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I didn't really have any pain. I only took a pain pill the following morning because I had one heckuva a headache. Everything else was just achy, like a mild stomach ache. Thankfully, I didn't have any weight gain. Maybe you read about that because people were constipated, something happens often when you're banded. Well, often for me anyway. Remember to walk, walk, walk, use the heating pad, have gas ex on hand & sip your drinks. You'be fine!

I am having my Lap Band Surgery tomorrow. I keep reading about all this pain and weight gain from the surgery. Does this happen to everyone?

I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence? (Part One of Three) I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. It’s important to recognize the difference. Why? For starters, you can stop beating yourself up over the things you can’t do anything about. It’s also important that you focus on putting forth effort where it will get you the best results! It’s essential for both doctors and those suffering from obesity to have a mutual understanding of these causes of obesity and which people can influence, so that: 1) Doctors can develop or increase empathy for the struggles of those suffering with obesity. When doctors better understand that many people with obesity have struggles that go beyond fighting their biology which negatively impact their weight, the doctors can more compassionately and appropriately address these issues and refer patients to see other professionals, if need be. 2) People struggling with their weight can evaluate the numerous factors impacting obesity and work toward accepting those things they cannot influence. In addition, they can take responsibility for putting forth effort into those aspects of their struggles with weight that they can positively impact. All righty, then! Let’s look at three of the main contributing factors of obesity and then talk about each one, emphasizing what, if anything, each person can do to have a positive impact on their weight. Genetics Culture and Environment Metabolism Genetics Obesity definitely has some genetic determinants, as researchers have clearly discovered. If there are a lot of obese people in your extended family, you have a better chance of being obese than someone from a family without a history of weight problems. Although there are many more obese people in the current population than in previous generations, this cannot all be linked to genetics. The genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in obesity reflects major changes in non-genetic factors. Listen to this… According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002): “Since 1960, adult Americans have increased in height an average of 1 inch but have increased in weight by 25 pounds.” So in 50 years, the human species has grown taller by only an inch but heavier by 25 pounds. That tells us there is more than genetics influencing weight gain in this country. PATIENTS: Even if you have a genetic predisposition for obesity, there are other factors involved, including the food choices you make and whether or not you exercise on a regular basis. Some of these behavioral factors are habits learned in your family, so what appears to be a genetic predisposition may be a familial pattern of unhealthy habits that can be broken. DOCTORS: Remind yourself that patients cannot “eat less/move more” and have any effect on their current genetic makeup. Acknowledge to patients their genetic predisposition for obesity in a compassionate manner. Help to gently educate them about the factors affecting their weight that they can influence. Do so in a “firm and fair” way, providing encouragement rather than admonishment. Culture And Environment In addition to one’s genes, a person’s culture and environment play a large role in causing people to be overweight and obese. The environment and culture in which you were raised impacts how and what you eat. Some people were taught to eat everything on their plate and couldn’t get up from the table until they did so. Others never sat at a table for a meal but watched television while they ate. Some kids are fed well-balanced meals while others exist on fast food or microwaved mac and cheese with hot dogs. In some cultures, simple carbs make up a substantial part of every meal. In other cultures, fruits and vegetables are consumed regularly. When you are a child, you’re not in charge of buying the groceries or providing the meals. You did learn, however, about what and how to eat from those with whom you lived. And guess what that means? How you feed your children is what they will think of as “normal” and will most likely be how they eat as adults. (I’m always concerned when weight loss surgery patients tell me their kids are “just fine” even though they eat the same unhealthy foods as the obese parent. It’s only a matter of time before the kids start to gain weight and have health problems as a result of their unhealthy diet and learned eating behaviors.) PATIENTS: Although your genetic composition cannot be changed, the eating behaviors you learned in your family, from your culture, or developed on your own can be changed. You alone now determine what kind, and how much exercise you do and what and when you eat. Your behavior is completely within your control. Work toward accepting the fact that you are in charge of, and responsible for, your behavior and every food choice you make. For every choice, there is a consequence, positive or negative. And NO EXCUSES! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, whether you get a lunch break at the office or whether you have to cook for a family. Even if you have five kids in different activities and spend your life taxi-ing them from one place to another, you are the adult and you are responsible for how you eat and how you feed your children. It takes a very responsible person to acknowledge, “Although I have a genetic predisposition for obesity, I am responsible for making healthy choices about my eating and exercise. For me and for my children.” Focusing on what you do have control over rather than that over which you are powerless, leads to believing in your capabilities. So take charge and make positive changes happen! DOCTORS: Engage your patient in a discussion about the cultural and environmental factors that helped shape their current food choices and exercise behaviors. Empathize with them, noting they are going to have to put forth consistent effort to change years of bad habit formation. Encourage them to get support, whether it is from friends with a healthy lifestyle, a health coach, a personal trainer, or the use of free online exercise videos. Help them set a short-term, reasonable goal and set an appointment with you to follow up. Remember, docs: That which is reinforced is repeated. Reinforce even small steps forward you see in your patients. This can go a long way in encouraging them to continue making healthier choices. A step forward is a step forward. Notice and praise every single step forward your patient makes! Resting Metabolic Rate Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is simply the energy needed to keep the body functioning when it’s at rest. In other words, RMR describes how many calories it takes to live if you’re just relaxing. Resting Metabolic Rate can vary quite a bit from one person to another, which may help explain why some people gain weight more quickly than others. And why some people seem to find it more difficult to lose weight than others. There are some factors related to metabolism that you can’t change, but there are actually some that you can influence and change. Things you cannot change about metabolic rate: Metabolic rate decreases with each passing decade, which means the older you are, the slower your metabolism gets, making weight loss more difficult. Sorry ladies - Men generally have a higher metabolism, meaning they burn calories more quickly than women. You can inherit your metabolic rate from previous generations - which can be a benefit… or not. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can slow down or speed up metabolism. Some things you can do to influence your metabolism and burn more calories include: Eat small, frequent meals. Drink ice water. You can boost metabolism temporarily with aerobic exercise. You can boost metabolism in the long run with weight training. PATIENTS: I’ll bet you didn’t there was much of anything you could do that would increase your metabolism. I’m hoping you choose to implement the ways you can help your body burn more calories. And what do you know? They are completely consistent with healthy post-op behaviors that you’re supposed to do anyway: 1) Eat small, frequent meals. CHECK. 2) Drink water (so add ice and boost that RMR). CHECK. 3) Engage in exercise, both aerobic and weight bearing. CHECK. There’s no reason NOT to anymore! (That’s a slogan from a really old commercial…) The point is, your specific RMR is both something that is unique to you, and that will slow down with age, is gender-influenced, and can be affected by thyroid issues. Accept the things you cannot change and DO the things you can to get the most out of your own, unique RMR. You DO have choices! Opt not to make excuses and JUST DO THE THINGS YOU CAN! DOCTORS: I’m pretty sure that educating patients is in your job description. Even though you have an allotted set of minutes during which to accomplish all your goals with a patient, point out the ways they can boost their metabolism while you’re looking into their ears, or hitting them on the knee with that little hammer. Present it as a, “Hey! Guess what I was reminded of today?” sort of thing. It’ll probably be absorbed better than a mini-lecture. Leave yourself a sticky note in the patient’s folder to bring it up in your next session… and then a new educational point for the next meeting, along with the small goal you set with them so you can be sure to praise them for their efforts! Patients and Doctors and all Allied Health Professionals: We need to work together to do the following: 1) End Fat Shaming 2) End Blaming 3) End Lecturing 4) Encourage reciprocal AWARENESS and ACCOUNTABILTIY 5) Encourage reciprocal EDUCATION and DISCUSSION 6) Encourage reciprocal GOAL-SETTING and FOLLOW-UP Stay tuned for Part Two of BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence?

