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I was banded on Monday too! The gas pain is just awful, more than I expected. I'm taking pain pills just for that pain - the incisions don't hurt a bit. Walking helps but not as much as I had hoped. I generally have a heating pad on my left shoulder, and it helps some. With that being said, I would do this again in a heartbeat. As for the hernia, I did as much reading on that as I could before surgery because I knew I had a big one. My doctor said that most people have small hernias, but mine was the biggest he'd seen in 30 years of medical practice. Anyway, with all the reading I did, no one seemed to have a reason for hiatal hernias, just that they happen quite commonly. And I am so happy that this is now fixed - none of the weird symptoms I had before are there. That part of the experience is just wonderful. I'm also not very hungry and find it a bit difficult to get in all the Protein shakes. Takes me a while to drink a whole shake, and if I add anything to it for flavor or texture (like frozen strawberries), I can't finish it. I did that in the diet before surgery, but can't manage it now. That's a good thing, I've started losing weight again after a couple of days of slight weight gain. Anyway, happy to join you and the other folks in Bandland!

I don't understand how I could possibly be gaining weight since I have been extremly strict with my diet progression through the appropriate stages and my amounts are staggeringly small.....3 or 4 tbls of food at each meal. How is that happening? Doesn't that mean that when I'm able to eat real food that I'll continue gaining? This is so depressing and I was so close to canceling my suregery anyway cuz I thought I was doing so good on the preop diet (20 lbs lost). I've read that post surgery is about healing more so than weight loss, but how terrible I feel to be gaining on such small amounts of food. Anyone know why this happens or has happened to anyone else or is it just me failing once again at weight loss?

Thank goodness my doctor and nurse warned me about the hospital weight gain. I came home 17 pounds more than the day I left for surgery. I have lost all of that and 17 more. My surgery was 11/8. Tomorrow I can begin on pureed foods, going very slow with that. My issue is I don't like sweet stuff, so the protein drinks are challenging at best. Good luck - it will get better!

I had a complete hysterectomy Mar 08 and then had my lapband surgery Aug 08. I am also taking 1 mg of Estradiol daily and have also wondered if that is causing me to lose so slowly - I also take 20 mg of Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) daily and wonder if both of them can cause slow weight loss or even weight gain. I would like to wean myself off of both of them, but am not sure I should.

