it all back. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and an almost 6 month old son. With each child has also come more pounds. My husband is also overweight and we both want to get the band. It was my idea originally. I am a nurse (I guess there are a lot of nurses who have the band) and I work in the mother-baby unit and work 12 hour nights (which doesn't help for weight gain either). I don't have any issues (yet) with blood pressure or blood sugars, but my body is starting to get a little sore. I recently had to go to a chiropractor for the first time and he took xrays. He said my discs are getting a little thin and allowing the bone to pinch the nerves. He adjusted me and it's been a lot better but I know that this would improve with weight loss too. I have suffered depression for a long time (treated by medication). I also know that I would feel better about myself and feel better in general if I lost weight. I have been researching the lap band and watching some vlogs on you tube of people going through the process, especially lapbandchick2010 (Whitney). I really relate to her and she has inspired me. The amount of information I have gained from watching her vlog is enourmous. I do understand that it will not be a fix all solution and that I am still going to have to work at it, but this might just be the tool I need to get the weight off and keep it off. I would love to weight 160, but still that is "overweight" for my height, which is 5-6. I am supposedly supposed to weigh less than 143 or something like that...I can't even imagine. I mean, I was 224 in high school. I never remember weighing anything close to 140. Ok, for those out there that also have to wear scrubs to work. They do not stretch. Ugh. As I gain weight, my scrubs get so tight and it just does not look or feel good. I get chaffing on my thighs because my legs are held so tightly together by my scrub pants (TMI?). I can't wait to wear all my "small" scrubs again. I have so many! Ok, so here is where I am in the process. I called my insurance company and they do cover it, but I have to go through the authorization process. I asked if there was a 6 month waiting period or anything like that since I have heard of others that had to diet for 6 months prior to getting authorized. They said that there isn't a set waiting period, but usually it's 3-6 months by the time people get all the required testing done. I hope to find out soon exactally what is required. I called the surgeon's office and they said I need to attend the seminar. That is TOMORROW! I know it's just an info meeting, but I am excited because that's one step closer for me. I hope to get my appointments and tests going soon. My husband called his insurance and they do not cover anything obesity related. So we have decided to add him to my insurance. It is open enrollment right now for next year, so that's perfect timing to get him on my insurance. We are hoping to get ours done in the same year so we only have to pay our out of pocket max and get both surgeries done. So far I have only told my husband and my best friend. I also plan on telling my mom, eventually. I will probably wait until the surgery is a for sure thing. I don't plan on telling other people, but we will see what I decide later on. I do not want to be people's science experiment and I don't want them to judge me or think I took the easy way out. I also don't want them monitoring what I eat or how much weight I am losing. I think that when people start asking me how I am losing weight, I will tell them that I am exercising and eating right (which will be true). I don't think that this is lying and it's really none of their business. Ok, I think I have rambled on long enough. I will update after the seminar and let you all know how it goes.

My dr gave me Seroquel XR to help my bipolar and anxiety but I've read that Seroquel slows your metabolism and I want to know if anyone had these issues and what meds are you taking that seems to work. I have Xanax for my anxiety but I need something for my bipolar issues. They said even if you don't eat with the Seroquel you're still gonna gain weight. I need some insight. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Saturday marks my 2 anniversary and I have no regrets. I was just over 35 BMI with no medical issues. I was very tired of losing the same 20-25 lbs and never reaching my goal. Well, I am very close; I've lost 48 lbs, wear a size 8 pant and Medium / Large top. This has been a success and well worth the struggles and discipline it took to get here. Yes, I ate the wrong things because my mind wanted to and I suffered short term (weight gain, pain during digestion,etc.). Now, i think i want the peanut M&M so i buy and they sit in the cupboard. i might eventually open and eat a handful or my husband will eat them and i don't care. Today, i am focused on BMI and not weight. I am at 27.6 BMI today and the RN tells me 27% is maintainable level for me. I workout 4-5days a week. Primarily walking for 30 min and strength train using Yoga Booty Ballet. happy days are here.

