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I never knew what a thyroid did, until mine quit working. When I started exhibiting symptoms, I thought I had arthritis. The first doctor who saw me, diagnosed me wrong, but the second doctor knew just by the symptoms I had. I blood test confirmed it. My symptoms were: hair loss, clumps of hair falling out Severely tired (I could not get out of bed) Joint pain and overall body aches Weight gain (60 pounds in about 40 days)

I was banded September 09. Benn filled unfilled etc. never really lost more than 26. I'm now at 201. Esophagus dilation been totally unfilled for the last two months. I just realized there was a thread for revision only. I have a realize band. Thank god no weight gain. Since unfilled stated weight watchers for tracking etc. it's been good. I failed my band and my band failed me. I'm headed to the Brigham in Boston. I had such an easy recovery with the band I'm praying the same with the sleeve. I teach zumba so I love being active. But no matter how much you excercise it won't correct a bad diet or eating habits. I'm not nervous. But more afraid of the unknown pain. I didn't even have gas pain with the band. My third day post op I walked a 4 mile jaunt in the park. Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am 57 years old and 5'5" and weighed about 245 over 3 years ago. I lost weight on my own and then last year with the 6 month diet, then the pre & post-op liquid only diet. Lost about 60 pounds. I was banded on 9/22 with one fill. Haven't lost any weight after the 2 weeks post op. So my weight has been the same since early October. My main reason for having this surgery was to see if weight loss would improve my severe and chronic back pain. It hasn't. I do have (or had) mild/moderate sleep apnea and GERD but those things do not affect my daily living like back pain does. I also have breast cancer that was diagnosed 7 years ago. I have no doubt my 100+ pound weight gain as an adult played a major role in my cancer. Hopefully losing weight will reduce the likelihood of a recurrence or a new cancer.

I am five months post-op and have chronic sinusitis. I asked my surgeon if I could take Flonase (an inhaled corticosteroid) and he said I could. I was very concerned about potential weight gain but he simply told me to take the Flonase. Has anyone else post-surgery used inhaled or topical corticosteroids? If so, did you have any weight gain or other side effects?

Hi Penpen, If you are a stable weight right now, and not fluctuating up and down, then don't be worried about weight gain during pregnancy as long as you gain the recommended 25-35 pounds. This extra weight gain is normal and easily drops off after delivery. Just be sure to plan a healthy pregnancy diet when you do get pregnant, and keep a pregnancy diet plan as well. You should be fine. Good luck... http://www.signs-of-pregnancy-week-by-week.com/weight-gain-during-pregnancy.html

I agree Michee. Protein is calories, just like any other food. Protein has similar calories as carbs gram for gram and if you eat too much protein, and that leads to excess calories, it WILL make you fat just like any other food. However you can play around a lot with how much of your daily calorie intake is made up of protein v carbs v fat of course. The way protein damages the kidneys is not by taking 40 grams at a sitting. overtime if you have a very high protein intake (like over 100 grams a day), your body doubles the rate at which it excretes Calcium and THAT can cause kidney stones and gall stones (the calcium based ones) and also if you take in your protein with a lot of animal products and saturated fats you can predispose yourself to gout (nitrates) and heart disease. However, if you take in a lot of manufactured protein (as in soy products) this can have detrimental effects on the hormonal systems of the body, particularly males. Body builders LOOK fantastically healthy. That doesnt mean they are. Big muscles does not equal cardiovascular fitness or health for example. Many body builders cant run around the block and they can have awful blood make-ups. It has to be done right and it doesnt transpose that because you're an average joe, working out four times a week you can go slogging three or four Protein shakes a day and the calories wont add up, or you wont be overdoing the protein. You need "adequate" protein to grow muscles, more doesnt equal bigger muscles necessarily. Moderation is the key. 60 grams a day for a woman is fine, there's absolutely nothing dangerous about that, but it should come from a variety of sources, dont overdo any one food or rely totally on shakes. Protein shakes on top of a normal diet can easily cause weight gain if you're not burning it all off. And protein is not complete nutrition, you also have to remember all the other elements of a healthy diet. But even staunch carb eater that I am, I do have to admit that a high protein Breakfast stops the mid afternoon cravings for sweet carbs So lately, I have been trying to do that. For me, high protein breakfast and high protein lunch = awful awful gas. High protein breakfast and then my normal carb based lunch (like a sandwich including a small serve of protein like chicken or egg) = no naughty treats in the afternoon. dinner for me is usually a protein and veges, I usually cant fit in the starch, but sometiems we do have Pasta.

