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Honestly, I don't think I was beating down on FOG *at all*. It's reality that diets don't work if you are as heavy as you have to be to get a band. Exactly! People who come here and tell us that *they've* found the answer and *we're* stupid to having gotten a band when they haven't even gotten to goal yet are going to get exactly the reaction they deserve. Especially if they've been on a diet for a grand total of TWO months! Everyone is like this when they first go on a diet. Whatever diet they are on -- a commercial program, something they've come up with themselves, whatever -- is the greatest and they've finally cracked the code!. Then the weight starts not coming off so fast and it gets harder to exercise obsessively and they never even get to goal. Or they get to goal and the hunger is too much and they start eating a little bit more here and a little bit more there. The weight creeps back and at first you tell yourself that, hey, 10 lb. isn't so bad. You're still in normal clothes and maybe 10 lb. ago you were a bit gaunt anyway. And then 10 becomes 20 and 20 becomes 30 and the next thing you know, you've gained it all back. I know this because I've lived it. We've *all* lived it. Statistics show it. Scientists can even explain exactly why it happens. So people who tell me they've found the answer and I just wasn't dedicated enough when they aren't at goal and haven't been at goal for at least 5 years have absolutely no credibility with me. Not to mention, you don't tell someone who has beaten the odds (I've been in the 2% that those studies talk about.) that they aren't dedicated. I fought my weight gain like a banshee and I did way better than average because I was dedicated. But I ultimately failed for the same reason we all ultimately failed -- because my body was fighting me and my hunger would not be denied. The other thing is, I came here because I was looking into a band. I made friends here. So when I decided I didn't want a band, I didn't want to leave. I stayed and everyone was very nice. But I didn't run around the boards telling you guys how stupid you were for getting a band and that you should have got a sleeve instead. If I had, I would expect people to be upset with me and I won't blame them.

My Dr. says that being hypo doesnt cause weight gain. Im hypo so I know different. I hope my thyroid gets better as I loose weight.I have felt some changes in my gland since my surgery two weeks ago. After another month Im going to have my levels checked and meds adjusted as needed. Id love to be off synthroid! Didnt know that weight loss could cure hypo?

What does an average woman gain during her TOM does anyone know??? I've gained like 7 lbs Will it go away after it comes???

One thing I would HIGHLY recommend you research is the issues with malabsorption with the GP. In short, after about 12 to 18 months, the body typically resets itself and while it might only actually absorb half the calories you are consuming for that first 12 to 18 months, steadily your body will adjust and absorb more calories until you are almost where you were prior to surgery. So, if you were used to eating say 1,500 to 2,000 calories after surgery, your body is likely going to only absorb half of that in the beginning. Eventually, your body will adjust and it will start seeing all or nearly all of those calories leading to weight gain because you won't realize what is happening with your body. This is most often what leads to re-gain for those that have the GP. Also, understand that you are signing up for frequent labwork for LIFE to be sure your body is getting the necessary Vitamins it needs to keep you from having other health issues. Just imagine if you had this surgery, started regaining weight and left with the side effects of having to take a laundry list of vitamins just to stay healthy. No thank you! Just try to research the best you can. Ultimately you have to feel comfortable with your own choice. Just sharing some of the thoughts that went into how I made my decision for the sleeve. I have absolutely no regrets except that I didn't do it sooner!

Hi, So I am a former smoker/vaper I quit about two months before I decided to enter the program. My insurance would not cover any part of the program if I was still using nicotine. I can tell you that starting up exercise really helped me with not smoking/vaping, like, it helped me a lot and I did not gain any extra weight, in fact I lost weight. I quit cold turkey, but that was because I wanted to get past the nicotine withdrawal as fast as I could. I do not know the program you are on but I would ask the Doctor to clarify about weight gain during your 6-month period and not go by what your friend said, even though they had the same Doctor. Your journey and your friend's journey will probably be similar having the same Doctor and all, but they won't be exactly the same. So, just give them a call or send a message if you have that option on your portal, which should help ease your mind. Hopefully this help.

