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I hate clothes shopping, and fortunately, I wear scrubs at work, so don't need a lot of work clothes. I tend to do mail order, and have a roomful of clothes mistakes from things I should have returned but never did (one of my postop projects). Fortunately my best friend is a shopaholic who considers it a challenge to find things at TJ's, thrift shops, etc. For her, it's a stress reducer, for me, it makes me want to jump out of my skin. Part of me still wants to hold back some fat clothes, just in case. After years of different diets, and the inevitable weight gains afterward, it's hard to have faith emotionally. Although with the band, I gained some back but not up to my top weight. Does anybody else feel this way?

I used the preop phase to ease people into the fact that I'm making lifestyle changes. So I told them that I was trying to lose weight by replacing two meals with high protein shakes and having a low carb dinner. I also bought a 64oz water bottle and have been toting around non stop. Since I had my surgery in Mexico I said I was going to visit family with my parents (my step dad is Mexican and his family lives in Tijuana) couldn't be more perfect. While I was there I made sure everyone took plenty pictures of food as well as tourist sites so I could post them on my social media to make things seem more normal. Now that I'm back no one has noticed too much of the weight loss, the few that have I just keep advertising my protein shakes and exercising my will power when they bring in food for employees. I saw someone post once, "No one asked me the details about my weight gain or how I got there, so they don't need to know the details of my weight loss or how I'm getting there" LOL!

I would appreciate if we could keep this thread from being hijacked to a "weight gain challenge". This thread is for weight loss and those who are serious about the challenge. I'm sure all of those in this challenge will agree. -- La Madam on Weight Loss Challenge thread. I replied, "the mini-hijack was just for a few cheap laughs for those of us anticipating a rough week. To avoid offending the serious, we will move these comments to a new thread." So here it is. This is intended to be a thread where anyone can freely vent (I hope) about the challenges to weight loss. Disclaimer: If you do not want to read about people who are gaining weight, people who are worried about gaining weight, or people who may make jokes about gaining weight, do not read further. My vent: I've been losing weight steadily since my last fill, but after three weeks of immobility I'm starting a course of steroids for disc trouble. The steroids make me feel better, but I gain weight.

HI leenerbups and all, I know this is an old thread, and by now you've had the surgery and I was just wondering...what happened with your extra weight gain? Did they push the surgery back? Did they do it anyway? I, too, have gained weight and was told the same thing - that I can't gain any weight. I sure hope you are still on the board! Can anyone help?:biggrin::ohmy::eek::ohmy: Thanks so much!

Way to go with moderate ketosis!! I am not doing ketone sicks yet, as I know I am not in ketosis yet. I had a much better day today. Not perfect, but I finally feel like I am getting my head back in this thing!! I am still up 5 pounds from what my ticker says, but I am a little encouraged tonight. You know this all started when I was sick and greatly increased my fluids. Well, I noticed tonight that I have pitting edema (swelling where when you push on your skin it leaves an indention) in my lower legs and ankles. So... my weight gain is most definately fluids. I am drinking lots of Water. Here my nursing diagnosis. I think when I had the virus I became a little dehydrated and then my body held on to fluids like crazy. Now that I am well I am expecting my body to figure it out anytime now and release the fluids that it has been holding on to. Sorry if that was too technical, but I am encouraged to think I have figured out what the deal it. (if I am even right??) Anyway, I am back in it!! You guys are the best. I agree with Mamato, it is sooo great to have a support system to go through this with!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

I know they say not to weigh the first week out because you will be upset with the weight gain from the iv,s I woke up and weighed in this morning at 342.4 and I was 344.9 when I went in on Tuesday for surgery. I pray That I keep loosing like this. Having a hard time with the protein shakes right now it soup. So peppermint tea and G2 again till tomorrow.

It is possible with the band or with GBP to eat "around" it and regain. Slider foods, high calorie drinks can cause weight gain. Either procedure is a "tool" that you must help to work and neither is a "magic wand".

