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I'm not looking to revise, but responding because we were sleeved around the same time. I also have very little restriction these days, though I still do have it. Some days it's better than others. I think that's normal, for the most part. I think by three years out it's pretty common to be able to eat pretty normal (not "normal" overeating, like most of used to do). Anyway, I sometimes wish I could get a "touch up" or something, because even though I am maintaining at what is a good weight for me, I'd like to lose 5-10 pounds more. Also, now my weight management is about 70% me and 30% sleeve. I could easily eat my way right back to 300 pounds if I let myself. I asked my surgeon about a re-do or if I was possibly stretched, and he said that it's common to be able to eat as much as I can now, and that sometime people develop areas of stretching or ballooning in the stomach, but there is no evidence to prove that having that causes weight gain, or that removing it causes weight loss. In other words, it's up to us. For me, the surgery isn't worth the risk. Have you reviewed your diet? How much are you eating? Are you weighing, measuring, and tracking your food? Are you increasing your activity? Are you taking anything for the reflux? (I also get it sometimes, but only if I eat too much, just like pre-op). Only you and your doc can decide if you need a second surgery, but my point is you still do have a sleeve, and probably it can still help you. Mine still helps me, but I have to do the work.

It's been six months since my sleeve surgery (6-12-12). It's been up and down, but mostly up. I'm incredibly pleased with my 75 lb. weight loss. Yes, 75 lbs! I feel like a completely different person. I have 25 more pounds to my goal of 100 lbs. lost. I not only used the surgery as a tool to eat a considerably less amount of food, but I hired a personal trainer to help me tone and ward off the potential weight gain from old habits that don't seem to go away. Yes, it is almost impossible for me to consume amounts of food like I used to, but its the wrong kinds of foods you must be aware of! If there is anyone on the fence about this surgery, you have every rig to be scared or to wonder if this is right for you. It isn't right for everyone. You can really hurt yourself if you don't listen to your body! It took me awhile to realize the pain in my chest, that was my body telling me I'm full and I need to put down the fork, NOW! At times I would get sick, and you learn. I stay away from most breads and rices because they just aren't worth it to me, and they are carbs, so it is a win/win! I get the occasional criticism, "oh, you cheated," or "it was the easy way out." Look, you go lay in that hospital bed after I woke up from having major surgery, and we'll discuss what was the easy way. It hurts. It's hard. It's also expensive. But it's worth it. I would be 27 with diabetes and high blood pressure, hitting the scale at around 250-260. I think I did what was best for me. Thank you for listening. And to whoever set up this site, thank you. Before and after my surgery, I checked this app daily. It was extremely useful!

Let me drop my two cents into the bucket... ching ching. So coming from an old woman that had ran the gauntlet when it comes to BC .... Lets see.... First of all i got pregnant the first time at the age of 16 and im 47 now... so oblivious.. i have had many years to do some trial and error.... First was the pill... ONova 150ies... for those young woman, these were the best but were taken off the market. So the dr tried me on many diff strengths....all had issues. Plus im terrible at remembering. Then at 18 i got divorced and opted to do Condoms. this worked... no unwanted kids and no STD's win win. Then i met my husband and we dated for a few years and decided we were going to get married and stopped the condoms.... BAM. Jason... After Jason, i gave pill another try.. nope, so then came the Diaphragm... Oh Holy hell... anyone who has used them will tell you... the UTI's because you have to leave it in place for a while after sex... NOT GOOD. Then came the Depo shots.... I gained 50lbs in Three months on them and said... oh hell no..... THEN cam the IUD... I liked the IUD. Mine was inserted during my cycle and i thought the insertion was Not terrible. I had cramps worse then that... But i do have a high tolerance for pain. My issue was the heavy bleeding... it was bad... not going to lie. Then upon an ultra sound my GYN discovered that my IUD was implanted (not by her) wrong and i could have gotten preg at anytime.... OMG... Thank you Lord for knowing that giving me another kid would not have been good..... So then we did the Nuvaring, I don't care what anyone says. This one, for me, worked the best, this was the lesser of all the Evils..... I didn't have to remember to take a pill, didn't have to hope it didn't break, NO Uti's, No weight gain. I could control when my cycle started.... During sex (how little there was) i would remove and then reinsert after. The Bleeding still happened, as i had always been a 7 full day heavy bleeder.... But it worked. and after a few years on that we, my dr. and i decided on a partial Hysterectomy... Due to the bleeding. So i still have my ovaries .... Just no more babies... no bleeding.... Can you say HEAVEN.... Truth is i didn't know what kind of pain i was putting up with until the pain was gone. Now im home free..... yes LORD and thank you Jesus... Free at last free at last, thank God oh mighty im free.... at last...

