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One other thing to consider (if you haven't already done so) is to have your thyroid checked. I was super active in high school but could not seem to lose the 15 - 20 extra pounds I carried around unless I went on a severely calorie restrictive diet. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 17, and once on medication, I lost that extra weight in college. [Now, I ended up gaining about 50 pounds in grad school thanks to some mild depression resulting in inactivity, over eating and poor food choices. This and weight gained since is what I'm struggling with 25 years later resulting in my considering the surgery now.]

I got released at 3:30 yesterday and you are right-the ride home was pretty hard. My belly doesn't hurt too much now and I'm starting to figure out what I can drink. I was glad to see in your blog that you had a weight gain also(not in a WEIGHT GAIN way!) because I was pretty concerned when I stepped on the scale this morning and discovered that I had gained 2 lbs. How is that possible??? I didn't have any food for over 2 days and I gain weight? It must be all of the IV's and anethesia. Good luck to all of you-this is a whole new uncharted territory for us.

me too exactly .. as far as back pain , try a heating pad .. does wonders with some tylenol , for me it was lower back .. i am wondering if it may be monthly weight gain ? im thinkin its about that time 4 me

I think Cleo's Mom is just being honest about her struggle with the lap band and trying to help others. Sometimes people put blinders on and see the band as their magic golden ticket or something and it doesn't always work that way no matter how they work the band. She just shows that even though she followed all the "rules" that she still didn't get the results promised to her by Lap Band! Also that there are some greedy doctors out there that will do almost anything for $$. I think that it can be very difficult to tell who the band will help and who it will not help, that is my honest opinion because I came to this site a long time ago when I got my band installed searching for answers as to why it wasn't working for me. I thought that maybe I'd get some answers here that would be the clue into what my problem with the band was and could turn it around from gaining on the band to losing like I bought it for! But after a few months here I still got no answers and did come across many of the smug people that said things like "it's only a tool" and when your band is not working and you hear that it's very frustrating to say the least! I then learned that it works for some and not for all and that's that and I wasted my time and body on the band and should have had a different WLS to begin with. I also went to see my surgeon or his PA for all my fills and checkups on a regular schedule and after a year of trying the band and it not working we decided it was time to discuss it's removal. I was very depressed after this "failure" of mine that I didn't even think of revising to another WLS after my surgeon removed my band. Physically I was having terrible GERD And was put in the ER for chest pains and because of that and my weight gain and not loss my insurance company covered it's removal. After the band was removed my normal size stomach once again appeared and I gained ever more weight so that I weighed more than I had prior to banding just like another failed diet, which is kind of my impression of the lap band although not everyones! It took a few months of soul searching and how I wanted to deal with this and also discussion with my surgeon that we would go ahead and revise to RNY. At that time I joined a support group which also helped me with my decision. I also have a daughter who had been successful with her RNY and two nieces now who have had it. So I went for it and even though RNY is not a magic golden ticket either I at least felt like I had some success and am at the point now where the weightloss stopped and so did the malabsorption of calories and I'm basically on my own now. I've put on about ten pounds since the fall and am honest to say it happens not with everyone but with many. I know that you go through stages with RNY and I'm just in that one now and am dealing with it. Anyway before we start knocking down CM with honest story of her experience with the lap band I think as others have said just because it works for you doesn't mean it will work for everyone and trying to figure that out before you have surgery is probably the most difficult task a person has! I wish everyone well with whatever WLS they choose because it can be a very difficult road, Nanook!

Hi, thanks so much for the reply. My clothes are what scared me, they are not looser at all. That was my first freak out, then the acne and then the weight gain.

I DID IT ! I hit MY weight goal. NOT my surgeon's goal 10 years ago when I started this advent....that was to weigh145 pounds. Then he agreed that having started at 320, (and then 5'3" ) that a more logical goal would be in the area of 160 to 170. The lowest I ever got was 175. And I did not maintain that for even a moment. The the next 8 years of losing my only sibling to the Flu at the age of 49 (please get your flu shot) and then my surviving parent a few years later... personal illness and drama.... and creeping weight gain.... 14 months ago at 220 pounds and 63 years old I got my act back together. I went back to eating protein - first and foremost - protein, healthy vegetables and fruit, and a smattering of healthy whole grain carbs and healthy fats. I ate mindfully - and intentionally to fuel my mind and body. I ate a treat daily I slowly changed HOW I eat, what I eat, and when I eat it. I did not announce it, I did not talk about it. I just did it. I lost 45 pounds in the past 14 months. Not fast weight loss, but steady And I may decide to lose a bit more. Or not. Thank you for being my sounding board. Thank you for being here for support. Today I am thankful for my sleeve, for saggy baggy hanging skin and not caring. And for being healthy !

