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Other results from the doc concluded that I was hyperthyroid. Actually I already knew this and I've been that way for about ten years, although when I went down to Mexico to get my sleeve it showed normal -- I was severely depressed at the time, understandably. K so now I have a Real Job and that means I have a real GP which means I got my physical and bloods taken. High thyroid, low Iron, low white count, low neosophils or whatever they're called. These are the drugs she wants me to take: Metaprolol Doxepin I do not want these drugs. One is a tricyclic that causes weight gain. One is a beta blocker that causes weight gain. I weigh 200.5 today. I am SO CLOSE to Onederland and no way in hell am I taking some concoction that is going to put thirty pounds on me by next week. I do want more energy, I want to sleep better, I want to not obsess and have panic attacks, which is what these things are supposed to be for. But I'm 36 pounds from goal! Help me Obi Wan. Anybody else have either of these, are you doing herbal remedies, other options....anything?

Sounds like we are all in the same boat, somewhat. I don't have grandkids but I do have an eight year old and a twelve year old who are very active. I hated that I could not be as active with them. I feel like I have not been living my life the past ten years due to the weight gain. I am definitely looking forward to being able to enjoy myself again!

Just made it to ONE-derland! (Does anyone remember that song, Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind, & Fire??) Well, I been singing it all day. Yesterday, I weighed in at 200.0 pounds, but this morning I weighed in at 199.6. To celebrate, I bought myself a cute blouse in a medium (and I must say I look super cute in it); it's off the shoulders with a mixture of blue colors and I'm gonna wear it with my skinny jeans when I cook this Wednesday for my family. I must add, I didn't get here easily. It's been the gym 5 days a week (sometimes there at 4:00am), watching and logging what I eat, along with a mixture of stalls and even a few weight gain weeks, and of course I work full-time and I am pursuing a master's degree. When I don't hit the gym, the scale does NOT move (even with the sleeve). So I'm gonna celebrate my new super cuteness then hit the gym again to get the next 64.6 pounds off! ...dancing in boogie ONE-derland...

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!

Hey everyone, hope you're all doing good. I'm sorry I havent been on for some time, its all doom and gloom. My dear mother passed away in November at home peacefully, I was with her, but I have had a hard time adjusting. I had a de-fill just after as for 5 weeks I had been sleeping sitting up, because of reflux. I felt really drained, looking after Mum, not sleeping etc, so thought I would have a lot out and a rest from the band. Wish i hadnt bothered as I have been comfort-eating and have put on such a lot of weight, about 10kilos, Fill booked for 9th feb. I also found a lump in my boob, had a biopsy and get the results on Friday. I told the surgeon if it is the big C then I want both off and new pert 16 year old boobs. he laffed and said he could do that if I didnt smoke anymore. I gave up in August so that hasnt helped my weight gain. Sorry to be such a misery, but needed to share. love to all xxx

if the pouch is being stretched out due to over eating, that is not the bands issue, again people need to remember this is a life style change, you cant put the band in, continue to over eat and over eat and expect to have great success, you have to follow the rules. I agree with lellow, if my dr had a 50 percent re weight gain I would not be considering that dr for my surgery.

I know from family members' experience that your bipolar meds can and do cause weight gain. Talk with your doctor about your medications and see if there are other, effective options for you that don't have such a strong side effect profile in weight gain. Definitely stay on them until you talk with him/her, but there are a variety of medications that have more or less weight effect--your doc should be able to help you with that choice. Best wishes!!

I had poor weight loss with the band as well as many side effects so on 11/21/11 I had a revision done by one of the top surgeons in Mexico. I weighed in at 298 before the preop diet. At surgery I was 293. After the 3 week liquid diet post op I got to 282 and was overjoyed. I started darting food again and went to 285. I emailed the nutritionist who gave me a diet to follow. I was unable to eat all that she expected me to eat and got to 290!!!!! She emailed me back and said it must be metabolic as there was no logical reason based upon my weight. Surgery and diet this should happen. I made an appt with my family doc to get a referral to an endo. I had already explained that my thyroid tests were normal. Part of me thinks I should see the endo, but I must admit that I don't know what else can be done if my thyroid is normal. I know I am fine on the diet . One other thing is that I have bipolar disorder and take several meds that have weight gain as side effects. I can't cut back on them because I will end up living on the street without them. Anyone else having a similar problem?