Ok, so It's been several months since I've visited my page or been compliant with my lap-band. I've been so off track since December. I had lost 83 pounds in 8 months and since December I've gained 27 pounds back! I've been pigging out on slidder foods or "eating around the band" as my surgeon calls it. I haven't even been to see my surgeon since October because I'm embarrassed about my weight gain. I feel like a complete looser and physically feel worse than when I weighed 323 pounds. I'm not sure how to start over or get serious again but I'm definitely going to try. I need to place my focus back on me. I have a treadmill, elipictal, free weights and an exercise bike in the guest room collecting dust! I'm making a public and personal committment right now to get back to being on track. If anyone has experienced anyone like this or has any suggestions on assisting me in my struggle please don't hesitate to comment or e-mail me.

Hi! I am new here and I just got approved for surgery Feb 12, 2013! I wanted to introduce myself and am so appreciative to find this forum. about me: I have been struggling with weight since about the age of 8. I remember going to weight watchers at the age of 12. After college, I gained 40lbs in one year. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which doesn't help with the weight. I love to eat- I eat for all occasions- happy, sad, stress, etc.... BUT I am tired of food ruling my life! I have always lived to eat and I want to change that. I want to eat to live! I gained more weight after two kids and have been quite miserable. I have done many different diets and lifestyle changes but it is typical...lose weight, gain it back plus some. I looked into surgery a couple years ago but my insurance did not cover it. In November, we switched insurance companies and they cover it! Here is my timeline of events: 11-10-12- Information session 11-12-12- Verify benefits 11-12-12- complete and return questionnaires to doctor 11-16-12- view on line EMMI presentation 11-29-12- Bariatric screening with nurse and dietitian 12-10-12- psychological evaluation 1-3-13- Consult with surgeon- Dr. Amir Heydari 1-21-13- Request for authorization for surgery sent 1-24-13- Approved! wow that was fast (though they did not call and tell me until 1-28-13) 1-24-13- 1st pre-op class 1-31-13- 2nd pre-op class 1-31-13- pre-op appointment with surgeon 2-2-13- Begin pre-op diet 2-12-13- Surgery scheduled! I am so excited and nervous all at once. I have prayed for this and God has heard my cry. I know it will NOT be easy but I am so ready for this.

I've also hit another pleateau, I had to have surgery to remove endometriosis, so I had to go on a medicine called Lupron which they give to cancer patients, there are so many side effects and one of them is weight gain. I have not gained any in the last couple of months, but I'm not losing any either. I can't handle another adjustment right now because I'm tight as it is. I feel like i'm fighting a losing battle here. I thought about stopping the medicine but then the endometriosis will come back I that has to be one of the most painful things that I've gone through. I could a feel but than not be able to eat. So what do I do?