You will need to speak/work with your prescriber and bariatric team about this. (You may be removed from the med prior to surgery and for a little while after then resume regularly provided it's not time released or switched to a non time released formula) Since you have been on this med already and are not starting fresh It *may* be as simple as you lose what you lose (not sure if it would be more or less, too variant to tell/bariatric team will have better answers based on experience) Not surprisingly, a lot of people are on meds that also affect weight gain/loss so teams are aware of these things being a factor. Safe Journey 🎈

: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!!!

Hey, I am pre-sleeve and an active lurker at times - but I just wanted to chime in... I was in a similar situation and hope that my posting helps. My ex, was my best friend - I met him when I was 15 and just had a baby (yes, I know). Even though he was 16 and not ready to be a father, we had a great friendship and he helped me with my son whenever he could. After 7 years of unsuccessful relationships, depression, and a 80lb weight gain - he asked me to give him a chance. We started dating and I loved it. My son already had a great relationship with him, this guy already knew everything about me and accepted my flaws, and I knew it was going to work out. Well, that was until we had sex- a YEAR later!!! It was awkward and I thought it was because he was like a brother to me for so long. We both figured that it would take time to adjust and dismissed it. Well, it didn't change. We were not sexually compatible at all! I decided to keep on and try cheating. Well, I did, and cried all the way home because he was a great guy and I didn't want to hurt him. I went alone to a sex therapist, asked successful wives for their bedroom secrets, toys, etc... It took me 5 years of efforts, cheating (didnt get caught), and regrets to finally move on. I moved away - from NY to GA and guess what? He followed me! Guess what else? We had awful make-up sex and I ended up pregnant!! Oh and guess what else? I accepted his proposal. Lastly, guess what? Nothing changed. I went through my pregnancy horrible because I was salivating at the site of another man. I left him again after my daughter was born (4 months away from the wedding date) and now we are cordial, but he is still hurting. I am too- because he treated me like a queen and I know it just can't work. I feel like I blew my blessing and that I was selfish. But I know I cannot go back and hurt him again despite the fact that my love life is empty and non-existant. Don't wait until November.. I know that is a lot of money, but stringing someone (especially someone in love) along for 6 months is devastating. Plus they may SNAP! Have you seen that show? ( Snapped?) Sorry for the length!

I was on Yasmin for several years and it was great. Never had weight gain or any major side effects, other than mood swings at first.

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?

Thanks for explaining NSVs. When I first read Alexandra's, I thought, hmmm, I can figure it out, but I couldn't! I have had a mini NSV - my wedding rings, they're comfortable for the first time in years! My birthstone ring is spinning around. It does seem more real than scale weight. I'm exactly one month post op, had my one month follow-up with my internist, and was surprised that I've lost 18 lbs.! I don't have a scale, and the last time I weighed myself at my sister's I had a week of no weight loss, preceded by a week of a weight gain! Can't wait to begin feeling more comfortable in my clothes.

Kat, Unfortunately, the weight gain all started around 4th grade. It wasn't until I was 17 that the doctor thought maybe we should try something. Geeez, ya think????:faint: Audra

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

Hello there, My name is Nikkita and I'm 22 years old. I live in Perth, Western Australia. I recently discovered this forum and spent a few days absorbing it, in total awe. I am fascinated that people out there feel exactly as I do, and I'm not alone. I have been obese for over 4 years now, due to chronic PCOS. It affects my life in the most awful way. I am having WLS, (vertical sleeve) in or around October. Here, I am waiting on my Health Insurance to cover me, and I still have to come up with the remaining balance of - $3000 - my fiance and I have paid almost half already! I havent ever really spoken about being overweight, to others - only my close friend and fiance know how I really feel, most of the time. Its hard for me to open up about how much it really affects my life. I cannot wait until I have a date; I should find out on the 8th of September. I am so touched, that there is a place for me to talk about how I really feel.. I sound silly, but I have always felt that weight gain is my own fault, and I should suffer it. I can feel myself opening up, and I actually feel very vulnerable posting this. I am a smoker, and I plan to completely ditch the fags after my last pack - only four left now. I have given up so many things due to my size - my dream of becoming a Teacher is on hold for now, as I am struggling to hold down a part time job in order to pay for my surgery - standing for over 8 hours a day at 130 kilos is no easy feat. Most days I want to quit on the spot. I am currently : HEIGHT - 163 cms WEIGHT - 130 kilos or 286 pounds. Thanks for listening, :heart:

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

Thanks for the info about Wellbutrin. I guess I am afraid to take anti-depressants because so many of them have weight-gain as a side effect, except Wellbutrin, which is why I initially thought it would be a good one to try. I probably should see what the dr. says.

