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I would join you girls, but I have not seen TOM in many years!!! Thank heaven...but I still like to blame weight gain on hormones!

You know what irratates me is how many people BLAME their weight gain on me.... I love to cook and all my friends know this... They will call up and say, "what's for Dinner/ I'm coming over"... Or when they come to visit they will raid the cookie jar I keep stocked for my BF and take baggies home with them.... I don't twist peoples arms or insist they eat the food I prepare... Yet, when we hang out with other friends or go places they say, "it's all Jennifers fault I'm fat.. Or It's all Jennifers fault I gained 15 pounds last year" My one GF who does know about the surgery is notorious for this and we had actually not even talked for months last year due to my busy work schedule and her divorce and move to the other side of town and she still tells people this... She's blaming her weight gain from 2 + years ago on me when I hardly even see her anymore... I probably saw her 5 or 6 times all of last year and most of that was Post op since I stayed at her house for 3 or 4 days to recover so my BF wouldn't know I had surgery... It really irks me that she does this... She is still thinner than me but won't be for long and I think she always wanted to be the thinnest/prettiest one of the group and is getting nervous about me getting close to her weight so she says it even more now that I am not super huger than her anymore and she feels the need to justify her own size which is more noticable with me getting smaller... I have to learn how to tactfully deal with these situations....

I agree that everyones weight gain is different. One thing I remember from being banded in pregnant is that I was sooo hungry the first trimester that there were times were I felt like if I didn't eat something soon I would eat the bark off of the trees, lol. I also remember going shopping at the grocery store and eating something by the time I was in the car. Early pregnancy gave me a voracious appetite, and then I was fine thereafter. As far as losing 30 pounds post delivery, I had lost that much by two weeks out. Not everyone does, but if you are retaining a lot of Water it can happen. One unfortunate thing I noticed after pregnancy is that it is a lot harder to get back into losing mode. Our bodies are readjusting. There is also some difficulty switching from the "I'm feeding my baby so I can splurge a little" during pregnancy back to toeing the line. The other factor is that you are extremely busy with a new baby and time to focus on yourself or your health is hard to come by. My baby is 8 months old, I weigh 146 now but I did weigh 138 prior to pregnancy. I was 188 on the day of delivery. At the rate I am going post pregnancy over the last few months, I am lucky to lose 1 pound a month. I am not exactly where I want to be, but I am OK under 150 pounds. Not gaining for me is an accomplishment in itself. Good luck everyone with losing those post baby pounds.

Very excited!!!! Just got my pre-op and surgery dates for March...guess that officially makes me a March Bandit! About me... my name is Lauren. I began gaining weight after I graduated high school back in 2003. I gained 100lbs in 4 years and another 20 between 2007 and now...I have topped off at 272lbs (as of my first pre-surgery appointment). A portion of my weight gain was a result of my PCOS (Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) and the other portion was a result of stress-eating and lack of exercise. My goal is to weight 150 lbs by my wedding in January...I'm not making any clothing size goals because I don't know what my body will look like (or how it will fit into clothes for that matter) after I have lost my weight. My overall weightloss goal is get down to 135lbs (which is comfortable for my height and age) but I do not expect to get there by my wedding...that will take a little longer :frown: Date of Surgery: March 12th Where Surgery will be: Palmyra Medical Centers- Albany, GA Doctor/Center: Dr. John Bagnato Seminar date: January 29, 2010 1st consult date: February 10, 2010 Surgeon-required pre-op tests (EKG, chest x-ray, labs) completed: March 2, 2010 Insurance-required Nutrition Consult date: March 2, 2010 Insurance-required Psych Eval date: None needed... How is surgery funded? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas Concerns? That I will not loose the amount of weight that want to before my wedding...I am committed to a gym as well as eating the things I should but I worry that it's not going to be enough! Reason for banding? I am tired of feeling FAT!!! I have not always been overweight and I have tried every other method of weightloss and come to the conclusion that I need a LIFESTYLE change and a PERMINANT solution. Lap-Band seems to be the best solution for me.

Rain: Everyone's weight gain is totally different. I have friends who gained 30 lbs in the first trimester and then leveled off at a total of 35 lbs for the whole pregnancy. I have another friend who didn't put on anything until almost 24 weeks! I'm due on Sunday and to date, I've gained 35 lbs... today is the first day I haven't worked and I'm a little nervous about gaining a few pounds between now and my delivery date since I'm not as active as I am when working and boredom can contribute to eating when not hungry! Karen, losing half of a 60 lb weight gain after delivery is unrealistic so don't beat yourself up about it. During delivery, you should lose the weight of the baby (7-8 lbs), the placenta (1-2 lbs) , the amniotic Fluid (2 lbs), and perhaps some blood and Water (3-5 lbs). That's a maximum of about 15 pounds... delivering the baby doesn't make us lose the extra fat stores we put on over the course of the pregnancy. I'm in a similar situation to you as I've lost over 110 lbs and was at goal for years before I got pregnant. I had a *very* hard time with seeing myself grow larger with the pregnancy. I maintained my 3-4x/week workouts up until week 33 but since then, I've just relied on the 2 mile walks I'd get from commuting to NYC. The good thing for all of us is that we've got the tools and the drive and we already know how to get the weight off again. Here's to HEALTHY babies and happy moms who keep our kids active :frown:

I noticed a lot of people were able to drink milk and eat milk products on their diets. My Dr. strictly forbade that, saying that milk in all varieties(regular, soy, rice etc) were high in calories and could cause weight gain. I've been mixing my protein shakes with water, which taste alright when you throw in a few pieces of frozen fruit. Michelle from Washington

I've never been a yo yo dieter...never really been on a diet at all until I started seeing my lapband surgeon. My prior weight loss had been mostly due to increasing activity and very slight food modification, never anything drastic. Never tried the fad diets. Well, I tried some OTC pill, but after a week it made me feel weird so I stopped them immediately. I never was a dieter because I didn't want to become a yo yo dieter. I think my weight issue is highly related to hormones. I've been fat since preschool, but most of my drastic weight gain in short periods have been after I had kids and I started birth control and now most of my weigh loss post band occured when I started this extended menstrual cycle! Which may attribute to why women have more trouble losing weight. Damn hormones. Just a thought.

Laura, great pics. Happy Birthday. No dancing for me tonight. DH is too sick. We're going to go next week. So glad its the weekend. Two concerns. I'd appreciate your prayers. A couple of weeks ago my DS who lives in Tennesse experienced retinal detachment in one eye. They put a gas bubble in her eye to force the retina back in place and after a few days fused it back but the gas bubble has to remeain in place for 6 weeks. She is wearing a pirate patch because the wierd distorted view she has exhausts her and makes her sick. She has to dictate her notes to her nurses as she sees patients. She has RA and has been legally blind without her contacts and at only 56 developed cataracts. When they did the cataract surgery they replaced one lense (inside the eye)with for far vision and the other for close. The RA, which has come out of remission, caused a film to develop on her new lens which had to be lasered off and now this has happened. She is the main financial support for her husband who is dieing by inches with congenital heart failure and enlarged heart. Her son had major slice and dice heart surgery to repair a congenital defect that had caused part of his heart to become paper thin. He was within days of dieing. He is doing well now but is finishing university at the age of 29. Her daughter has taken her time getting through university because of back problems from when she broke her back from a fall off a horse. She's a wonderful doctor and human being but has really had a lot on her plate. Also, my DD has struggled with issues stemming from her thyroid, which has had a goiter since she was a teen but blood tests have always shown her getting enough thyroid so they'd never do anything, even though she's struggled with weight gain and inability to lose it despite careful food intake, constipation, exhaustion and mood swings and depression. She went in for her 6 month check up on it and the Dr. felt it and said it had changed and grown and she either had cancer or Hashimoto's (SP?) He took a biopsy in the office which was extremely painful. They had trouble getting through the tissue. Now she's afraid her blood test will show that she's still getting enough thyroid and if there's no cancer they still won't do anything to treat her. So keep them in your prayers. Both of them have insurance issues so medical costs are also an issue. Cheri

I am a 45 yr old female. After my overies were removed 10 years ago they did test all my hormones. All my hormone levels were almost nonexistant including testosterone levels. They put me on testosterone , messed with dosages, and it gave me severe acne, so I opted out. This may have contributed to my rapid weight gain in those 10 years (along with other things) I took estrogen for 5 years. Now I take none. I guess I should get some hormone testing done, but with no health insurance I avoid any added medical costs.

From all that I've read about the lapband, your band could have slipped, I believe that can cause weight gain and vommitting. You should definately go back to the doctor, you will feel so much better:redface:

So have you looked at what you have done differently that created the weight gain? I'd love to help, but it's you that needs to make the choices and the changes. Or, could you possibly need a fill? Are you eating around the band? A little more information would really be great so I can help you help yourself through this. OK?

I also had the same problem with my first pregnancy but I gained a lot of weight and with every lb gained my blood pressure went up. At around 6 months I was put on meds and I have been on high blood pressure meds since she was born 5.5 years ago. After I lost weight with the lap band my dose was decreased by 1/2. Once I got pregnant my OBGYN took me off of them completely b/c they werent safe drugs. So far my blood pressure has been ok but I think it will go up again with pregnancy weight gain. I have a drs appt today so I will know if it is high or ok.

