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I read the article below from ABC a few weeks ago about how they had found that sitting for prolonged periods effectively shut down your lipase enzyme, which is reported to be a key enzyme in breaking down fat cells. It seemed to show that even if you exercized for an hour a day and had an otherwise healthy/active life, if you sat for hours at a time the effect on the lipase enzyme could still result in weight gain. It was this article that made me wonder if maybe using an exercise ball at work might keep those core muscles active enough to stop the enzyme from shutting down. I went so far as to track down the head researcher at the university that did the tests to ask him his thoughts on this. He thought it sounded feasable but wouldn't commit one way or the other. I'd like to try it but as I said before I'm the only gal in an office of guys that already like to poke fun at me I'm afraid the ball might be just too easy a target for them. Still I might give it a try. If I do I'll let you guys know if it seems to help. ABC News: Overweight? Standing May Be Solution

JerseyCityGal - First off congrats! that's so exciting. Seems we are about the same stats and I love your progress! Couple questions if you don't mind... 1. Did UHC Oxford mention anything about your progress as far as weight loss? I've gained some weight because I had the flu and basically sat around for days on end.... 2. My Bariatric facility seems to think right after my 6th visit with the NUT we can submit my paperwork my only concern with that is that's only 5 months total on the "motivated attempt" I'm wondering if that's true... I'm so worried about the weight gain it's driving me crazy!! Any encouragement will help. Thanks.

Anyone else experience weight gain years after Gastric-Sleeve? I'm almost 200 lbs again and very frustrated. I know a few things I'm doing wrong - not getting enough nutrient dense foods, too many non- nutrients rich foods/calories - not enough water *I hate drinking water - not enough exercise - Depression and stress have taken their toll. Now I need to 'start over'. WIth a busy life - 4 children ages 10-30 and 2 3 yo grandchildren - 3 part time jobs - volunteer positions at church - it's hard to focus on self-care. I need help, encouragement, focus and answers to reverse the effects of it all. Hoping to get some practical advise here to help me get my life back on track. I want to live a long healthy life and just struggle with the enormity of variety and choices in the diet and health world...

If you are not sexually active (I feel your pain!), you may want to wait on the BC pills. I was on BC for years and it can have a weight gain effect, but if you are having abnormal bleeding and pain you should ask your OB/GYN if it is worth the risk. I had a hysterectomy 8 years ago and all my endometriosis problems went away, but that is a drastic thing to have done. The last BC I was on was in a patch I had to change every week. It worked well for me and while on it I never got my period. Again, I'm not a doctor, but have some insight from personal experiences. Be sure to talk again with your doctor and maybe together you can come up with a solution. Good luck! Feel better!

I can eat more salad than other things, and I think that’s okay. Most of us did not become obese by eating salads. I would just be careful with the high calorie dressing. Hunger seems individual. I get hungry too. I myself do not drink a lot of protein shakes, I prefer to get my nutrients mostly from food. If protein shakes do not help you feel full it seems pointless to drink them in my opinion. You say you are indulging in “bad food”. If you are referring to slider type food, these foods will not help your hunger so stop eating them. They can easily contribute to weight gain post surgery. It sounds like you know what you need to do already. Drink more water, track intake, stick to a diet high in protein and vegetables....you can do it!

