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Oh, MrsMikey! I am so sorry about you having to take the predisone. Many members of my family have had to take it. I know what a horrid medication it is. But at the same time, it is a wonderful medication in that it has kept them alive and in my life. All of them gained weight while taking this medication. I understand what you are going through. It must have been terrible to be told you need to take again it to help your condition. I admit that I don't know much about your condition. But all I can do is encourage you to hang in there. The medicine is important for you to take. Most times it is the only option for the condtitions for which it is prescribed. I know it takes a toll physically and emotionally. But know that you have the band in place for when you can step down the dose and to help you lose the weight when you are feeling better. I don't believe that there is anything you can do to battle the predisone caused weight gain while on it. Other than focusing on the fact that it is helping you feel better and the hope that you can one day come off it. It sounds like you have maybe 6 months left on this round. You have made it a year and a half, you are nearly there! Do what you can to minimize the gain (I know, not much!). Welcome to lapbandtalk, we are here for support! Denise

I'm sorry for what you are going through. All you can do is your best to keep the weight off. Make sure you eat foods high in Protein and stay away from foods that contain a lot of fat, sugar and carbs. Can you walk without pain? If so, you should try to walk for an hour or more each day to minimize the weight gain and perhaps you will even lose some weight. I know you are depressed, but try not to let yourself gain anymore weight. Perhaps you can join Weight Watchers and begin losing again. Just a suggestion! Hang in there! Donna

Post-op "starvation" is very common. Know that you all are not alone!! Liquids pretty much just run right through the band. Think of it like a funnel. They just drain right down through. It would be hard to do any damage to your stomach. Once you are back on solids you will feel so much better. I was ready to eat the kitchen sink, my dog, the couch, anything I could get my hands on that wasn't moving faster than I was during that time--the dog got lucky! Also, note that a bit of weight gain prior to the first fill is not uncommon, as there is little to no restriction. It is like having a beautiful new car with an empty gas tank. You have to fill the tank to get performance out of it. Borrowing the metaphor from a poster back when I was first banded. Heal and feel better. Over time as you get fills and find the sweet spot you will find the appetite control and the weight will come off. Denise

OMG!!! I really needed to see this post today. with some weight gain over the holidays, i have only managed to lose 22 pounds..but I can honestly say that it has not been a slow process because of the band. They say eat protein but I am sure they were not refering to a 10 piece hot wing 2 times per week. So i rededicated myself to the band as of Sunday just passed. Not dieting but making better food choices. Have lost 2.6 pounds since sunday. Exercised everyday so far on my wii and have just realized that i can't focus on what the band "will let me eat" and eat what i know I need to eat. I spent so much time trying to see what i could and couldn't eat that i slipped back in to bad eating habits..had started back frying foods and stuff.. but as I said, sunday was a new start for me and I will reach my goal of losing 15 pounds by Feb 14th....So to all of you that I am sure will find fault in what i did in the past, my response to you before you even start is "Who cares"!!! I recognized the problem and I am fixing it. Everybody has/had food issues or else we would not have needed the band. For my August buddies that started this journey with me, thanks for keeping me posted on your weight loss and thanks for all of the encouragement that you give by your posts!:thumbup:

I was banded in April of 08 and it took many several months (probably 6 or more) to get good restriction. I have the Realize Band and was honestly worried as I neared "max capacity" and still had no restriction. My doctor assured me that I would get it - and I did. I had to get more than the max (can't remember if it's 9.4 or 9.6cc) before I was at my sweet spot. By the way, the Dr. called the manufacturer to make sure this was ok and they assured him there is some leeway there because the tube and port hold some, so the band itself really doesn't have more than the maximum amount in it. Bottom line - it WILL come- keep the faith. I know how you feel as I was in the same situation, but keep the faith. The problem is in eating right until you get it. Because you CAN eat anything doesn't mean that you SHOULD. It really is about doing your absolute best to stick to a "diet" (bad word, I know) until you get restriction. The beauty of the band is this - you will eventually get that restriction, so if you can just stick it out, you will never have that rebound weight gain from going "off the diet". The band will help you immensely to do what you are now doing all alone. But it's SO worth it - hang in there! And feel free to ask for the support you need- that's what this site is all about. Good luck! Lisa