Thanks Melinda:smile2: I don't have high blood pressure...but I'm sure it's in my future because both my parents and older brother take medicine for it. I do have anxiety/depression and I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist. I think most of the anxiety/depression is related to the weight issues. I just feel so discouraged. My PCP doctors office is staffed by morons they're always losing things and messing things up. I've been in the room with my doctor more than once when she was reading my chart and she finds papers that don't belong to me in my chart..there is a patient with a similar name to mine. They also mess up my dad and brothers charts up because they are a jr. and sr. I don't think my PCP will be supportive of this- she has known for years the weight has bothered me and she always pushes the South Beach Diet and exercise on me or pills. She's put me on numerous ADD medications because their side effect is weight loss. Antidepressants are what caused this stupid weight gain in the first place. :smile2: I'm gonna call and see what the PCP can do for me. They also gave me a prescription to have blood tests and xrays done but they said wait until we know if I get approved. I just read you self paid and it was $12,000....We did discuss self pay but the coordinator said the hospital alone would be at least 10,000 and that doesn't even take into account the other fees like anesthesiologist and other costs. I'm collecting unemployment right now so thought it would be a good time to get it done but the unemployment runs out in a few more weeks. I wish I had thought of this earlier when I was first laid off last Oct.

HRT! (That’s likely what your mum was on too @ShoppGirl.) I was menopausal before my surgery. It was the reason of the sudden 15kg weight gain I had that pushed me to the surgery. The hormonal flush from the oestrogen released from my fat as I was losing was fantastic. No menopausal symptoms at all. Once my weight loss slowed they came back though. ☹️ I’ve had symptoms since about 2016 & still do. Still have breakthrough hot flushes even on HRT though they’re not as bad as when I’m not on it. And I’m not as ‘feisty’ on HRT. My 82yr old mother is still on HRT - if she goes off it all her symptoms return & you don’t want her feisty! I wonder sometimes if I might end up being the same. Lots of benefits. Good for supporting calcium absorption & therefore your bone density. Can reduce the risk of heart disease & strokes too if you start before you’re 60. Certainly worth a conversation with your GP &/or gynaecologist.

Please read my post again. I did not condemn the woman who needed to lose 68 lbs. I said I didn't know her story. Looking at her it didn't appear that she had weight to lose. I was only wondering about the choice. Did she do everything before taking such a drastic step, or did she do the surgery as a first attempt? I worry that this surgery is getting so popular that we will be having it for not the right reasons. I have been fat all my life and have suffered with every weight gain, every diet, every lb gained. I am not judgemental about those that have less to lose than I or haven't experienced all the gains and losses. What I was trying to express is that this is a major decision. It shouldn't be taken lightly. I don't think we should put teens through this until other avenues have been tried. To that end, the insurance guidelines are helping, in some cases. There will always be those that can afford it on their on and not need the insurance. There are those that need this surgery to live a healthy life. I can't judge anyone, nor do I want to.

Great thread, Wheetsin! I totally agree with Amy, "FunnyDuddies." A huge part of the appeal of the lapband , for me, was to limit or stop the continual weight gain. I didn't want to develop the co-morbidities. Also, the idea of banding teens to prevent MO is really interesting. It could completely change their lives. Sho, that is so frustrating to have the rapid weight gain as a side-effect of life-saving treatment. I do know what that is like, and it totally sucks! I thought it would be temporary because it came on so fast, but even years later, it is still hanging on. But even so, I am so grateful to be alive! At least it looks like you have your weight back down again. Personally, I fudged 1/2 inch on my height on my initial application. When I went to my first appointment to be weighed and measured, I stood tall and to my despair found out I had shrunk 1/2 inch and my height was correct. Karma!