I am exactly the same way and was nervous going into surgery thinking it would be yet another 'quick fix' and I would eventually gain all of my weight back. One of the reasons I chose the RnY was because I figured it might give me some negative feedback when I ate things with a lot of sugar or fat. That didn't exactly play out because I'm one of the lucky ones who does not experience dumping syndrome...but the fear of getting sick carried me long enough to get through the cravings and carb/sugar withdraw. I'm only a little over a year out so I can't speak to keeping off the weight long term but when I start to see bad habits creep back in I am much quicker to stop them right away. Mainly because I put so much effort into this surgery - it's not like a diet that I can just quit. My insides were cut apart and rearranged and sewn back together and I can't undo that. If I "cheat" not only am I risking weight gain I'm also literally risking my health, especially during the first several months. And that extra motivation (or fear) has kept me from falling off the wagon so far. I also recommend looking into therapy to address the food issues. That way when you are a few years out you have other tools to fall back on instead of the food.

Recently, someone posted (somewhere here) that her husband wanted her to get the balloon rather than the band. I do think he was in the military, so probably stationed in Europe. I had very little in the way of English language research that I could access online, but the one thing I did see was that it must be removed within 6 months and it has caused life-threatening erosions of the stomach wall. Anyway, this is a news article on the gastric balloons and you can expect to hear more about them as Europe begins to face their ballooning problems with obesity. -- Theresa Stomach Balloons Used to Fight Weight Gain By MARTA FALCONI AP ROME (Jan. 29) - Vittorio Campati is a 40-year-old restaurant chef. He weighs 308 pounds, likes Pasta and sweets and has failed many diets. His last resort? A balloon inserted into his stomach in a procedure that lasts less than 20 minutes. European doctors hail the technique as a simple, less invasive way to fight obesity. "I'm having this balloon inserted in the hope of reducing the quantity of food that I eat," Campati said shortly before being sedated at Rome's Polyclinic Hospital Umberto I. Being a chef makes that hard. "I eat a lot of carbohydrates and I did several diets, but all of them failed," he said. Inserted down the patient's throat, a round silicon balloon is filled with a saline solution and remains in the stomach for about six months, when it is deflated and taken out before the material degrades. "We introduce a balloon of half a liter volume (about a pint) in the stomach and inflate it so it takes up space and helps slow down the eating," said Dr. Nicola Basso, the obesity surgeon who performed the procedure on Campati in early January. "This causes a sense of fullness, and the patient is helped to lose weight." The balloon, which also contains methylene blue to signal any leak, does not alter the shape of the abdomen and is too big to slip down into the digestive tract. Basso, who has performed the procedure on about 700 patients in six years, said the technique allows an average drop of 33-44 pounds over six months, although the weight loss is often temporary. "The efficacy of the treatment depends on how the patient is able to use these six months to change his dieting habits in a more or less stable way," Basso said. Basso hopes the procedure, which he said is less invasive than techniques like gastric bypass or stomach-stapling surgery, will catch on in the United States. Initial trials with the balloon technique are being conducted in Louisville, Ky., although the procedure has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, he said. Basso acknowledged the operation's long-term effects have yet to be determined. Scott Shikora, a general and obesity surgeon at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston, said the results appear encouraging. "I think it could be approved in the (United) States with probable limitations on how long it can be kept in the stomach," he said. "It looks to be safe and can be used to start weight loss for other procedures or on its own." Patients who seek the procedure first go through eating behavior therapy and psychological screenings. Basso said they also are monitored and psychologically assisted after the operation. "After years of failed diets, I got to the point of not being able to go on with my life, or even go out," said Maria Pia Di Liberatore, 21, who weighed 242 pounds in 2003. Two balloons and two years later, she was down to 141 pounds. "Life simply got better, it was a big revenge," she said in a phone interview from her hometown, Teramo. Sabrina Spalliera, a 33-year-old in Rome who lost nearly 66 pounds, described the sensation of her balloon as "drinking a lot of Water all at once." "I felt full up after only a few bites," she said, looking fit in a tight, black suit and high-heeled boots. Spalliera, whose weight dropped from 220 pounds, conceded that stomach cramps and nausea were part of the deal, but she is asking for another balloon while trying to lose 22 more pounds. "Given the result and how rapidly I've achieved it, I'm really enthusiastic," she said. Obesity affects 27 percent of men and 38 percent of women in Europe and causes illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension that are estimated to account for as much as 7 percent of the European Union's health care costs. In the United States, about 31 percent of adults - 61 million people - are considered obese. Basso said about a third of balloon patients return to their initial weight after the device is removed, but another third maintain a permanent loss for years and the final third regain only some of the lost pounds. The American Obesity Association says weight loss usually occurs soon after other obesity surgical techniques and continues for 18 months to two years. Few regain it all, averaging a loss of 60 percent after five years, the group says. Basso said at least 1.5 million people in Italy might benefit from surgical intervention against obesity, which he stressed is not just a cosmetic issue. "Obesity is not a minor problem. It actually reduces life expectancy by a quarter," he said. <SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--adSetType('J');htmlAdWH('93218503', '438', '180');adSetType('');//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://ar.atwola.com/html/93218503/416492981/aoladp?SNM=HIDBFV&width=438&height=180&target=_blank&tile=2&TZ=360&CT=J&hw=docw"></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="http://twx.doubleclick.net/adj/TW.AOL/News_USNews;MN=93218503;dcg=00413224;dclu2=D00536005BD03107;u=55EC2E246E8FAF8D;wm=o;sg1=13;sg2=9;af6=1;am6=1;aah=6;chl=1;chn=1;inc=3;mar=1;hme=2;ccb=1;ccg=1;pmi=10;ten=694;clv=4184;aol=1;r23=1;r38=1;r39=1;r60=1;cby=1;dwe=2;soc=9;wwm=1;mob=1;mre=1;nie=4;car=1;res=1;l0=1;l2=1;l11=1;l23=1;l41=1;l72=1;r82=1;sz=438x180;tile=2;dcove=d;ord=416492981?"></SCRIPT> Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

