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I wanted to share a note about weight gain during the surgery. As a few posted before, the fluid from surgery makes you GAIN weight when you get it, so don't be sad or look at the scale for a while! I knew I would gain fluid, also since I missed a few doses of diuretic meds during/after the surgery. I gained TWELVE POUNDS when I got home- and this is after almost no calories for two days! So far I have lost two of those pounds (TMI- peed them right out, ha ha). It will take some time for the rest of the liquid to go away- I can feel a lot of it in my gut, etc. Even more TMI- my main incision (I have five- the big one is right above my bellybutton) is definitely worse than the others, and last night there was a lot of bloody drainage out of it. Hopefully this is normal, and it seems to have calmed down. Not fun cleaning that off the floor through :rolleyes2: I'm sure this happens to a lot of other people, so I think we should just not look at that scale (or realize it's all fluids!). I have to say I think I have more pain than some others on here, along with a killer headache- I think maybe it's just the different ways we are affected by surgery, and how much they have to dig in there to do the surgery. I have to take two vicodin every four hours just to manage. I found that instead of grinding them and putting them into a spoonful of yogurt, it actually tasted way less bad to just chew them a bit and swallow with water. It is lovely here in MI today so I walked outside, slowly, for half a mile. Being outside was a relief! I hope the rest of you are doing well!

Is it possible that I am not eating enough and my body is going into starvation mode? I am trying to keep the right Protein in me, etc, my calories probably total 600-800 tops. I have started to add some real food, mushy stuff but now I am putting weight back on. My calories are still low seeing as I am less then a 1/4 cup on everything. One egg is not enough calories to push me way up over the limit. I think my body is going into starvation mode. Anybody have any thoughts?

Hi! I have to say, reading this reminded me of my boyfriend and me. I was diagnosed with PCOS in April...after 5 years of constant weight gain and not understanding why. Nobody knows the feeling you get when you're told by the dr "the biggest reason for your weight is the PCOS" (unless they've been there of course) and there’s nothing you can do about it. Let me tell you a little about my story. I had never been super skinny but I was fit and very comfortable with my body, I was a dancer and volleyball player...always weighed between 150-160 lbs. Then in the course of 2 years I gained 80 lbs and continued to gain until I had lapband surgery. In the 5 years that my weight went up (I didn't know about the PCOS) I felt disgusted by my body; I hated looking in the mirror and tried so hard to lose any weight. I joined LA Weightloss, Jenny Craig, nutrisystem, a gym and had a personal trainer....I usually averaged 3 lbs a MONTH. It was the most frustrating period of my life because I tried it all. The metformin I started taking after I got diagnosed was the worst. I had constant stomach pain from the medicine and I knew that I couldn't continue. I seeked out info about lapband and told my bf about it every step of the way. He didn't like the idea of surgery but after he saw that I was well informed he slowly gave in. Currently I've lost 30 lbs (had surgery on Oct 6th) and it is the BEST thing I have ever done because I KNOW that if I hadn't had the surgery I would have continued gaining...it's just how it works. I also know that without the surgery weight loss would've been nearly impossible. I hated feeling like the fat ugly girl amongst all my skinny friends, but I know that I truly did it to feel comfortable in my own skin (being skinny is a plus), to be the happy person I used to be, to go shopping without any reservations, to smile at myself while looking in the mirror because I think I look GOOD. I did it to be skinny yeah but I did it to feel better about myself, to love myself, to finally be able to live the life I know I was meant to live. I did it for ME. My bf finally understood that and he had not other choice but to accept it and support me. Support her, nothing but good will come out of this...take it from all of us who know. Good luck to both of you :rolleyes2:

Hi, I read your post and my heart went out to you and your fiancee. I am 28 years old, and I was diagnosed with PCOS 3 years ago. Not many people know about this condition, but it is one of the most frustrating conditions, given all the odd symptoms and limited treatment. I was also told that PCOS led to my weight gain. I decided to get the surgery because at my last physical my doctor said, "There is nothing wrong with you other than the PCOS; but if you continue at this weight, you will have health problems in the future." I was tired all the time & I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I have had lap-band surgery and it was the best decision I have made in my life. Most of my PCOS symptoms have gone away, or diminished tremendously. I don't think this has to do with wanting to be a thin girl, at least completely. It is very difficult to be obese and feel good about yourself; it's just more difficult to live. I can at least speak for myself when I say that I was physically uncomfortable all of the time, had trouble sleeping, breathing & moving. Also, one cannot even begin to explain the feeling one gets when strangers give you certain looks & people judge you, just for being big. I don't think anyone can understand how that feels unless they've lived through it. Also remember that all those horrible side effects from the surgery are rare, and depend on the patient follows the Dr’s post-op plan. Yes, it does restrict the food that we consume, but we aren’t starving; we just survive on less from now on. I think it’s wonderful that you are on this site asking for advice and insight, but try to see this from her point of view as well. It can be a painful life living an obese life; physically, emotionally and mentally. Good luck with everything!:rolleyes2:

Okay, For all my challengers that is going to meet our goal weight next year. Here is what I've started with: 1000 to 1200 calories per day..( I try to stay as close to the 1000 calorie mark). Drink 8 ozs of fluid every other hour, because sometimes you can still be full from your health meal and cannot eat the next hour....Special note: (if you have to drink more than suggested....try eating crush ice....so you won't be drinking to much fluid. Because again to much fluid builds weight gain....(These are some tips I do for myself). Protein (any healthy protein that is low in fat and high in protein) I bought 30 cans of tuna in water. (I do love tuna). I east 1 can per day. Vegetables...Try to stay focus on green vegetables for many reason.....If your going to eat starches or carboyhdrates....East as much whole wheat....Such as rice, noodles.. crackers...(I find that whole wheat crackers have to much salt. So I eat the no salt regular. Not to much bread...Even though you can find whole wheat bread...But it is still dough which makes you blow-up in weight....I eat maybe and I mean maybe 3 slices of bread a month.....Snacks... sugar free's as much as possible. To much sugar and to much fluids can have you gaining also..... Keep a workout regiment. Upgrade whatever you were working out with. Do a little more advance. Target exactly on what body part you are trying to cut down and build muscle. Remember this slogan every time you eat something and workout (PROTEIN BUILDS MUSCLE AND MUSCLE BURNS FAT) Now let's do it.. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE. I'M GONNA NEED IT....:scared2::thumbup:

Poly cystic ovarian syndrome, a metabolic disorder that causes insulin resistance that causes weight gain as well as high blood pressure, high cholorestorl and difficulty conceiving and a few other things. Some of us have all the symptoms, some have a few. Pcos

I agree it is probably swelling but if in a week it does not change or if you are unable to take liquids do not be afraid of getting a small unfill. I went seven months too tight because I was scared of what it would be like to have some taken out. But a friend made me go as she had been through the samething, it did nothing but make me feel better no weight gain. You can always have it put back in. I only had .2ccs taken out but it made so much difference. Cheri

My name is Celeste, I live in Connecticut, and have battled my weight now for 10 years. I was on a diet and exercise routine prior to becoming pregnant with my son 10 years ago. I was loosing weight slowly thanks to a personal trainer, I was told by my OBGYN though that it would be an up hill battle as I had PCOS. (Poly cystic ovary syndrome) I became pregnant, and gave birth to a beautiful boy I named Brandon. I nursed Brandon and after about four weeks began to put on weight, a pound a week. I became devestated, no matter my best efforts at weight loss, I continued to gain. When I was about 25 I started falling asleep driving. I went and found out I had Hoshimotos, Hypothyroidism. I struggled even further with weight loss even with proper medications. I went to an endocronologist that took me off meds because I was borderline. This began the downfall and weight gain circuit for me. I went to the gym, followed weight watchers, only to continue to gain and put on weight. Obviously this was because I wasn't on meds but I thought I would just hold out. I got married to a wonderful man and ended up getting pregnant a month after we were married. I went to the OBGYN who flipped a gasket because I was not on anything for my hoshimotos and sent me to the doctors, finally on the right meds, I did not gain but five pounds during pregnancy. I mean really, I shouldn't have because I had so much fat anyway. After my daughter was born I dealt with my Endocronologist and was still on meds. Now on meds and regulated I went into a diet and exercise fury and only gained muscle mass but kept fat, so the scale kept going up until a year ago I couldn't fit into my size 20 jeans anymore. I had enough! So six months or so ago I checked my insurance and decided to go this route. My other choice was biggest loser but knew I wouldn't lose all that much and probably get voted off. LOL So here I am, post op now a week and a day, still a little sore but thrilled at my decision. There have already been some challanges but I am sure everything will level off soon. I am excited, and look forward to starting new habits for myself and my family. A ten year old, a two and a half year old, my father whom is disabled from a stroke so I take care of him, three dogs, full time college and a husband, I keep myself busy and just need to remember to eat.