Factory Girl, You have lost before and now admit there is a problem with weight gain. Good for you. Do not beat yourself up for falling. Just get up and get going. Our prayers are with you. It is SSOOO easy to slip back:scared2:. Been there, done that. We all have highs and lows. Just take time to focus on yourself.

Hi Ashley, I have been where you are so many times. I am prior military and married to the military for the last 16 years. It is a different lifestyle that unless you are in it you have no idea. Hugs to you while your husband is/was gone. I think the military life has helped contribute to my weight gain for sure. Being alone, having children, moving - I mean it is understandable what you are feeling. I agree with the above poster that there is something about military spouses though that when we are down we need to dig deep and know we can do this. We have to be strong when our husbands are away, keeping the kids in a normal schedule, moving, dealing with not talking to one another for days... I do believe you are strong. You made the decision to get this surgery and that took a strong person to do that. Take baby steps and just regroup. I just wanted to say I understand and wanted to send a "hug" your way. Heidi

Vicki, Im due sometime at the end end July. Yes they dont unfill it totally they go by how you feel. Like I said she took out two leaving me with 4cc and I can eat A LOT. Its kinda fun to eat a whole bagel and not get stuck and barf. I knew the bathroom at every restaurant because I had to use them during every meal out. I guess thats not so good but I didnt really realize that I was getting stuck with everything I thought it was just how it had to be. Im just trying to go slow with the weight gain this time around.

Hello all! My name is Stephanie and Im 30 and live in Arizona. I have just made the decision to get sleeved. I am looking for a Dr. in Arizona. I am not against Mexico, but my father, who is helping me with the costs, insist I stay in the US. I am willing to go out of state if I cannot find a qualified Dr. here in AZ. Im having the surgery for many reasons. I have a tumor on my pituitary gland that has caused severe hormone problems that have led to weight gain. Some weight due to hormones and some due to eating my problems away. I also have PCOS and at this time an unable to conceive. I am considered pre diabetic. This scares the heck out of me since my dad has type 1 diabetes, heart disease and is on oxygen. I dont want this to be me. My husband and I want to have a family, and we want to be a healthy family. I have tried diet and excercise, but not with true results. Im hoping this is the tool that can allow me to save my life!

I was told not to stop drinking before and after food for a number of reasons: 1. Water w/food will make what you eat mushier (sp?) and a "slider food. Similar to drinking a shake or puree 2. Because it is mushy and not dense solid you eventually will be able to eat more, and "eating more" often leads to slowed weight loss or weight gain 3.you will move the food through faster and will not get that full feeling as soon nor as long. I would ask your team too. I had to do it the hard way and not have any beverage on the table at all. by the time I go and fix one it has been about 20 min. I am on pureed foods now so its not as big of a deal now, but will be later. CC

Insurance may cover removal of excess abdominal skin if it causes infections or rashes that do not repsond to medication over a period of months. Keep in mind that a simple skin removal (panniculectomy) is a far cry from a nicely done abdominoplasty. My website has links to many of the INS companies plans a criteria, plus some useful tips for getting coverage: http://www.drlomonaco.com/plastic-surgery-patient-resources.shtml As for pregnancy, I have a number of young patients who are not comfortable with themselves, much less another person, while undressed. Some have never even dated. For these individuals, a tummy tuck prior to pregnancy is a good option. In general, a tummy tuck will "undo" some of the result, but most patients will never re-develop the amount of skin they had after massive weight loss...assuming their pregnancy weight gain is normal.