I am on my 5th month of my dr supervised diet and I am still on the fence. Somedays I am like wow I want this surgery soo bad, and then the next day I am like what are you crazy! I worry about all the changes in my life too, and the quality of life after the band. I also know at this rate of weight gain, I won't have to worry about quality of life, because I won't have one. Just like everyone said you have to read the posts on this site with an open mind and remember this is not what happens to everyone, but it is good to know all the facts before doing anything. This site is great and you should use it everyday to help you sort out your emotions and doubts. Also keep in mind most people who do make the decision to be banded have thought about or researched it for a while so don't feel rushed to make such a decision. Good luck!

Hi Bandpal! Hope you had a safe trip back to Israel. I'm working on my Masters in mental health counseling. I enjoy working with children and am now interning at a special school for emotionally disturbed children. The children have disorders such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, BiPolar, Aspergers, etc. I plan on obtaining my license and would like to someday open up a counseling center for children and their parents. For now, I'd like to work in a school until I can receive my license. I have to work for 3000 hours after graduation and take the NY licensing exam before I'm licensed. I'm graduating this May, four days after my son's Bar Mitzvah. Can't wait! I know that many sleepless nights studying and writing papers contributed to my weight gain.

I've honestly tried everything. This is my final resort. My insurance policy last year covered it, but the one this year didn't. Funny thing is my insurance is through the hospital where I would be having the surgery done. My insurance is through my father & he works at the hospital & with the surgeon who would be performing my surgery. They make this so difficult to get done. I know Medicaid & Medicare both cover, I'm not sure which one is which unfortunately. My surgeon tried to state the medical necessity due to back problems & being pre-diabetic, also that they say I have asthma due to my weight gain. It's so frustrating I started this whole process back in February. That's when I first attended the seminar. My entire process has been completed since June.

