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I am bipolar. I have to take 7 different medications. Not taking my medications is not an option for me. My medications do have the side-effect of weight gain. What the medication does is it turns off the brain's signal to tell me when I am full. That is where the band comes in. I have accepted that my medication has an effect on how fast I lose the weight. But I am still losing!!! So I rock!

Hello, My name is Wisteria and I have gone through all of the necessary steps to get lap-band surgery; I am just waiting for approval from my insurance company. I am 34 years old and have been majorly overweight for about 10 years now and I cannot get it off! So here I am! I weigh 211.5, my BMI is 41%, and height 5'0". I am pre-diabetic on medication so that is a MAJOR part of my decision. Also of course heart attack and heart disease are both in my family. I have asthma since gaining all of the weight as well as back issues. Had surgery on my back and gained A LOT of weight since then (MAJOR part of my weight gain by the way). Also have sleep apnea and acid reflux. Take several meds and need to sleep with a mask at night. I am just not healthy. I exercise, but it is so hard to when you are big. I have hiked, biked, kayaked, ran, walked, jogged, etc... And I end up quitting after a few months. It is just so hard... especially walking/hiking up a hill! All this weight is killing me... literally! Nice to meet all of you. Glad I am here. I cannot wait for surgery. All the best to you all on your journeys.

Good food day today, 785 calories and within my limits for fat and carbs, and 77 grams of protein. 140 oz of water or herbal iced tea, so far - up to 10 pees! I sure hope it helps! I only have 6 miles in so I'm headed out - I refuse to let this weight gain stick on me!!!

Phyl, remember they have been pumping you full of fluids. Naturally you are going to have a weight gain. Right now it is about healing!!

Both my surgeon and the Dr. I had originally chose to do the surgery before insurance issues, were very up front about the band being something I would have to work with. I was NEVER led to believe it was an easy fix. MY SIL likes to hint that she had no idea of these things, but she was right there with me for 8/10 of those meetings/appointments, and she knew. She just got impatient, and began a series of problems, that were not taken care of in a timely manner and allowed her to fail dramatically. SHE is a bandster failure, the band did not fail her. I know there are people who follow the rules, and the band does not work for them. I know there are band failures structurally--as in leaks, and placement issues. The band does NOT work for everyone. But so many of the things that end up reported as band problems are problems same as my SIL, who filled and unfilled improperly for well over a year, who stayed filled way too tight for fear of weight gain, who force themselves to throw up WITH a band, and all that gets reported as people who did not do well with the band.....and that is not right. I am sure the stats on RnY are done the same, people who refuse to take the supplements, and their health fails, get reported as bad results of the RnY even tho they were likely told of the need for supplements prior to surgery. So many of the issues are people failure. I had a cousin get banded last week, by the Dr. that does my follow up care, the one I was originally going to use. Haven't heard from her, heard from my Aunt it was happening, but my Aunt was not sure whether to share with her concerning mine. I told her hell yeah! LOL So exciting to plan for Haydee's wedding!!! Haydee, what color scheme are you thinking of for the wedding itself, we do not want to mimic it, nor clash with it, even tho a Violet hue among us would be great!!! We might all have to do something subtle!! Rick is off moving a freezer with our son, and they keep trying to call him into work. Have a feeling I am on my own for the day, which royally sucks. I want to go to a movie. Maybe I will call a friend and go see the Julie/Julia one----something he would not be so psyched over...although he goes, knowing I go with him when he wants to see something that does not appeal to me so much! My allergies are kicking my butt today. My eyes itch like crazy, and I have sneezed 2 dozen times easy.....yuck! And the worst thing of the day....tomorrow is Monday already and back to work! LOL Michelle----how is your neighbor who lost his wife coping now? And tell us what went down with the PTA fiasco----------brag to us, we want to live vicariously through your so well earned 'told ya so'!! Tracy---is the pain IN the joint? Could it be stress related? Do not ignore it if it continues to be constant---womens heart issues present in wierd ways---and stress has been a part of your life lately girl!! Worry about you! Pamela--the girl across the street, Jennifer, started school last week too---she teaches ESL exclusively--and only teaches half days. She has a 1 year old, and I think she may be pregnant again, but nothing has been said. Anyway she was telling us the other night ( bunch of neighbors gathered in the yard)that there is a woman who is in charge of scheduling that is making her crazy to the point of reducing her to yelling or crying on a daily basis. So a friend and fellow teacher of hers, started a prank with several of the teachers this woman was making crazy. Whenever she comes around they all look at her funny, and all of them look like they are seeing something out of the ordinary just behind her left ear. She said it is hilarious, they have the woman checking it out in the mirror, to see what they are looking at. No one has ever come out and said anything, just pointedly looked, she said one even smirked, but most just repeatedly glance at her in the one area....behind her left ear. She said now she is standing so no one can see her on the left side! She said she is starting to feel so mean about it, but it totally destressed the situation, she said now what the woman comes to say is being nuetralized, and she can let it slide. I SOOOOO totally thought of you, and how you would have joined in on this!!! I can picture you....your eyes widening....looking at something this woman thinks must be growing out her ear!!! Maybe you can do something similar with the horrid woman at your school! Well I am off to get dressed and head to the grocery store....fun fun fun....not.

