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I was banded in August 09 and have so far lost about 48 pounds.... which I'm very pleased with But I haven't really lost any weight since the beginning of the year and I'm really getting worried because its April now. I eat loads less than I did pre-band. I try to make the best decisions when I eat and keeping track of what I eat 90% of the time. I know The scale isn't the best source for motivation, but I really should see it trending down over time, right? This week alone has showed a 10 pound weight gain. How is that even possible? I KNOW I didn't eat enough for that! -- And I know my scale isn't broken because my Wii fit says I weigh the same number (I checked :thumbup:) I'm going to try and cut out some higher sodium foods this next week and see if that was the culprit, but I'm at a loss as of what I should be doing different. :sad: Anyone else seem to hit a plateau that they can't seem to get past this early on in the game? And what did you do to get past it? FYI - I'm eating mostly solid foods so I'm not to tight and trying to 'work around' the band when I eat. I have little syptoms as far as getting stuck or throwing up. My 'test' meals are at about 3-4 ounces of solid food at a time.

I had my first fill 4-16-10 and could be more happier with the process! I thought it would be a bit painful due to my port site still being a bit sore. But nope PAINLESS and that's always a plus and it was performed using xray (do think I'll have it done any other way). My friend said "No pain no gain (weight gain that is!)

I have had friends report both - one that her tattoo on her stomach didn't change size at all during pregnancy, and another who said hers was a distorted mess. Mine are in places that aren't really affected by weight gain or loss, so hopefully I won't have to worry about fixing any of them! : )

Hey VV. I haven't been through the fire yet, but I feel your pain. I can only imagine how it must feel to sit around people and not be able to eat any of what they're having. I'm really worried about that. But, try to keep in mind that very soon, you will be able to eat small amounts of what everyone else is eating. And from what others here say, you'll be satisfied with that small amount. Counseling or joining an existing WLS support group should help you develop some good strategies to deal with these kinds of situations. I'm doing individual now and might switch to a support group post-op. I personally think scales are evil and should be avoided in the early stages of weight loss. Any weight gain or lack of weight loss can send you in a downward spiral immediately. Instead of weighing yourself, keep focusing on the change in how your clothes fit and let your weigh-ins happen at the docs office. Also, please continue to be careful with your diet. It sounds like you're doing a really good job with that or you wouldn't be so frustrated. :crying: I'm nobody to preach about good eating habits, but better safe than sorry. I would consider contacting your surgeon's office to see if someone can review your diet with you. Maybe there's something you could be eating that's more satistying but it just hasn't occured to you yet, or you forgot about it. I've heard of people being blamed for post-surgical complications, like leaks, because supposedly they ate something they weren't supposed to early on. I personally think that's rubbish in most cases, but we know it's a possibility. Why risk it?

Hey everyone, I just wanted to stop and check in and say hello. I havent been doing great lately. I mean after my nephews murder everyhting got put on the back burner, especially working out. I had gone up to about 194 (a 5pound weight gain) in the month following his death and I just wasnt really putting in alot of effort. Thank goodness I am back on track and the scale is headed in a downward spiral again. I'm at 187 as of this morning and I am just so ready to hit the 100lbs lost mark and then get the final 30lbs off. Novemebr is coming up again really soon and I really would like to reach my goal before then. That will be the 2 year mark for us and I am just ready to be done with weight loss and move on to the maintance phase of this whole thing. I hope that everyone is doing well, much love to everyone!

Never really seen this side of it, but friends of mine that want to put on weight will use those weight gain type of shakes/powders you see at GNC and other health stores. Maybe those could help with maintenance calories that are easy to take in without having to eat junk. Edit: check this example I found out--Patients trying to regain wieght from illness, cancer treatments, etc use this. http://www.suplimednutrients.com/ Seems like you could modify the quantities or amount for maintenance vs. gain as well.

