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So I thought I would introduce myself, since I have been lurker. I joined yesterday, in hopes of learning more about WLS. I am a VERY new newbie. I have thought about WLS before, actually a lot, but I have yet to take any steps mostly out of finical reasons. However a door *MAY* open that could help me greatly (I hope and pray) So a little bit about me. My name is Katie and I'm 31 years old, live in Ohio. I have been overweight almost my entire life. Which seems to shock everyone because I only weighed 14lbs when I was 2 years old! I have not always been big, and probably most people thought I would be a little bit of nothing when I got older, boy did I surprise them! As a kid I was in gymnastics and took it very seriously! However, I ended up breaking my arm when I was in about the third grade which of course made gymnastics impossible to do, and just my luck the day after I got my cast taken off my arm I ended up breaking my leg! So I was pretty much in casts for a good 5 months! That's when my weight gain really started (and not just weight gain, but other major changes that happen to girls..I really developed quickly and young). It did not help that my mom worked at a bakery and started to bring home the left over goodies at the end of the day. So my lack of movement, and eating of junk food didn't help! By the time I was in the 6th grade I weighed 200lbs, and was much bigger than those my age. By the time I was in high school I weighed around 250lbs and pretty much kept that weight until I was around 23, when I bloomed well over 300lbs. I had major changes during that time. I went from living in the city where I walked every where to living in the country where I never walk, and don't get out and move like before. I am also an emotional eater (which I know is a problem) mostly when I'm bored! So here I am, 31 years old, overweight, and needing help! I feel so limited by my weight, I am limited by weight. I probably weigh over 400lbs now (I'm guessing here). I'm in a lot of pain a lot, mostly my lower back. I can't walk without being in pain, or getting out of breath, and I can't stand for more than 3 mins without being in pain. My ankles are starting to become weak, and I'm scared for my life. It's hard to believe that the girl who use to walk miles at a time, can barely walk to her car from the house, and has to have a shopping cart to lean over while shopping so it takes the weight off my lower back, and opens up my lungs so I can breath. I am going to school for nursing, but I know unless I loose weight I will never be able to be a nurse because physically I can't! So there is my story, and my introduction! I've enjoyed this site so far, and have learned some. I'm praying that I can get some help, so I can start this journey to hopefully better my life, and give me a chance at life!

MissK! Don't beat yourself up. While you shouldn't be consuming empty calories and junk food, I personally believe that if your band is tight enough you will not gain weight... you might not lose it, but I think weight gain is a sign of a band that is too loose. If it had been 4 months since your last appointment, I would bet money that you were in need of another fill... you lose restriction as you lose weight! I hope things are better now and that you're back on track. I finally started losing weight and I am steadily, but also very slowly losing weight at about a pound a week.

@@Ldimples I am so sorry about your dog. My family always had toy poodles when I was growing up. I can't say for sure but I am guessing the weight gain is due to swelling or Water retention, etc. It's good you're up and walking. Wishing you a continued good and speedy recovery.

I had a reduction done several years ago. Pre surgery and pre weight gain. Mine were naturally huge. Having that surgery helped every aspect. It was easier to exercise, my back improved. It was a major operation for me but never got me as small as I wanted. Recovery was simple. Fast forward to now. When I get to goal I'll investigate having another one. I would say go for it if it's covered. Just find a great surgeon.

Wow! I've never lost weight like this in my entire life. I stepped into my spinal specialists office March 1 and he put me on steroids for my excruiating back and hip pain and told me to stop working out. So paranoid me starts drinking lemon water because I knew it would flush out excess fluids and in my mind counteract the weight gain affects of steroids. I went back to my Dr. yesterday to get a steroid shot in my back. He said my face looked alot more relaxed, but I still had pain. Nothing like it was the week before but still a problem. Not sure I will ever be back to normal but I am feeling alot better. I've been trying not to jump on the scale every day but that hasn't happened because I am steadily losing a pound a day now! It's like it is just melting off my body. My doctor told me it is because of the pain I was in that held on to the weight, now that I am feeling better, my body is letting it go. I believe maybe part of that is true, but not to the extent of losing 7 lbs in 10 days! So as long as I'm on the these steroids and still losing weight, and even when I get off the steroids, I am still drinking lemon water. I've read about it online and it states that it cleanses the body of toxins and flushes them out. I believe it, I am feeling soooooo much better too. And I am only 3.5 lbs away from passing the dreaded 200 lbs mark! That day will be a celebration and you will hear from me on that day for sure!!!!! :tt1:

