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Hello, I am 32 years old 5'8 and 235 pounds. At my heaviest I weight 270 pounds. I have yo-yo dieted it seems like my whole life. At one point I lost almost a 100 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 10 in less than a year. I was unable to maintain the weight past a 2 year period. I just watched the Dr. Oz show about the new FDA regulations for people who are not considered morbidly obese and I am seriously considering the surgery. I don't really have any medical problems, but I feel that depression is becoming a real problem for me. I worry about dating, about starting a family- I just don't feel confident enough with myself and the depression is impacting my life more and more- I know weight is the main problem! Also, although I'm healthy now, I worry about the health problems that I will have in the future. Don't get me wrong, I know that food and weight gain is a symptom of the emotional stuff. Believe me, I've read all the books, watched all the shows- In fact, I was invited to an Oprah Winfrey show after reading the book Women, Food, and God. However, to win the fight against your emotions - it has to be a 24/7 battle. I would like to have a life that's not consumed with eating or trying not to eat. I would appreciate any opinions.

My story is a bit different than many people's as my weight gain was caused by something that typically causes people to lose weight. I have Addison's disease, which went undiagnosed for nearly 10 years. Addison's disease is sort of the opposite of thyroid disorders that many of my fellow sleevers have suffered... Essentially, people with Addison's don't produce enough cortisol, and this causes them to feel tired all the time. I started suffering from the symptoms around 18, but it did not become full-blown until I hit 20. Because I was tired all the time, I needed a way to stay awake, and resorted to eating in order to keep myself going. That's when the weight started coming. I gained more in particularly stressful periods when I needed more energy. I went from 127 lbs (and working as a promotional model during my freshman year of college) to 175 lbs, where I had leveled out at 23 for a few years. Then I moved to France, and ended up in a very stressful job where I mainly worked from home (less activity, more stress = more eating) and went up to 190. I was finally diagnosed with the Addison's last year, but unfortunately, the medicine (cortisol) inspired an additional weight gain last year that put me up to 230. It has been particularly hard for me in France because there are simply not many overweight people in this country and it is nearly impossible to find plus-sized clothing (I have to go over to London). It also did not help that a company which I had previously worked for in the US (and had an amazing track-record with including several sales awards) flat out refused to hire me because I "did not have the right look". Plus, with last year's rapid weight gain, I couldn't even recognize my own face in the mirror anymore. Nothing was helping to lose the weight either (not 2 hours of gym per day or the strict organic diet I had been following for 3 years)- I was just gaining without stopping. I stopped wanting to meet people or see my friends because I became so ashamed of my weight, and tired of everyone I met asking me when the baby was due. I also started to have a lot of pain in my feet (I have long, thin bones), and could no longer ski or iceskate or even walk long distances. So the doctors decided that sleeve surgery was my only option as diet and exercise alone were not working and because if I kept gaining, I would no longer be able to walk at 30 years old... The decision to do the surgery gave me hope that weightloss was an option for the first time in a long time. I went through with the surgery on 21 March 2011 at the American Hospital of Paris with Dr. Hobieka. I have lost 8 kg (which is almost 18 lbs) in the first 2 weeks, and am now stalled out in week 3. I'm excited to see the results and to get back to 135 (which I have not been since 19). Here's to wishing everyone else luck with their sleeves... :-)

Hi all I am due to have my surgery on April 20th. I have been working out for some time now and am really worried about how long I have to wait before I can get back to the gym. I run, swim, work with a trainer for building muscle, and another trainer for boxing...though just started the boxing. Pre-weight gain I was very athletic an my body seems to be "remembering." I'm building muscle fast and slowly watching my running endurance improve. I work out 5-6 days a week and am really REALLY scared about losing everything I've worked to build up to now. I have a LONG way to go and I'd rather not backslide. NOT having the surgery is not an option for me either. I'm DONE fighting this weight all on my own. I've been trying for years. I have a few questions.... During the liquids only phase... do you even HAVE enough energy to work out if you're allowed? I average 1.5 to 2 hours working out and really push it on the weight training. I'm wondering how long I'll have to wait. Is anyone else out there into weight training? Boxing? I've been looking over some posts and I'm really getting frightened by some of the "bad experiences" I've been reading about! Any advice, suggestions, etc... would greatly be appreciated. thank you Renee

So I was banded on 5/23/08 and in November of that same year I found my sweet spot after three or four fills. Since being banded I have lost 135lbs but have still not made it to my goal weight (at my lowest weight I was about 20lbs shy). Recently I have been able to eat a lot and even wake up hungry in the morning which I havent felt since before surgery. I even have gained about 15lbs in the last two months. I have had acid reflux and heartburn since banding and my doc did find a very slight slip in my band at my last visit but nothing enough to remove fill for or need to worry about at that moment. My question is- does my sudden change and weight gain mean my band has really slipped or is it possible to need a fill even after I was at my sweet spot for so long? I know the obvoius answer is to have testing to see the placement of my band but since surgery my ins has changed and it currently does not cover any band related expense. So I would have to self pay and money has been tight lately. I am so scared that some sort of revision will be needed and I literally will not be able to have it done because of cost....