You've moved from a no-residue diet to one that lingers in your gut--which in and of itself can account for a bit of extra weight. In addition, you've upped exercise. While it's too soon to be seeing muscle gain, it's very likely that your muscles are holding onto some Fluid. This happens when the muscles cells do not get enough oxygen from the air you breathe. In order to stay well-oxygenated, they revert to lactic acid fermentation--a process that produces oxygen and the metabolic by-product, lactic acid. When the lactic acid level in your muscle cells increases, the body strives to maintain homeostasis by equalizing this concentration differential. Fluid moves into the cells---causing them to swell. The body is usually very efficient when it comes to flushing out this fluid, but temporary weight gain can be expected, post-workout. Keep doing what you're doing---and don't be scared to eat. The weight IS going to come off. In fact, you're losing fat now. It's just that the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story

Claudia, I have been on a variety of antidepresants for several years, and regardless of the sideeffects of possible weight gain-you need to acknowledge the benefits. I may have gained some weight over the several years but I really think the benefits of the medication definately outweigh the few pounds. Best of luck on your journey, remember you and your health are the most important.

I'd also be very hesitant to get a hysterectomy. I was lucky enough to see an endocrinologist from the Mayo Clinic who was fabulous. Here's what he told me: metformin generally helps people lose about 10% of their weight before you hit a plateau. However, it does help stop weight gain. And, with the band, you've got another weapon in your arsenol. PCOS is a condition thata should be treated by an endocrinologist, not a general paractitioner. I've had my share of experiences with bad doctors (hey, there are good and bad people in all professions.) The only doctors I've experienced who really understand PCOS are endocrinologists. Find one and get an appointment. I had to go out of network and pay a lot of money, but it was worth it to experience a doctor who is both intelligent and understands your condition. At 25, you have a long life of fertility ahead of you, if you choose to have more children. The metformin might help you conceive, if that's what you want to do right now---it worked for 3 of my friends with PCOS within a few months of using it. Also, the more you can lose, the better it will get. I've been banded one week only, but already, I've lost a few pounds 14 since the pre-op diet (1 month total), and I'm not even on metformin right now. Stay away from juices, sugary drinks, too many carbs at once, and it will start to work for you, too. And please please please don't let one rather uninformed doctor sway you. (Sorry if I sound like I'm preaching....) :biggrin:

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

Hey Susan. I feel much better today. Thanks for askin. I don't know what was wrong yesterday. Just an off day, I guess. Glad you have learned how to eat. Now, we will see that Valentine's goal. (aw-right!!) I haven't lost anymore, I don't think. Haven't been on the scales. wait.......nope. nuthin. But, you know what time it is? Bout a 3 pound water weight gain. I just hate that!!!! wish i had a water pill. lol Have a good day. Talk to you later. lisa

This is to Renewedhope about Metformin. Before my surgery I was on and off of it for one year because my body could not handle it. I noticed since my surgery my Avandamet did not effect my body like it did prior to surgery (making me very ill). So I pulled the good ole Metformin out of the cabinet this week to see if maybe it has the same effect and I have not been sick once. The reason I tell you this is because Metformin stopped my weight gain before being banded unlike anything else I just could not deal with the side effects. I cannot explain it, but I have had 0 side effects now. This whole banding thing is amamzing.

Hi everyone! I was banded on May 13, 2008. I had my first fill on June 23 and after the first week with the fill the scale stopped moving. I am due for my second one on Monday July 21. I also suffer from PCOS, I was diagnosed 17 years ago when I was 15, so I have all of the classic attributes from it! Diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and weight gain. I have never tried a high protein, low carb diet aka Atkins plan, so I may need some advise from some experienced people! I plan on starting next week after I get my fill. My doctor has me do 2 days of clear liquids and then 2 days of full liquids/soft foods before advancing back to regular diet. After my last fill I attempted scrambled eggs and that did not set well with me at all, I took 2 bites and I was running to the bathroom, I have been scared to try them since. Can someone please explain how to calculate a net carb? Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!!!

OK . . . I have a question. I am on the pill and so my periods have always been like clockwork, very light, minimal cramping and finish in 2 days with a 2-3 pound weight gain and mild crabbiness due to pms. Now several months post surgery, I am still on the pill, I have spotting occasionally at weird times, they now can be very heavy at times, moderate cramping up to a deep ache and finish in 4-5 days with a similar weight gain . . . not to mention that my husband and son stay far, far away from me now a couple of days before because of pms. I eat a healthy diet, meet my nutritional goals, and work out like crazy. Does anyone else have this problem or any explanations as to why they have gotten so unpleasant?

