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I was 81 Kilos when i did my operation, was not obese but was fat because im only 158 CM! so i was fat and round! I did this because for years i have been struggeling with weight gain and loss, i would loose then gain them in a second, i have no control over myself, i just LOVE food in any color or type, i just LOVE food! So i did the operation, did it on June / 08 and now June /09 i lost so far 15 Kilos, im very happy, a slow weight loss in one year, but very happy that it is slow, i can now control what i eat and how i eat, im the last to leave the table and the least person to have something in their plate! I love my band (When i am not tight enough LOL) and i think this was the best investment i did (i paid myself also) Good luck with wahtever you decide.

Hi there! Nice to see your posts again -=big smiles=- I just wanted to reply about tanning and stretch marks. I know many are against tanning whether it is natural or done in a tanning bed, buttttttt as one who does use the tanning beds and also has the dreaded stretch marks from weight gain and pregnancy I can tell you that it really makes a difference in the appearance of them. Mine are not nearly as noticable when I have tanned. I don't want to cause a debate on the right and wrongs of tanning, but it really helps me.

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!!!!!

I have been stuck at minus 40 pounds for two or three months now. Part of the problem (I think) is that I am on a lot of insulin for my diabetes and insulin acts as a growth factor, promoting weight gain. I have also not been exercising as much as I should. Cheldex, I lost 30 pounds on Nutrisystem before the band, but kept getting hungry. I am trying it again with some of the food I have left and find that the band makes me actually feel full with the small portions. Most of the food is okay, but a few things are nasty. You have to experiment. The message board a nutrisystem.com is very helpful. I still lurk over there sometimes for inspiration. Good luck to all of us!

I had the bypass and am now 6 years post op w complications. My new dr is going in and removing the hormone producing part of the stomach along when redoing the cut on my stomach. He explains back when I had it done they cut the stomach different which proved in many patients around the 3 year mark for their stomach to start stretching and taking a new sharp which resulted in weight gain. Since then they perform of differently.

Yep check with your team & watch the sugar alcohol sweeteners. Also you may find things become so super sweet & you can’t eat them when your taste buds temporarily change. I loved that phase as I never went back to sweet foods or drinks & broke my desire for it - I loved a sweet treat after dinner & on weekends. I keep my sugar intake low (less than 10g a day) and avoid artificial sweeteners or sugar alternatives wherever possible. They only feed your craving for sweet & research is showing that artificial sweeteners actually lead to weight gain, mess up your immune system & cause inflammation so I choose to avoid them. Now if I want something sweet I have some fruit.

I've lost 100 pounds in 8 months, so it is definitely working for me. Ladies, just remember if you've had PCOS related infertility, that could change with weight loss. On one hand, that could be a blessing. On the other hand, that could bring on quite a surprise. PCOS, for the poster who asked, stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It's name is a bit of a misnomer since it has much more to do with insulin problems than with cysts in the ovaries. Some of the symptoms are: Irregular periods - Nine or fewer menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused by a hormone problem, because the ovaries are not working properly and producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular. Infertility - Because women with PCOS don't have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to get pregnant. With help, women with PCOS can get pregnant, however. A number of infertility treatments are available. (See section on Treatments.) Hirsutism - Hirsutism means excess hair, which can be a difficult symptom for many women. For most women with PCOS, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and legs and more hair growing in the pubic region, abdomen, chest or back are also possible. This symptom is caused by high levels of male hormones (androgens), as are thinning hair and acne. Thinning hair - Just as heavier hair growth is possible, scalp hair thinning may be present. This is caused by higher levels of androgens. Acne - Acne (pimples and oily skin) can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest, and back. Weight gain - Many women with PCOS gain weight around their middles taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with problems with the proper use of glucose and insulin in the body. Other skin problems - Skin tags, thick lumps of skin that can be as large as raisins, can form and usually are found in the armpits or neck. These can easily be removed. Darkening and thickening of the skin also can occur around the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is a sign of an insulin abnormality. Depression and anxiety - Because of the nature of many of these symptoms, woman may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance, or by their inability to become pregnant.