Never. All my weight gain has been other health problem related. He always took me to the Dr, etc. He was concerned about me having the surgery, thought it was drastic and not guaranteed to work in my case especially as even though I love nice food, I've not over eaten or been unhealthy. I doubt he is scared...probably just his way of walking from a situation he sees no benefit in being in...either way if all he cares about him then he certainly shouldn't be around for my new start. Just such a shock. Very unexpected...

Hi - Glad I jumped on here and read all your posts. I have not had the expected success with my lapband I thought I would. I too have a sweet tooth and get so tired of vomiting up other stuff. My nutritionalist & psychologists are now discussing revision surgery for me. I lost 30lbs on my presurgical diet starting at 230lbs, surgery day 6/29/11 I was 199lbs. I got down to 170lbs by 10/11 and have struggled with vomiting and weight gain ever since. I have gone back up to as much as 192lbs - which would really mean 7lbs post surgery. That is awful! I have not been able to get down past 185lbs. My asthma has improved but lately with the vomiting I feel like I either aspirate liquid into my lungs or am having acid reflux. I did have a hiatal hernia repair at banding. That was painful! I went with the band thinking it would be less evasive than a bypass and am now really confused and disappaointed not to mention severly depressed and on anitdrpressants and anti anxiety meds along with asthma maintance meds. I am usually not able to tolerate chicken, tofu & eggs leaving few interesting proteins to choose from. I end up eating sweets cause they seem to stay down. I see my asthma doc on Wednesday and plan to discuss all this with him. I see my bariatric doc for my year post check up June 4. I am sorry you all are having problems to, it is helpful to know others are in similar situations though. Best wishes to you all on feeling better. I will keep in touch and am very interested in how you all are doing. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Again: Leatha: Thanks for the positive words. I am more afraid to take the anti depressants because of weight gain at this stage. Unfortunately, I can't change schools for my son. He is extremely gifted and the school he goes to is for kids at his IQ range. This is one of 8 schools in the country that handle what they call "duel exceptionality" which is gifted coupled with some other issues like ADD spectrum, emotional immaturity, social integration for the gifted etc... There are only 22 kids that his school and it is run by a doctor and his wife. They have what they call an 'autonomous learning model" which works well for kids like my son. Thats why we are selling the house and moving closer! Theresa: I have found that blood tests dont mean anything to test for certain deficiencies. My blood tests came back normal months ago and I know I eat better now than I have before. I have a list here on my desk that outlines what kind of tests to ask for to make sure that they dont waste my time checking for the wrong things. Atkay: Thanks. I am sure that I dont have Alopecia. I am not losing in Patches. (Thank God!). I believe my problem has to be hormonal or Vitamin related. I know it will grow back, but watching gobs fall out is scary. I am losing more in the front, but all over evenly. I still have hair and luckily my hair is very thick to start with. I am feeling a lot better today know that I am taking action! Babs in TX 334/188/170 -146 6/23/03

Yes, indeed, There For Her, my partner is motivated. Thank you so much for the information. She's been experimenting with various types of Protein drinks for almost three weeks to find out which kinds she likes (she can't do the regular animal protein ones because they make her sick for some reason, but she likes the Spirutein drinks which are soy-based), and has been practicing the chew, chew, chew bit. Her veggies got cold the other night before she got to them - she says she figures she's going to have to get used to that. I guess that's what microwaves were made for. And her surgery isn't scheduled until June 23rd, so she's gearing up for it. She's not always much of a reader, so we are both doing research, but she's dong the bulk of it. We had looked at RNY, bypass, and the Optifast diets at various points over the years, and the medical risks or chances of long-term success (with Optifast) just didn't seem worth it, but this time we talked about it, and we both came to the conclusion that it's either the band, which is so much safter, or more weight gain, and she didn't want the second option. She calls the band "Weight Watchers with a washer." She also has three people at her work who have been banded, so she has an instant support group, which is great. So, I have three questions: How can we request to make this an official forum so we don't have to go digging in the Introductions posts to find each other and other people can find us? Since I'm a total newbie, I have no idea how to do this. Has anybody tried using the sugar-free Torani syrups that are used to flavor coffee and Italian sodas as a way to add flavor to their Protein shakes? I was going to pick up some for her if they sounded good. Here's the hard one: We live in a state where being seriously overweight is the norm, not the exception (Wisconsin - it's the cheese), and most of our friends are either obese or morbidly obese. I have already seen two of them offer only lukewarm support to her when she told them she was having the surgery, and then I heard one of them subtly try to sabotage her right away ("You will get treats, won't you? Don't let them tell you that you can't have treats."). I was so upset, I almost cried then and there. :cursing: I've heard that this can happen - the person who is losing weight gets subtly pressured to "get back in line" with their "friends" who are still overweight - and I've watched it happen to her when she's lost weight before. The minute it became obvious that she was losing weight, people suddenly started shoving sweets at her like she had to be starving without them. My partner has decided not to tell anybody else about the band right now, but it's going to become obvious at some point. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to deal with this, especially as her partner?