Bell, I am getting banded in 2 weeks. I have been researching the band for over a year. You are asking some great questions. Different people get banded for different reasons. I have absolutely no problem losing weight. I never have. Unfortunately, I am even better at gaining it. I am getting banded for portion control. I look at the band as a tool for stopping or slowing weight gain. I think I will be successful with it because I usually eat the right things, meat and potatoes. Just too much of them. I will do my part by losing the weight when I can and the band will play its part but keeping me from gaining it back when my willpower dwindles.

ShellieBell I had those same concerns before speaking with my doctor. I was sure that she was going to tell me to go on a diet. But she knows my roller coaster history of weight loss and weight gain. She talked with me about the risks, the life style changes and then she gave me the name and number of one of her patients who was having success with the procedure so that I could get first hand information. I was more than surprised by not only my primary care physician's response, but also by the responses of my other doctors; cardiac, rheumatologist, and my pulmonary specialist. Each of my doctors agreed that band surgery would be beneficial for me. Their support and positive reaction has been like a foundation for me to go forward with the surgery. Please talk with your doctor, you too may be pleasantly surprised. I wish you all the best.

I have been banded for 6 days and I have lost 12 pounds so far. I pretty much living on 1 protein shake, some broth, and popsicles. I was wondering if once I start eating solid food, will I gain some weight back. I intend on following a low cal. diet, and exercise. Has anyone experienced weight gain after they were back on solids?

Until we reach true restriction we should all be getting fills. Once you can only eat less than a cup of food at a sitting and stay satisfied you are at your sweet spot. Weight loss should average 1-2 lbs a week. And NO doctor should make you feel bad about weight gain of how much you lose. As a PP stated a little "talkin' to" in one thing but belittling is out of the questions. Best wishes!!!

I was banded end of October and have had a number of fills. the last few that I have had showed a weight gain. But, I have gone down in a pant size. Remember that muscle weighs more than fat. Don't let the scale measure everything for you. As for your doctor. With mine I can get a fill every two weeks. Most insurances work it every three to four weeks for a fill. If you want to get more fills, more often than the six weeks, talk to the office staff. The doctor or nurse will guide you into a shorter schedule. Best of luck.

I agree, do not skip meals. You increase your metabolism every time you eat. I eat 4 or 5 times a day- 3 meals and 1 or 2 snacks. I also agree your weight gain is not actual fat, but water. Personally, I only weigh myself once a week. The flucuations drive me crazy! I wonder is going on a liquid diet for 2 or 3 days would help get you on the right track. I like Myoplex Lite. You can get it at Walmart. 170 cals. and 20 grams protien. As far as excersise that is wonderful you joined a gym. Now the next step is to go regularly. If you could only do 10 min. for now that's fine. Do that 4-5 times a week and then slowly increase your time. Lastly, please don't beat yourself up. It is not productive. Each day is a chance for you to change your habits. Keep us posted! Best wishes!

Hi! I have an appointment for my first consult next week and they have sent me the paperwork to fill out before hand. I am worried that if I write down or miss writing down something that I may not be approved. So I have some paperwork questions and would like to how you answered the question. 1. Who is your PCP and may we contact them? I have recently gotten my HMO and picked a PCP out of a hat. I have seen him once to establish care (last week) and that is it. What do I say? Because of my insurance I don't need a referal from my PCP so I never brought the subject up of lapband or WLS. 2. Weight loss attempts: Year, how much lost, and how much gained. I started dieting in 1996. How do I answer because I have so many attempts I cannot remember all of them; plus weight lost and weight gained on the attempt. How many do I need to catalog to prove that I have tried multiple times and failed? Thanks for any suggestions you can give me on these questions! Misty :biggrin:

Marie, First, congratulations on your marriage. I'm sorry about the stress you've been going through and the problems with your band. I have been living without my band for 1.5 years now and I know how hard it is, but it is possible to at least maintain your weight without gaining more and I would probably start there. Some of the changes I have made living without my band is to substitute one food for a lower calorie option. Check out the book, " Eat this, Not that" for ideas. I substitute lower calorie Cereal and look for ones that have the most Fiber. Use non fat milk ( which I measure) and I always measure out the serving of cereal. Lunch: Cafe Steamers by Healthy Choice followed by a piece of fruit. or Tuna (packed in Water, not oil, but drained) and always use Whole Wheat bread or whole wheat pita pockets. I use a limited amount of mayo as I prefer my tuna on the dry side anyway. Snacks are often low calorie rice cakes with sugar free jelly and in the winter have the snack with a cup of hot coffee or tea which helps fill me up. I also have canned peaches or pears ( the lite sugar type) on hand for a snack. Anything that is a "trigger" food must be kept out of the house completely. Cravings: Get the donut, but share it with someone or get two munchkins. Always buy the smallest size of any "bad" food you eat. Example: at the movies, I like Twizzlers but the package is too big at the movies, so I buy the small pack at the drug store and bring it in my purse. If I want popcorn, I pop a 100 calorie snack bag and carry a bigger purse! I no longer keep bags of pretzels or boxes of crackers etc in the house but always have apples, pears or oranges available. Steam a few small (like fingerling size or the small red ones) potatoes with dinner instead of having a whole potato. Make only what you need to eat at that meal, avoid having leftovers b/c you will go back for seconds. Always have one or two vegetables with dinner prepared in a healthy way. My last piece of advice is to walk, if you can or whenever you can. Park farther away at the mall or work. TAke the stairs when you can or invest in a pedometer ( they are not expensive) to keep track of how many steps you take in one day. Make it a game to walk more steps each day until you get as close to 10,000 steps a day as you can. I would concentrate on maintaining first b/c trying to lose is hard and will add more stress and that can add to weight gain which will only stress you even more! I make plenty of mistakes and eat things I shouldn't but I try really hard to get right back on track and not let that day turn into a week. I wish you well and I hope some of my suggestions work for you. Perhaps they will help you until you can get more fill back in your band.