Tracy -good luck - I was at 1 and in the same place, head not in the game and ate tons of fried food because it was the only thing that would work. my fill to 1.5 was perfect, I'm still on semi mushie's a month later and very soft solids. I'm back on track with 700-cals a day and 70g protein and I feel like this is working. i saw something on the news this morning about how the RNY is being recommended more than lapband because people don't lose as much weight as they thought or they lose it and gain a bunch back. They do suggest everyone who has weight loss surgery go to therapy to figure out the underlying reason for weight gain and to resolve the issues for either to work. MY thougt is, my dr told me that typical weight loss with the band is 40-50% of your excess weight, and he told me I would be about 205, so I've been there for 8 months or so (i usually work really hard the 2 weeks before an appt to get back to that point - I was 215 last time, but he was still happy,I've pretty much got there and for the most part maintained. Well when I got back in November I hope they are super impressed, not just for him but for me. I'm now 191 and holding and want to be in the 80's by November. Anyway, I guess I know because my dr was very upfront with me about the band and how it works and that he doesn't recommend it for everyone but knew I could do it, but I've talked to a lot of people who thought they could lose so much more - So maybe more dr's need to do it for the right reason other than to just make money and perform the surgery... ya know. Remember my cousin who got MRSA from dirty port...

Thank you SO much!!! :mad: My anxiety is through the roof right now. Not only am I worried about my insurance approving this procedure, but I feel I can't talk to my doctor about it since he is reluctant to do the procedure due to the amount of weight I loss on my own. All I did was follow the diet the nutritionist gave me to a T and exercised like a maniac. I hardly thought I'd lose 20 pounds in 6 months (for insurance approval), so I tried really hard.... now I am stressing over it. So frustrating. I am working with my therapist on these issues too. It's nice to have the opinions of those who have actually been where I have been though(the dieting, weight gain, etc.). That's why I posted. I needed support of those who can relate to what I am going through-- 17 years of obesity. Thank you again!!! Now it's time for me to take some deep breaths and just see what happens. Amy

Thanks MacMadame, I never thought to look on their website. Going through VM hell (especially if it can only be done during work hours where I work in a cube, and don't want that kind of conversation overheard) then talking to someone that doesn't have a clue or, me not understanding the medical technology discourages me. I was self pay because, while my insurance DOES cover WLS, my BMI wasn't high enough to qualify. But I could see the direction I was headed, and after a lifetime of dieting only to gain it all back, why wait until I did qualify. I was told at the time, that if I had complications, and needed it removed, that insurance WOULD cover it. I assume that is if it is medically necessary, not just because I want it out. I don't have problems with the band when it is unfilled, but obviously then it isn't doing much either. From experience, I know that unfilled=weight gain. We've had a tough year financially, right now, I literally don't even have the money for a fill/unfill so there is no possible way I could pay for a surgery. That is what is so frustrating, I can't afford to play around with the fills to find the right spot! The sleeve just sounds so much easier. Unfortunately, I had never heard of it when I was banded.