Having been diagnosed with MS on 9th November, I have had many ups and downs for the last 2 months. Anyway to give you an outline/timeline May time, had back pain/arm pain, trips to physio and accupuncture and 4 weekls later gone.... August, symptoms return and get worse and worse, niggly back pain in shoulderblade region to the left and raditing down arm which is very very painful, having to hand my arm to my side to try to relieve the pain and no matter where I put it it still hurt. Saw physio once a week and accu once aweek. Went to hydrotherapy, hot room, sauna, spa in an attemp to relieve the pain. late Oct, finally had enough and went to see doc(friday), he referred me for bone scan and CT scan, had CT scan monday and bone scan Friday, both test picked up results next day and both normal, bugger bugger bugger. Funny how you wish for something to be wrong just so you can have an answer to your problem. Back to doc on Monday who at least did not stand on his laurels and brush me off (even though he is at lest 70), said next step is MRI but needs a neuro to refer. OK I rang the specilist and no appts for at least 6 weeks. Well it just so happens that I work at the hospital in the cardiology dept alongside neuro dept and had a quiet word with receptionist who had a quiet word with neuro (tues) and he agreed to refer me without consult. Wasnt in till Thurs so in I went and thanked him big time for doing this and how frustrated I was and mentioned that my left side of my face was numbish. Oh he said that isnt right and off he popped to the MRI dept and organised a MRI for Tues for me and free too..... chuffed to pieces off home I went and shock of shock overnight my feet went numb and going to work the next day I fell up the steps. Panicking I was whisked to A&E under same neuro and one brain scan/upper spine scan it was diagnosed. 5 days in hospital on IV steriods and 6 weeks of oral steriods later (and no weight gain) the pain in my arm and back is back, it took 4 painkillers to even stop the pain this morning and they are the ones with codine, 2 neuro plus and 2 paracetamol codenine. I cant fault my treatment, from doc to diagnosis 10 days including all tests and results. Had a full spine MRI 2 weeks later which showed 5 leisions on the spine from top to bottom. I am so over the pain. I popped into see neuro (perk of working next door) and he said that my upper leison was extremly large and could take a few months to get over. If you hear a rattling noise its just me popping more pills. Jo

My husband was completely against me doing the surgery. He was angry that I made the decision despite his objections. 16 months later, he LOVES my thin body and agrees it was one of the best decisions ever ... although he blames me for his weight gain because he likes to finish my meals. :smile2:

After surgery, I discussed the issue of weight gain with my nutritionist. Her recommendation for those that have reached maintenance phase is to eat a balanced meal of Protein, carbs and fat. Immediately after RNY gastric bypass surgery, the part of your stomach that processes fats and sugars was cut away. Therefore if you ate fats or sugars, it would pass through your new rerouted stomach and into your intestines and you could experience dumping syndrome. But after about the first year, your intestines realize something is amiss and evolve to process fats and sugars. I feel fats are important in the maintenance phase because the goal in the maintenance phase is hunger control. One of the properties of fat is to satisfy hunger cravings. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf

Support YOURSELF! I read several WLS boards daily and I'm truly amazed at the helplessness and lack of power some of us have. I've been there myself, having dealt with seasonal depression, early childhood abuse and growing up with a mom who had Borderline Personality Disorder. In my 20s depression reared it's ugly head in a big way and the weight gain started. I'd weighed around 150 and at 5'5" that was close to ideal. I finished my 3rd decade weighing about 225, despite getting psychological support. In my 40s after getting up to 260, I sought counseling to deal with unresolved issues with my mom, who had passed away 10 years before. This helped me deal with relationship issues I had on many levels with pretty much everyone in my life, and I dieted my way down to 190. I felt in control and powerful. That was a great feeling. Today I read a post laying out strategies for success in losing weight. It listed a few good ideas and some that were a bit impractical, but the point I got out of it was in order to succeed, we must support ourselves; get the trigger foods out of sight, etc, but I think it missed a key point. It's not about hiding bad foods...it's about keeping healthy foods available in the moment we are being tempted and taking back our power over temptation. This is where I've been missing the boat recently, a technique I know works, but in my blue mood, had forgotten. The strategy I've used is positive affirmation. You visualize how you'll feel, look, walk 20, 30, 40 lb lighter and create an inner dialog of positive statements: I'm enjoying shopping for clothing one size smaller. It feels great to take a walk without my knees hurting so much. This chicken Greek salad tastes so fresh and it's providing my body with nutrients and Protein to support my healthy lifestyle. You create a positive environment within your mind to support your goal of being healthier. You replace the negative inner dialog, you KNOW what I'm talking about, with positive self talk. It's a habit you develop over time, usually about 6 weeks. It's a known fact that thinking positive thoughts while developing a new habit helps in establishing the desired behavior. You focus on the new behaviors, not on overcoming the old behavior. If you find yourself berating, chastising or otherwise having a negative inner dialog, you stop, breathe and replace that dialog with a positive affirmation: I am worthy, I am powerful, I am in control and move on. I did this throughout my band journey, including the 3 month supervised term and especially during the year I was struggling with the complications. In the last few months, I'd let the negative self talk sneak in...the fear of regain, feeling vulnerable, powerless and depressed. I forgot the mantra "If you believe it, you'll see it" and I did...30 lb of regain since September. So go ahead and hide the Cookies, better yet, leave them at the store, but don't forget to visualize yourself 1, 2 or 3 sizes smaller, congratulate yourself for every accomplishment and forgive a misstep. You are worthy, you are powerful, you are in control. Bandarella????

I agree with the comment about possible water retention. Usually high blood pressure and water retention go hand in hand. The water retention may be the cause of your weight gain. See you doc and get a duiretic (water pill) if needed. I have on/off high bp meds since my teens, (family history & obesity), and have NEVER gained weight on a BP med. Best of luck to you!

I’m always on the fence with artificial sweeteners. There’s no real way to escape them if you are on a low calorie diet. But I do understand the concerns especially since it’s becoming easier to consume larger amounts than recommended because they are unavoidable. I try to exclusively use Stevia or Erythritol. If I can’t find those then Sucralose in smaller amounts or nothing at all (which is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT) I have seen plenty of research pop up about this, here’s a few that may support Dr. Weiner’s reasoning (but I’m sure you could also find compelling evidence to the contrary): * 2014 journal in artificial sweeteners changing gut microbiome https://www.diabetes.org.br/publico/images/pdf/artificial-sweeteners-induce-glucose-intolerance-by-altering-the-gut-microbiota.pdf * 2013 journal positing artificial sweeteners interferes with glucose and energy homeostasis causing metabolic derangement https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772345/?version=meter+at+null&module=meter-Links&pgtype=article&contentId=&mediaId=&referrer=&priority=true&action=click&contentCollection=meter-links-click * 2010 Metastudy of Artificial Sweeteners: and metabolic effects in youth which again points to the gastrointestinal changes as a mechanism of weight gain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951976/

Great to hear from you ! Tomorrow night I am going to the Tufts Med Cntr for their intro program and I have 2 more scheduled also. I would prefer the Brigham...but I need a referral after all is said and done. Where did you have your procedure done? I am 240 lbs..the most I have ever been in my life. The more weight I try to lose, the more weight I gain. I can overeat on a head of lettuce! The lowest weight I can remember is 156 and I was a pre teen. 2 Years ago I had breast reduction because of the back pain and ..yep...they grew back because of weight gain! Hello back pain. Last evening I watched You Tube Lap Band procedures and was shocked at all the fat inside our bodies!!!!(I don't think I can clean a Perdue roaster out for a long while after those videos LOL.) This morning I woke up asking myself if I am willing to go to any lengths..even the Lap Band surgery...the answer was a resounding 'YES'. You appear to have a positive experience with the LB..and I like that. You are losing and more importantly ,you are feeling well as you reach toward your goal. Congrats on the 200 mark. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration.

