Search the Community

Went to 125th Anniversary celebration of Roseland Christian School yesterday. Sang in the gospel choir and led the congregation in a song as an alto in a women's trio. Great speaker, great music. The 5th grade girls did a praise dance that was beautiful. I had to wear a black bottom and bright top for the choir. I wore form fitting low rise charcoal pants and a form fitting sweet-heart necked top. I couldn't believe it fit and I looked good. I had to wear an old strapless bra I never thought I'd fit in again. Then I went straight to my 40th class reunion. Fun in a different sort of way. However, hardly anybody I ever hung out with was there. I was not exactly Miss Popularity back in high school. However, three people I'm friends with on Facebook (though I never hung out with them in high school) did come up and mention how much they enjoy my blog. One of them is having LAP-BAND® himself in December. His wife had a band which had to be removed and now she has a sleeve. She looked great. Like me, it was only 70 lbs but it was killing her emotionally as well as physically. I did my 2 Protein shakes and nothing else so that I could eat normally at the banquet. By which I do not mean I ate the way I used to. But I ate some of everything served that I liked and went ahead and drank punch, Water, and coffee while I ate, took tiny bites, and thoroughly enjoyed my food. No weight gain this morning so I must have done well. However, I will walk again today (once it warms up, brrrr) and will really watch my food as well. I'm going to tell the Dr. on my next fill that I want it filled to point where the food squeaks on its way through. I have no desire to ever go back to the old me.

Warning! This is going to be a long post!!! Thanks. I like how your doctor thinks! Now if I can just get mine on board! And I'm thinking some of my mood swings aren't just my cycle now. Oh and then I also heard somewhere that it causes weight GAIN!!! No wonder I'm a slow loser!!! Diva, you need to do what's BEST for YOU. Not anyone else. If the band isn't working for you, then you need to find something that DOES. I'm glad you'll be sticking around! Thanks for sharing! I appreciate that. I've had migraines for some time and do have other triggers for them and they're controlled with meds. BUT seems like the only ones I have lately have to do w/my cycle, that is supposed to be non-existent while on Depo!!!!!!!! :thumbup: I'm going thru my Rx in a month and they should be lasting longer than that. Oh that SUCKS! I always hated the days at work w/nothing to do! Time drags on days like that!!!! BTW, do you mind if I ask, what do you do? Yikes! Sorry about having to wait. On a happy note, enjoy your kidless time! Such a rare and beautiful thing! LOL!! I'm sorry about the ex-friend and the loss of her father. Substance abuse is such an ugly thing. Wonderful news and what a wonderful DH re: your rings! How exciting!! Hope you had great fun this weekend!! Best wishes on the job hunt. I'm sorry you're struggling right now with your band AND insurance. No fun!!! ~~~~~ What the hell! Big noise. Be back......... Holy crap!!! BEAR!!!! Startled me as he was right out side the f'ing kitchen door!!!! Not 4 feet away!!! Thank GOD for the door (and the window in it) and that I just didn't open it to see what was what! Which is what I normally do!!!!!!! Well, hell, now I've got a big mess to clean up. Well, once the raccoons get thru with it, it will be. He didn't make a huge mess but knocked the garbage can over and managed to get the lid off. NOT going out there tonight to clean it up. I'll just have to deal with it tomorrow AM. Oh and if I'd gone outside, I would've walked right in to him as the automatic light didn't come on. He was on all fours so didn't trip the sensor. I stood inside and flipped the dang switch off and on til it finally came on! I usually just fling open the door and walk right out to the can and wave my hand in the air as I go in order to trip the sensor! YIKES!!! That would have been a disaster! Thank you GOD for stopping me at the door!!! Well, he's still out there somewhere b/c the dog is still having a flippin' fit!!! The fun of living in the mountains!!! I knew better with that can too. All the campgrounds closed a couple of weeks ago and I cleaned out the fridge today. Should have put it in the shed. I made sure the lid was on tight b/c the 'coons have been trying to get in to it but just didn't think about a bear for some reason. Tho we have them. Obviously! Well, he got fed tonight! LOL! Crap. On another note, still sick. Sometimes I think I'm getting better and other times, I know I'm not. I hate being sick! Good night y'all!!!