I am currently on Prednisone 15mg per day, Plaquinil 400mg per day, folic acid, nexium, and will start Methotrexate injections on Sunday. I am really leery of the Methotexate as the side effects are quite nasty, hair loss, stomach bleeding, almost total supression of your immune system so a common cold or flu can turn dangerous. Log term use of the Plaquinil can effect your eyesight as well. Prednisone has been a lifesaver lately, but it promotes weight gain and robs your body of potassium and other vital nutrients. I will start the meds as my Rheumatologist wants me to, but I am hoping if I go vegetarian and get the inflammation under control that I can slowly wean off of the meds and control it through diet. This is the worst sort of pain I have ever had in my life, it is constant and debilatating at times. So I will try anything. I hate being sidetracked from my lapband journey like this, I had come so far and was doing so well b4 this hit. I was walking everyday, now I can barely walk 10 feet at a time.

Tats do migrate/smudge with weight change, but then gravity also impacts them. I have a wrist band on my left wrist of my 3 sons' names. It has not changed in looks or position regardless of age or weight. Nor has it been a problem for IVs as a good vampire (IMO) doesn't need to see to hit a vein - it is done more by feel. I have a unicorn on my right upper breast - it is about 3" tall and 2" wide. I got it prior to my 3rd pregnancy in 1982 and despite weight loss and weight gain and lactation/breast feeding, it has only gotten more muted due to aging. 5 dog paws on my left ankle above the ankle bone - no changes. 2nd degree Reiki distance healing symbol on top of my left foot - no change. However, I have a tribal floral that goes from my shoulders to mid butt cheek and it is inter-twined with english ivy that drapes off my right shoulder, winds through the tribal from right to left then trails down my outer thigh before wrapping 3x around my calf and finishing off running onto the top of my foot. I have seen it change in sharpness and clean, straight lines as I've yo-yo'd over the years AND as I've aged and gravity has pulled at it. Seeing the changes it has experienced, I am expecting to have some loss of neatness and symmetry with a large amount of weight loss simply due to the sag of the stretched out skin on my back and sides. You are looking at a minimum of 3 weeks healing time, if not more. You are currently anemic which means you are not likely to be a quick healer due to lack of white blood cells,,,the design and placement should be no issue at all in so far as design, sharpness and/or - however if it were me, I would wait until after the surgery so as not to have just put your body through one healing then expecting another; plus thee is always the chance of infection even in the cleanest shop due to a number of factors. You don't want to go into surgery with infection or the potential for infection running rampant in your body.. My 2 cents is for you to wait until after you have healed and are past the point of infection. If you want this design on your wrist, then another 6 months is not going to change that and will also give you the best ability to heal.

hi Shadow well I have been banded since July of 09 and haven't lost much weight at all. I have never felt restriction and have recently hit rock bottom. So there I was looking up at my horse So me and Bandie decided to get back on track I began to exercise like crazy, drink plenty of water and make careful desicions. And then it happened my kids were driving me nuts and I woke up the next morning with my stomach in knots. Was this restriction I thought. I couldn't eat a thing and when I drank I felt nauseous. I called my doc who told me to come in for an unfill. It was a week to the day that I had my 5th fill. And sudennly after my unfill things began to kinda feel right I started to feel something and get an overall attitude that wasn't there before. Was this what I needed maybe an unfill can solve my weight gain maybe staying connected to my bandsters thru fb is a very important part of my journey. I wont be the same girl I was last yr. because somehow this unfill has given me a different feeling and a whole new attitude!

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.

Your success looks great!! What happened with your fourth fill? (if you dont mind me asking) I am loosing slow but fighting othere things like menopause and weight gaining meds from diabetes. I know how hard it is to NOT get discouraged!!

:laugh:: Yours truly, has never blogged but has decided to do it to stay on track, TWO years ago, I had the lap band put into me. I lost so quick and was on track (very happy camper...lol). I went for my mamo and they told me that I had cancer..well the running around and the depression you feel is indescribable. At the time from the pressure, I started having some real health issues and my child needed me desperately to advocate for him in school. omg...it turned out that running for tests..showed that I had cancer...then the fools tried to take a biopsy and then they could not find it... then they take another xray..there is the cancer...then they get the surgeon.. he makes the hospital pre-op tests..then he gets looks at the tests...get a MRi ...great I am clastophobic...soooooo...I find an open MRI..wait again months for appointment..scared to death...and they can not get the color dye in me because my viens did not work..so the DR from that MRI came in and said..YOUR VAINS are the pits and we cannot do this...but I will personally review your xrays and have other doctors look...he at least said ..months of not knowing could kill a person..thanked him... a few days later he told the surgeon ..no way did I have cancer. MY has made me take the mamo again 6 months later...and when he saw that I was really in distress (go to his office and they can not find my mamos) he did his checking allowing sit in a chair, I think I upset him when he saw how much they had tortured me (it was the months of not knowing) BUT he knew since he had seen me so much at the hospital that I had gained some of the weight that I had so proudly LOST Well, I always did eat the little amounts but did stretch my stomach with large drinks and did NOT have the time or desire to exercise. At time during this period of life, I did forget to eat BUT worse is not to drink the water. Finally, I saw myself in a full mirror at the mall and was shocked to see me and my friend following me (:scared2:my boodie :laugh: ) SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO:thumbup: I called my surgeon and went back for a fill. Thank god my lap band did not slip (tested) and already have lost five pounds. I would have gone back earlier:thumbup: BUT SIL made me feel very ashamed :thumbup: since I have been back...and filled...I realise that I did come back with some weight gain but I probably (honestly :confused: could have been 400 lbs) so now I am really happy and hang up on my SIL who is a nut :tongue: I am glad that I am back and can not weight to see and enjoy being without that extra fluff. I will see my Dr. Pucci on the 18th of September and pray that I will be down to 275lbs. I did invest in the QVC Dvds by Richard Simmons but will restart them today after handing out our temples telephone directories to members. I also was told to keep a log of what is going in:drool: the nutritionist said that I needed 65-70 grams of protein. Wish me a successful day :biggrin: Laura

