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Lynda, I never did do the math, and it makes sense now that you posted it up. Fiddleman, I was doing yoga and pilates classes 4 days a week! You've hit the nail on the head about why I was so surprised... the exercise routine was new for me, not something my body should have been used to. You're also right in your concern about never being able to eat foods like bread, nuts, and avocados without the worry of weight gain. You look great, by the way! Jensjoy, you make a good point! NtvTxn, you don't eat cheese or nuts?? Oh man, that would be misery for me! I rely so much on dairy Proteins, and absolutely love cheeses. It takes amazing strength to avoid those foods. Thank you for your input.

Lynda- interesting comment on the enhanced efficiency of the small intestine over long term post op timeline. I do suppose that would lead to more weight gain because the small intestine is the primary point of nutrient absorption in the GI tract. Never heard of this before, but it makes sense.

Daisydoodle, congratulation on your precious baby. She is so beautiful. I couldn't believe when I read that you only gained 22 lbs! I've never heard of so little weight gain. The doctors never worried or told you, you needed to gain more? Also, you lsot it all but 3 lbs after giving birth. You are so luck and my new hero!! I hope I have such happy, healthy pregnancy and as little weight gain when I am pregnant:-) K

My current OBGYN has referred me to the bariatrics team at LGMC. He advised that there were other, pharmacological forms of treatment that we could try before using surgery as a solution, but I was insistent that I needed to take this next step as all that I’ve tried has failed and I didn’t hold out much hope for other "similar but different" treatment options, let alone I was afraid of being kicked off of insurance before finding/completing treatment. I weigh 242lbs. I went to a mandatory seminar at LGMC within a week of seeing the doctor. I was worried it was going to be more of the same, trying to talk me out of surgery as an option, citing it was “easy to lose weight, fatty”. To my joy, that was not the case. They took my insurance card and my weight. I sat through a presentation about the different surgeries offered by one of the laparoscopic surgeons. I was visibly the smallest, youngest person there. It has made me think that I am less worthy of a surgery. I don’t know. I just feel like I might be thought less deserving of this tool. The nurses advised they would use my insurance information to call and check on coverage and call me back within a week. I felt giddy. Elated. Just, lighter. Relieved. I got a call back promptly from the surgery center and have scheduled my first meeting with a surgeon. The nurse also let me know that the only requirement from my insurance was to have a psychiatric evaluation. Our first meeting is scheduled 02/21/2017. I'm excited to meet the surgeon although just the appointment is $250! I will be calling them Monday to see how much the surgery will cost and what my out of pocket will be-if they know. This money will be contributed to the total amount of surgery if I go through them, but if they are 5k more than someone else, I might want to look at other options. I hate to let my frugal flag fly, but money is not disposable to me. While it is important that I go through a reputable surgeon, I can’t bankrupt myself doing so. There must be a balance. Their program and facility are very impressive, though. I know someone who went through self-pay with them. They have a very involved team for the bariatric surgery center, and a high success rate. I think they put a lot of effort into it because we live in the south with a high rate of morbid obesity and a culture of “clean your plate”, so it’s easy to fall right back into bad habits. The first ingredient in many things my family cooks is butter. My adopted family is French – Lebanese, several family members have wrestled with weight gain over the years. On my birth mothers side, they are Italian- American with few weight issues in immediate family. My paternal grandmother, it seems, lived with undiagnosed PCOS, and I pulled the short straw when it came to inheriting those genes. Though, I am the tallest, so nyah! I feel nervous about the evaluation. I know why it’s necessary. I just worry about being denied and having to start over or something. Unfounded worries about something that probably isn't that bad. Reading everyone's posts here has done a lot for my internal dialogue. I feel like if I keep a level head and don't stress about everything coming up, take everything one step at a time, I will be ok.

Oh, WOW. She is absolutely beautiful! And you are too, for just giving birth. You don't even want to see what mine look like. I came out looking dazed and confused with frizzy hair and NO eyebrows. You're weight gain is an inspiration to people like me who plan to have more children. You really didn't gain much. Congratulations on your little angel:).

