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It could be affecting your weight loss. I am diabetic as well, I was on insulin and 2 oral drugs. I only take Metformin now as the glimepiride does cause weight gain, as well as the insulin. I would talk to your doctor to see what you can do and if there is another med you can take instead. You are very lucky to have your A1C down so much. I am not there yet, but diabetes runs in the family, whether your heavy/thin.

Ok, first things first, when people ask you how much weight you have lost, tell them that is not what you are most interested in with the lap-band. Tell them you are first and for most interested in getting healthy and extending your life. We all know it is also to lose weight, but people shouldn't make you feel like a failure just because you can't report back a loss to them. What you lose or do not lost isn’t their business. We also all know the band can be tricky and finding that "sweet spot" takes some time, once you do though, there will be nothing holding you back. It sounds to me that you need another fill, no big deal. I wouldn't beat yourself up about the weight gain though. You have ONLY had 1 fill, don't worry you will be great! :tongue2:

50 pounds in 12 days? Is that a typo? The amount of calories one would have to eat to put on 50 pounds in 12 days is....not even doable, especially when sick, especially with a band. But still. I'm sorry for your complications and weight gain. Yes, I agree. Finding the weight loss rhythm and optimal fill level after having been unfilled has proven challenging, and perhaps ulimately impossible for me. I'm back to traditional good old dieting (willpower + hunger + calorie counting) just to maintain my loss. Very depressing.

Hi there Natty, I was just banded 2/8. I didnt have to go on a pre op diet. My Dr. said that we are on a liquid diet after surgery and does not like to do that before because he believes its too long and people may give in an sneak or fail. The morning for surgery I got up and headed to the hospital alone. I had to be there by 8:45. My boyfriend was going to get our little girl ready and meet me there before surg. When I got there I checked in. They took me to a waiting room with other people having surgery. After a short time they called me back and checked me in and asked me a bunch of questions about meds, when I ate/drank last ect. I went back to the waiting room and about 15 mins later they came and got me. I was takin to an area that is set up like ER but its you and other people waiting for surg. I then changed into my gown and stylish non skid socks they give you. They were running a little behind. Another gal came in and asked me the same questions about meds, food,water ect. My two loves had now shown up. They gave me a shot in the tummy to prevent clots and said it would sting but I didnt feel anything and also got my IV started. I felt very relaxed this whole time. This was something I had worked hard for. 13 months to be exact. My Dr. came in and said sorry that they were behind but I should be just a few more mins. The anesthesiologist came in next and explained that there was a student there with him that day and asked if he could put the breathing tube down my throat. He explained thats all the student would do if I said yes and he would not be in there for the procedure. After saying yes he told me he was going to give me something in my IV to relax me. He said since I take xanax that I might not feel much and he would give me more in a min. He asked how I was feeling when we got to the OP Room and I said I was ok. He intoduced me to the two ladies in there that would be assisting. After that he said I am going to give you some more now and thats all I remember. I woke up crying lol. I said I was sorry for crying to the nurse. I asked how everything went and she told me it went great. She asked if I was crying because of pain. I explained to her that I was crying because I was happy it was finally done and sad because I made it and my mom didnt. My mom was trying to have the band and before she ever got to being approved or getting close she passed shortly after her 46th bday in her sleep from heart failure. She was amazed that I came out of it and was talking like nothing had just happend. I was told I had to stay in recovery for 2 hrs but after about 30 mins I wanted to go pee so she brought the lovely bed side pot over and I laughed. She told me its this or a bed pan honey. I got up and went and then layed back down. She called up and told them I didnt need to be there for 2 hrs and was ready for my room. My Dr. wanted me to stay over night. Went to my room and got to see my two love. Couldnt have anything to drink. My mouth was so dry. I finally talked them into letting me swish water around in my mouth and spit it out. Was givin the go on clear liquids by my DR but no more after midnight because of the swallow test. I stayed awake all night watching TV and playing on my phone. Did the test at 8 am. everything looked good so I was allowed to go back on clears. (I didnt mention that I was up walking around all night as well.) After surg I was up and walking within 30 mins of being in my room after the recovery area. Not much pain at all. I am now a week out and feeling great. I have already been going to the gym. My only complaint is that gas/ pressure in ur chest below ur breast and the water weight gain. Both of those lest day 5 post op. Sorry I shared such a long story lol. If I had to do it again I would no questions asked. I wish you the best of luck and I hope everything goes smooth for you. Ps. if you search surgery stories in the forum a thread will come up titled surgery day stories. I read from there non stop lol for 2 days before my surg.