I feel great! I just finished up 5 days in Disney World doing 8-12 hour days at tha parks, pushing 75 pound stroller. Lol. I did most rides except I pushed it a bit with the Big thunder Mountain, comes to an abrupt stop and I was a tiny bit sore. Day one after surgery I felt crappy. I had to be up by 5am for my surgery so I was definilty tired later in the day. I thought I would be up and walkin laps around the place (bc a few people I knew had been just after surgery). I was 2 hours post op and like I'm ready to go, let's walk!! And then 1/2 way down the hall I was like, ok let's go back. 😂 But every 2 hours (even overnight) I got up and walked, each time going further and more steady. I passed my swallow test with no problem and tolerated the water, protein shake and jello, so I wasn't out by 1:00 the next day. They said to catch up on my sleep on my first day home and then I could go to the gym and they wanted as much moving as possible. I don't go to the gym, but I used my eliptical every couple of hours for 5-15 minutes day one and then every couple of hours for 10-20 the next. That helped so much with the gas pain. My gas pain wasn't that bad and was totally gone by day 3. I did use a few gasX strips each day, but I'm not sure if it helped, but it couldn't hurt. I was driving by day 3, but sore and tired. Since I have kids I couldn't take the narcotics too much (driving, etc) but I took Tylenol during the day and the oxy at night for the first 2 nights home. I went back to work day 4, but my work pants hurt my incisions (yoga pants we so comfy that I didn't factor in a belt and sitting at a desk) so I only made it 3-4 hours. But day 7 I was back normally with no problems. My only complication so far was a wicked rash that formed on my abdomen. I took benedryl each night (again can't get doped up on meds when you've got kids depending on you). They weren't sure what was causing it, because it wasn't really around the incisions, lightly all over but heavy on my sides. But it started to get super itchy near the incisions and the glue was coming off (after 8-9 days) so I peeled it off and the next day the rash improved and after that nearly gone. So I'm thinking it was an allergic reaction to the glue they used OR from the stitches. Either way, if that's my worst complication I'll be blessed. It WAS hard to get my protein and water in those first 2 days, but I make it my business to get it in. I over pack stuff for work and travel just to be safe and I track EVERTHING on baritastic (app). That's the most user friendly app for me personally and has been a very valuable tool. As far as weight loss, I'm hopeful. I'm away now, and I have. Even perfect on my diet. I ordered shakes and had them delivered to the hotel along with some foods I can have (yogurt, cheese) but I will see tomorrow when I weigh in at my mother in laws house. One big thing I WAS NOT prepared for was the weight gain after surgery. I was UP about 6-8 pounds on my home scale the day I came home. This apparently is common bc they have you on IV from an hour or so before surgery until a few minutes before discharge (which for me, was about 30 hours straight. I lost that over the first 4-5 days and now I'm about 10 pounds down from surgery. Since pre-op (about 4 weeks ago) I'm down 20 But I FEEL good. I have energy. I already look visibly better in clothes. I'm starting to see my old shape I'm not sure if they work, but I take biotin pills (COSTCO) and vitamin patches (patchmd.com) calcium/Vit D, B-12 and multi vitamin, and biotin plus. I told my PA at the office and she said other patients had good results, so I'm hopeful and I think they are helping with my energy. I'm praying they keep my hair fro falling out, but I've read that it says futile lol Don't overpack for the hospital. Just comfy clothes to walk in (I'm not a fan of the gown. And comfy clothes for the car ride home (and a pillow to hold over your stomach for the ride home). Someone posted about dry mouth here and it was helpful. It's NO JOKE. I packed a dry mouth spray and that was good. You can't swallow, but 2 sprays was soaked up immediately in my dry mouth- yuk. I'm typing on my phone half asleep- so sorry if there are typos

Hi All, I am so happy that a friend told me about this site! I have been reading it lots but haven't posted yet. I am scheduled to be banded on July 12th. I only need to do one day of a liquid diet pre-op which seems very different than most. I am going to try to do one week though. I have already ordered sample packets from various sites that have been mentioned on here. Unfortunately, I haven't been eating well at all lately. I have put on 10 pounds since I started the process in April. I know its not healthy! My doctor is aware of the weight gain though. I guess I am having my last meals many times over. Ugh! Anyhow, I am very excited about the process and gaining control of myself. I know that the surgery won't cure my eating problems but I am hoping that it will help me put my mind in the right place to make better decisions. Looking forward to chatting with you all! How do I get one of those trackers on the bottom of my messages?

I am 2 yrs going on 3 in February post op. I lost a total of 60 lbs in the first year but re gained 45lbs that's a lot. In that time I went through a separation, relocated to a new state and fell back to my old eating habits this is hard to admit but I need help again. I'm working on eating better however I need help, tips how do I start my weight loss again. BTW does anyone else feel hungry all the time?

"The Benefits of H20" By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their workload is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for Fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside of the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to over come the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs---plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water you system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of un-needed salt is easy---just drink more water. As it's forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water then the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss--- shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear and resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of---all the metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight loss: - The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently. - Retained water shows up as excess weight. - To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. - Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean? - Endocrine-gland function improves. - Fluid retention is alleviated, as stored water is lost. - More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. - Natural thirst returns. - There is a loss of hunger almost overnight. If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain, and loss of natural thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough."

