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I had a tummy tuck 4 years ago and just got the lapband 3 months ago. I had no problems...my scar from the TT is way low and the lapband scars are pretty high. The part that I was worried about it them going through my belly button to inflate the gas bc my "new" bb is almond shaped and deep. I thought they would have problems, but they didn't have any problems. My weight gain since my TT is all in my upper stomach now and my back and butt. I had lose over 100lbs when I got my TT in 2003 and I was like "I am never going back" and of course I gained 80 lbs back. I am on my way back down!

Greek yogurt. Soups So long as you remember that this is a temporary measure until you get to the Dr for that slight unfill. You do not want to stay too tight. It is dangerous and can often lead to weight gain as slider foods are higher in calories and do not keep you satisfied.

I listen to their specific question. If they ask, "What are you doing!?" (I focus on the "are"--present tense.) So (presently)..."I [am] doing Protein as much as possible, small portions, and cutting out the stuff I shouldn't really eat too much of." If someone specifically asks me, "Did you have WLS?" I don't like to lie, so I'd probably tell them the truth. BUT... I haven't found anyone (even of my friends) to be that direct, so they just know I lost weight since they last saw me, which (since I'd been hiding from folks due to the weight gain), has been a while. So they don't know any better, except it's been a while. If I encouter someone I don't know who is fat/obese, and the issue of weight arises, and I mention I recently lost 'x' pounds, and I might feel that they might be considering WLS, I might tell them. But most of my friends do NOT know that I had WLS and I have no need to tell them. Even the neighbors in front of me don't know how I lost the weight, but now that winter is over and I'm wearing cool stuff, they do notice it. No need to divulge specifics to anyone to whom you don't wish to divulge. "What are you doing to lose the weight?" You're "eating protein, doing portion control, etc." Period.

Just starting this process myself (surgeon visit in October). I have GERD which is quite well controlled with rabeprazole with limited break through episodes which are typically triggered by specific food or drink/late eating/weight gain. I don' know about hiatal hernia, except that at my last endo in 2010 I did not have one. I formerly had an esophageal ulcer which has healed. I'd prefer to do the sleeve but will, of course, consult with my surgeon and ultimately go with what he suggests. Has anyone with well controlled GERD noticed an increase in symptoms after VSG? Decrease? I've read a lot from people with GERD who, it seems, did not have it well controlled prior to surgery. Just wondering if that might make a difference. (I know we are all different. Anecdotes are helpful at this point in my research.) Thanks all! (First post!)

Woah buddy!! I go from perfectly fine one minute to "duhhhh" the next, to "get the heck out of my 1 mile personal space bubble NOW!!" In no time flat. Took a shower to go to the family Easter get together and in the last hour have decided I'm just not going. I don't have energy to put forth toward being smiley with everyone and I don't have to!! What the heck!? I know the hormonal changes during weightloss make a person crazy. Add on top of that that I'm a female and dang!! I really wasn't expecting this. Are there tips to keep this under control? Might call about an anti depressant tomorrow. Maybe. Are there antidx that don't have weight gain as a common side effect?

Oh wow, I feel your pain! My parents came to visit me, after I had lost 200 pounds, and my mom saw me mixing the essential amino acid supplement that I take daily (as recommended by my PCP). She looked at the label and said, “You know that has CALORIES?!” Five. It has five calories in a scoop. And thanks, mom, I lost 200 pounds without your help but I still need you to micromanage my calories. I guess some moms just can’t help themselves. Most of the time — and I think this is true in your case and mine — they have good intentions but no idea how harmful they can be. My mom put me on the path of yo-yo dieting from my pre-teen years. I’m sure she just wanted me to be healthy and never anticipated that the yo-yo dieting would contribute to long-term weight gain. So I feel free to ignore her comments.

