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Esophageal dilatation (I don't know why they couldn't just say "dilation," but they had to throw in an extra syllable) is, in my experience, pretty much as described above. But, be careful when you "interpret" the words "overeating" or "pouch packing," or the like. It is difficult to blame overeating when not much is bieng eaten and the weight keeps coming off, as it did early on in my case. I wasn't eating more than my doctor recommended or more than I needed to eat to lose weight, I was just eating more than my esophagus could process, once its function was hampered by the presence of the band. And that "more than my esophagus could process" amount might be as little as two spoons of Soup. So, we would go out to an early dinner (we do that on a VERY regular basis because I'm a lazy woman), order off the lunch menu, have two or three spoons of soup, and then decide to "save room" for the fish entree. When it arrived, I'd take one bite and get that deer-in-the-headlights look. More often than not, I was off to the restroom to bring UP what wouldn't go DOWN. Turns out, I wasn't "packing" food into the esophagus as a result of eating more than my stomach could handle...what I was doing was eating food that never made it to my stomach, but bounced around--down the esophagus and then back up--because the band was keeping the esophagus from doing its job. Finally, three weeks before my band was removed, this was captured on video with two MD's witnessing it, but that was LATER.) Then I'd get an unfill. And then a fill. And for two years this went on, until I decided I needed to do SOMETHING. And I had one band doctor who wanted me to join his support group so I could learn how life with the band was supposed to work. (I already knew...just like it HAD worked for me for eight months or so, until the band did its damage.) After over two years of HORRID restrictions--and the weight gain that went with an emptied band and the infamous "soup and ice cream diet"--with the band, I finally decided to have a revision to the Duodenal Switch (aka Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch) because I wanted a stomach, not a "pouch," and I didn't want Dumping Syndrome like some of my girlfriends have, and I wanted to eat a more normal diet. I had that revision surgery a year ago. The surgery--band out and DS performed took less than two hours--and I was in the hospital four days. It took TEN weeks before I lost all of those band-related symptoms, but once I did, my life began. (And during those ten weeks, I lost about 55 pounds, so it wasn't ALL misery.) For some people, the dilated esophagus (picture a funnel, upsidedown) goes away once they learn to eat smaller amounts and to eat slower. For others, it may be a signal that this is not going to be an easy ride. I hope you find the cause of your problem and are able to reverse it. It would not hurt, however, to have a Plan B in the back of your mind, because taking over two years to figure out what to do next was not my most brilliant move. Sue

am really pleased at where I am! When I started this segment of the journey in late April, I was 271lbs and spent most of the day knitting and reading at the computer. When I finally made the decision to be Sleeved I was determined that I would succed. I had video conferences with my surgeon (who had been in Germany earlier so I know him) and the nutritionist every 2 weeks. I started using My Fitness Pal to track my food and excerise. Now I am officially calling myself a 'GYM BUNNY' . I am working out every day for 1-2 hours. I never thought I would be this active! I actually feel guilty if I don't do any excerise during the day-now THAT is a major WOOT! This morning I weighed 251lbs and I am so close to being under 250 for the first time in 25years that I can taste it!!!!! I am down 1 size in jeans and underwear. I really enjoyed throwing out those size 12's!!!! During the last couple of weeks I have had ups and downs and discovered just what kind of mind games we play with ourselves. I was out walking and started thinking...'I don't need no frickin' surgery. All I need it 1600 calories a day and 1 hour of excerise daily. Why go through the stress and strain of surgery that will totally change my life.' Well the answer is that I have been down this road many times before and know that my body will stall big time. Not just a little one but up to a year with no change or with weight gain. As hard as the excerise and diets are it will all be worth it when my son sees me weighing under 200lbs for the first time in his life (he just turned 25!). That is worth it all. Next week I have the final surgeon vist and ambualtory surgery visit. Then D-Day on the 22nd!!!!!