Thanks for your understanding reply, Monk--I wasn't sure how I would be perceived on this thread. I admire you greatly, by the way. 2-3 times a week???? That would have been manageable. We are talking 2-3 times a day when we were first married. I always felt like a failure for not having the desire as often as he did. Last summer I did a survey for the US Dept and Health and Human Services that asked a lot of questions about intimacy and sexual matters and for the first time in my adult life, I felt NORMAL. I would say that the average times most of the people I interviewed (who were in a sexual relationship) was 1-2 times a week. I could live with that I think. As far as the boys--yes, the statistic does seem high but it only applies to boys who FINISH the program and the program takes 2-3 years. Of course, it is much lower for boys who aren't in the program or who leave or are forced out before they complete. it's a court-mandated program--these are multiple offense offenders. As you alluded to, the recidivism for adult offenders is just the opposite--over 98%. Sad. I've often wondered if a big part of my weight gain was "protection" or maybe a hope for decreased attractiveness in some sick way to solve my problem of guilt over sexual intimacy. I don't know. I was hit upon so often as a young married and I never trusted myself to be able to resist every time. Although I always resisted, there was something in me that wondered if I would slip up and ruin my marriage and family, given the "right" (or should I say "wrong") circumstances. I like hugs--most of my kids are very huggy and touchy, though not all. I'm comfortable hugging "my boys" (the offenders)--of course, only side hugs allowed, no frontal hugs. Like you, I know that some of these boys have never had appropriate touching in their lives. Breaks my heart. They have a long way to go but we have seen some great successes and know they can make it if they are willing to do the immense amount of work that changing thoughts and behavior takes. Hmmm, changing thoughts and behaviors--that sounds vaguely familiar.

Umystifyme , Way to GO!!:thumbup: You do not have to defend your position to us or anyone else. Each of us has our own personal saga of weight gain/loss/regain. We know how hard it is. We know of the other health problems associated with obesity the effects of the yo-yo dieting.And we were all questioned about our decision ( My DH did - only because he needs it more than I) All of us are with you. If someone questions you ask them why they would challenge such an intensely personal decision. It is none of their business. Everyone seems to think being fat makes one incompetent :cursing:and need to be told what to do..Let us know your band date!!! FYI, About the Fills, I have BCBS of NE; they cover everything but the copay for the office visit or the surgery center( if you need to go there) .

I really believe it is a multi-layered issue - I know that I am much better to able to control my own, as well as my family's weight gain and moods by eliminating processed carbs and sugar from the house. I read a great book last year about these issues called The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite - by David Kessler, former head of the FDA. http://www.amazon.com/The-End-Overeating-Insatiable-American/dp/1605297852 He himself wanted to lose a few lbs and found it quite challenging, as a scientist he started to do research as to why humans have been roughly the same body composition since the beginning of time (with considerations for improved hygiene, advances in medicine etc.) and why in the 1980's obesity numbers began to skyrocket. He talks about how the combination of sugar and fat is one that does not exist in nature - two substances that we are genetically hardwired to want to consume in quantity when available - our biology has not had time to catch up with our industry in nutshell. Lab rats consume 'rat chow' as their main form of nutrition, when scientists started to feed them layered combinations of fat, sugar, salt (as restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory, Red Robin, and the like do.) these rats no longer would eat their nutritious yet bland rat chow - their dopamine centers lit up like a Christmas tree, setting up a cycle of addiction - so much so that these rats would cross electrified floors that would almost kill them to get to the bad stuff. These substances do the same things to us. It is a good read. One thing that the nutritionist at my surgeon's office said is that there are no essential carbohydrates - our bodies will make what we need from Protein and fats. I have noticed that when I drop the carbs down to 20g or less a day - which is akin to Atkin's induction levels and my pre-surgical recommendation - I am always satisfied with very little and do not have hunger cravings like I do when I consumed carbs, sugar, caffeine, and diet soda.