Marfar, I have often thought the same thing.....was wondering if I was the only one thinking it LOL And for those of us with a round face, it just keeps getting rounder with weight gain LOL

I had a sleeve 7 years ago and lost 85 pounds over 6 months. I had no loose skin whatsoever, but I have regained the weight and I'm due to have a revision to a Mini Gastric Bypass in a few weeks. I'm curious to know if you are more likely to have loose skin after a revision for weight gain? I am also now 7 years older 🙂

I’m 9 months post op. I lost 93lbs. The last two and a half weeks I gained 8lbs! I tried eating better. Nothing doing. I’m still steadily gaining weight. How do I make it stop????

I'm allowed 2 Snacks, am snack/pm snack. For those who can snack or who does snack, what are some of your favorites? Which have you eaten that hasn't caused weight gain or any issues with your band? Thanks Lala

Dawn: It's funny how you and I were sleeved nearly the same day, and go through so many similar things at the same time. I'm about 9 days into a stall where I fluctuate losing and gaining the same pound. I weigh myself daily, religiously, at the same time. I disagree with not weighing daily. I wrestled in college, and if I didn't weigh daily, I would have never made weight. My weight-gains always coincided with a lack of wanting to see the proof on the scale. The scale provides accountability. I think its more how you react to the information, then the fact that you gather the information. About the stall, I feel great too, and I've STILL (sadly) have not started a regular work out routine. And I must admit that this week I had a LOT of work, so it was more hours with my butt in the chair, than other weeks where I've been traveling, having to walk a lot in the field, etc. So perhaps behavior (i.e. diet and [lack of] exercise) have something to do with the stall, but alternatively, it might be a bit of our bodies playing catchup. I know that relative to 3 weeks ago, I'm thinner, because I can only wear a pair of 35 inch pants that were a bit tight just 3 weeks ago. So, I have to cut myself some slack. At the same time, I'm about 25 pounds from being somewhere where I'd be comfortable stopping and maintaining. So, let's hope that we break out of this rut soon. I'm starting a gym tomorrow, so we'll see if that helps! Matt

Not to be rude, but people with metal health issues can't always control their mood or always be positive. I am here because this is suppose to be a supportive community not one who that dictates how to feel or states I have unrealistic expectations in one sentence then that I don't know how to differentiate between temporary and actual weight gain. What I said was how I feel, the frustration and depression not a lack of understanding or intelligence I thought that is what these forums are for. I apologize, but I have really found your posts hurtful.

Diva, I was so touched by your post. I too have felt this way -- a lot of regret about what I've missed out on in life. Here are some ways to counter that feeling of being fat and stupid that helped me. I hope they might comfort you, too.:confused: 1. We've been brainwashed to believe that all we have to do to lose weight is to control our eating behavior. But, 95% of people who lose weight gain it all back. Why? Because obesity actually results from 3 things: genetics (which predispose us to gain weight), environment (all the junk food around us, etc.), and behavior (eating and exercise). When we gain weight, our hormone balance really gets out of whack. Many of us are always hungry. Why? Because fat people have an excess of the hormone that tells us we're hungry and a deficiency of the hormone that tells us we're full. And, the more a person loses weight, the more the body hangs on to every calorie that comes in. This information helped me understand that there were valid reasons why I'm obese. I can control only some of the factors that contribute to my obesity. That helped me feel less guilty about "doing it to myself". 2. I've always being hard on myself. A wise friend taught me this saying: "If I could have done better, I would have done better. Now that I know better, I'll do better." When I start beating myself up, I say this to myself and it really helps. It reminds me to treat myself with compassion. So much of our healing from obesity is more than just physical. We need to heal our spirits and souls, too.

I am curious how often you weigh yourself and what if you see the scale go up, what do you do? I officially weigh in on Monday's and last week I gained 1 lb. So I've been very careful with food and have been going to the gym each day and been feeling Great! SO I've been watching the scale. I went down on Tue and then up by 2lbs on Wed and back down 1lb today? I know that we shouldn't weigh everyday but it's so hard to not watch where I'm at. I'm not really understanding why I am not losing a good number again? Can it be that after not getting in enough Protein for almost a whole week and two weeks with no work outs that it will take a couple of weeks to get back on track?