Hello ladies, So, I had my blood results back and they indicated that I am early stages of meopause or perimenopause cos my monthlies ain't quite stopped, although they are all over the place. I went to see a specialist and she has given me HRT, mainly due to my age - going through this a lil early at nearly 40! She recommended this as low levels of estrogen can have long term problems for young 'uns?!! To be honest, this is not what I wanted to hear... I ain't sure why, as the friends I have spoken to about it don't really see it as a huge issue... perhaps I am being too sensitive. Anyway, I have started the evorel conti Patches... put my first one on today! Just wanted to put it out there to see if anyone else had used them and what it was like? I suppose I am really worried about weight gain, as I have read that it can be a side effect... I don't want to sound superficial but I can't help it. I am almost positive that the hormone thing is the reason that I still haven't lost any weight since the end of Jan and the thought of gaining really freaks me out. I asked her about this issue and she said she is a firm believer in 'you are what you eat' and that as long as I eat Protein and veggies I shouldn't gain and should continue to lose... hmmmm... thoughts or comments would be warmly rec'd ( and I'll try not to cry...lol)

I can finally see the posts again on the website threadJ. Jods – I am so happy for you & your progress! Enjoy the man & feeling like a kid. Just sit back and have fun & let it take shape. Have fun! Have cleaning up your room & good luck with the last 10 lbs too. Charlene – keep up the great work! It is tough. Apples – just read you post about the weight gain. Don’t beat yourself up as overall you are still ahead. Just get back on track. Have a great day! Kristi xx

Welcome! My weight gain came on with hypo-thyroidism also. Welcome to the group! My surgery is April 8th.

okay I am gonna be really honest here and talk about some problems have been experiencing. Background info on me; Banded almost 2 years really no problems. Last fill 1 year and 2 months ago. I have a 10cc AP Band and 3.8 cc in it. I have lost 84 lbs so far and would like to lose another at least 15 lbs. I try to work out every night at least 1 or 1½ hours. But in the past month, month ½. I have been experiencing bing eating almost on a daily basis. It lasts about ten minutes but a lot can be eaten in 10 minutes. Did I mention I work from my home and 3 days a week I watch my Grandbabies 4 year old and a 23 month old for about 4 hours or so while I work. I also suffer from clincal depression and have probably my whole life but dignosed about 7 or 8 years. Meds seem to help pretty much but still have some depression and anxiey anyway. I also went through 3 years of therapy. But it was not about eating disorder. I have never been a binge eater in my life. It happens usually once a day. I eat it, but do not vomit it up. It is like my mind just turns off and I will I do it, it seems unstoppable at the time. I am not eating large amounts of food but just lots of little bites of everything bad for you. I usually return to liquids for a couple of days and get back in control. I have not lost any more weight nor have I gained any. I exercise hard. I think if I got on the scale and it showed a weight gain or if my pants got tighter I would be able to stop. Every morning I wake up ready to go and sometime in the afternoon it happens I start out with a Greek Yogart and then I might have a chip or 2, some grapes, maybe eat a couple of small spoons of ice cream out of the containier.or a small package of Dora fruit Snacks and then maybe a orange which always get stuck and puts an end to it. I feel so horribile. My husband works at the chemical plants and has been working a lot of overtime, including the weekends hence I am alone at that time. This has got to stop I can not go on like this. I do not like how I feel thinner, I do not know how to feel . . . .it is as if I lost my idenity. I did like this once before without the band when I lost 100 pounds on my own I totally lost my mind had a break down. The identity issues was what I found out is my problem during therapy that and bad thought patterns. I either think of myself as Roberts mother, or Mauro's wife, Grandma, employee, child of God and nothing else. I do not know who I really am. I did not know I should also be me standing alone, but I just do not get it how do you figure that out? After I reread this I might not post it it but I hope someone will read this and say oh that sounds like me. My therapist does not deal with eating disorders she is suppose to find me one. Even if I am not gaining weight it is not healthly for me mentally or physically. Any ideas? Cheri

Today marks a month since surgery and I feel pretty great. Of course, it's hard not to feel great when you drop 34 pounds in 31 days. I know the first month loss is special and rarely repeated so I am just going to enjoy that number for a few days. I will say that it is now apparent that I am one of the blessed (cursed?) people who can eat pretty much anything without negative physical effects or complications. I haven't done anything crazy but I am going journal shopping tomorrow and will begin seriously policing what I am eating and what excercise I am getting. I gave myself a month to adjust to surgery but I want to work on developing some lifelong habits so I don't have to ever deal with this again. I want to relax and enjoy life, but I hope I stay ever-vigilant for the carelessness and poor practices that led to the weight gain. I am really scared of backsliding now or one day in the future. At the one month mark, I constantly find myself comparing what I eat now to what I could and often did eat before surgery. The sheer amount of food I used to put away in one sitting much less an entire day now fascinates me. Anyone else having these moments?