I second this! Pay attention to your body and use your healing time to reform bad habits that will stall weight loss or encourage weight gain. I was fortunate in that my surgeon said coffee was ok after 1 week post-op. It actually curbs my appetite and I love my morning and afternoon cup every day. Even before being sleeved, I enjoyed sipping hot beverages in between meals and found that helped curb my hunger (coffee or tea). I also don't use anything in my coffee except a teaspoon of almond milk or half and half. I adore coffee and am grateful for it, esp during these cold winter months. I was told no carbonation, and never really cared for soda, so I don't miss it. I had a sip of champagne at a wedding and didn't notice anything except a burp or two, but I didn't take it any further than the sip. I miss hard cider on occasion, but it's not worth what it might do to my stomach, so I push through the craving.

Ok... I need HELP!! In the three weeks that I haven't smoked I have gained 4lb... yes GAINED 4lb and that has really been in the last week!!! I have not 'binged' or replaced food for ciggies...and I couldn't over eat even if I wanted to! Granted I haven't done much exercise but the DR said I should wait for 4-6 weeks after pneumonia to exercise again... I have been walking... but nothing like I was doing! I am soooooo worried that this weight gain is connected to the no smoking... I am in a quandry!!! I really can't afford to put weight back on... especially as I am such a slow loser anyway!! Words of wisdom from my VSG friends is seriously needed here....please

Just wanted to chime in and say I agree with this statement 100%. I went wine tasting about a month ago, I maybe had 3 glasses of wine over 6 hours. The next day I was up 5 pounds and it took me 3 weeks to get rid of it. That wasn't fun. Statements like these make me think Lap Band lowers your metabolism, at least temporarily. The reason being--for someone my size, we are allowed 39 weight watchers points per day to lose weight. My big problem, of course, was being hungry beyond this number of points. However, each glass of wine is 4 points, so you're just looking at 12 points there. With conservative eating (as the band should provide) it should have been no problem....however, the body is being given much less with the band, so it might end up being a "race with the metabolism" for who is the winner. Oh well, we gotta do what we gotta do. If the standard way isn't working, Lap Band it is. Actually, I really just think it is my genetics. I spoke to my mom about the alcohol weight gain and she said she is the exact same way when it comes to alcohol. And she is NOT banded. I'm just one of the "unlucky" ones. I guess it's good that I don't drink that often.

