Search the Community

Mrsto is correct with regards to specialist physicians not aware of or understanding the special nutrition needs of a bariatric patient. Those physicians usually have their focus within the parameters of their specialty practice. That said, everyone is unique at what foods they tolerate, and certainly a priority needs to be getting proper nutrition. There are never ending debates regarding the role of carbohydrates for a Bandster diet. Certainly, whole grains are preferable to processed white grains. However, my surgeon has stressed to me the extreme importance of understanding that carbs are our enemy when it comes to reaching our weight loss goals. He has also stressed the importance of meeting the daily goal for Protein grams. I believe is is a misnomer to believe we can eat anything we want and expect to continue with weight loss. Eating carbs can lead to craving carbs, and couple that with fats from oils and you can have a prescription for weight gain. It would be best for you to consult with your nutritionist and/or bariatric surgeon to discuss what they feel is the best diet for you to follow. If there are serious medical issues which your cardiologist feels need to be addressed, perhaps the two physicians can discuss your situation.

Hello! My name is Jason and I am new to this site. I am 33 with a BMI of 37. My Co's are sleep apnea, and unfortunatly, documented depression. I have been on ssri's for about 7 years. Unfortunalty as some of you may know, the major side affect is weight gain. Stopping my medication is not an option right now.....but thats another thread I guess. My insurance co is United health care choice plus. My wife told me a few months ago that the lap band procedure was covered, so last week I set the ball in motion. I had an appointment with my PCP and he is very supportive. He said whatever I need, he will provide to help get it done. I have my physc consult next week, and another meeting with the surgeon on the 30th. I am so strung out right now with questions and concerns!! My wife had a gastric bypass 5 years ago and she has done very well. I am hoping that I can do as well as she. So if you know any pointers or tips in dealing with the insurance company, let me know please!! Thanks all. Looking forward to loseing!

I've lost 75 pounds in a little under 4 months--I have some minor excess skin on my neck and under my arms so far. I had a LOT of excess weight around my chin, neck, and shoulders (I feel like I have a neck for the first time in years!). It's already starting to tighten up as my initial dramatic weight loss has started to slow and my skin can catch up. I want to lose 40 more so it'll be interesting to see what happens over the next year or so. I'm 39 and my weight gain was very gradual over a period of about 20 years, so I hadn't been at my "high weight" for very long, maybe 3-5 years, for background.

YES IT IS NORMAL! Don't get worried, many people experience slight weight gain after the transition because there is actually real food for the body to process/digest. I even remember reading that B52 (who is now at goal) gained some weight the first few months. Just watch your portion sizes and try to make the best choices possible.

The great thing about banding is that it is compatible with later pregnancy. Like all pregnant women, you will need to be careful to get proper nutrition. Your surgeon and OB can work together to determine the calorie level you require, and your band can be adjusted accordingly. YES, you probably WILL have back pain---it's a common occurrence during pregnancy, when body mechanics shift tremendously. But it's TEMPORARY---as will be the weight gain. After all, you WILL have the band still, and will be able to lose the modest amount of weight recommended as a pregnancy gain quite easily. We ALL worry about...well, everything!...when it comes to pregnancy. But this really is one worry you can put to rest. Please don't let your pregnancy be soured by weight ruminations---so many of us (even pre-banding) focused far, far too much on THAT, and far too little on the absolute miracle going on in our bodies! PS-Your worst case scenario seems to be regaining your weight thereby harming your baby for life. My kids have had an overweight mom for a good deal of their lives. Know what? They were gobsmacked when I told them I was having WLS. It had never occurred to them that there was anything about me that required changing. Really, having an overweight mom does NOT RUIN KIDS' LIVES.

I had complications. My stomach twisted after surgery and it prevented me from keeping anything down. The second day in the hospital they put a stent in. It helped a bit but then got worse. I threw up constantly for the first two weeks. I couldn't get any sleep because I would wake up from a dead sleep to throw up. After a trip to the ER in week 2 for dehydration because I couldn't keep anything down including Water, I was readmitted the following day and they took the stent out. Did a complete 180 and was 100% better. I've had fluctuations with my weight, bouncing back within the same 3 pounds, but no significant weight gain.

Val, two words: Problem Solving E-Exercise W-Water HP-Huge Portions PS-Protein Shakes B-Bread WG-Weight Gain C-Other non complex carbs WL-weight Loss If... B+C+HP+W-E=WG then.. B-B+C-HP+PS+W+E=WL God I hope I did that right, anyway I made this example for you Problem solving and troubleshooting. Show your work!

March 3rd, 2022, will be my one year post-op anniversary. I have lost 127 lbs. For a while now, everytime I eat something, I feel like I am gaining weight! I have this constant worry about it. I try on different clothes, just to make sure I am not, I check the scale regularly, etc. I love my success, and I would do it ten times over, if I had to, but I do not like this constant worry about weight gain.