Hi, I'm 26 years old and 23 weeks pregnant with my first child, a girl, Sofia :thumbup: 'm due March 9th 2011 I was banded in 2006 it slipped in late 2007. I started at 233 pounds and got down to 140 pounds. I had the band put back in 10 months later in 2008. and was weighing about 185lbs, and since got done to 135lbs. I admit the first time around i was throwing up excessively and not following eating rules. This time of around i have been really careful, in very slowly filled my band. I threw up rarely like maybe 1-2 times a month twice but it was never a violent vomitting episode. More like the food was stuck in my throat and i could make myslef productive burp enough to throw that last bite out. Early this year at my last fluoro doctors were concerned about the positioning of my band and told me to be careful and stick to the rules. They think since it slipped once i might just be more prone and with the weight loss my organs shifting around such has caused my band to move. In june at my regular docs recommendation i loosened my band and put on 10lbs i was having fainting issues and some nutritional defeciences. So i went up to 145lbs within a month and found out i was pregnant in July In September i began having horrible acid reflux at night which had experienced previously when my band was too tight so back i went to the doc and he removed everything but 1 cc, i have the largest band. I do have some relief and take nexium and pop antacids like crazy. the reflux is really horrible, when the acid rises to my my mouth it makes me gag and then i throw up.. BAD! i am so terrified my band is gonna slip again. I dont wanna put my baby at risk, if heaven forbid emergency surgery was required. I know what it feels like it when its slipped and so far its okay i can eat plenty which is great but i am terrifed. I vowed after 3 days of throwing up stomach acid, that i was going to on liquids for 2 or 3 days until the pain in my throat/stoma settles done...and really stick to a structured diet...BLAND food, no eating after 6pm just to play it safe. no spicy food, chocolate, carbonation, etc at this point i think i am going to remove the band some time next fall, i really dont think i can deal with another pregnancy with acid reflux and the anxiety that comes with thinking i might be harming the baby. So my two main concerns and questions for other banded pregnant mommies out there 1. how are you coping with the reflux? 2. How much weight had you gained at 23 weeks? I'm really afraid i am not eating enough for the baby, i am not showing yet, and at my last ultrasound the baby was measured to be at 20wks instead at 21weeks. Presently i'm 152lbs after 3 days of no food intake prior to that i was 156 lbs and really happy with the weight gain. starting weight at beg of pregnancy 145lbs now 152-156lbs thanks :wink5:

Hello Stimpy, welcome back! You are a success story, believe that! Trust me we all fall for the sugar demon from time to time. What sets us apart from others though is that we have a tiny tummy that will help keep us from over eating and gaining significant weight back. It makes it a lot easier to get back to being right and not stressing over 10 lbs weight gains, etc. Let the Cookies go for now. The Holidays are approaching and you don't want to be caught up in a downward spiral with all the sugary treats staring you in the face. You are strong and I KNOW you can do it. You have already lost so much, and you are sooo close to the finish line. Let this time be for getting there instead of the latter. NOW GO GET EM!

BigGirl, I watched the soup recipe on utube.. looks good.. if you go in the drop down for oter recipe videos, they look good too.. Vicki or Val, are you able to get some answers on that forum regarding medical difficulties for post op patients.?. If its weight gain, i think no matter what surgery you have, that will always be a problem if you are not careful.. I am just worried about I guess the unknown..mal absorption, etc.

This is day 5 post-op for me (banded Nov. 3) and I do feel like I have turned a bit of a corner. I went to a memorial service this morning - sang at it - and took only Tylenol for pain. I don't have the breath control I had before -- need to work to get that back, I think -- and sipped lemonade at the reception following the service. But it was fine. I came home to drink another Protein shake (having had one in the Am) and take more Tylenol, and am about to head out on a couple of errands. I suspect that, after that, I'll need a little rest...but this does feel like things have moved ahead. Last night I really, really wanted something more than Protein shakes or broth...I am just bored with them! I had a teaspoon (maybe even less) of tiny tastes of hummus, and later a tiny slice of brie (less than an ounce) and nibbled carefully, to see how all that would go. You would have thought I was eating a sirloin steak! So tonight might be the night I pick up some chicken-coconut soup without anything in it, or have a little cottage cheese...I just feel like a little bit of something else can't be too damaging if I eat it slowly and carefully. I am glad that all the surgical weight gain also seems to have left...it's about time! Deb WS Banded 11/3/10, Dr. Malcolm Robinson, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA

I'm sure your not the first person nor the last to do this You learned a valuable lesson for down the road even after a fill (I'm on fill #4 & still could eat candy if I wanted). I'd probably go back to poached soft fish, canned chicken, scrambled eggs (southwestern egg beaters are great), cottage cheese. Just for a low-cal jump start. The weight gain was your wake up call, but I think you heard it loud & clear. lol...Good Luck you can do this!