I'm about 2.5 years post op, and I've had my struggles with gaining weight back too. I've never been big on exercising, it's never worked for me, and I have a thyroid problem that makes me feel too weak to exercise most of the time, even when the doctor says it's on the right levels now. I got down to around 165, but I'm back up to 185 right now. I was even more, but have been back on my old strict diet for the past two weeks, taking a little of the edge off. I tried to start the diet on the week of my period, but that just made me miserable. I call it "the diet" but really it's what I'm supposed to eat all the time, focused on Protein and veggies, and not snacking on carbs. It's so hard sometimes. I just want to be happy and healthy! That's not too much to ask, is it? Why does my mood have to be so dependent on what I eat? Some days I just can't feel happy until I've eaten something sweet, and even sugar-free treats can cause weight-gain! *sigh* I know I can get back down to 165, but it's not going to be easy. And STAYING THERE will be the hardest part. I just want to be happy and healthy too....

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

I gained about 2 lbs back but lost it quickly once I switched from eating mashed potatoes to eating scrambled eggs and other South Beach diet idea. Just remember stick to the Protein, drink Water and exercise and you should minimize initial weight gain. Good luck! :eekB: Kristin

Hello Brownbear....I am with your 100%! I am so scared but yet excited to start this new journey. I am an Affrican-American woman, age 32. I have married for 6 years. My marriage is on the rocks and I think some of it can be contrubuted to my weight gain. Granted thats should be no excuse but in todays society looks are "everything". Aside from looking unattractive to my husband, I feel unattractive as well. I have a pretty face but Im close to 200lbs and im only 5'1. So being pretty, short and fat is not a good combo! So to make a long story short, I think if we follow the rules we will be just fine! Just pray and ask God to watch over you! I will keep you in my prayers!

Talk to your Gyno to figure out what's best for you. There's a lot more than weight gain when making birth control decisions. For instance, if you're a smoker over 35 then any hormonal birth control is a risk. I can tell you from my own experience: My Gyno said absolutely no Depo-Provera. She said it is notorious for rapid and severe weight gain.

My stall came at 3 weeks and lasted a full 5 weeks!! I was about to pull my hair out over that one so I truly hope I dont have a second stall lol. I have been gradually losing 2-4 lbs a week once the stall passed. So I am on average right now with my monthly weight loss according to my team and others in here as well. I take what I get as long as its weight loss and no weight gain. Every number gone is a win for me.

My name is Kathy and I live in Louisiana . I am 61 years old I will be 62 in April. I have been battling eating problem since I got married at age 19. My main problem is that I over eat when I am sad or something bad happens that is difficult to handle and people call that emotional eating but I Call it bingeing. I have two sisters one has passed away but all of us were overweight in our adult years. my father was probably in the 300 lb range. I have chosen not to go to Mexico because I'm not comfortable with going there but that being said I know many people who have gone there have been successful with no problems or regrets. it is just my personal decision that I am making to stay here in Louisiana. I am 5'4" and I weigh over 200 pounds. I have tried and failed to lose weight more times than I can count. And each time I get bigger and bigger. This is not a decision that I came to overnight.I have researched it for the past 6 years. the past two years has been extremely difficult. I have tried walking 2 miles every day trying to diet and consistently failing. I am basically healthy at this point. I do have restless leg syndrome and I also have acid reflux which I believe is attributed to the weight gain. I also have depression which is associated with many things but certainly the weight problem contributes to my self-esteem. I also feel that as I age other things can happen such as high blood pressure and diabetes so I really don't want to go there. I have my lab work done and I have a consultation on January 20, 2014. I am in hopes that I will have my surgery on February 5th 2014. I am confident that this is the right thing for me and I'm looking forward to it as I see it as the end of a long time struggle. I have heard that people will lose their hair after the surgery and for this I have checked into supplements and other things that you can do to prevent or to make it so that you don't loose so much or any at all. Also getting the proper nutrition, protein and iron as well as other things is vital not Only because it would help to not lose your hair but it'll help you to be healthier and heal faster. I will update as I go forward.