From what I remember, the cortisol that stress releases causes the body to do a little more "fight or flight" stuff. One of the fight or flight reactions is a shift in metabolism away from fat storage towards calorie burning; the rationale that I remember is that during times of stress we were more likely to need the energy boost RIGHT NOW than to save it for later. Of course, the interesting thing is that PROLONGED stress can lead to weight gain. I don't think that researchers fully understand that yet; it may be a homeostatic mechanism. Regardless of the physiological causes, it's very normal. Do some meditation or deep breathing exercises to lower your stress level, make sure you're treating your body right (good Vitamins, nutrition, hydration), and it should normalize.

Historically, my weight has really jumped around seemingly without much "input" from me....I'd pile on 20 lbs here and keep it for a year and then suddenly drop 20 lbs in a month for NO reason, but the general trend was up a little every year. My eating habits have generally been WORST when I was thinnest....probably because I thought it was "okay". My most severe and most recent weight gain was different, however, because I started taking meds that made me hungry all the time--so yes, still small portions, but LOTS OF THEM. I'm looking forward to the sleeve, got the hubby on board, trying to choose a surgeon, and trying to MANAGE my expectations. If I expect to lose 10 lbs a week I will be let down and make bad choices if it doesn't happen.

Thanks for your response everyone, I think i'll enjoy being pregnant and try and maintain a normal weight gain and I'll see how early I can get it after having my baby. Thanks again :thumbup:

This is a place that we can ALL post about our feelings, things that are bothering us, ppl that we just don't understand, etc. That's what is so nice about this thread that Janet started...our posts just don't have to be about food issues. We can vent. The more we stuff our feelings, the less free we are to deal with emotional eating, etc. So...vent, do whatever it takes. I am sure there are things that I gripe about and you guys are thinking "Why would she complain about that?". And, I know the lonely feeling that you have while your DH is gone and now you are also an empty nester again. I think the biggest reason for my weight gain was being lonesome. DH working 24/7, stuck out on this farm, not in the working world any longer. DH has done a wonderful job of now hiring a great percentage of the work done. He is seeing the light. He still works 12-13 hour days but he is finally now taking time to relax in the last 3 or so years. He made me a happy woman by seeing the light and dealing with his workaholism!:thumbup:

To take your questions one at a time: 1. Is gaining weight normal when you start to eat regular food again? Yes, when you've been on liquids for a while (pre-op + post+op), you empty out your alimentary canal and this accounts for probably 5-10lb of the "weight loss". You probably would have noticed a marked decrease in the amount of matter eliminated from your system. When you start to eat regular food again, you refill yourself and this will appear to be a 5lb weight gain. Don't worry about it - it's normal. 2. I'm worried about stretching my pouch. I haven't gotten a fill yet. Is it possible to stretch the pouch before the first fill? Stretching the pouch is something that happens through significant over-eating over a prolonged period of time, i.e. always eating the the point of absolute fullness (as far as the band allows) and doing it often. If you haven't had a fill yet, it is unlikely that you will have restriction, so you won't be filling your pouch much at all -the food will be going straight through into your main stomach. The likelihood of stretching at this time is very small. 3. How would I know if I did stretch my pouch? It's hard to tell but if you had a fill test (i.e. they take out the Fluid in your band, measure it, and replace it) and the test showed that the band was very full and you should have restriction, yet you were still eating large meals, that might be an indicator - not a definite, just an indicator. 4. Is there any way that it can be fixed or if I ever do/did will I have ruined my chances at this working for me? Yes, in the event that you stretch your pouch, there are several remedies that can be applied before you have to even start thinking you might have "ruined things". One simple remedy is to do the "5 Day Pouch Test". Search this site for threads on that - there are dozens. 5. Would someone know if their band slipped? If so how? One of the common symptoms is being able to eat a lot in the day but getting severe reflux at night, i.e. when lying down/sleeping. 6. Do weird things cause the band to slip or is it simply overeating or something like that? There are several causes but you'd be better off asking your doctor about that one.