Hi all! My name is Carisa and I live in New Jersey. I'm a proud police officers wife for 4 years now and we have 2 AMAZING children! My daughter Ava is 3 1/2 and my son Joey is 22 months. My family is my WORLD & my everything and the main reason why I'm going to have VSG. I'm a stay at home mom and although everyday isn't rainbows & cupcakes I wouldn't have it any other way! So, let me tell you how I got to where I am today. I was not overweight as a child nor a teenager. In high school i was 140 lbs throughout those 4 years. No matter what I ate I never gained a pound! And let me just tell you that I did eat everything and anything I wanted. My family is Italian and as many of you fellows Italians know, everything we do revolves around FOOD! Anyways, after high school I got into a bad relationship and I think thats when I started to gain weight. We would eat CRAP food at 3am at least 3 times a week. I was never one to work out. Honestly, I hate any kind of exercise. So anyways, I finally get out of that relationship and in the end of that I probably gained 40-50 lbs. I did weight watchers a few time but I never lost a real significant amount of weight. Then, in October of 2007 I met my husband. By the time I got pregnant with my daughter, I was 200 lbs. (BTW, I'm about 5'6) So, while I was pregnant, I did what any other pregnant woman does. EAT! Plus, during the last 3 months of my pregnancy, I was on STRICT bed rest. When I was about 25 weeks I started going into labor. They put me on medication to stop the labor and the bed rest. They gave me steroid injections to increase the babies lung development in case she did come premature. So the bed rest didn't help the weight gain since I was only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom. Well, I gave birth on January 15, 2009 to a beautiful, healthy (FULL TERM)baby girl, weighing in at 240 lbs . I think I lost about 25 lbs afterwards. Definitely not the whole 40 lbs. Then, I tried Weight watchers ( again) , Jenny Craig, diet pills, etc. Once again, never lost anything significant. 22 months later on November 14,2010, I gave birth to my son. ( NO BED REST THIS TIME) I only gained just about 20 lbs during this pregnancy.(THANK GOD) So now I'm back to 240. So here I am, with 2 kids, heavier then I have EVER been. So again, I loose about 20 lbs. Tried weight watchers (YET AGAIN), diet pills again, jenny craig again, Overeaters anonymous, hypnosis slim fast, etc. NOTHING HELPED. This summer we took the kids to Hershey Park. I wanted to take my son a ride and they made me get off because the seatbelt wouldn't fit around me. That just KILLED me. That was, I think, the straw that broke the camels back. Obviously nothing else was working so I decided I needed to do something drastic. So here I am, sitting here weighing 255 lbs. After going to 2 other doctors ( & seminars) I finally found my surgeon. And I LOVE HER! In the beginning, I had FULL intentions of having LapBand. However when I went to meet with Dr. Schrope (my surgeon) and she told me how much better results she has seen with the VSG and that so many people come back to her with the lapband and say " Get this out of me" and then do the VSG. There was just so many things that I really didn't want to deal with, with the lapband. The only thing I was really worried about with the VSG was the surgery itself because I've never had any kind of surgery. Like she said, if I'm going to do this, do it right the first time. So thats what I'm going to do! And I'm super excited! I'm meeting with the nutritionist next week, have to get the blood work, endoscopy, etc. I can't wait to start my journey to my new life!! My family deserves the best "ME" , and so do I!! Thanks for hearing my story!! Carisa

I quit 4 years ago. I definitely put on some weight from that. However, I didn't even try to stop my eating all the time. Another reason for the weight gain is that the nicotine increases your metabolism - that's the reason I started smoking so many years ago (stupid, huh?). It's addiction transfer - find a healthy alternative that you can do every time you have that craving. I know exercise if probably the best distraction and it is soooo good for you. Also, the endorphins it releases will become your new "bliss". It IS hard {{hugs}} and I applaud you for quitting!!! wombat

I am 7 months out, down 91lbs since last Jan...but lately the scale has only moved up!! Not eating anything different...since 6mos dr visit have actually increased protein, doing more resistance and weights, and taking my vitamins...i have gained 4lbs...this freaks me out!!! I am self pay and feel like If I'm not losing I may have wasted a lot of money!! I'm scared that this is it and I have a lot more to lose!!! Really tempted to go back to my crash diet thinking to shake things up...help!!!

I weigh every day. It keeps me focused. and acts as a gentle daily reminder to file in the back of my head for the rest of the day. I found in past dieting that when I weighed daily, I did better....no kidding myself that having that piece of cake won't make that much difference....and most of the time, it is a positive reinforcer. The thing is, occasional weight gain is inevitable-- Water retention, body chemistry changes, whatever. I have had times when I am eating and taking in liquids perfectly (I keep daily track of all that), and I stay the same weight for days--then all of a sudden, I lose 2 lbs overnight! So please don't get discouraged about occasional weight gain...it's just that if it's on-going, that may take some re-evaluating. Please don't worry about the weight gain right after surgery. My doc said almost everyone does. Your body went through so much, including lots of gas, water retention, etc. You'll feel so much better about everything in a week or two. AND, if you are taking any pain meds, that means constipation! Best of luck to you! I think you will do great!

