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things probably changed in four years. i had my band for over 10 yrs now and got down to 110 but it just doesn't work for me with constant port irritation and band slipped, causing weight gain. not sure why you keep having to leave a msg at their office. i never have issue getting through. keep trying and good luck with whoever you may use. i just always put my trust in Dr. Cribbins bc I have seen him over 10 years and i always feel he is doing what is in MY best interest. i am a nurse and super critical of doctors! also Cribbins is doing one step revision for me in two weeks!! good luck!

Denise, depression only causes weight gain when you overeat to self soothe - I am eating 600 calories a day!!! I am doing a post-op diet and I weighed in at 218 this morning - which means that in 14 days I have lost only 5 pounds. and I had MS last year when I took off my regain, and I had MS (even though I didn't know it) when I lost my weight the first time around. So, GRRRRRRR, I don't get it!! My daily carb totals are super low but maybe they aren't low enough? 60g or less per day. Today I had sardines with sauteed vegetables, a coconut flour and protein powder cookie, and several tiny nutritional yeast/coconut flour crackers. 59 carbs, 637 cals.

CherieLynne, don't forget that Prednisone and cortisone have steroids in them and those can actually make you gain weight. I went in for a fill yesterday and had this talk with my doctor because I have been sick with bronchiolitis and I had to go on a steroid in my nebulizer twice a day and was worried about weight gain. So while on steroids your weight loss might not be as much as if you weren't on them...Just keep that in mind. I know my weight loss was very low while I was on steroids plus I haven't been able to work out. Good Luck!!

It's not REAL weight gain. It's impossible to gain 4.5 lbs in real fat in one day...you'd have to take in an extra 15,000+ calories to gain 4.5 lbs. Likely just water or poop retention. Try not to let this annoying scale fluctuation bring you down and turn to food...keep doing awesomely, K? ❤️

I don't know if the weight loss is specifically what they are looking for. I went for many months and would lose and gain a couple of pounds. They still approved me based on my visits - not my weight gain/loss. Make sure your doctor writes or dictates everything down. Make sure you talk about weight related stuff - can't sleep, knees hurt, feel shaky if I don't eat... all things they can document to put in your chart. Good luck - and the time goes by fast!

As per requested, a bit about me. I turned 37 on June 14th, same day as I got banded! So my banding birthday and my real birthday are the same. I'm married 11 years to a great supportive guy that I've been with for 14 years. Childless by choice, we have two pugs. I live a weird alternative lifestyle... and will say nothing more about that than that. I am on longterm disability with severe depression that is under control, I'm functioning pretty good right now, I can't handle major stress, and as long as I take good care of myself and my medications life is manageable. Since I'm from the West Coast of Canada, Vancouver, and my Dr. of choice was on the East Coast, in Ontario... we decided to pair the lapband surgery with a long continental exploration adventure and went gypsy. We sold our condo, bought a small RV, and have been travelling in it for over 2 months now. Currently I'm in Newfoundland in a Provincial Park area on a private campground with great wireless internet. My hubsand works online, so we can travel and do business at the same time. We plan to keep travelling until October, going back west this time through the U.S. instead of Canada side and then spend a few weeks back in our home town, and then head South for the winter, California and Florida primarily. After that, we'll see. I used to be a kickboxing instructor, and am hoping to be able to train and teach again one day, my depression was connected to a great deal of my weight gain, as well as deteriorating health (I was hospitalized for long periods). I'm mostly focused on getting healthy again, body, mind and spirit. This forum has been very helpful. XO Leila

Here I am:D just had a very busy week and week-end DH and I went to the Air Show it was Great :rockon:. TM don't worry about your weight gain it is more then likely the stress! Sue just think, once my Ins. BCBS approved me I was having the surgery in a matter of a week so you don't sweat the small stuff, if Charlene says she figured it out what was wrong just believe that it is all right and hopefully you be an Oct. banded baby!!! You know you can go on BCBS web site and see for your self if Dr. Choban is "In Network" I don't see why she wouldn't be if she is "In Network" for both Debbie and I who both have BCBS it just must have been some typo or miss understanding!! Dorothy must not be addicted to this web site like we are:heh:! I just can't get enough of it even though I was busy I was still thinking of you guys, about yall was doing, what you have been sharing ect. ect. ect. Debbie how was the Octoberfest? I have never been and always say I want to go be when it is going on I am always busy doing other things, guess there is always next year, when I will be thin....... Okay weight loss has been slow for me, at least I think so I am down 35 pounds but I want it to much more..... So I have decided that I am going to work out every day I will be going straight to the Gym right after work, we have a Really nice one at my job that is FREE so I have to get my Bootie up there to be like Debbie!!! TM, your step-daughter's comment is one of the major reason why I choose not to tell anyone about having the surgery, my own mother doesn't even know I had this done, I will be telling her soon due to me deciding to help any one who ask me how I am losing this weight and looking GOOD:o. Anywho don't listen to her because if it was that easy to lose weight why wouldn't all obese people just lose the weight, not every one is blessed like she is to be able to drop weight like that. Okay Every one I am heading upstairs to get ready for bed:notagree. Good night all and I will talk to everyone soon!!!!!!!