I think this thread goes on this forum, not wher I posted before... Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well... 1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God! 2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget. 3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones. 4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay! 5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise. I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food. However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it. Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is. Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to. Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all! Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer. Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication. There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there. God bless you all!

Hi all! Tomorrow marks my fourth month post surgery. What has this journey been like? Well... 1. No leakage or any other serious complication- thank God! 2. I never expected the post surgery experience I had. Anxiety and depression, like I've never witnessed in myself or anyone else. kicked in about two weeks post. Uncontrollable, snowballing, unexplainable, irrational fear, sadness, and regret. I went on tranquilizers, developed a mild dependecy on the benzo, had to follow a tapering process, but all ended well. This experience is unforgettable to me and my family! Everyone entering this surgery process should be aware that this is a possible reaction to surgery. I'm not sure if only to this type of surgery, or all. The more the time passes, the more I see posts that relate to my experience. So far I've contacted six people with less, exact, or worse anxiety and depression after the sleeve. Be aware of this possibility. Know that it can debiliate you, thus you need a safety net. However, also be aware that it passes. Thank God, all that is in the past. But the experience I don't think I will ever forget. 3. Because of #2, an improved appreciation for God, life and for all my loved ones. 4. Weight loss: forty pounds down- yay! 5. Besides #2, the most impacting part of this experience is accepting the fact that the surgery did not rid my addiction to food, nor my unhealthy eating habits. I completed a mandated five month program before surgery. The instructor endlessly stressed to start working on our eating patterns and habits before surgery, to ease the transition and have more success with the procedure. As much as this was emphasized, I didn't do it. It was also emphasized that the surgery didn't cure our addiction and relationships to food, this too I ignored. To me, surgery would cure my addiction to food, would for ever change my eating patterns, and never again would I experience the vicious cycle of binging, guilt, shame, weight gain, etc. etc. etc. In my mind I figured I'd be forced to change because my body wouldn't tolerate overeating. I ached for a change, and surgery would force the change on me....problem solved! I awaited surgery with glee and faith. Well, the story goes otherwise. I have changed some of my eating patterns and you will find plenty healthy veggies and fruits, plus lean meats in my fridge. I joined the gym for the first time in my life, and through therapy am trying to sort out my relationship with food. However, surgery hasn't forced a change on me. You know those stories of having to induce vomit (or it naturally occuring) due to overeating? NEVER happens to me, NEVER! I cannot eat as much as before, but defenitley more than I expected. I can eat a full cup of spaghetti with cheese and sour cream in one sitting. I'll finish it, feel full, and stop eating. But thirty minutes later my pouch has made room, and I can take some more in. This especially happens when I eat out and we usually sit around chatting for a while. Time passes and I'll start nibling at my food again. I can eat about half a cup more--without being hungry. Why do I do it? I'm working on understanding it. Those stories of no longer tolerating fatty, sugary, lactose, or other foods- not I. I can eat EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING. Dumping syndrome? I don't even know what that is. Having to chew food to mushy consistency- not I. I chew, but never to the consistency I thought I'd have to. Taste buds change post surgery- not mine. Not one of the billions of taste buds have changed- at all! Bottom line, this surgery didn't force any change on me. I have gone up and down in weight, and can't seem to break the 40 pounds mark. It's been this way for the past five weeks. I still experience the disappointment in myself over food choices and behavior. The shame and guilt sneak up, and soon I'm angry and feel defeated. All the emotions, habits, and challenges I faced with food and weight pre surgery I face now too. I thought I'd be facing these issues two years after surgery when my pouch has relaxed and expanded a bit, and many regain the weight. I thought that by that time my life would be extraordinarily wonderful- that I'd never regain the weight and give up my success and joy. Well, it's only been four months and I'm facing reality already. Everyone considering surgery needs to know this. I think those who've had success with the sleeve have had it because they've made changes that have yielded the success. The sleeve itself will not yield it. Maybe everyone already knows this, but I have been known to be a late bloomer. Do I regret having had surgery? Honestly, there is nothing to regret. I had (and pray that it continues) zero complications, I still enjoy food, have a very active social life, have gone down a size in clothes, and experience no pain, vomit, nausea, or anything of the sort. I feel blessed that my surgery has gone so smooth, pain free, and complication free. I pray that it continues to do so. I prefer to deal with my current issues, than any physical complication. There really is nothing to regret. On the contrary, I believe this surgery has a higher purpose in my life. It isn't yielding the weight success I imagined, but it is forcing me to look deep into myself and work with what is out of balance. I can't run away from it anymore. I refuse to have gone through this experience and continue on the road of addiction, caught in that endless dark cycle. This is the change my sleeve had brought to my life. My progress comes in baby steps, but I'll get there. God bless you all!