So is it normal to gain weight during the process? I start the liver reduction diet on Monday, January 9 and VSG is on January 23, 2017. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

@@andersonrivera, Yes I knew I would have surgery, I just had to wait to go through my insurance process for approval. I do not regret having VSG surgery. My weight had spiraled so much out of control it was affecting not only my physical health but also my mental health. I love the fact that with this tool you only need a few bites and your full. One of the reasons for my weight gain was portion control and this helps keep me on track. Yes I like drinking after my meals. I was a person that would drink glasses and glasses of juice before, during and after my meals and would get a lot of extra calories that way. By having it after my meal it allows me time to chew and actually taste my food! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm going to say not getting enough Water in. I'm at 4 weeks out today and my appt yesterday registered at an 8 pounds weight gain. There is no way partial way I could do that. I really dropped in my water intake so I'm hoping my numbers go down real soon. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Keeping you eye on weight gains and then going back to logging your eating with some exercise will drop your weight back down. Congratulations and celebrate your one year with something for you!! ( not food)

Msjessiruiz, did you have the sleeve? The hunger every 2 hours is common. Don’t start caving into that hunger with a snack. It’s a horrible habit that will lead to weight gain. Trust me. I had the sleeve years ago with the same issue.

3500 calories = 1 lb of fat 3500 / 7 = 500 calories per day That's 500 calories per day MORE than you consume, to loose one lb per week. So, if you consume 1000 calories, you must burn 1500 calories....OR consume less calories per day. Ideally consume less, and burn more...increasing the gap between the two.... And that is for real fat burning weight loss, not the quick early stages of weight loss which everybody experiences If you want to loose more than one pound per week, you have to up the above numbers.... Also, in my case, I have always found Protein to give me more energy than calories.... Also, since I am no llonger concerned about loosing weight, I find that exercising everyday covers a multitude of sins....with no weight gain...

Hey Lissa, as far as last year it was. I'm so glad I stopped taking it when I did. I heard of weight gain but didn't think it was going to be so much...

As someone who has depression, anxiety and bipolar II I'm wondering why on earth they'd take you off meds like that. I'm assuming you're in a withdrawal state - there are a lot of newer antidepressants that aren't bad with the weight gain. As stated above, a good therapist really helps. I see one every week. But, I'm not surprised you're having a hard time if they took you off meda like that cold turkey. I'd definitely see a psychiatrist and a therapist for help.

Aha..that is so interesting. Good to hear that it's a natural process when it works. Ive heard all these horror stories about weight gain afterwards. Im still working on my new eating style and trying to get rid of falling back to my old ways.

i have mirena iud, good for 5 years, light to no period for me. no weight gain

Hey Guys, I'm well overdue for an entry into my blog. My original weight was about 325 lbs and I've lost over 100 lbs with the lap band. I'm definitely up a few pounds since my last post. I weigh about 206. I had been maintaing about 195 for a year or so. But I've recently gone back to a sedentary job (5 months ago) so I've put on about 10lbs. Since my job is pretty boring, I eat my way through the day. There are snacks...bad snacks at every turn. I guess sweets and cakes keep people motivated in these environments. I'm also in a new relationship, which some say may cause you to gain weight. I cook alot more foods that taste good but may not be very low fat. I'm not exercising much either which doesn't help. I have gone to see a nutritionist who gave me some tips, however, I still gained a couple of pounds after seeing her, so i sort of stopped her recommendations, which included protein bars and shakes. I think I was eating even more food and I was still pretty hungry. So I'm back to eating when I'm hungry and eating what I want :-/ . I do try to get some healthy foods in, like salads and vegetables and I definitely try to prepare as many meals as I can at home. I recently went back to my GI (gastroenterologist) to get a partial unfill. I had my band tighetened pretty tight about 2 years ago. Then I was laid off from my job, which meant I had no insurance to go back for any adjustments. I really was too tight and I would wake up at night coughing up food, which was pretty scary. I was a little torn about getting an unfill because ofcourse I didn't want to chance gaining any weight back, but after many months of uncomfortable nights, sleeping sitting up waiting for my food to digest or choking in my sleep on food, I dediced to get an unfill. My GI took out about .4cc's he told me. He wouldn't tell me how much was left in the band....I suppose he didn't want me to focus on that. I've felt better ever since. I haven't had any bouts of coughing or choking at night. I really need to get an exercise regimen on board now. That is really my focus. I was never one for traditional exercise though. I lost weight mainly through going out dancing, but since I'm involved in a relationship,I don't feel it's the best thing to do now. I may join some dance exercise classes if I can find anything I'm interested in. I would really like to do a belly dancing class. I have visited another plastic surgeon to look at a tummy tuck, butt and breast augmentation. The cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 thousand dollars. So I'm putting that on the back burner for now. I may have to have one procedure then go back for another later, but it's seems safer and more economical to do two at once. It's really important to my self-image to get these things done, because I have a lot of lose and saggy skin that I feel could be improved. Anyway, that's my update for now. I wish I could post pictures, but I will make sure I do so next time. I'm satisfied with my band experience so far. It has helped me to maintain a significant weight loss over the last 4 1/2 years and I don't forsee any significant weight gain. I am pain free and pretty happy about my decision. I wish everyone well in their weight loss journey! W8tygirl AKA Kia