I was banded on Feb 2nd. I lost about 20 lbs since then. As of the second day I have been walking 1 1/3 miles a day plus doing what I can on the Wii fit. Weighed myself today and I have gained almost 3 lbs! I have not cheated once, I have been on about 1100 calories aday average the last week. I am pretty upset right now and I do not understand the weight gain. It is bad enough that I feel no restriction and am doing this all on willpower because I want to be healthy but a 3 lb gain is ridiculous

Your friend lost weight with Provera? I was told it cause weight gain.

Ok you guys here is another update, I went to my PCP today to get the additional info that they (the insurance co) requested. My blood pressure was up, they had to put me on BP meds (a plus for me). Now don't get me wrong, I don't won't high blood pressure, but if this is what's going to help me get approved. The acid refux yall is a very terrible feeling, they put me on meds for that as well. My PCP said she will write a letter regarding these issues, and will put on there that this is do to weight gain. Yall pray for me that this will help me get approved. I'll keep you all updated. So far as I know my dates have not changed for surgery, which is 08/13.

Sandworms is correct. He has to make the effort. Nothing you say or do will motivate him but everything you say about the old 50 lbs lighter him and his current eating habits will encourage him to rebel. It may seem childish but it's what we all do. Instead of longing for who he was becoming accept what has happened and start to make changes for both of you. Try a new recipe. Grow a small garden to get fresher food. Ask him to go for a walk with you. No agenda, just a walk. Do not talk about his weight gain. He knows he gained weight. He knows he's eating crap food. And he knows it makes him depressed and upset. If it is still bothering you, then you should go see a counselor and learn how to live with this situation. When your husband asks why you're doing it tell him the truth. You want to be supportive but don't know how and the changes he's making affect both of you and you need to learn how to cope. All of which is true. Once he sees you making an effort to better yourself to help the two of you, he will either do the same or your relationship will get worse. Be prepared for the worst. That way you can be pleasantly surprised when things work out.

It is realistic to be a normal weight. Yes, it does take work (if you call eating healthy and taking the recommended amount of daily exercise work) but it is worth doing. And I don't actually know anyone who is a healthy weight who doesn't exercise daily, eat well, and take care of their health. I set my goal weight, and my Dr agreed that for a woman of my height, it was a good weight. I have maintained 107 (a BMI of 19) for over 18 months now with no "rebound" weight gain at all.

quote=chill01]weight gain sucks especially after u lost all of your weight. I go to Dr. Fred Maese, he does my fills (my insurance covers it) but when it didn't it was $100 he is GREAT!!!!!!!

Having a slight unfill will not cause you to gain weight. Being overfilled can lead to all sorts of complications and can also lead to weight gain, because we tend to eat slider foods that are generally high in calories just to get something down. Having a looser band gives you many more food choices allowing you to eat a wider variety of foods. You REALLY need to go see your doctor. We all want to lose weight rapidly, but being overfilled is sure to backfire. If your body goes into starvation mode, your losses will slow down to nothing and you will lose muscle mass. I was overfilled once. Getting a very slight unfill was the best thing I ever did. I was able to go back a month later and get that amount plus a little put back in. It is not admitting defeat or giving up. Nor does it mean your weight-loss days are over. Best wishes.

I have been on Wellbutrin for 3+ years. The first 6 weeks it caused nausea and I had problems eating. After I got used to it, I think it has caused weight gain. The only one that caused me to lose weight is Cymbalta. I am still pre-op though (surgery 4/17), I don't know what the effects will be after.

:cursing:Ok fellow bandsters, I need to vent a little. I had my surgery on the 29th of July and have been doing very well with the weight loss (15 lbs) so far, but now I've gained 5 lbs the last 3 days, I was so close to 299, but now I'm back up to 305! It's been 3 days and the scale hasn't moved. My first fill is Fri in the AM. I hate this, I don't want to eat that much, but it's hard to ignore a rumbling tummy that won't shut up! I know I've lost 3 inches off my hips & thighs, and 1 inch off my neck so I know I'm doing well so far, but this is just so discouraging!!! Has anyone else had to happened to you? Can anyone relate? Thanks for letting me vent a bit.:huh2:

I have been on a large dose of gabapentin, I'm not sure if that cause any my weight gain or just the fact that I've become less active and my diet has not been as strict as before. 14 years 30 carbs a day diet has kept 150 pound weight lost at bay until my left leg was paralyzed eight months ago. I've gained 45 pounds total in the last year. I have lap band surgery scheduled for Monday and when I went to see the surgeon for the final visit a new surgeon saw me and said I should not get the lap band and I'm wasting my money. He showed me pictures and said everybody is getting it removed and that I should only have a sleeve. My paralyzation is hopefully temporary and was caused from a back fusion cutting/injuring my nerves. I need a tool until I have my mobility back. I was so devastated I started to cry, I wasn't prepared for the sleeve operation. I was at peace getting lap band and the doctor thoroughly scared me. At this point I'm thinking about canceling everything.

