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Well, yesterday marked the 3 month anniversary of this journey for me, and I am THRILLED to be down 48 pounds! I have dreamed of the day I could write something on the success stories thread because I spent a whole lot of time reading here during the dreaded pre-op diet, the post-op gas pains, and the bandster hell period to help remind me that this will be worth it in the end. I can say so far that I absolutely do not regret this decision. On Thursday, March 15th, I went to the plus size clothing store on my lunch break to find something to wear for a college preview day my daughter I would be attending that weekend. I left the store nearly in tears. Even a 26 was tight and everything made me look like I was wearing a tent. Right there in the parking lot, it felt like I was hit by a bolt of lightning and "get a Lap Band" just came to my mind out of nowhere. I truly believe it was one of the "God moments" for me. Over the next two weeks, I researched all I could on this and how I could make it happen. I learned that I would have to give up my 2 liter a day diet soda addiction because carbonated drinks stretch the pouch. I was pretty certain I was going to use one particular surgeon with a great success record, and he requires under 50 net carbs a day. OMG! How would I ever do that? I thought I would just eat the same as always, just a lot less, and I have to eat slower, chew how many times, and not drink with or after meals?? I wasn't sure how I would be successful but I knew I couldn't keep going this direction, and I was feeling my rock bottom. Knowing I had to kick to soda and do the initial "carb detox", I decided to do get a jump on the pre-op diet and go back to Weight Watchers, so that I do not have to deal with such a drastic change all at once, and I am glad I did. So, on April 2nd, I went back to WW, with goals of getting off soda, cutting carbs and getting a new mindset. I did this for 1 month prior to starting the pre-op diet and that made the pre-op diet a little more tolerable and jump started my weight loss. I has initially lost 12 lbs by the time I had the 1st visit with the surgeon. On May 14th I was banded, everything went well. No Fluid was put into my band during surgery. After the intial swelling went down, I felt like I could eat a house, and I struggled with this til I got my first fill on June 14th. I even gained a couple of pounds and this was so discouraging. Even though I was following the carb and Protein guidelines, I decided I was eating too much fat and calories, so I started tracking 5 things about everything I ate: WW points, fat, calories, carbs and protein, and I weighed everyday and wrote in on my log (a simple MS Word table). The negative feedback of a weight gain motivates me personally. If I stall, I can easily see what the problem food was and avoid it next time. This has been the most successful thing for me and I am learning to live with and work with the band. It is a huge priority for me to write everything down. Instead of pouting and wondering what I did wrong, I can easily identify it, learn from it and move on. Since I have done this, the weight has literally fallen off. So, yesterday, July 2nd, was officially 3 months since I walked back in WW with my head hanging low. I walked in with my head held high and stepped on the scale to see a 48 pound loss. It was more than I ever imagined. I'm so glad I had that God moment in the parking lot that day.