Water and Protein... find something that's easy for you and fits into your uber busy schedule. smoothies, protein, and some exercise just 30 mins a day will make a HUGE difference. A smoothie can keep you full, hydrated and not feeling deprived, while keeping your calories down. For example...I make a strawberry smoothie that tastes like a milkshake (recipe is in my blog) it makes 32 ozs, which is easy to sip on and stay full through out the day. When you need something to eat, make the right choice, don't buy the cheese curls, don't keep them in your house, your 3 yr old doesn't need them either. Replace them with carrots, etc.. If you're like me, if it's there, I'll eat it... just remove it completely. On Sundays pre-cook your meals and Snacks for the week so you can just grab them and go, all you'll have to do is heat them up. It's much quicker than going through the drive thru or trying to make a quick easy (usually bad for you) meal. What you're going through is quite normal, what in the navy we called "west pac widows", I know it has a term in every branch, but basically we go through a period of mourning and adjustments, weight gain is usual indicator. In your case you're not gain, but you're not losing either. Is this your husband's first tour? Usually on the first tour or two we're sad, by the 2 or 3rd we're motivated and our husband's don't recognize us when they come home lol. If you need some support or just someone to talk to, message me. I've been there, so I understand. You'll get it together.. put a picture up of something that will remind you not to eat and to get to your goal, put it everywhere on the fridge, in the cupboards, in you car's dashboard, etc....

Isn't personal accountability one of the things we all need to learn? Aren't we supposed to be learning to take responsibility for the choices we make, rather than make excuses? And in making someone else accountable for our progress, isn't that a way to put at least part of the responsibility on others? I really don't want to be flamed for this, LOL, but lets be honest here, we've all read the threads about how this one or that one is failing because their spouse is not supportive. That isn't the best situation, to be sure, and yes it makes it harder, but unless my spouse is shoving slider foods down my throat, I am responsible for any weight gain. I own my successes -- but I also own my failures. This was my decision to make, and it was not predicated on whether or not the people in my life would act as my Diet Police or what have you. Honestly? I would be pretty upset if someone told me what I could or could not eat, or made little remarks if I cheated here or there -- regardless if their intentions were pure. I am not an idiot, nor am I a child. I would feel that these "good intentions" were implications that I was weak of mind, and I would resent that. A lot. The decision to have this surgery is not one that can be made by a weak minded individual! Speaking only for myself, and not for anyone else here: If I cannot exercise a little willpower, after everything I've gone through with this surgery, then I feel like I wasn't ready to have the surgery. This is my body. This is my health. This is my life. Fail or succeed, I alone am accountable for it. I totally respect those who told everyone, and that's cool if their relationships are such that spreading the word would mean a more positive experience. I cannot say that this would be the case for me, which is why I was upset that my personal business was discussed -- especially because I specifically said that I wanted it kept on the down low, and requested that they keep the info to themselves.

Rain, will they keep deflating you or does it depend on how you feel or weight gain or what...10 lbs isn't bad, seeing i gained 3or 4 in a week.lol...and I am not pregnant. Yeah well as far as the upper GI, dr H. said its hard to tell about exact restriction with the test, so she said if I wasn't too restricted she might give me a smidge, so we will see. Wow Rain you really were restricted with 6 cc, I cant tolerate 5.5. oh well we are all different...how are you feeling otherwise, keep us posted.:biggrin:

I am officially banded as of yesterday and came home from the hospital today. Everything went smooth according to the surgeon but I am quiet sore around the cuts, of which there are 5. The most pain is on the left side where the port is. I haven't had much of an appetite yet so am trying to drink. I'm supposed to be on clear liquids for 2 weeks and then pureed mushies for 2 weeks. I didn't ask about when the first fill will be but I go back to the Dr. in two weeks and will ask then. From what everyone is saying you are able to eat quiet a bit until that fill. Hopefully there will be no weight gain. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Well, I started out at 284 pounds/BMI of 42.2, so I know about not doing much. However, I'm down 80 pounds and am looking at running as the next step in my exercise program. Me. Run? WTF? I now walk with running intervals and continue to increase that. I'll be 59 in two weeks and while training for a triathalon isn't totally out of the question, I think probably not....but I continue to increase my duration for exercise and what I can actually do comfortably so I can only say it is what you set out for yourself to do...and what you work to achieve. The band has given me something very precious. I've made it through the holidays without a significant weight gain FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE and in the past that would always throw me off and I'd start regaining lost weight.

