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From what I understand is that almost all BCBS requirements are pretty much the same with the gastric surgeries...I have a BMI of 37% and I have 2 co-morbidity issues and I was approved...but the other requirements are >40% BMI or 100 pounds overweight, but you can't have weight gain due to a metabolic condition. When i talked to them, and the doctors, they told me if you have a BMI of over 35% and no other issues besides being overweight, then its not medically necessary to get any gastric surgery. But if your BMI is higher than 35% you probably have something else going on. I would get a full health screen by your PCP and you may find tryglyceride problems, blood pressure, cholesterol....It can't hurt. Good Luck!

Thank you for responding I did do the post fill protocal Liguids purees and soft foods. back to really watching my Protein and measuring my food intake along with a food diary. I am glad I found this site and am looking forward to seeing your blog. I don't feel so alone! I needed to clarify that I didn't have the "prolapes" just the dialation of my esophogus. I blaim myself for not watching the signs and eating wrong. the band was too tight I have an appointment on 21 Feb to see where I am at . Although the Doctor said I may see a slight weight gain, stay away from or watch the carbs and not go crazy! I had to get my head wrapped around that! My biggest fear is having the band removed but now that I know what I need to do I will be okay! I haven't gotten sick since some of the Fluid was removed and I still feel a slight restriction which is good. I have lost to date 75 pounds and since the defill have gained 3 pounds. anyway thank you again! Elce

Hi Everyone, I realize that the menstruation issue was posted last month but I thought I would add to it anyway for anyone else out there who looks this thread up. My lap-band surgery date is scheduled for April 30th 08 - a little over 2 weeks away! I am currently showing signs of a period coming on, some spotting right now, but I too was told that should I have a period it will not stop the surgery. I have never been regular since I developed hypothyroidism 5 1/2 years ago. But the beginning of last year I started having extremely heavy periods, to the point where I could not get up from the couch. OBGYN placed me on various types of birth control where it would slow it down and I would bleed for weeks, or it would stop for a week or two and start heavy again, but none of the birth controls controlled the cycles. Labs were done and no signs of PCOS. It went like that for 5 months and then it was decided to have NovaSure done (Uterine Ablation) in July 07. That surgery made a HUGE difference for me as I really do not have periods. Stats show that women who had NovaSure done experience little to no periods. So in my case, I am having some spotting but this could be my only period. Last Summer I learned that insulin resistance/high sugar level, and/or obesity contributes to HEAVY and irregular periods, which was probably what caused all my problems last year. Only I didn't learn about this until I switch to a new endocrinologist after the surgery. She did a ton of lab work on me and explained the whole insulin resistance and how it affected my cycles before the NovaSure. See, my previous endo of 4 years never bothered to check my glucose levels and I had continued to gain weight while under his care. So in August of last year I decided to change endos because he wasn't doing anything to find out why I was gaining weight. Anyway, the new endo explained insulin resistance to me and it was learned that that was causing my weight gain and menstrual problems. So if anyone out there is experiencing heavy menstrual issues like this, speak to your OBGYN about the NovaSure. Its does improve the quality of life.

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've heard of some people not being able to eat dairy due to weight gain, as pretty much one of their only symptoms of an intolerance.

Hello Dee2938, if it's any consolation, I went through a similar pattern of "food funerals" prior to my surgery and I sincerely wish I could say I regret it. I also had about a 10lbs to 13lbs weight gain within the span of 3 months due it. You are very lucky you only have 2 weeks more of crazy indulgence. My advice is that you focus on your absolutely favorites that you won't be able to have immediately OP or EVER and be mindful of portions.....ie don't go hog wild on every food you see, just your top favorites! Now the caveat for me doing this was the commitment I had with myself to follow my surgery team's plan to a T post OP and use this tool to lose 100% of my excess weight regardless of the expected weight loss of the surgery. I hope this helps center you some. Another alternative is to start a food journal and have your nutritionist keep you accountable if that's a possibility. Good luck🧡 Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I wonder if having this type of surgery also affects the thyroid gland. One of the symptoms (major symptom for me before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1995) of hypothyroidism is hair loss, and for me it was by the clumps! Other symptoms include being cold, weight gain, and lethargy. I had all of those, as well. Apparently there are many people out there who have hypothyroidism who don't know they have it, as the symptoms creep up slowly, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all. A simple blood test at your doctor's office will tell you if you have it. I take a tiny pill every morning that takes care of my symptoms. Worth looking into if you think you may have it. I wonder if having hypothyroidism and having the sleeve surgery may enhance hair loss. I will be asking my GP when I see her in February. I'll also ask my surgeon (if I ever see him again!). Good luck all!