Hello there, welcome and congratulations to taking your first step to the new you. I have Hoshimotos which is one of the most common reasons for hypothyroidism. Though I was just banded on November 2, 2010, I am feeling great. With the pre and post diet I have lost a total of 20lbs already. My Endocronologist did tell me that because of the thyroid my weight loss might be slower then others and have a tendancy to plateau at times. Those were all mights and to just stay focused. I also have PCOS (Poly cystic ovaries) all things that contribute to weight gain and difficulty in weight loss. This was my last hope and my doctors both Dr. Gedeon who did the surgery, my Endo Dr. Luthra and my OBGYN doctor (they keep changing doctors on me) all suggested that this was my best option. They are all very positive and tell me before I know it, there will be a new me looking at me in the mirror. I don't believe three independent opinions would lie. I am so excited for me and for you!

Cangel 76 said: "I found Day 3 was the hardest." I am beginning to think this is exactly where I was. Day 3 wasn't exactly the hardest for me, but today's Day 4, and it is decidedly better. I have not had any pain medicine since 9 AM (it is now 2 PM) and when I had it I took a half-dose. So I am encouraged. I have dutifully stayed with the liquids and I can't say that I'm interested in much else. I like the idea of cheese souffle or an omelet, but when I really think about it - not so much! So I'm sticking with what I have been told to do, one day at a time. I do find that I have to attentive to getting too 'empty' of Protein -- I do feel differently after I've had a shake. I also try and make sure that I don't swig down anything, but rather give it five minutes between sips. That seems to help. I also am seeing some loss of the gas- and hospital IV fluid-related weight gain, which is nice. Hoping others are making similar progress! Deb WS

