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Regarding neuron growth and Ghrelin: Here is what I see in this primary article. (I found a few others that mirror the same results I just figured I would include the one). Ghrelin does seem to positively correlate with the growth of some neurons. However, these neurons control appetite and hunger along with other dietary regulatory functions. So, by this research, yes wikipedia is right in saying that Ghrelin seems to support neuron growth. Although, based on the other studies I have looked at, there are other places in your body that contain Gherlin. Removal of the stomach does not remove Gherlin from your body. If it is true that Ghrelin stimulates neuron growth in the areas of the brain that dictate appetite, then the neurons do not stop growing, they just slow down. The body has many specialized neurons that only respond to certain chemical ques. Not all neurons are related to memory function. There are not enough studies done on this to predict other roles that Gherlin might play. In this, we are all a bunch of lab rats. It is very clear the detrimental effects of chronic obesity. I will continue researching this and let you guys know if I find anything new. Does anyone read this differently? I am a biologist, not a neurologist or biochemist so I could be missing something. Thank you for the original posting. I really needed to look more into the biochemical function of this hormone anyway Memory loss can be attributed to so many things in the case of a surgery like the sleeve. As was mentioned above, we also have to look at the chance that it could be post-op healing, dehydration, change in metabolism, lack of nutrition, psychological and physical stress etc. http://journal.9med.net/qikan/article.php?id=196709 1. Hypothalamic appetite regulation Feeding is a basic behavior that is necessary for life. Long-term lack of food results in death. It is well accepted that appetite is controlled by the brain and that feeding behavior is regulated by complex mechanisms in the central nervous system, in particular the hypothalamus (70, 207, 256). Removal of the lateral hypothalamus causes hypophagia (decreased feeding), leading to death due to severe weight loss. On the other hand, removal of the ventromedial hypothalamus causes hyperphagia (increased feeding); treated animals increase both feeding amount and frequency, leading to weight gain and severe obesity. Thus feeding is regulated by a balance of stimulating and inhibiting forces in the hypothalamus. Recent identification of appetite-regulating humoral factors reveals regulatory mechanisms not only in the central nervous system, but also mediated by factors secreted from peripheral tissues (174, 216, 250, 267). Leptin, produced in adipose tissues, is an appetite-suppressing factor that transmits satiety signals to the brain (79). Hunger signals from peripheral tissues, however, had remained unidentified until the recent discovery of ghrelin. 2. Ghrelin neurons in the hypothalamic appetite regulatory region Immunohistochemical analyses indicate that ghrelin-containing neurons are found in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, a region involved in appetite regulation (133, 148). This localization suggests a role of ghrelin in controlling food intake. Moreover, a recent report has indicated that ghrelin is also expressed in previously uncharacterized hypothalamic neurons that are adjacent to the third ventricle between the dorsal, ventral, paraventricular (PVN), and arcuate (ARC) hypothalamic nuclei (48). In the ARC, these ghrelin-containing neurons send efferent fibers onto NPY- and AgRP-expressing neurons to stimulate the release of these orexigenic peptides and onto POMC neurons to suppress the release of this anorexigenic peptide (Fig. 10). Neural network of ghrelin in the PVN is more complex. In the PVN, ghrelin neurons also send efferent fibers onto NPY neurons, which in turn suppress GABA release, resulting in the stimulation of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons, leading to ACTH and cortisol release (Fig. 10). 3. Ghrelin is a potent appetite stimulant When ghrelin is injected into the cerebral ventricles of rats, their food intake is potently stimulated (122, 173, 211, 246, 266). Among all discovered orexigenic peptide, ghrelin has been found to be the most powerful. Chronic intracerebroventricular injection of ghrelin increases cumulative food intake and decreases energy expenditure, resulting in body weight gain. Ghrelin-treated mice also increase their fat mass, both absolutely and as a percentage of total body weight. Not only intracerebroventricular injection, but also intravenous and subcutaneous injection of ghrelin have been shown to increase food intake (173, 246, 265). Ghrelin is produced primarily in gastrointestinal organs in response to hunger and starvation, and circulates in the blood, serving as a peripheral signal telling the central nervous system to stimulate feeding. 4. Mechanism of appetite stimulation by ghrelin The hypothalamic ARC is the main site of ghrelin's activity in the central nervous system. The ARC is also a target of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone produced in adipose tissues, and NPY and AgRP, which are both appetite-stimulating peptides (76, 163). NPY and AgRP are produced in the same population of neurons in the ARC, and their appetite-stimulating effects are inhibited directly by leptin. At least part of the orexigenic effect of ghrelin is mediated by upregulating the genes encoding these potent appetite stimulants (Fig. 10). As suggested by the distribution of ghrelin-containing neurons in the hypothalamus (Fig. 10), intracerebroventricular injection of ghrelin induces Fos expression in NPY-expressing neurons and increases the amount of NPY mRNA in the ARC (122, 173, 211). Moreover, intracerebroventricular ghrelin injection increases the AgRP mRNA level in the hypothalamus. The appetite-stimulating effects of ghrelin are blocked by an antagonist of NPY receptor 1. Intracerebroventricular injection of an AgRP inhibitor, anti-NPY IgG, or anti-AgRP IgG inhibits the appetite-stimulating effects of ghrelin. Intravenous injection of ghrelin also stimulates NPY/AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that ghrelin neuron fibers directly contact NPY/AgRP neurons (48). These results indicate that ghrelin exerts its feeding activity by stimulating NPY/AgRP

