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After waiting for what seemed like forever, more weight gain, and health scared due to my weight, I finally officially have my initial consults with my Bariatric surgeon team on Monday!!!!

Personally I would be very very concerned about your stuck episodes. I am 2 and a half years out and can count my stuck episodes on 1 hand. I absolutely do not think that you need a fill if anything you may need an until. Some people keep their bands really tight because they think it should stop you from eating certain foods. My doctor does not hold that philosophy. If your band is in reality not too tight then my guess is you could be eating some foods that don't agree with you. Having a too tight band will lead you. to choosing slider foods that go down without getting stuck. Problem with slider Foods is 1 they tend to be higher in calories and 2 since they don't keep you full you eat more of them. This will lead to weight gain. In the years I've been on this site I've read more than enough postings of people who started to eat ice cream and shakes from McDonald's because they go down so easily.

I read the article below from ABC a few weeks ago about how they had found that sitting for prolonged periods effectively shut down your lipase enzyme, which is reported to be a key enzyme in breaking down fat cells. It seemed to show that even if you exercized for an hour a day and had an otherwise healthy/active life, if you sat for hours at a time the effect on the lipase enzyme could still result in weight gain. It was this article that made me wonder if maybe using an exercise ball at work might keep those core muscles active enough to stop the enzyme from shutting down. I went so far as to track down the head researcher at the university that did the tests to ask him his thoughts on this. He thought it sounded feasable but wouldn't commit one way or the other. I'd like to try it but as I said before I'm the only gal in an office of guys that already like to poke fun at me I'm afraid the ball might be just too easy a target for them. Still I might give it a try. If I do I'll let you guys know if it seems to help. ABC News: Overweight? Standing May Be Solution

Hello Becky, I applaud the lifestyle changes you are making. Eighty pounds off is a huge achievement! I'm very proud of you without even knowing you. Living with extra weight is a daily struggle and it doesn't get easier as you age. As for band removal, I'm in a similar position. I had the lapband surgery in June 2012 and never lost weight. I've been trying to get a removal date for the past year, but my clinic keeps putting me off -- first to have some tests -- now because the surgeon is too busy to see me. They say the band is fine but I experience vomiting, heart palpations, sweating and reflux on a regular basis when I eat (I take small bites and eat very slowly). I never experienced the "sweet spot" that successful banders reach. Like you, I feel the band is doing nothing, but I am not confused. I know the band has to come out. For one thing they degrade over time and can cause injury to the stomach area under the band. You may experience a small weight gain initially as you get used to life without a band, but if you keep your focus and stick to your healthly lifestyle, I think you will be successful without the band. I wish you all the best with your decision and your future health. Peace and love, Delightful Soul

I am 3 years post-op RNY gastric bypass. I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. This is a list of sugars I avoid: Sucrose (table sugar), Fructose (honey), Dextrose, Maltose (malt sugar), corn syrup, corn solids, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, evaporated cane sugar, molasses, corn sweeteners, brown sugar, barley malt, beet sugar, pure maple sugar and date sugar.

There is also the theory that as fat cells empty they fill with water causing short term weight gain or lack of loss. The fat cells then over time release the water and weight loss is the result.

I was told that I was "underweight" as well. I gained 10 pounds. I have an appt with my surgeon on the 19th. With the weight gain I am hoping I will be approved with no issues. Self pay is not an option for me.

I had my sleeve done last Wednesday at Blossom, and they are as advertised. That practice is a well-oiled machine, and less than a week out I am feeling surprisingly good. I did not even have much in the way of gas pains. The worst of it was the side effects of the anesthesia and anti-nausea meds, which was gone within 2 days of surgery. I seriously debated flying out on day 5 or staying an extra day, but really wanted to get home to recover rather than stay in a motel room. I was able to fly as scheduled on Friday without any problems. I am post-menopausal and had reached a point where after years of yo-yo dieting, I simply could not lose and keep off weight. Last summer I tried a diet clinic and ended up even worse off, gaining back 15 pounds I had lost earlier in the year. YouTube's Dr. Weiner says that weight loss surgery is basically a one-time offer--only redeem if you cannot lose and keep weight off any other way. I feel I had certainly reached that point, and I had the surgery with a BMI around 35. I am down 16 pounds since I started my pre-op diet December 1 (a few days early). In comparison, earlier in the year it took me about twice as long to lose the same amount, and I plateaued after losing 25. This was on a low fat, low carb, low calorie diet that was torture the entire time. I am glad that I did this after entering menopause, because I rapidly gained a lot of weight at that time and hope that the hormonal aspect of weight gain is behind me now, so that my redeeming this offer will result in a lifelong improvement in my health.

