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HAD LAP BAND SURGERY 5 YEARS AGO. EVERTHING WENT GREAT UNTILL ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. FOUND THAT I COULD EAT ALL I WANTED AND GAINED ALL MY WEIGHT BACK. THE DOCTOR FELT IT WAS MY PORT AND REPLACED IT IN JUNE OF 2010. STILL HAD WEIGHT GAIN. THE DOCTOR DID A DYE TEST AND FOUND IT WAS MY BAND LEAKING. I'M DUE FOR BAND REPLAACEMENT ON 1/11/2011. HAS ANYONE HAD THERE BAND REPLACED?

Hi! I was banded May 6th, 2008! I lost almost 100lbs. Then I got pregnant and I am now starting over. It was really hard to watch my weight go back back up during my pregnancy. Afterwards I did not want to go back and have my band refilled because of my weight gain! I gained around 70 lbs from my pregnancy. I had planned to loss more weight before I got pregnant but that was not God's plan. I am starting over and a littled discouraged when I add what I have now lost to what was lost and realizing that I would be almost at my ideal weight now!

I have regained two pounds in the past week. I sure hope its just Water weight gain. I went out of town for the holiday. I returned on the 26th and weighed in for the first time in a week and was so happy with my weight loss. Well yesterday I weighed 2 lbs more than I did a week ago. Not good and I want to eat all the time.

I did the same thing in the last 2 weeks -- ate small portions but more varieties of things than before so that is probably why the weight gain. I haven't yet had a fill so hopefully that will make a difference in feeling more restricted so I will eat less again -- and I will probably go back to the liquid proteins and then mushies to get back into a more conscious eating pattern -- we still need to make the right choices (protein and veges rather than carbs) and get the exercise in -- I hope to start a better routine with going to the gym a couple times a week to start and building up -- don't fret, I'm sure with a fill and getting back on track you will start losing again -- I think we all go through this at different times and just need to get back on track. Good luck and hang in there! Deb

Well I havent been on here for a litlle over a week, which is very different for me. I have been visiting everybody over these past two weeks. Since we are in Colorado and everyone in my family is in the east coast. I did go and see my mother who hasnt seen me since the day of my surgery. She says she can tell a difference. Proably more inches than weight to me but I will take any compliment coming my way. My other family has seen a difference also in me. But on to why I am writing. I came home and have gained back 6 pounds!!!!! I dont even know how but I did. I ate different foods (which I havent been eating) but a lot LESS than ever before on any holiday break. I dont know what I did wrong. I hung out, had a great time with family but I do not like this feeling I have right now. I know right before I left I had a lot of problems with my 1st fill which we didnt get to an approaite level til 2 days before I left. Now I am scheduled on wednesday for my 2nd fill and I'm so upset over these 6 pounds I dont know what to do. I know I need a fill because I'm hungry as hell! Will my doctor look down on me because of my weight gain?? I know its not alot but it is discouraging. I guess because I really didnt think I was being all that bad on vacation, but I guess I was. I plan on jumping back on this horse tomorrow, actually right now!! But any words of wisdom from my lapband family would be greatly appreciated. Please somebody give me something????? I'm so worried. I want my weight to reflect how I am living and with this gain it hurts. Did any of you gain weight during the holidays? Because right now I feel very alone. Thanks Dee

I try to only weigh once a week on the same day each week and to keep the scale in the exact same spot so as not to have too much flucuation... If u weigh urself everyday u are going to see variations due to water weight gain and loss and it can be very discouraging. A friend of mine suggested having my daughter hide the scale from me and only giving it back to me to weigh every couple of weeks... Stay encouraged! This is the raod to lifestyle and eating changes! Good luck!

Please join me in listing your wow moments here. It does not matter how minuscule you think your achievements are, I feel that they could still be inspirational for others. I read a lot of challenge / re-commitment threads and I feel that we need one full of successful / inspirational stories. I will kick start the thread with my most recent wow moments. Shopping on New Year`s Eve with the hubby, met a friend we have not seen for over a year now. She said hello and Happy New Year to DH and proceeded to ask whether I was his sister. She then said, tell the Mrs I say Hi and will see her shortly. I responded by saying the Mrs. says Hi back and we should really get our diaries to schedule that meet. Imagine her face? Shopping is fun now because everything / anything looks good on the frame. WOW I must also state that this is the 1st X`mas period during my adult life that I had enjoyed as much as I could without weight-gain at the end or feeling the need to go on a diet soon afterwards. Feeling well and not lethargic as usual.