in 2011 I was sleeved with no indication of having a hernia. I believe if the doctor saw that, he would have indicated to me that he would go ahead and remove it, but because it wasnt seen then, the sleeve was a stand alone surgery. Now had he done the gastric sleeve with the rny, I think my weight loss success would have been for a long time before gaining little to none weight gain. Nevertheless, the infamous GERD came to crash the party in 2019 and I was scheduled a bariatric doctor for a revision in September 2020. At that point I started the process which leads up to surgery and I was approved by my insurance company, thus my surgery date was 02/23/21. The doctor chose gastric bypass which he indicated that he tightened up my sleeve and rerouted my intestine where whenever I eat, it would bypass my stomach and go straight to my intestine, hence longevity of weight loss. He also mentioned to me that I had an hiatal hernia, which he repaired during the surgery. Because this is a revision, my weight loss will go moderately slow, however I choose to think that is on a "case by case" basis. Ive seen people with this revision go on to lose around 50-60 lbs in 4-5 months. I may very well fall in with these people, due to my rapid weight loss 9 years ago. my hw in 2011 was 303, sw was 289, fw 179, gw 160. I never reached my goal weight the first time, but I lost a total of 110lbs in 1 year, and then in 2013 I couldnt get the skin to tighten up, so I qualified for a panni, aka tummy tuck. i have big turkey wings and that is considered cosmetic, had Ive gotten that done, I probably would have gotten to my goal weight with ease because I went down to 173 after that surgery then the plateau started, but I maintained that weight for 7 years, then in 2019 I went through a depression state and going back to my bad habits, and smoking ciggs, then to make things worse, covid came to join the world so my weight skyrocketed to a shockingly total weight gain in 2 years of 76 lbs of it back. Thats 40 lbs away from going back to my surgery weight! That was a scary thought, but I think if I didnt have the gerd, my hiatal hernia wouldnt have been noticed. I know how to keep my weight down, because I had highs and lows throughout maintaining my weight without having a head game behind the fact that I was no longer 173. I was dating this guy from atlanta for 2 years and all I did was travel, splurge and dine out 3-4 days a week breakfast lunch and dinner. I didnt work and he took care of alll my bills and my childrens tuition for college and high school. This caused me to be settled and gained happy weight then my happy weight went flat as I got tired of being smothered and controlled by him so I left him right after valentines day. I then joined the gym at the end of February 2018 because I had got to 220 in my weight! I was making 50 that year so I wanted to at least get back into my size 9/10 before my birthday. Well I did. I lost 22 lbs in 3 months and was toned and force to be reckoned with. So I know that this is a long response, but I just wanted to share with you my journey as a 2 time bariatric patient. Im 5 days out from my revision, and I have lost a total 17 lbs which is to include losing 10lbs in 3 days from preop preparation. If I stick to the diet the way my nut and my dr has set forth for me, I could very well get past the goal weight they have for me, which is 180, and thats due to my frame, and my height as an African American female. At the rate that Im going, I will have lost a whopping 80 lbs in 2 months! But because the weight loss will be slow, and if I had to guess, I would say to get to MY gw of 160 would probably take me about 7-8 months to achieve that goal. Who knows with a sustained diet and exercise, I could very well get to my goal sooner. I hope this document of a response helps. lol, but best wishes to whatever surgery you decide to choose and God speed on your recovery.

When I'm at good restriction I don't count cals. I eat prob an ave of 600/day. I recently had an unfil for plastic surgery & with that came weight gain, plus I couldn't exercise, so I'm currently counting cal & trying to stay @ 1200. As long as ut loosing weight wouldn't stress to much about it. For a while I became so obsessed with cals in cals out. I had a body bugg & tracked everything religiously. One day I just decided I had wls so I wouldn't habe to do all this crap... & stopped. My weight loss actually picked up once I put all of that energy into exercise & making healthy choices But I do believe when u find urself slipping sometimes u need to get back on track with cal counting

The stats are averages & based on your weight after three years. With sleeve or bypass the average weight loss at that point is around 60/65% of the weight you had to lose to put you in a healthy weight range. It reflects factors such as bounce back weight gain, lifestyle changes, complacency, health changes etc. It’s not necessarily the lowest weight you’ll reach, or even where you’ll settle. It’s just gives you a bit of an idea. Some exceed it others don’t reach it. And as @ShoppGirl said your new set point will most inform of where you settle. Personally, I chose my goal as this was the weight I always dropped to before gaining again. It also put me in a healthy weight range (if you use BMI as a guide). Most choose a weight that was where they once were or think they’d like to be. No scientific reasoning at all. I passed my goal but I’m an outlier - someone who doesn’t fit the stats. I didn’t work at losing that much it was just where my body settled. My lowest was 48.2 but settled at 49kg. A medication change & a needed dietary change & I’m at 51kg & have been there for about 9 months. (Would prefer to be 49 but … you know life.) I think setting benchmarks for along the way like you’re doing is a great idea. If you set a final goal make it a ‘it would be nice if I got to that but I accept I may not & that’s okay’ goal. Congratulations on what you’ve achieved so far.