I am so excited for you! You are getting so close. I have just started my 6mo pre-op diet. If you don't mind me asking... did your surgeon provide a checklist of items for your Dr. to review and add to office notes on your 6 month pre-op? Did you loose weight, gain weight, or stay the same weight during this time? Thanks for sharing.

Great idea! My list is... 1. Mobility-my knees, I couldn't do crap because it killed my knees. This is already nearly resolved and I am just 2 weeks out heh. 2. Health-been crazy healthy my whole life til 2 years ago. Had something else go awry in my body and had transfusions.... within 2 months I was diabetic, an MS diagnosis, high blood pressure, a huge weight gain, and such severe exhaustion and fatigue that I could barely make it to the bathroom, much less do anything or go anywhere. And I NEVER wanna be that way again so here I am post op already off Metformin and bp meds as I no longer have those conditions... and I can walk around my neighborhood! 3. Family-I love them so much, I wanna keep being involved with them for a long time 4. Longevity-Again, I love my hubby and kids and grandkids sooooo much, I wanna be around to enjoy them a good while longer! 5. Looks-bonus! But I dont think I would have had bariatric surgery over primarily looks, its just the icing on the cake to be better looking lol 6. Romance- doesn't matter, I have the best, kindest, most awesome hubby I could ever hope for already! He's amazing and makes my heart flutter and my world go round!

Hi I'm also at this stage I've already had my seminar, just got the call from the hospital, i guess to start the process, I'm so scared, i keep in mind i can always back out but all i have to look forward to is more weight gain, my knees kill me, don't know how much longer i can work like this, so i have to do something, this is my last hope. tammy

You guys. Wow. Thank you for the responses. I mentioned earlier that we have other marriage problems... most of our marriage (since I was pregnant with #1 so 8 years at least) has been fighting about beer/drinking and also his weight gain/unhealthy life choices. I realized last year that he was early stage alcoholic, he uses it for coping with stress from a high power job. Didn’t know what being an alcoholic really meant until I educated myself and once I figured it out I was done (another story for another day). Once I realized this I was very clear, quit or we are getting divorced. Through a few ups and downs the last few months he’s admitted he has an alcohol addiction and had quit. But this has to also go hand and hand with the weight gain. The two have been so intertwined. I feel bad for him, I want to help him and I’ve told him for a long time that I want him to get healthy so he can be around for the kids and me. ugh this is so complicated. Sorry to spill here. My life is complicated. I go to therapy myself and we’ve gone together as well. So much therapy. I worry that if he decides on WLS it will only be to save our marriage and I don’t know if that’s a good enough reason to do it, I don’t want him unhappy with his decision and ending up making things worse. yes, I also think deep down he’s depressed and I pray he works through that with his therapist. so I guess I support him if he decides to look more into WLS. We have a consultation tomorrow so I guess I’ll learn more there.

I have been on Wellbutrin for 3+ years. The first 6 weeks it caused nausea and I had problems eating. After I got used to it, I think it has caused weight gain. The only one that caused me to lose weight is Cymbalta. I am still pre-op though (surgery 4/17), I don't know what the effects will be after.

A severe texture aversion to most fruits and veggies played an active role in my inability to lose weight and my constant weight gain while growing up. I always tried to explain to the doctors/nuts/etc, even when I was just a child, that I WANTED to eat these foods and I TRIED to eat them, but the moment I put them in my mouth, my gag reflex kicks in immediately and I literally get sick trying to force these things down my throat. I would still try, and still get sick, all the time, and no one I ever talked to ever believed me. I was just a fat kid that "didn't want to" eat healthy foods. Never mind that my texture problems extend to plenty of unhealthy foods, like popcorn, twizzlers, gummy anything, etc.

I'm sure someone more experienced than me will be along soon to advise, but in the meantime.... First of all, give yourself a hug and a pat on the back for weighing in and recognising your problem. In years of yo-yo dieting the hardest thing I found was often steeling myself to go back on the scales and see what damage I'd done to my weight. The logical thing would seem to be to take some time to write down honestly what you are doing/not doing that is causing the weight gain. You lost a lot of weight in 2012 so you know what you should and shouldn't do. It's important to be honest with yourself. Then work out how you can address each issue. The easy thing to say would be: "go back to an 800 calorie a day diet for 4 weeks on protein shakes and then calorie count at maybe 1220 pd to lose the weight you've gained". But to do that you are going to have to counter the things that put obstacles in your path i.e. eating through stress/boredom; lack of time to plan etc etc. You've done it before, you can do it again.