Let's see, starting weight 240, sleeve on 12/26/12. I'd say I dropped to 183. Revision to bypass 8/14/14 starting weight around 183. No reflux after revision. So here is the doozy, I got pregnant and had twins oct 2015. As of July 2016 I was 166. However, as of today I am back to 183 (my body is obviously comfortable here), even though I am not! I noticed weight gain from July until December (166-181). I had an upper GI done and my stoma is stretched. My pouch is fine, not stretched at all. So my stoma is rounded now which allows good to pass through too fast, so much so that I'm allllllways hungry. So now I am in the insurance stage for approval for a revision. At which time if approved my doc wouldn't either redo my bypass or staple the stoma so it doesn't gather food and push it through quickly. Revision was easier than sleeve, mainly bc I knew what to expect and the pain meds I had the first time didn't help so I knew what they needed to give me from the start of recovery. My sleeve I was supposed to do one night but bc of pain I did two. My revision was two nights bc it was a revision and they needed to see how my body would react. My second revision would be one night stay. The issue I am having now with my stoma is rare, don't let it scare u. Oh and days off of work, sleeve I did two weeks but it was over xmas vaca so I had the time and just took it. Revision I think 4-5 days and mainly bc of being tired not bc of pain. Please ask me anything else!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It seems like you're all set for your revision. I just wanted to share why I eventually opted for RNY over the sleeve. I initially really, really wanted the sleeve. I suffered from mild to moderate GERD with a hiatal hernia. My doctor strongly advised against the sleeve because of this. He said patients with GERD fare much better with the bypass in the long run, and that those who get sleeved usually have to have the revision done within five years. This occurs even after their GERD issues seemingly disappear. You didn't mention if you have a hiatal hernia, but I did. He also said that while the hernia could be repaired if I got sleeved, it would also likely reoccur within five years. The reason why bypass works so much better compared to the sleeve is because your small intestines anchors the new stomach pouch, preventing it from slipping back up through the diaphragm and causing acid reflux. When my approval went through, it was for the sleeve. Ultimately, I didn't want to risk having a revision in a few years. I wanted this to be one and done. I asked about just repairing the hernia separately later on if I got sleeved and was told hiatal hernia surgery itself is a much more major surgery with greater complications and risks than any weight loss surgery. My surgeon also pointed out that even those who get sleeved still have to take vitamins for the rest of their lives, so there really isn't much difference. I also want to lose as much weight as possible to allow for natural and reasonable weight gain that comes with aging. Bypass weight loss gives you more wiggle room to work with. So I changed my mind and had my paperwork resubmitted for RNY. I didn't have to meet any additional or separate requirements; it was only the matter of updating the insurance code. I'm now 4 days post-op and I don't regret my decision at all.

I literally almost DIED 5 years ago because I couldn't afford going to a university and having health insurance. I was afraid of the bills so I waited until it was life or death. A friend had to drag me to the ER. It would have cost nothing to give me antibiotics but instead I was hospitalized for 2 weeks with a bladder, kidney, and blood infection. I had to drop out of school because of this and I STILL have debt I can't pay off. :tt1: this incident ruined my life and could have cost everyone a lot less stress and money. I still haven't completed school because i failed out of all my classes from missing too many from being sick for weeks. It is just my story. I hope that no one ever has to go through that or struggle even in their mid twenties just to get a Bachelor's Degree. (depression from this most definitely contributed to at least a hundred pound weight gain.)