Skeebo, I can sense your frustration with where you are following your surgery. My surgery is tomorrow (1/3) so I cannot offer any specific information to help you with your situation; however, what I can say is that I have found this forum to be extremely helpful and as you can see by the responses you did get that you at least have more food for thought. Do you know if your doctor checked for any other medical conditions such as Thyroid condition? From your post, it's obvious your weight gain is not from eating, so it has to be something. Much success to you as you work with your medical team to figure out what is going on with your body. Light~ Theresa

Apples, no problem on the bluntness. Gave me somethings to ponder. Pardon the pun, but I am starting on Monday THIS Monday back to basics. DH is going to with me. As for the feelings of inadequacy, that's sortta it. I guess I have had these 'not good enough' or 'I'm not worth it' feelings a long time so it goes beyond the recent weight gain but that sure didn't help matters. In some ways I think I may have sabotaged myself in my little pity party of having to move to Utah and used it as an excuse and also to tell myself, 'see you really aren't good enough'. I felt like a fraud at goal weight, but as Janet has pointed out in the past, I still am that fat girl inside a thin body. In some ways I think this recent struggle though has been good for me, it's taught me that I can never become complacent, but also that I am worth it. It also showed me that it's some place I never want to go back to. I have a great life, a great husband and even though I whine about missing Denver, I have it pretty good here in Utah. I'm not working, travelling like crazy, many good friends so am 'blooming where I am planted' and it's time to focus on that vs on wanting to be in Denver. I'll be back there one day. So thanks for the blunt talk!

What a nice compliment your friend made, Great. Also a nice compliment that she wanted you to be available for support for her daughter. I had something similar happen about a year ago while in FL. Have a really good friend that asked me if I would visit with a friend of hers that had a daughter that had had LB surgery a year prior. For sure I would. Anyway, I felt she was doing great at where she was in her progress but she needed support. Got a nice email a couple of weeks ago from my friend that said she attributed her success now to my support. I made me feel so great that the little things I said to her in the many emails we had, made her turn things around. Makes the heart feel all warm and fuzzy. And, Great, you ARE a classy lady. You ARE put together. We can be dressed to the nines and if we allow the negative feelings to take over, we can feel as frumpy as if we were wearing sweat pants and an old shirt. I am not talking about letting vanity take over...I am talking about giving yourself the credit you deserve. I know it has been wearing on you that you gained a little back. Don't let a little gain take over and ruin the goals you have set for yourself. Tomorrow is a new day. You have some new "tools" to use to get you back on a regular exercise program. Don't pass up the opportunity and a new start to getting back to where you want to be. We love you and want (sorry...talking for all again) these feelings of inadequacy to be put behind you. Question???? Are these feelings due to the bit of weight gain you have had? If so, let us help you get back to where you were just a few short months ago. You have stated in the past that you thought maybe you were too controlled. Well, gotta be blunt here....get that control back again. I have my own opinion...I think maintenance really scared you. I think maybe you were bewildered about how you would handle maintenance. I could be totally out in left field about this but I bet you just need to get over the shame of the few lbs you have gained and once you stop putting off for tomorrow what you can do today, you will be right back to where you want to be. This is not a race...but...you gotta start the journey again....put all of it behind you and get back to where there are no more "I will start on Monday". (just an example). Maybe not what you wanted to hear but for the last few months I have missed you and you talking about your food and exercise plan and all the good advice you give the newbies and everyone else. You've been holding back....I don't know if it's because you feel you cannot adequately give advice or not. I warned you it would be blunt. But, it's all said with love.

You both did amazing!! I on the other hand did horrible. I have gained a total of 12 lbs in the last 2 months. I am starting over though. I went grocery shopping today and have made out my meal plan for all 3 meals a day for the next week. I find it much easier to stick to my diet when I plan. I have been going though alot of changes in my life over the last couple of months and know that has played a part in my weight gain as well. I feel like my life is starting to get back to normal and I want to get back into gear. I have been over 200 lbs since I was in elementary school and am almost 30 yrs old now. I can't wait to get in the 100's and know I will make it there soon. Congrats to you both!!

Nuts may be a good source of protein but they are very very fattening. I wouldnt do pretzels either they may get stuck. Eat something before you get on the plane that you know will hold you like some scrambled eggs. I was eating nuts and guess what weight gain. Its not worth it.

Had you been on a protracted diet presurgery (not just a 1-2 week liquid diet)? I'd been on a stricked diet for 8 months presurgery. After the initial shock of surgery my loss really slowed down. Not sure if you are female but TOM really affects water weight gain.