OMG...your blog page was sooooo hilarious. I, too, had lost some weight b/4 intitial visit (13lbs) and was so wishing I hadn't. I had to be BMI of 40 with comorbidities to qualify for ins. coverage for WLS. Lots of water on the way to appt and stuffed my face for 2 weeks b/4 for a amazingly small weight gain of just 1/2lb. The nurse let me "scrunch" a couple of inches when measuring my height. Love that girl!:thumbup:

I had my surgery in April of 2008. I lost like mad until the beginning of this year. Then, I was able to maintain my weight for a number of months, but in May - I started gaining. Yikes. Some of the weight gain is due to eating the wrong foods - and I'm fixing that. I've been right on plan this week and I'm down an incredible 6 pounds. Part of the problem has also been finding that "sweet spot". It's been frustrating. I'll have .25 cc put in...and I'm too tight. Back to the doctor the next week to have .25 taken out...and then I'm hungry. I was back and forth like this for months (not every week, but definitely every 2-3 weeks for a few months). And..I just got tired of it. This week, I went in for a fill....the nurse said it was even less than .25 cc ("just a couple of drops") and it feels like this might be right. But I know....I know that right after ovulation, I will get too tight again. Then, the cycle begins. Go in to have some of it taken out, get too hungry, go back..blah blah blah. So. I don't know. It's frustrating...and I'm not the easily frustratable type of girl. I am thinking that in the couple of weeks before my period, I might switch to mostly shakes / soft foods. Think that would help? The hunger is real hunger. I'm sure of that. Obviously, I'm in control of what kinds of foods I put into my mouth and I've been making some bad decisions. I guess my question is - does anyone else who has had the band for awhile now experience this same thing? I've asked a couple of times at the doctor and they say that it sometimes takes a long time to get to that perfect level. And...has anyone else here gained some weight and then successfully lost it? I feel fortunate that I've "only" gained 20+ pounds in the past five months. In the bad old days, I would have regained every ounce much more quickly. But still. So...looking for some support and input. Thank you in advance for being kind. xo

Your story sounds familiar. Day two and I feel fantastic !! I have gone back to drinking my water and I eat every two hours, but very small. I am also watching what I eat. I know this is a very dangerous stage and want to avoid weight gain, so I know I will have to be careful. I have been able to sleep, and really enjoy eating and keeping it down and no heartburn. Thank you for your reply, I appreciate hearing others stories and feel this as encouragement for me. Thanks again...

Hi Rose, Not sure exactly what pouch packing is, but I can guess. I was banded 8/28/08 and did very well for a good while and lost 67lbs. But for some reason, probably due to my abusing my band pb'ing alot, heartburn, nightly cough,acid reflux, I had to get 2 unfills in a row. My doc said he had to take all the Fluid out of my band and have an ultra sound to see what was going on--slippage? It turned out it hadn't slipped thank God, but it took 3 months before I was back to the restriction I needed which is where I am now. I tell you all that because I gained back 27lbs while my fluid was out of my band. Like a dummy I felt like I had a "get out of jail free card" and I didn't eat right, hence the weight gain. So my advice to you is be VERY careful what you eat during this time until you are properly restricted again. Good Luck!

I am scheduled for surgery on 10-21 and now weigh 219 and am 5"9 I get it all the time but I have a bad history of weight gain and loss and would like to be at 150 or 160 and just stay. I am hoping my band will help me MAINTAIN!