I use to be skinny, in fact very unhealthy type skinny, and it wasn't from lack of eating. My sister loves to remind me of the 6 hot dogs I'd eat and not gain an ounce. I went out of my way well into my 30's trying to gain, then boom it slowly started hitting me. I really believe all those years of eating things I didn't like but because someone said they were high in calories and they would help me gain I ate....I developed some seriously bad habits so as my metabolism and life style slowed down the weight gain increased big time. No more anorexic looking skinny but instead a bery unheathy unable to do much fat chick. Right now my biggest problem is hubby like to come home, eat dinner play on our computers for a little while then watch tv together till he falls asleep. I unfortunately associate that time with snack time. I found out quickly that air popped popcorn and chex mix could easily be eaten around the band. I also gained six pounds doing it, ok so I did throw in some carrot cake as well telling myslef I deserved it I've done well. When I got on the scale and saw the 6 lbs back I wanted to cry. Thankfully I worked really hard and got rid of them fast. I've been stuck for awhile now and actually feel very restriceted, I know that I was eating around my band. I've made a pact to give up the pop corn and chex mix, substitute sugar free pop sickles and lettuce salad for a week. So far I've lost a new 1 1/2 lbs. It will be 6 months on the 23rd and I still fight with head hunger but seeing that scale get off the # its been stuck at by simply making a deal with myself not to eat around my band for a week. Not sure what I will try next but I too would love to hear how to get past triggers and head hunger

I read on a blog (OK; not the best or most reliable source) that 85% of couples split following a significant weight change in one partner. That can be weight up or down, btw. I can understand why a couple might split with a big weight gain in one of the people, because with big weight gain comes lack of mobility, socializing, community activities, etc. Then a downward spiral begins, as the normal-weight partner either goes and does their own thing, or stays at home to be with the inactive person, but resents becoming cut off from their formerly active life. And I can understand why a big weight loss would also impact a couple. Change is often a scary thing to navigate, and when one person is threatened by the other's change (vs being supportive of it), it doesn't bode well for the couple. For me, I am very aware of how my upcoming surgery and resulting weight loss may put my relationship at risk. My BF already has a very low level of energy---much lower than mine even though his is not obese and he is younger than me--and it's always been something that bothers me. I also blame a lot of my weight gain on the fact he never moves, so I don't either (lame, I know, but it's not a lot of fun doing stuff on my own.) I know that I need to be active to be successful with my lapband. I know it will mean doing it on my own. There will be some resentment there, and I am quite aware that this may mean the demise of my relationship. But staying fat and inactive is too high a price to pay to remain in my relationship, so let the cards fall as they may. I have one life and am fed up with letting the days slip by while there is just so much to do OUTSIDE IN THE WORLD!!!!

Marfar, I have often thought the same thing.....was wondering if I was the only one thinking it LOL And for those of us with a round face, it just keeps getting rounder with weight gain LOL

Hi, I don't know how old you are, but if you still have a period that's your weight gain, women go through the Water gain.

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner and prescribe these meds to people daily. Although some people do gain weight on citalopram most do not. Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the newer "cleaner" version of citalopram (Celexa) and I see even fewer people gain weight on it. When they do research on these meds they have to document EVERY possible side effect. I believe that much of this is people that are very depressed lose weight and when they begin to take these meds they "gain" weight but really are just getting back to a normal weight. Brintellix is a good medication but is a newer one and much more expensive (and less well covered by insurances than citalopram). Also it work on serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, where citalopram works only on serotonin that is more implicated in anxiety (where the others are more implicated in depression and anxiety combined). The psych meds that are really bad for weight gain are the atypical anti-psychotics like Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperidal, etc. These can be used for psychotic conditions and, more commonly, bipolar disorder. But not everyone gains weight on them. Anxiety meds that are worse for weight gain - paxil, remeron, sometimes prozac. In my opinion if you have uncontrolled anxiety you are more likely to "self -medicate" to feel better. That may be with food, alcohol, marijuana, other drugs (prescription or illicit), gambling, etc. Good luck!

Too many simple carbs (sugar) can cause weight gain. Plus....gas & stool you wouldn't like.