Hey all! I just scheduled my sleeve with Dr. Rod in Warez for Aug 13. I am super excited, but a little nervous at the same time. I am sure thats normal right? Warez, that city scares the begizits out of me too. I am a low BMI-er at 33. I see threads here and there from low BMI sleevers, but it would be really nice to have a dedicated sub-forum for our kind. Who can make that happen? Here's my story: I'm 40 years old, 5'9", 215 lbs, and growing (aren't we all.) For the last 10 years I've always told myslef that 210 is my limit. Every time I hit the limit it's HcG time. after 7 rounds of HcG over the past 5 years (before that it was off label drug use, blah!), I am finally commiting to a long term solution. Sleeve here I come. I have always been active, mostly playing soccer (indoor & outdoor), it helped keep the edge off and slow down the gain, but the gain was inevitable. Three knee surgeries later and a fourth needed, I decided to hang up the boots and execrise more traditionally. I found that once I hit 205, my knees can no longer support my weight with contact sports (soccer, basketball, flag football.) I tried ISAGENIX for about 6 months. It got me down to 196 lbs by consuming two shakes a day and following their program. I felt fantastic, but at $300/mo it was unsustainable and got very old not being able to eat normal foods. I was still unable to drop below 190. I do think that if I did that program forever I could POSSIBLY maintain at 190 lbs, but quality of life would be hanging on a thread and possible jeopardise my retirement! My family, they are ALL large people, not vertically, but width wise. Father is 280 Lbs @ 6'. Mother, not super bad but I would guess inthe obese range. Twin brother looks exactly like me, a tad shorter but similiar build. Sister is 5'2" and has always been fighting the fight, my guess is a BMI of about 42. Type II diabeties in two siblings, I am pre diabeties and high-blood pressure. I was always fit and slender through about 27. Activity didnot change over the years, just my body did, and boy did it. I have a very close friend who was a BMI of 36 who I thought was not going to make it to his 30th birthday, extreme personality and enormously intelligent. He had gastric bypass at 27. At 40 he swears by it. As an extrmely successful business person (tech indistry) and has personally funded surgeries for over 10 others without asking to be repaid. Nice boss huh! Getting surgery was something I have considered for about 3 years. This last injury and weight gain, despite what I think as being fairly active and aware of what I was eating, I gained to 215 and started looking for options. So glad to find this forum! So, that's my story and my reasoning for taking such a serious step in improving my health. I do really wish we had a BM < 35 forum where I could see other stories of those in my situation. Who can help with that? Thoughts? I am a little concerned about active sports post sleeve. I wonder how much energy I will have to compete for 90 minutes at a high level, I would be happy for just 60 frankly. Then I imagine how much less my heart will have to work to sustain a 160 lb or less frame. Anyone out there have any experience with this? Do you just graze on carbo gels while playing? What about Water intake, do you dehydrate while competing? I made a goal to run a marathon eventually (something absolutely impossible for my future without the procedure), any post sleeve marathoners out there? I hope to be around for a while. Thanks to all the board participate!

Wheetsin I listed the most frequent comment he makes which is "you are gonna change" referring to me wanting another man. Let me tell you my husband is an extremely macho man who shows very little to no emotion. I have had some major insecurity and trust issues in my marriage, stemming from weight gain (approx. 100 lbs over the last 10 yrs). I have experienced my weight affecting our intimacy, not to mention we have four small kids which is a whole other battle in itself. Along with our intimacy being affected I have felt at times his attention has been elsewhere, you know how women have that gut feeling but no proof but you know deep down in your heart of hearts.... I am deciding to take back over the reigns of my life, health and marriage. I felt like big or small he was supposed to be ok with it, but now I know that's selfish. What's the saying, "the same things you did to get em' you gotta do to keep em'. So I guess I did leave some essentials out.

Are you getting your waters in? It was a full moon the last few days and I always weigh more. I am not big into astrology, but I have always had Water retention during right before and after the full moon. I was 208.2 for a few days and yesterday I hopped on the scale and I was 211. I had 450 calories the day before and I pretty much exercised all my calories away. I got on the scale today and I'm 207.4. Could be a little constipation, could be water weight gain, too much sodium, your body holding onto calories because the meals weren't paced (6 little meals) and you may have had 2 medium/bigger meals and your body decided to hold onto the weight. Change things up a little, add some extra carbs and do a little more exercise, or revert and go two days of full liquids, 3 shakes and sugar-free popsicles etc. Sometimes these weird things happen to women for weird reasons.

I have had that issue as well. It is one of those deals that damned if you do and damned if you don't. I have just had to talk myself into which is the more temporary condition -- weight gain or pain.

My former PCP was always reluctant about WLS but he'd been w/me thru years of up and down scale numbers, trying different diets, health issues, etc. When I finally approached him about it, he was happy to give me the referral to the bariatric program. About the time I was finishing up, I needed to get an okay from my PCP saying I was in good enough shape for surgery and he had just moved on to another department! My 1st appt w/my new PCP was to get the surgery okay!!! I was freaking out! I had NO clue as to who this guy was and here I'd gone thru the whole program and was only waiting for this step so I could get my date and then pre-op testing done! Well, he was happy to do that for me! He'd had WLS patients in his private practice before coming to Kaiser and he'd seen good things happen. Fast forward and I have yet another PCP and this guy is typical anti-WLS, you can do this by cutting calories and exercising, blah, blah, blah. He's good but he makes me nuts too! LOL!! Didn't help that by this time I was having weight gain issues, due to problems w/my band. I did NOT have to go thru him to get my Sleeve. Good thing b/c I don't think he would have signed off on it. My surgeon told me my band had to come out and he was offering me the Sleeve as an alternative. I don't even think my PCP knows about my surgery. I would try your PCP first. Don't be nervous, they work for you. But have a plan of action to put in to play IF he gives you grief about it. Best wishes!