Help! I need some input ?? I have been having major, disgusting heartburn, and throwin up for the last year, its been really gross. I havent lost any weight for the good year, my mom passed away and have been in another "world". I just figured it was stress. So feeling a bit better, I went in for a very small fill after this time. But the nurse suggested I have a fluro too. I went and thank god I did ! Dr. Yau was awesome ! He said I was way too tight. He said I have been pouch packing and that is why the heartburn and throwing up. He ALSO said that my esophagus was almost three times what it should be !!!! NOrmally, it should only be a finger wide, but mine was almost three fingers wide !@!@! :redface: I couldnt believe it !! He let me see it and I actually took a pic of the screen with my phone !! Becuase I was too tight, the food wasnt going down and hence the heart burn and throwin up. He told me he had to defill me 3 cc's :wink2: which now puts me down to 5cc's. I told him I was very sad :cursing: with that because I was afraid I would gain some weight. But he said he prefers I graze all day and eat often but very little. I have to do this for a month and go for another fluro and then very slowly start up the fills. My question is: Have other people gone thru this and regained alot of weight? Will I be able to lose faster now? Slower? OPinions? experiences? I would really appreciate your input on kinda what to expect. I know everyone is different. I have another 42 pounds to lose. Help? :thumbup:

Good morning all - well i was going to wait till Friday to see If I can stick it out with the 3 1/2c servings a day but I've gained another .3lbs so I quit. This can't be a one size fits all plan - back to my 4 mini protein meals tomorrow - gotta grocery shop today! It is the only way I lose weight - I have to eat every 3 hours. Got a busy morning but just wanted to say hi and vent a little on my .3 weight gain! boo hoo. I guess this is just a learing process for me Have a great day all and I will check in and catch up on the posts later this afternoon.

October 6, 2009 165 lbs. Last Wednesday, I had .25 removed from my band. Since then, I have been able to eat more than I ever. Consequently, I have gained over 5 lbs. I am somewhat confused and I don't know what to do. I don't want to be miserable as I was, but I think I need a little more restriction. I am torn. I also realize that I have a sick addiction to overeating.

What feels to me like the biggest hurdle has been jumped! And it's fine! I came down on the other side on both feet! I had my appt with my PCP today. I need from her a letter of medical necessity. And I wasn't sure how my visit with her would go - whether she would make me defend and justify this, whether she would be adamantly against it, whether she would emphatically support it...I just wasn't sure at all! And she said she would absolutely give me that because while she's only known me for a year, she's seen enough to know that I'm not lieing when I say "I TRY!" And it comes off. And it comes back. She said we would do some testing to prove a comorbidity that she thinks I may have. She said we will jump through those insurance hoops and give them NO REASON to deny this! She also said three or four years ago she would have been hesitant, would have said, 'do it yourself' but she's seen those people she told that lose the weight and then gain it back plus some. It's something about a BMI over 40 that makes your body NOT WANT TO LET GO! And she's seen lap-band® after lap-band® do wonders for people. She said my choice in surgeon is fantastic. Can't beat him in my area and she would have suggested him had I not found him myself. She recommended doing the supervised exercise and diet program with them because she likes their nutritionist and the staff in that office are all fantastic. She gave me copies of everything I need for the consult tomorrow - which should help some of this role along faster. I did some blood work because I had questionable liver function earlier this year and she wants to see if we can prove it's fatty liver. If the blood work warrants it, I already have the order in hand for a abdominal ultrasound. She said even if we can't prove that comorbidity, it's enough that my parents are ALREADY deceased - were deceased by 55 (mother) and 61 (father) - for things that are comorbidities. I already have tons of odds against me, I don't need this weight stacking my odds even further! To me, getting her approval was potentially my biggest stumbling block. Had she said no, I would have gotten myself a new PCP and kept trying. But I like her and I didn't want that hassle which would also potentially become a demotivator. And I KNOW I'm fat enough. She laughed at that. Was impressed at how much research I've done, what I knew, and how I've been taking care of myself in this endeavor. Wasn't asking for the answers, was asking for endorsement - and from what she said, the people willing to do this from start to finish like this, on their own - if you will, are the successful ones. The people on this website, I'd venture! Can't be done on your own - don't get me wrong. But I'm not being spoon fed my information. This wasn't suggested to me, I explored the thought. That's what I'm talking about... Anywho... She said she has seen it before where people are like me, on the fence with the BMI with no comorbidities. And she's seen - and even supported - minor weight gain to get them to the "acceptable level of fatness". I find that sad. But it's the game we have to play, apparently. Comorbidities help, but I've enjoyed my food this weekend to ensure my weight today and tomorrow would not be an issue. And hopefully tomorrow can start the six month supervision. And hopefully I can be looking at the March/April time frame. And if not, I'll take it as it comes. My biggest stumbling block has been passed. I just feel like now I can say "Ok, hope is on the horizon!" YAY!