Darcy, It's not unusual for me to see the scale go up instead of down. I cannot weigh myself every day or it will drive me insane. I can easily become obsessed with the scale. I attribute a lot of my 1-3 pound weight gain episodes on excess Water retention. I bet the same has happened to you. Hang in there, I know how frustrating it is to see the scale go up instead of down. But you'll go back down again soon. I must have missed reading why you had your fill removed?

1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

Well today was my "Bari Boot Camp" and they were okay with the 14lb weight gain. They told me that I was weighed in on October 28th and since I have been dealing with denials for over 3 months they would let it go. Woot Woot, I actually dropped 4lbs since Sunday from dieting so I was happy. Sooo surgery is Monday!!!

Just yesterday I responded to a blog about someone who was potassium difficient with a great website with potassium rich foods. Ironically, today I go to the doctor and since I hadn't had a call about my labs from a month ago I asked. Turns out the lab never sent them over. My motto...no news is not good news, it just means they haven't gotten the results and I need to call about it. So she calls me back and said she knows why my joints and bones have been hurting. See I just thought it was because I lost weight and the tendons were stretching in a new direction, hence the pain. WRONG!! Anyway, the labs showed I am potassium and vitamin D difficient. The vitamin D is the worst. My doc said they have never seen it that low in many many years. We should be at "30" and mine was "8". So now I have to take presciption meds for both. The potassium pill is the size of a horse pill. Guess I am crushing that one and the vitamin D is 50,000 IU and is a tiny little thing. Crazy! Anyway, make sure you get your vitamin levels checked. Low potassium leaves you achy, tired and dizzy. Low vitamin D causes bone loss, joint pain. Explains a lot. She said I should be feeling spectacular soon after starting the meds. I will let everyone know. Now on to my visit. I lost 8.5 lbs in 3 weeks. I felt so guilty on vacation because I was eating a small (salad)size plate of food at each meal. I wasn't hungry for 5-6 hours after but I thought I was overeating and in desperate need of a fill. Turns out that is exactly how I should be eating and feeling. I am in the green zone and didn't even realize it. The green zone is not eating tiny amount of food and being satisfied. It is eating 1250 cals a day in the way of salad size plates of food and not being hungry for at least 4 hours. I was so glad to find out I need to eat more. She said "see you ate more food and lost more weight in 3 weeks." AND I am bloated if you know what I mean and that usually means weight gain for at least a week. I was thinking all wrong about my food intake. I was so happy. I go back in a month to see how this stage is going. Wish me luck! Oh my total loss now is 45.5 lbs.

I have Type 2 Diabetes and it was driven by my slow weight gain for years prior to surgery. I am 19 months post-op from RNY and my diabetes went into remission when I left the hospital and has never returned. But I do not know how gastric bypass surgery effects individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. So perhaps someone with Type 1 might chime in and tell their experience. A few individuals develop Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, right after surgery. What is interesting is that these individuals may or may not have diabetes prior to surgery. For someone who never battled with diabetes, this experience is a rather shock the first time. After the experience, they quickly become aware when another attack is coming and take something to correct the problem before it strikes again. And they seem happy with this approach. I have never experienced low blood sugar during my 19 months post-op.

Hi Dr Jossart Some of the medical literature seems unclear on this point; does ghrelin return 3-5 years after surgery? Is that a possible reason for weight gain? I understand that this procedure is still considered experimental by some and there is paltry information on long term effects, but when can we expect to see studies that aren't just anecdotal, that include quantitative information?

I've had 3 gradual unfils during my pregnancy. I had my first at 8 weeks which really helped, and then i had another one about halfway through. I was so scared by how wide open i felt and i literally thought i was going to start gaining uncontrollably, but eventually that fill started to get tighter and i settled back in. Then in the 3rd trimester i was too tight again, and back i went for my third unfil and that seems to have done the trick too. I've had very good success with this gradual unfil method. My weight gain has been very reasonable. I'm 35 weeks and have gained around 15 lbs which my doctor has been just fine with (my BMI before pregnancy was just a tick over the healthy range). This gradual unfil method has also worked for me because all my adjustments are 100% covered by my insurance so i have no pressure to limit the number of visits i have. I know others have to pay quite a bit or travel long distances so that effects their decisions. Anyway, i'm not exactly sure why my band has gotten tighter throughout, but i have assumed that in the beginning it had to do with the hormones, and now it's just the baby slamming my organs around and messing with my band. I'm curious to see what happens when i deliver. Part of me thinks that once the hormones die down a bit i might just be wide open! But i'm not worried, b/c i'll just go get a slight fill. My doctor and i are happy as long as i'm able to eat enough to nourish myself and my baby. Just wanted to share my experience with everyone. I've had a fantastic pregnancy with no morning sickness (if i had been throwing up i would have had to revise my unfil strategy for sure!) I'm just about in my final month and now everything is harder, but i feel like having controlled my weight gain has really helped me to feel good during this pregnancy (but maybe it's just been luck, who knows!) Good luck ladies!