Hey everyone I have had my band for around 5 years noq my starting weight was 128 Kgs and got down to 78 kgs !! Im 30 years old female and from australia, My husband and I started trying for a baby we fell preganant so I went adn got 2.5mls taken out of my band I had 3.5mls in the start with in 6 weeks I put on 12 KGS !!!!! we lost our baby due to a misscarriage this was a hard time for me as it was my secoud in about 2 years, We are ok though I have awesome support from my husband which is great! My issue is that after 5 years and sitting on around 78-82 kgs I really thought in my mind I had it under control my eating.... as soon as I knew I could eat I did!! I was out of control I went to see my doctor today he put 2mls in so I now have 3 mls I need to get myself back into it and lose the 12kgs I pt on !! It actually freaks me out to think that this band is so important to me as I need it more than I thought I did ! Why do I always think of food? has anyone else felt this way ? A x

A fluroscope is used for fills. The dr has me drink a Fluid that he watches pass through the band to gauge the amount of fluid needed in the band. Upper GI is when the dr uses an endoscope inserted through the mouth to view the esphogus and stomach. Everyone I know that has a band has either spasms or gerd or both. Anyone know why this is? Anyone out there that doesn't have either? I am frustrated by the spasms and the gerd but not wanting to get my band removed. Afraid of the weight gain. I also have Fibromyalgia and Osteonecrosis both of which complicate matters for me. The FM can and does cause the spasms and gerd along with a host of other things and both limit ability to exercise. Would like to know if others that have FM have similiar banding issues.

I had my surgery on 9/21. I also had some hernia repair, so I was in bed until Sunday, drinking my fluids like a Good Girl. Monday I weighed myself, and lo and behold, I lost 12 lbs! Needless to say I was thrilled. So, since Monday I've been up and around as usual, feeling great. Today I stepped on the scale, and I GAINED BACK 3lbs. How can this happen on a fluids only diet of about 500 to 600 calories a day? Has anyone else experienced this? I just keep thinking that what happens if this lapband thing doesn't work any better than my eating plans in the past. Help, I need some encouragement. Thanks, Judy

I agree the iv fluids and gas cause a temporary weight gain. Give it a few days and you will see the scale move.

I'm building my way up to good restriction again after being totally unfilled for a surgery. this is what its been like for me. Every time I think "this is the one" and for three or four days it's great - I can eat good variety and reasonable quantity (as I dont need to actually lose weight now) but then it disappears and I have appetite, trouble getting from meal to meal without snacking, can eat what I consider HUGE meals (not really compared to others, there IS restriction there, but I can eat a whole sandwich for instance) and the satiation after a meal simply doesnt last. I'm really having trouble preventing weight gain, feel like I'm constantly on a diet and have to run 10kms almost every day to keep the balance on the favourable side. I've got enough control of my eating after six years that I'm not going to pile weight on, its taken me 9 months to gain 6lb, but a gain is a gain and I want to nip it in the bud. It wasnt quite like this after surgery - every fill took me to a good place, they did loosen after a few days but becuase I was much heavier and it took much less work to lose weight, I wasnt as aware of it or bothered by it. By the time I got to maintenance, keeping a steady weight was effortless - I didnt think about it, I had my daily routine around eating and exercise, and I enjoyed myself when I went out or away and broke that routine, then got right back to it. I never gained weight from these occasional indulgences. That's becuase I had the perfect restriction for me. Getting back to it is sure frustrating. But every fill lasts that little bit longer, and eventually you get there.

i just got home and stepped on the scale to see a 15 lb weight gain how can this be?