I was on the pill for roughly 12 years. I got pregnant while on the pill twice, each time I missed 1 day. A few years prior to surgery I got a Mirena IUD. Period free, no replacement for 5 years. Yes please. I'm now on my second IUD and have not experienced any weight gain. It's wonderful. Insertion and removal is a b%&%&%, but worth it IMO.

I lost weight very quickly, 107 pounds in about 10 months. I stuck to a very strict high protien/ low carb/low fat/ low cal. diet. Didn't cheat at all. I started working out about 5 days a week about 4 months post op. That being said, I have gained back 30. I feel like I didn't learn how to eat for the long haul, I was so restrictive. I have since moved to a pretty much south beach diet. The right carbs and the right fats- in moderation. My cals are 1200-1400 a day. That's all I log. I know I am getting plenty of protien- lots of lean meat and eggs, and one protien shake a day. I had the first good week last week in a while- lost 4.5 pounds. My suggesstion is to not rush along this journey. Think about lifestyle changes you can live with. If you do what I did, I realize in hindsite, it's just another diet. As far as my band, I had trouble staying in the elusive sweet spot. I was there for a few weeks here and there. I was pretty satisfied in the early part of the day, couldn't even eat solids in the morning, had a protien shake. By 2 or 3 my appetite would really kick in. I had small fills that pushed me to the other side and I was getting sick even on shakes. Very frustrating. I am frustrated at the weight gain too, never thought I would let 30 pounds creep back on. However, I am back on track and not looking back. I know it will be slow going, but the weight will come off and hopefully I will have learned to eat the way I need to for the rest of my life- well 85-90 percent of the time anyway lol.

Hi Megan, I suppose at 5 years post banding, I am not what you would call someone in the 'first flush' of the glory days of my band. Nor am I by any means a newbie, and as time goes on I am more interested than ever in posts that discuss the longevity of the band, especially with regards to symptoms experienced, in the hopes that I can in fact be vigilant of possible complications. First let me qualify that I'm Australian, and Australian surgeons have been placing bands for a lot longer than American doctors. My surgeon has well over a decade's worth of experience and to this day, still thinks the band is the most effective wls there is. I just wanted to make that clear so you understand where I stand on this. I recently had band replacement surgery as a result of a leaky band. I had the option of revising to a sleeve but both my surgeon and myself agreed that the band was a better choice. I have lost 100% of my excess weight, I have not experienced pain, reflux, nothing at all that has caused me concern, and even when my band was leaking for 15 months, I only gained 35lbs of which I then lost 40% of without the band's help before my replacement. All the recent posts I have read regarding complications experienced by banders who have had the band for 5 years or more have the same theme to it: pain, reflux, weight gain, discomfort, damage etc. I have experienced none of these. I maintain my weight easily when my band is working. I live with my band very easily. I have had a multitude of tests as a result of my leak and I have no physical issues or damage caused by the band. I have no reason to believe that will change, either, seeing as it hasn't happened yet, and if it was going to, I'd expect it to have happened before now. I also have a good lot of bandster friends on FB who have been quietly living their lives with the bands without complications, who have had their bands as long or longer than me, who just don't talk about it that much any more, unlike when they were first banded. So just to provide some balance, I do believe people have complications, and in many cases, serious ones too. And I do believe you have and it's always a wake-up call to see it talked about. But I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that everyone will, or that it will even be as common as some people make it out to be. Nothing you've said about your personal experience or anything I've seen posted about complications just recently has convinced me of that at all, especially since I see so few similarities with my own experiences with the band. So I'm piping in, I guess, to give a different view of what long-term life with the band is like so anyone reading understands that there is more than just one point of view to everything. And I personally have nearly nothing bad to say about my experience with the band.