I'll start eating apples it'll be a nice treat as well. I stopped the shake hoping to make up for it at meals but you're right, I haven't had much luck with getting more protein from the table food. I'm really struggling with eating meat. I use to love all kinds of meat but since surgery it just doesn't taste good. I'm forcing myself to eat it for the sake of protein but it makes for miserable meal time. I'm trying to look at anything I take into my body as fuel and try and change my whole mindset on eating. That's easier said than done but I'm getting there. I'm sure this weight gain must just be a glitch and I'm trying to not stress over it but 5lbs gave me some concern.

Huh? I'm not sure if this is tongue in cheek or what ... Uh ... you're pregnant. Did you really want to NOT gain weight? Did you really expect to not gain when you are pregnant? IMO, people leave the site because they get tired of the high school, petty misunderstandings. I used to be the target of many attacks, if you may remember. There is so much drama on here. I know I have to take breaks from time to time. I have learned how to navigate the land-mines here. But I am a member of a 12 step program that teaches me to carry my experience, strength and hope to others struggling. In the process, it causes me to struggle at times, for sure. Congrats on your pregnancy AND congrats on your weight gain. Seriously ... you're pregnant ...

I have several reasons for choosing the Lap band over RNY or any other surgery. 1. I didn't want stinky poo like everyone I know who has had RNY or other weightloss surgeries. 2. I wanted a tool, not a quick fix. 3. Lap Band is safer! 4. It can be adjusted for my lifestyle (babies), weight gain etc. 5. Was available here in town, I wouldnt have to travel far for follow ups.

Hey Melissa. . . I'm new to this site too and am hoping for a mid-Jan. 2010 surgery date (see my doc next week). This site and postings have been very informative. I, too, am very sad and have been for so long . . . losing weight, gaining weight, then starting all over with this rollacoaster....this is not how I want to spend the rest of my life and it sounds like you don't either. Wishing you the best as you make your decision.barbara

I was sleeved 12-19-11. I came home 12-21-11 and found out I gained 10 lbs (331 lbs). It finally came off 12-25-11. I did not know about the weight gain. I felt cheated. But today 12-29-11 I weigh 214. I feel better.

All of this will cause/contribute to weight gain/prevent losses. In addition to the hormones. If you are drinking any calories (alcohol), that will also put the weight on like nobody's beeswax. I could be guaranteed to gain 5 lbs overnight any time I took my old pain meds that I no longer take.