Unfortunately my fiancee likes Star Wars, Star Trek, and Computers..pretty much it. He's lucky that he has the metabolism that he has really. He's not big on swimming but he is starting to get interested in weights because he err's on the side of scrawny a lot and he's hoping to put on some muscle. I told him I was gonna start secretly feeding him Weight Gain 3000 and see what happens lol!

My weigh in is this Friday. If you are worried about the weight gain, just look in the packet they gave you and call the nutritionist and ask about it.

Hi all, Today marks 5 months since I had an emergency operation to remove my lap-band due to over-restriction resulting in a pouch dilation. I pleaded with my surgeon not to take it out. When they put me under I still thought they were just going to re-adjust it. When I woke I was told it was removed. I vomited and cried with the shock. My recovery was incredibly slow and far more painful than the initial operation to have it put in. Since that time I have been working hard not to gain any weight. Exercising, watching my intake etc, but just talking about it gets me upset. My surgeon and the clinic gave me no support and denied all responsibility, blaming it on me. I want to reach out to other people in sililar situations to discuss coping mechanisms and look on our experiences together with a positive edge. It has been a real challenge for me and I'm sure I'm not alone. I know there have been many great things happened as a result of having a band for 11 months, losing weight, gaining confidence, taking up sports etc, but I still find it hard to 'get over' the horrible experience of having my band taken out against my will. All advice, stories, and general support are welcomed and appreciated. Thank you

LOL - I posted this exact same thread when I was first banded! Someone explained it to me like this and it made sense. Your body normally has several pounds of stuff in your intestines. When you go on liquids, that stuff gets flushed out. When you go on mushies, it fills back up to normal. This is not an actual weight gain and will have no bearing on your progress. Keep the faith and hang in there. Next stop for you is Bandster Hell. Stick with the suggestions above and that will help with Bandster Hell also.

When I first got my band I was 325lbs. Up until about 280lbs I hadn't really felt that bad and considered myself a 'healthy' fat person. As I got closer to 300-325 I started feeling worse. I got banded, lost 127lbs and stayed happily between 200-225lbs for about five years. However, I had constant reflux and heartburn from the band. About a year ago I finally had enough and had some Fluid taken out of my band. Holy crap did I gain weight fast!!! I went from 213 to 293 in less than a year and felt miserable. Gaining weight at the rate of 10lbs per year allows your body to adjust and get used to it but gaining 80lbs quickly made me feel like I was trapped in a fat suit and couldn't get out. I'm now having revision surgery next week on Tuesday, June 7th and I cannot wait! I'm so excited. I just wanted to share a brief synopsis of my journey and encourage anyone out there that is unhappy with their chosen weight loss surgery to never give up!

Surgery in May. Doing well. Lost 55 pounds so far!!! Been at a stall for a couple weeks- so I tried extra hard to get in my Protein and fluids and I've gained almost 3 pounds. I trying not to flip out. Curious if anyone can relate? Thank you Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also fear going back to the places I was as I lose this weight. As I hit new milestones I think "this is what I was doing at this weight in my life". The emotional and physical abuse I suffered was the main reason for my weight gain and going through it again will be hard. I have spent the last 24 years of my total 30 on earth building up this wall of fat to protect me. I am ready now to get it off and hopefully deal with the reasons behind it. Thank you for sharing this. It really hit home with me. And also gives me hope that I can go through it and make to the other side.