I am starting to get hungry, and look for food! I had surgery on December 1st 2011 ...I had only 1 fill on January 5th....I am hungry....but when i feel that way I just eat a bowl of special k red berries and that usual takes care of it but im getting scared....no weight gain, but no loss either in 2 weeks ???? I am so ready to call pizza hut an order a thin crust veggie pizza right now.... HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is January 27th. I am very close to being finished with all of my prerequisites involved with getting the Lapband. I only have remaining: 2 Nutritionist Meetings 1 Support Group Meeting I have been reading these posts for awhile now. I am just as determined as I was before joining this website but I do have a better knowledge of the fact that this is not a "sure" thing. When I first knew I was qualified for this surgery I began eating whatever I wanted and stopped exercising altogether. There was a large part of me who said, "you will have surgery soon, eat and do whatever you want". That attitude has lead me to more weight gain and left me feeling very down. Plus, none of my clothes are fitting. But things have been different this week. I have begun to make some small changes. I met a friend who needs to lose weight even more than I do. She refused to even walk as far as my house, which is only a block away from hers. I have inspired her to start walking with me. We have begun to walk from here to there and even went to the gym together this week. I hope that helping her will help me to help myself as well. I saw the same doctor earlier this week. He repeated what he had said before about bariatric surgeries, "I would guess that 50% of patients who received bariatric surgeries gain the weight back after 5 years". I told them that his words have made me more determined to make lifestyle changes which are necessary to keep the weight off. I pray I can do this. Cynthia

I was 227 around Holloween now im 240! ..I gained 13 pounds n I feel like shit...I swear losin weight has got 2 b the hardest thing in the world especially if u love food...but Im goin 2 make sure I lose those 13 pounds in 2 weeks..I am NOT goin back to 288! I just had 2 vent...Has any1 experienced this tramatic weight gain? If so, lemme know how u pulled through..thanks!

So, I like so many have come to find my weight struggle is unmanageable like never before. I realized I was gaining weight at 6 yrs. old when I tried on my first communion dress and it was tight. I was an active kid. But convenience food was all that I knew when my mom became single at 5 y/o. I had no nutrition choices or learning I just ate what was available. I found my way into OA at 13 and did great, it gave me a food menu guide then, they no longer give that out....too bad. I found tennis and that was helpful and carried me through college but even with workout and lite eating I was never thin like the others. I never got thin. It was confusing. After college my identical twin sis, gained a Hugh amount of weight due to an injury and more eating. She later got the bypass. It helped her so much. I struggled and fought the good fight when having 4 kids. I had a reprieve from the weight war when I smoked for a year. I was skinny. But that lasted maybe a year. Then my mom died of lung cancer and I quit. I went back to weight gain. I barely ate any more then when I had smoked. I was angry. But it was familiar and "doable". However, I HIT 50 years old and I was pre-menopausal. I gained weight like never before. I had a family reunion and saw many of my cousins on my paternal side all had hit this problem of weight gain in their 40's and 50's. I was shocked. I also have two other sister with large weight gain as they age. I saw that this was going to only get worse no matter what diet I next would try. I was sick of making myself feel bad for something that I could not entirely control it seemed. I am a solution oriented person and I was going to find a way to direct my life in a way that was permanent, not yet another trend diet Please! . I studied the VGS procedure and I was sure about my choice. My twin sis took me to her bypass doc. and we set up the surgery time for a month later (My sis also had to get back on her shakes doc said). I am self pay, so I could get things done promptly. After setting up my surgery date, did I then tell my plans to my fiance. He was surprised about any of this. I felt private about my choices and did not want my body to become a democracy. I had the only vote. So, after discussing the issues with him he understood my sadness about my weight struggle and supported me. He went to my pre op last Thursday and my surgery is coming this Wednesday, June 19. My fiance is nervous about it but I have never been more sure. I know he finds this all too much, but he is fit and handsome and may never understand all of it, that is okay, not necessary. Also, I don't want to be the fat unhealthy woman with him. Of course there is a social component for me to look nice as much as a my health going forward. So, I will have my surgery in less than 4 days. I feel in control with this now, where I never had felt control before. If you give me a comprehensive plan to follow, I will. But do not want to spend the next few decades with little self respect. I work harder at everything, job, kids, finances, girlfriend, daughter, head of household, then any one I know. So, I know I will work hard for this success too. My fiance has gotten a hotel room next to the hospital to be with me as much as possible. I found this to be the most loving of gestures, since he only lives about 40 mins. away. I look forward to getting past the surgery and posting all my questions and updates on this forum. I thank all of you as well for every single post too. I learn so much from those before me or the ones along side me. My best to each and every one of you. Hugs.