there are ups and downs for most people I would think. You are so right with the numbers. We know we didn't overeat anywhere near a pound of calories (3500) yet it shows up. Life is not fair. Personally I can keep calories low and work out and times the scale won't budge. I also checked out some new medication side effects. Of course weight gAin was listed. I was able to switch meds thankfully and my clothes are once again feeling looser (I am not a daily weigher). And just for added pounds.... Menopause does not help Nonetheless. Here I am headed towards 8 years post surgery and happy to not "fight" hunger daily Life is easier at a more "normal" size for me. Good luck!!

The weight gain is from the fluids pumped in for surgery as well as swelling from surgery. He best advice that I was given and seemed to work great was keep walking. It helps to move and expel the gas while promoting healing. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

It takes a long time to put on muscle weight, and doing cardio doesn't do alot of muscle building. Cardio burns calories and is healthy in other ways but that's not where your weight gain is coming from. I have a trainer who's taught me alot about working out, but the main thing is the motivation of meeting with her. I cant really afford it right now, so i'm back to walking mostly, but i do it with a friend and my dog so it's harder to get out of when i don't feel like it. I heard that one of the makers of the band (Allergan) just worked out a deal for patients with Curves and some sort of online tracking and after program with Lindora. I don't know if it's only for new patients but check it out on the Weight Loss Channel- there's a video about it there. There are tons of fun workout dvds you can do from home too if you need ideas and fun workouts

I need to inquire in regards to people's propensity to "throw up/ vomit" food that isn't agreeing with them. Now, I'm six years post op and have never thrown up. In fact, I thought it was impossible to throw up. So, I'm curious about the number of posts I've read on this board where people complain of throwing up. Are you actually tossing your Cookies, or simply (which I have experienced on a couple of occasions over the past six years) finding a bit of bile coming up to the back of your throat? Oh, and just a comment regarding dumping. When I first became post RNY, I experienced a couple of classic dumping situations. I learned to stay away from high carbo foods and high sugar foods, like Desserts with sugar. At this point, if I do have a bit too many carbs or sugar, it pretty much just puts me into a groggy state where I fall asleep for awhile. One of the habits that put me back on the road of Weight gain, was when I was having a sleepless night, I learned I could get up and have a small bowl of dry cereal--corn flakes with no sweetening-- and milk and it would work faster and better than Ambien. And, by way of closing comment, I'd share that my efforts to get back on track this time are unique in the RNY experience. I started dieting on Jan 1,sticking to 1500 calories per day, not eating, dairy, wheat, or any white foods, eating lots of veggie salads and not much fired, except the occasional fried fish. I feel better and I've lost 35 pounds. But, the point I want to share is I've changed my thinking about food. When I first when down the RNY road, I just ate less of the same stuff (with the exception of sugar which I really tried to avoid). I experienced head hunger, especially after year 3 post op. Now, eating much more "clean", I don't experience head hunger and find eating healthy much easier than it ever was previously, and I'm much happier with my food choices and NOT looking for something to more fully satisfy me. So, the point I'm trying to emphasize is with the miracle of RNY and the cessation of hunger cravings that accompanies the surgery, if a person switches their dietary emphasis to clean eating they'll find a dramatic knock down of "head hunger" thinking. So, there you go.