Hi Pam Your story is very much like mine, except I'm still waiting to have my surgery done.:clap2: As a child and a teenager I was thin and athletic. Upon getting my driver's license I started to gain weight. I continued eating whatever I wanted although I wasn't getting the exercise like I used to. (on the basketball team and just bike riding everywhere)I remember my senior prom, I weighed 157 and was soo mad that I couldn't get down to 150. :mad:If I only knew than what I know now....I'm weighing in at 260 now and would kill to be 200. I think I can blame some of my weight gain on my marriage right out of high school. Or at least my low self esteem. :rain:Why do you never realize who some people are until after you've married them. Let's just say he was a controlling, emotionally, and verbally abusive jerk. I spent alot of time at home eating while he was out having fun, because it was clear that he needed "guy" time and I wasn't invitied. Finally, 6 years later I got a clue and told him I didn't think he should come home. ANYWAY>>>gotten off the subject.....I had a blood work up about 2 months ago-first ever that I can recall- and I'm very healthy! No high blood sugar, cholesterol. Even my good cholesterol is high. I'm a healthy person with the exception that i'm just about 100+ pounds overweight. Plus I was adopted so me or my parents have no idea what my medical history entales. Three years ago this coming March, my fiance left me after being together for the last 10 years. I think alot of it was my weight. I couldn't or didn't want to participate in alot of acitivities that we particiapted in regulary. I've been doing the diet thing for the last 20 years. I've been thinking about Lap band for the last year when finally I decided to pursue it. Now I'm 1&1/2 months from having my paperwork ready to be sent off to my insurance company. I can't wait!!!My lifestyle and the person that I feel that I am, needs to be healthy and look good. I hope that I don't need to have any type of skin removal, which is why I'm going to give working out my best, although I hate it like you do. But I am looking forward to a boob job. Never had much there to begin with and everything always drooped alittle anyway. Already see a psych. for the obvious reasons, and am really going to get into the finding out why I eat when I'm not hungry. I know that the Band isn't a miracle, you have to work the program. The band is just a tool to help you achieve your goals. Sorry to ramble on and on, but your blog inspired me to tell mine as I'm sure mine will inspire others to tell theirs. :bounce: Susan

According to a bariatric nurse that I know, these are symptoms of a dilated pouch and/or slip: Being able to eat more, weight gain or failure to lose, not feeling full, heartburn, and reflux. I'd consider these signs as over a period of time, not just one occurrence. I've had all of these (except weight gain) at one time or another, but not night after night or day after day. If I had the signs for more than a few days, I'd call my doctor. Relax. Follow MOST of the rules MOST of the time and things should be OK.

Hi All!!! A little about me: I'm 27 and my current weight is 259 (wow did I just say that out loud? Lol) oh and I'm 5'5. I just had my consultation with my surgeon on this past Friday and I'm stoked. My surgeon told me that I was a "star candidate" and the insurance rep told me that my insurance was perfect since it would only cost me about $250 out of pocket for the syrgery. The only thing is that I have to wait another 5 mos before I can have the surgery due to insurance requurements (not so perfect after all). So it'll be around December or January before I'm banded. Like many of you I have been battling with my weight as long as I could remember..I was at my smallest my last two years of hs when I was fitting comfortably in size 12 jeans...and even then I thought I was fat (crazy much?) But since then things have spiraled out of control. I've been up and down beteween 30-40 lbs but the weight loss never lasts and the weight gain is always around the corner. Last year was the first time I contemplated the band but my insurance didn't cover it so I kind of just gave up. Then this year I got a new job with really good benefits and revisited the possibility of having the procedure done. And so here I am. I know that this will be the kick in the pants that I need to get me to the healthy me that lies underneath the fat girl that has been smothering me for all these years.I love swimming and want to start running and I'm so excited that I will finally get the chance to do both freely while eating healthily. So in the closing of my intro I would like to say thank you to all of the members of this platform. The joyrney pics, the success stories, the fall off stories, the pain stories (pre and post op) and just the openess and honesty of each and every one of you has encouraged me to follow in your foot steps and take control of my life. I am open to any comments or suggestions as to how I can be successful in my journey. (Steps down off soap box:) Thanks! Sweets27

I had my surgery 12/12 and have lost 55 lbs as of today, 5/8! yea, me! but does anyone know where I can get statistics on this surgery in terms of effectiveness, weight loss, weight gained back, anything like that?