My blog from today: So I had a few minutes to spare and found myself rehashing all the "what if's" of wls. It almost feels like my health and happiness are hinged on this. I guess in a way it is. In my immediate family there is a history of CAD, DM, CVA's, Colon CA, etc. So the reality of it is if I don't lose the weight, the aforementioned is what I have in my future. Not acceptable. I've lost weight a hundred times over only to gain it right back. I don't eat unhealthy foods, I just eat too much. I exercise about 3x's per week, I drink Water, limit my intake of sodas and I've never smoked a cigarette. I'm 5'2 and about 206lbs today. My belly is about to burst out of my size 14 jeans that are too small, but I continue to wear them anyway (denial). I am sick of painful joints, back pain, being winded with activity, avoiding social events, sleeping all weekend, urinary incontinence and all the other stuff that goes with being fat. So I was desperate... I am refinancing my first home (2yrs into mortgage) in order to pay for this. My employer has an obesity exclusion on our insurance at work... I expect they'll remove that exclusion as the company grows, but for now I'm on my own. I could make a list a mile long of "what if's" as to why NOT to have surgery, but instead I choose to focus on the "what if's" as to why it's so crucial for me to have surgery. What if I have a heart attack? What if I am dx'd with Diabetes? What if I have a stroke? What if I get cancer? Who'll take care of my son, my mother, my niece, my employees, etc. Who will fight for what's right for the patients I take care of? Who will grow old with my BFF? The thought of all those haunting questions are much scarier to me than the "what if's" that go with surgery. When my daddy went in to have an abdominal aneurysm removed he told a friend of his he'd die without the surgery. His buddy asked him "but what if you die from the surgery?" My daddy (always full of advice) simply told him he at least had to try.... and try he did. I do have some concerns about undergoing major surgery in order to lose weight. It terrifies me. Change is terrifying, but oh so necessary. So why should I have surgery? Physically - I want to be able to go for a walk or run, I want to not have huge "cankles" at the end of the day, I want to not be out of breath coming back from the mailbox, I want to be free of arthritic pain in my hips, I want to put on clothes without a struggle. Emotionally - I want to be proud of who I see in the mirror, I want to get off the vicious cycle of weight gain & depression, I want the inner me to like the outter me. Spiritually - I have no excuse for not going to church, except that I feel so ashamed of the weight I've put on. I know they aren't staring at me, but that is exactly how it feels. I want to be able to go to the altar and worship once again... Financially - I love my job, but since I've put on the weight I've stopped scheduling speaking engagements (something I LOVE), calling on new accounts, visiting old accounts, speaking at meetings, etc. It's almost like I've given up on me. So the more of all that stuff I do, the more money I can make Socially - I have no social life anymore. I hate going to anything where there is a crowd of people. I avoid it all costs. My clothes are too small, I feel horrible and I just wind up miserable. I have the most amazing boyfriend who LOVES to get out and socialize and yet he's stuck with me... at home... every weekend. So there ya go... I don't feel like I really have a choice. It's either another yo-yo round of dieting with impending disappointment from the scales or a true lifestyle change... I'm 40yrs old and I have so much living and loving left to do. This is for a better me so I can be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, girlfriend, boss and hopefully encourage others to do the same. Here's to the living, loving and laughing that is yet to come!