What feels to me like the biggest hurdle has been jumped! And it's fine! I came down on the other side on both feet! I had my appt with my PCP today. I need from her a letter of medical necessity. And I wasn't sure how my visit with her would go - whether she would make me defend and justify this, whether she would be adamantly against it, whether she would emphatically support it...I just wasn't sure at all! And she said she would absolutely give me that because while she's only known me for a year, she's seen enough to know that I'm not lieing when I say "I TRY!" And it comes off. And it comes back. She said we would do some testing to prove a comorbidity that she thinks I may have. She said we will jump through those insurance hoops and give them NO REASON to deny this! She also said three or four years ago she would have been hesitant, would have said, 'do it yourself' but she's seen those people she told that lose the weight and then gain it back plus some. It's something about a BMI over 40 that makes your body NOT WANT TO LET GO! And she's seen lap-band® after lap-band® do wonders for people. She said my choice in surgeon is fantastic. Can't beat him in my area and she would have suggested him had I not found him myself. She recommended doing the supervised exercise and diet program with them because she likes their nutritionist and the staff in that office are all fantastic. She gave me copies of everything I need for the consult tomorrow - which should help some of this role along faster. I did some blood work because I had questionable liver function earlier this year and she wants to see if we can prove it's fatty liver. If the blood work warrants it, I already have the order in hand for a abdominal ultrasound. She said even if we can't prove that comorbidity, it's enough that my parents are ALREADY deceased - were deceased by 55 (mother) and 61 (father) - for things that are comorbidities. I already have tons of odds against me, I don't need this weight stacking my odds even further! To me, getting her approval was potentially my biggest stumbling block. Had she said no, I would have gotten myself a new PCP and kept trying. But I like her and I didn't want that hassle which would also potentially become a demotivator. And I KNOW I'm fat enough. She laughed at that. Was impressed at how much research I've done, what I knew, and how I've been taking care of myself in this endeavor. Wasn't asking for the answers, was asking for endorsement - and from what she said, the people willing to do this from start to finish like this, on their own - if you will, are the successful ones. The people on this website, I'd venture! Can't be done on your own - don't get me wrong. But I'm not being spoon fed my information. This wasn't suggested to me, I explored the thought. That's what I'm talking about... Anywho... She said she has seen it before where people are like me, on the fence with the BMI with no comorbidities. And she's seen - and even supported - minor weight gain to get them to the "acceptable level of fatness". I find that sad. But it's the game we have to play, apparently. Comorbidities help, but I've enjoyed my food this weekend to ensure my weight today and tomorrow would not be an issue. And hopefully tomorrow can start the six month supervision. And hopefully I can be looking at the March/April time frame. And if not, I'll take it as it comes. My biggest stumbling block has been passed. I just feel like now I can say "Ok, hope is on the horizon!" YAY!