Whew my DD girls have finally left the building, but it's a good thing. I was up to a 40 DD, then 38 DD, then a 36-34 DD (depending on style), and now I'm not sure of my exact size, but my bras starting feeling big again. I did finally buy a 38 full C minimizer last night and the back seems big since it's on the last hooks with ease, so I'm thinking I'm a 36 or 34 C ??? right where I would LOVE to be and where I was in my 20's, size wise that is...the girls have been through A LOT since then LOL (2 pregnancy's, 2 biopsy, weight gain, weight loss, poor girls LOL). I need to go for a proper fitting soon.

Hello! My name is Heather and I am 25 years old. I have been battling with being obese since the age of 13. When I was 13 I gained 73 lbs. in 1 yr and no clue why. When I was 15 I was told that I have hypothyrodism and that was the reason for my weight gain. I have had a stable TSH level for over 1 yr now. I was just put on medication for having hypertension and also acid reflux. I seen my bariatric coordinator today and I have decided that the sleeve is the way to go. I am 5'4", 224 lbs and I have a BMI of 38.6. I am waiting for the call from my surgeon after they recieve the papers from my family doctor. I am hoping to have surgery the middle or end of July. I am ready to become more healthy and prove to my children that being obese is not the way to live.

Morning everyone!! Deff check out Walmart Candra, like Pam mentioned. I have friends who have to get prescrptions there because of no coverage, and they only pay $10 or $12 bucks. You might get lucky and be okay! DO NOT FEEL BAD ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT GAIN! I am a yr out and only down 28lbs as of today. At one point I was BACK TO 235 (214 is my lowest) which is bad when surgery morning I was 247; We all have life and issues, and we all have to deal with them somehow. Regardless, you are still smaller then when you started and that right there is something to be happy about! =) Riley how is WW working for you? I go on and off the plan and can't seem to stick with it. Right now I am doing a basic low carb atkins, eating under 20 carbs a day since I don't do well with them. So far down roughly 9 lbs in alil over a week and a half and sure the gym helped as well

Thank you so much!! I cant believe how much support this board is giving:) and yes I am always afraid of what am putting in my mouth as u said! and yes I am eating so little!! and finally after speaking with many and receiving ur awesome posts!! I have come to conclusion that it will be so different and so healthy with the sleeve! and that the first 2 weeks are days from hell! but they pass! and that I can get to my goal weight!! u all put so much optimism in my way:) I also had an appointment with another doctor for just a second opinion!! and he told me that I am considered a band success story!!! which really made me feel over the moon.. as my band doctor somehow considered he failed me somehow.. he is a friend to my dad and he mentioned that one day to him that he feels that he didn't do well with me! well the other doctor really said that my doctor was a great one! and he really did a great job with u! He is also convinced that I am gonna get through the sleeve as I had my band to practice some part of what I have to do with the sleeve too. He also believes that the human being should work on their band for maximum 6-8 years as it is very dangerous to keep it in for the rest of our lives.. supposedly the human being is then adapted to new life style and eating habits! My other doctor " the one who didn't perform the band but did the check ups with me and suggested the sleeve" is the one I am having the sleeve with. But my consult doctor is the one who brought up a nice point about WHY U ARE GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT ON UR SLEEVE! He told me .. as we get rid of the gherlin in ur body there is a hormonal balance that happens.. as much as the gherlin is not produced by large amounts in the stomach as before other 2 hormones starts to be produced which are the biggest help to higher ing ur metabolism rates! With the band the gherlin is there and may be always produced in highly amount as u are never ever satisfied! except for feeling restriction.. so by the time.. what ever u do !! the gherlin block the production of the other hormones with good quantity to help your metabolism and thats why some or more ppl experience weight-loss plateaus or may be weight gain! Hope I did well explaining what he said!! AND THATS WHY I AM HAVING MY SLEEVE!! and I will be hoping and praying the first 2 weeks pass so quick!! SO MUCH KISSES FOR ALL OF U HERE XOX

Just make sure you stay out of ketosis. Eat carbs. Ketosis can and does cause fetal brain damage, and an entire slew of birth defects, and make sure to take your bariatric Vitamins. The risk of birth defects with WLS patients is 50-60% higher because of Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. This is why it's so important to wait, and while I understand the concern about weight gain, you'll have to consume enough to support your body and the developing baby which may slow the losing. I'm almost 22 months out, and tomorrow will hit 9weeks pregnant. I was released at 8 months post-op to TTC, I was also below goal, my labs were/are stellar, and I was getting into maintenance. It took 14 months to conceive. I've only gained 3lbs in 9 weeks, and they want me to gain 30 pounds, they actually wanted me to gain 10-12lbs the first trimester, least say I doubt I can put on 9 more pounds in the next 3 weeks. I'm already eating 1800 calories a day, juicing to get in extra calories/nutrients because even at 22 months I struggle to eat enough food. Please take care of yourself. The baby will pull from your body, fat reserves and muscle mass this early after surgery and most "early out" WLS babies do well, it's the mommy's body that suffers the most. Make sure to have your dental check ups regularly so they can watch for decay, and weakened teeth. Congrats on the pregnancy and best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

I have a weight gain every month a couple of days before my period starts. I also stall or gain when I take some medications for my sinuses. It is frustrating to say the least, but after 4 months, I am no longer terrified by it and know it will be gone in a week and I will be back on the losing track.