With battling weight most of my life 10 years ago I got a lap band put in. I am now 57 years old, 15 years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes At the time my Lap Band was put in my weight was 230 pounds. That might not sound like a lot of weight but for a male 5’8 it was a lot for me. In addition to having type 2 diabetes I have also had two neck surgeries and three back surgeries over the years. The Lap Band gave me significant weight loss. I got down from 230 to 160-165. I also lowered my Metformin from 1000 mg to 500 mg. I lost approximately 70 pounds of weight and maintained this weight for about nine years. To say that it was an easy road for me would be lying, I was constantly having the band loosened tightened loose and tightened like being on a roller coaster. I had problems with the Lap Band being so tight that I was having major acid reflux problems. In addition to that I had some small ulcers around my esophagus next to my Lap Band. Last year I decided I had enough of this and had a lot of fluid taken out of my band. The major acid reflex went away immediately however, I still have some ongoing minor constant heartburn and a small cough because the Lap Band is still in place but a lot of the fluid has been taken out. Because of that removal of fluid I have gained back for the first time in 10 years 35 pounds. Now I am back up to taking the same amount of diabetic medicine Metformin 1000 mg because of the 35 pound weight gain. The bariatric center in Los Angeles is recommending that I conceivably switch to a Bypass Surgery and not a Sleeve. This decision is not completely final yet, and the decision towards leaning towards a Bypass Surgery rather than a Sleeve because of the acid reflex problems I’ve had for so many years which only really developed soon after getting the Lap Band 10 years ago. My next surgery would be involved removing the Lap Band and switching to a Bypass Surgery all at the same time in one surgery. As in all surgeries there are risk concerns for changing the body anatomy, however regarding the Bypass Surgery my new understanding is the body does not absorb as many vitamins and nutrients as it would from a Sleeve Surgery and there is a potential for hair loss and dumping and other potential complications? Any advice or opinions from anyone that has been down this same kind of road would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and concern. Hopefully one day I can help someone else.

Kat, kat, Kat! Relax. You are still HEALING, actually. The Band is not a "Switch" that turns weight loss on. Or weight gain off. It's a whole different thing, and you are still right at the Beginning. The whole Lap band Experience is SO different for everybody. It might be a few more weeks before you see any changes. Or it could start tomorrow. But, as everyone here has already said, you are at the BEGINNING of this process, really. You need to give it some time. Life with the band is all about "tuning". Adjusting what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat, how much Fluid you have in the band, etc. There are people here who went for a LONG time before they began to lose. But, then it just began to ROLL off, and they were on their way. If you have concerns, talk to your Surgeon. But I'm pretty certain that he/she will tell you the same thing everyone here is telling you: Relax, and be patient. It will happen. Just give it some time. :crying: HH

Ok, first things first, when people ask you how much weight you have lost, tell them that is not what you are most interested in with the lap-band. Tell them you are first and for most interested in getting healthy and extending your life. We all know it is also to lose weight, but people shouldn't make you feel like a failure just because you can't report back a loss to them. What you lose or do not lost isn’t their business. We also all know the band can be tricky and finding that "sweet spot" takes some time, once you do though, there will be nothing holding you back. It sounds to me that you need another fill, no big deal. I wouldn't beat yourself up about the weight gain though. You have ONLY had 1 fill, don't worry you will be great! :tongue2:

Why is it some of us have reflux after banding and never had it before. Today I just read that some meds (Nexium and Prevacid) included cause weight gain.....what's up with all this???? I never had to take meds before but now have to take prevacid and eat tums all day long.

Strength training is awesome! I was told I may gain some weight once I started, but I didn't. I think it really just depends. And even if you do, just know that it's temporary. The benefits are totally worth a temporary weight gain! I believe strength training is necessary because although you would lose weight with just cardio, your body will look odd. Oh and definitely ask the doc before starting on the weights. I had to wait 2 months I think. Good luck!

I have GERD and my surgeon talked me into a sleeve ( which exacerbates GERD) instead of the bypass ( which cures GERD). He said this is because the GERD is caused by the weight gain. Now i am worried. Surgery is April 3.

Im guessing that most of the people here are also going from large to small and might not have size 8th if they need size 14s and such... Perhaps a weight GAIN forum?