Just thought I would drop in and say Hello to everyone. My mother and myself are going for our initial visit tomorrow in Ocala, Florida with Dr. Jawad. Im excited, and nervous. I doubt insurance will pay for both of us, even though we both fit all the requirements. We have Cigna, and from what we have heard its a pain. I just have a couple questions or concerns which I am sure that I can ask tomorrow, BUT, I would rather hear it from people who have had this done. I ride horses, and with the exception of wanting to live a healthy life, my horse's are the biggist reason that I am considering this. In the past few month's it has gotten harder and harder to ride my horse and I feel like I cant to do anything. But prior to this last patch of weight gain I was around 220 and was able to compete and exercise my horses, I now weigh 265 and physically am becoming unable to ride my horses. My question is, can you still do all things that you could without the lap band? Is the pounding from the horse going to effect me once I get the band? I am just worried that I will get this done and then not be able to ride. Are there people on here that have been approved by Cigna?

Well, my name is Meggie. Im 21 years old, and I recently was banded on DEcember 10, 2007. My story isnt exceptional or sad, maybe it isnt even worthy, but its mine,and I have had quite a journey becoming the young woman I am today. I have had a weight problem since I was a child. My mom worked fulltime so frozen pizzas and processed french fries became a hot meal for me. I was very picky, and that was easy for her and tasteful to me. I grew up with the occasional teasing but nothing out of the ordinary. I always felt out of place;even with family. I was always the "fat" kid in my eyes. My family never saw me as that simply because they saw beyond my weight. They saw what I call the "internal me"--which is in fact a totally different person.-I was never pressured to lose weight or compared to my "model material" kid sister, and in fact, I have been my own worst critic all along. When I got to the seventh grade I decided to take control the only way I knew how; I became bulimic. Typically, bulimics are rail thin and look malnourished-but I never hit that point. The disease never got out of control-well I mean the idea is out of hand enough in itself-but it never got excessive.It was my last resort when food got the best of me.My mother sent me to counseling and there I was, 13 years old with "control" issues as the doctor would call them. I was always told how beautiful I was, and in fact, I was the popular kid in school; neverhteless, I still didnt like me. I went all through highschool with my weight issue and in my senior year my dream came true- I needed my tonsils out. I know, I know-silly dream huh? But, to me it was so much more than a painful surgery. It was a period of 2 weeks that I would lose weight. I did ofcourse-18 lbs to be exact, but it all came back on within a year. So, there I was 18- still struggling every day of my life with my worst enemy-my weight. I dropped some weight at almost 19 because I was going through a break up, and my "control issues" caught up with me yet again. That weight didnt stay off either. As you can see, I never succeeded in keeping it off. It haunted me and creeped up just when I thought I was winning. When I was 19 my 45 yr old father died of massive heartattack while watching the superbowl. A part of me slowly died that day simply because he was ultimately my biggest fan. I dont think my daddy ever saw my size. He didnt care-I was his baby girl no matter what anyone thought. He was the dad that yelled at other small-and I mean young and innocent--kids if they called me names. I wasnt fat, he said and he belived that. Its as if he saw my soul, and not the horrific body that held me hostage. I love him for that and I find myself still trying to see what he always did....Anyways so here I was almost 20 years old. I lost a few lbs after Daddy died because of a loss of appetite, but still nothing to brag about. In November of 2006 I found out I was pregnant. Ive never felt so overwhelmed in my life. While ofcourse I was scared and anxious to meet my beautiful baby boy, the sick part of me thought "hOw will I possibly deal with this weight gain." I know-that should have been the last thing I thought of, but I couldnt help it. The whole 40 weeks I ate like I was on a diet, with the occasional splurge of McDonalds, but for the most part I monitored. Thats insaine isnt it? Who wants to be pregnant and on a diet? The two words dont belong together. Well, needless to say thank god that I monitored considering that I still gained 60 pounds! After the baby I struggled with some deep depression about my weight. I was always crying, and it was the number one focus in my life aside from motherhood. I remember actually thinking" if I have to live like this, I dont want to live." Scary thought, I know-but it was real. In the meantime I had consulted with a plastic surgeon to give me a breast lift. I guess I was looking for anything on my body that I had the power to change when really I just wanted to be thin. I even cut 12 inches off of my hair thinking I was going to have a "new" me. Little did I know, I was far from being new and I was still overweight. By this point I was tired of fighting this battle. I couldnt win alone and that was definitly apparent to myself as well as my close family. So, on the day I was going to schedule my breast lift, I made a call to find out if I qualified for the lapband....well indeed I did-by the skin of my teeth, but it didnt matter. That day I think I found a hopeful part of me that I never knew existed. I connected with the little girl in me and let her know that we were finally going to be alright. I met with Dr Fritz Rau only a week later and immediatly felt a sense of protection and peace. He was wonderful, and assured me that I was in good hands. I soon went on my 2 week liquid diet and did very well. My mother wasnt completly supportive in the beginning but she knew that with or without an army of support, I was going to be banded on Dec 10, 2007. She came through for me, ofcourse, she always did. I got there early that morning and was prepped in no time. After a long wait of about 3 hours-it was my turn. Finally, the moment I had awaited since I was that little girl was actually happening. I almost couldnt bare all of the emotions because for the first time in my life, I felt like the real me was going to have a chance at shining. I came out only 35 minutes later, and everything had went fine. I had alot of pain from the trapped air, but otherwise I was okay. I was already a new woman mentally. I went home the next day, and within a week was taking care of my son. I have had 3 fills so far and am down 25 pounds. My loss has been gradual, but thats okay now because I know it will melt off soon. So, as you can see, I have had an interesting travel to get to where I am today, and to Dr Fritz I owe my happiness. The man has changed my life, and because of him I will be the girl that I was destined to be. Nothing, not even weight, can hold me back now. God Bless all of you- may you all find that inner self who screams to be heard.