Oh, wow! Y'all are doing AMAZING! Everyone! I'm so proud of my fellow Exercise Challenge buddies! :smile2: I'm doing okay with being unfilled so far. Not that I'm not eating like a horse...because I am! But all my exercise is keeping the weight gain at bay for now. My big ride is this weekend, so I'm adding carbs in this week and getting more Water and sleep. After the ride is behind me, I plan on going back on www.My-Calorie-Counter.com and logging my food every day again. I need to get my cals back under control...just plain get under control, PERIOD. I'm REALLY enjoying being able to eat! LOL I am just plain BUSY lately! Hubby came home unexpectedly, which is AWESOME! He surprised me so he could be here for my ride this weekend...what a doll. So we've been shopping and playing and working around the house...just enjoying our time together until he goes back offshore. He starts a new contract in two weeks and will be working in Hong Kong for the next five years, so it will be six week rotations from now on. So we are Spring cleaning, shampooing carpets, painting the master suite, relandscaping the backyard...and cleaning the garage is next! I'm TIRED! LOL Oh, and all of this is around dealing with refinancing our house...I despise doing all that paperwork junk! I'm not missing any of my workouts, though. That is always a priority! I'm getting really curious again to know what my body fat percentage is! I think I will make an appointment at Cooper Institute again to get hydrostatically weighed. I don't care what my bathroom scale says NEAR as much as what that will tell me. Even though I'm getting a little aprehensive about my ride this weekend, I'm really looking forward to it and can't wait to post pics for y'all!

When I first started my band journey I had a hard time setting a goal weight (OK I STILL have a hard time setting one) at the time I was trying to weigh what the BMI chart was saying was right for my height with doctor saying that the current research was showing most successful band patients were only losing around 50% of their excess weight. I NEVER wanted to consider a weight loss of only 50% of my excess to be a success but it made me give pause in setting a goal of the full 100% for Fear (yes fear) that it was just setting me up for more failure and depression leading to sabatoge and weight gain. While trying to figure it out I found the following website very insightful. Better Ideal Weight Body Calculations It shows a variety of methods for determining your ideal weight from the frequently used MetLife Charts, to BMI and others, including one that takes into account what other current peers, in age, current weight and sex, think (emphasize THINK) would be their ideal weight. At least in my case I found it surprisingly accurate. My only hope is that the accuracy doesn't hold as I found that at my height and age my "peers" won't think I'm at an ideal weight until I hit 115 which is a BMI of 20 barely a point above the LOWEST BMI considered in the healthy range! I really want to believe I will be satisfied at the higher end of the healthy BMI, like maybe a 23-24. Another even more interesting point perhaps is that it claims that many of the charts for women are misleading. Such as the Met Life Chart which is the leading industry standard chart that Stacy is quoting from. It says this chart was developed for use on women ages ages 25-59 and based on lowest mortality rates. In addition it was assumed that the women were wearing 3 pounds of clothes and wearing 1" heels. Not all of us fall into this age category and I would dare say most if not all of us didn't know we were suppose to add 1" to our height when reading the table. A minor side note to this table would be that according to the website Met Life introduced this chart in 1943. and it was only revised slightly in 1983. They were called "desirable" weights, which would indicate those persons with the lowest mortality rates. However, the phrase "ideal weight" gradually became associated with these tables in common usage, even though the word "ideal" was not specifically published with the tables. PS - Stacy - Please understand I am NOT flaming your post in any way. I just was shocked when I found that I was suppose to add an inch to my height when looking at that chart I still refer to it myself but thought others might find it usefull to know.

Isn't there a whole room for mental illness where these things can be discussed and more people would benefit from. I'm not a doctor or an expert just a sufferer. I was diagnosed with a "borderline personality disorder" and when you first hear that you think they're insulting your personality, lol! I did not want to have depression or anxiety and it showed up during a good time in my life, when things were going well for me, prime of my life and I was thin, lol. It wasn't something that I could control. I have a sibling who also had it show up in his life also around the same age, early 20s and he has no weight problem and never did and I don't find mine to be weight related, it's a physical problem. Think of it like someone having a brain tumor, it's a brain disease. It's not just a painful, I'm so sad, I'm depressed, I hate my ass, my boyfriend dumped me type of situation. It's much deeper than that and it's uncontrollable fear, panic, sadness and a loss of pleasure in life! No one would wish that on anyone. One day you're fine and living a very productive life and the next day you're actually afraid to leave your house. It can be very debilitating. There's also a snowball effect that can happen where one thing affects another then another and makes many things in your life not as efficient and pleasant as they once were. It can take years of different types of therapy and experimenting with various drugs. The sad truth is that once you've been dealt "the card" I don't know that many people that are ever the same again. I've never gotten back there. It's very hard to explain unless you are living this but it can almost feel like part of your soul has died. Now I've gone through years of various therapies (still do) and that was wonderful and helped to an extent and have been on medications for many years and they keep me from jumping off a bridge or taking an overdose. Not once did I ever feel like I wanted people to surround me and feel sorry for me because of the stigma associated with mental illness I was too embarrassed to even talk about it so how could someone feel sorry for me because of my depression/anxiety when I wouldn't tell them? I have found that medications have affected many things sex drive, weight gain, constipation, but what are the alternatives? Maybe one day they'll come up with the perfect pill that won't have those side effects. I've worked with professions for many years to get through this and survive. Coming to terms with my mental illness and being able to discuss it with others who share also has helped me. I don't know why I was so ashamed but I think like some other poster said we tend to be much harder on ourselves and be perfectionists and when there is some kind of flaw, albeit we can't control, we hide it and don't want others to think badly of us. Anyway Kudos to tommaney for working on a mental health thread/social group as it will help us in two ways. One, it will help to educate people who don't know much about mental illness except for the various stereotypes out there and two, it will help the people who are actually dealing with mental illness come together for support they truly need! Thanks, Nanook.