Hey ladies! How long did you wait to get pregnant after vsg? My surgeon suggests waiting 18 months before trying to get pregnant. I have read about women who got pregnant unplanned, much sooner than that. I worry a bit about pregnancy weight gain, but mostly I want to be healthy and have a healthy baby. My husband and I do not have any children yet and have been getting a bit of baby fever lately. Of course it started after I was already in the process of trying to have surgery. We agreed I would do the surgery first, then think about having a baby. I feel like one year out would be ok to start trying. It may take awhile anyway. I am newly sleeved, so I have awhile to go yet, but it is something that is on my mind. And thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

All calories aren't equal. Sometimes it could be salt, sodium, water retention or carbs that cause that weight gain.

my date is july 10,iam a self pay and things are moving fast. but deep down i know iam ready. so tired of the yo yo weight gain .

Lots of people struggle with support. Only my husband knows I'm getting prepared for WLS and even he's been poo-pooing it. I don't need anyone else's opinions trying to derail my only shot at healthy living. Though, like has been said previously, being morbidly obese with no end in sight to the weight gain is definitely committing suicide by food. When it was put to me that way, it really got my attention. This forum is full of wonderful people who have all kinds of experiences. Immerse yourself as much as you need; we're all here to help and support each other. I found this great podcast from one of the threads called www.weightlosssurgerypodcast.com. Take a look at episodes 57 and 60 that talk specifically about the surgery and how to prepare for it physically and emotionally. I'm trying to get hubby to listen to them. Blessings

possible to gain 5 pounds in three days have my first fill two week ago no weight loss not gain 5lbs crazy omg Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Hello all, Let me just say, regaining the weight is very easy. When I was banded in 2010, I thought this was the cure all to weight loss. Bottom line, behavioral modification is the key. Prior to banding I was 270, I went down to 215. I was hospitalized periodically during the months of September 2012 through November for an Achilles tendon rupture. My weight is now fluctuating; 220-235; I gained weight! I am terrified to go to my physician because of my weight gain. He is aware that I was on strict bed rest, he explained, I could still do exercises while sitting up. He threatened to remove my band if I am not compliant. My fear is that my weight has been 215 for months prior to surgery. I have been drinking a lot of juice that is loaded with calories, I eat on the average per day of two cups of starchy food items, one palm size meat item, two cups of vegetables, and the rest is juice and coffee with cream and sugar. These food items are divided through the day. I am definitely not hungry. In all reality, I still should have lost weight! I last saw him in August, I was 215. Prior to surgery, I was doing spin aerobic three times a week. Now that I am on my feet and can walk, I walk 2-3 miles three times per week—the scale has not moved. What the heck do I do??? I need to get back on track. I am feeling like I went under the knife for what?

Heatwhip, I don't have any words of wisdom for you, just know you're NOT alone! scales went up 2 lbs over the weekend and are staying there right now. I'm doing my damndest to ignore it and just tell myself that the sleeve has worked for hundreds (thousands?) of people...it'll work for me/us, too! If nothing else, I look at the averages. I'm 3 weeks post-op...even with the weight gain, I've lost ~12 lbs...so that's 4 lbs/week. That's still really, REALLY good for me. You've lost 14 lbs in TWO weeks...or even if it's now 10 lbs, that's FIVE lbs per week. Prior to the sleeve, I bet you'd have been thrilled with that! So chin up, girl! Just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing, give it time, and you'll be thinner before you know it!