Hello JudyJudyJudy, You are doing so good, I am so happy for you. You had your surgery the day before me and we were almost at the same weight. I was 232 the night before surgery and it looks like you were at 235. Now you are only 12 pounds away from being back in the one hundreds. I have 15 more pounds to lose to be in the one hundreds. I recently had to go into the hospital the morning of Dec.24 and got out on Christmas Day. I found out that I have a hematoma on my spleen. When I came out of the hospital I weighed 3 more pounds than I did before I went in. I was hoping it was because they put all those fluids into my IV. I made a trip out of state and just got back late last night. I got up this morning and weighed myself and I couldn't believe it, I only weighed 214.4, I had lost 5 pounds while I was gone those 4 days. I hope I am back on track. I had a stall with weight gain and even though I have read that it happens, it is still discouraging. Now my hope has been restored, especially after reading your post. It is so good to read what others are going through and to know that we are not alone. The concern, support and prayers from all the sleevers really help me alot on my journey. I am anxious to see some pictures of you soon, you are very beautiful on your profile picture. Good luck on reaching your goal!!

Hi Amber: I've only been banded 2 1/2 years, but I can totally relate to some weight gain. I gained 20 pounds between April 2009 and November 2009. I got laid off and between the stress eating and the bored eating it all added up. The first ten pounds came on between April and September. I was really okay with those ten. The second ten came on in two months. I was not okay with the second ten pounds. I fessed up to my band surgeon. I didn't need a fill. I needed to be accountable to someone besides myself. I asked if I could go in for weekly weigh ins and that way I would have to face someone else. I usually go in and weigh in the day that the surgeons are in the o.r. so that I don't have to interfere with their patients' appointments. I just weigh in and they leave a note for my band doctor. He usually sends me an email later in the day. I've lost ten of those twenty pounds since November 19th. My biggest problem is night time grazing. I started going taking long baths with good books again. I also started going to bed earlier again. Between these three things I was able to lose ten pounds in just over a month. I'm giving myself the next month to lose ten more. I start a new job mid January. I hope that will help with my eating because I'll be alot busier. I knew that I didn't need a fill. I was grazing. If you don't need a fill, then you need to get back to the basics. Do you exercise? That will help to get you back on track too. Best wishes to you with your upcoming wedding. I'm sure you'll be a beautiful bride! By the way, I'm 5'7" too. I would be a wrinkly twig if I got down to the weight you are hoping to get down to. But, I'm also twice your age. I just want to be more comfortable in my clothes and get below 175 again. I'm very happy at a size 12. I love my band and my new flat tummy! Sue

Your welcome. I know I had a lot of questions at the get-go too. I went to two seminars with different surgeons, and there was a clear choice in my mind, and I went with that doctor. My seminar was in June, and my consultation was scheduled for a few weeks later..so late June early July. I could have surgery in late August, but I had a scheduling conflict, so I moved it to the first week of Sep. I am absolutely thrilled with my results. I'm on a plateau now, but I *never* thought I'd be this close to goal weight after struggling with weight gain and then obesity for the last 15+ years. I've gone the Weight Watchers route more than once, I've gone to a weight loss doctor for phentermine twice, and, of course, I've tried to lose weight on my own several times. All these attempts were met with failure. With the band, I eat normal foods; just much smaller portions, and I don't drink with my meals. I go to the gym for rigorous workouts 3 - 4 times/week. I went into this, not merely to lose weight, but to improve my health. That's one of the reasons exercise is such an important component to me. I didn't add it just to help with weight/inches loss. I want a healthy heart and increase in stamina. I'm planning to hit 50 yrs old with a body that matches my mind and attitude, and I'm getting there.

