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Just got back from monthly weigh-in. Despite the EVIL Halloween candy from Saturday, I still lost six pounds since my fourth fill three weeks ago. I'm satisfied with that. I've noticed that as I lose more weight, the pounds are coming off more slowly. However, I've not had a weight gain since surgery, and that makes me very happy. I will have another fill in 1 1/2 weeks and am hoping for my sweet spot, but even if it doesn't take me to that spot, I know I'll be OK. I've learned how to make the band work for me, and I'm a better woman because of it. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and being with the family rather than eating myself into a stupor. Next weigh in--another six pounds? Stay tuned. . . . . Gator Gal!

This shot made me completely insane, was on it years ago for 2-3 year period. No one has commented on weight gain with it, so I must!! I gained 50-60lbs on this stuff...it is nasty and unlike pills, u are stuck with if for 3 months even if you want off of it.....to each his own, finally had tubal ligation after last son was born. Not to scare anyone, just check it out thoroughtly before trying.

WTG!!! Hope you had a blast! Hi!!!! So glad you found us! Totally didn't occur to me to PM you a link! Duh!!! Sorry about that! You totally can NOT worry about the weight gain right now! I am figuring it just gives you something else to focus on but really, it's not all that important right now! You need to keep yourself up and positive and ready to take on the world! You are in my prayers and I'm pulling for you!! Take good care and keep checking in when you can! ~~~~~ Have a gynp appt. tomorrow. Hoping to get some answers and some relief and a plan of action or something. We'll see what happens. Tired of the same old, same old. We'll also go to Trader Joe's and a couple of other errands while we're down there. Feeling better. Hoping I'm on the other side of this garbage now. Hate being sick! Better head to bed. Hope y'all have a great Monday!

Glad to hear it was just a question that your husband asked. There are too many stories on this board of people not doing what their Dr advised and then ending up in real trouble. Don't worry about the weight gain after surgery as that is very common due to Water retention. If you follow the plan it will disapear just like the rest of you. Many people don't even begin to lose weight until after their first fill. I managed to stay steady for the first month and got huge congradulations from my Dr. Good luck to you.

Chezzychee - First of all, let me welcome you to our site - you've found a great place to be for answers and support. Now, as for your boyfriend, it's not his life - it's your's - and you have to do what you need to do for yourself. It sounds as though if you don't do the surgery and lose weight, he's going to lose you anyway - permanently - to death. I think when he says he's afraid of losing you, he's afraid when you lose your weight, that you're going to leave him and move on. He's apparently insecure. I would have been LIVID if my fiance had thrown away anything of mine that I wanted to do and to check out - that is NOT his right. Find another seminar to attend, keep the paperwork at work where he can't get to it - tell him about it and ask him to attend with you. Also, have him read the posts on this forum (maybe not this one since I'm trashing him) and he'll see that the complication risks are low - not non-existent, but low % wise. If your insurance doesn't pay for WLS, check out Dr. Aceves in Mexicali - many of us on this forum have used him and he is so totally awesome. There are other surgeons around as well. Keep us posted on your progress and don't be afraid - you can either live in your fear and continue to gain weight and suffer the consequences of the weight gain or take control of your life NOW and begin a path to a healther life. The choice is YOUR's and NO ONE ELSE!

Hi: I gained 9 pounds in the first 3 days post-op. It's just Fluid retention. I think it was day 5 or 6 when I started peeing like a sun of a gun. I dropped five pounds in one day because the fluid finally left. I was surprised with the weight gain, but my doctor told me it was very normal. As long as you follow the band rules you'll start to lose and keep losing. Best wishes to you newbie. I love my band and my new flat tummy. Sue