Hello everyone, I had my surgery in mid-august. I was 271 at surgery. I am 213 now (well, 215 truly because of weight gain since Christmas -but it isgoing back down...). I am worried because I met with my nutrionist this week and she mentioned that I should only be eating 2 oz. of food at a meal. I can eat much more than that. My surgeon said I should be at 200lbs by New years. I am not. What do you think? I am trying to stay below 30 carbs and above 80 Proteins a day... i wonder why I am not losing faster. I am down 90 pounds since 2010. So, I am not totally unhappy. Please send me your advice. Thank you.

PCOS=Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a lovely disorder that is named after a symptom instead of what is actually is, which is basically a hormone imbalance. Essentially, when PCOS-ers eat our bodies make MUCH more insulin than a normal persons would, causing 1. more hunger 2. more fat storage. All this insulin and fat causes an excess of testosterone which opposed to popular theory does NOT drive up the libido but causes things like facial hair, acne, more weight around the middle, skin tags (basically moles) and..hence the name...a failure to ovulate fully which can cause small cysts on the ovaries. I don't have TOM for months at a time then will spot for like 3 weeks unless on some kind of birth control. I currently have an IUD which has triggered a weight gain of about 50 lbs in the last 2 years, not that I was thin before!!!. It is treated with birth control pills for period regulaiton and some diabetes medications, usually metformin, but the only "cure" is weightloss, which because of the insulin stuff is VERY hard...I can restrict eating and workout like a crazy person and lose half of what others around me are. sorry may be TMI but I love to educate women about it because there are so many out there with it, this is an incredibly common syndrome, who don't know anything about it until they start trying to conceive. I was lucky enough to have a surprise baby back in 2004, but many struggle with infertility their entire lives.

As I'm trying to research and learn as much about the Sleeve as possible, bouge sizes, pre and post op challenges, etc, it seems that at least from this site that there are a lot of people on here who have had the lap band and going for the sleeve or have already gone the route of the sleeve. I guess where I'm going with this is that I understand the WLS is only a tool, etc... And, so I'm curious for those that had previous WL surgeries (lap band or whatever), what was it that made you feel the surgery didn't work. Yeah, probably weight gain- but how much of maybe could it have been not following a a better lifestyle (food choices and exercise). I realize some may have had medical complications, but other than that what do you feel was the cause for your 1st surgeries failure? Second, do you worry that long term you may experience similar challenges or weight gain? I am asking this only because having had the VBG back in 1998, I think back to what led me to where I am today. To be honest, I felt I did fairly well after the surgery even though I never lost the last 40# or so. I started with a weight of around 305# and got down to about 170# in about a years time. I was not referred to a nutritionist nor were there any support groups (surgery was too new at the time here) and so while I knew I needed to make some major lifestyle changes, it just wasn't permanent. I'm now at about 240# and have bounced up and down over the years- just can't ever get it to stay off much less gain back more. It became worse with job losses/ high stress job a few years ago (triggers for me)... So, it leads me to wondering, somewhat concerned about having this happen again. Yes, it means making a commitment to a healthy lifestyle change- but it obviously wasn't permanent or I wouldn't be here considering a revision. I ask myself now that I'm a little older if I am more mature (was 26 then), and now armed with more knowledge, access to support groups, etc if that will be enough. Ultimately, it is a personal choice- I get that. Just wanted to hear from others if they had concerns going into a revision if they wondered if they might end up where they were "x" months post-op from their 1st surgery. Thanks for anyone's feedback.

Don't worry about the weight gain. I had my sleeve on November 29th and initially gained probably 10 pounds from the surgery and fluids. I was a little stressed too when I got home and weighed more than when I left. However, the second week out I lost 17lbs!! It will come off, trust me!!