I'm only 10 days out from surgery, and had a weight GAIN yesterday and today. It just sucks and I'm bummed. It's just frustrating to have a gain this soon. Grrr!

I think the reason this surgery makes us so nervous, aside from the obvious reasons, is that we are looking at making a life changing decision. We have come to a cross roads of letting go of food and fat and unveiling the inner person we all have hiding in us. It is a contradiction to the subconscious mind that has protected us so long and justified our eating weight gain. It is that very same subconscious that we hear all of those bargaining thoughts from as we travel down the road of this journey,,,things like Maybe I don't need surgery, I will just diet one more time, or I am not really that fat, ect..................

I am 41 years old, married to a wonderful man, and the mother of two young adult children. I hope that my Lap Band story will inspire others whose lives – like mine - have been disrupted by serious weight gain... and then restored. I am the happiest person now: happy with my body, grateful for the opportunity I took to change my life, and excited about life each and every day. I went from 254 pounds to 137 and will soon reach my goal of 130. It's still unbelievable to me to have the life back that I thought I'd never have again. I wasn't always obese and drained of energy and self-confidence. Years ago, I weighed a fairly steady 145 pounds and had an hourglass figure. At 5' 6", I was slim on top and carried more weight in my hips, but I was well within the range of normal and I led an active life. I was in good shape, working out 5 or 6 times a week and I'm an OB/Gyn Medical Assistant, so that means being on my feet all day long. I was also disciplined and consistent in my eating and exercising habits and all together, that was enough to keep myself looking fit over the years. During my first pregnancy, I continued to eat well and exercise regularly. I gained a very typical 35 pounds, and lost it all in six months by simply eating well and resuming my usual workout routine. I felt good about that and just went back to living my normal life. My problems began during my second pregnancy when I suddenly developed dangerously high blood pressure and toxemia. I was given steroid injections, and had to be hospitalized twice for high blood pressure. At 28 weeks, I was put on complete bed rest and, at 33 weeks, underwent an emergency C-section. I was very fortunate to survive and to bring a healthy baby girl into the world, because I was close to having a stroke when they took her. The doctors said that either one of us could have died due to the severity of my medical condition. My metabolism was completely different after that. I had gained 80 pounds during the pregnancy and weeks of bed rest and I couldn't get the weight off after my daughter was born no matter how hard I tried. And I tried everything: Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, and many other diet and exercise plans. The fact is that I had a new body, and I didn't know how to make it do what it used to do. My weight gain was steady and terrifying, despite my best efforts, and it got to the point where I hated looking at myself in the mirror. During the years that followed, I kept trying to get into shape. I exercised, I did MediFast shakes, and I continued trying new diets but nothing worked. I would lose 40 pounds and it would come right back on, and I wasn't a junk food eater. You can imagine how frustrating it was: no matter how careful I was, no matter how hard I worked out, nothing changed. I just kept gaining weight and it was heart wrenching. I cried so much, and endured criticism from certain people who said, "Gosh, you were so slender before. Why can't you lose the weight?" They just didn't understand. I thought I'd always be like that: fat, with no energy, and deeply unhappy. On the outside, I put up a good front and people were always telling me, "You look so happy!" That's because I kept my feelings inside, but I literally felt uncomfortable in my own skin. In the meanwhile, my oldest daughter was grappling with a weight problem herself, something she likely inherited from her father's side of the family. She started going online and exploring gastric bypass surgery. I understood how she felt and thought if she wants to do something about this, it's important and I'm going to help her any way I can because I know how she feels. I attended one of Dr. Haiavy's seminars on lap band surgery not long after that to see if it might help my daughter. After the seminar, I decided to make an appointment for her to consult with him and it occurred to me that maybe I should get one myself. So, I made appointments for both of us. That was the real turning point, when I began to have hope. I found out that it wasn't me – I actually had a metabolic problem. During my consultation, it turned out that my daughter wasn't overweight enough to qualify for the procedure, which is reserved for those who are significantly overweight. During my own consultation with Dr. Haiavy, we went over my health history and pregnancies. He told me that my metabolic system had been altered by the second pregnancy, and wasn't functioning normally. He also confirmed my belief that even if I lost weight, it would come back. I was so relieved! He was putting words to my experience, and validating what I had been through. Now that I knew what the problem was, I could focus on finding a solution. I decided that I wanted to undergo the lap band surgery. I felt absolutely clear about the decision, despite the changes I would have to make in my lifestyle afterwards. Dr. Haiavy told me all about the procedure and the pros and cons, and answered my questions. He also referred me to a dietician for a consultation. Then I waited for about a month until my insurance company determined that they would approve the surgery. During the consultations, I learned what I would and wouldn't be able to eat following lap band surgery, and which Vitamins I would have to take for the rest of my life to make up for what I wouldn't be able to absorb. I learned that bariatric patients have to take chewable vitamins at much higher dosage levels than regular Multivitamins in order to get enough nutrition. I take Bariatric Advantage, which is packed with B6, B12, Calcium, zinc, vitamins E, D, A, K, and so on. I was excited the day of the surgery and it went well. Going in, being prepped, talking to Dr. Haiavy, and having the procedure done in Dr. Haiavy's surgical center...it was quick and I wasn't nervous. It only took about an hour and a few hours later I was able to go home. The recovery process was surprisingly quick and uneventful. I was definitely sore and stayed down for two days, but I only missed three days of work since I scheduled before the weekend. I was