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Tell us all about him!!! The Granny in me needs all the vital stats!!!! I am so glad to hear you did that well on your weight gain, how impressive!! My baby days are past, so I have no clue about the wait time for a fill. I shouldn't be any longer than the wait following the banding itself, and most require 6 weeks for that. I am so happy for you and your new family!!! Welcome back! Kat

Aaron I am just here to encourage you. Consistency is always the challenge. Having to push through pain to exercise is no joke. Can your primary care giver help with that? What I like about what you have said is that you are not in a defeats mindset. You see where the challenge has been and acknowledge it. I can hear your will and desire to get back on track. I am positive there are those like you who have faced weight gain after WLS but have reversed it and you are not giving up. Often we have to be our own best coach and not rely on others who do not understand or appreciate the battle with obesity - sadly even a spouse. Kudos to you for pushing through and remaining positive in spite of having so many balls to keep in the air with kids, studying, marriage, botched skin removal surgery and weight management. Nuff respect to you. seriously.

I know we all hear about how important it is to drink Water and I probably hear it more than most, as I get it drilled into me every morning at our Safety Meetings on the mine site. They are constantly telling us about hydration/dehydration and have a very high focus on it, because of the heat out on the mine. I thought I'd heard everything there was to hear about how good water was for you, but today they gave us some new information and a lot of it really made an impact and is particularly relevant to weight loss, so I thought I would share it with you all. I've underlined the really interesting bits. WATER How 8 glasses a day keeps fat away Water is the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. It is important to drink 8-10 glasses (approximately 2 litres) a day. You should also increase the amount if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. It should preferably be cold because it absorbs into the system quicker than warm water. If you're not getting enough water, your body fluids will be thrown off balance and you may experience Fluid retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. Ultimately, when your body gets the water it needs to function at its best, its fluids are perfectly balanced. Water supresses the appetite and helps the body metabolise fat The kidneys need enough water to function properly. When they aren't receiving enough, some of their workload is dumped onto the liver. The liver's main function is to metabolise stored fat into energy for your body to use. Therefore, when the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it will not function fully. This results in the metabolism of less fat, therefore more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is good for fluid retention When your body is not getting enough water, it begins to hold on to every drop possible to survive. When this happens, water starts to store itself outside cells and this can lead to swollen feet, legs and hands. To prevent this from happening, you must drink plenty of water! By doing this, you will be releasing the stored water from cells. An overweight person needs more water than a thin person Larger people have large metabolic loads and since water is essential for fat metabolism, it is clear that an overweight person would need a large amount. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving them the ability to contract. It also helps to prevent sagging skin that results from weight loss. Water re-hydrates the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and supple. Water helps to flush out waste When losing weight, the body has a lot of waste or metabolised fat to get rid of and water aids in that process. Water relieves constipation When your body isn't getting enough water, it takes what it needs from other sources and the colon is a primary source. This results in constipation, however, by drinking enough water, normal bowel function will return. Things to remember Your body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolised stored fat efficiently Retained water shows up as excess weight To get rid of excess waste you must drink more water Drinking water is essential to weight loss I know we all read and hear about how water helps in weight loss but often we don't really know why. I am the sort of person that needs to really understand a process before I can fully take it on board and this information helped me a lot. I hope it helps you too! DRINK UP!!!