I typed up a whole blog introducing myself and such, but I will give a much shorter version here! :smile2: I'm Ryan, I'm a 27 yo single mother, current (and heaviest weight) is 267, and in the process of getting banded (hopefully, if God allows!!) I am from Savannah, GA and will hopefully be banded in January. I have quit smoking in order to get banded, and have mulled over this decision for quite some time... luckily I work in a hospital (don't let that fool you, it's not like i get any special privilages or anything with the surgeons!) and have found a testimonial which finally gave me the last "umph" to believe in myself and know that I CAN and WILL be successful if/when I get banded... and I just wanted to share it with you... Mary Ann Bowman Beil On June 22, 2009, I celebrated the 5th anniversary of my bariatric surgery. For all of us who have had bariatric surgery, this anniversary date is one of the most celebratory days of our lives. It is a milestone accompanied by a sense of reflection and recommitment. I think that the bariatric patient’s surgery anniversary date should be dedicated to sharpening the tool we’ve been given. I will never forget when I first determined that I would have bariatric surgery. After the long deliberation that most of go through to reach that definitive moment, Dr. Angstadt and Dr. Whipple would constantly remind us all that the surgery was just a tool. No matter how often I have heard them both repeat this gentle admonition, I experienced the exquisite sharpness of the almost complete loss of appetite and hunger in the first year after surgery. This seduced me into the belief that my surgery had so perfectly sharpened my tool of resistance that perhaps it was a solution for me, not just a tool. This is one of the great blessings but myths of the life of the new bariatric patient. But it is a feeling that you want to claim, remember, and strive to recover. When you realize that it abates, you will have to sharpen both the tool and your skills to stay the course of exquisite good health and maintain the lifestyle success that the surgery has now let you glimpse. I have found that there are certain “stones” that you must claim as your own and use with almost religious zeal to keep the tool of bariatric surgery sharp and effective. I think every person who has this surgery builds their own cairn out of the stones that they discover work best to encourage them. So here are a few of mine. Stone #1—Quiet Reflection This one takes different forms for different people—prayer and meditation, transcendental sauntering, yoga, sitting quietly, being. Take your pick, but this is an important discipline as it keeps the bariatric patient in touch with the one thing that our weight and former dependence on food distanced us from—our feelings. You must think about how you feel, stay aware of how you feel and set your compass each and every day to make all of the choices that keep you feeling good, feeling lean, and feeling in control. Stone #2—Meaningful Movement Do something. For me the compliance to this particular “stone” is profoundly personal and it took me almost four years to figure out that I would exercise far more consistently if I would work out early in the morning versus in the evening when I almost always had a conflict or flagging motivation. Committing to a time that no person or event could challenge and making it virtually impenetrable from interlopers made this one of the most significant assurances for me. If I start with this stone on the cairn—even if it is just a 45 minute energetic walk—everything else seems to fall in place. Put simply, if I even reluctantly walk over and pick up this stone (no matter how heavy) and carry it to my weight loss cairn each morning, I know that I will virtually run and, with little effort, pick up the rest of the stones that day and stack them on the monument of the day’s success. Make this stone anything you like—for me it is walking, rowing, dancing, or maybe a touch of light weightlifting that I should actually do more often. Stone #3—Liturgical Vitamin Ceremonies My vitamin consumption has become an almost holy symbol of my intent to honor the body this surgery gave me. I bought a tea box (a wooden box with 12 square compartments) that sits next to my favorite chair. Every morning and night I open it up to behold the vitamin selection that assures my good health. There they all are—the multi vitamin, the Co-Q10, the Calcium, the Colace (still needed from time to time). I take Vitamins several times a day, and each time I take one, I whisper “I am good to me.” Stone #4—The Security of Staples Always, always, always have the staples you need to stay the course for good health. This takes discipline and a list (laminated and always with you). For me, the staples are hard boiled eggs, fat free cottage cheese, Montreal steak spice, Lite Havarti cheese, apples, blueberries, fat-free yogurt, and Crystal Light. These must be in my reach at almost all times or I will most assuredly make the same bad choices that caused my weight gain. Make your own list and carry a small cooler in your car everyday if you must—and I have—so that you have no excuse. Never, never go home without knowing that you have the staples you need there. I do better without too much choice. An important related “stone” to this one was a hard one for me to acknowledge and eventually convince the rest of my family to join me in honoring. I cannot have any food in my house that is not desirable for a weight-loss patient to consume. Once that first year of no appetite passes and hunger makes its inevitable return, the same temptations you once knew will be back. Even though you will feel rotten if you succumb, it is just too tempting. I find the de-temptation of the home environment and replacing it with staples (symbols of on-going health) is critical for me. Any family member frustrated by this strategy can find plenty of excuses to sneak out of the house for a non-healthy treat. Stone #5—Surround Yourself with Stone Masons This has to do with the ongoing support we all need in life to achieve any of the goals we set before us, particularly the goal of good health after weight-loss surgery. For some, this may mean participating in support groups. I have had a mixed reaction to formal groups for bariatric patients. Prior to surgery, I found the groups to be absolutely inspiring with so many stories of success transformation. They were a remarkable source of hope during a time of despair. However, not long after my surgery, I found that most support groups were negative. The participants focused on what wasn’t working, what they couldn’t eat, or what they didn’t like. Since I had been totally prepared for the changes that my surgery was intended to bring, I did not find what I wanted in a group. Look intentionally for a support group that absolutely encourages the excitement (and yes, reality) of a body that has been readjusted completely to bring about a transformation. Yes, our cups may now be literally half full, but our lives and futures are virtually overflowing. Surround yourself with people who see it that way and, do as I did, select your own personal support team. The people on that team are your stone masons who will help you set the stones you choose in place and secure them for life. Stone #6—Celebrate and Play At least once a quarter, take a day to do nothing but Celebrate. Keep a list of the things that you always said that you would do when you lost the weight—take a hike, ride a horse, go to a concert, climb a mountain, go sit on the beach and watch a sunset, shop, etc. Write down everything you can imagine and, like a bucket list, do them one by one. Plan these important days, give them to yourself and review the stones in your weight-loss structure. If you can, take the day off on your surgery anniversary and honor your good health. Stone #7—Share the Joy Take some of the new energy of life that is most certainly one of the extraordinary benefits of weight-loss surgery and give it away to somebody who needs it. Do this in whatever way the world calls you to give something back. People carry “weight” in very many ways and I think we end up with an obligation once ours is gone, to help others carry their own or lose it as the case may be. Stone #8—Lighten Up and Face the Facts The reality of my numbers is as follows. The last time I weighed prior to surgery, I was a precious but substantial 327 pounds. I would lose a total of 167 pounds, 18 of which have found their way back. Of course, this predictable weight gain is a fact that strikes sheer terror in the heart of any person who has struggled with weight loss and knows how easy and devious the return of pounds can be. However, using the stone stacking method described here, I have discovered how to maintain my weight within about a two-pound fluctuation over the past year. Put simply, the balance of stones and habits for me that I have in place right now will accommodate maintenance. What I also know is that if I want to be as lean as I have been (which I very much would), I will have to exercise a bit more and trim some additional calories out of my diet to create that outcome. These are facts, not magic and not a failure of the surgery. Just a reminder that I will have to continue to use my stones in different ways everyday for the rest of my life to sharpen the tool of my surgery and create the monument to good health that I want my cairn to be .