on a liquid diet – including Jell-O, broth, and a little yogurt. I was definitely tired that first week back to work, but I got through it and after that I felt fine. The eating reality after lap band surgery requires a change in lifestyle and there's no getting around it. You can only eat 3 or four ounces of food at a time, a tablespoon of this and a tablespoon of that because that's all your stomach can hold at any given time. It was strange at first. I tended to over-serve myself, proving the saying that your eyes (and brain) are bigger than your stomach! You think you can eat more, because your brain says you can, and it has to adjust to your new physical reality. I started using a baby spoon to make sure I didn't take big bites of food, and I still use one because it works. There are foods you can't have, such as rice, Pasta, bread, and French fries, but I don't mind the diet change for the most part. It's a little tougher if I'm in a restaurant. I have to be very careful and I usually order fish, mashed potatoes, and a vegetable – eating a little, and taking the rest home for a meal the next day. It sounds like a big sacrifice, but the bottom line is that I wanted to be at a normal weight more than anything and it's well worth it. It takes awhile to adapt, because you have to eat consciously and carefully. It took a few months for me to make all the adjustments, but I got used to it. Then the weight just falls off! I had my surgery in June of 2009 and lost 10 pounds the first week, then four additional pounds during the next month. It didn't seem like enough at the time, but Dr. Haiavy had told me I would need to be patient and that weight loss happens differently for each person. The band itself has to be adjusted properly and it takes awhile to figure that out. Well, he was right. I lost another 15 pounds, then another 12, and then the rest of it followed. I went from 256 pounds to 138 (my goal weight is 135) and it it's just been amazing. The interesting thing is that I used to be too thin on top and somewhat bottom-heavy, but when I lost all the weight, my body changed. My weight actually redistributed itself and now my body is more balanced – top and bottom – and it looks better than it ever did before. I'm completely proportioned now. I did so well that Dr. Haiavy invited me to come to a seminar he was having for other doctors, to share my experience, and I agreed. When his office manager saw me, she couldn't believe the change in me! She said, "You look amazing!" and that made me feel so good. The doctors had the same reaction, because I didn't look like I'd lost a lot of weight. I just looked normal, as if I'd never been fat. It was a wonderful experience for me. I exercised consistently during the months I was losing and it made a big difference. I found a cheap exercise bike I liked it because it had a feature that enabled me to move my arms while I pedaled, and I was on that bike 5 days a week, 45 minutes at a time. I also used ankle weights on my arms and circled them around to tone my upper arms, but I didn't do any weight lifting or other kinds of exercise. I just stayed with it. The transformation from Size 22 to Size 4. A funny thing happened during that time. I had no clothing that fit me, so I went to a department store and found, to my delight, that I could fit into a size 14 pair of jeans. I was thrilled! A month later, I went back and fit (snugly) into size 12. I thought, 'Well, I can't keep going in and buying jeans I only wear for a few weeks before they don't fit,' but less than a month later, I was back at the store again and it was size 10, then 8, then 6...and finally Size 4. Incredible! I never imagined I could be a Size 4 person, but I am. My life now: words can't express it. I still bike and I like to take walks in the hills around my home. Of course, I work on my feet too so I get plenty of exercise. My cholesterol levels are great and my blood pressure was 112 over 70 the last time it was checked. And I continue to wear Size 4. I'm so happy... and before I was crying on the inside all the time. My husband has been incredibly supportive all along and didn't know how unhappy I was. Now sometimes I glance at myself in the mirror and say, "Oh, my gosh! It's me!" The feeling is...well words just can't express it. I'm so happy with who I am now, and with the way that I look and the amount of energy I have. Every time I get an invitation in the mail for a social gathering, I say, "Oh, RSVP...I'm going!" My daughter was able to have the lap band procedure done two weeks before I had mine. She's also 5' 3" tall and she went from 254 pounds to 137 pounds, on her way to her weight goal of 130. We can wear jeans, little summer dresses, and shorts, and it's so much fun to shop for clothing now. Recently, I went to a wedding and recalled how awful it was for me - to be so heavy and to dread having to go to events where I had to find something nice to wear. This time, it was like a celebration, and I found the most beautiful dress. Having lap band surgery is not a cop out and it's not the easy way out. I'm often asked, "Why was the lap band surgery so successful for you?" Well, the answer is simple: I was compliant. Some people have the surgery and they're looking for a miracle, but they don't want to do the work it takes to get the best long-term results. But I knew I had to do the work. My doctor told me, "it's 40% surgery and 60% the patient." I took that to heart. You have to eat right, you have to exercise, and you have to make these changes permanent. I never miss an appointment with my doctor. I eat what I was supposed to eat and I learned quickly that you really have to do what your doctor tells you to do. I've heard people say that having the surgery is taking the easy way out. Well, I say, 'No it isn't!' It's harder, in a way, because you have to give up a lot. It was important for me to know that I had to do the work. If you're considering lap band surgery, here's what I'd like to share with you. I want to tell you the truth. It's not easy. You have to work at it. There are many foods I can no longer eat, and I'll always have to eat tiny amounts of food at any meal. You have to do what your doctor tells you to do. You have to really, really want it. You need to exercise and you have to train yourself not to cheat on your diet. But, you have choices. You can be fat or you can be slim and give up certain foods. It's not a big loss, when you look at what you can be, and you don't really miss the things you give up after awhile. You look great and you feel good about yourself and it changes your life in so many positive ways. If you put in the effort, the payoff is phenomenal. Give them a call, they really took great care of me at Surgical Arts of Inland Empire. 909-579-3111 or their website at www.surgicalartsinlandempire.com