I'm not banded but I can try and give you some advice! Your first 2 weeks is usually when you see the weight drop quickly, especially if you had to do a liquid pre-op diet. Once you start moving on to more solid foods, a weight gain is not uncommon and shouldn't get you discouraged! A ton of people experience up to 10lbs of weight gain as their bodies shift from liquids to mushies or semi-solids. And walking will help you with the gas pain. And Gas X strips are recommended by lots. I hope this helps some! And welcome!! :thumbup:

As a lot of people here my weight as ALWAYS been an issue for me. I am at a raw emotional state right now that I can't take on this weight anymore! I am going thru the approval process for the 2nd time (first time didn't fully qualify weight/co-morbidies so the Dr. office wouldn't file for the pre-approval.) My weight is spiraling out of control. I'm not happy, kids driving me nuts, they need to go back to school and I have a husband that says he understands and is just trying to support me in this but just keeps throwing it in my face that I can do it on my own and have before and that getting this band is not going to be a miracle! 1) I know this won't be a miracle it's a tool!! I said this now and before, its something to hold me to it, so when it comes off I can't say hand me the snickers and I pack it back on. 2) I've committed to exercises before and stuck to it....the difference I could never loose more than 30lbs so I would get discouraged, pissed and quit...it all comes back, then I'm pissed I have to start all over again. I am tired, tried of this cycle. I just turned 29---I'm done having kids, have 3 boys. I just want to live the rest of my life in peace knowing that this time when it comes off, I have no choice but to put the right stuff in my mouth or risk horrible things happening to me and my stomach, not just having to worry about the weight coming back. I know this. He wants to compare my life, mentally and physical challenges of this weight to his weight gain since high school! Sorry pal---this is just not weight gained like you from going super athletic to sit on your ass and still thinking you can eat whatever you want. You fully did that on your own! He doesn't get that!! Mine has always been there!! My dad use to make comments to me about my weight, like peer pressure wasn't enough, went almost an entire year only eating a sandwhich a day to loose the weight. That got me to 140 when I was 15---then meet my now husband and got pregnant with my son. Of course he would say you were small when I meet you I was freaking 15!!!! And what I did the year prior to just get to that weight was ridiculous!! Then after you add 3 pregnancies on top of that!! I'm done! I swear I should be on that damn slimquick commercial how it's comparing the woman and man! It's true! He said I should take a hot bath after workouts helps shed the extra pounds!! Really! I proved my point to him. He did that got in weighed himself when done lost 2lbs...I gained 2lbs!!! I am over this right now. I am doing everything again I can to get this band on!! I feel like running and hiding on a island on my own right now. I have 1 person that is truly supportive of this idea because she knows what is like, his aunt of all people. I want to be happy for once in my life! I'm tired of walking in the stores liking a shirt that would be more age appropriate and them not having my size. I want to be normal, whatever that is I don't know anymore. I just know that this is not! I'm almost at 240 an all time high when not pregnant and I don't like this! Thanks for listening, hope I got all of this out I feel like my veins are popping out of my head right now. (Maybe I should go to the Dr to have them record a high blood pressure for today :/ to add that to my list to help me get approved!!)

Hello everyone. I an new obviously to this site and I had a question that hopefully I could get some feedback on. I am due to have surgery in June or July. My weight gain has been at a stand still since 2008 when I had a complete hysterectomy. Was never able to take hormone replacement and have literally been stuck at the same weight since then;give or take 2-5 pounds. What are your thoughts on getting the procedure and not having it work in the end due to my hormonal issue?

you lost over 100 pounds! You can do 20 pounds .Glad you are getting it back on track. Many of us here are battling weight gain. Get back to your bariatric eating plan high protein low carb. Log your food if you don't already. I use myfitnesspal. Hydrate hydrate hydrate! Activity and exercise. for motivation - holiday weight loss challenge https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/405183-holiday-challenge-time-lets-do-this/

I have been trying to quit smoking for a year. I quit for two months and gain weight so right back to the cigs. I have again quit and I am determined to not start again. The problem I am having is weight gain. I was banded almost 2 years ago and lost 70lbs in a year. Since I started to work on the smoking I have gained about 30lbs back. I had an endo appointment yesterday and he said "maybe what you need is the full by-pass". I am pretty freaked out about it, but I am also scared that if I continue to gain weight I will start smoking again. I do not want to gain back everything I lost. My band is as tight as I dare get it. I currently throw up about 5-6 times a week and when it was tighter it was worse. I am not sure what I am going to do yet????? I could sure use some advise. Dawn

Lots of people cannot tolerate codeine... I personally find all narcotic drugs to make me feel like crap the day after... for that matter even Benadryl. Most bandsters are fine without the heavy duty pain meds a few day out so stick with the Tylenol.... As far as the headaches they could also be from carb withdrawal if you didnt go through it preop.... as far as weight gain- yes probably from water retention....