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'm sure you all have heard this question several times. I have researched and talked about it myself. I just want an honest opinion. I originally wanted to get the sleeve, but I did not want to only lose 100lbs. I want to lose more. I'm currently 378, 5'5 and I carry my weight in pretty well places . So my question is..... If I went with the sleeve will I lose weight slower than having gastric bypass? Will the sleeve help me keep my shape? Will the sleeve be better for me because I have NO Health issues besides being overweight? Will I get under 200 lbs with the sleeve? That's based on my current weight. Or have you sleevers been unsatisfied with your results and got a revision? Did you get a revision because of easy weight gain? Not enough weight loss ? I really would like to know. I'm getting closer to surgery and need to get serious here. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey there. First congratulations. Second I’m in a similar situation. 8 months post op and coming up on 6 weeks. I’m still in shock. Although I haven’t hit my goal weight, the weight loss has stabilized. Im planning on continuing to eat healthy and exercising to minimize my weight gain. Doctors recommended no more than 15lbs which is okay with me. Obviously this was not planned but is welcomed none the less. I pray you have a safe and stress free pregnancy.

On May 18th 2011, I had whats called a sleeve gastrectomy. My weight gain was due to something called polycystic ovarian syndrome. I couldnt lose weight and it was affecting my metabolism. Then in December 2010 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. And the weight was putting a strain on my heart. Not including all the stress I was under with the mindless, useless drama that invaded my life and is now finally over. After everything I started researching options, talking to my Dr and was then referred for a surgery consult. I ended up at Balboa in March after starting the process outside of Balboa in December, it took 5 mos total of classes (nutrition), tests, etc before they would do the surgery. Its very in depth and a lot of information. I weighed 240 in March when I saw the Balboa surgeon and was a size 20-22. As of 3.6.12 I now weigh 143 and am a size 6. I am currently 3 lbs from my goal. This surgery was explained to me that it will eventually replace the lap band because of its effectiveness and its way safer than a bypass. If it wasnt for the medical necessity I probably would have kept trying exercise and all the fad diets, but they just werent working. Now I walk alot, eat better, feel better and am starting to return to my old self. I look forward to chasing my kids around and exercising with my Wonderful Husband who has been one of my biggest supporters as well as my Amazing Family. Before I was afraid to tell anyone, but then I thought why? It was to help me and for me to be around for my kids and family

Congratulations!! I have not experienced this before but I know MANY women who have been pregnant and not gained any weight, some that were overweight even loss. I would definitely talk to your nutritionist and your dietitian as you want to ensure that you are getting what you need for a healthy pregnancy. I would think that with a healthy, balanced diet, proper vitamins and exercise that you can have a healthy, successful pregnancy with little to no weight gain. Please keep up posted. Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!

On Depo I had no period at all, no spotting, anything, after the 1st 3 months. I LOVED it! Did it cause weight gain? I'm not sure because I went through a lot of lifestyles changes during those years, and didn't practice a healthy lifestyle. So hard to know if it contributed. One thing that scared me off Depo, was the many studies showing it caused a loss of Bone Mineral Density. I finally figured it wasn't worth the risk the me long term health, sadly https://nwhn.org/depo-provera-and-bone-mineral-density/ I currently have the Mirena IUD, which I got right before my WLS, 6 months ago. I chose it because usually women have no periods on it. I have lots of friends who love it and have had that experience. I had a few normal periods after getting it, and now have annoying, unpredictable spotting. I'm hoping that will go away soon.

I would love to lose my period most months. But I imagine that would make it a monster to deal with the months it did show up. My appointment is coming up soon so have a lot to ask about. Nexplanon, IUD, and maybe even depo...because I don’t want kids. So that side effect mentioned above doesn’t bother me. But the weight gain possibility does. So many choices! 😳

Done! I have hair loss, unexplained weight gain, and muscle weakness. Ready to find out if I have it or not!!! Don't want to drink that barium though!!! Yuck! Thursday is the day of the catscan! If it means that I can finish my weight loss and get my hair back I'll pretend that barium is a Sonic shake!! Chalk flavored of course!!

Have you been checked for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)? Lack of periods and weight gain are symptoms.