I gained 50 pounds after banding. Has anyone else been unsuccessful in losing weight after banding?

Stress, stress, stress. My how we are all so stressed. My DH just took himself back to bed because I'm having grandkids dropped off at my house around noon while my daughter goes to Chicago for some more appointments or tests. This is his day off and even though he got plenty of sleep last night, yesterday, and the day before, he thinks he won't be able to get in his usual naps before going in to work tonight at midnight. I can see he's mad at me but I'm basically at the eye-rolling stage and am ignoring him. This is my vacation and I spent the entire day with him yesterday. This is the only day I'll have the grandkids over instead of going to their house because he normally sleeps during the day. I've never met a guy who needs as much sleep or worries about getting his sleep as much as my DH. Great, I'm sorry you are so lonely. Do you think that's really what your trip down memory lane is really about? Do you think it would help you to become a volunteer again or find a part-time job now that you're settled? Or do you like being free to fly places whenever you want to? It's OK to reminisce but please don't get stuck there. You seem to have established friendships already and renewed some old ones. I envy you. When I'm working I have no time for that, just for my family, so when I'm off, like this week, I have no one but family to do anything with and they're all tied down. Fortunately, my grandkids are also on spring break and I'm needed to babysit. My friends are the people I work with, but we all have lives when we're not teaching so we don't get together outside of work. Eva, I admire your well-balanced lifestyle. I'm glad you were able to retire but still find a part-time position to keep your hand in and income coming. You have your projects and school and friendships that also involve your DH. Mine is such a loner that it's actually led to isolating me as well. Julie, what can I say. Mother/daughter relationships are some of the most complex in the world. Especially when the daughter is pregnant. You got the band to save your life and she needs to continue to hear that from you. This isn't about looks, its about living. Looking better is a bonus, but the health is primary. I don't think I'd allow anyone to hold me to a promise made under such duress. However, you do not do well with abdominal surgeries if your past history is any indication. Janet is right. Ultimately, its about making healthy choices. I'm thinking that seeing a counselor together with your daughter about your weight might be good for you and your daughter. Making the weight thing a mutual project was a good idea. Ask your daughter if she wants to be around for her children and grandhchildren. I'd also suggest that you get physical therapy for your knees and so on. Water walking is one of the safest things you can do to regain strength safely. It takes the weight off your knees while still exercising them. Also, percocet is likely to make you unstable and lead to falling again so you want to get off that asap. Strengthening the joints without inflaming them should be your goal to reduce pain. You're probably feeling these pains more now because your primary, overwhelming pain has been taken away. Using this whole situation as an incentive to lose more weight on your own will also help your physical pain. Did you know that every lb you weigh puts 5-10 lbs of pressure on each of your knees? So every lb you lose removes that much pressure on your knees. If you were to lose 25 more lbs it would take at least 125 lbs of pressure off each of your knees. That's what I keep telling myself. Even my 5 lb weight gain is affecting my knees. I can feel it. It's 25 extra lbs of pressure that they're carrying. My fake knees will last longer the less I weigh. Charlene, keep on keeping on. We all have our days of indulgence (except Linda, LOL). Getting back on track asap is the trick. For you, I would think the incentive would be that your FM symptoms are likely to improve as you lose more weight. You've done great, however, and you need to give yourself credit. Our addiction not only hurts us, it hurts the people around us. That's the hard part to remember. Our kids don't want us dead, or incapable of being there for them and their children. Hopefully, our husbands don't want us dead either (most of the time). LOL. Melissa, loved the "Green Things" e-mail. Too true. Hope you're doing well. Tell us more about your counselor. One of the simplest things I've done to automatize my meals is to always have a Protein shake for Breakfast. I buy pre-made because I have no desire to shop for and try to keep ingredients in the house, and as someone who works outside the home I need simple solutions. I have no desire to spend hours in a grocery store being tempted by all the food. For supper I prefer simple foods, like pan frying (in olive oil spray) fish, hamburger, steak, pork chop, and having a veggie on the side. My DH makes any sides he wants that are carbs (like potatoes or rice) for himself. Or I have a salad with mixed greens, cheese, nuts, a little fruit, and a flavored olive oil and vinaigrette based dressing. (Favorite-raspberry). For lunch at work I have peel off cans of tuna or chicken available, or Protein Bars, or Protein shakes to grab as Snacks or meals. I am very much a keep it simple person precisely because I am ADHD. That's why keeping rotisserie chicken in the house is another easy solution. Great Protein, always tender, fix it with various condiments. Take a small mouthful whenever you start craving carbs. Throw in a baggie and take to work. It's the KISS philosophy of food. Keep It Simple Stupid. People like Linda and Apples seem to be able to be around food and cook and bake it for others without over-eating themselves. I am not one of those people. People have to eat what I'm eating or make it and take it somewhere where I'm not around it. It's hard to stop feeling guilty about not feeding everyone around you but it can be done and its an enormous relief to stop cooking for others. You'd be amazed at the reduction in stress. You don't have small kids anymore and your son and husband can easily make themselves a pbj sandwich or something else if what you're eating isn't enough for them. One of the biggest reasons why women get fat is because they cook for everyone else and feel guilty if they don't. That's another reason why I gave up guilt for Lent. Cheri