I went natural 3 years ago, I just wash, twist and keep going. I feel so much better, no having to worry about my hair sweating out during my workout sessions. I have been banded since May 7, 2012 and have since lost 36 pounds without a fill. I am thinking that this is slow weight loss, but my doctors tells me that I am doing pretty good to not have had a fill yet. There are weeks that I get frustrated due to water weight gain and muscle gain. Just trying to stay encouraged.

I'm writing this entry a bit early today. It's my first full day at home. I attached a screenshot of my MyFitnessPal progress for the day. I'm using MFP to ensure I'm getting all the protein I need while staying under the sugars and fats for the day. I didn't sleep well at all last night. I'm hoping that the sleep gets better. I was able to get a few hours of sleep in from 2 to 5 am this morning before I finally got up. I didn't end up following the food schedule I wanted to today. Mainly because my sleep was all messed up. I'll try again tomorrow. I took all the meds and my multi-vitamin I was supposed to take and had a BM finally. I was worried about not having one. I had a little bit of help though, because I took a suppository. One of the food suggestions during this phase for me is cream of wheat with a scoop of protein powder. I use chocolate light muscle milk to mix in and it tastes so good! My worry is that I don't have the ability to feel full yet so I'm eating it very slowly. Cream of wheat changes its texture very quickly to hard and dry once it's out too long. So I got two good bites in before it got hard and I couldn't eat anymore. Anyone with any suggestions would be nice. It's one only thicker consistency things I can eat right now and the taste is so lovely. For dinner I decided to try some fat-free yogurt with the unflavored Unjury protein powder. I found is that once I mix the powder in to the yogurt, the yogurt is a little too watery. Probably the temperature causing that. And though it says it's unflavored, I could still taste there was something different about the yogurt. It's sort of the same reason I don't do those unflavored mix ins for fiber or drink miralax in water. I can always taste the change and it makes me not want to finish whatever it is I'm eating. I decided to try out one of the trazodones that I had left over from last year when I stopped taking them to see if I could sleep this afternoon. I took a 50 mg tablet and it worked almost instantly. I slept for a little over 3.5 hours. Waking back up felt so nice. My best friend made dinner for the family today. Spaghetti with italian sausage and some garlic bread. I snuck a small bit of the garlic bread and immediately felt icky. I chewed it up until the point where there was hardly anything in my mouth and swallowed. Then for about 10 minutes I felt like it was lodged inside my esophagus. That was a stupid move, one I won't make again. I had 76 grams of protein today from the small amount of muscle milk I had in my cream of wheat, premium protein chocolate shakes - I had two to make up for not eating much at breakfast, and the unjury protein packet for dinner with my yogurt. I'm getting tired of the current set of meal choices. I'll have to change some things up tomorrow to keep things interesting. My mood today started on the sad side. But after waking up from my nap this afternoon I felt a little better. I need to get a little bit of walking in tonight before it gets much darker. I weighed myself and I'm close to losing all of the water weight gain from my time in the hospital. I peed so frequently yesterday that I dropped 6 pounds from morning until about 5pm. By tomorrow morning I should be back to my weight I was at before going into surgery.

I just had my revision from band to sleeve in July due to band slippage and weight gain over the past few years. I was in the same boat where I assumed that my insurance wouldn't cover it to the point that I initially was going to join the non-surgical weight loss program as I didn't think I could have another bariatric surgery. The PA I met with assured me that was not the case and that revision surgery is common and approval for them is not that hard to get. The fact that your lapband is in complete failure due to the damage sustained to the port means it should be easy for your doctor to provide all of the documentation needed to your insurance provider that the revision is medically necessary. Most bariatric surgeons are going to know how to "dance" with the insurance companies in order to get the needed result for their patients.

Oh my gosh...I am so glad you posted this...I was banded on 4/26 and I have also gained like 6 pounds. I have been on mushies this week...and that really isn't the heathiest I've discovered...but on Wed I start on real food and I am terrified that this weight gain will continue as I will be consuming more calories. My first fill is on 5/24--which I am very anxious and nervous about. Thanks for letting me know that I am not alone is this gain...I have a feeling the fill will be great...but until then.....?

go to your doctor or plan parenthood.. for a real test then get on some sort of birth control. now that you have the band even if the birth control did cause weight gain which it does not this should ease your mind. life is all about thinking before doing and setting yourself up for success this is part of it. For now go to the store and get some off the shelf prevention until you get the advice of a doctor. Babies are forever and they come first this is the time to put yourself first and set yourself up for a good future for you and you children... good luck

I am 22 weeks and my ob has been concerned with that I had lost 10 pounds. I had seen my surgeon last week and had 1cc taken out of my band. My concern now is that I had gained back all 10 pounds in 1 week. What experiences have you had with weight gain and taking fluid out? I do not feel as if I eat enough to gain 10 pounds in a week.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your health and the baby's health come first, and weight gain is part of the process. You really should look into getting your band unfilled. That is one of the wonderful things about the band, you can have a wonderful and normal pregnancy, and to help with the weight-loss, you can have you band filled again. Many Blessings! Nancy