Hi, I'm carolyn and I was banded in July 2002. I am at my goal and have been for a couple of years. I am not having a problem with weight gain, but rather weight loss. I have to continuously eat in order to maintain my weight. Anyway, looking for fellow old-timers who may be experiencing the same swollen feeling in the mornings like I do. I am also here to help anybody who would like it, any advice I can give to any of you who are new to this. I was not one much for support groups, but have been thinking about it for a long time. So here I am.

I am desperate so here it goes........I am approx 4 years out from my sleeve surgery. I thought I was doing good and my biggest issues was how to gain weight. My original weight PreOp was 240 lbs - 4 months ago I had maintained 135 to 145 lbs for 3 1/2 years. Friday i will be 44 years old. Although I thought I was dealing with anxiety for all of 2012 this year I was finally diagnosed with an over active thyroid. In 4 months I have gained 50lbs and now weigh 191 as of doctors visit yesterday. I am devastated am desperate to get the weight off but I have no idea what to do. I was wearing a size 2-4 and now I need all new clothes including my undies.......I am embarrassed and have been spending a large amount of time inside. Everyone keeps saying the extra weight looks good but I know better. My health is at risk and I feel like I have somehow failed. Anybody have a similar experience or care to provide some advice?

Tomatogirl and Meggie, GOOD LUCK TOMORROW. Let us know as soon as you guys can how you are feeling. So happy for you guys. I should be getting my letter tomorrow, but I already knew it would be a NO since Meggie and JWRN got their approval so fast. Well I went to my PCM and gave her a letter asking her to give me a letter of referral and pretty much telling her what I need her to say. I was trying to fax all the paperwork to Travis but my fax did not work, I don't know why. I did write a letter (almost the same I wrote to Tricare) but I don't know if it will help me since my main problem is not have any comorbidity (diabetes or high blood preassure). I do have the family history and a very bad acid reflux desease getting worse with the weight gain. Since I have a rod and six screws in my leg I am trying to play the joint pain card. Do you guys think this will work???? DO they only take the BMI? If they go thru Tricare I don't think I should go thru the trouble. Well, GOOD LUCK again Meggie and Tomatogirl.

okay so youre using weight gain shakes? if so why use almond milk? it seems kind of weird to limit your calories when your trying to gain weight.

I gained about 28lbs and lost it all, breastfeeding will help you lose the weight faster And don't focus on your weight gain now, just as long as baby is growing healthy and you're doing well that's all that matters

I had the same problem. Last year my Dr. could not add or remove fluid. He was pushing so hard on the plunger of the syrenge that his hand was shaking. He said that my port was not functioning properly. The dr. replaced my port. Two months later, the same thing happened all over again. I had another port replacement. I have had fills without difficulty. I had gotten another fill may 17 and had no restriction at all. I normally had decent restriction after an adjustment, but not this time. Today I seen my dr for an another adjustment and the dr. added one cc and then he made me drink to see how my restriction was. I drank 32 oz . The dr said I should have felt the liquid in my chest and I did not. He then pulled all the fluid out and I only had 4cc. In Feb I had 6cc and then got two more fills which would have had me at 8cc. Today only 4 cc in band. The dr was concerned about a leak and sent me to xray. He could not find a leak. When he puled the solution out of the band that he had to use for xray he had no difficulty getting it out. When he went to add fluid he could not get it back in. He was pushing as hard as he could and nothing. He then started pushing around my port and it finally went in. He said it seems my port was twisted. Thank God he got some fluid in as I was so afraid he would not be able to and then back to weight gaining until this could be fixxed. Well now I am at 4.5 cc and am having restricttion tonight. YAY!!!! My dr is hoping that when I go back to see him in the future that the 4.5 cc is still there. I am unsure where my other fluid went and am hoping no leak as he said I would have to have another surgery. I did read in posts just a bit ago about adhesive added to plug the leak, my dr said surgery is the only route. I have a fabulous dr that is very experienced in the lapband. I hope everything works out and there is no leak for you.