I just don't see where it even says if you do gain weight during your 4 months nutritional appointments that they deny you I know that Blue Cross Blue Shield will but I don't see anywhere where Cigna says that they do that it's not that I plan on gaining weight that's the last thing I want to do it just does make me nervous because like you said water weight stress I just get so worried about stuff like that does anybody know if Cigna does actually deny you for weight gain? Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Nana Initially Wrote: "OK, you many not like what I have to say, It's called hard love, but here goes. I've seen this happen over and over and over again, from many lap banders, it's called "lap band abuse" and I've seen many on OH do this to their bands and bodies over the 8 years I've had a band, and have horrible complications and then come band and "innocently" bash the band and say their bands liked to "killed them" and had to have their bands removed in an "urgent situation", and then say how dangerous the lap band is and tell EVERYONE especially newbies that they too will suffer the same fate of a "horrible complication". But one thing I really appreciate in your post is that you are owning your problems, and reaching out for help. But sadly, your situation does not look good for a long healthy band life, here is your problem, you went passed the green zone, and staying in the red zone (too tight) for too long and I am sure you did not care because you were happy with your great weight loss. You lost your weight the wrong way, and when you lose the wrong way with the band you will pay for it. The lap band has a VERY HIGH complication rate for this very reason, (lap band abuse) this is why many surgeons are moving away from the lap band because so many people abuse, get too tight and never follow up until their bands has slipped so bad it must be removed. And of course many patients are not going to be honest with the surgeon about being too tight and using the band as a bulimic tool, many surgeons are just seeing all these horrible long term complications of problems with the esophagus and other issues and are moving away from the band to the Sleeve for this VERY REASON. This is one reason the manufacturer wants to sell it, people in the US abuse it too much, they can't be trusted with being HONEST of how tight their bands are, surgeons have NO CLUE of how tight your band is, they rely on the patient to be honest of how tight their bands are, you are suppose to let the surgeon know anytime you have frequent vomiting and can't keep solids down. Has your band slipped? We don't know, we are not qualified to answer this question, but based on living with the band 8 years and seen others go through the same thing, it SOUNDS like your band has slipped, either pouch dilation. You can actually live with an untreated band slip for a few years, but eventually the band will slip so band and cause horrible reflux and vomiting daily so bad and it cause maladaptive eating problems meaning you will eventually not be able to keep any food or keep liquids down. The reason you are a bit concerned now that you still have "some restriction" even though you've had a few unfills, reason is your band has probably started to slip from being too tight and vomiting daily and when the band starts to slip it gets tighter and tighter, and you have to constantly get unfills until you get all the saline removed. As you can see you can't depend on the band to do all the work, and keep it too tight to stop you from eating, you lost your weight wrong and sadly it will not stay off unless you conjure up some willpower and start using your band as a tool instead of a crutch and eat healthy and exercise. It may be too late to save your band, only your surgeon can tell you what your future with your band will be, but you really need to get in and see your surgeon ASAP where they can check the position of the band and pouch size, and sometimes Upper Gi's don't tell the whole story, sometimes you need a EGD (endoscopy) to access the damage to your esophagus or pouch. If you are not having many problems now since you've gotten some saline removed, does not mean your band is Ok, Also, If you don't have money or insurance now, the best thing you can do is stop the vomiting, watch your portions before you end up having to have emergency band removal, yes it can eventually get that bad. The only concern now is having tight restriction even though you've removed saline, some people have to continue removing saline until the band is totally empty and still have issues and when there is no where to go the band must be removed if you have horrible reflux and un-wanted vomiting on an empty band, and then you can aspirate food into your lungs, I hate to scare you but want to prepare you for what I've seen so many go through with their bands. Also while you are not having many problems for NOW, it would be a good to start looking for a new job that will offer you some insurance because sooner or later you will probably develop reflux to the point you will not be able to sleep and band damage causes regurgitation of vomiting in your sleep, it can get ugly. I am sending you a cyber hug and giving you tough love and sending you warm vibes, and I really hope your band will be ok, and you learn from this, sometimes you need outside help like counseling and seek a therapist to help cope with your eating and why you eat, you can't use the band as a coping mechanism, that's not its job, although the band is the SAFEST of all the weight loss surgeries, it can get very dangerous and do harm if we don't use it wisely and responsibility. Good luck" ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hi Nana, Thank you for your thoughts and advice. While I feel that much of what you wrote made excellent points, there were a few things however that I felt were a bit presumptuous. I definitely can take constructive criticism (even though sometimes we don't want to hear it), but I do feel there were some things that were a bit off. I included what you originally wrote in blue because that is what I am responding to, not the edited version that is posted now. You basically start off by saying...I've seen this happen over and over and over again, from many lap banders, it's called "lap band abuse" and I've seen many on OH do this to their bands and bodies over the 8 years I've had a band, and have horrible complications and then come band and "innocently" bash the band and say their bands liked to "killed them" and had to have their bands removed in an "urgent situation", and then say how dangerous the lap band is and tell EVERYONE especially newbies that they too will suffer the same fate of a "horrible complication." Just for the record...not once in my post did I bash the lap band. As a matter of fact, I don't regret having the lap band and I definitely take ownership for the issues I am having with the band. Yes, there have been points where it can be considered that I have abused my band. Not because I wanted to or even felt that this would help with weight loss. To be clear, I feel that during the times I was regurgitating food was also the time when I gained weight. This was counterproductive for my weight loss goals. The reason I did not get unfills/fills and tweak more often was because I could not afford to do so. My goal has always been to find a healthy productive way the band will work for me without throwing up. You stated...You lost your weight the wrong way, and when you lose the wrong way with the band you will pay for it. I can't help but feel slightly offended by this statement. The first few sentences of my post stated that I did very well initially, lost 75 pounds in the first 8 months and maintained that weight loss for well over a year. Then my post goes on to state that eventually I began having problems. I worked extremely hard to lose that weight and for you to discredit me of that achievement is completely unfair. I have had the band for 30 months and began having problems in the last ten months or so. You also stated...But sadly, your situation does not look good for a long healthy band life, here is your problem, you went passed the green zone, and staying in the red zone (too tight) for too long and I am sure you did not care because you were happy with your great weight loss. - and - And of course many patients are not going to be honest with the surgeon about being too tight and using the band as a bulimic tool - and - As you can see you can't depend on the band to do all the work, and keep it too tight to stop you from eating, you lost your weight wrong and sadly it will not stay off unless you conjure up some willpower and start using your band as a tool instead of a crutch and eat healthy and exercise. Again, I can't help but feel that you are making assessments of me that are simply untrue. I absolutely do care and that is why I have been back for an unfill and have been trying over the past ten months to find a middle ground. I would have loved to been able to tweak my fills more often, but because I cannot afford the charges, I was left in an undesirable predicament. If I took out too much, I was able to eat pretty much anything...too little and I couldn't eat at all. Yes, willpower plays a big part in this...I agree. And, I probably used my statement referring to having no willpower loosely. To clarify, when I first had my lapband, I had very good willpower. I measured all of my food and made the right choices. After I began having issues and could not readily afford to keep meeting with my doctor, I did go for "junkier" types of food because these were the things I was able to hold down and quite frankly, I was hungry. Of course, this type of eating puts you back into bad habits. I attribute this to my weight gain of 18 pounds. I was not using the lap band as a bulimic tool or crutch. I was trying to find a happy medium and unfortunately without insurance, this was a difficult task. In my opinion, the lapband should provide a healthy level of restriction so that it can be used as a tool and that was merely what I am searching for. I never said I had tight restriction now. I am at a point where I am able to eat a modest, healthy meal and feel satisfied. Now that I have had some Fluid taken back out and am able to eat healthier foods, those are the things that I have been going for. But, let's get real honest....if we all had amazing willpower to begin with, we probably would have never needed a lap band. You go on to say...Also while you are not having many problems for NOW, it would be a good to start looking for a new job that will offer you some insurance because sooner or later you will probably develop reflux to the point you will not be able to sleep and band damage causes regurgitation of vomiting in your sleep, it can get ugly. I am sending you a cyber hug and giving you tough love and sending you warm vibes, and I really hope your band will be ok, and you learn from this, sometimes you need outside help like counseling and seek a therapist to help cope with your eating and why you eat, you can't use the band as a coping mechanism, that's not its job, although the band is the SAFEST of all the weight loss surgeries, it can get very dangerous and do harm if we don't use it wisely and responsibility. Considering you do not know anything about my home situation, to suggest I look for a new job comes across a bit condescending. I currently have to stay home to take care of a disabled husband and small child. If I worked a full time job and had to hire someone to do this, it would cost me more than I would make. So I work part time when family is able to help me with my husband and child --- being i need such a flexible schedule - the part time jobs I am able to work do not offer benefits. I would love to get counseling to work through these lifelong eating issues, but therapy costs money. I do thank you for being informative and I really do appreciate a lot of the points you made. And although I feel your response to my post came from a good place and was well intentioned, I do feel you were a bit quick to make some harsh accusations about me personally without enough background. I just wish you would have asked me for a little more information before you rushed to judgment. I know that you have edited your initial post and your second one may not seem as harsh, but it is hard for me to "unsee" what I already have read. Jay