Opting for diet soda instead of regular, won't help fight the bulge. Data from a recent study by the American Diabetes Association shows that while diet sodas may be free of calories, they do not prevent you from gaining weight. In fact, they may contribute to weight gain. Diet soda also contributes to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-06-29/news/30010277_1_diet-soda-weight-gain-aspartame#ixzz1koMApTiM

Today is January 27th. I am very close to being finished with all of my prerequisites involved with getting the Lapband. I only have remaining: 2 Nutritionist Meetings 1 Support Group Meeting I have been reading these posts for awhile now. I am just as determined as I was before joining this website but I do have a better knowledge of the fact that this is not a "sure" thing. When I first knew I was qualified for this surgery I began eating whatever I wanted and stopped exercising altogether. There was a large part of me who said, "you will have surgery soon, eat and do whatever you want". That attitude has lead me to more weight gain and left me feeling very down. Plus, none of my clothes are fitting. But things have been different this week. I have begun to make some small changes. I met a friend who needs to lose weight even more than I do. She refused to even walk as far as my house, which is only a block away from hers. I have inspired her to start walking with me. We have begun to walk from here to there and even went to the gym together this week. I hope that helping her will help me to help myself as well. I saw the same doctor earlier this week. He repeated what he had said before about bariatric surgeries, "I would guess that 50% of patients who received bariatric surgeries gain the weight back after 5 years". I told them that his words have made me more determined to make lifestyle changes which are necessary to keep the weight off. I pray I can do this. Cynthia

Hello Everyone, This is my first post on vertical sleeve talk. I was sleeved at 8 AM on Tues Jan 24th 2012. My starting weight 3 days before surg was 198 LBS- got on the scale this AM & weigh 204 !!!!! I do understand that could be air/gas, fluids from all of the IV's. But WOW - was shocked to see that number. All I have had in my body since Jan 22 at midnight was : water, protein isopure water, chicken broth, ice chips, and sugar free popcicles. I should add that I seem to be very lucky, because I can consume my min of 40 OZ of water & jello since surg without any problems. Anybadvice would really help as an explanation for the weight gain. Thanks !

I was only there for 24 hours but was given about six bags of fluid and had very little output. I gained almost ten pounds in that day did this happen to anybody else and how long until it goes away. I feel very swollen still.

Welcome back I'm newly banded, however I've been a mom for over 17 years, and one thing I know is weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. I also know losing it after isn't easy. Have you considered approaching this like you're newly banded? Go back and meet the nutrionist again. Heck, maybe even go on a week's liquid diet just put yourself back in the mindset and "purge" your body of all the bad stuff? You did so well before, I really do believe you can again. I just think it's a matter of putting your mind to it. I think you also need to quit looking at it as though you failed. You most certainly did NOT fail. You had a beautiful baby and gained weight like almost every other mother does. You can only fail if you do nothing about the problem. You're here, you're trying, you're definitely doing something. ...think of this as just another new beginning

Hello Everyone.... I am not new here...I have actually been banded since May 5, 2005. I am struggling and need to get myself back on tract soooo here I am. I actually was very very very close to meeting my goal. Then, I got pregnant. I had my beautiful baby girl in December 2009~ and have not dropped the weight I gained with her. I was diabetic during my pregnancy so I think that sorta contributed to my weight gain...but I also fell off the radar and didnt do much in regard to keep my weight down.. I got all the Fluid removed from my band in the beginning of the pregnancy...and I didnt follow up with my LapBand doctor. I screwed up....ALOT..... BUT I am here now and I am recommiting to do this. I have set certain goals for myself and I am going back on the plan and I hope that within 6 weeks, by March 4th I would like to drop atleast 16 pounds. I am very much considering bypass surgery.....but.... I want to know I have done everything I can do with this LapBand before going through yet another surgery. As it stands right now, I am at 260 pounds, 5 foot 4 inches tall. When I got banded back in 2005 I weighed in at 289...... At my lowest weight during the last almost seven years, I was at 168 pounds~!~!~!~ I am an emotional wreck over this weight loss challange.... I recently also lost my father who was my biggest supporter in getting banded in the first place.....at this point....I am clawing my way back up, or down the weight loss ladder..... and I hope to reconnect with some old friends I made here...along with make some new ones..... Thanks for reading....and I will talk to you soon~!~ Ciao