Hi everyone I had my surgery 1yr and 3mths ago. I am wanting to talk with other post surgery people to get some help and guildance. I have had trouble losing weight and have had major swelling issues leading to having most of my fluid taken out. This has led to weight gain. I have lost and gained. Very depressed.

I am a newbie here, lots of great info thanks. I have cigna, I started my 6 months of nutrition counsel teo months a go, my BMI was about 37-38 in the two months I put on about ten lbs, the nutritionist says that it won't bear well if I gain weight during the six months of eval. I don't want to disqualify myself. I do have co morbidities, HBP. Will the small weight gain make me lose my insurance coverage? Thanks for the help

Skin issues depend on whether or not you EVER smoked, amount of weight gained/lost, how long you were obese and genetics. Exercising and drinking lots and lots of Water can help some too. Even with lose skin, I'm still so much happier at 212 than I was at 385. It's totally worth it. And they make lots of really good shapewear these days, even for guys. I know at the beginning of my journey I thought spanx? nah.. no way. Now I like them. Linda, I'm confused on your statement about coffee.. does your doc make you give it up? I drink tea frequently now, but still have a couple of cups of coffee a day. I try to keep it to 2, but not so rigid that I won't have a 3rd if I really want one.

Emma, after being a sweet tooth girl my whole life, I finally started gaining weight after my thyroid stopped working. Over a 10 year period, I went from a healthy 145 in my 50's to over 200 in my 60's. In the early years of weight gain, I cut out my daily ration snickers bar totally. After some years went by w no sweets, I noticed one day I no longer craved sweets, but could hardly tolerate them, except after a meal. Goes same for carb craving--w lap band in 9/14/10, I have cut out breads, starchy stuff & do not crave that either anymore. My point here is, those cravings can go away & just say no. (I stopped drinking sodas & sweet drinks years ago also.) Look at your future at what you will eat, & not all the stuff you won't. Strawberries are really sweet, add sweetner, cut them up & have at the end of a meal or for a treat. Look for healty substitutes for all the snack stuff & you'll overcome that craving.