I hate hormones. They make me sick. Not to mention the weight gain. I personally will take a few days out of the month to have a normal cycle like we're supposed to over hormones any day...which was one of the biggest reasons I picked the copper Paraguard over the Mirena.

I hate hormones. They make me sick. Not to mention the weight gain. I personally will take a few days out of the month to have a normal cycle like we're supposed to over hormones any day...which was one of the biggest reasons I picked the copper Paraguard over the Mirena.

I went on the pill this past October. The first month was kinda frustrating because I immediately hit a 6 week plateau, but I did start losing again and have been fine ever since. When I went in, I was interested in Depo-Provera. My gyno said no way she'd put me on it because of the massive weight gain people experience on it. So, she recommended the pill. I'm happy with it, however, everyone is different and the hormones effect everyone differently. I'd talk to your doc about it.

:help: Hi! My name is Stephanee and I am a 27 year old mother of 5 kiddos...3 birth children and 2 foster children, ranging from the ages of 3 all the way up to 16. My co-worker told me about the Lap Band about 2 months ago but I was still in denial then. On Friday, I went to see a plastic surgeon about recieving a much needed tummy tuck due to 3 c-sections and major weight gain. I informed him that we go to the gym 3 times a week and we eat healthy. I explained that I didnt want to have the procedure done until I lose some weight. Without him weighing me, he assummed I was accurate on my weight and proceeded to tell me he "didnt know why I thought I was healthy because 240 pounds and 5'5" is NOT healthy". And he went on to repeat the same sentence 2 more times within a 3 minute time frame. I was devasted. I knew I was overweight, but he was being really harsh. I looked at him and told him, "With you being a Doctor, is that all you can contribute to this conversation?" His reply was, "Yes, I guess so." I then told him that I didnt think this was going to work. He agreed with me and got up and left the room...leaving me there in tears and in an XL robe that fit me perfectly. I didnt take an opportunity to tell him that I had recently been tested for diabetes, thyroid issues and even had a CAT scan to make sure I didnt have any tumors. And those tests came back normal. I didnt take an opportunity to tell him that my mother died from complications from obesity. And I didnt take the opportunity to tell him that I was currently wearing a size 16, so I couldnt be as hopeless as he made me feel. As soon as I made my way out to my Jeep, I told my waiting boyfriend that it was over...no more feeling horrible about myself. We went to our gym to speak to a personal trainer. We decided I was going to hire a personal trainer to help lose the weight. But I still felt like I needed something more. I have tried many different diets and have been obese for the past 5 years. I work out reguarly, I am a volunteer baseball coach and the PTA President, so I am always on the go. But no matter how hard or long I try, I get no where. And then, last night, I remembered about the Lap Band. I stayed up until 12:30 in the AM doing research. Before, I was terrified at the prospect of surgery, as my mother passed away when I was only 6. But the more I read, the more comfortable I felt about such a major change. What I need to know is, are there anyone else in my shoes who was able to be approved for the Lap Band? I am 5'5", 230 pounds, with a BMI of 38.3 and I have UHC as my insurance company. Any help you can offer, I would really appreciate it. I am soooo tired of giving 100% to other people and 0% for myself. Thanks!!!

Some meds do cause you to gain weight. Ask your doctor if your medication is associated with weight gain.

Please help, need help fast! Started taking new meds for Pain two weeks ago gained 10 pounds how can that be! Im eatting around 1000 calories, can this be Water weight? Ive been eating the same food and water intake for almost two years now! Doe,s any body have a clue?

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.