After my battle with my insurance company, I was approved. Initially I was told that because I had given birth to twins in the last year, that more than likely that was where my weight gain came from. After they recieved my medical records they saw that I was infact pounds smaller after the birth of my daughters. I had this surgery to improve my health, I have horrible cycles, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and I'm just out of shape. I need to be in good health to take care of my daughters. It has been a struggle for me. The pre-op two weeks diet, i did in moderation, i kicked candy and sodas but i backslide on small portions of food. After surgery on the 28th, i'm scared but a burger sure sounds good. I can not wait to lose this hunger feeling. the only thing keeping me going is the fact that i went through so many doctor visits to get here to screw it all up and I dont want to make myself sick. I'm struggling! I hate the protein drinks! can't drink no more than two, bare drank one today and that was because i put it in coffee. I'm dying for some grits or potatoes. My head hurts alot. taking multi-vit. drinking some water, not really thirsty. I have gas moments and it feels so good to burp. No bowel movement yet. I have consumed a few oz. of chicken broth over the last few days. Any advice?:scared2:

After my battle with my insurance company, I was approved. Initially I was told that because I had given birth to twins in the last year, that more than likely that was where my weight gain came from. After they recieved my medical records they saw that I was infact pounds smaller after the birth of my daughters. I had this surgery to improve my health, I have horrible cycles, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and I'm just out of shape. I need to be in good health to take care of my daughters. It has been a struggle for me. The pre-op two weeks diet, i did in moderation, i kicked candy and sodas but i backslide on small portions of food. After surgery on the 28th, i'm scared but a burger sure sounds good. I can not wait to lose this hunger feeling. the only thing keeping me going is the fact that i went through so many doctor visits to get here to screw it all up and I dont want to make myself sick. I'm struggling! I hate the protein drinks! can't drink no more than two, bare drank one today and that was because i put it in coffee. I'm dying for some grits or potatoes. My head hurts alot. taking multi-vit. drinking some water, not really thirsty. I have gas moments and it feels so good to burp. No bowel movement yet. I have consumed a few oz. of chicken broth over the last few days. Any advice?:smile:

Thanks, BG -- I know you've lost a bunch, too! I guess I'll repost this next week for a true update. I'm leaving to Mexico tomorrow for a week's vacation. And I put off having my fill until I get back to make darn sure I don't experience problems down there. So I'm pretty wide open at the moment - ack! : ) Actually, I'm not worried about weight gain. I'm going to go have a ball, not have a care in the world, and just chill on the beach. If there's a small weight gain, I'll just deal with it when I get back and get my next fill. : ) Happy Halloween, everybody - see ya' in a week!

Good morning-I did well on liquids yesterday. Today I am going to do liquids & mushies. Only have a few minutes so....I will be quick Jenn & Michelle-my 6 year old dd is obsessed with boobs too. LOL Now she has started saying "ooh, he is hot" (heard that on TV) or "ooh he is cute...look sissy, aint he cute?" Oh my... . But, most of the time she is anti-boys, lol. Kids are so funny. Jenn-macy has the same project to do with that turkey! Cindy-:sad: ICE CREAM.....seriously my downfall. I can attribute my 60 pounds weight gain to BlueBell. I have converted to SF. But I would LOVE a bowl of cookies & cream or Mint choc chip right now Gotta run...ttfn

I don't mind you asking at all, but it's a hard question for me to answer. I had my surgery right after my final and third child was born over 15 years ago, and with each pregnancy I put on more weight. It had been a steady incline set in motion after my first pregnancy. My best answer is that I had been gaining weight for five years at that point, and I didn't notice a marked increase of weight gain after my gb surgery, but I continued to gain weight over the years. There's plenty of over weight to obese people in my family, but only my mom and I had to have our gall bladders removed. This is not scientific, but in all honesty, I don't believe losing your gall bladder will in any way affect your weight loss.

Thanks, kiz! Did you notice any weight gain after the gb surgery (if you don't mind me asking)? Or do you find it harder to lose weight because of the gb removal?