I am to be banded on the 14th also! While my doc doesn't require the liver-shrinking diet, he does require you to lose any weight gained from your first appt. with him to your appointment to schedule surgery. In a nutshell, I gained 6 pounded since May! I have to go to the doc's office to weight the day before surgery and I have to be 6 pounds down. I cut back tremendously this past week, but I think I will put myself on a self-imposed liquid diet next week! Good luck to you all!

I just found this app and registered. My surgery was August 19. I've finally lost all my IV fluid post op weight gain. Getting tired of drinking my meals. No major issues so far just very tired and finding it hard to get in 3 protein shakes a day.

I'm 31 and I'm pregnant with my first child. I was banded June 10, 2010 and by May I was pregnant. My doc is thrilled and gave me a slight unfill because my band tightened with the pregnancy. There is absolutely no reason why I can't have a vaginal birth because of the lap band. Now, that's not to say something else would cause me to have a c-section, but right now everything is trucking right along. I'm currently 17 weeks, i'm on target with my weight gain, and I'm happy as can be. So far, baby is too!

Michelle, sounds like you are definitely too tight. The weight gain may make you even tighter. Have you not checked with your doctor in two years? I have heard of several instances like yours. Tight is good. Too tight is NOT. You can't eat properly when you are too tight, as you know. Small portions, SMALL bites with an annoying amount of chewing, should allow you to eat fairly well. I didn't lose weight for about 3 months...got two unfils, just a smidgeon at a time, and immediately dropped 5 pounds. Like you, I got hungary but ate band friendly foods, or did the Pbing. Don't risk a possible erosion from being too tight. See your doctor as soon as possible. Good Luck

Working out almost always causes weight gain in the days following. The primary reason is that protein synthesis pulls water into the muscles as part of the conversion of carbohydrates and fat into glycogen. Muscles will use this glycogen in the process of protein synthesis. And so the cycle continues and effects on the body are additive, meaning that you will see a net loss over time (e.g. a few days, a week, a month, etc. For this reason, it is best not to gauge the effectiveness of a workout solely on scale weight, especially the next day. <br><br><br><br><br> Also you need to eat enough calories and enough carbohydrates to fuel the workout. Insanity is going to require a lot of carbohydrates in order not to hit a wall during a workout or, worse, blackout, as you have stated almost happened a few times on your first day. Your body will work against you if it does not have enough fuel to support the expenditure of energy, as a defense mechanism, so eating is very important. No starvation diets if you want to reap the benefits. Not only will 500 calories cause you to hit a wall during a workout, but continually eating at such a deficit is going to put your metabolism into hibernation (you are 3 + years post op; I would not say the same thing to a 4 month post op individual). <br><br><br><br><br> Good luck on your insanity program. It should be a good one and will help you change body composition in addition to weight loss.

We had a change in insurance mid year and I had to start all my check ups again but I didn't have to re-do any of the medical test. I only had to do a 3 year weight history and since I didn't have it because we moved 2 yrs ago and I havent seen a doctor I just had to write a letter and send 3 yrs of pictures to show the weight gain. Hang in there it is so worth it.

What source did you use that said weight gain is a side effect of Zoloft? I've been on Zoloft for years before surgery and have continued since surgery one year ago, and have not noticed weight gain because of it. This screenshot actually mentions weight *loss* as a possible side effect. Source: https://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-side-effects-drug-center.htm