Hi everyone I had my surgery 1yr and 3mths ago. I am wanting to talk with other post surgery people to get some help and guildance. I have had trouble losing weight and have had major swelling issues leading to having most of my fluid taken out. This has led to weight gain. I have lost and gained. Very depressed.

I'm 7 weeks post-surgery. I struggle with meeting my Protein goals, but for the most part I have followed the nutrition's guidelines. I have not touched bread, Pasta, baked goods and I hardly eat any carbs (the few grams I get in daily are part of protein meals). I had a graduation today and someone backed home-made chocolate chip Cookies as a present for everyone; she went around the room and personally gave one to all attendees. I felt so bad refusing that I took one, put it inside a ziplock bag, put it away and forgot about it. Until I returned home and emptied my bag. I ate the cookie and immediately starting feeling guilty and panicking about dumping syndrome. But what happened is that not even 10 minutes after eating the cookie, I could not keep my eyes open and fell asleep (fully dressed) on my bed. It felt like when I had to take the oxycodone and it would knock me off within minutes. I woke up 3 hours later feeling hungover. I don't think that I experienced dumping syndrome... right? Does it mean I don't dump or does it mean that one cookie is not enough to make me sick but enough to knock me down? I had no pain whatsoever, no need to use the bathroom, no sweating, no nothing. I just could not keep my eyes open and crashed. I'm trying not to shame myself for eating the cookie; I'm a therapist and I know that shame never motivated anyone to do any better. Shame is probably what fueled my weight gain to begin with so I know all too well that if I beat myself up what will follow is, "well, I'm a failure, I messed up... I may as well mess up more." Instead, I'm acknowledging that I have allowed old habits to creep in for a moment, that it's okay to make a mistake and I'm committing to promptly return on my road to recovery and weight loss.

You posted your thread back in November 2009, it is now March the following year - so did you goahead? I was banded back in December 2007 - and I had objections from my siblings but I went ahead and I am so glad I did. Let me disabuse you of a commonly held misconception - getting a lapband is by no means taking the easy way out - the easy way out is to stay obese. Having a lapband just makes it harder to eat too much. I can still eat biscuits and sweets and chocolates without restriction if I want to - the things that are restricted are the sensible foods - especially carbs and Proteins. This can be frustrating. I can't cele brate with food any more. I can't take out my frustrations with food any more. The whole way I deal with food and my life has changed. Having said that, with dedication you can overcome restriction and overeat and some people even manage to gain weight with a band. My best advice is that given to me by my banding surgeon - he told me that if I couldn't change my lifestyle and diet before a band was fitted then I would never be able to change it afterwards either. I lost 5 stone (70 lbs) before he would band me - and I made sure that my changes weren't don in a diet mentality. I know that if I ever went back to the way I used to eat then I would go back to the way I used to look and feel too. Diets do work - it would be impossible for them not to - the problem is that people think of a diet as a short term solution and they forget that if and when they go back to how they used to eat and live then the weight will soon return. It isn't easy but it aint rocket science either. The band is a tool. It can be useful when you take an interest and use it wisely and correctly. Over restriction (too tight a fill) can cause weight gain - although my surgeon says that the majority of his patients are always pleading for more fills and more restriction. Apparently too tight a fill leads to the temptation to drink more calories because you can't eat at all without pbing and liquid calorie sources tend to be denser than you think (milk shakes and stuff, I suppose). The band is a useful tool, but you have to know how to use it in order to get optimum function from it. So, did you go for it.....?