I have been on psych meds off and on since I was a teen, been on more than I can count on fingers. About 4 years ago I started Effexor XR with no weight gain but when I started Seroquel I gained 30 lbs in 3 months. Nothing had changed in my exercise or eating habits so not sure why I gained. After 4th month on Seroquel I tried a new set of meds that had helped me lose in past, but did not work and had to back on Effexor/ Seroquel and just watched my weight increasing. After being off meds for 10 months for pregnancy, I had a hard time finding a right combo. Dr would not do seroquel again because of worry of more weight gain ( I was already too heavy and having back problems). Now I am on Lamictal/Pristiq and am doing okay with it. My PCP does not think that my meds have anything to do with my current weight gain. He also feels that if I lose weight will help with depression. Any thoughts on all this?

So after three months of Phentermine and increased side affects with weight gain my PCP has now referred me to the surgeon for WLS. I called my insurance and with regards to the usual 6 month pre-diet, I have already done three months with my PCP no results, the insurance said that the surgeon can put in pre-authorization with his request to bypass the 6 month pre-diet. I really have no idea what will happen since I have not even seen the surgeon yet, but I hope that I can get banded shortly after the first of the year or better yet right before the first of the year. My question to all is how long did it take from date with surgeon till the date of surgery?

Illumination...I feel your pain. I quit smoking a year and a half ago! It's hard but you can do it!! I'm sure it contributed to my weight gain this past year, so thank goodness you're about to be banded! I promise you'll feel like a new woman.

One year ago today I weighed 240 lbs (I am 5' 3"). My BMI was 42.5. I was wearing a tight, tight size 18/1X. I exercised by walking slow and doing pilates. I was depressed. I was not a good example for my 14 year old daughter or 11 year old son. Dates with my husband was dinner. Today, I weigh 171 lbs. My BMI is 30.3--so close to "just" overweight I can't stand it. I wear a size 10/12 dress, 12/14 pants, large/medium sweaters. I exercise by running, spinning and lifting weights. I am happy, confident, proud. My kids...well, I shop with my daughter and actually try things on in the dressing room with her and I run with my son. Dates now may be a hike, fishing or a walk on the beach We all laugh so much more. I don't want to say it was easy...it was not...but it works. I was not perfect, but I followed the "rules" I was given by my Dr. more often than not. I was not a fast loser and it took a bit of time to accept this, but I finally let myself lose at my body's pace without beating myself up. I did not exercise every day, but I built up my endurance so that if I wanted to I could. I did/do miss the comfort of food sometimes, but I work/worked with a therapist so that this loss was not overwhelming. To those of you banded, reading this...I want to thank you. Your questions, your responses, your victories and your humor (and even some of your "crazies") got me through this year. I did not blog but I stalked a number of blogs...Catherine (Chronicles from Band Land), Amy (Once upon a time...), Sarah (Losing Weight, Gaining Tons), Tiffani (Rocking the Band), The New Me and Lize the Loser...(just to name a few)...you all make a difference and though you may not know me personally, you made a tremendous impact on my weight loss. To those newly banded or just thinking about it...do it. Read this site, read the blogs, follow the "rules" your Dr. sets, do your research, don't beat yourself up, focus on one day at a time... but do it. I believe with all my heart that the band works. This next year, I look forward to losing the last 25 or so, possible plastic surgery, eating even healthier and enjoying my success. Have a great day!! Tracy

If you're eating bigger portions and you can eat solid meals, so that you're not relying of soft foods, you most probably need a fill. Try to fit in a brisk walk at lunch, and other times during the day. Take the steps rather than the elevator. Park at the end of the lot. Try to work in more cardio on your days off. Add a little weight training if possible. When your work slows up a bit, hopefully you'll be able to fit in more exercise. Try to start fresh, and not lament the weight gain. With the band, you can always have a new day one. Good luck!!!

Hi Everyone, I just found this thread and am so happy to find others out there in my same boat. I need advice. I was just banded on 10/15/09. I'm still on the liquids until I graduate to mushies on thursday. For the first week the scale was moving....and now...for the past 4 days, it's stopped...and not only stopped, but starting to creep up and I don't know why? I'm doing the same thing I was....BUT the big diff is that for the past 3 mornings, i'm taking metamucil in a glass in the morning, and some light plum juice (60 cals) in the evening to help with the iron in the protein drink (if you catch what I mean). would this account for a 3 pound weight gain in 2 days??? So wanted to know if any of you out there had similar problems a week out of being banded. I know i'm doing things right...pureed liquids, 4 oz yogurt, pureed low fat soups, sf popsicles, v8 and apple juice...and tons of water. any advice you might have for me would be really appreciated.