Why is there weight gained ? I'm not understanding? I barely eat! Example today protein shake breakfast salmon for lunch 3 bites nibbled on salmon for dinner theme 2 bites of spam & 62 oz of water what's wrong with that

Does anyone know what they look for, like a certain amount of weight loss or weight gain or nothing? Does it depend on the insurance provider?

I would say that given what u describe the weight gain is probably hormonal more than anything else. The female body is notorious for putting on weight at this time and u will have to be even more careful what u eat till it selttles down, You may find also that due to a decrease in hormone levels that u will need to exercise a little more maybe just do some dumbells while sitting watching tv it still burns calories .. not to do exercise only works if u can still lose wieght without it, but if u are stuck or gaining a bit u have to change something. I remember putting on a ton of weight during the change and u sore it all around your tummy and thighs ... just work a little harder u may find thats all u need to do .. good ;luck

Good Morning It has been 3 years since I was banded and I just cannot get this last 8 lbs to get to one of my goal points. I had gotten off track for a while and since about May I have been back on track. I found a new doctor, and it was found that I am deficient in many Vitamins. So back I went to the nutritionist and she and I discussed all this. She has me on a 1200 calorie regimen daily but sometimes I really just don’t get in those 1200 calories worth of food. Could this be causing a weight gain? The band had been checked and the doctor seems to think I am tight enough by the way the Fluid flows through. I do have a 10cc band and right now I am at 8.5 cc full. He will not fill it again as he don’t want to cause any problems for me, I can totally respect that. Although I am very health conscious as to what I put into my mouth and I did find this app for my Iphone called My Fitness Pal and I keep track of everything, even the one or two packets of Splenda I might use in my tea. Even the things I think are BAD foods I keep track. I am not big on caffeine’s; I am not big on sweets although a cookie now and then (which is counted) is very yummy. I have not had my Ice Cream or Starbucks since May so going on two full months and really I do not miss it. I make my own coffee, and eat fruit pops if I feel like I am in need of that Ice Cream fix I gave up. I do not eat out at all; I cook everything fresh and from scratch. I just do not understand how I could be gaining weight! Could it be my hormones (going through the change) I have pumped up on the Proteins I intake as well although I am certain that I am not getting in all they recommend. I hate exercise and that might be a downfall I don't know. I am simply at a loss any input anyone might have as to the same struggle you had like this and how you overcame it would be helpful. Thanks so much for your help Michele

Thank you Mami! I don't want you to have an accident over something I posted. It feels good to share that. There is a lot I keep to myself and it feels good to open up. And even better that anyone cares enough to read. It's hard to talk about my weight because skinny people just think its all excuses. So I was always the one to make the jokes before others did and laugh about my weight with them. What they didn't know, was at night I would cry myself to sleep. I got good enough to smile while pushing back the tears. Even my bf doesn't know that I would be crying right next to him. The bc started this whole thing and I strongly recommend that people look into all the possibilities before putting anything into their bodies. Since then I swear I would refuse a blood transfusion if one of the listed side effects were weight gain!....lol I will post before and update pics as soon as I find the courage. Again, thanks Mami for making me feel less alone. *hugs*