Weight loss surgery success takes a lot of work and it’s nearly a full-time job, especially in the beginning. However, you can soon see the results of your efforts as you lose weight, gain energy, and watch the scale drop. What do you find most freeing about WLS and weight loss? Is it getting to shop at regular-sized clothing stores? Is it feeling free to say “No, thank you” to foods that you used to feel compelled to eat? Is it being small and energetic enough to go on airplanes, to movie theaters and restaurants, and on amusement park rides with your family without giving it a second thought? Is it being able to spend less time managing your medications, doctor’s appointments, and CPAP machine? Share what you find most freeing about WLS surgery success!

My period was regular, 28 days to the day, and then, on the day of my surgery got it. 4 days early. Then, didn't get it for nearly 6 weeks later, and I panicked that I was pregnant just after getting the band. I wasn't. Then, got it 3 weeks later, and finally in April, it went back to normal. Now, I get really bad cramps and visible weight gain. Weird because I had never had that problem before. I get cramping on day 2 and 3, and then its over and the period is over by day 4. Doctor said that peoples cycles change and mine coincided with the lap band surgery.

I just joined this forum today and this is the exact reason. I am 8 years post op and had amazing results. Over 110lb weightloss. I knew all the warnings of gaining the weight back and not replacing food with alcohol etc. I truly thought all the warnings did not apply to me! I kept my post op weight for approx 5 years really without any effort. Ate pretty much what ever I wanted and still no weight gain! I WON- was my thought! Then 3 years ago my mom died and i fell apart. Eating didnt change but the daily wine drinking started. My weight slowly crept up over the next years and i am now 40+ pounds up from where I want to be. I really dont even know what to do. I have an extremely stressful life and really do not want to stop the wine completely so will cut back but I do not know what to even eat anymore! Has anyone else been here? Where did you start? Specifically-what did you do. I feel so ashamed of myself. I feel like i had such a gift of a second chance and have blown it ((.

I feel your pain! I too am a weight gain after 8 yrs of having gastric bypass... I was good for the first 4 years then the weight came back due to being depressed over losing a loved one. I was 298 at surgery 10 months later I weighed 156 ... A year later I was 135 I am now back to 230 and very depressed! I work out weight training 3 days a week for a hour and walk everyday 2miles and every night I use my elliptical and bike for a hour ... I have gone back to basics and no weight loss ???? went back to surgeon and he didn't seem to care!

It is not bulemia (which you know already is vomiting). It is closer to anorexia if anything (because you never actually ingest your food), but either way it is an unhealthy relationship with food. Taking this to an extreme is what makes it an eating disorder. If you want the flavor but are so adverse to the calories that you would rather spit out your food (hence your nutrients) it is bound to cause a problem eventually. Below I have listed the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder from the DSM IV: Eating Disorder Diagnostic Criteria from DSM IV-TR 307.1 Anorexia Nervosa * Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height, for example, weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected. * Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight. * Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. * In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. A woman having periods only while on hormone medication (e.g. estrogen) still qualifies as having amenorrhea. Type Restricting Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior (self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas). Binge Eating/Purging Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior. 307.51 Bulimia Nervosa * Recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by both 1. Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances. 2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode, (such as a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating). * Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain, such as selfinduced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise. * The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months. * Self evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. * The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of Anorexia Nervosa. Type Purging Type: During the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Nonpurging Type: During the current episode of Bulimia Nervosa, the person has used other inappropriate compensatory behavior but has not regularly engaged in selfinduced vomiting or misused laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. 307.50 Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified This diagnosis includes disorders of eating that do not meet the criteria for the above two eating disorder diagnoses. Examples include 1. For female patients, all of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that the patient has regular menses. 2. All of the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa are met except that, despite significant weight loss, the patient's current weight is in the normal range. 3. All of the criteria for Bulimia Nervosa are met except that the binge eating and inappropriate compensatory mechanisms occur less than twice a week or for less than 3 months. 4. The patient has normal body weight and regularly uses inappropriate compensatory behavior after eating small amounts of food (e.g., self-induced vomiting after consuming two cookies). 5. The patient engages in repeatedly chewing and spitting out, but not swallowing, large amounts of food. 6. Binge-eating disorder: recurrent episodes of binge eating in the absence if regular inappropriate compensatory behavior characteristic of Bulimia Nervosa. So this would classify as something known as EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). I don't believe chewing gum and this have anything to do with one another from what I read above. The DSM IV references psychological requirements for EDNOS (which is where this disorder is placed) but both psychological and physical requirements for Anorexia and Bulemia.

That's the mindset that I am taking on to the future. My bread, cake, biscuit/cookie consumption is a most serious aspect of my life of weight gain. I will do my best to NOT reintroduce breads, cakes, biscuits and "cookies" ever again. I am building resolve. At 61, this is truly my golden ticket that started sliding too far away 25+ years ago.