Just wanted to pop in here and say Hi. I'm Melissa. I was banded in Feb of 2008. I've had great success with the band, losing about 115 pounds (depending on the day). I still have 30-40 to go before goal, but I'm very happy with my results so far. I'm about 7 weeks pregnant with my fourth child. I'm 116 pounds lighter than I was with my last baby, so I'm really looking forward to pregnancy not being as hard this time. With my last baby I was obese enough that I wasn't ovulating, so I got pregnant using Clomid. After losing a significant amount of weight with the band my cycles became normal again and so this one was conceived with no fertility help! Yay! I'm also 37, will almost be 38 by the time I deliver, so I'm no spring chicken. I just really hope I'm able to not gain huge amounts of weight. I didn't gain much with my other kids. 25 the first one, 15 with the second and lost 5 with the third. Of course I was very obese with that last one. So, anyway, I'm hoping to keep the weight gain to a minimum, though I refuse to freak out over it. I'm just going to enjoy this pregnancy and embrace all these changes.

My advice would be for you to call your surgeon. You might do better with the band if you have some counseling first with a nutritionist &/or a psychologist. Some pre-op diets are much more restrictive than others, and some people do "cheat" a little, but it sounds like you're having more problems sticking with the diet than most. Cheating with the band can lead to worse problems than just weight gain. Unfortunately, it can lead to major band problems. If it were me, I'd want to make sure I had my head in the right place before going through with the surgery. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

Hi everyone. Here's my intro post! I am a 39 y/o artist, Mom and Wife and have been fussing over my weight since I was 13. A day hasn't gone by in that many years that I haven't thought about food or my weight from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. Some history: I was athletic as a child--tall and lean and often called "too skinny". Then, I had a little weight gain around puberty (size 7 to size 9) and then woved steadily upward through my teens to a 12. In my early 20s, I gained 100 lbs in one year (size 12 to size 16). Then, I stayed at a size 16/18 for 15 years before gaining 50 pounds more in the past year or two. I blame stress for this one. (two military deployments, a relationship crisis, a high-risk pregnancy with 6 months of bed rest, a near-fatal car accident, and quitting my job to stay home with my son). Now. I wear a size 24 on a good day. And there aren't many good days because I am anxious, depressed and tired all the time. Comorbids are: Upper Airway Restrictive Syndrome (similar to sleep apnea), PCOS, joint and muscle pain and constant irritability. I love fashion but can't wear what I want. I make custom leather products and have already grown out of a display model I made just this Spring! I am running out of sizes and styles that are wearable. My next fashion step is the mu-mu and I REFUSE to go there. I made a vow today that I will not buy myself one more plus-sized outfit. EVER---even if I have to tie myself to a bed and wire my mouth shut. I have also entered menopause and all my fat (which I carry around the waist) seemed to drop overnight. When I walk, I can now feel my stomach on my thigh. Because of the injuries from my accident and the intrusion of my fat rolls, there are simple things (like fastening a bra) that I need help with. Sometimes, I have to take a shower after using the toilet because I can't reach my butt to clean it properly. That hurts to type but it's time to be honest. I am tall and my most comfortable weight has been around 170 but I haven't seen that number since around 1990. I have chosen that now as my goal weight. But really, I would just be happy if I didn't have a roll of fat on the back of my neck. Like most of you, I have spent years denying, dieting and settling but I can't do that anymore. The truth is, my weight is out of control and I need help getting it together. My most successful weight-loss attempt was the diabetic diet during pregnancy. I lost 12 lbs while pregnant. Go figure. My diet of choice has always been basic healthy-eating with exercise plan but the results never come and I give up. It took me two years of 5-day workouts at the YMCA and a low-fat vegetarian diet to lose only 20 lbs. I was able to climb a mountain at the end but my size was basically the same. It left me frustrated and discouraged. I am not afraid of exercise. In fact, I LOVE it (if I can get to the gym or motivate myself to get started). I love to swim and work the elliptical machine and weights. I love food but at this point, I would eat dried grass for the rest of my life not to feel this way anymore. (I have said this before in my life and ultimately failed). So, here I am looking at lap-bands. I went to a seminar today and was pleased with everything I saw and heard. I only have one thing holding me back. What if I can't stop myself from eating past the full point? How will the lap-band stop me? Being full doesn't stop me now. I am full right this second and planning to go find a snack any minute now. The seminar host told us that what stops her from overeating is the throwing up process. She said she ate a doughnut after surgery and never did it again. I do hate to vomit. But is that enough to stop obsessive/head hunger? Until I can answer that question, I can't make a strong decision because I won't put myself through this just to fail. Right now, I am just going through the process, researching and meeting people to learn as much as I can. I am dead-set against Gastric Bypass and lap-band is the only procedure I would ever consider. Since I can't seem to do it on my own, it's either this or die fat and early. I can't do that to myself or my family. I have the most perfect, darling little boy and I need to be here for a long time to watch him grow up. I am usually the person on forums who gives all the advice but I can't do that here. This time, I think I need to shut up, listen and ask for help. So, I'm asking: How did you deal with the emotional/head/obsessive eating? What did you say to yourself when visions of cupcakes floated into your consciousness? Does anyone have TriCare Standard who can talk to me about options and OOP costs? Who is having a hard time with the band/lifestyle changes and what are you doing to change your thinking or behaviors in order to make it work? Is there anyone here who regrets having it done? If you are a survivor of abuse (like me) and put on weight as a protective shell, how did you feel when your body was vulnerable and exposed after weight loss? How did you deal with it? How does losing the weight (or having the band) affect your relationships with others? Would you do it again if you could? Who here has gained weight back and why? Do you tell people you had surgery? I ask because so many people consider it "cheating" even though we know it is hard work. (I have considered not telling anyone BUT I have a big mouth and probably can't keep it shut even if I try)