hi anyone.. i only just stumbled across this site.. i wasn't sure if i would be able to find anyone who could relate to me or would want to talk to me.. im 21, ive been morbidly obese for the majority of my child and teenhood. i suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease which is said to of caused the majority of my weight gain, Severe depression.. i say due to my weight as i have been fat since i was 4 and have seen a dietician since i was 9.. i feel so alone, my family some of whom are large but don't seem to go through the same thing i do, and i don't have many friends or a best friend that i can talk to. My parter of 14months is the closest thing i have and he just wants the best for me. after trying nearly every diet known to man, lapband is now the last resort. i am seeing a lapband specialist in two weeks after all other specialists for my back problems, polycystic and sleep specialists have reccommended. i am so scared as i have seen the negative side of the surgery in my moms ex best friend but also the positives in my partners mom. i am scared that i will not lose much weight by doing this and that is my greatest fear. i need to lose nearly 50kgs.. nearly half my body weight to be at what my dietician deems my optimum weight. i just wish i had someone to talk to so i didn't feel so alone despite the fact i know there are thousands apon thousands of people suffering aswell i just don't seem to be able to find any to talk to.. i would really love to hear stories from others and anyone interested in talking to me and guiding through the process.. I hope everyone is having a beautiful day and that things go great for you all! Kind regards, Sammy p.s. my email is missdillon@live.com.au and my msn is xox1misled_angelxox1@hotmail.com

I'm not sure what specifics are going on in your situation. Are you pre - op? How far out from surgery are you? Are you having a stall or weight gain? Pre op. Not so sure you can do anything to make your stomach smaller. If this is a stall. Look up breaking the stall on this site. Stalls are normal. If you feel your stomach may be stretched, contact your surgeon's office. Many arguments out there about the ability of stretching your surgery . I won't touch on that. Clean you out? I've heard of people doing a diet cleanse to start over a diet. Look into it if you feel it will be beneficial to you. It's normal to be able to eat more as you get further out from surgery. The restriction is still there. It's just different. Kind of a reboot is going back through a liquid or soft food stage for a week... Helps to notice the volume you are able to hold and where you feel restriction at this point of your surgery. Go back to bariatric basics to continue weight loss I still log my food. I eat high protein andI add as much veggies as I want. It helps me to feel full. It keeps my calories down and my weight loss is back on track. Hope you are doing well, Jenn

I am beyond frustrated with everything lapband related at the moment. I had my lapband about 6 years ago. I did okay at first and in all lost 62 lbs. Unfortunately that only brought me down to 220lbs so obviously I have a long way to go. With my goal weight being about 150 I still have a ridiculous long road ahead of me. That would not be a problem if my band was working for me, however, that is not the case. About a year and a half ago I was having restriction so much that I was throwing up in my sleep. Also, still not losing any weight which still boggles my mind. I went in reluctantly and had some of the fill taken out. I was under the impression that the Dr. only took a little out but I am starting to wonder. I have been back in about 4 times since to get a fill and have yet to notice ANY restriction. This is just not acceptable. The last time I went in he told me that I had the tightest fill that I have had since having my surgery. Obviously if I went from throwing up in my sleep to having no restriction at all then it doesn't take a rocket scientist OR A DOCTOR to figure out that something is not right !! The bad thing is is that I have told him that I am having problems and he has yet to do anything but want to give me another fill. Well I have gained 20+ pounds back so I almost feel like I am at the starting point again. This is beyond frustrating. Not only emotionally but add the fact that I am a self-pay patient and this has been a major expense for me. The way I look at it this was a major decision and it is what I consider a last resort. What do you do when your last resort fails miserably ? ? ? ?

I agree with everything Jachut said. Pull yourself up. Stop having a pity party and MOVE FORWARD!!! If you don't like the doctor; find another one! You are the customer. Stop them when they want to run out of the room quickly. I had to do this to mine. I had to say "Wait, I have more questions and if you've got something else to do, I'll be right here waiting for you when you finish!". They knew then, I was one they were going to have to take their time with. He turned around and smiled and asked, "What's on your mind?". I then began to tell them that I'm a 25% payer and I don't have the time to continuously come there for small fills and then file the claim, take off of work for both, etc., etc. SPEAK UP, they will listen! Build a rapport with whatever doctor you choose. You are so close to your goal ( according to your ticker). Don't you lose heart or hope. Remember, the band is a tool. No tool ever works unless you grab it and use it! We've all had setbacks. Join the club, honey. But, be a part of us who move past our setbacks, weight gain, and self sabotage. You can do this!