Good afternoon, well my volunteering days at the hospital are behind me. I was a little hurt that they acted like no other day and didn't really say good bye or anything today. Weird. I didn't expect a big party or anything but a thankyou or something would've been nice, oh well, I didn't do it for that, I did it because I wanted to. Apples, my volunteering sounds a lot like your's. One day when I was there a gal came in for a fill, the nurse practioner had me go see her in the exam room, weigh her, and talk to her about her weight gain, give her suggestions etc. she had me do everything but the actual needle part. I just felt the gal is paying to see a professional not a volunteer. And other times I'd get this list of things to do but wouldn't have a clue what it was etc. and would spend so much time trying to figure it out that it would be time to leave. It was so unorganized, she'd tell me to organize it, kindda hard when you don't know what many things even are. Today I organized all the preop class lists and cleared out 2007 and 2008's. I found mine for June 2008, seems like so long ago. It was dated 5/17/2008 which was my 50th birthday, that's the day I went to my first pre op class. Great way to spend my bday!! Getting educated for the rest of my life in my new lifestyle. Are you still cooking for all the men then? I thought you 'retired'?? Do any of the schools need volunteers? You could read to the kids or something? Laura, love the pool pic and the room your dad is sitting in all those windows, lovely! I bet the photographer friend really appreciated your order. Other Laura, CONGRATS on the mile!! That's awesome. Arlene, congrats on 2 more lbs!! Julie, glad you got some rest, hope those shots kick in soon! HotMama, welcome. Sounds like you could be too tight?? are you eating small bites, chewing slowly and still PBing?? I know we want great restriction but you can have too much restriction too.

Worries about money, the economy, income levels, and finances are behind many women’s stress eating and overeating these days. In a recent group coaching call, every participant’s dominant concern boiled down to money worries of one form or another. Even if your own financial situation is secure, the worries, stress, and difficulties of others surround us in a big way. Feeling out of control, anxious, worried, or unhappy are all triggers for emotional eating, Here are some tips to keep stress about the economy from affecting your actual bottom line. Emotional Eating Tip 1: Acknowledge the Stress and Your Feelings As tempting as it is to avoid reality, it’s important to acknowledge the stress and the way you are feeling. That doesn’t mean that you are going to dwell on it or feel that way forever, but if you don’t let yourself deal with your feelings directly, you won’t be very effective at responding to them. One of my clients had been avoiding getting clear on how her financial situation has been impacted by the stock market. She was worried and fearful and was trying to cope by “not thinking about it.” Instead of feeling better, she found herself facing mounting dread and guilt for not doing what she knew she needed to do to clarify her situation. She also found herself snacking more–especially in the evening–and putting on weight. As this happened, she began to feel more out of control. Luckily, she saw herself entering a vicious cycle. Trying to avoid her feelings led to emotional eating, guilt, and weight gain (and didn’t help with the worry and stress anyway–in fact it added to it). It wasn’t until she acknowledged how stressed, worried, and fearful she was that she could start to develop a plan to take care of herself. A coaching client was noticing that economic changes were leading to changes in her clients’ buying habits. She panicked when a popular program wasn’t so popular anymore. Instead of spiraling into fear (and stress eating), acknowledging how she was feeling allowed her move into effective problem solving. Tip: If you have money worries or fears or stress, give yourself some time to let yourself really think about and address your feelings. This is not the same as “fixing” the situation. Give yourself time to journal, talk with a supportive friend, or think about how you feel. Emotional Eating Tip 2: Take Comfort If the economy is causing you stress, you could definitely benefit from comfort. Comfort eating reaches an all-time high when we are stressed and aren’t feeling entirely sure of (or in control of) the solution to our problems. In order to take control of comfort eating, it’s important to have comfort strategies you can use instead of turning to overeating. How are you compassionate to yourself during stressful or uncertain times? How can you take good care of yourself? Start making a list of things that feel good that you can turn to when you don’t. Emotional Eating Tip Three: Control What You Can Lots of people are feeling a loss of control these days and that’s leading to more emotional eating and overeating. The economy impacts all of us. If you are feeling less in control, it is important to identify what you can do to begin to feel more in control–because that’s where you want to be. As you begin to think about this, don’t only think about the big issues and worries. When life starts to feel out of control, one of the most powerful things we can do is to take charge of the things (big and small) that we can control. Ironically, when life feels out of control, it’s sometimes tempting to throw up our hands and quit entirely. Don’t. What can you control? What can you take pride in today? Pack a healthy lunch. Walk for twenty minutes after work. Do something kind for yourself this evening. If you are looking for order or predictability, clean out a drawer or your closet. Clear off your desk. Take one proactive action. It will help. ## Dr. Melissa McCreery is a Psychologist, Coach, and Emotional Eating and Overwhelm Eliminator for smart busy women and the creator of the Emotional Eating Toolbox™ Bonus Series for Women After Weight Loss Surgery. Are you struggling with emotional eating, overeating, and balancing work and life? Claim your easy-to-use audio series: "Five Simple Steps to Move Beyond Overwhelm with food and Life" at http://TooMuchOnHerPlate.com.