Honestly as I read this I thought you were talking about my experience! I had surgery on 11/15, and I'm too at a stall for weeks now.. it's really depressing because I didn't imagine this part of the journey so soon after surgery. I always thought I'd hit a stall way later on in my journey. Also, around week 2.5 post op, I had to rushed to the ER and admitted for 5 days because I was severely dehydrated, couldn't swallow anything... not even pain meds. I went from 288 to 271 and when I was discharged I gained a whopping 10lbs in the hospital! Granted, I know it was all attributed to IV fluids. No I'm almost 4 weeks out and... I'm at 273... still trying to lose the 2lbs I lost right after surgery and I'm struggling with this stall/weight gain that's messing with my mind... Anyone out there experiencing the same? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

After a trip to see my family for Thanksgiving and successfully sticking to my healthy eating, it was particularly hard to see my obese brother who has probably gained about 30 lbs this year. When I took a good look at him, I realized his neck was so heavy I could barely see his chin and that his ears seemed disproportionaly small compared to his face. He seemed uncomfortable with my own weight loss story, in fact, he put off coming to see me from Sunday until Thanksgiving, having excuse after excuse to stay away. When he saw how slowly I ate my meal (which now seems normal to me), he said he couldn't possibly take 30 minutes to eat lunch because the best employees are expected to take only 5 minutes. When I started to respond that this is a behavioral change my WLS team helped me to make, he cut me off before I could finish. When I was served Thanksgiving dinner, he said "are you going to be able to eat that?" He was hesitant to eat at a restaurant with me because he thought I would not be able to eat anything. On the other hand, he chose the restaurant where he could get a large prime rib and as he ate the prime rib, he actually spread butter on it (though he made it a point not to butter the roll he ate). He wasn't able to come with me while I walked the dogs, decided not to shop at Walmart because he would have to park too far away ( the parking lot was not that large) and was thrilled when my mom ordered him some special kind of tongs to pick things off the floor with because he can't bend down. When I stopped by his house, there was a belgium waffle maker on the counter that he was obviously using. There are a couple of issues for me here. First I just feel very sad to see how obesity has affected him, though he says his blood sugar, cholesteral and blood pressure are all fine - I don't see how it can be long before he has serious health issues. I've lost 2 male friends his age, that were in better shape, to sudden cardiac arrest. He lives alone and seems to be isolating himself more and more. I know how isolating obesity can be, and about the cravings for fats and carbs and sweets, how hard it is to move when you are that overweight. BUT I don't see him making any attempt to make healthy choices. Second is his passive/agresive comments and behavior, I have a few now former "friends" who have been unaccepting of my new lifestyle and body and I've learned to avoid them if I want to continue my success and not risk sabotaging my weight loss. But this is my brother, my only sibling and I found myself wanting to totally avoid him too! My mom says he should get surgery too but I know he doesn't have the medical resources or support that I had and he is not willing to change his behavior. Plus, his recent weight gain would put him at a higher risk. Since obesity runs in families, does anyone else have insight as to how to deal with this?

My after care people were pretty good....could have been more informed but over all not too bad. Most do not know what got us to this point in our weight gain...most will never understand how it took us over and got the best of us. Which in turn means they will never understand how hard we will have to work to get it back off...but we will and we can be proud for doing that. It isn't easy at all....I am struggling big time. No magic bullet here that is for sure. I did think I would lose better than this so over all I am pretty disappointed with the process. But at least I am no longer gaining weight so I guess that is a bonus. We will see how it goes. I have to say though that if my results are not better in 1 to 2 more years I will have this removed. Assuming I continue to work out and watch my diet with no success! But once I hit the sweet spot I should see some improvement, at least that is what the doc says. I am hopeful J

Congrats on baby #4. I'm on #4 as well. After 2, whats a couple more, right? I'm 16 weeks along and starting to get a little paranoid that I'm not eating enough. I've only gained about 3 maybe 4 lbs so far and it just worries me being this far along now. I had really bad nausea that started in week 4 and lasted until about week 13-14, but I only ever threw up a hand full of times, but the thought of eating was so unappealing. Ugh! I have my appetite back to normal, but still feel like its not enough to grow a little person My husband has mentioned it over the last few days and so tomorrow I have an OB appt so I'm going to talk with her and see what she thinks about where I am with weight. Before the band I was 192, and pre-pregnancy I was hovering between 157-160. Now I'm going between 159-161. I haven't gotten ANY unfills yet, and sometimes things get stuck, but usually when I'm eating too fast or taking too big a bite. And of course if I eat too much I get that uncomfortable "after Thanksgiving" kinda full feeling So being how you are on band baby #2, any advice? When did you get an unfill, if ever? And when did you know it was time for one? How was your weight gain? Of course I don't want to blow up, but I want to make sure I'm eating ENOUGH to have a healthy baby. :-/