I'm a firm believer in journaling, here is an interesting article on that very subject. I hope this helps you with your struggles, it sure does help me. Write Your Way to Weight Loss Find out how keeping a journal can keep off those pounds. By Madeline Vann, MPH Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH Writing down what you eat can double your weight-loss success and help you keep those pounds off permanently. After all, maintaining your weight can be harder than losing it, so you need all the helpful tools you can get. Keep Your New Weight: Why Journaling Works A study of 1,700 overweight men and women showed that those who kept a regular food and exercise journal, along with eating a low-fat diet and exercising 30 minutes per day, lost 18 pounds in 20 weeks, compared to a nine-pound loss among those who did no journaling. Researchers believe food journals work because: They make you accountable. They help you identify where extra calories are sneaking back into your diet. They can act as a deterrent — if you know you have to write down that you ate a second generous wedge of double fudge chocolate chip brownie pie, you might not eat it! They provide a concrete record of your success. One of the lessons many people take from their experience of food journaling is the difference between a serving size as printed on a nutrition label and the amount of a food that they consider to be a helping. For example, a serving of Pasta is about a half a cup, so you may be surprised when you start keeping your food journal that your usual helping of spaghetti could be as many as four servings. Keep Your New Weight: Find Your Best Journal Format Be creative with your weight journal format if that also helps keep you on track. The word journal may conjure up the image of a leather-bound diary tucked under your pillow, but 21st century dieters can get the same benefit with a high-tech twist — texting. An eight-week study of 31 families showed that tech-savvy teens were nearly twice as likely to stick to a diet plan if they could text-message about their diet and exercise choices. The study's authors concluded that an immediate response from a nutritionist helped keep them motivated. You could achieve the same results by texting a diet buddy. Another option is keeping a log of your dietary choices online, which may also give you access to interactive tools such as calorie counters and weight trackers as well as personalized meal and exercise plans. Keep Your New Weight: What to Journal Whether you're a next-generation smart phone texter or a spiral notebook traditionalist, you need to keep track of specific details for the best results. Here is a general guide for what information to track in your log: Your weight at the start of maintenance and at your regular weigh-ins. Your goals and any specific guidelines for your meal plan. Specific measurements you are tracking, such as your waistline. Portion sizes of foods — remember to make it servings, not helpings — and food groups. Nutritional information associated with the servings you are eating, such as calories, salt content, fat content, Fiber, and carbohydrates. Minutes of exercise expended, plus any other exercise data you record, such as heart rate. Any other habits that you believe are relevant to your weight, such as the time you spend watching TV or playing video games. Any other details about your eating experience, such as where you ate, who you were with, and how you were feeling emotionally at that time. Write down everything that you eat or drink, including Snacks and Water. And another success tip: For greater accuracy jot down what you ate right after you eat it. By keeping a food diary, you'll be able to see if you're about to go over your allotted calories for your current weight on any given day, as well as if you're eating too many or too few calories over the course of a week. Since it's important to shake up your exercise routine periodically to keep your body challenged, your journal will also allow you to review past workouts and alert you when you’re due for a change. Journaling is a great motivator, keeping you on the straight and narrow and preventing you from slipping back into old patterns that caused your weight gain.

What type of eating changes did you make and do you have any sample menu plans that are easy to accompish with three kids? I'm excited and nervous that this will be my last chance at freedom.... as far as weight is concerned . Thanks for your help! my weight gain was strictly due to no exercise and huge portions...i don't have a sweet tooth...i eat what i ate b4 i was banded...i dont treat my band like a diet...bcuz this isn't a diet...i love mexican food...i still eat chicken fajitas...taco meat...refried Beans...carne asada...lots of salsa...but i only eat a 1/2 cup...i do cut calories and fat where ever possible...but i do not cut taste or flavor...i don't make myself misreable...i do not eat "all out junk food" and i do stay away from rice...pasta and white bread...i eat a lot of Fiber...if i do eat bread...its a multigrain bread and only a half a slice...i also eat tuna salad..egg salad..i use regular mayo...i eat chicken, spinach and mushroom pesto...fish...veggies..chicken stir fry...i eat everything except for what i mentioned...exercise has a lot to do with my loss...i've exercised since the day i came home and have always added to my routine..i can tell by ur mind-set ur going to do great...take it day by day

it'll be ok mKat, they will take care of whatever it is and who knows, maybe that is the cause of your weight gain and then you wont have to get the band.