If you can't est 3 oz solid Protein you are too tight. Being to tight is 1. Bad for the band may slip and 2. Leads to eating sliders which can lead to weight gain.

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!

Thanks KD! I may just stick with the spanx. I am hoping that my drains will come out next week and that will end the problem. Did you have swelling issues after 2 weeks? Did you have weight gain right after the surgery? K

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!

Greetings everyone, Thanks for sharing your experiences with AETNA. I'm just completing my six month supervised diet and my concern is that I actually didn't lose any weight during the six months--I actually gained (I lost the six months prior to being medically supervising using Weight Watchers and attending 2-week program at Duke DFC). When I read the requirements from the AETNA website, it doesn't say that you actually have to be successful at the weight loss during the six month period, just supervised. My PCP agrees and says that there are many reasons for situations like mine and if anything, the weight gain shows that I do need the help that the LAPBAND will provide so he will provide the letter of medical necessity anyway. However the Doctor at the Bariatric program where I participated in six-month supervised diet feels that surgeon will not perform surgery because of the recent weight gain (although I'm still well within the parameters) and most importantly that AETNA will NOT even consider or approve my application for the surgery -- VERY DISCOURAGING. Has anyone had this experience? Specifically with AETNA either approving or denying the application although recording a weight gain during their six month supervised program? I do appreciate your replies, remarks and sharing! Thank you in advance for your continued generosity of spirit and support!!! Daniel in Atlanta P.S. I'm still trying to decide between a surgeon at Emory Crawford Long Hospital and DeKalb Medical -- any feedback on either?

Sydney, When you say you put on weight, how much did you gain? My OB said that most of her patients deny weight gain but the pamphlet they gave me said that there is a chance for about a 2-3 pound weight gain.... I am supposed to have it put in Wednesday but I don't want to slow/stop my weight loss..... Katie

No, that's not how a loving marriage is. When I met my husband, I weighed less than 100 pounds. Due to a hormonal disorder, I gained up to a high of 278. On a five foot body. Was everything always perfect? No. Sometimes he got angry at the cause of the weight gain and the fact that it seemed there was nothing we could do. He was there for me then and he's been there for me all through this RNY process. And he's my biggest cheerleader post-op. And I'm his. That's what a loving marriage is.

Really? Why on earth would you want this newfound stamina to calm down? My wife and I are counting on any increase in hormones and sexual desires it to last a VERY long time post-op. We used to enjoy a very active physical relationship prior to my weight gain and we so desire to get that spark back so I.... we are both looking forward to what should be consider as a very desirable benefit of WLS.

Hi. All surgeons have different expectations with weight gain/loss. Weight gain was a problem for me if I went over my consultation weight by even 1 lb. If that happened, I would not be scheduled for surgery and my process would end. I understand the food funerals. lol I had 4 and my husband was getting a little worried that I had gone off the plan completely. He didn't understand why it was important for me to have my last meals. (That was frustrating.) Good luck. I think you'll be ok as long as you didn't go over consultation weight.

My advice is to stay off the scale for an extended period of time. Glycogenation is the most prevalent reason we see weight gain when starting a new exercise program. For instance, someone suddenly moves from a sedentary lifestyle to working out more. The abrupt lifestyle change from being sedentary to exercising several times per week increases the muscle’s energy storage capacity. Since a physically active body demands more fuel, it adapts by storing more of the carbohydrates you eat as glycogen in your muscle. For every gram of glycogen stored, our bodies store 3 to 4 grams of water with it. This adds up to 6 to 12 pounds of water weight for the typical person. So when you start a workout program you may have lost fat, but any progress you made is cloaked by water weight gain. You may have lost one or two pounds of fat the first week but gained several pounds of muscle glycogen during that time. Then you weigh in, see weight gain, and conclude your workouts were for nothing. Therefore, stay off the scale. You aren't gaining fat. Measure your progress during these first few weeks of exercise by how your clothes fit, not by the number on the scale.

1 pound is not a cause to worry about weight gain. Your weight will go up and down. I have hovered awhile between 188 to 194 for the last month.