Hi, I'm also in the very early stages. I have my 6 appointments set and have my first infor seminar July 7, lots inbetween and surgeon appointment Sept 30, Lots can happen between now and then and hope I don't get kicked to the curb along the way. I have a lower bmi so very unsure about getting approved. Hoping for the best. I'm 59 and wished I had made the decision a long time ago. I just know I can't continue on this path of weight gain. I have had weight problems for the last 40 years. pm me if you want to talk about our journey. good luck.

Belle's Progress: Weight, gain/loss: -2lbs. (Take that scale!) Goals met: Worked out 4 times last week! Snacking is at a minimum. Hoping that will be further reduced when I get a fill and get rid of this stressful job. Other Issues: None this time, but next time I'm sure I will have a book to write! 11/1 244 lbs. 11/8 244 lbs. 11/15 242 lbs. 11/22 ??? lbs. 11/29 ??? lbs.

I too loved my steak experience and will pursue it more often now. 🙂 Sorry to hear about your PCOS. I have a colleague with PCOS and it causes weight gain for her too. She is very frustrated because she eats so healthy and can't lose. I forgot to mention that during my short vacation back to my home town I also went to the Melting Pot to celebrate my Mother-in-laws' 80th birthday. If you haven't heard about this place, it's a fondue restaurant--lots of courses. My husband and I split a plate of meats, I had a few bites of his salad. The killer (and my favorites) are the cheese and chocolate fondue courses. I had two pieces of pretzel bread dipped in cheese and for dessert one brownie bite and one strawberry dipped in dark chocolate. I was happy I could enjoy the meal with the family. I don't do a lot of breads and zero pasta, but because the meal is over three hours, I was able to eat a few of my favorites. This was a wonderful feeling...to be able to eat small amounts of foods I enjoyed. I finally feel as if I'm getting the hang of this lifestyle!

I was 200 lbs and growing when I arranged for the surgery. I made an appointment with the clinic that did my operation, asked them if I was a suitable candidate, and when they said yes I wrote a cheque. Then I decided I better learn more about the band so I joined this site and I read the information materials which they sent home with me. I kinda jumped into the band back to front but that was because I had become so fed up with this post-menopausal weight gain loop that I was on I was ready to do anything to stop it. Sometimes I used to wake up at 3 in the morning, grab my gut, and think to myself that if there was such a thing as an emergency liposuction clinic I would call a cab and go there immediately!

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.

You know what, you have a really good point. I am just so afraid that I am going to fly off the handle with the whole last supper syndrome and totally derail my progress. Choban had me paranoid when she said that she would cancel the surgery for any weight gain, but with 12 lbs. gone I think I am safe. And thanks for reminding me that dispatching my brother for his bacon violation would make me miss my date, lol. You talked me down, thanks Lady! :sneaky:

Sunshine2: Here is the website http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/syn/nectar.html I did buy myself some QuickSlim30 just in case from my chinese herbalist. The ingredients are so natural. I see it as just taking a weight loss supplement since the ingredients are beneficial to general health. Here is some info on it: <TABLE height=166 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=409 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=header_title style="WIDTH: 363px; HEIGHT: 47px" vAlign=bottom>Introducing QuickSlim-30, the healthiest diet pill on the planet. </TD><TD style="WIDTH: 23px; HEIGHT: 166px" rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR><TD class=header_text style="WIDTH: 363px; HEIGHT: 28px" vAlign=center align=left> What's so special about QuickSlim-30? Its combination of twelve herbs together achieves weight loss by balancing and nourishing your body. Is your weight gain due to stress? Poor elimination? Low energy? Poor digestion? A build-up of toxins? Slow metabolism? Let QuickSlim-30's twelve herbs work together to address any or all of these issues. The result is whole-body balance so you reach your desired weight --- quickly. There's no other formula like QuickSlim-30. As the most nutritious diet pill on the planet, QuickSlim-30 contains 12 healthful herbs that together balance your body, provide you energy, and help you reach your desired weight quickly. QuickSlim-30 contains these nutritious herbs for weight loss: Alisma - diuretic Aloe Vera - relieves constipation, cleanses internal systems, aids in fat and sugar metabolism Fo-Ti - promotes internal cleansing, detoxifies and strengthens the blood, invigorates kidneys and liver, increases vitality Fructus Mori - improves digestion, increases energy Goji Berries - increases energy by improving blood circulation, provides nutrition to kidneys Grape Seed Extract - strengthens blood vessels, reduces inflammation Green Tea - aids digestion, detoxifies, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, enhances immune function Hawthorn Berries - strengthens the heart by enhancing enzyme metabolism and oxygen utilization in the heart muscle Lotus Leaf - improves urination Reishi Mushroom - improves energy levels, reduces cholesterol and blood lipid levels Spirulina (Blue-Green Algae) - increases energy and mood, provides carotenoids and other nutrients beneficial to those who don't consume several servings of vegetables each day, is a complete source of protein, especially helpful in obesity Sweet Tea Vine - improves protein metabolism, detoxifies, improves immune-system functioning <TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=10 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>Directions for Use: Before breakfast, simply take one tablet in the morning with an eight-ounce glass of water. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or under 18 years old, do not use this product. Discontinue use and consult a physician if any adverse reaction occurs. Most customers report low appetite while taking QuickSlim-30.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> I took them before and I felt really good on them. It does a lot more than just suppress the appetite. I am just going to have my bottle on hand if I feel I need it. I may just take them to detox and do all the other stuff it says. It also gave me energy to work out. Audree </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Been with my husband for 23 yrs, married for almost 19. We've always been known to be extremely physically attracted to each other, even with our weight gain over the yrs. my husband has no problem dropping pounds, where it was never easy for me. But sex has always been great. NOW, after the sleeve is a different incredible experience. While hubbie was very supportive during my struggle to get healthy, surgery or not, I think he's happier than I am now. I think he thinks he has a new wife. I laugh & tell him I'm new & improved. Lol... Everything has gotten smaller, not worried about that because I was a size 3/4 when I met my husband & a 5/6 when we married. So not worried about him seeing my small boobs, smaller bottom, or my very very small scars. Yes, I feel more confident that I no long look like I am pregnant. No longer have to spend hundreds of $$$$ on body magic garments to tuck stomach. Everything has shrunk to both our liking & appreciation. And still shrinking. When I say everything has shrunk, it's left one thing exposed quite often. "Not being shy, right?" So when I walk or sit, I'm turned on. Incredible!!!!!! So you can only imagine what happens by the time I meet up with my husband thoughtful the days. Funny that we do stuff now that I don't recall doing years ago when I was a size 7-8. We laugh now only saying I was still being "conservative" then, now that we really really now & respect each other, the things we do, WOW!!!! I new found attraction. Oh so happy!!!!!

So I'm new to this site but I'm happy to be here and thrilled to find a forum for black folks. I'm 26 years old with no health issues until I found out I had hypothyroidism 3 weeks prior to surgery which explained the excessive weight gain! This made my choice easier. I'm 4 weeks post-op down 30 pounds sleeved on 9-18-13 and I did this to remain healthy! :-)

From what I personally have read, apple cider vinegar does not help with curbing appetite/weight loss. I considered it myself, but have read it does nothing, and it does not exactly taste the best so I would say don't bother. Don't be too hard on yourself! Weight gain, I feel, is inevitable. It is going to happen. Just think - compared to what you have lost, 15 lbs is a quite small number. You have obviously done it before - I know you can do it again. Just don't get discouraged, you are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for.

Good advice, but the idea of spreading meals out is kind of outdated. It's based on studies done with athletes and bodybuilders (which most of us are not). Having 5 or six meals a day causes you're body to increase and maintain high levels of insulin throughout the day. This is a recipe for insulin resistance, which leads to more weight gain. The current science seems to support the opposite, which intermittent fasting. Most people seem to do very well going with a 16:8 fast, with a 16 hour fast a week (no calorie consumption at all after 8pm and then next meal/calorie would be lunch at 1pm). This can be done three times a week, with the other days have three meals a day spaced at least 5 hours apart. Most people tolerate it really well and even if the calorie consumption is the same, weight loss numbers increase because of the increase in insulin sensitivity.

And just what is wrong with endless snacking and beer drinking, other than the obvious weight gain?