I agree and most of all they don't want you to feel proud of your accomplishments because you had help. They don't think you deserve any "you look good" or "congrats". People in general want you to stuggle in life period. It's been like that forever. You get mad props when you struggle and succeed but you get looked down on if you have some type of assistance. What they don't understand that this is a struggle everyday for some people "hince my 8 pound weight gain over the past couple of weeks"

I am also hypothyroid, but seems well-controlled by synthroid for these many years -- and I have never noticed any weight gain as a result of the hypothyroidism (seems to have a different effect in my family, where many of the women have had to take it, but few of them are overweight). My resting metabolic rate is a relatively respectable 1880 per day, which is likely how I plateau'ed at my starting weight for over a decade. Now, I'm shooting for 800-1000 during the losing phase and mostly hitting in that zone every day. Working well for me so far, as I'm very sensitive to hypoglycemia. Mind you, my plan calls for three meals and three snacks per day, so I feel like I'm always eating something and trying to push the drinks in between. Should be interesting to integrate work into this...

Hello all! I am 41, married with 2 grown kids and 3 grandkids that all live out of town...(husband is 15 yrs older so I inherited all the kids and grandkids!) No children of my own, but we have 2 dogs that get treated better than most humans! I have had back problems since I was a teenager (and in shape) but that has been made worse by my weight gain over time. My breaking point to decide to do this has been pretty recent when both my back and my knees got so bad I could barely walk. It is such an embarrassment every day at work as I hobble down the hall to the ladies room, out to the parking lot, etc... I work with a bunch of fit people that work out multiple times daily, so I feel so judged most of the time. Whether they are actually judging me...who knows but that is how I feel. Some folks won't even look me in the eye anymore as they pass me in the hallway. I live in the Houston area and I am getting banded a week from today, April 4th by Dr. Spivak. I don't have any pre-op diet to follow but I have started replacing at least 1 meal a day with a protein shake more as a way to test out a few different brands/flavors. My husband is incredibly supportive as well as the few people I have told. I was so embarrassed that I let myself get into the position of neeeding surgery, but everyone I have told has been so supportive since it is obvious my weight is really beginning to take a toll on my body. I am having sugery on a Monday and my husband convinced me to take the entire week off so I could heal properly. Not an ideal way to spend vacation time, but I know it will be worth it in the long run! At this 10 seconds I am not nervous about the actual procedure, but I am really scared about everything that follows. Knowing that when I wake up in the recovery room, my life will be different is hard for me to get my hands around. I am ready to make this change, but if I am to be completely honest I am scared too. Don't get me wrong...I am excited too! I have never been a great fan of exercise, but since walking is so painful for me now I have to say I am looking forward to being able to move again. Just dropping 20-25 lbs will help in that respect. I don't think I will take being ABLE to exercise for granted again! I am tired of living in pain, having no clothes that fit, etc. I am looking forward to being able to shop somewhere other than Lane Bryant and Avenue. I have shopped there for so many years I cannot even begin to imagine what that will be like. Anyway, that is a little about me. It's been nice reading about everyone and I am looking forward to hearing about everybody's experiences as we all go thru this in the next few weeks.