Wasa- Gotta agree with you there. I have lost about 90lbs. since 11/07 and it has been primarily from eating about 600-1000 calories per day with at least 65-80gms of protein. I always eat my protein first, then fruits and veggies and carbs only if I need it. Typical day includes: Breakfast: Egg, cheese and veggie omelet, or Quaker Weight Control oatmeal and 1/2 an orange or banana. Snack: Don't need one because I am satisfied. Lunch: 1/2 turkey or ham sandwich with cheese and mayo, the other 1/2 of my fruit and 14 almonds/nuts. Snack: only if hungry, air popped popcorn or nuts or cheese or lean deli meat. Dinner: meat and veggies and sweet potato. Snack: only if needed; SF/FF chocolate pudding or nuts or cheese. Not often because I am usually satisfied. I drink K20 about 40 oz. and usually 40 oz. of Water. I do have I cup of coffee a day. I have not exercised up until this past week. I felt that I needed to kick my weight loss into high gear. So I joined the "Y" and am working on the treadmill for about 35 min. and lifting weights. I would like to do water aerobics but need to buy a new bathing suit because mine is way to big. I have gone from a size 34 to size 24 and feel fantastic. I am not always good about food choices and I am still dealing with head hunger/ real hunger but am getting better everyday. I do not deny myself anything, if I want it I eat it just smaller amounts and I try to keep within my calorie range. Oh Yeah, I track everything on sparkpeople.com and I weigh myself everyday to keep ahead of any weight gain (which has happened very rarely and usually gone within a few days). I have a 4cc band and am at 1.5cc's and definatly know that I need another fill because I am more hungry in between meals. My rule of thumb is if my weight is stalled and I get hungry within 4 hours of eating; it is time. I make sure that I see my doctor every 4-6 weeks regardless of whether I need a fill or not. It helps me to stay accountable. I didn't do this to not lose weight. I love how losing weight makes me feel and I am not going to sugar coat it because it isn't always easy but I love how thin feels. I hope that if anyone has read this far; it will help you if you are struggling. You can do it because trust me if I can you can. Cindy

dkearby, Hang in there. Don't let a few comments upset you or frustrate you. There is no reason why you need to wait until you are pushing 400 to get the band. I am 5'2" and weighed 206 before getting my surgery. Like another person said, I didn't look all that big either. When I told a few people I was thinking about getting it done, they said, I wouldn't qualify to get it done even self-pay, but I did and just hadn't told them. I saw where my life was headed because of my constant weight gain and family health history. I was not on any meds nor did I really have any problems, but I didn't want to wait until I had problems either. My surgeon said I was smart to take control early on because of my family's health history. I just wish I would have done it sooner. If WW, Atkins, South Beach diet, NutriSystem, and so on were the answers to our problems, I don't think hardly any of us would be here. I know, personally, I have tried all the ones I mentioned and then some. I have also tried many exercise programs and accupuncture. All were temporary because I didn't mentally change my relationship with food. Now that I don't need food to satisfy me all the time, I am a happier person. Just make sure this is something you are ready to commit to. Yes it will be hard and at times you may feel very hungry til you reach your sweet spot with fills, but in the end will be well worth it. I don't necessarily speak from a lot of experience with the band, since I haven't been banded long and haven't had a fill yet, but I know how I have felt and what others have told me. I am in my 5th week and still don't get hungry. I pretty much have to make myself eat something and when I do, I am so full on very little. I tell you, if I didn't keep a food journal, I would think I was eating like a pig, LOL!!!! Best wishes to you, Stephanie

I did a 5 year diet history. Just list the types of diets you did, the dates, the amount of weight gained or lost.

Dear New and Improved, When you have been a 5’ 2 “ female - who is 64 years old - I and other will take your opinion more seriously. Have you ever had a hysterectomy ? Had to make the choices between adding Synthetic hormones that might help balance Weight gain and loss against a high risk of breast cancer ? Have you given birth to a child ? Or two ? Or had degenerative disease ? Or just been over 50 ? I hope that you remain healthy and never have to deal with medical issues. But growing older is not for the faint of heart. Another good thing about being long lived is the ability to know when to be insulted and when to just be amused. I remain the later

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have regained all 40 pounds that I lost. The weight gain started with the pandemic, add to that some very serious health issues with my child, and menopause, and numerous other excuses, here I am. I just don't know what to do at this point. Every single day, I wake up and say it will be a brand new day, but again, here I am. Help me please...