I'm not a lap-band patient, so I know little about your situation. Have you been in touch with your NUT to see about caloric intake and scheduled "fills"? Did you check with the pharmacist or online to see if your pain killer can cause weight gain? Don't throw in the towel yet. It's a setback and I'm sure you are frustrated, but you can do this! Best, Amy

I went on a cruise the week before my weight in and I wrecked everything. there was so much food around 24/7 came home with weight gain ???? Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

It is a hard question for me. Do I regret surgery? No. Would I do it again. I really don't know. Probably. Number one thing to take away from my post: do as VSG Anne has done. Put yourself into therapy from day one. This is a major life decision. Weigh not just yourself- but all your options. I would never recommend doing this if you are currently healthy and only mildly over weight. I do not believe BMI 40 is overweight enough for this drastic measure to be taken. There is a very good chance you will not lose much weight, or that you will regain if you go into this with the wrong mindset. Here are some pluses and minuses for me: Plus: I am able to walk and run without difficulty. I have a very physical job that I am now capable of doing much more easily. I can squat and jump etc which I could not do before. I do not sweat profusely like I used to. I look quite attractive and can wear almost any clothing I wish. Some people treat me differently (better) due to my appearance. I don't have to worry about binge eating huge amounts -my surgery stops me. If I eat I have very good energy. Cons: I'm uncomfortable eating 80% of foods. If I am not very careful I will vomit. I dump at least 3-4 times a week which involves excessive nausea and urination, drop in blood pressure, heart palpitations, sweating and flushing. It is brought on by foods high in both fat and sugar and is very hard to predict when it will Happen. I still have bad back pain. I still am hungry if I do not eat 1800 or more calories. I am very tired either from dumping, vomiting, or simply not eating enough. Eating causes a great deal of stress for me. If I eat too fast or don't chew enough I throw up and it is difficult for me to eat around people for this reason. I always become very stressed with family meals. I try but I still end up having to vomit at least 2-4 times a week. My eating disorder is triggered by all this. I have huge anxiety around eating and weight gain. I still don't feel thin enough. I have body dysmorphia from being overweight and I still feel overweight much of the time. I have bradycardia (low heart rate). I have lost half my hair. I am freezing cold all the time. I have to sleep with a heat pad. Some people treat me worse or differently when they don't know my history. They assume I am naturally thin. My dating life sucks because when men discover my baggage they don't want to deal with it, or they are freaked out when I don't eat enough. Or they become obsessed with me and fixate on my looks. I spend too much money on clothes lol. Just grains of salt for you all to think about. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First off, I am considered a 'low BMI' patient and recall asking my doc over a decade ago about GB with insurance paying for it. She laughed and told me I'd qualify if I gained 40 pounds, kept it on for 2+ years while trying to lose weight, and developed co-morbidities. I was fairly trim until my 30s but have 2 problems contributing to consistent weight gain. First, I have really big boobs, and if that sounds silly try exercising with them. Second, I can eat the same amount as everyone around me but I gain weight while they lose or stay the same. I had anecdotally seen this for years when I discovered 'myfitnesspal' about 6 years ago and began tracking. I discovered I have to stay below 1000 calories per day not to gain weight, and drop to below 800 to lose. That is simply unsustainable. 5 years ago I went on phentermine and lost 35 pounds. While that was great, like most dieters I cannot sustain the weight loss. I stumble home exhausted, with no energy, and at night begin to crave food. That pretty much goes along with the research on those who have lost weight but not been able to keep it off; reduced metabolism by about 50% and the necessity to eat 500 fewer calories than a 'normal' weight person in order to sustain the weight loss. My weight has been climbing steadily for the past 3 years, and as I've gotten close to my highest weight my energy has returned and my weight leveled off. Still, though, I am frustrated at not being able to keep it off. After reading the latest articles on the inability of 99% of weight losers to successfully keep weight off, I began to think about bariatric surgery. I was considering India for its low cost, but English friends told me a lot of Brits have serious problems with their surgeries