Hey LilMiss, The issues you are having - are you sure that cancelling the unfill was best? I REALLY hate to think that you might be doing some damage to your system through your nightly coughing. The appointment with the nutritionist can't do any harm, and may be beneficial, but I worry about your coughing. The sweet demon isn't my enemy - but those high fat Proteins are doing me in! Nuts, nuts and more nuts! I know that some of my weight gain can be attributed to the empty calories of alcohol (I went from one glass of wine a week, to having multiple glasses almost every day while on holiday). BAH!!! That is easily controlled. But the need for proteins, and my loves of all things nutty and cheesy are going to be a bigger struggle. How is everyone else doing? Roll call: Shiny, Ezma; Marathinner; Angie; Lori; Jul; RSG; St Louis; CKK;TSK; Mom; and others.

Good point but be careful! My "extended vacation", 15 months of emotional eating, poor choices and drinking while I ate again got me no where but a 30 pound weight gain. The band doesn't fix it all unfortunately. I hate to put a negative spin on things but I don't want others to make the same mistake as myself.

I have only told 3 people, my husband, my best friend and a friend I have been re-connecting with from High School Husband doesnt want me to do it because he doesnt want me having surgery. He thinks something bad will happen. Its because of him that I went to the nuritionist and dr before hand to see how I can change my diet (its already what it should be) and to see if there are any other problems with me that could lead to the weight gain (perhaps one... but nothing major) Best Friend: When I told her I went to the seminar she said "You arent going to do that". Mind you she is about 110lbs and eats anything she wants... one of those people :frown: obviously she can't understand how it is to be overweight and everything that comes along with it. Old friend: She was 100% supportive. We trained together to walk a marathon for charity and she saw how I ate and all the exercise I did and my lack of weight loss compared to her so she thought it would be a good idea to go for it :eek: SO yeah, everyone gives you a different reaction.. just sort of have to role with it and od whats best for you!

Sorry, no actual swinging in this one! :thumbup: As we are all pretty much obsessed with food, does anybody else find themselves obsessed with not eating food while on their pre-op diets? When I was in high school I went days without eating and walked a minimum of 4-5km a day. It was the only way I could keep my weight below 140lbs and I was just a little obsessed with keeping food out of my mouth. (Yes, I told the clinic people this) After high school I got out of that pattern, got sick, and subsequently packed on huge weight. Part of the weight gain is my fault and part of it is a combination of the drugs and unfortunate genetics. Since I'm having so much trouble with the Protein Shakes, I've had to abandon them in favour of a veg and Protein diet and I was told "to go hardcore" on it. It was like a kick to my subconscious and I feel exactly like I'm in high school again. I'm reliving those days when I enjoyed being hungry and right back in that pattern like I never left it. So far for the week my biggest eating day was 900 calories. Yesterday was my best at 450. I went to bed hungry and happy. I was supposed to get down to 294lbs for surgery and, at the rate I'm going, I'll likely blow by that as I've got two more weeks of pre-op diet and only 5 more pounds to lose. Am I a freak here or is this common... the swing from compulsive overeating to compulsive undereating? Do we always need something to obsess over?

I was 6 months into the band when we got preggos with number #2.. We were not trying persay.. but we were stopping it either :thumbup: anyhow.. I had just gotten a fill and I normally lose like 1-2 lbs in the day after the fill and I gained 6!! I was like something is wrong.. so I took a pregnancy test like a week later on a suspicion because I had been having some pain in my ovary area and we were pregnant! you're weight gain and band tightness could be hormonal from your body ovulating.. since its like a week after your period. but you never know. I just know this time that I knew so much sooner because had I not been watching my weight I might have not picked up on it. as it was I knew 7 days before my missed period.

Hi Notorious Novembers! DD - glad you are doing well - like the others said, don't worry about the weight gain, it will come off and even MORE before your wonderful vacation... You have such a great attitude, and I KNOW you'll be hitting the exercise hard once you're cleared - just remember to follow Doc's orders so you don't have any interruption to your healing. Keep us informed - and have a wonderful Saturday!:thumbup:

So happy to hear you came through well. Don't worry about the weight gain! I came home after the hyster and stepped on the scale to an 11 pound gain!! That was after doing a pre-surgery colon cleanse with liquids only most ofthat day plus losing half my insides LOL and liquids only the day of surgery. They really pump you full of fluids in there. Mine went down in about 10 days at a pound a day or more!