Hello All... I am new to this website and thought I would share my story. I had VSG surgery on September 28th 2010. I will be completley honest with my journal enteries! ALWAYS! The first week was NO FUN! I had a tough time keeping ANYTHING down. The doctor's said that my stomach was tight and it would take some time, but it would get better. IT DID! after the first week, things got MUCH MUCH better! I stayed on liquids for the first two weeks, then mushies for two weeks and now I eat alot of mushies but try and intergrate solid foods. I am still having some trouble with eating solids. I did learn that I cannot eat white meat chicken, it must be dark meat. White meat is just too dry for me to keep down, no matter how I prepare it. I made chicken and dumplings for my family the other night and used chicken thighs and I ate everything but the duplings. It was really good and it settled very well. I am so happy that I decided to have the VSG surgery. I have only been post op[/size] for a little over 5 weeks and have lost about 28 pounds. I started out at 260 before surgery and lost 5 pounds in the two weeks before surgery. Then the day of surgery I was at 255... so from the day of surgery I have lost 28 pounds... from the highest weight that I was (260) I have lost 33 pounds. A couple weeks ago I had a platue and did not loose for about 4-5 days and was really depressed, but then I started loosing again and felt much better. Before surgery I had Fibromyalgia very badley and since surgery have been pretty pain free. I am very hesitant to excercise because I do not want the fibromyalgia to flair up but am trying to stay as active as I can without going overboard. I know I really should be excersizing more... We just moved into our new house a couple months ago, so the Wii balance board had been packed away... So I thought; I will hook it up and do some cardio excercises on the Wii.... But to my disappointment the balance board would not work. I had my husband look at when he got home and he could not get it to work either. He said it looked like one of the girls (my daughters) had spilled something on it. POOPY! So there goes that! Maybe I can ask for a new balance board for christmas! LOL. Anyways... for those of you out there that are contiplating getting this surgery done or not... I say go for it!!! It does not work all on its own, you have to listen to your body and stay committed to the new lifestyle, but if you are up for that then GO FOR IT! I am only 5 weeks out and it has already changed my life for the better. My marriage has always been good... Will be married to my husband for 10 years this coming June... and with the weight gain over the years, my sex drive had deplenished! That was tough on my marraige! My husband has no problem in that area and just could not understand why I had NO DRIVE! He took it personally that I had no interest in him... That was not the case, I just never felt good enough for him! I did not want to take my clothes off the way I was! I felt, FAT, UGLY & DEPRESSED! None of that says SEX APPEAL to me! But since the surgery and since the pounds have been coming off the desire has become much more apparent on my part and you can tell that my husband really likes what he sees! I think sex is a very important factor in a good marriage and I think that was just a little something that we were missing before and have regainned it from after the surgery. Some of you may think this is TMI (to much info) but I want to be as truthful and helpful as I can for those of you out there that are contiplating this surgery. I will be posting as much as I can! I lead a pretty busy life, but will try and post often. Please ask any questions that you like and will answer you with the utmost honesty! Good luck to you all!

hi am 23 and when i hit nearly 23 stone i really thought i needed to do something about it so i went to see my gp about things and i was put forward for a laparoscopic gastric band. Then in october 2009 i went to a meeting about what differnt ways there was ballon, gastric band or the bypass i went home and thought about it my next appoint wasnt til feb 2010. By then i new i wanted a laparoscopic gastric band. Altho this was a scary thought i was weighted and told what things maybe causing my weight gain. So from feb i started looking at differnt diets to suit me in the end i combined 2 differnt ones the british heart foundation diet and the free foods list altho it took me at least 3 month to find the right diet for me it was worth it in the end. i lost nearly 3 stone by the time i went back to my next appointment and the pannel team was very happy with my porogress. i had also hit a record weight loss in the clinc of 16kilos i no that is short of 3 stone but i had put a few pounds on before i lost weight after my first appointment i am so proud of myself (i also recived a letter this morning sayin i was a record breaking weight loss for the clinic which will take pride of place in my home to sppur me on the lose me weight). after my appointment in oct i was in hospital the next week for my laparoscopic gastric band to make sure i didnt put the weight back on. i am 3 weeks out of surgy and feel like am ready for this challange . the first few days were hard and i wont lie i had regrets about getting it done but after the first week everything had time to sink in and i know it is the best thing i could have done. since having the band fitted i have lost 6 pound i no that isint a massive weight loss but its still 3 bags of sugar and when you look at it that way a loss is a loss its better than putting more weight on. i am very excited for my first fill which should be in about 3 weeks time i havent yet had a date. every 2 pound i loss i can say good bye to a bag of sugar and the less sugar i eat they more of those bags i can throw!! its easy to get disheartened and feel down and at the time food looks like the best way out i have done it for many years. normally the first thing u grap is the quickest and easy food so why dont you have a look of a free food least (foods that hasnt many cals and is very low in fat) and always have them to hand or prepared in the fridge as this may help. if anyone has any advice for my feel free to email me thanks victoria xxx :cursing:

I think this is the toughest time for me. I too have gained about 20 pounds back. But I made up my mind no more sliders and no more sugar until it all comes off. Then if I can do maintenance with a little sweets I will, but if I start gaining again I will will not be able to eat sugar again. Because for the last 6 months I have just been going crazy eating junk. I'm one of those people who just can't have a bit. Is that what is behind your weight gain? Maybe we can encourage each other like we did in the beginning.