I had a breast reduction in 1992 when I was 18...went from a DD to a C cup. The recovery was quite painful and I was in the hospital for six days and resting for about 3 weeks. It was extremely painful to have the drainage tubes removed. That was NOT a fun part. My breasts were rock hard for a year or two then they started to lower and soften up. I would frequently have stabbing pains in my breasts...from what i understand that's just the nerves regenerating. My nipples are still sensitive; however the sides and undersides of my breasts are completely numb. In 2002 I had my first daughter, and she was a preemie, in the NICU for 3 weeks. That made it extremely difficult to exclusively breastfeed her as I had to keep battling the nurses not to give her formula, I also didn't live in town and I pumped and pumped and pumped but I could barely get anything out. She was very sleepy and had a poor latch. So basically when I got her home I breastfed her but supplemented with formula. I nursed her for 3.5 years. My one breast did not work that well, so I didn't get much milk out of it, but the other worked great, so I had hugely insanely lopsided breasts while lactating. My second daughter was born in 2004, no complications, and I exclusively breastfed her for almost a year and a half - no formula! I was so proud of myself!! I even tandem breastfed both daughters. So now, 11 or so years after my reduction and a 100 lb weight gain, they are a bit saggy but still perky. My scars are pretty bad, you can see the scars in my cleavage, and i have keloid scars underneath them. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life to have the reduction. They used to hang straight down and my nipples pointed to the floor. Now they are perky and round and with the weight gain they are back at a DD but I'm OK with that. Hope this helps!!! Robby

Do you know how strict they are on weight gain during Ur 6 months? Bc I have gained just found out I have under active thyroid and meds aren't adjusted yet so having a extremely hard time losing

I used to exercise a lot, and was very much into running; weight gain slowed me down then eventually stopped me due to pain and discomfort. But for me, it really gave me a lot of confidence and a sense of power and achievement. I would set goals for myself for how much I wanted to lift, how many reps, or the distance I wanted to run (I was never fast though--I'm built for endurance, not speed!). My biggest achievement was a half marathon. Besides being beneficial for my health, that's what it was--a way to strengthen myself inside and out, and to provide myself with a way to achieve if I just try. There aren't too many things in life that can give you that freedom and that kind of guarantee. I dearly hope I can get back to that eventually. It was a good 50 lbs. ago that I had to stop even walking due to pain. I never felt better about myself than when I finished a good run.

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

In my most previous posts I've been lamenting on a weight gain three years post Weight Loss Surgery(WLS). No matter what I did the extra five pounds did not want to come off. It also lead to a spike in my A1c which put me back into the Type 2 category. I'm very fortunate to have friends and family that have had WLS after I had mine. We form an informal support group by calling each other up and helping to assist in times of need. Well, it was my time of need. Two of my fellow WLS pals directed me to a You Tube channel, Dr. Becky Gillaspy. They said her videos have helped them and it might spark an idea or two for me. I looked at her videos and two in particular caught my eye. What happens when late night snacking and Intermittent Fasting. I realized that I did snack prior to going to bed. I don't snack on junk food but no matter what I snacked on prior to bed was having a negative effect on my weight. I stopped eating at 7PM and did not resume eating until 8AM which gave me an intermittent Fast of 13 hours. When I conducted my weekly weigh in yesterday I found that I was down 3.5lbs from the previous week. It is too early to claim success but it looks as if this strategy might prove to be fruitful. I'm hoping that this also helps with my A1c levels. If anyone has any information regarding the late night snacking and intermittent fasting I would appreciate you sharing it. Thank you and I hope you all are enjoying your new found health.

Congrats!! I'm actually going on 33 weeks with twins and no weight gain. I'm a year and four months out. I'm excited too!!