there. I have a cousin in Belgium, though, an American who married a Belgian man, and she has glowing things to say about medicine in Belgium. In looking around I discovered Dr. Bruno Dillemans and the International Surgery Group ('ISG' based in Ireland) and contacted them. Dr. Dillemans reviewed my information online and suggested a standard Rouen Y gastric bypass. He told me that in his experience this is the gold standard and patients who demand other surgeries such as the sleeve, which many of his international patients request, end up coming back for the full bypass. He asked several questions via email and the ISG. For reasons of cost and convenience I elected to have my pre-op tests and consult done the morning of my surgery. I know some people have an aversion to this, but I did my research, knew my general health was quite good, and didn't see much reason to have a consult one day and operation the next, as my mind was made up. My surgery was 3 days ago, June 21st - hard to believe it's been just about 70 hours! I checked in at 7:30 AM with clear and good instructions from ISG. First up was a series of 3 tests; bloodwork, lung xray, and EKG. As has been my experience in another European hospital the results were processed right away and the doctor had them by the time I met with him at noon. In my room as I waited for them to take me to surgery I thought to myself, "Why am I doing this to a perfectly healthy body?!" But I am a professor and researcher and have read all the literature and the reality is our chance of losing weight on our own is almost non-existent. Once one has gained weight the body will fight forever to return to that weight. We should tell every young person this basic fact and try to prevent them from gaining weight in the first place. When they came to roll me from my room to the surgical suite I said to the orderly, "oh now I am really nervous," and she smiled kindly and said, "Everyone is at this point, everyone, and some are quite terrified." That, plus the surgeon's record, were quite reassuring. The process itself was smooth and I remember little. I was interested in the side by side metallic operating room doors which opened as people went in and out - I could see another laparoscopic operation going on in mine. I was in a little bay outside the operating room and the anesthesiologist and a tech went over everything thoroughly. Interestingly, on the ceiling was a security camera dome - apparently they film everything that's going on so can review the tapes if there is a future problem. The very kind tech held a mask near my face and asked me to breathe deeply. I recall going under and saying, "Here I go, I'll see you on the other side..." I recall only a bit of the recovery room and asking several times if I could turn on my side as it hurt to breathe, but they would not let me. Finally I was taken back to my room and the Dr. and his resident came to check on me. My drain was bleeding a lot and they examined it. Dr. Dillemans explained that he had stretched the incision with the equipment and the edge was bleeding so they would need to put 2 more stitches in, which they did. The Resident commented that I was the "Stoic American" and, thank heavens, told me that I could (finally) roll onto my right side, I slept most of the rest of that day. I recall asking if I could get up and walk to the bathroom but the nurses wouldn't let me, saying it was too soon after surgery (I think in the US they try to get you up asap, so this was different). I finally called for a bedpan and that nurse was a bit short with me - I asked her to close the window blinds and she said "we will do it when we come in to check you," and I realized they were in the middle of rounds so simply told her, "Thank you, but I have no way of knowing that" and she seemed a bit chagrined. I only called for a nurse one other time and both times the response was within 2 minutes. Overall I am thus far happy that I went ahead with this. At least now I have 'a chance' where before I feeling pretty hopeless about sustaining weight loss. The Belgian hospital and procedures were stellar, super clean (they tested me for MERSA as well as 2 other common bacterial infections), cleaned my room 2x per day, were state of the art and efficient. I don't like nurses hovering around me and they didn't, but checked up on me every hour or so and came immediately when I called. Total cost of the medical portion was $9,981. Since I was already coming to Europe anyway there was no added expense other than the hotel, which I split with my cousin since she wanted to visit friends in Brugge. I weighed today, expecting my weight would be the same since I don't feel any smaller and they stuffed me full of IV drugs, but I've already lost nearly 10 pounds. I recommend this to anyone going through the same struggles and frustration with weight. I'm happy to share info or insights with anyone thinking of this route.