I thought I better start writing about this journey now so I don't forget. I had lap band surgery November 3, 2007. I actually lost about 60 pounds with the lapband at one point but gained most of the weight back. For the first four years of the lap band I was in constant flux. I dieted more in that four years than in the rest of my life. In December 2011 I was back up to 255 pounds. At that point I realized the lap band had failed me and I needed to consider other options. Through a long drawn out process I was accepted by my insurance company to get a revision to the Sleeve. On December 27 I decided to make a radical change in my lifestyle and eating. After confirming with my bariatric surgeon that I qualified for the revision I decided to become a raw foodist for the next five months. It was a very positive experience and I learned a great deal about health and nutrition. I have to say I read everything I could get my hands on regarding raw foodism, veganism, and the like. I finally understood what it is to make a very real lifestyle change. Understanding that eating processed, boxed, bagged food was not the answer, it finally dawned on me that what I was missing was the live enzymes of fresh fruits and vegetables that no one seems to think are important, or simply don't know that they're absolutely necessary and needed in the body. I watched quite a few documentaries and I'd like to recommend that you also consider watching these few. Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead was the first documentary I watched; that became life-changing. Foodmatters, Food Inc., The Gerson Miracle, Burzynski, Forks over Knives, and The Beautiful Truth. Sorry more than I thought... Anyway I guess what I'm trying to elude to is that we've all had an eating problem to the point where we've had to have surgery once or twice and for some of us it is still escaping us as to how we can actually make a real change that will ultimately save us. So many times I have heard people say I could never give up sugar, coffee, meat, wheat, bacon, soda, etc... When I hear this I think then a lifestyle change for you is probably not something that is going to happen for you. How much do you truly want good health? Maybe it's time to start pushing yourself in new and different directions, maybe there is new and exciting information to be gleaned that will help you to a better and healthier you. For me being a 80-10-10 raw foodist wasn't for me. But I did adopt eating a high fresh fruit and raw vegetable diet into my new lifestyle. I have decided to include cold blooded sea creatures in my diet as well as cooked Beans and rice in moderation, but also to maintain a balanced healthful diet for me. Please understand I am writing this as much to myself for my own remembrance as I am sharing my experience with you. The day of surgery I weighed 204 lbs. Two days after surgery I weighed 213 lbs. that was disappointing but the Water weight gain from th IV was to be expected. Today is 7/1/2012 and I am at 202. So from December 27th 2011 to June 25th 2012 I lost 56 lbs. I am so excited about where I am going... God bless us and keep us! Mardee

Just curious, if anyone tried anything like Optifast before opting for surgery?If so what was your deal breaker that caused you to go ahead with the surgery instead? I'm on the fence my BMI is 32, I can't find anyone docs in my area that will do the surgery with my BMI, however I'm an insulin dependent diabetic, just was put on an insulin pump, which I fear will cause me more weight gain, I've looked into Optifast, wasn't sure I could do all liquids, but after reading on here, looks like for a time after surgery you are on liquids anyway. Any input would be appreciated.

I have a question. I'm drinking about a gallon of Water a day but I'm not peeing but maybe every other day. Does anyone have any ideas because I think I'm retraining it but don't know why and I think that's the reason for my weight gain last week. Sent from my SAMSUNG-NOTE using RNYTalk

Remember any weight lost is better then weight gained. Im down right aroud 150lbs but its takin me over 4 years to get here so if you average that out ive lost around 35 pounds a yr which is less then id like but by far better then gaining 35 a yr.

Thanks everyone! I avoided it the first two weeks because my doc told me to not weigh myself until my first post op appt. He told me about the weight gain first and didn't want me to get discouraged. Even now I only get on once, maybe twice a week. I've never been one to get on the scale everyday. I think I'm going to tell people my scale is broken lol.

When did you guys realize that you had gained a lot of weight ? Lol I didn't recognize mine until I went into a store and tried on my normal size clothes (14/15 or (15/16) and realized they were 1 sneeze from the seams bursting lol ?

Right after surgery is definitely not the time. I have taken celexa and zoloft, those were two of the *easier* ones to come off of but effexor and pristiq and those time released ones are hard to come off... Just switch for the time you need to heal and take a substitute then u can go back. As for the weight gain I haven't had any problems, I do know going off it caused me a lot of problems. IMO I think its best to stay on them.

