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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!!

I know most everyone has abandoned the thread at this point (Hi Joe! me, too! :frown:) but the stories sound so much like my own. I have got to get back on the wagon. I gained 10 pounds over the holidays and the only problem is, I am scheduled for a panniculectomy with tummy tuck and breast reduction on 03/24/2010. I had really wanted to lose another 10 pounds before the surgery so that leaves me wanting to shed 20 pounds in approximately 5 weeks 1 day. I don't know that it is possible but I have got to do my best -- just because I want to be at the best possible place for the best results. I was originally scheduled to have surgery in January but I rescheduled because of the weight gain. However, I do think some of my problems may be related to an inability to see change as well as inhibiting optimal exercise capacity due to my large pannus so I have decided to go ahead with surgery as long as I maintain my current weight. Hopefully with a little accountability, though, I will at least lose the 10 I gained before then. I do exercise regularly but I want to ramp that up to 5 days a week for 1-2 hours and, of course, go back to low-carb eating. I don't necessarily think that low carb is for everyone but I know it is a necessity for me. It is the only way I have ever lost weight, band or not. My body just clings to carbs :wink2: which, of course, I love. So, anyway, here is to my 1st day (again) of holding myself accountable for my actions -- eating like I should, exercising like crazy and understanding that I may fall along the way but I will just pick myself up and keep going. It is indeed a journey. I would love to have some company, so if you are reading, please feel free to join in.... company or not, though, I WILL do this! :biggrin:

:lol0: Relax, your BMI and needed weight loss is low, hence the slow movement of the scales. The heavier one is the faster one sheds. I remember a quote from the book "Weighloss Surgery for Dummies"; it said "Sumo wrestlers who have a surgery will lose weight fast...". Then I take solace in the fact that I am NOT a Sumo wrestler and hence the slow loss, including some weeks of no loss but weight gain. Keep your chin up, the best thing that happened to me after the surgery was coming in to this forum. Such wonderful people around who laugh and cry with you. You WILL be a loser, just hang on there. Your body will eventually start shedding. I strongly recommend reading the book WLS for Dummies, it changed the way I looked at the post-surgery stall issues. We will win. All the best and stay cheerful, the weight loss starts with that !:blushing:

I always thought it was a complete farce- the idea that a person could gain weight exercising simply by putting on muscle mass. I was wrong! One day about a month ago, I suddenly started craving Protein again- something I haven’t really craved in 6 months or so. Of course, at this point, I know when my body is trying to tell me something, so I went back to the old (and very useful) rules for the band and began eating protein before anything else. Within a few days, two things started to happen. 1) I started gaining weight. 2) I could quite suddenly began noticing increased strength at the gym. For a few days, I was a little worried about the weight gain, but a trip to Old Navy, Macy’s, and Express put my fears to rest- I’d dropped a clothing size. I am now a size 4 rather than a size 6. So I’m ok like this! I’ve started losing the weight again but chances are I will fluctuate like this forever; drifting between 125 and 135 lbs. I figure as long as I maintain a good cardio and weight training routine and listen to my body, I’ll be just fine!

I do agree with your comment about exercise. I have a terrible bad habit for laziness, which I strongly believe is the major contributing factor to my weight gain. I will definitely have to break this bad habit of mine, if I want to be able to enjoy a variety of foods, but in smaller portions.