Casey, From my understanding they do not ask many questions. I have never gone through a therapist for approval but I heard they whip you through there. Personally, I wish I would have gone through therapy because I truly believe once you have made it to your goal, the mind, MY MIND changed dramatically and I thought that I needed it then. I don't doubt that I still need it now. In fact, it wouldn't even hurt my husband to go through therapy as I consisently hear, EVER SINCE YOU LOST YOUR WEIGHT, and EVER SINCE YOU QUIT SMOKING......... He is having a tough time. What he doesn't realize, in which I have told him was, you will never understand throughout my life what I have gone through and you will also never understand how much I love you for putting up with me and how lucky I am to still have you since I went through weight gain and weight loss with him. All the time that I bought clothes and then threw them out because they couldn't fit me anymore. Skinny, fat, skinny, fat..........and, he never had a weight problem in his life. He needs therapy as well as I do, still because I still have tough times trying to accept and be happy with who I am. Big huge life change is headed your way as long as you commit yourself. Just remember the most important outcome of this whole process and that is to become healthy and live a more happy life. You can get through this and we are all here for moral support. Josephine

I have high cholesterol and high triglycerides, even on medication. I did have a fatty liver until last month. My family practitioner is well aware of my history of weight loss and weight gain. He's seen my struggle with weight for over 11 years and is behind me 100% on the surgery. Thank you for the information. I truly appreciate it! :w00t: Amy

Hi there- DO NOT GIVE UP! You have a great tool now you just have to commit to working the tool. I'm 5 years out and have had small weight gains, tried to use excuses to keep eating crap but just decided I wanted to look and feel better! So I went right back to basics- the first thing that caught my eye was that you don't eat breakfast- START EATING BREAKFAST RIGHT NOW! It is proven that people who eat breakfast weigh less than those who don't AND it will be easier to get in all of your protein. The first thing you want to do is take everything out of your diet besides protein for a day or two or 3 to adjust your eating habits and hunger...Once you start down the carb road your hunger follows quickly. So eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, chicken, shrimp, sliced lunch meat turkey and cheese- no bread, no pasta, no rice, no potatoes..Whenever your hungry take in some protein....After a few days of this (when you are no longer ravenouse every hour) limit your calories.Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids...but not with meals....no diet sodas or artifically sweetened stuff....and figure out a plan that can get you to the gym before work- I'm at the gym 6 days a week by 6:30 am and at work by 8:30 - and I'm a woman and have to do my makeup and my hair and gossip in the locker room so you should be able to make it in and out and to work on time.....send me a private message if you would like more - I'll give you my email address (or u give me yours) it's quicker and easier to talk. Sandi2004

I had a baby a yr ago and lost 30lbs after that. Then I went and got th IUD I was fine the first few months. I have lost my sex drive my additude is off the charts and I gained weight. I have read boards with a lot of people gaining weight from it. I just don't want it to interfer with my band, but I guess I will stick with it until after surgery. I may just try another form of BC becuase this has got to go I don't like the mood swings and lost of sex drive. Then the weight gain I know is from the IUD becuase I still eat the same way.

:thumbup:: Yours truly, has never blogged but has decided to do it to stay on track, TWO years ago, I had the lap band put into me. I lost so quick and was on track (very happy camper...lol). I went for my mamo and they told me that I had cancer..well the running around and the depression you feel is indescribable. At the time from the pressure, I started having some real health issues and my child needed me desperately to advocate for him in school. omg...it turned out that running for tests..showed that I had cancer...then the fools tried to take a biopsy and then they could not find it... then they take another xray..there is the cancer...then they get the surgeon.. he makes the hospital pre-op tests..then he gets looks at the tests...get a MRi ...great I am clastophobic...soooooo...I find an open MRI..wait again months for appointment..scared to death...and they can not get the color dye in me because my viens did not work..so the DR from that MRI came in and said..YOUR VAINS are the pits and we cannot do this...but I will personally review your xrays and have other doctors look...he at least said ..months of not knowing could kill a person..thanked him... a few days later he told the surgeon ..no way did I have cancer. MY has made me take the mamo again 6 months later...and when he saw that I was really in distress (go to his office and they can not find my mamos) he did his checking allowing sit in a chair, I think I upset him when he saw how much they had tortured me (it was the months of not knowing) BUT he knew since he had seen me so much at the hospital that I had gained some of the weight that I had so proudly LOST Well, I always did eat the little amounts but did stretch my stomach with large drinks and did NOT have the time or desire to exercise. At time during this period of life, I did forget to eat BUT worse is not to drink the water. Finally, I saw myself in a full mirror at the mall and was shocked to see me and my friend following me (:scared2:my boodie :sad: ) SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO:thumbup: I called my surgeon and went back for a fill. Thank god my lap band did not slip (tested) and already have lost five pounds. I would have gone back earlier:thumbup: BUT SIL made me feel very ashamed :thumbup: since I have been back...and filled...I realise that I did come back with some weight gain but I probably (honestly :sneaky: could have been 400 lbs) so now I am really happy and hang up on my SIL who is a nut :tongue: I am glad that I am back and can not weight to see and enjoy being without that extra fluff. I will see my Dr. Pucci on the 18th of September and pray that I will be down to 275lbs. I did invest in the QVC Dvds by Richard Simmons but will restart them today after handing out our temples telephone directories to members. I also was told to keep a log of what is going in:drool: the nutritionist said that I needed 65-70 grams of protein. Wish me a successful day :biggrin: Laura