Hi everyone. Here's my intro post! I am a 39 y/o artist, Mom and Wife and have been fussing over my weight since I was 13. A day hasn't gone by in that many years that I haven't thought about food or my weight from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. Some history: I was athletic as a child--tall and lean and often called "too skinny". Then, I had a little weight gain around puberty (size 7 to size 9) and then woved steadily upward through my teens to a 12. In my early 20s, I gained 100 lbs in one year (size 12 to size 16). Then, I stayed at a size 16/18 for 15 years before gaining 50 pounds more in the past year or two. I blame stress for this one. (two military deployments, a relationship crisis, a high-risk pregnancy with 6 months of bed rest, a near-fatal car accident, and quitting my job to stay home with my son). Now. I wear a size 24 on a good day. And there aren't many good days because I am anxious, depressed and tired all the time. Comorbids are: Upper Airway Restrictive Syndrome (similar to sleep apnea), PCOS, joint and muscle pain and constant irritability. I love fashion but can't wear what I want. I make custom leather products and have already grown out of a display model I made just this Spring! I am running out of sizes and styles that are wearable. My next fashion step is the mu-mu and I REFUSE to go there. I made a vow today that I will not buy myself one more plus-sized outfit. EVER---even if I have to tie myself to a bed and wire my mouth shut. I have also entered menopause and all my fat (which I carry around the waist) seemed to drop overnight. When I walk, I can now feel my stomach on my thigh. Because of the injuries from my accident and the intrusion of my fat rolls, there are simple things (like fastening a bra) that I need help with. Sometimes, I have to take a shower after using the toilet because I can't reach my butt to clean it properly. That hurts to type but it's time to be honest. I am tall and my most comfortable weight has been around 170 but I haven't seen that number since around 1990. I have chosen that now as my goal weight. But really, I would just be happy if I didn't have a roll of fat on the back of my neck. Like most of you, I have spent years denying, dieting and settling but I can't do that anymore. The truth is, my weight is out of control and I need help getting it together. My most successful weight-loss attempt was the diabetic diet during pregnancy. I lost 12 lbs while pregnant. Go figure. My diet of choice has always been basic healthy-eating with exercise plan but the results never come and I give up. It took me two years of 5-day workouts at the YMCA and a low-fat vegetarian diet to lose only 20 lbs. I was able to climb a mountain at the end but my size was basically the same. It left me frustrated and discouraged. I am not afraid of exercise. In fact, I LOVE it (if I can get to the gym or motivate myself to get started). I love to swim and work the elliptical machine and weights. I love food but at this point, I would eat dried grass for the rest of my life not to feel this way anymore. (I have said this before in my life and ultimately failed). So, here I am looking at lap-bands. I went to a seminar today and was pleased with everything I saw and heard. I only have one thing holding me back. What if I can't stop myself from eating past the full point? How will the lap-band stop me? Being full doesn't stop me now. I am full right this second and planning to go find a snack any minute now. The seminar host told us that what stops her from overeating is the throwing up process. She said she ate a doughnut after surgery and never did it again. I do hate to vomit. But is that enough to stop obsessive/head hunger? Until I can answer that question, I can't make a strong decision because I won't put myself through this just to fail. Right now, I am just going through the process, researching and meeting people to learn as much as I can. I am dead-set against Gastric Bypass and lap-band is the only procedure I would ever consider. Since I can't seem to do it on my own, it's either this or die fat and early. I can't do that to myself or my family. I have the most perfect, darling little boy and I need to be here for a long time to watch him grow up. I am usually the person on forums who gives all the advice but I can't do that here. This time, I think I need to shut up, listen and ask for help. So, I'm asking: How did you deal with the emotional/head/obsessive eating? What did you say to yourself when visions of cupcakes floated into your consciousness? Does anyone have TriCare Standard who can talk to me about options and OOP costs? Who is having a hard time with the band/lifestyle changes and what are you doing to change your thinking or behaviors in order to make it work? Is there anyone here who regrets having it done? If you are a survivor of abuse (like me) and put on weight as a protective shell, how did you feel when your body was vulnerable and exposed after weight loss? How did you deal with it? How does losing the weight (or having the band) affect your relationships with others? Would you do it again if you could? Who here has gained weight back and why? Do you tell people you had surgery? I ask because so many people consider it "cheating" even though we know it is hard work. (I have considered not telling anyone BUT I have a big mouth and probably can't keep it shut even if I try)