Hey girls, just checking in! I read and catch up on the last few pages about once a week and I miss losing weight! I can't wait until April when I can get back into my routine with working out and working my band. I'm 23 weeks and have gained about 12 lbs...not horrible, but MAN! It's so tough seeing the scale go up instead of down. I keep telling myself that it's not all true weight gained but it still hecka sucks. I hope you all had great Christmases and that we can see eachother soon. I'd be up for meeting in the Sac/Natomas area after my daughter starts school again on the 11th. Have a great night!

I gained overnight after surgery too. I think it was just water weight gain??

Hi CherieLynne~~ I was, and still am doing great with my band. I had a crisis....and amid it all regained almost 40 pounds! I have a history of nausea with anesthesia. I had 3 surgeries in a year, only related to my band in the way that one of them was a TT. I also had a thyroid tumor, and an intestinal torsion. So due to surgery, I was totally and completely unfilled. I managed fine through that. Was unfilled for over a year, without weight gain. Then my DD began having some issues with her outer ear swelling, and was soon hospitalized, with the most horrendous looking ear you can imagine. Her ear was tomato red, and was so swollen you could not see an ear canal. There was an abssess, that ate all the way through her ear. They were caused because it would swell until the skin popped. The diagnosis come in with it being a cartiledge destroying disease....which is fatal, life expectancy is no more than 7-10 years. I cannot tell you the devastation. I was keeping her 4 year old, who was scared at what was happening to her Mommy, and my DD was, well, like you would expect a 26 year old to be that was just told she would never see her child grow up, and the disease would be disfiguring, disabling, then fatal. The stress caused hives.....which would not go away, so they put me on high doses of prednisone, then tried repeatedly to taper it off, only for them to return. They operated on my DD, and eventually sent her to a different hospital, where they discovered the disease was only a psuedo disease----she too has RA, and this illness mimics the disease, but is NOT fatal. Is usually no more than what she had, but hers had been mismanaged for so long, they expected it to be disfiguring, and prepared to amputate the external ear. End of the story is happy, the meds made a HUGE difference. She had a PIC line at home for 2 months. But she has not lost any of her ear, only the lymph nodes below it which surgeons removed in diagnosis. But.....I lived in the hospital, eating LOTS of ice cream, because it soothed my acid ridden stress related tummy----and also tried to soothe my soul. I have not experienced hunger since being banded. But once the prednisone began, I was ravenous again! I am off the prednisone, and have no hives. Nothing negative to show for the experience except for about 15 pounds now! I NEED to exercise to get them off, I am just lazy about it. I could lose them just as well, by getting another fill, and eating less, but I choose not to go that route. I have a small fill in----less than 1cc---in a band that will hold 4cc.'s. But I do not have tight restriction, mild is good for me, I do not PB, but I cannot eat large amounts. I can eat roughage (salad) and meat, without issue. I can eat some bread. Mostly my portions are diversely different than pre band. I think if I had more weight to lose, I would be more motivated, but I am really OK with where I am. I began in a 22/24 pants, and now wear either an 8 or 10....without elastic! LOL Everything I owned before had elastic everything! I think since your body is used to the steroids, you are used to the things they do to your body----mine was not, and the hunger was so new, and I was so scared, I fell into old habits and tried to eat my way to comfort..... You should be able to get back in the pool as soon as your incisions heal, and I would bet you will be able to add other exercise as the weight drops. So sorry my post scared you----was not meant to!!! Good Luck to you on your surgery---it was without a doubt the best thing I ever did for ME!!!