bandit, Some people can be overly sensitive. And, I am sure that some are just jealous and wish they could have a BMI where you are, it is hard for them to relate. I know when I started gaining weight and I was where you are now, I felt similar to how you feel. I wished I would have had a way to stop the weight gain then, instead of waiting until I needed to lose 120. I am proud that you are being proactive in trying to find a solution that will help you. As you will read in many posts.....many wished they had had the surgery years ago. Just realize the Lapband is not an easy life. Is it what you really want to do at this point? With best regards, Denise

I agree with Arabesque. Letting old habits slip back in is what causes weight gain. If you let that happen again after bypass, then yes, you'll gain weight again. So you'll need to really monitor yourself this time around. Even at almost eight years out, I have to watch myself like a hawk or my weight will start heading north. Arabesque is also right when she says that weight loss is almost always slower after revision - BUT...you can lose the weight again if you really work at it!!

Hi. I also developed this post GB removal, which was a few years before my band was placed. It is certainly life changing. I struggled everyday with it and avoided eating at work because I work the assembly line for GM. And the more anxious you get the worse it gets. Forget trying to travel, unless you bring a portapotty with you. Then I pigged out when I got home and could "go" when I needed to. I think this "helped" with alot of the weight gain in the last few years before the band. I think the band helped a little bit. It could have been simply because I was eating alot less and healthier food. The band doesn't change your system at all, except the banded part so I don't think it helped me more than a little bit. What did help me was medication. I had an anxiety disorder which made the IBS much worse. I think I was on Clonazapam. I think. What has almost cured my IBS? My Duodenal switch bypass I got when I had my band removed after 3 years. I go 2 -3 times first thing in the morning depending on what I ate the day before (if I stay low fat 1 time) and don't have an issue at all for the rest of the day. I can eat at any time. I no longer have to search out the bathroom as soon as I arrive somewhere, or determine if I can go somewhere depending on if they have a bathroom or if I will have to stand in line. (which as you know sometimes is NOT an option.) Ok. That's my experience, for what it's worth. I feel for you. I know how it is.

Careful with Boost. That is a product designed for people who need nutrution and weight gain. It is NOT designed for dieters. I like Matrix. I like it because the quality is high, the protein/calorie ratio is perfect, I like the flavor, and I don't have to mix it with milk. Milk... blehhh unjury is another great quality Protein and you can mix it in anything, Jello, broth, juice, milk, whatever your preference. Isopure is also another high quality protein but it tastes what like dog pooh smells like. It's just disgusting. Stay away from the bullets, shots, and shooters. The protein quality is about the lowest on the market right now. Regarding protein quality Matrix, Unjury, and Isopure are the best and most consistant quality products on the market. They range in quality (scale from 1-100) from 80-100. The bullets, shots, and shooters (stuff in a plastic test tube) are between 4-6 depending on brand and flavor.

Hello everyone! I have Cigna and am required to do the 6 month weight loss supervised plan. Oct. 29, is my last appointment before everything gets submitted to ins. My BMI is 38.3 and I have osteoarthritis, sleep apnea (newly diagnosed) and borderline HTN. My question is will I get denied for weight gain? Will my PCP write my letter of medical necessity? I don't know what to do to lose weight???!! I am keeping a journal and have not went over my calorie intake that my pcp put me on but I'm still gaining instead of losing. I'm wondering if eating too much protein can cause you to gain weight because I have upped my protein intake substantially. Anyone got any advice for me? Anyone with Cigna gain weight during the 6 month waiting period and still get approved? Please help!!

Hi there - Sleeved on 11/12 ... Home from the hospital yesterday. How long until the gas goes away and I can see the progress on and off the scale? Thanks! Becca