I am starting to get hungry, and look for food! I had surgery on December 1st 2011 ...I had only 1 fill on January 5th....I am hungry....but when i feel that way I just eat a bowl of special k red berries and that usual takes care of it but im getting scared....no weight gain, but no loss either in 2 weeks ???? I am so ready to call pizza hut an order a thin crust veggie pizza right now.... HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry you're dealing with a weight gain, but try not let it get you down. Your priority now needs to be to figure out how to save the $150 for a fill, even if it means nickle and diming it for a while-- you have a band for a reason and if it's not working for you because it's empty, of course you're likely to regain! I think if you put a plan in place for the "in the meantime", you will have a greater sense of control and accomplishment and something to work toward. If my band was empty, I'd be gaining too-- not because I'm a bad person or a failure, but because without the band I'm incredibly hungry and I eat larger portions. That's why I had to have the dang thing in the first place, and it didn't magically change me (or you!). You can do this!

Well ma'am, you tell your family just like that " the 6 past months have been great, but I want to leave". As far as feeling the pressure, your the only one who can fix that. When I had my surgery, I returned to work 2 weeks later and one of my co-workers came into my office and said "oh I thought when you came back you would be thin, what happened? Didn't it work?" I told her very sarcastically "no it didn't unfortunately" and she left me alone. The scale is your worst enemy, as you probably know already anyhow. But I guess until you leave your dad rules. Or you could just tell him that weighing yourself everyday is sabatoging your progress cause your a girl that has flucuating hormones causing weight gain and losses. When people ask how much have you lost, you can just very cheerfully say "I don't know, I haven't been to the doctor yet, but I'll remember to let you know next time i weigh! After all without you this wouldn't be possible" Good luck!

I've been doing great, and eating Protein for me is fun (I love eggs, lower fat cheese, fish etc.)- I enjoy veggies, but find I run out of room and I'm virtually done. My personal trainer (we do moderate intensity kick boxing and weights 2x a week) is a huge advocate of getting a juicer for all his clients. He is especially interested in me getting one, because my food intake is low. When he talked to me about my surgery, and how many calories I likely get a day, his response to be answer "maybe 1000-1200 a day" was a 8O face and the explanation of "when we get advanced with you, you can burn up t 900 calories in a workout, how are we going to get your calories up a bit? I'd really like to see you get a juicer!" (No, he does not personally sell juicers, he truly believes in juicing) Calories up?! Wasn't the point of VSG to keep my calories low?? Pre-VSG, I've avoided juice-I was told that juice is simply the veggie/fruit minus the Fiber, and therefore contained more sugar and could lead to weight gain. But...obviously, I have an easier time taking in liquids than solids. How does everyone else feel on the juice topic?

Cscake: ask your doctor if these meds can cause weight gain. Better yet, it would be a good ideal to do some research on your own, or call your pharmacist. Lots of meds do cause weight gain.

The last two days both my knees have been aching. I had a one day episode of this about a week ago. Previously I had sore knees from the weight but that got much better after I lost only 20 pounds. I've had a bulging disc in my back since 1993 which has caused me a ton of pain over the years and prevented me from doing things....contributed to some of my weight gain. Now my back is great! No pain at all! No more pain meds, yay! I'm suspecting that my knees ache because I stand on them differently since my belly and my bum are so much smaller. Like my center of gravity has changed so the pressure points in my knees are in a different place. What do you guys think? Feasible? Or am I nuts?......maybe I don't want you to answer that one? LOL!