I think my fat comes from a variety of things: 1. Genetics - ALL the women in my family are heavy. They have been fighting their weight all of their lives. We MUST have low metabolism. My aunt is the thinnest of us all, and she works HARD. Constant exercise and eats very little, yet she is still far from skinny. 2. I OBSESS over food - See below. THats EXACTLY how I feel about food! "When I am stressed I want to eat, when I am excited I want to eat, when I am sad I want to eat, When I am alone I want to eat and so on and so on." As soon as something happens, good or bad, I want to divulge in food! It's definately an obsession and I think the only thing that keeps me semi on track is the guilt of disappointing the people at my surgeons office and frinds and family that have been so supportive of my decision to get healthy. I wish I could say it was for me... Sometimes, I obsess so much about food, I make myself miserable. A friend of mine calls it head hunger. I rarely feel physical hunger. Maybe I could use some therapy too??? 3. I suffer from chronic anxiety and depression - I take medication that is working the best for me EVER, but unfortunatey; one of the side effects is weight gain and increased hunger for sweets. YAY. (one of the reasons I was approved for my surgery) 4. I hate to excerise for a variety of reasons - I dont like to sweat. I am not coordinated, so I look foolish. I have bad knees, so it hurts to do much with them. (one of the reasons I was approved for the surgery) 5. Low self esteem and poor eating habits growing up. I was never told I was fat by my family, but kids were extremely cruel to me as a child. My mom never cooked a vegitable and rarely made meals that didnt come out of a can or box. Corn, pork and beans, instant mashed potatoes, spam and a hell of a lot of hamburger helper. I'd like to place blame on all the above, but I know in the end, it is up to me to help myself. I've no one to blame for my fat, but me. Knowing that doesnt usually help tho. I've been battling my depression again lately, and managed over the course of 3 weeks to put on 7 pounds that i'd already lost! I cant stop thinking about cookies and snacks! I think its self sabotage... Will this obsession ever cease or will I be fighting it till my dying day?:laugh:

thankyou for all your well wishes people, ohh and due date is 6 July!! It seems that all the books i have read say that most sickness starts to clear up around 12 weeks soooo now at 13 weeks, i only get the odd sick feeling so i can conclude that the sickness was just one of those pregnancy deals that happens with or without WLS. YAYYYYY I have been having trouble exercising.... (and have stopped same as last pregnancy tho... another 12 week symptom, being tired) as i feel theres just not enough energy to go around but have still dropped 10kg since actually falling pregnant so happy days are still here. Hi Marci My baby is 14 months old I and thank god i had this surgury beforehand. there is NO WAY UNDER THE SUN i could keep up with my baby, and feeling all the general associated pregnancy hick ups at the weight i was before!! there is no way i could be keeping up with baby. I am hoping that by the end of this pregnancy i am still way more mobile than i was with the first, as i was able to sit and lounge around and relax at will. this time i dont have that luxury. i have dropped 100 odd pounds since my highest weight and think i am better equiped to not only keep up with my daughter but also avoid some of the joint pain i suffered last time around!! (fingers crossed and time will tell) I think the hardest thing for me so far is going to such extreme to lose weight and just getting my head around getting smaller, enjoying losing weight and considering the concept of maybe buying some smaller clothes to now having to wait/ put on hold that dream. my boobies are already getting bigger and filling out and my 'new' belly shape is also changing. At first i was totally devistated that i was going to be getting fat again, but now i just think hey...what the hell, im gonna lose weight, therefore not get anymore stretch marks. ha!!! lose weight gain baby at same time. ***laughs*** sounds greatttttt in theory... hey deedee I hope everything sorts itself out for you!!! wow! any plans in near future now that you are almost at your goal?? I also wonder about this baby and its size at birth.... it was an unanswered question that was going around my head. my girl was born 9Lbs 14oz so it will be interesting to find out on the day if my habbits have had any impact on birth weight. dont they say that babies get heavier with each pregnancy?? (that maybe for mythbusters) ohhh well the experiment beakers are out and time will tell!! lol cheers till soon Ange