Concerning WIC, let's see how you twist this "drama" around: How WIC Helps WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC Program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful Federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States. Collective findings of studies, reviews and reports demonstrate that the WIC Program is cost effective in protecting or improving the health/nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. The following highlights some of the findings (pertinent references are provided). Improved Birth Outcomes and Savings in Health Care Costs Improved Diet and Diet-Related Outcomes Improved Infant Feeding Practices Immunization Rates and Regular Source of Medical Care Improved Cognitive Development Improved Preconceptional Nutritional Status Other Improved Outcomes Summary References Improved Birth Outcomes and Savings in Health Care Costs Research has shown that the WIC Program has been playing an important role in improving birth outcomes and containing health care costs.7,20 A series of reports published by USDA based on linked 1988 WIC and Medicaid data on over 100,000 births found that every dollar spent on prenatal WIC participation for low-income Medicaid women in 5 States resulted in: longer pregnancies; fewer premature births; lower incidence of moderately low and very low birth weight infants; fewer infant deaths; a greater likelihood of receiving prenatal care; and savings in health care costs from $1.77 to $3.13 within the first 60 days after birth.3,4,5 Improved Diet and Diet-Related Outcomes Studies have found WIC to have a positive effect on children's diet and diet-related outcomes such as: higher mean intakes of iron, vitamin C, thiamin, niacin and vitamin B6, without an increase in food energy intake, indicating an increase in the nutrient density of the diet;19 positive effects on the intakes of ten nutrients without an adverse effect on fat or cholesterol;14 more effective than other cash income or SNAP benefits at improving preschoolers' intake of key nutrients;14 and decline in the rate of iron deficiency anemia from 7.8 percent in 1975 to 2.9 percent in 1985 which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributed to both a general improvement in iron nutrition and participation in WIC and other public nutrition programs.20 Improved Infant Feeding Practices WIC promotes breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding. Studies show: WIC participants who reported having received advice to breastfeed their babies from the WIC clinic were more likely to breastfeed than other WIC participants or eligible nonparticipants;18 WIC breastfeeding policy and program activities were strengthened in the early 1990's; Between 1996 and 2001, the percentage of WIC mothers breastfeeding in the hospital increased by almost 25 percent, from 46.6 to 58.2 percent; The percentage of WIC infants breastfeeding at six months of age increased by 61.2 percent, from 12.9 to 20.8 percent; and, For those infants who are fed infant formula, 90 percent received iron-fortified formula, which is recommended for nearly all non-breastfed infants for the first year of life.1 Immunization Rates and Regular Source of Medical Care A regular schedule of immunizations is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age, which coincides with the period in which many low-income children participate in WIC. Studies have found significantly improved rates of childhood immunization and of having a regular source of medical care associated with WIC participation.19 Improved Cognitive Development Cognitive development influences school achievement and behavior. Participation in the WIC Program has been shown to: improve vocabulary scores for children of mothers who participated in WIC prenatally; and significantly improve memory for numbers for children enrolled in WIC after the first year of life.19 Improved Preconceptional Nutritional Status Preconceptional nutritional status is an important determinant of birth outcome. A previous pregnancy can cause nutritional depletion of the postpartum woman, particularly those with high parity and short interpregnancy intervals. One study found: women enrolled in WIC both during pregnancy and postpartum periods delivered infants with higher mean birth weights in a subsequent pregnancy than women who received WIC prenatally only; and, the women who received postpartum benefits had higher hemoglobin levels and lower risk of maternal obesity at the onset of the subsequent pregnancy.2 Other Improved Outcomes WIC participation has also been shown to: increase the likelihood of children having a regular provider of medical care;19 and, improve growth rates.6,8 Summary: WIC reduces fetal deaths and infant mortality. WIC reduces low birthweight rates and increases the duration of pregnancy. WIC improves the growth of nutritionally at-risk infants and children. WIC decreases the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children. WIC improves the dietary intake of pregnant and postpartum women and improves weight gain in pregnant women. Pregnant women participating in WIC receive prenatal care earlier. Children enrolled in WIC are more likely to have a regular source of medical care and have more up to date immunizations. WIC helps get children ready to start school: children who receive WIC benefits demonstrate improved intellectual development. WIC significantly improves children’s diets. WIC reduces fetal death and infant mortality. I don't see how you can call yourself pro-life and be against WIC. Of course, you will notice that I don't call you pro-life, which you aren't, but rather anti-abortion, a BIG difference. But it doesn't really matter because people who are heartless can find numerous ways to justify it.