God bless you and I'm glad you're taking to it so well (and thanks for checking in with us!) Just a couple questions--what was wrong with the anesthesia? Also, why the 6 lb weight gain (maybe IV fluids)?

It's okay to be super conflicted. Many people find comfort in food. Though my weight gain was medical, I didn't help it by eating chocolate all the time that's for sure. As someone who also loves to cook, this was hard on me as well. I make delicious homemade bread that I now won't be able to eat. I just started baking a few months ago and was making some crazy awesome cookies and deliciously pretty cakes that my family are now all constantly demanding... and I can't eat any of it. It's hard, its a mind f***. BUT it's okay. I've found new recipes to try. New angles to come in at. I am addicted to my spiralizer and making veggie pasta. (although I am now 2 days post-op so I won't be eating THAT for a month or so!) The true trick is to divert your obsession into something healthier until you can work through your food issues. Food is a wonderful thing, and life is too short to not enjoy it. But for the next several months, you life should be about you reaching a level of health that will allow you to open that restaurant, instead saying "Big Daddy's Bistro" haha So moral of the story, its okay to feel emotional and want to celebrate a few food funerals. But just remember that your health trumps all the food highs. Good luck with your surgery, and good luck forging a newer and greater path for you and your family!

No I did not realize this weight gain was to be expected this is why I created this post asking if any one else had gained 14 pounds. Thanks for the info

I am so worried about this. I am currently almost 26 weeks pregnant and up almost 15 pounds. I don't think you should beat yourself up over it. Sometimes, worrying about it makes it so we can't lose the weight. I have been stressing about my weight gain so much because I have gained so much just in the past 6 weeks. So, you know the basics and it sounds like you have tried it. Are you drinking enough water? What is your exercise program? Do you do cardio and weights? That was the magic combo for me. Before pregnancy, I was doing zumba once a week, running 5 days a week (anywhere from 3 to 12 miles), yoga once a week, and weight training 2 to 3 times a week. I lost 180 pounds my first year after surgery. The 2nd year, I lost NOTHING, I actually gained 10 pounds of muscle, but I went down 3 dress sizes. Make sure you are getting enough carbs to handle what your body is doing. When I first started training for a half marathon, I was not eating enough food so my body was holding on to everything. I had to up my calories and carbs. I actually did a metabolic test to see how many calories my body needs. My body burns 1350 calories just breathing and basic functioning. Before I had the test done, I was only eating about 1000 to 1200 calories a day. I upped it to 1600 to 1800 (over 2000 on long race days) and boom! weight adjusted.

hi i was banded just a few weeks before you were (December) and im down a very happy 44 lbs. My Dr is very happy with my progress, says this is the best way to do it , averageing 1-1.5lbs a week. (Im on my 6th fill) i have occasional plateaus but nothing im not expecting. This part may not work for everyone, but i keep a daily weight diary. I dont worry about a 2 lb weight gain as i put it down to digestion, hormones, water weight etc, but if i gain more then 2 lbs i can easily look on Myfitnesspal .com and see what ive been eating, exercising etc. This has been a huge help for me, plus the weight diary visualy shows me how my weight is going, usually down .....down....down......... Just when i think i havent lost any weight i look back on my weight diary and can see " Oh wait a minute, ive lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks ! Um .......im ok with that !" This helps. alot. Good luck to you !!!