....and WTH?!?!? i totally forgot about the weight gain after surgery (fluid i guess, plus air) i almost had a fricken heart attack when i got on the scale this morning!!!!!

Hello lds! Welcome to LBT! I will try to answer your questions to best of my ability. So do I have to do three months of supervised diet/exercise? Six months? None? - That will depend on your insurance or your Surgeon’s program. My insurance, Blue Shield required I complete 6 one-month dietician appointments. Then, my Surgeon also wanted me to have 1 appointment with his RD. So do I worry about my BMI falling? - This also will depend on what your insurance will require of you. I was too high of a BMI at the time so I was in no danger of going under 40. Also, I did have a co-morbidity so that is also different than yourself. You’ll want to contact your insurance advisor or surgeon to find out if this might be a problem for you. I want to do something that will curb this! I want to feel better. I want to not be in pain just for trying to do what I love to do. I want to think that I can chase my future children around the house and ENJOY it! I want to think that I can make my husband think - ooh, she's all mine. I want to FEEL BETTER! - Well I can tell you from personal experience that all of this happened to and for me post banding. I’ve lost around 100 Lbs and even though I’m only half there I can already tell you I have so much more energy. My husband DOES tell me, oh yeah you’re all mine! How awesome is that? I feel so much better about myself, and best of all my high blood pressure is all but cured!! But will this surgery "fix" me? I'll eat less. But can I not do that on my own? I served in the military for a decade. I understand discipline. I am a motivated person, always have been. I am competitive - makes me a fast swimmer. - Well, yes and no. The surgery will do two things for you and those two things only. It will prevent you from over eating, and it will help to keep you satisfied with what you’ve eaten for a longer period of time pre-band. Here’s what it won’t do for you, it won’t stop you from eating the bad stuff. I won’t make you get up and workout. It won’t magically slough off the pounds for you. Nope, won’t do that. Also, don’t put so much merit into it preventing weight gain. I can tell you from personal experience that you CAN and you WILL gain weight with the band, IF you do wrong things. I’m not just talking a few pounds. I mean, you really can gain all your weight back if you don’t catch it soon enough. That being said, it sounds like you are a very dedicated person to a healthy program so you will likely do an awesome job with the lap-band! I really hope this helps. If you need anymore support, this is a great place to get it!

Hey y'all! I was banded on 8/6/09 (I weighed 265 the day of my first appt with the doctor and then more the two weeks before surgery on the liquid only diet - lost about 17 pounds after surgery but gained 4 of those pounds back before my first fill which was this past Monday 9/28/09. Got 5 cc's in an 11 cc band. Since the fill I've lost 7 pounds! I have not felt hungry at all since the fill. I had to be on liquids for 2 days after fill and ate some black eyed peas last night. I wasn't hungry but I ate a small bowl knowing I had to eat and finished it all but did not feel stuffed, just content. I do have a tootheache that is not letting me think of anything but pain right now so I have not even thought about Breakfast and it's noon already. Once I see the dentist at 1:30 today it might be game on with the food, don't know yet. My doctor told me DO NOT weigh yourself between my followup visit and my first fill. He did not want me to get frustrated because I probably would gain a little weight. He said he would be happy if I maintained but if I gained he would not berate me because he said, let's face it, you got the band for a reason - dieting wasn't working for me so he did not expect me to lose during the bandster hell period. I didn't listen and weighed myself every day. Fortunately I did lose so he would not have even known about that 4 pound gain since I had lost 13 according to his scale and the last time I was there! They do have a new rule they explained to me though. My next appointment is October 28th and if I want/need a fill then I have to bring a food journal with me to show them that I am trying but it's not working. I have to show proof that I am actually dieting instead of just getting the fill for the heck of it. Don't beat yourself up over the weight gain. Apparently the doctors are prepared for it! Oh, and GEAUX TIGERS!!!