I have watched a lot of sleeves, in my work, and seen the increase in one stage revisions, and finally, I decided to go from Band to sleeve, on the 15 th September, so I texted the surgeon and made appointment with him, made gastroscopy appointment to check hiatal hernia and oesophagus, and spoke to surgeons rooms to book surgery. I was operated on last Tuesday 14th, and was home on the Wednesday.. Shoulder tip and back pain were my main issues but managed fine. I am still on free fluids, and have no hunger what so ever. I am managing on around 80 grams of protein, added to either soup or yoghurt and thinned down with skim milk.. Otherwise a lot of herbal teas, and one black coffee per day. And water.. So far so good.. I see surgeon on Wednesday.. I was a maladapted eater for over 18 months, and it had also given up smoking, had shocking reflux and heartburn, and basically bloody miserable with 40 pounds weight gain and as slipped band..so I feel so released, so relaxed, so new, happy.. I have been given an opportunity to do this the right way. The band was a Dream come true in 2007 for me, and I lost 65 pounds with it, but life wasn't always good.. Work lunches were a moment of panic, breakfast was hit and miss, and the reflux was a killer, sleeping with 3 pillows. Going out to dinner meant scouring the menu for a risotto or a mashed potato side dish with fish, and long haul flights meant I could not eat after for 24 hours due to restriction..plus hit and miss with travel insurance coverage on each trip.. Sometimes they would cover me, other times, not, which is scary , going to the USA, and being technically uninsured..(live in Australia) Now? One pillow..no gaviscon, so blockage, no cravings, no more weight gain, and I was a 10 coffees a day person, and now no coffee or cigarette cravings.. Weird, really weird.. But, yes, very very very happy with my decision..

Weight gain is caused by high protein food and lack or exercise. Exercise and proper diet are very important to lose weight and improve fitness. Avoid all high protein food like meats, nuts, grains, cheese, fast foods, fried and dairy products. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, yogurt, drink green tea, fruit juices and plenty of water. Go for walking, running, cycling, practice push ups, bench press and chair squat. It improve mood, burns fat,make strong bones and muscles, boost energy, improve heart functions and improve fitness. Lakewood personal trainer

I am getting a revision done this coming Wednesday. What happen was I had my sleeve done in nov 2013 and I did great! But I had very bad heartburn so I started taking nexium daily. In 2016 my surgeon did a hiatal hernia repair. That did not help so I just dealt with it and ended being put on dexilant medication for Gerd. So I had a upper GI and endoscopy and it showed regurgitation and acid reflux . So my doctor sent everything over to blue shield of California PPO. And it was authorized by them . My surgery was supposed to Take place April 8, 2020 but had to be rescheduled because of the coronavirus. So my new date is this coming Wednesday, June 24 and I got my clearance and I even had the Covid test last Thursday so I’ve been quarantine till Wednesday. I’ve also gained some weight in the last two years so this should help with my Gerd and weight gain. I’m very nervous but I’ll be so happy to be off the medication for the horrible heartburn.

I had one about a year ago and it migrated up in my uterus and would pinch every time I sat down so I had it taken out. You an have increased bleeding or spotting the first few months then once you have had it you might stop having periods. There was only a 5% chance of weight gain in a study they did an it wasn't conclusive enough to say mirena caused the weight gain.

Every body and skin is different don't rely on these pics for what your gonna look like. Start exercise early on and don't stop!!! Cardio AND lifting weights. My chest ,stomach definitely need surgery from pregnancy and weight gain . My arms might be OK I'm working then at the gym!!! My lower body looks ok so far. My highest weight was 300 I have lost 94 so far and still have 46 more to loose. So I'm not sure how im gonna look by then . My plan is to be happy with the weight-loss and ride it out till I get enough money to get surgery to fix my body. I would trade being fat and depressed for the skin in a heart beat. stay positive

I go back to the doctor on November 13 for a check up that's long over do. I'm hoping to get my second fill and headed toward the GREEN ZONE. Keeping fingers crossed that my stomach has not stretched from my weight gain.