I am exactly two months out from surgery and I've lost over 50 lbs!! I am so excited. I have cheated a couple of times, but I've definitely paid the price...fortunately no weight gain though. However, there is a program called Lindora TLC offered through My Lap Band Journey on Lapband.com. I am very interested in this. I was supposed to start on the 8th but I didn't know it started. Has anyone tried this and had success. Please let me know.

I have my preop on Tuesday and I have gained 5 lbs from the last time I was in, I wanted to get some last minute bad choices in before I get it done and now I’m paying for it, are they going to give me a hard time about it? Anyone else gain just before too? I get it done a week from now, the 22nd of January. I have t been told to go on a liquid diet yet though, will they most likely put me on one for the last week?

(((Kelly))) I can certainly understand wanting to be done with all the drama. As devastated as I was to lose my band, I did take some comfort in the fact that I wouldn't have any of these worries again. The flip side is, the hungries definitely kicked back in, and so did my weight gain... :mad: So sorry to hear about hubby - wishing you both the best, and good luck with this difficult decision. xxoo

I'm 4 years out, 110 lbs lost but struggling with recent weight gain. Can't seem to find the green zone! It sounds like you are both too tight and could use an unfill. Just a little out can make a world of difference. Acid reflux is no fun and cause some serious damage. Good luck! Anita

Thanks Babbs ..i know those sweets were part of my bad eating habits before i got the sleeve and contribute to some of my weight gain.

Different doctors and dietitians have their individual approaches to instructing their patients...and for my surgeon, avoidance of all foods which have any added sugars is necessary for success with your weight loss. Also, I was advised to never count calories, only to measure portions carefully, and make healthy food choices with unprocessed foods. This surgery requires developing healthier eating habits, and breaking the ones which contributed to our weight gain to be successful on the weight loss journey. Continuing to give in to your craving for sweets does not break the cycle of carb cravings, only sustains it. While our brains need carbs to function, there are naturally occurring carbs in many healthy and unprocessed foods. Your choices and mileage may vary... Best wishes to you as you continue your weight loss journey!

I'm glad you posted, LOM. I pray for you and your daughter, and hope that you will find strength and peace to help you through such a tough time. You may want to talk confidentially to a doctor about getting on an antidepressant. It sounds as if you have the classic symptoms of depression, which is normal when you are going through something like this. If nothing else, try to take some fish oil capsules. It's known to help with depression. You can Google it and find out more. But I also agree with Mamadot that it would be good if you could find someone to talk to during this time. You are going through so much! And to only gain 16 pounds with all of this stress *and* your band being unfilled is fantastic. I have been struggling with some weight gain from emotional eating, also. It's a lifelong issue that so many of us have. I gained about 8-10 lbs. and went in for a small fill. It's helped me lose some, but I still need a band for my brain! LOL Hang in there as best as you can, know that we are here for you, and you can vent any time! God bless you. xoxoxo Ann

Hi Everyone! I'm Sarah and I'm being sleeved on the 22nd!!! And I'm like most other people been heavy my whole life but it really skyrocketed when I got pregnant with my first son who is now 10. I gained 100lbs with that pregnancy and I was sure I would be having a 70lbs baby lol. Needless to say he wasn't. So I lost like 30-40 of that and then got pregnant again and I was doing great at keeping the weight gain minimal until they found a tumor in my spinal cord. So I had to have major surgery at 5 months pregnant and then had to learn to walk again and so then the weight piled on again. I was around 275 when I gave birth the second time. Then for the next 7 years I lost and gain the same 50lbs over and over again. We then decided to have one more baby and I wanted to be done having babies at the age of 30. I was 20 with my first one. So at 29 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on 11-11-11 at that so she has a unique birthrate. But I gained around 30lbs and was right around 315-320 when I had her. So now I'm done having kids and I'm doing something for myself. I am currently 31yrs old, 5'3", and 300lbs. I can't wait to start losing and getting the old me back!! I am setting 25lb goals. I think they might be easier to achieve but ultimately I would like to be around 150-145. Good luck to everyone!!!