Travelling down was not great, my compression band was really irritating! It is heavy, and it creases, and put pressure right on the ends of my incision! While I was in Texas, I went shopping, and found a firmest control type of high waisted compression he told me I could move to after 2 weeks, and let me tell you it made a HUGE difference!!! It is made of soft sleek material, as opposed to the other that was stiff. I bought 1, to see how it did, and have already been back to buy another! I am allowed to move to less firm control after 4 weeks.....so will see what I do then. Other than that the trip was uneventful. I was concerned about weight gain! I am on antibiotics---so have to eat 3 meals a day with the pills to avoid making myself sick at my stomach. Since we were there such a short time, we didn't really open up the house much, so did not turn on appliances---so ate out the entire time, or with relatives. But I only come home 2 pounds up, and when the swelling from the heat went away so did the 2 pounds. But that means I am still sitting at 177----time to get busy I guess!!! I did end up with some infection, which he said was highly common when the fat necrosis begins, due to the moist areas. It was grown and only shows a strept type infection, no staph type grew. It is still oozing, and has some open areas. My incision is not curved, it is more angled, following the angles of my body. It begins on one hip, and goes down on an angle to the "corner" of the pubic bone, then straight across, way low, right at the pubic hairline, then when it gets to the other side it angles back up to the other hip bone. From the edge of the pubic bone on both sides up to the hip bone it looks awesome! Healed almost invisibly!!! BUT the straight across part looks horrible, oozy, and has a couple of holes in it. He says it is ok, but I am concerned, and looking forward to my appointment Wed. to see if it should still be this way. I want it better!!! It does not hurt. There is no real pain left. Occasionally I stretch further than before and a muscle twinges, but nothing bad. I went for a motorcycle ride last night!!! It felt wonderful! Didn't go far, just a maiden voyage since surgery!!! DH said he sure could feel the difference in room on the bike! My size 12's are still what I am wearing, they are loose enough to be comfy and yet look like they fit. One of the biggest differences in the compression garments is how my clothes work with them. The old one was made with this ace bandage kind of like texture, so it helped hold up clothes that were too big. The new one being slick----does not!!! Almost lost a pair of pull on capris! I was walking in a store in Brownwood Texas, and felt like the crotch was twisting----nope, they were almost falling off!!! I would have been so mortally embarassed!! LOL!!! Anyway, gonna go check on the girls coming up!!! Just wanted to let you know, the travelling was fine----I did get my Dr.'s ok first though!!! Kat