Gaynor, give yourself credit. I am sure you lost alot of weight with the band. You have managed to keep most of that off and know your limitations. Just knowing that any cheating has a price is something most of us forgot before. I just lost my band 11 weeks ago and I loved my band. I am struggling to like life without it. Stopping the weight gain, trying to figure out what I can eat, and exercising are consuming my life. I hope to get where you are soon - knowing your stabized weight and how to maintain it. Hang in there and recognize the good you have done.

Hi Jill, I'm so sorry you had such a hard time of it. I think the weight gain can also be partly because of the IV. If the fluids are going in and not coming out, that could attribute for weight gain. Don't be discouraged though, it'll be coming off soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Hey Laura....I look forward to your updates. Keeping fingers crossed that your dad's weight gain is a true gain from his diet and not water retention. A little tip on the muffins made from applesauce. I have found (after failed/runny/not rising muffins), that if you throw in about 1 cup of steel cut oatmeal it will soak up the additional moisture and you still come out with healthy and moist muffins. I was going to say "Poor DH" on having to do the extra chores, but I can't. Like you said, he will have a new-found appreciation for what you do. You needed to leave because of your family issues but he is in this with YOU and I am sure he understanding of it. He most likely really misses you. A brother dealing with sister's cervex issues would keep any man's mind off of how much house work and child care stuff he has had to do. Not a good thing to hear she is leaving because of health issues but a good thing you can come home to Nes and DH and just be your own family at this time. You and they will need that. BTW....boiled wool is not my only addiction. Let me name a few: Coffee Housecleaning and organizing Baking Coffee Reading LBT Coffee Myoplex Protein Bars Black Labs Coffee NY Times and LA Times Crosswords Cooking ETC., ETC., ETC. Enjoy the last couple of days with your folks. You are a good daughter.