Sandy, that's really nice of your neighbor and husband. I usually don't want my DH to cook....ugh...unless it's something on the grill and even then I usually have to prep it. You are a lucky woman to have a man that cooks. Cheri, Happy Birthday! I don't think I can top what Janet posted. Hope your day is wonderful! I really like the idea of a retirement villa. I think they have wonderful services and help in the areas that are needed and you can take advantage of which ones you want. I hope your parents will see the sense in this because I believe they are very practical even if they are a little pricey. I'll take the 10 points on the IQ test over the hair. Oh, I'd love to take you out for lunch for your B-day....sorry we aren't closer. Linda...that would be very funny if we all ended up in the same retirement community. There are many many really nice ones in the desert here. Just a suggestion. Meredith...so glad you found your dog nephew. It is hard to believe he survived out in the cold, but dogs have been doing that for centuries. I believe they are tougher than we think. Hope you start feeling better soon. Laura, school starts next week, right? Even when you think you are going to get me time you know you'll be busy doing other stuff. I don't think you know how to "take time off" either. So good to hear you had a nice visit with your parents and they did look happy. Hope your sister figures it out, but some people never do and it doesn't help if your parents are criticizing. You can't live her life and she does have to make her own choices. Maybe she needs a job. Tina, your partner has lost faith in you it seems. The only way to fix that is to follow through with the lap band and do what you say you are going to do. It will not be easy and in the end, it may turn out that she is not the right person for you....or it may be the beginning of a new and more fulfilling relationship for the both of you. Only time will tell and that is one of the hardest things about this journey. Hang in there, you can do it. Melissa, don't let the weight gain keep you from doing what you want to do. Now the traveling might be a different issue, but if you are spending the night there, go for it. Bring something to read in case you are bored and do leave early. You need to enjoy yourself however you choose to do it. Janet, there are a lot of people that don't get the food addiction thing. Good thing you like your trainer and you can have those discussions with him. Not only do they help you with your workouts, they will help him expand his view and enable him to help future clients. Yep, it's cold. It was very windy last night and I didn't sleep well but it was only 50 degrees. Now it's 39 degrees and it's already rained but the wind has stopped. Hello to everyone else I've missed. I'm going shopping today. Need to get some stuff for the posole and I'm going to look for a new MP3 player. The computer doesn't see my old one anymore. I'm also going to look for some sunbella fabric. All the cushions on the front porch chairs have rotted away and I don't really like the replacement pads I've found. Besides that I'm not doing much today....so there....it's going to be a down day for me. Talk at you all later.

Melissa, I'm not sure any of us can advise you on this issue. It really depends on many factors -- is this an event your DH has been looking forward to? If you don't go will he be disappointed? If there are people there you know well you will probably have better time than you imagine. Part of our struggle with our weight issues is our desire to hide and not be seen unless we are at our perfect weight. Truth is, most of these people aren't going to probably even notice your weight gain. Maybe you can find an outfit that makes you feel good and draws out some of your other great features. If you do go don't dwell on the food, dwell on the people, the conversations, your DH, etc, Make the party about the event, NOT the food. Try not to overindulge. On the other hand, it does sound like a lot of work to get there and if you DH is not dying to go, perhaps it would be better for you to skip it. I think you also need to sit down with your DH and discuss your weight gain. You said he's been "looking at you" like he's noticed - well, I think it would be good for you to discuss it and put it out there and tell him how you are feeling and how you are struggling right now with feeling out of control and need his help with it. I'm sure he will understand with all the stress you've both been under this past year how difficult it has been for you. He will probably understand much better than you imagine he will. Once you get that off your chest, I think you'll feel better and it will be easier to get back on the horse. My heart goes out to you, I know it's been tough and I'm sorry you are struggling. Hugs on whatever you decide. Cheri, I'm with you, that retirement life sounds pretty awesome to me right now too. LOL. Maybe we can all go to the same place? Wouldn't that be fabulous!! LOL. Meredith, I'm just soooo happy about your nephew doggy -- such a joyous outcome. So what's the whole story? Someone found him and called your sis? Did they JUST find him or have they had him a few days? How old is he? Laura, you are a fabulous mom -- it's natural for you to be ready for Nelson to return to his routine. Even though those of us who have grown kids sometimes wish we could go back in time and snatch some of those days and have "do overs" we all felt that way when our kids were young. Chris, glad your fill went well -- my doc does no numbing - just sticks that big needle in there. Hope you have some better restriction with this fill. How much have you lost so far? On the choo choo again today. today was my day off from exercise - didn't sleep very well - couldn't get to sleep last night and then kept waking up - shoulder hurting, etc. So I decided to sleep a bit more this a.m. Last day of work today and a nice 3 day weekend. Will be hard going back to 5 days next week after two short weeks!! Looking forward to just relaxing this weekend, no parties, no cooking, etc. Just taking down decorations and going to the casino and watching the Rose Parade and football games. Julie, haven't seen you posting lately, hope all is well. Miss you. Lori, how's Mandy today? Hope all is well. Have a great day everyone! Linda