Wow, I had no idea that weight gain was common. I lost 10 lbs the first week and since then have put 1-2 back on even though I am not eating that much! I still am wondering why it is that this happens. I am wondering how a fill will change things because like I said, I am not really eating that much - about 3 cups of food for the entire day.

mother natures nature's miracle is a liquid vitamin that i have used for years. i really love using it before surgeries because it makes me heal faster. it is really great it has everything and then some in it, even protein. it is a small company and their site is not fancy but the product is really great. Mother Nature's Miracle? | Liquid Vitamins | Eden's Miracle of Mother Nature | natural vitamin program Vitamins Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Vitamin A; Beta Carotene 14,000 IU Cancer Prevention, Prevents Eye Problems, used for Acne, Ulcers, & Tissue maintenance repair. Enhances Immunity. Protects against Pollution. Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 4 mg Maintains health nerves, Skin Eyes, Hair, Liver, Mouth, Muscle Tone, & G.I. Tract. Coenzyme, Energy Production, used for Depression, Anxiety, Metabolisrn / Stress & Prevents Anemia Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 1000 mcg Skin, Eyesight, Fatigue, Abnormal Sleep Patterns Vitamin C 1200 mg Helps Wounds, Surgery, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Immune System, Heart Disease, Cancer Prevention, Bleeding Gums, Protects against Pollution. Vitamin D 1 800 IU Osteoporosis, High blood pressure, increases the absorption of minerals. Vitamin E 1 180 IU Antioxidant, Cancer prevention, Tissue repair, improves circulation, Prevents Age Spots, & PMS Vitamin K 170 mcg Blood Clotting, Tissue repair, Bone formation, may prevent Osteoporosis. Sulfur** Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments & tendons Lupus, Sickle Anemia, & Collagen Diseases Copper 2mg White/Grey or Brittle hair, Hernias, Varicose Veins, Aneurysms, Anemia, Hypo or Hyper Thyroidism, Arthritis, Liver Cirrhosis, Violent Behavior, & Learning Disabilities. Coral Calcium 1100 mg Osteoporosis, Receding Gums, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia Kidney Stones, Bone Spurs, Calcium Deposits, Cramps, Twitches, & Bells Palsy Iodine 320 mcg Fatigue, Colds, Muscle Pains, Heavy Periods, Low Sex Drive, Brittle Nails, Weight Gains, Hair Loss, Muscle Cramps, Depression, Puffy Face, Dry Skin & Hair, Poor Memory. Magnesium 260 mg Asthma, Anorexia, Migraines, Growth Failures, Muscle Weakness, Tremors, Vertigo & Small Arteries Iron 10mg Hemoglobin, Pica, Fatigue, Heart Palpitations, Memory Deficits & Anemia Phosphorous 500 mcg Brittle Bone, Low Energy, Inability to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates Potassium 300 mg Muscular Weakness, Mental Apathy, FACT: May lower Blood Pressure Zinc 30 mg Impaired ability to heal, hair loss, fatigue and acne Chromium 200 mcg Depressed Growth Rate, Glucose Intolerance in Diabetics CoQ10 3mg Anti Oxidant, Cancer, Heart Disease, Poor Immune System Herbs Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gingko Biloba 100 mg Improves Memory, Brain Function, Blood Flow, Depression, Oxygenation, Asthma, Alzheimer's Disease, Heart & Kidney Disorders. Aloe Vera 6000 mg Restores Tissue, Anesthetic, Heals Burns, Itching, Regenerates with no Sear. Ginseng 500 mg Used for Impotence, Energy, Diabetes, Colds & Chest Problems. i Enhances Immune Functions & normalizes B.P. Enzymes Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Proprietary Formula Amylase Is the digestive enzyme used to digest carbohydrates Lipase Is the enzyme used to break down dietary fats Papian Helps improve skin and breakdown protein Pepsin Is the principle enzyme which helps aid gastric juices Ptyaln Helps in aiding digestion in the stomach for several hours Protein 3 G From vegetable sources is essential in building, repairing and maintaining body tissue Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Sulfur Important mineral in several amino acids within the body involved in functions of Hemoglobin, Insulin, Hormone, Adrenal Hormones, Enzymes, and Antibodies. Deficiency: Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Sickle cell anemia, Several collagen diseases Ten Animal studies show deficiencies cause: Poor growth and Poor feeding, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Cancer prevention properties Chromium Deficiency: Low blood sugar (Vanadium& copper also) Prediabetes (Vanadium also), Diabetes (Vanadium also) Hyperactivity, Learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD Hyperirritability, Depression, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde rages Impaired growth, Peripheral neuropathy, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Elevated blood triglycerides, Elevated blood cholesterol plaque, Infertility & decreased sperm count, Shortened life span Copper Deficiency: White or Gray hair, Dry brittle hair, Ptosis (sagging tissue-eye lids, skin, breast, stomach, etc.)Hernias, Varicose veins, Aneurysm (artery wall bulges) Kawasaki Disease, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Arthritis (especially where growth plate are involved), Ruptured vertebral discs problems, Liver cirrhosis (Number 9 killer in US) Violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Learning disabilities, Cerebral palsy & hypopasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, High blood cholesterol, Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar) Praseodymium Enhances normal cell growth. Doubles life span in laboratory animals Antimony Effective against blood flukes Strontium Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man, Essential trace element Thulium Enhances growth of normal cells Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gold Reduces active joint inflammation Molybdenium Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems Iodine Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid Hormone), Copper needed to utilize iodine Deficiency: Under Active Thyroid, Fatigue, Cold intolerance Muscle Aches and pains, Heavy periods or less than 28 days cycles, Low sex drive, Brittle nails, Weight gains, Hair loss Muscle cramps, Depression, Constipation, Elevated blood cholesterol, Puffy face, Dry skin & hair, Inability to concentrate, Poor memory, Goiter (throat swelling) Over Active Thyroid, Insomnia, Heat Intolerance, Excessive sweating, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Hand tremors, Rapid pulse, Bulging eyes, Weight loss, Increased appetite, Muscle weakness, Frequent bowel movements, Irritability, Nervousness Goiter (throat swelling) Lithium Deficiency: Depression, Manic depression, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption Reproductive failure, Infertility, Reduced growth rated Shortened life span, ADD, Rages & fits Manganese Deficiency: Congenital ataxia, Congenital deafness, Asthma, Chondromalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Convulsions Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Loss of sex drive, Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bones Nickel Deficiency: Poor growth, Anemia (low hematocrit) Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, High newborn mortality, Rough/dry hair coat in animals, Dermatitis Delayed puberty, Poor zinc absorption Silver Kills over 650 disease causing organisms, Systemic disinfection & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal Boron Essential for bone metabolism, Aids efficient calcium & magnesium use, Proper endocrine function Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis) Bismuth Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori Calcium High protein diets increase demands for calcium Deficiency: Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump fractures,) Receding gums (osteoporosis if facial bones & jaw bones) Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone) Arthritis, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Kidney stones, Bone spurs, Calcium deposits, Cramps & twitches, PMS, Some low back pains (sciatica, muscle spasms), Bell?s Palsy, Osteofibrosis (enlargement of bones with scar tissue), Tetany, Panic attacks Cobalt Essential part of Vitamin B12 (Growth & nerve system) Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Anorexia, Anemia Cesium Cancer aid cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity Iron Deficiency: Hemoglobin (Oxygen carrier in red blood cells) Pica (mineral lack and eats dire and chews ice), Listlessness & fatigue, Heart palpitations, Memory deficits, Sore tongue, Anemia Gallium Reduces brain cancers Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100%, Deficiency: Dry brittle hair, Brittle fingernails, Poor skin quality, Poor calcium utilization & arterial wall strength problems Samarium Enhances normal cell proliferation, Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Selenium Effective anti-oxidant, Deficiency: Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Age spots or liver spots, Fatigue, HIV (AIDS), Myalgia, Scoliosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Cardiomyopathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Heart palpitation, Irregular heart beat, Liver cirrhosis, Pancreatitis, AS (Lou Gehrig?t Disease), Parkinson?s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Alzheimer?s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Infertility, Low birth weight, High infant mortality, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Sickle cell anemia Germanium Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aid in oxygen utilization, Enhances immune systems function, (Killer cells, interfering, macrophage and T-suppressor cells), Deficiency: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Low energy, Cancer Yttrium Enhances normal cell growth, Doubles life span of laboratory animals Potassium Deficiency: Muscular weakness, Mental apathy Lanthanum Deficiency: Maybe involved in chronic fatigue diseases Magnesium Deficiency: Asthma, Anorexia, Menstrual migraines, Growth failures, Neuromuscular problems, Tetany-Convulsions, Depression, Muscular weakness, Tremors, Vertigo, Calcification of small arteries, Malignant calcification of soft tissue Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Decreases cholesterol production, Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction, Anti-Cancer properties Deficiency: Slow growth, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia & Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity Amino Acids Function & Symptoms of Deficiency - Proprietary Formula Alanine Important source of energy for muscle tissue, helps in the metabolization of sugars Arginine Improves immune responses to bacteria, crucial for optimal muscle growth Cystine Powerful antioxidant, aids recovery from burns and surgical operations Glysine Helps trigger release of oxygen to energy Leucine Used for production of energy to the upper brain Methionine Prevents disorders of hair, skin, and nails Phenylalanine Improves memory, reduces hunger pains Proline Helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles Serine Strengthens immune systems, synthesizes fatty acid Tyrosine Improves memory, helps overcome depression Valine Promotes mental vigor and muscle coordination Sea Nutrients Proprietary Formula Alaria Valida Rich in Vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium Costaria Costata Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Helps improve thyroid function. Agar Used for constipation Algin Ability to draw harmful pollutants like lead from the body Dulse Rich in protein, fluoride and iron Kelp Helps thyroid conditions Kombu High in Trace Minerals Kuzu Helps soothe the stomach and strengthen the intestines Nori Good for prostate and thyroid, high in protein __________________