I don't think the 18 y/o girl I was then is much different then the 44 y/o woman I am today. That is besides the weight gain. But even that may not be such a suprise to her. I remember one summer at camp the preacher was doing a teaching on marriage. He said guys look at your girls mom - thats what your wife will look like when she is her age. Bingo! I've become my mother! Seriously tho - at 18 I weighed 103 today I weigh 220 - at 22 when I was pg with my first child I remember be SO embarrassed because I weighed 160! I don't think that 18 y/o girl would ever believe she would gain over 100 lbs. I remember after my 2nd child weighing 125 and talking to my doctor about it - my goal is 150 - yeah she'd be a bit suprised by the weight gain. As far as all the other stuff - life has gone as planned. I married my love at the ripe young age of 17, we've been married 27 years - have 3 beautiful healthy happy drugfree children - and a job I love. I gave my life to the Lord at 22 and I believe He has kept me and I have no regrets - I was married 5 years before the first baby - stay at home mom for 12 years - worked part-time until just 5 years ago and love my job. I am happy & content.

Hi, I'm 26 years old and 23 weeks pregnant with my first child, a girl, Sofia :thumbup: 'm due March 9th 2011 I was banded in 2006 it slipped in late 2007. I started at 233 pounds and got down to 140 pounds. I had the band put back in 10 months later in 2008. and was weighing about 185lbs, and since got done to 135lbs. I admit the first time around i was throwing up excessively and not following eating rules. This time of around i have been really careful, in very slowly filled my band. I threw up rarely like maybe 1-2 times a month twice but it was never a violent vomitting episode. More like the food was stuck in my throat and i could make myslef productive burp enough to throw that last bite out. Early this year at my last fluoro doctors were concerned about the positioning of my band and told me to be careful and stick to the rules. They think since it slipped once i might just be more prone and with the weight loss my organs shifting around such has caused my band to move. In june at my regular docs recommendation i loosened my band and put on 10lbs i was having fainting issues and some nutritional defeciences. So i went up to 145lbs within a month and found out i was pregnant in July In September i began having horrible acid reflux at night which had experienced previously when my band was too tight so back i went to the doc and he removed everything but 1 cc, i have the largest band. I do have some relief and take nexium and pop antacids like crazy. the reflux is really horrible, when the acid rises to my my mouth it makes me gag and then i throw up.. BAD! i am so terrified my band is gonna slip again. I dont wanna put my baby at risk, if heaven forbid emergency surgery was required. I know what it feels like it when its slipped and so far its okay i can eat plenty which is great but i am terrifed. I vowed after 3 days of throwing up stomach acid, that i was going to on liquids for 2 or 3 days until the pain in my throat/stoma settles done...and really stick to a structured diet...BLAND food, no eating after 6pm just to play it safe. no spicy food, chocolate, carbonation, etc at this point i think i am going to remove the band some time next fall, i really dont think i can deal with another pregnancy with acid reflux and the anxiety that comes with thinking i might be harming the baby. So my two main concerns and questions for other banded pregnant mommies out there 1. how are you coping with the reflux? 2. How much weight had you gained at 23 weeks? I'm really afraid i am not eating enough for the baby, i am not showing yet, and at my last ultrasound the baby was measured to be at 20wks instead at 21weeks. Presently i'm 152lbs after 3 days of no food intake prior to that i was 156 lbs and really happy with the weight gain. starting weight at beg of pregnancy 145lbs now 152-156lbs thanks :wink5:

I know that I struggle with eating when not hungry from triggers and I thought I'd post this for others who are struggling with the same thing. This sleeve is a wonderful tool to help with portion control, but it's also our thoughts that can drag up back to weight gain. Here it is: By Michelle May, M.D. Our environment is loaded with triggers for eating when we're not really hungry and for continuing to eat past the point of satiety. Learning to recognize these triggers and respond in an effective manner is the key to thriving in our food-abundant environment. What is a trigger? Think about the word trigger for a moment… In behavioral terms, a trigger is anything that serves as a stimulus that initiates a reaction or series of reactions. This concept is analogous to a mechanical trigger, defined as a mechanism that activates a sequence. Thinking about a trigger in mechanical terms is helpful because it takes the emotion out of it for a moment. More importantly, it reminds us that a trigger has no effect on its own and must be activated in some way. Similarly, your triggers for overeating are powerless over you—until you choose to act on them. Dismantle the machine When faced with one of your triggers, instead of automatically eating, use the following mindful eating concepts to FEAST instead (excerpt from Chapter 3 of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat): Focus – Whenever you want to eat or continue to eat, that is your trigger to pause and ask, Am I hungry? or Am I still hungry? In essence, you are creating a new trigger for yourself - wanting to eat now triggers you to pause and check in. This pause creates a gap between the stimulus and response, allowing you to respond instead of react. Explore – If you're not hungry, get curious. I wonder why I want to eat right now even though I'm not hungry. What was the trigger? Accept – Don't judge yourself; you wouldn't judge a machine for having a switch. Instead, say: Hmmmm, isn't that interesting? Strategize – Choose how you’ll respond: I could eat anyway if I want to. For now, I am not going to activate this particular sequence of events. Let's see...what else could I do until I'm hungry? Take Action – Each time you choose not to pull the trigger, you weaken its connection. It's as if the wires rust and eventually break. Further, each time you choose a different action, you create new connections. With practice, you’ll hardwire these new pathways—like insulating the wiring. Michelle May, M.D. is the founder of the Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating Workshops and Facilitator Training Program (hyperlink to http://amihungry.com/) that helps individuals learn to break free from mindless and emotional eating. She is the author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle. (Download chapter one free.) what do you guys think about this?

Are you moving your bowels? If not, get some Miralax. You could have some of this weight gain from constipation bloating.

So this is first time band for you - congrats! Its been great for me even though we had this last year of stalling due to whatever happened (we aren't sure why). The plication the more i read about it seems quite brilliant! When I would get loosened I would gain 3 lbs a week back a crazy amount of weight. This allows you to rely less on the band and allows to keep the band looser. Pretty interesting. I had surgery on Sat I had to stay two nights they did a liver biopsy; fixed a hiatal hernia and small slip and replaced a new band and that is more of a surgery than putting a new one in as you form adhesions which need to be undone. Sounds like having to carefully peel off a bandaid. Do you remember if you gained weight just before and after the surgery? I put on 7 lbs! I think this happened last time too. BTW don't beat yourself up about weightloss post op - it is called bandster hell it may actually be better cuz u have the plication but it is a time to heal. Many experience weight gain and I bet due to the plication that problem will be less. i have a frame of reference as I had the band w/o plication and now w/ plication.

oh yes folks....get your tylenol ready for the headaches!!! I remember those days well. Thanks for the compliment Tres Chic....I remember all too well what it was like to be pre-op and it is nice to "give back". You will do so one day soon, too! Doriana....re. the weight gain....normal normal normal....don't forget your body will fluctuate a lot especially at the beginning as it gets "used" to things. How often are you weighing? I only weigh once a week and find that works much better for me than once a day.

I read a book (or finished reading it) on Nov 1st. It's 'How to stop eating bad sugar' by Allen Carr. Since I stopped I've kicked my sugar habit which was wreaking havoc in my life. Not huge weight gain, but there was a slide upwards. It was just the mental nastiness - the feeling of constantly losing a battle and it made me sick and I'd started getting really bad reactive hypoglycaemia. So since then: no sugar, potatoes, sweeteners, honey, syrups and no processed food made with sugar. I still eat a lot of fruit but mainly apples (loads of fibre) and tangerines. Bananas are a slight problem - I note they increase sweet cravings and give me muscle cramps, but I'm recently bereaved and so allowing myself to skate that one for now. Dried fruit is also a big no. I eat meat, fish, veggies (often oven roasted), small amounts of organic proper wholewheat bread - have only found one brand - Cranks- which doesn't have a load of other nonsense in. I snack on nuts and fruit as above. I've lost 6lbs of my slide up from my lowest, but I think I might be at what is a healthy weight for me. (Need to get back to the gym really). I don't log or do macros but I aim to eat whole food, lots of veg and fibrous fruit. It's working in that I've only had the reactive hypoglycaemia a couple of times since Nov 1st (I think it was banana that did it!) and the cravings are generally gone. The evening hunger is fixed by eating a big apple very slowly and I sometimes have a bed time snack of a little fruit and cheese, or nuts, but the urge to do that is passing slowly. I do occasionally use Stevia in my posh hot milk and pure cacao/ashwaganda type drinks, but I try also to not make it a regular thing. I suppose my point will be, that having taken these steps, the obsession, and the compulsion have faded and now I'm free to deal with all my other problems!!! Good luck to you - your exercise regime is awesome. I so want exercise to be my next addiction!!