I've lost my way and have no support. I've had the band nearly 3 years... did great year 1 & 2 - losing 70 lbs. This past year has been a weight gain of 20. My doctors have all left the practice and I want to find a new doctor in NJ. I have restriction but not sure it's right because I either am too hungry or throw everything up. Does anyone have advice on how I get back on the right road? I still have 100 lbs to lose and feel horrible. I don't understand why I throw up when I eat solid foods but can eat better when i stand up. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Tina - I don't mind saying. When I started this journey I was 283 the lowest I got was 211 so far. I started to get cocky and my head got in the way. I asked for another fill thinking that would prevent my bad choices (which it did not it only made me tighter and gave me more problems). I also was laid off of work twice within my LB journey and I am an emotional eater so I was eating foods I was not supposed to which as anyone knows makes you feel good for like a second and then you feel horrible. I also got acid reflux from eating too late and eating the wrong things and worst of all being too tight. I tried to deal with it on my own and with the help of my friends here but it got to the point I had to go back to the Dr (just a note my surgeon is an hour and half away and I pay $100 for each visit due to the fact my insurance did not pay for the LB I had too) When I finally saw the Dr he took about half of my saline out (due to he was afraid I might get a slip and he knew my stomach was irratated and swollen) which basically put me back to the begining with the band. Now I can pretty much eat anything including things I could not eat for along time because I was too tight like cold drinks, fruit and salads. So the weight gain is all my fault and not following my surgeons directions. So please follow your surgeons directions. I go back on 01/04/10 to see my Dr and get a fill I hope. I try to do this my self but there is no restriction I am in what they call banster hell. Like what Janet said she mentally could eat more but doesn't. What hurts the most right now is my hubby and son have notice the weight gain and it makes me feel so bad I say I want to get to onderland but my actions have not changed. I actually do take meds for anxiety which help but my head is stuck in a rut. I am trying to force my head to get back in the swing of things by changing my job to a more physical type job which my back is freaking out about. I could walk to work which is 3.2 miles driving distance but my hubby and son are afraid things might happen to me walking not sure why it is not in a bad area and there are sidewalks. Okay I am just gabbing away I hope this answers your questions. Tina you are right I will do this. I just have to get out of the hole I created for myself with all this sugar and carbs I have been eating. Also I have tried to give my problems over to GOD but I have problems letting go. My Best Friend is helping me with my journey towards giving things to GOD I am a work in progress with that.

1day at a time, did you lose all the weight and put it back on? How do you think the weight gain happened? Im just wondering because it sounds like you had lost some weight and put it back on again. Im worried i will do that too I learn from others and srry if im being nosey...just trying to catch up on the situation behind some of your posts. And YES you WILL take control of your weight. And there is a really really good friend to have in these situations...well in any situations....God. Best friend i ever had

since my december 3 surgery. i was doing great. lost almost 30 lbs including the weightloss from the pre-op diet. then...the holidays hit. i was finally able to eat normal food but it had to be on the softer side. anyways, i have gained almost 6 lbs. i don't feel the full feeling like i did a few weeks ago after surgery. i know its because my stomach isn't swollen from surgery anymore and that i transitioned out of a liquid diet but i just need assurance that it will not be like this after i get my fills. it scares me that i can eat so much without feeling "like i just ate a thanksgiving dinner"..as my clinic told me how i would feel after eating. anyways, this small weight gain has really put a damper on my journey and i feel completely guilty for it. any input helps. thanks!

In one word.....NO. We all have similar stories, weight loss/weight gain/weight loss/weight gain. I will finally be successful and healthier than I have been in years due to the surgery. It will be saving my life. I am no longer diabetic, I should be off cholestral medication within a few months and my fatty liver disease with reverse and I will not eventually become a canditate for a liver transplant somewhere down the road. Not counting the potential heart disease that runs in the family and the knee replacment surgeries that would have to be recommended. Best decision I made in my life other then getting married to my husband and my 2 wonderful daughters.

I'm excited to be here and to find others going through the same experience. I have met with Dr. Valentine in Meridian, Idaho and have begun checking off my requirements to be eligible for the surgery. I am 140 pounds overweight and have struggled my entire life, I was always chunky maybe 20-60 pounds overweight depending on the time period. However, 11 years ago, after the birth of my twins my weight gain really skyrocketed. I have consistently been 100-140 pounds overweight since that time. I have dieted (many times) and done really great, getting down to 50 pounds from my goal weight only to put every single pound + back on. I have decided that I am unable to do this on my own and need help. I understand that I will still need to put in a lot of effort and that the band is just a tool. My hope is to have the surgery by the end of January or early February. I look forward to sharing my experience and to reading about those of others. SuBandy