I have pcos and an iud. I have the paraguard iud, I wanted that one because there is no hormones in it. So far it has been fine (installed in 2008) and has caused no other issues or weight gain. I would ask your doctor though. And yes pcos sucks in the carb department and it so does make a difference when you lower your carb intake. Good luck!

Hey Jay9mal, this is such a truth! I think that the goal focus thing only puts a massive amount of pressure and stress on us. Believe me a year ago, I was admant that I would be a goal by now and one groovy hot chick... the reality is that, my body just ain't ready to be that groovy hot chick yet... ok, perhaps just a groovy chick!!! When my year marker came and I still hadn't reached my surgeons's goal, I was disappointed but happy with the progress... yet another conflicting mental state. Grrrrr! I really have come to appreciate that I will get there in my own time. I have been struggling with weight gain and being morbidly obese for so many years, it is hard not to feel a little scared that my goal weight is ever going to happen. I know I am doing all I can, I think there are many of us here that are doing the same thing. As long as we are true to ourselves, we will do this. There are days - not many - when I let go ... I eat as I please only much less, obviously. 6mths ago I would have been racked with guilt but now I feel that it is ok.... I am human and like I said, it is only now and again; perhaps once every 4-6 weeks. Remember, slow but sure wins the race... =]

Thx so much ladies. Well my story is not that far off from most. I gained most of my weight after I had my son in 2008. I am an asthmatic and have been put on steroids constantly which adds to my weight gain. I had lapband surgery done Feb 2010 and lost around 55lbs but gained most of it back. I have done tons of research on the sleeve and sleeve plication and now I am looking into having a revision.

I agree this is not the place to debate the band. There are other forums for this, however, in respect to smkeller's input, I think doctors need to be up front with complications and their own success rates on lapband surgeries. I did much internet research before proceeding with the surgery and everything scared the heck out of me prompting me to cancel my surgery once. Something that you have not mentioned though is that there have been great improvements to the band and the surgical technique. Not to say that this eliminates complications and there is not enough long term data yet, but, many of us have made the decision to go lapband because it is removable and there is no re-routing of the inside plumbing. In addition, I personally know a few people that took other WLS routes and a couple are miserable and two of them have stretched their stomachs and have gained most if not all of their weigh back and now have no other choices. I do understand that weight gain can also happen to banded people, but, there are options and the band is adjustable. Here's my story. I started my WLS journey research with the gastric by-pass procedure and was to go that route, however, along the way I met 2 of the people mentioned above at which point I started looking at the lapband and found it was the best fit for me and only because I did not want permanent routing of my intestines. That's just me though and I respect any of the WL surgeries. The final goal regardless of which route we take is "getting healthier" to live a longer and fuller life. Words of encouragement to mstrustar2730. Yes, death is a possibility as in with every surgery, however, lapband is less invasive and usually done as a day surgery. Death from a lapband surgery is minimal and is usually not from the procedure itself, but from surgery complications. After I did all my research on the lapband I discovered that a co-worker died from the surgery and I cancelled my surgery a 2nd time. Well, after asking more questions it turns out that he had heart complications and the surgery was never performed. I, as you thought it was a sign and should not proceed. My support system was awesome and with prayer and encouragement I went forth. Best darn thing I have ever done for myself and as I always say live for today and if complications come later on, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I am convinced that lapband has saved my life. I was in trouble medically taking 8 prescribed medications and am down to 3 for blood pressure. Would i do this again? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! Jake