Because you posted to this board, I assume you want opinions and/or advice. So here are mine. The WW diet plan is not the correct diet for a lap-band patient. I know this having been a WW member several times throughout my life (lost weight, gained it back). I'm curious, what is it about WW that you are thinking will work for you? Writing everything down? Counting points? Weekly support meetings, Weekly weigh ins? food guidelines? It takes will power to be on WW, so I don't think your issue is sheer will power. If you can identify your needs, I, and I suspect a few others on this forum, can offer more suggestions. I would suggest that you save the weekly WW fees for fills.

The nutritionist at my support group this evening spoke about calories from Protein and calories from carbs. He said that the weight gain comes because of what carbs do to our insulin and blood sugar. It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but I know when I did Atkins, I was eating a ton of calories and I was still losing weight. Back then I could eat a huge steak which is all protein, but was probably 1,000 calories. I gained 8 lbs on my cruise and lost it in a week when I got home and went back to my regular eating habits. I sure do love my sleeve!

How many carbs/sugar are in a non-fat greek yogurt vs. a deep fried chicken tender covered in honey? It's how our body metabolizes the calories, carbs and sugar. At least that is how my nutritionist explained it to me. All I know is that I was still consuming about 1500 calories a day of fast food, and eating out with my family and friends for those 5 solid days in Texas, and then I came home, went back to my eating plan and normal sleeve regimen, and I lost the weight. Plus, I was running around with family and friends all week between the 4 mile walk at the zoo one day, one day fishing walking around a lake, one day out on my mom's 25 acres wandering around with the kiddo for lord only knows how long, and last week, I came home sat on my butt with the exception of a few errands and one day of bowling. So, all I can say is that food choices definitely contribute to my weight gain and loss. If I consume 400 calories of dense Protein, wouldn't that be better than 400 calories of mashed potatoes and gravy, as it is metabolized differently by our bodies?

Dear Anita, Boy that is bad luck. I must say having seen thousands of people with the band, this level of complication I have not seen. The weight gain you have experienced may be due to the frustration and feeling let down by the whole process. I would hope that your Dr is giving some extra TLC. Keep at it and be extra patient until the process gets started. IN the mean time gain some control back in your life by focusing on what you can have control over. I think being active does wonders for your mind set, that includes fresh air. Good luck Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Hello - as of tomorrow 4/14/10, I will be done with ALL my requirments asked of Cigna. My question is - I was referred by my OBGYN not my PCP to get the LapBand. I called to get my referral letter from my OBGYN because I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Does anyone know it that would be exceptable? I see my OBGYN more then I see my PCP. She's the one who has sent me for blood work for my weight gain and she's been the one montioring my weight for the past few years. I'm hoping that this will be ok. Getting really nervous about submitting my paper work to Cigna and getting denyed. I've done all that Cigna has asked and I meet all the requirments. I just hope that it all works out. I'm having such anxiety about it all. :thumbup:

I've had hypothyroid since I was a skinny(ish) little thing. It's just gotten worse with the weight gain. It's a lifetime thing, but nobody was nasty to me about it when I was much thinner.