I too was supposed to fax in my last 5 years of medical records to my surgeon before my initial consultation...I told the nurse that it would be a blank sheet...she said well if you havent been to a doctor you cant make up the records...but you will have to go in anyway for a checkup so the sooner the better as that can be the start of your 6 months of dr. supervised visits that most insurances require as mine does too. My doctor was thrilled to hear I was looking into WLS and had started the process and was behind me 100%. Knew I needed to have a checkup as it had been 5 years since my last child was born so went ahead and made all the appts including my first mammogram and am on my way with my 6 months of supervised visits. Everything came back good to excellent (believe it or not) ! I just want to do something about my weight before I have any major issues...we have LOTS of diabetes in my family and am hoping I can prevent it if at all possible. On a side note.....my personal doctor was not encouraging at all about having lapband and is really pushing me to have gastric bypass...well outright said I should have gastric because better results...That made me torn between the 2 surgeries. I read so many people frustrated on the boards here about not losing etc but also the good too. I know that goes with both surgeries...good and the bad. I think it will be lapband for me....I just hope I can do it with the aid of the band when my time comes. I have been trying to eat healthier, cut the sugars ... trying to cut soda which isnt going the best yet but hopefully by the time I can have surgery i will be there. In a nut shell Kristy...I dont think the 5 years of records is really a big deal. I think you will have previous records that will show your weight etc if they want to look at it. I think they just really want to see that it has been an ongoing issue for awhile and not just a recent weight gain. Keep the process going...there are lots of things to complete in the coming months so time does go fast. I have 4 month left of supervised visits and hoping it will be approved then. You can do it....good luck to you and keep us posted

Cscake: ask your doctor if these meds can cause weight gain. Better yet, it would be a good ideal to do some research on your own, or call your pharmacist. Lots of meds do cause weight gain.

In 24 hours I'll be banded...queue Europe's "The Final Countdown". I can't believe it's finally here. I remember the first time I seriously considered the band, last May at my son's little league pool party. One of his coaches (whom I considered to be a "guys" guy) told me he'd had the band for about a year and was loving it. Loving the time he was able to be more active in his son's life, the ability to get more out of life, how it brought him closer to his spouse, and I just remember thinking "if I would just swallow my pride and accept I needed help with my weight, I could be a lot happier". You see, my wife was already planning her lap band at this time and I fully supported her decision to get healthy and reclaim her life, but up until this point I had pretty much resigned myself to being a "fat" dad... the one who was a master at the barbecue pit during family cook-outs but who didn't get into the pool with his kids or play catch with them...because it's too hard. I know the band is not a magic wand that fixes all aspects of one's life, but for me most of my unhappiness stemmed from not having the ability to control my own issues with food to the point that it was affecting my relationship with my kids and my wife. Tony is 10, I have 8 years left with him "full time" and only about 3 more until he becomes his own person and starts socializing outside the home, how long before he doesn't want to do anything with me regardless of what I can and can't do physically? Josh is 4, if I keep going the rate I am I will die before I see him turn 18. 2005.. the start of my weight gain. In regards to my marriage, we had our kids very young. We've never had the time to ourselves to really be just a couple. We have always made plans to travel and enjoy each other when the kids are grown, but without a healthier lifestyle what are we going to be able to do? Watch Food network and visit every buffet restaurant in the state? I want more than that! I want us to climb a Mayan Pyramid and see top of the Eiffel Tower. I want to be intimate without fear of throwing out my back. And now here we are, 7 months later. one day away from go time. I have the usual nervousness and apprehension that comes with any procedure, but all in all I am ready. Ready to make the effort to change my life, ready to put my family and my own health as the number one priority in my life. READY. follow my whole blog at http://gerryslapband.blogspot.com/

Anyone take nardil after being sleeved? Nardil is an maoi that is known to cause weight gain. Wondering if the craving for carbs would be tamed with the sleeve?

I had my first fill today and was disappointed with only 3mls I don't feel any difference and feeling very hungry its going to kill me only having liquid, I lost 19lb pre-op and put on 4lb post op even though the band had 1ml put in during the op, feeling really down about the weight gain and struggling not to reach for the chocolate