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:

Getting banded has been really great so far. My surgery went without a hitch and I was out of bed and rarring to go almost immediately following. Its early days, but I remain hopefully optimistic that this will work out in ways that all the other diets that I have tried have not. I consider myself a professional inexpert dieter --if its out there I have tried it. Low carb, no carb, nutri whatever, ww, fasting, diet pepsi and cigarettes, opti, medi, HMR, slimfast, diet pills (Rx and OTC) added to the mix to keep my appetite in check. My best and longest successful dieting foray was from the winter of 2000 through the summer of 2003. With boatloads of Water, a low carb diet, and as much exercise as I could stand -- I managed to lose about 90 lbs (this left me still needing to lose about 50 or 60 lbs to achieve a healthy weight by American standards and certainly by my standard). However, the long plateau worked to undermine my dedication and the weight began creeping back at a pretty steady clip. I never again got to my high of 292, but at my first weigh in with the lap band surgeon I was about 268 or so. It was a tough decision for me to make. For a variety of reasons I wasn't interested in a bypass....and it killed me that essentially I am paying someone to restrict my food intake. But the yo-yo dieting had really defeated me. I have been forturnate in that I am a relatively healthy fat person -- but I knew that time was working against me and the older I got -- the less likely that that trend would continue. So it was with alot of baggage that I started shopping around for a bariatric doctor to explore the lap band. The whole insurance thing was/is a hassle. They cover, but I couldn't find an in network provider (in NYC or NJ), just out of network with a threatened 70% coverage amount. I haven't seen any bills yet. I will certainly provide updates as that situation unfolds. Post surgically I have "officially" lost 14 lbs.... this is a little sketchy in my opinion. They weighed me at the hospital the day of .. and I was a whopping 274. I think working the day before from home, planted in front of my computer all day with no food after 3pm and no liquid (because I can be overzealous in following pre-surgery instructions) had me retaining major water. If I go by my last weigh in at the doctor the week before my surgery my weight loss as of 12-19-2007 is closer to 4 lbs. Post surgically, I was bullied by my doctor to lose about 10 lbs. Surprisingly, I have found that I am not at all interested in monitoring my weight other than whatever I am forced to do when I go to the doctor. I mean why torture myself? That's why I decided to get the surgery, right? This should not be interpreted as not monitoring my intake.... I have. Although I didn't do so good with the whole crushing pills until 1 month after surgery. Yuck! I just couldn't. I have tried my best to limit my intake, eat three times a day with no snacking and don't eat and drink at the same sitting. The last has proven to be the toughest thing. Also, it has put me in jeopardy of not taking in enough water -- I am trying but if you can't drink during, or up to 30 minutes before or after, and can't gulp it down like medicine.... I am reduced to totting around a bottle and taking sips all damn day. It has proven to be my greatest challenge so far. :faint: But generally speaking -- its so far so good and I am hopeful that I will have lost another couple of pounds when next I see my doctor 1-15-2008. And if I haven't... that's alright. The average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year is like 5 lbs, right? If I managed to dodge that bullet -- its all good. Later,

fantastic weight lost...I was banded Jan15 and have lost 40 lbs .. I know this was the best thing for me.. I know I will healthier and happier for the years to come... I can't believe I have not had any weight gain since starting this... not that I have tried but usually by now on any other weight loss deal I would have gained weight back...