3lbs could be a Water weight gain. I have gained 16lbs in 2 days, but I could tell by how my rings fit and shoes fit that I was carrying water. Everyone is different. Daily weighing is good for me, when my scale goes up, I evaluate you food the day before. If it goes up several days in a row, I know I need to start logging my food and try to figure out what went wrong. Maybe you are the type of personality where the daily weighing will not be good for you. I have read some here who only weigh weekly, and others who only weigh at the doctors office. Me personally, I don't want to wait. I want to be able to make corrections before I get to out of hand.

Hi all:scared2: It has been a while since I posted or came on this forum. I had many changes in my life since I the last time I was here. I got re-married, both my parents past away months of each other; I have had lots of stress. On March 3 2009 I had a fill and un-fill within 2 days leaving 8.5cc in my 10cc. Band. For the past 5 months I‘ve been plague with very bad acid reflux (throwing-up in my sleep even 3 to 4 hours after eating) and no restriction. As a result my diet consists of soup, and any mushy food. Today I went for a fill, instead I had barium and esophagus x-ray to find out I am to restricted which cause the acid reflux, and the diet of mushy food caused the weight gain (21lbs) and I had to have my band un-fill. They took out 5cc leaving only 3cc. I feel horrible, like I have to start all over. How will I prevent myself from gaining more weight? 3cc. Is nothing! Help me please, I need help:scared2::biggrin: Thank you

Hi all:sad::biggrin: It has been a while since I posted or came on this forum. I had many changes in my life sinceI the last time I was here. I got re-married, both my parents past away months of each other; I have had lots of stress. On March 3 2009 I had a fill and un-fill within 2 days leaving 8.5cc in my 10cc. Band. For the past 5 months I‘ve been plague with very bad acid reflux (throwing-up in my sleep even 3 to 4 hours after eating) and no restriction. As a result my diet consists of soup, and any mushy food. Today I went for a fill, instead I had barium and esophagus x-ray to find out I am to restricted which cause the acid reflux, and the diet of mushy food caused the weight gain (21lbs) and I had to have my band un-fill. They took out 5cc leaving only 3cc. I feel horrible, like I have to start all over. How will I prevent myself from gaining more weight? 3cc. Is nothing! Help me please, I need help:sad::thumbup::scared2::tongue: Thank you

I was doing so well and was losing weight slowly then one fine day I saw 3 lbs weight gain on the scale(I weigh myself almost daily) and that's it! I lost all my motivation and now I am eating junk food and sweets. I still dont eat lunch and only drink Protein shake(made with banana in it) for lunch which has 78 gms of protein, dont know the carbs. I eat small dinner which is either cracked wheat with lentils or rice and vegetables. I do use yogurt with dinner. I snack on bread or now a days whatever i can find. I am Indian and our staple is rice and bread and i dont know how to avoid carbs all together. I am also vegeterian on top of all this and have slow slow slow metabolism. I feel sooo frustrated with myself and my weight gain. Today I joined the gym and could only do 10 min of trademill b4 i gave up. So, why am i self sabotaging like that? Why do i gain 3lbs when i dont even eat lunch? I thought giving up lunch was the best thing i could do. Sorry i am rambling but can't help it. Help me here please............

I'm with a previous poster - could be a lot of different things. Have your thyroid levels checked for sure. I happen to have hypothyroidism, and I know that I am barely able to crawl out of bed when my levels are off. And anything can make your levels shift - like weight gain, or weight loss. It makes sense that with your new eating habits that your metabolism would work a little differently, so you may want to have it checked. If you're already taking something for a thyroid issue, you should have your levels checked again anyway - because I just learned from my pharmacist (the doctor never mentioned it) that this surgery affects the absorption of that medication. I've also been through the reno process, and let me tell ya, nothing wears a body out like renovations! Take care of yourself!!