Most sites and the medical PDR will say it causes weight gain. I don’t know when they changed it to weight loss. I worked in the medical field over 20 years too and never seen anyone lose weight on it. I know I sure didn’t either when I took it.

Went to meet with the Bariatric Coordinator on Wednesday to start the process. She thinks I’m a good candidate and has given me all the first steps I need to do Already have all kinds of appointments set up... psyc consult, nutritionist and physical theory (that one was new to me... apparently its to help people who have not been active get active safely... she admitted it was silly for me but I have to go anyways). Go back in a month to see how I’m doing and how much weight I have lost (Need to lose 11lbs before I can have surgery). I’m very excited, but of course I had a curveball thrown at me today... found out I’m officially 'pre-diabetic' (exactly what I wanted to avoid) and I have some insulin issue too... now the doc wants to play the game of weight gain because of above or above because of weight gain :scared2:. This should be fun but seeing I have been over weight my whole life, I think the band will be a great tool for me. Well, that was long but what can I say... I’m excited :w00t:

I had gastric bypass surgery February this year, and I haven't loss nothing, anything I gained, this month my nut did a stomach scope to see if something was wrong, she said everything was fine. But why am I still not losing any weight. So one please help. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

all4gizmo. I too have struggled with a little weight gain since having a revision surgery. I have 5 cc in my band and can't tolerate more. I have had to readjust my food intake and mind. Try joing myfitnespal and logging your intake and exercise, it is helping me! Best wishes, Karen,,aka..kll724

I am feeling better.. Thank you.. Haven't had a chance to talk to the doc.. Hope you lost something.. And yeah that's true as long as no weight gain.. I lose about 2lbs a week..

I am sure you'll be fine! It's all done laproscopically now, so much less chance of complications and healing time is quicker. I would advise staying away from reading up on complications now as you'll just freak yourself out. Be prepared for a little weight gain after surgery; you're just wanting to heal at that point. Good luck, it will all go well!

I am finishing my liquid stage, during which I lost 24 pounds, today. Is it inevitable to gain weight now that I am starting to eat food? I find it hard to believe that, even with careful monitoring, that I won't gain weight initially. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you, Bruce

I just asked this question to my nutritionist last week. She said that my surgeon's protocol is to loosen the band after a certain number of years (I can't remember how many) at goal weight. The reason for this is to avoid any complications linked with a potentially-inflammatory implanted device, especially as one gets older. My surgeon has observed that by that time...(the certain number of years maintaining), the patient has acquired the eating and exercise habit/mindset etc that will prevent him/her from gaining the weight back. If the patient observes weight gain after the band losening, he/she is instructed to return for a fill immediately.

Well the bad news is I didn't see a great deal of movement on my scale this week - in fact the only movement I had went up slightly - 300g, Taking me back to 12kg loss total!!! The good news is that I saw my dietician this morning and have been well assured that this is actually normal. I clearly need to have another fill which is scheduled for next Friday. I was really bummed about my weight gain yesterday and thank goodness for some very close friends of mine that are there for me all the way and supporting me because I really needed it yesterday. Today I have a much clearer mind and totally understand that it's a process!!!!! livelovelapband.blogspot.com.au

Well the bad news is I didn't see a great deal of movement on my scale this week - in fact the only movement I had went up slightly - 300g, Taking me back to 12kg loss total!!! The good news is that I saw my dietician this morning and have been well assured that this is actually normal. I clearly need to have another fill which is scheduled for next Friday. I was really bummed about my weight gain yesterday and thank goodness for some very close friends of mine that are there for me all the way and supporting me because I really needed it yesterday. Today I have a much clearer mind and totally understand that it's a process!!!!! livelovelapband.blogspot.com.au