I been on antidepressant for years and since I get sick on the meds. I stopped taking and I wasn't suppose to but a lot of antidepressant have potential for weight gain so . I been fine I think my husband may say different lol

I had my psych eval back in May and i too was completely honest about everything. Although im not too much of a binge eater i have very low self esteem(due to my weight gain). I suffered physical and mental abuse very quite some time from my partner and i yet to get over it not to mention other things in my past. Needless to say she diagnosed me with severe anxiety and depression that very day and after about 5 days of seeing her she called me with my results and said that my depression and anxiety was of the charts and that im so depressed i dont even realize how bad it is. She told me that she realizes it is my past and that she would go ahead and give me the ok for surgery bit wants me to see a psych at the very least once a wk. Dont get discourged because i did and look at me, as of this past Sunday i have been approved for my surgery!!! Greatest news i have received since '07 when i found out i was pregnant... I wish you the very best and remember not to stress on the small things it will all fall in place. Good luck tk you and keep us updated!

Hi Angie! I feel your pain. Okay, I actually feel my pain. I'd forgotten how much being fat hurt. Just more incentive to choose health. Funny thing, it's easier this time. I choose to grill out, not because it's tastier (which it is) and cheaper (which it is) but because I like it. Not so much in this oppressive heat with the mosquito squadrons filing flight plans with the FAA, but even then this is more fun and less work. I'm loving being single again. I choose to date when it pleases me, and anyone who can't see past this temporary weight gain isn't worth a second date. I've already had one guy tell me somewhat bluntly that he doesn't want to date anyone overweight. (Funny, he's sporting quite a few extra pounds, too.) At first, I was a bit hurt, but then I became more and more amused at his shallowness and hypocrisy. I don't want those traits in my life, so his name was scratched from the "amusing" list. I have standards, and he just fell below the bar. The things I find fun are an equal mix of solitary and social, so if I find someone to share those amusements, I'll find them where the fun stuff is already. (Lifting my glass of water and toasting) Here's to choosing to have fun, be healthy, and take control of that which we once thought uncontrollable. Here's to loving life.

Your nut defines a stall as no weight loss in a week? I think that's a bit harsh. I've dieted pre-surgery 6 months pretty seriously at 800 calories 80 grams of Protein and 45 carbs. I had a hysterectomy so I don't get the hormonal issues others get, I watched my sodium everything. I had days I gained 2 or 3 pounds. Then a few days later lost 6. I don't consider the gain important or a stall. If I know I'm doing what I am suppose to be doing, there are days that you have Water weight gain, or something is not flowing exactly right. There are days your body decides to hold onto everything too. Sometimes upping my calories or adding more carbs will help me eliminate the extra weight. I have a few days that go by without losing an ounce per my my scale, then I will lose a pound. I am sure I will have days that I go up 1/2 pound because of lack of bm or water retention. I would consider a stall 3 or more weeks, then before I call it a stall I will go through my fitness pal and check to make sure I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing, then I would measure myself to see if there is anything going on there.

An interesting study was published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) this week, that looked at three different diets after weight loss and their effect on weight gain. It's a little complicated to read, but basically the high Protein, low carb diet that we are supposed to follow with our band should contribute to keeping the weight off, not just losing it. Here's the link: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1199154

Hey all- I have yet to get banded (Just started my journey and will eventually be banded after the hoops and whistles of insurance in October) I've been skimming this site a bit and I've learned in post op to expect due to IV's to gain some weight (Water weight) after surgery and it will fall off. In addition to this the liquid diet that everyone has to be on after surgery, obviously because of this we all drop weight. My question is after the liquid diet/mushy food phase and back onto solid foods - do you see a weight gain at all because of adding actual "food" back into your diet? Just wondering what to expect. Thanks!!

Hi There,, I understand where you are coming from about the intervention. My Mom used to make comments to me about the weight gain but they were more in a chastised (or maybe nagging is a better word) manner rather then sitting me down to have an adult conversation. I love my Mom but she treated me like I was still 13 and refusing to do my chores as opposed to the 37 year old man that I was. I didn't need to hear "oh your getting fat again". I have no children of my own and have no place offering advice but I think the approach to the conversation is huge. Hearing it from someone else besides from a parent would be huge as well. Again, this is nothing but the opinion of a childless 44 year old. You're right though...he has to want to help himself and hopefully that realization will happen sooner then later while there is still time. Thank you for the well wishes and I hope you're son finds his way. **Before anyone judges me I am in no way blaming anyone at all for my weight or weight gain especially my Mother. I just wish I had gotten a real reality check before I got so out of control**