I felt the same exact way...I guess no matter how much I studied up on the whole thing I wasn't prepared for the first few weeks post op. I was very weak, nauseus, and depressed! I must say that I did regret it, and all I wanted to do was grub again, and feel normal! I know it sounds repeatative, and probably not really what you want to hear but it does get better!! It takes time not just for your new tummy to heal, but also for YOU to heal, mentally and emotionally from the whole life changing experience. I know I feel so much better now and no longer regret my choice, I am losing weight, gaining energy and self esteem...it feels great!! I no longer get hungry because I'm taking nexium, and have come to grips with the amount of food that I can eat. I think no matter what there will always be times that we want to shovel things in like we used to, but in reality we just can't!! Although I want half the pizza...lol, after my one piece I feel full and am ok with that. No matter what ups and downs we might have, we are becoming healthier, and will live longer, and love life, and that to me means more than that pizza!! You will get through it girl, just keep your head up, and remember all the reasons you chose wls. I wish you all the best on your journey, and I hope you feel better soon!! Keep us posted!!

Good luck to all of you on the 14th! I will be banded on the 26th of April. I was wondering what these protein shots you are talking about? By the way I am a nurse too, do you think they should of told us in nursing school that nursing adds to weight gain. All that food laying laying around on the break table it seems I was skinny and 20 and I blinked my eyes and am fat and forty! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers on the 14th. dont forget to let us know how you are doing so we know what to expect

I am exactly two months out from surgery and I've lost over 50 lbs!! I am so excited. I have cheated a couple of times, but I've definitely paid the price...fortunately no weight gain though. However, there is a program called Lindora TLC offered through My Lap Band Journey on Lapband.com. I am very interested in this. I was supposed to start on the 8th but I didn't know it started. Has anyone tried this and had success. Please let me know.

I am seriously considering the sleeve. I am 35 yo, 5' tall and weigh about 170 right now. My heaviest was 244 in 2003. It has taken me years to lose the weight and actually got done lower last year to 130 but that is with a VERY strict diet and exercise regimen. I am a single mom with three small children and my profession is very stresssful. I just can't take the massive weight gain/loss constantly. My mom had gastric segmentation 16 years ago and it has been a blessing for her. Our family is obese, no way around it. I have BCBS Federal and understand after calling that they do cover this procedure. I know with a low BMI (ha low, meaning I am obese, not considered morbidly obese) my chances of approval may not be good. I also have asthma, joint pain, horrible knees, and added stress because I can't seem to lose weight anymore. Also, I used to be 5'2", I have scoliosis and am afraid the weightdoes affect that, I have back pain when standing alot. I don't know where to start, how do I find a dr? Anyone have any advice or words of wisdom in my situation?

Congratulations! I'm at 32 weeks this week. I'm almost 2 years post surgery and was down about 90 pounds when I got pregnant ( A year and 5 months post-banding.) I am still about 60 pounds overweight (pre-preg weight.) I got a complete unfill at 8 weeks because I was in the hospital with a gall bladder attack and vomitting constantly. I was a bit worried about a repeat attack, so left my band empty. Since I've been doing fairly well with weight gain, I haven't bothered to get a refill and will wait until 4-6 weeks post-baby to worry about fills. I'm currently up about 17 pounds at 32 weeks. I'm happy with my gain overall. I had hoped to keep it under 20 pounds, but I think 25-ish is possible with the way the last few weeks are going. I didn't gain anything until 17 weeks, then 5 pounds appeared. LOL Slow gain from 17 weeks to 30 weeks to get me at my last official 13 pound gain and the last two weeks I've gained 4-5 pounds. :confused: BUT . . . I've been able to eat well and I have absolutely enjoyed some non-bandster friendly foods, but I tend to focus on the HEALTHY non-band friendly stuff. Lots of raw veggies that otherwise get stuck (I've had trouble with raw carrot and broccoli.) Some added whole grains and some sandwiches here and there. Yes, some crap too, but not too much.