I had an appointment with one (of three) psychs recommended by my surgeon. She said the process would be 3+ hours long with the 600 question questionnaire. After reading on here about folks having much shorter appts, I called another psych on my doctor's list: 100 or so questions emailed to me in advance, then a 45 minute chat in office. Discussed childhood, my weight gain, WL efforts, at-home support, etc. A few answers rabbit-trailed off to a few other questions, but nothing intense or super deep.

Jaysleever, yep, we all have to do what works best for us (and what our bariatric team recommends, ESPECIALLY during the first year when we're establishing our new habits). I agree with Babbs though. Eating after 6pm is not going to cause weight gain (unless you have a specific metabollic medical condition). And if you're prone to nightmares, you are probably better off not eating after 6. Usually just a light snack wouldn't cause nightmares--more like a very heavy meal. I personally enjoy my evening snack. I learned that by adjusting my eating times/caloric intake throughout the day, I can include that snack, guilt free. It's just another element of pleasure to my WLS adventure. I love not having to punish myself or feel guilty about anything related to my consumption of food. I think that's mainly because it's a lot easier now to make much healthier choices. I also happen to personally believe that "set points" can be changed and are not necessarily what we are doomed to be stuck with. Also, some people are particularly sensitive to weight gain in their consumption of the starchy carbs (I unfortunately am one of them). But once you know that about yourself there are so many other choices that work just as well, if not better! If you KNOW you have adjusted your eating habits and food choices the absolute BEST you can, maybe it is time to make the decision that your weight is where your body is comfortable. But if you KNOW there are some adjustments you can make to eat CLEANER maybe it's worth a try to see if you get get closer to that 30 waist. Congrats on your progress as of now!