So, I've been fat for most of my life. I've been fat ever since I was roughly 10 years old, but what I considered fat then is nothing compared to the state I am at now. After I got sex reassignment surgery, my metabolism went straight to hell and my energy levels fell. I didn't make any lifestyle changes afterwards, but the fact that I didn't was a part of the problem that resulted in the state where I am now. And gaining so much weight, I likely contracted sleep apnea due to my weight gain and also contracted plantar fasciitis, which makes it harder to be out and about without my arches screaming at me. I've tried so many diet and exercise programmes, from Bikram Yoga to Weight Watchers, from marathon training to calorie counting, from parkour to South Beach. In fact, I would have continued trying if not for someone in a chat room. They told me that I should get a lap band... to which I said "why? I can exercise, I have the discipline to diet, why the hell would I need a lap band?" We had a long discussion about bariatric surgery and I decided to do my research. I first considered the programme at Denver Health. After all, I didn't know about the programme just north of me in Fort Collins (and to be quite honest, that's kinda okay given the support network I've built up there) and I thought Denver Health was the natural place to go. That and UCHealth has had... issues with serving employees of the State of Colorado. So, I went to their support groups/medical weight loss classes (which were combined), attended sessions with their psychologist and saw their nutritionist only to get rejected because I had clinical depression. I feel the problem was that since the psychologist was not my regular psychologist and did not know me nor my support network well, that made her more skittish than she should have been. I then contacted the programme at Northern Colorado Surgical Associates (which is a part of the Poudre Valley Health System and their combined programme is called the "Bariatric Centre of the Rockies") and started attending their medical weight loss classes, their patient education seminar, got my regular therapist and prescriber to write my letter, and as of Tuesday, had surgery with them. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I can attend their support groups often (as their support groups are in Fort Collins and the transit back down to Longmont after 8pm is dismal at best), but the good news is that I have found other practices in the area which have support groups that I might be able to attend. I have a therapist that I really mesh with and I have a support network from both my church and my political party (Green Party of Colorado, FTW!) And I look forward to the future. I look forward to wearing all those cute goth/steampunk clothes I see in my Facebook news feed, I look forward to finishing up my transition by having facial feminization surgery/breast augmentation (which can only happen once I get to my goal weight, if my concern is having the best results), and most pressing, I look forward to the day I can waltz into the Denver Health support groups, look into the eyes of the nutritionists, psychologists, and that bariatric coordinator and tell them where they can stick it.

thanks everyone. i appreciate it. so i guess my weight gain was normal? and also .... feeling no restriction is normal?

Thank you! Yea, sadly they won’t lol My calorie intake eating as I would say like a beast protein after protein yesterday was about 600. Thankfully, I realized where I was gaining all the weight gain, it was from alcohol, I could drink a bottle of wine like it’s no ones business as I cleaned my home. So I quit the fun drinking and now am just focusing on fueling my body with what it needs

Hi All, Banded two years and noticed in past 6 months that upper stomach has had a gradual swelling...since I wasn't eating all the right foods, thought a bit of weight gain was going on, but weight is stable.. Suddenly I feel a hard lump/lunmovable in upper tummy just below rib cage on left side.. Not painful but eating is uncomfortable as I feel a pressure up under the ribs and into my back on left side.... Went to doc ...did xray.. band seems in place.. .had abdominal ultrasound and waiting results..tech thought I might have a epigastric hernia starting...but the muscle wall has not perforated yet... lump is becoming really uncomfortable any time I eat and laying down on tummy. After reading forums wondering if it's an adhesion from tubing on spleen/intestines, etc...Never had any hernia issues before, so will keep you all posted on what this turns out to be.. Anyone with similar story??????? Down almost 50 lbs, but ready to have band out if it's causing issues... I'll finish my last 25 with WWatchers if this is what happens with the Band....Not pleased at all....

I just posted this in another thread but it mostly applies. PLAN. FOR. IT. Most of us are food addicts. We have no self control when it comes to food. We will under estimate what we ate and then be surprised when the weight gain happens. I strongly advocate keeping a food diary. It's not to obsess over calories and how low we can keep then and stay healthy. It's to keep ourselves accountable. I use myfitnesspal. I have it set to also include carbs, sodium, fat and sugar. There is a maximun level of carbs, fat and sugar that works for me, so I monitor that. I used to have a problem with my feet and legs swelling so I monitor my sodium levels. I fill out my diary in the morning and add or subtract in the evenings according to what I actually ate. They also have an app for on the go changes. I do not allow anything in my house that I cannot eat without bingeing. I don't care is it's Suzie's favorite thing. It's not allowed because I am an addict and have no self control. If you have family members who miss their favorite food, tell them to buy a single serving portion and eat it. Sabotaging foods are not allowed in the cabinets.If you were an alcoholic would they insist on keeping that 6 pack in the house? EXERCISE - I don't care if it's taking a 30 minute walk each day or Leslie walk away the pounds DVDs. Commit to something on a regular basis.