I'm doing Mondays and Thursdays too. I am a little worried because of my back fusion. I'm not supposed to diet. I have to though. I put on a favorite sweatshirt and it looked horrible. I looked pregnant. I'm going to try to eat a lot of vegetables. My diet is totally lacking vegetables most of the time. Hope you're feeling better Sheryl. I wish I could take Welbutrin. I'm sure I would feel better if I could. I'm sure you're right about the late eating. I just saw something on tv about that being the cause of weight gain in America. I just need to eat my 3 small meals and not snack. Coops you need to find another doctor. I'm still on HRT and my doctor really feels like I need to stay on it since my bone scan shows the beginning of osteoporosis. There are bioidentical hormones that are not as risky as the Premerin of the past which was made from horse urine. disgusting. Mine are made at a compounding pharmacy just for me. I'd find a different doctor for sure. I'm sure you'll have a great time at Disney. It's the happiest place on earth, after all. (their advertisements) I wish I could come to florida and meet you!

Good evening everyone. On one of my FB groups they were saying that Biotin causes weight gain. Anyone ever hear of this? I take 5000 a day. Two people said they stopped and lost 12 pounds fast. I take it for nails and hair loss. I have a few thin spots and also use hair products my stylist told me to use. Begins with a N and is like Nixon but not Nixon. Well tomorrow the snow begins again and again on Monday. Drive safe snow bound people. Just remember the Pats are winning Sunday. Arlene

I think it is hard to compare or even go crazy trying to obtain some number. Botttom line if I stay on track I will lose. I was surprised when I got home and found I had not gained or still retained weight gain fron surgery. I only lost 13 net pre surgery.

Bariatric surgery definitely exposes the hidden dynamics in a relationship. Instead of thinking "I love him, so why does he treat me this way?" start thinking "Why would I love someone who treats me this way?" I am guessing that he resisted you getting surgery in the first place. Go for the revenge factor and get as sexy and sassy as you want to be. You have made the first step in taking control of your health. Don't give any of your power over you life away to him or anyone else. I threw two ex-husbands to the curb. The first one was my high-school sweet-heart and we were married 23 years. He got a mid-life crisis, and I got to worry about him bringing home other womens' germs to me. His response to my baby weight gain from having kids was that I had become too ugly to live. My second ex-husband of ten years was totally controlling and began to mistake me for a punching bag. so, see ya - wouldn't wanna be ya, restraining order and all. After taking two years off from men and relationships, so that I could get to know my own self. I had to learn what kind of music I liked, what my own favorite foods were, what did I want to watch on TV if no one else was barging in and changing the channels, who I was when no one else influenced my decisions. Could I make it on my own. Was being alone better that being with an a**? I met my gentleman friend of eight years, now. he is a gift from God, and totally supportive of anything I want to do. What I am saying is that if his response is an indication of how he was feeling about you anyway, then I would suggest keeping a notebook / diary hidden away. Write down his snarky comments so that you can review it later to remind yourself that it is not your imagination and he is hurting your feelings on purpose. My diary was a valuable tool at the divorce hearing. In a Walmart he told me that he was sick and tired of looking at my ugly face. That's when I realized that his private humiliation of me was going public. If your man is just insecure, he will apologize. But I'll tell you this...my first ex would rather have choked to death than to ever say he was sorry for hurting my feelings. You have a lot to think about. There are good men and women out there who will treat us decently. Life is too short to live with a jerk.

Thank you! It is the kind of support I need! Just having someone to help me understand at least. I've been through all kind of appointments since August 2016, and my last meeting with the nutritionist was 2 weeks ago, and nobody mentioned anything about the weight gain. I'm on day 6 of the liquid diet, which only allows me 3 Protein shakes a day, broth, tea, and some green veggies with no oil or dressings. And I've done it perfectly!! I'm very proud of myself because it has not been easy at all, but I'm so excited and committed to this. I asked to meet with the surgeon tomorrow, but they seemed pretty sure about their decision. I'm going to try anyway. It's very unprofessional and heartbreaking for me to hear that I've made it this far to not know now of a date. Thank you again for your support. It feels good to let the frustration out. At least I know now that I can use this forum groups for support instead of using food and alcohol when things go the wrong way and I'm filled with anxiety

Well, the guidelines for bariatric surgery are continuously evolving. There is evidence of the benefit of bariatric surgery for Class 1 Obesity (30+BMI) as well as the benefit for overweight patients with significant comorbidities, of which I have about 10. That, coupled with a rapid weight gain over the past year does actually qualify me for surgery. My original sleeve was made larger than most because of my severe GERD. Unfortunately the sleeve has made it worse. My surgeon recommended a bypass prior to my sleeve surgery, but I was too scared to do it. Remember that there is a broad range of what is considered safe medical practice, and there are indeed reputable surgeons who will do bariatric surgery for patients like me. I support everyone in doing whatever is best for them, including choosing their surgeon and procedure. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App