Hi! I am in a very similar situation. I was banded by Dr. Spivak in June 2009. I lost only about 40lbs. initially with my band, but never really gained anymore weight and was able to eat a pretty normal diet. I too cheated a lot and new that I needed to really commit to the diet that goes along with the tool. In May 2011 I found out that I was severely anemic, and had other Vitamin deficiencies and let my doctor convince me to have the Fluid taken out of my band so that I could swallow all the Vitamins and supplements easier. They also wanted me to do a detox diet that required several supplements. So, I had the unfill. Dr. Spivak was not in, so Brenda did it. I think he probably would have talked me out of it! I started the vitamins, coincidentally found most of them on Bariatric Advantage site so didn't really need the unfill. I never even finished the detox. Mid June I called the office to be filled again, had only gained maybe five pounds at this point and heard that he was moving to Isreal and was given the number for the "other doctor"! Brenda suggested that I wait to get filled until after our cruise in July, so I waited. Waited too long! I just went in to the "other doctor" after gaining back about 25 pounds! I had the same interaction with him. I felt rushed and he even forgot to tell me what diet to follow after the fill and weight gain. But what he did feel obligated to share with me was his opinion of the lap band. He said that they are now finding that patients are not having long term success. He said that Dr. Spivak was actually doing this particular study and that the sleeve was now the preferred treatment. He said that he would go ahead and start fills for me, but it looked like I am probably one of the many who will not have long term success with the band and that I should consider the sleeve. I left his office feeling totally defeated. I do not want another surgery. I had to self pay because my weight was not high enough and I have no other health issues. I really can't afford another surgery and frankly don't want to go through that again. At first I beleived what he said to me, but then started wondering if he's just trying to sell me another costly surgery. I'm sure he doesn't make much on the office visits. I hate to think that way! Really miss Dr. Spivak

You might not be to tight, but you don't need a fill. Try the hot tea in the am, you still might not be able to do Breakfast but it might make lunch easier to deal with. Eat slower, chew more and chew some more. Also, if you have had the refund going on, try a couple days of liquids. Your throat might be swollen and is the cause of your problem. I am a strange band bird. Some days I can eat breakfast, most days I don't want it. Next, hot weather makes me tighter. Last summer it happened to me and daily I was making toilet deposits. Finally went to the doc and he said I had irritated my throat and should have done the liquids to let it repair. Unfill, weight gain because I was scared to refill. I have been told this is silly because our internal body temp remains the same. I haven't wanted food all day today, it was over 100 and I felt like nothing would go down if I tried. I had a Protein drink and for dinner 2 chicken strips. I haven't been hungry and have felt FULL the entire day. In fact I have felt this coming on for the past couple of weeks as the temps went up. I seldom am hungry and eat because I know I need to. It's hard sometimes because to me it's the same as stress eating. I usually don't want anything and will eat only the fun/wrong stuff.

The dreaded stretched sleeve debate..lol I'm going to copy my response and keep posting it. What you are describing is normal for the sleeve. It's not "stretched" this is the progression out from surgery. The restriction is still there. After surgery your restriction is tight. The restriction will change. Surgery few oz Might get 600+ calories first few months 4 oz five months to a year 6 oz to 8 oz 1200+ calories One year out half a plate. five to ten years a full plate "Grazing" is usually the cause of weight gain. You have a new point of volume and sensation of full. If you eat high calories throughout each day . (calories can be combination of good and bad food choices) It's the same effect as if you didn't have surgery. An excess of 500 calories will cause you to gain weight. A tip that may help: Try eating every 2 to 3 hours. Protein first and eat vegetables until the point of full. The bulk and fiber of the veggies will help with hunger. I can eat 5 to 6 oz of protein with a cup and a half of chopped salad. takes a while to eat but, it keeps my weight down and I feel full. Medical professional explanation to back this up below: Dr. Matthew Weiner Published on Mar 16, 2015 "Stomach Stretching" is the term used by many weight loss (Bariatric) surgery patients to explain the changes in their appetite and food consumption after surgery. Dr. Weiner explains what's really happening and how to prevent it.

I am now at 7cc on 10cc band I'm still not losing weight, gained 3lbs. I'm giving up.