:laugh:: Yours truly, has never blogged but has decided to do it to stay on track, TWO years ago, I had the lap band put into me. I lost so quick and was on track (very happy camper...lol). I went for my mamo and they told me that I had cancer..well the running around and the depression you feel is indescribable. At the time from the pressure, I started having some real health issues and my child needed me desperately to advocate for him in school. omg...it turned out that running for tests..showed that I had cancer...then the fools tried to take a biopsy and then they could not find it... then they take another xray..there is the cancer...then they get the surgeon.. he makes the hospital pre-op tests..then he gets looks at the tests...get a MRi ...great I am clastophobic...soooooo...I find an open MRI..wait again months for appointment..scared to death...and they can not get the color dye in me because my viens did not work..so the DR from that MRI came in and said..YOUR VAINS are the pits and we cannot do this...but I will personally review your xrays and have other doctors look...he at least said ..months of not knowing could kill a person..thanked him... a few days later he told the surgeon ..no way did I have cancer. MY has made me take the mamo again 6 months later...and when he saw that I was really in distress (go to his office and they can not find my mamos) he did his checking allowing sit in a chair, I think I upset him when he saw how much they had tortured me (it was the months of not knowing) BUT he knew since he had seen me so much at the hospital that I had gained some of the weight that I had so proudly LOST Well, I always did eat the little amounts but did stretch my stomach with large drinks and did NOT have the time or desire to exercise. At time during this period of life, I did forget to eat BUT worse is not to drink the water. Finally, I saw myself in a full mirror at the mall and was shocked to see me and my friend following me (:scared2:my boodie :laugh: ) SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOO:thumbup: I called my surgeon and went back for a fill. Thank god my lap band did not slip (tested) and already have lost five pounds. I would have gone back earlier:thumbup: BUT SIL made me feel very ashamed :thumbup: since I have been back...and filled...I realise that I did come back with some weight gain but I probably (honestly :confused: could have been 400 lbs) so now I am really happy and hang up on my SIL who is a nut :tongue: I am glad that I am back and can not weight to see and enjoy being without that extra fluff. I will see my Dr. Pucci on the 18th of September and pray that I will be down to 275lbs. I did invest in the QVC Dvds by Richard Simmons but will restart them today after handing out our temples telephone directories to members. I also was told to keep a log of what is going in:drool: the nutritionist said that I needed 65-70 grams of protein. Wish me a successful day :biggrin: Laura

I too got completely unfilled when I found out I was pregnant. I ended up gaining really fast - it was crazy! I think it played with my hormones and I ended up miscarrying. Next time, I'm leaving my fill in or just slightly unfilling. I don't think rapid weight gain can hurt the baby, but if you're someone who had heavy periods with lots of clotting, then I would be very cautious about gaining weight to quickly. I think it's all ties into the hormones.

Congrats on your pregnancy!! That is awesome. Most likely from your wieght loss, that's how I became pregnant all three times. That and God. You will be amazed how much your body is going to change. You'll have pains and other things just due to being pregnant. I'm not banded yet ank no longer able to get pregnant. I think there is a thread you could seach on banded and pregnant. I think most women have an unfill. Also the medical field is changing the weight gain amount for obese patients. So you don't want to lose, but may not need to gain. I think for prego and nursing moms you need an extra 300 calories added to what you need to maintain your weight. God bless you and your baby. Nora

Don't look at the last 6 months, look at the last year. In the last year you are EXACTLY where you should be with your weight loss-my Dr. has a goal of 50lbs a year for average weight loss. WHO CARES if you haven't lost any weight in the last 6 months, WHO CARES if your choices haven't been the greatest? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep fighting! You MUST make better food choices and get back into an exercise regime, but other than that you're right on track!! There should be nothing but accomplishment and goals in your mind and a sense of "I can do this". At least you didn't gain any weight back right? That's a WIN in my book! I equate no weight gain like this (I'm a Virgo..we do this :thumbup:) If I went to Vegas for a weekend and brought $500, and came home with $500 I WON!!! So, by starting the last 6 months the same as you are now, You're WAY ahead. Don't let this veer you off course in any way. You should let it motivate you and get you re-energized to get this band working again. YOU CAN DO IT!!