I unfortuately had to have my band removed in Dec due to erosion..almost died in the process, because I only weighed about 93 lbs...anywho I have gained almost all of my weight back and now the insurance company will not pay for a reband...I don't meet the criteria because my BMI is 32!!! Seriously...so I have to gain all of my weight back to be qualified? I am sooooo depressed right now...I hate going out, I hate seeing ppl I knew when I was thin, I really really hate myself...I look in the mirror and I see the huge fat girl again...that i thought I left behind 2 years ago...So I really hate insurance companies!! WHY...I am supposed to go home and see my family and I am so ashamed of the weight gain...I dont want to go! HELP ME

Today has started off not so good..................First I start my morning by stepping on the scale and it reflected a weight gain of 3lbs since yesterday morning. I was devastated!!! From there everything started going downhill. I went in for my first fill (after the surgeon made me wait what seems like a year) and he only gives me a 2cc fill. When I first went in I told the nurse and surgeon that I hungry ALL the time. After he did the fill and told me how much he put in, he must have noticed my expression because he went to explain that he normally only give 1 1/2 cc on the first fill, but since I was hungry all the time he gave me a little more...........WOW thanks doc (sarcasm)!!!! And that if that does not do it and/or I am still hungry to come back for a fill in a month. Seems my "bandster hell" shall continue. I pray that I will be more optimistic tomorrow.

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Sorry to hear of your injury, Coops! Sounds like you have a handle on the tracking of your food intake. I think that is the best way you could prevent any weight gain while you are out of commission as far as exercise goes. Keep your chin up! Maybe it will sort itself out quickly

I tend to get majorly off track when I try to diet. This year has been hard, I was sick, having chemo and I got right down to 130lb (I'm 5ft 10). Being as dysfunctional as I am, sigh, I loved being officially "underweight". I was so happy the day I saw 59kg on my scales. OK, so I'd lost half my colon, had an ileostomy and was majorly dehydrated with severe diarrhoea, but dammit, I was officially SKINNY. I was unfilled at the time too, I worked SO hard to keep that weight. But as nature tends to dictate, I got better. Chemo finished, my body returned to health and a little (healthy) weight crept back, I got back to 140lb. I panicked. I began to diet very strictly. Dieting never ever ever works for me. I even gained a pound or two more and my old cycle of binging/starving has returned. Eat too little and only "good" foods, restrict fat, exercise a bit too much and sooner or later your body cries out in protest and you begin to lose the willpower, cave in to chocolate cravings and such. Through this time I've been completely refilled and it still hasnt helped. The answer to me, and I've done it this past week is to STOP dieting. Accept the weight gain, stop trying to lose it in a week, just take a moment, a deep breath and start eating normally. Enough at one meal to get you through to the next. Eat raw vegies, sure, but not as your sole source of nutrition. Say no to anything between meals, but anything goes for a meal - if I want a hotdog, I have it. That squashes the annoying nibble cravings - the Cookies, chocolate chips. It works for me. I am staying off the scales for a couple of weeks because when I dont see instant results I tend to go off the rails again. I'm back to just running rather than gym for a couple of weeks - long distance running for my body cuts fat incredibly well, weights and gym dont work nearly as well for me.

The hardest part about chronic "dieting" is fighting cravings that pop up when I'm in social situations. For example, yesterday, I wanted to pack up my baby and visit my mother's house so she could spend time with her grandson. But I didn't go. I didn't go because I was afraid I would end up falling off my low carb plan. For one, I could have been "ambushed" with a pizza or dessert that they had. Or, oftentimes my parents stress me out with their comments, etc., so that could have led me to emotional eating. Third, just being around them makes me want to eat. I associate their house with eating. Unfortunately, my parents frequently indulge in cakes and high calorie foods. Now take today. Suddenly my SO decides that he wants us to visit a church that is an hour away. Of course, I'm panicking. I went ahead and cooked my food for today, but I'm worried that the road trip will make me fall off plan. I associate long car rides with being able to stop for food. I know that this is not the way to live--either overeating with no restrictions, or eating right, but avoiding everyone and staying at home. My hope is that by the time I'm 6 months post op, I will be at my goal weight and I will never have to dodge a social situation again due to fear of breaking a diet and/or weight gain. My hope is that the sleeve will allow me to eat just a little of whatever is available or whatever I choose, and then I get full and that's it. Or, if that's not possible, just make it so that I'm so afraid to eat certain foods that I bring my own foods with me.