Are you living my life? Are my relatives talking to you? I totally relate. I get the "do it naturally, you've done it before." "You aren't that big that you need to resort to surgery." REALLY? I think that if my family new my weight they would be shocked and YES, i"ve done it "naturally" before...heck I've done it quite a few times but here I am. If I could keep it off, then I wouldn't be here. I am frustrated with family as well and as my surgery date is getting closer, honestly, I'm scared to death of this change BUT, I know I have to do it before it is too late and I develop diabetes or some other condition. So far the only thing I've dealt with is some high blood pressure. I have a 3 year old son that I want to be here for and at this point in my life, this is MY decision so I can be healthy and live a good, fun life with my son. I've shut other people out who won't listen or be supportive. My family is sort of coming around because they know I'm not turning back....they can either help me succeed or step out of the situation. I even looked into getting a taxi or taking the bus to my hospital the day of surgery so I didn't have to bother any of my non-supporters...funny how they want to be there now. You do this for you. If you are like me, yes, you can lose it on your own, but you can't keep it off or we wouldn't be resorting to this surgery. No, I don't want to have to do this but after 20+ years of up and down and fad diets and more weight gained back than lost...I'm tired of it. I admit I need the help and I think I have my mind in a good place where I can lose it and the band will help me keep it off. I'm scared, excited, nervous and have really, really cold feet but I know it is what I have to do. I have warned my husband that the first month he is going to hear a lot of whining and "what did I do to myself" moments but I know in the end when I purchase my first outfit that is not in the chubby chic section and my blood pressure is normal and I'm not longer exhausted and tired, it will totally be worth it. Keep heading down your journey...you only have one you and you need to take care of it. If this is what you need to do, do it and don't look back. Good Luck and we are all here to support you....we've been there, or are there or are heading there :thumbsup:

Kristi...congrats on your continued weight loss. You will notice that you will have some weeks where the scale does not move a lot but you can tell a difference in your clothing. Normal. You are going great guns. Just keep your patience and follow what has been working for you. Meredith...such a busy little girl. YOU HAVE A YARD???? We have not seen any of our lawn since last Oct. DH and I were sitting out in our 3 season (1season in MN) today and I am not sure if we have ever not seen the horizon at the end of March due to 5 foot snow banks. We will have a late planting season and that is always such a huge pain in the ass. I guess when a person (s) are in a business that relies on the weather, it does not good to complain. Just gotta go with the flow. The flow sucks. I am a planner and relying on the weather does not quite fit my plan. Good thing DH is so mellow. To answer your question. FIL was to have surgery today on his dislocated wrist. Surgery was put off till tomorrow morning. I feel so bad for BIL. They landed in CA yesterday (they are from Seattle) to no luggage. He and his partner spent a better part of the day trying to track down all the luggage. No where to be found. They have little ones (adopted 2 boys ages 3 and 6 from Guatemala )..so went shopping. He gets the call about dad and flies out leaving his partner and kids in Palm Dessert. He is spending his entire vacation with FIL. Tried to convince DH to just fly to AZ tonight and let bro go back to his family and planned vacation. Will wait till tomorrow to see if he is needed. Once FIL gets back here (maybe Sat.) I will be able to see to it that he has everything he needs. As I stated b/4...just tough when he is so far away. And, EVA, thanks for the offer. As I have told you..DH is his clone so I know you would just love him. Dinner with DH, GF and 5 yr old and 8 yr old was great. Sent them home with a box of food and the uneaten Easter candy. DH gained a little more than 15lbs while in Tucson and did not want that for a temptation. He has always been such a little guy and has never had to worry about more than a 5lb weight gain. Must be age. He will be 57 on 4/12 (Eva and DH share a bday and Arlene and my oldest share a bday). Cool. Anyway, DH has taken off all but about 8lbs and eating pretty good meals. He certainly is not sedentary....just loves to eat while on vaca. Not too much going on this next week. Shop work for the guys getting machinery ready. I'm getting into spring (what spring?) cleaning...gotta get it done b/4 I bolt for the lake. On a daily basis...housework sucks...but, when I am under stress, I find it theraputic. Soooooooooooooo..............that said, lots of house work will get done tomorrow. Linda...OMG...the peeling carrots photo on FB was way cute. I could have posted so many stories from little guy (GF's son) just from today alone. What a little character. And, 8 yr old daughter is sooooooooooo mature for her age. Brag. I didn't raise them. Mom and their dad are the best at working together even though they are divorces. I breath a sigh of relief every time she explains going to church together just for the kids. Wonderful parents. Night all.