Hi All, Hope you're doing well, if not fine. Right now I'm having a great time with my daughter, so my emotions are high and not stressed out by her. My eating has not been much under control so I can't blame that on her. We've been sightseeing in the city so I'm eating out alot. And of course not controlling my portion size. I am keeping up with my exercises in the mornings, so I may balance out with the weight gain. Jeni, hope by now you're feeling better. We all know, it's no fun being sick while on vacation. Hope to hear great success or any ups and downs from everyone. Thanks for being here.

Glad you are doing well. I was back to work after a week with GB surgery. alot of gas, fluid, and meds add to the weight gain after surgery. My PS doc said not to weigh for a few weeks as the fluid build up would be high. Walking is always a good first exercise. I went back to work for 4 hours today. at about hour 3 I was feeling the strain of sitting for that amount of time.Right now, home with my feet up relaxing..

Thanx for replying "mum"! I truly appreciate the encouragement. I see you are almost at your goal! CONGRATS!!! And best of luck to you!!!! I've been battling constant weight gain for years. I've had multitudes of tests (including the REE tests for measure caloric expenditure by exhaling) and my endocronologist diagnosed me as have a very slow metabolism. I am disciplined in eating healthy and exercising (love step aerobics), but my body doesn't want to give up the pounds! Just last October, I joined a fitness club. I exercised 5 days a week (M-F). Three of those days were 30 min with an EXPENSIVE personal trainer for 30 minutes and an addition 40 minutes of step aerobics. The other two days, 45 minutes on the olyptical and a medium pace. Only to GAIN 6 pounds and for my clothes to SCREAM at me!!!! Uuuugh! :biggrin: That is when I stopped going to the gym and I quit my personal trainer. I am so discouraged right now. I am hoping if I go the lap band, I can actually see the scale go to the Left instead of always to the Right! Sorry, thanx for listening to my whining!

First of all too many carbs. Secondly, you are still healing and weight gain does happen to some people so don't lose faith. Talk to your surgeon and find out what you can do to help with the problem.

Well, another goal I'm not going to make........I wanted to be at my goal weight by my bday, which is next week. eeeek, not going to happen. So now I'm just hoping by my 3 year band anniversary which is in January! Eating has been good lately, exercise needs to pick up - it needs to be more consistant. I've got a plan for next week, so we'll see how that goes. Tomorrow taking a vacation day from work to just play. I plan on hanging out at my friends and lounging in her pool all day. Yay. The scale is going down, but not down as fast as it goes up. Why is that? Ever wonder how you can show a 2 lbs weight gain overnight and then only lose 1/2 pound the next day? Hmmmm. Wt 164.6

Well, another goal I'm not going to make........I wanted to be at my goal weight by my bday, which is next week. eeeek, not going to happen. So now I'm just hoping by my 3 year band anniversary which is in January! Eating has been good lately, exercise needs to pick up - it needs to be more consistant. I've got a plan for next week, so we'll see how that goes. Tomorrow taking a vacation day from work to just play. I plan on hanging out at my friends and lounging in her pool all day. Yay. The scale is going down, but not down as fast as it goes up. Why is that? Ever wonder how you can show a 2 lbs weight gain overnight and then only lose 1/2 pound the next day? Hmmmm. Wt 164.6

Hello to all, I am a 57yr. old Mom of 5 children and live in Upstate NY. I am in the very beginning stages of my lap band journey. I have been to the info. seminare and nutrition consult. My PCP has recommended the band to me, as I have been struggling for quite some time with weight gain problems. I weigh 227 and am 5'3. I found this site and am hoping to get some input from others who may be about my age and how the band has worked for them. Needless to say, I am scared! BUT, I still have 3 children at home and my youngest is 12yr's old. Many of my family members are not supportive of the band and my husband is "on the fence" but supportive about what ever will help me get healthy. So, questions~~~~~ What is life like after the band? Is it difficult to adjust to foods? Does it really have a high percentage of slippage? and I guess the big question is ~~~~ If you had the chance to choose again, would you opt for the weight watchers plan or have the band? I am just trying to get started on my journey. I hope I hear from some of you folk's I have not met anyone that has had the band!! Thanks so much!! ( I'm going to have to figure out how to navigate this site, I am not too cyber space oriented)