I've been married over 8 years and have 3 children, a daughter 7 years old, a son almost 4 years old and another son 19 months old. I work as a medical biller, get to work from home which you would think is great but it's really what help added to my weight gain.

Today is around 5 weeks since I hurt my knee and had to stop exercising. I must say it has been a very frustrating month. I have been doing therapy 3 times a week, now for 3 weeks and seriously there is little improvement. Not sure what I expected, "I think miracles". I guess my saving grace is that at least this did not happen at the beginning of my journey and I had already made progress. I have managed to maintain my weight loss and have even lost a few pounds. But I so much miss exercising, every time I see someone jogging or walking it makes me sad and makes me realize how much we all take for granted. Lap band surgery has given me back my life, I have so much more energy and has helped me re-build confidence in myself. I never realized how much being overweight had effected all aspects of my life. I wonder sometimes why I needed the lap band and why I could not have wrapped my brain around learning to control my portions myself. It took potential life altering health problems to shake me to reality and do something about my weight gain. The band truly is my friend and makes staying on track so much easier. I have thought many times over the past few months about getting a fill in my band so I would be able to lose weight faster. Patience has never been one of my attributes. I have always wanted instant gratification in what ever I did. I am glad I made the decision to work with the band instead of letting the band do all the work. I still have those days when I get stuck and PB, but they are usually because I fail to follow the rules and that is when I reflect back and realize if the band was not there to stop me I would easily revert back to bad behaviors. I honestly think I have found my "sweet spot" I can eat what I am suppose to eat, I rarely feel hunger, and food is not my main thoughts. I do occasionally splurge and allow myself a treat of a miniature chocolate or 100 calorie snack. The difference is I count these in my total daily calorie count. Yes guys I am one of those OCD people that has to count calories, I realize some think we should not have to do this but, I still do not trust myself, or maybe it is not trust but the fact I know myself and I know how easy it is to say: oh, that little bite won't matter, and a couple of desserts later your pants are too tight. I know a lot of you are still struggling to get to the place where I am. Don't give up on your self, each and everyone of us is work the trials and tribulations that we are going through. Believe in your self, because if you don't believe in yourself you can not expect others to. Don't let small roadblocks or set backs take away your focus. We all have common ground, this is a life journey and not a vacation from food. This is us building confidence in ourselves and learning to trust our selves alone in a room with the "evil" that lives inside. We all have our own demons to fight and all of our journeys are individual, we can't compare ourselves to one another and we all have to hold each other accountable. I am approaching my 1 year anniversary next month and I so wanted to be at goal but I know that I will not be there. But you know what? That's OK. Seriously, it is! I am pleased with my progress and realize that I will get there. So, I guess what I have learned most of late, is I have changed. I have moved from Diane the closet eater to Diane the obsessive calorie counter. I have always read that when you give up one addiction you usually develop a new one, well thank you God my obsession is managing my weight loss. So for all of you out there that are still struggling to reach that place where you are happiest, remember the happiness may not always be found in a number you reach on the scale but a happiness from within yourselves.

Congratulation with this new part of your life. You have done so good already ! 36 lbs down!! Just be prepared for the gas pains and possible weight gain of a few pounds. That is all typical and not to discourage you. GOOD LUCK

I had the weight gain. I was frustrated yesterday morning about that...but this morning it is gone plus two more pounds! How many days post op are you?

Weight 222.5 (sad but still down 7.5 pounds) was told the weight gain/lack of weigh loss is normal Turns out I had 1 cc in my band and they added 3 ½ so I have a total of 4 ½ and my band hold 10 cc The actual access the port was much more painful then acceding the medi port I had in my check for chemo. So numbing meds as I am a tough new Yorker cancer survivor (just in general I think when they hear you have had cancer that you are very strong and don’t need any minor stuff like numbing cream ect) After had to drink a cup of Water to be sure I didn’t throw up Went down fine and stayed down. I was hungry before the fill but after not at all My stomach was growling later in the evening but I was not hungry at all Had ½ an ensure (by the time I had dinner it was after 9pm and I didn’t want to have too much food in my stomach) but I was good didn’t wake up in the middle of the night starving like I have been On liquids for 2 days then mushies for 2 then normal food Feeling real psyched for this let the weight loss begin