My surgeon says wait 18 months before tt or noob job. I've gone from 42dd to38d but before weight gain I was a comfy 36c, I hate these big boobs they can leave @ anytime.

I'm kinda having a similiar experience. I was banded on 2/13/09 - exactly 2 months ago today. I lost 20 lbs the first month (Yay). I felt fabulous. My goal is to lose 3-5 lbs per month. I felt like I was on a roll. I was a little surpised at how much I could eat. There is a model of a stomach with the lap band in my Doc's office and it looks like the stomach is the size of a walnut. I had also been warned that my stomach could accomodate about 6 grapes worth of food. I could easily eat a cup - a cup and a half of food. What I could eat was definitely less than the gobs of food I could eat before but I had this idea in my head that I would take 2 bites of a sandwhich and be about to burst. Au Contraire. I was supposed to get my first fill at 4 weeks out but because of some complications with finding my port we decided to wait 2 more weeks. When I returned 2 weeks later I had GAINED FOUR LBS. I was devastated. My Doc said it was okay - that the band before your first fill is open and attributed the weight gain to this. I received 4 ccs. I felt like a I got full a TAD bit faster but not much. Since then I have become scale obsessed and weigh myself 3-5 times a day (ok - maybe more - basically every time I go by the scale) Week 7 according to my home scale, which can be a little capricious, I lost about 9 lbs. Week 8 I shot back up like 6 lbs and pretty much stayed the same all week. I returned to the doc this past saturday for what I thought would be another fill. I had lost 3 lbs. So basically I was at a total weight loss of 19 lbs (1 lbs less than I was a month ago). The doc asked me how much I could eat, I told him a cup or so, he said that sounds perfect. He said I should be losing about 1-2 lbs a week - no more. I told him that I stay full for 3-4 hours. He said I was doing fine and would not give me a fill. I was so excited about getting a fill because I want to see steady and substantial weight loss - which I feel I'm not getting right now. But my doc insisted I was doing well. I felt a little discouraged yesterday but now I'm feeling okay. I looked through some of the before and after pics on one of the posts and I saw so many people with dramatic weight loss. It was then that I realized that I probably am right on track. One girl lost 100 lbs in nine months. If you break that down that is 10 -12 lbs a month. I've lost 20 in 2 months which would mean 100 lbs in 10 months. To lose 100 lbs in 10 months would be AWESOME. So I'm gonna give it some time and see how it goes.

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