Hello November 07 Bandsters, Apologies for being neglectful over the past while; time I updated you on my progress and issues. Weight Loss Plateau. After a fill in early February I enjoyed a few kg of weight loss, but then a long plateau with no loss. Noted I was eating and drinking slightly more; but nothing like the old pre-band Phil. Anyway a weight gain of 1 or 2 kg spurred me on to get another fill on Saturday 26 April. Loss of Restriction. While I was in for the fill, my doctor and I were discussing why we loose restriction after a fill. You know, feeling tight with great weight loss for one or two weeks then gradually the restriction lessens. Anyway we wondered if the band wasn’t holding the saline solution and if it was leaking out. To test this he syringed out the 5 cc already added to check it was still there and confirmed it was, at the same time he added 2 cc. Over Filled Experience. Interestingly the 2 cc on Saturday made me so tight that even a mouthful of Water made me sick. As soon as I left his office, while I was paying the account, I vomited up the test water (we don’t do fluro, just drink water to test the restriction). But I thought things would settle down and wasn’t too worried. Mind you I was uncomfortable. But by Monday afternoon I was feeling no different and was worried about dehydration, so I came in for an un-fill. Straight away I was able to drink water with no issues. The difference was immediate and quite dramatic. Since then I am still on liquids, but will try some well chewed solids this evening or tomorrow. Even with 1 cc extra (total 6 cc rather than 7cc) I feel tight; so I am expecting some good weight loss over the next few weeks. So we know the band is working, small adjustments are effective and it certainly holds pressure. Over All Weight Loss. I’m down 21.8 kg (48 lbs) so far and wearing size 97 cm (38”) trousers and shorts. Was able to buy some inexpensive sport shorts from a supermarket on the weekend. The old Phil used to struggle to find clothes to fit and they were premium price. I’ve been dumping old shirts and trousers and happily buying new smaller ones; what a nice problem. All the best with your own weight loss journey. QatarPhil.

If they told you that you can't have the op, how will you feel? Because honestly, if you don't get it together now, they might turn you down, especially with a weight gain. My pre-op diet was a lot stricter than your...it was all liquid, with some Jello and some bouillon. Yes, it's tough, especially when you're cooking or eating with others. Personally, I think that for me it was those losses that kept me spurred on. I kept telling myself that each time I lost weight, it was going to be "gone forever" ans a step closer to my goal. Keep busy....get creative with your shakes...buy Davinci sugar free syrups and add them to your shakes to get new flavors...or freeze them. Another thing I did was buy smaller clothes as an inspiration and motivation...that put big smiles on my face when I got into them. Hope you get it together soon so we can see you on the losers bench....good luck. Xxx

My advice would be for you to call your surgeon. You might do better with the band if you have some counseling first with a nutritionist &/or a psychologist. Some pre-op diets are much more restrictive than others, and some people do "cheat" a little, but it sounds like you're having more problems sticking with the diet than most. Cheating with the band can lead to worse problems than just weight gain. Unfortunately, it can lead to major band problems. If it were me, I'd want to make sure I had my head in the right place before going through with the surgery. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

I was on Yasmin for several years and it was great. Never had weight gain or any major side effects, other than mood swings at first.

I love all the information I have found on this site and all the help I have received and I can't wait till I'm banded to be able to help others but until then I can help others hopefully in this area....... May 2006 when I lost a lot of weight from Phentermine I had a hanging tummy . If I was naked it would be down to my pubic area. I had Tricare at the time and they denied twice to pay for it so I went ahead and self-pay. I think it was 5k, maybe not that much even. Anyways..... I got down to 180 and felt that I can resume that weight after the Tummy Tuck...WRONG!:tt1: For about 2 months I maintained that weight but I had to switch medications and my eating habits were worse then before so the weight just came back full force! Now I am about 65 pounds heavier and decided to get my life back on track. I hope to be getting the lap band end of Feb or early March. I refuse to go through my whole Tummy Tuck process to just get it back! I refuse to do that! Here's pictures of me. PictureTrail If I could be any help please let me know. Oh and I love my new Tummy even with this new weight gain. Best 5k I ever spent!!!!!!!

Has anyone lost around 130 pounds, had breast lift with augmentation then got pregnant? What did your boobies look like after? did you need to get a new boob job done?did you already have kids prior to your boob job? I have a total of 130 pounds to lose, I have lost 92 so far and I hate my boobs. I have 3 children already and dont plan on having any more for another 5 years. When I get to goal I wanna get breast lift with augmentation but at the same time don't because I know they can sag. I cant help thinking how much can they possibly change though? with all the weight gain I stretched them out allot and 3 pregnancies . I never was able to breast feed so I wont be this time and Now that I have vsg I wont gain that much weight if I do get pregnant 5 years from now! is there anyone out there that has been through this? What do you think? what was your experience? Thanks