I'm a Sheila too! I come from a family that has weight issues and my weight struggles actually started in Kindergarten and only progressed from there. In grade 5, I was on the Slim Fast diet for a while (I looked back and think of why my mother thought that would be OK, but she was desperate to help me and also struggles with weight). And I just kept on gaining and gaining all through middle school. Then in grade 10 I decided to do something about it, started exercising everyday and watching what I ate. I started at I think around 225lbs or 230lbs, it took over 2 years and I got down to just above 150lbs. I felt great! But it didn't last long. In the fall of 1997 I had a serious accident which left me unable to exercise. Also moving away from home made a difference, having no money and buying the cheapest foods possible (think Mac&Cheese and instant noodles). I gained back some weight and was back up to around 170lbs, then lost down to around 160lbs. Then, I met my husband at age 20, and that is when it got really bad! He was thin and could eat whatever he wanted. My weight just ballooned until I was my heaviest on my wedding day at 265lbs. Shortly after my wedding, I really started working at it again. I wanted to have children and knew that being so heavy was not healthy. For over 2 years I worked my butt off, losing just over 70 lbs and getting down to around 190lbs. Then I got pregnant and ended up 30 lbs heavier. And that is where I sat, at around 225lbs. Even after having another baby, my weight just stayed there and I gave up. I was exhausted from always having to work so hard for every pound lost and resided in the fact that I would be fat forever. I had looked into the band, but was a little unsure. I had thought about RNY, but it made me nervous, plus I was not big enough for it to be covered. Plus, I live in Canada, and the wait list to get it done even if I qualified was 10 years. Then, by chance, I was searching around on the internet and found a local company that was facilitating sleeve surgeries in Mexico. I talked to my husband about it, did some research, and knew it was what I wanted. We had to use our line of credit, but I got my surgery done on November 29th, 2010 and have never once regretted it. It took me 18 months, but I got to my goal and even dropped a few pounds below, and I maintained it easily for almost a year. Then a few months ago, I switched medications (I struggle with depression and was trying a different med). In 3 weeks I gained over 7lbs. I stopped taking the medication because the weight gain was worse for my mental health then not being on any medication at all. The weight gain stopped immediately, but it never came back off. Then I started reading all the posts on the Gonna Get to Goal thread and when Georgia started posting about 5:2, I knew it was something that I thought I might be able to do! And here I am! Another long post, but I find it therapeutic to lay it all out sometimes!!

Believe me.....I KNOW it's not easy! My doctor put me on a 1200 calorie per day diet for two weeks prior to surgery. I didn't even stick with that; ate more like 1400-1500. And THAT was a stretch. All of this WILL be much easier once banded (after you go through bandster hell), and 1500 calories will seem like a lot. After my little meltdown yesterday, I felt like my 1500 calories was 4000 calories! That is the beauty of the band (and plication....for me). 1500 calories on a bad day will not cause weight gain, and my need to add those extras got me through a difficult day. Today......back to my usual 1000. I hate "diets" too, but really, I feel like I still AM dieting. The difference now is, that I'm able to comfortably stick to a lower calorie plan, and not feel hungry all the time.

Or the Spartan Diet. Doe any one out there watch every calorie consumed each day? I did for over a year it became a job, and I was married to the scale and they were driving me crazy! I did lose alot of weight and I am very happy for that. I took a month off, of watching any calorie intake and over did it a couple days a week it just got easyer and easyer. and I gained a few pounds big deal I,was so worried about weight gain I did it and its no big deal. now I have to get back to watching my calories and doing the walk! So getting back to restriced diets is there any one out there doing every day? I just need a push.

I'm not going to get into an argument with someone on a message board. I simply stated that you shouldn't assume anything yet you're doing it again. Read up a bit on PCOS and you might learn something. PCOS is typically treated with diabetic medications, such as Glucophage. However, because one of the symptoms of PCOS is weight gain, many women (like myself) have failed to lose weight even with proper dieting and exercise. I'm not, nor have I ever been, obsessed with food. Prior to getting my band, I didn't over eat. I may not have always made the right food choices, but I was not one to over eat. Please read my post on the following thread about why I am fat. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=5223&page=8&pp=15 Please refer to my answer above to seehawksimms.

Did you see Oprah and her two Dr friends? I was so glued to my set! If I knew what they were discussing many years ago I dont think I would have taken my weight gain with such a cavalier attitude. I was moved to tears for my whole family. I have such a new found motivation to clean out my cabinets of all the junk and letting them hate me if they want to. I am strong enough in my love for them to make that stand. I know it is going to be a major process, but I wont be able to look myself in the mirror in a few years if I at least dont try. They are worth it. I am worth it. I need to get the book they just published. Im going online to her website to find out the name of it and will post it later. What a program. Wow Ok its called YOU:on a diet by Dr. Oz and Dr.Roizen and there is a program on Discovery Channel Nov.3 check for time in your area.