I'm totally there with you, I'm 7 weeks post op (a June sleever) and the 3 week plateau did come with a pound or two weight gain and nooooo weight loss for a week. Here is week 7 and I've gained 2 pounds! Here we go again. Booooo! I'm right with you in calories too, I hear about ppl who can BARELY stomach 600 calories, I'm between 800 - 1100. I'm 5'8". While your caloric intake is higher than others at your stage, you aren't eating enough to GAIN weight. Your Protein looks good, Water is good (I'm not doing well in the water intake department), exercise looks good. Remember, you will hear this throughout this site and the SAME thing happened to me with my first stall, getting into 'onederland' sometimes takes a while. My first stall at 3 weeks I was at 201 and stuck like Chuck. One week later I lost 4 pounds! We have different set points, maybe this is yours. I am now stuck again at 7 weeks, same issues as first stall and even though I know it will pass I am discouraged. But stalls come and go from what I hear, so we better get used to it. Just keep truckin' along and stay positive.

I'm 3.5 years out and about 10 pounds above my lowest weight which is fine. Still wearing smallest pant size so no complaints. I still weigh food and log all food and exercise and try very hard to stick with healthy food choices. Still exercising 6 days week. It's not easy but I'm committed to making this work permanently. I'm sad to know many people that have regained so much. The common denominator I've witnessed is their making poor food choices. The surgery can't control that part. While the restriction is helping them, eating many servings of the wrong foods will always lead to weight gains.

Jane 50 pounds still gone is a great start, and since you are now getting filled again, hopefully with a decent Dr. again, then it is just that....a new start! You can do it---and you WILL do it! You have had soooo much stress in your life lately--imagine where you would be without ever having the band--you would still have those 50 pounds, and would have possibly gained even another 50 with the health issues, and your cousins court battle.......life has been very chaotic for you, and living alone, and being FREE to eat anything, or bring anything in the house without anyone knowing but you....and you DON'T go overboard! That alone is impressive as hell to me! Rick never says anything about the things I buy or eat, but in years past if he had not been around I would have eaten myself to a much higher weight, I was embarrassed at the amounts I ate in front of him. Living alone, nothing would have stopped me! I totally respect how well you have done through it all. To have lived through the health issues you have already and to face serious health problems again, and not fall apart? I remain impressed. I know when I had the last scare, I was a basket case! You can do it Jane, you have nothing to be ashamed of or depressed about over, in regards to your weight gain. We are all here, and are going to watch your weight go doooowwwwwnnnnn again! Jenn--I honestly think some serious time to reflect on YOU and time to totally 100% completely avoid any form of communication from Kev. Personally I think you need to treat him as though he is a drug and you are an addict. If he calls do not answer, even if it means screening every call into the house. If he comes over, have your Mom answer the door that you are not there. If he shows up at a bar you are in, leave. Just as you have to go cold turkey with other addictions, go it with him....and someday maybe you can be around him without wanting it to be different. It would allow you both to eventually move on into other relationships without taking it with you. I mean you will always have the baggage from the things that happen in the relationship, but right now you are still carrying the bag around with you. When you have the bag safely stowed in the back of your lifes closet....then you can move on and appreciate another person for who THEY are, not who he WAS. Take time for you. Finish your house, and be able to sit around and relish in what you have done. Work on losing the rest of your weight at working out--get the color you want, and learn to like you again inside and out. You cannot expect anyone to treat you any better than you are willing to treat yourself. So take time to treat yourself HOW you want to be treated. Do not allow anyone to treat you in a manner you would not want your DD treated. If Wayne is meant to be the One....then he will be there and have had a chance to get rid of his own anger....but for now...don't worry about him, don't worry about Kev....worry about Jenn, and your kids. OK--------will councel everyone else in a future issue of edicts by Kat!!! LOL Sorry you are hurting TracyK---I would come wait on you if I could!!! Kat

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

Also just a quick search on Scholar and found numerous research articles on the role of stress in weight gain Here's just one ( I chose this one because it was free to access and had an impressive reference section) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0306453094E00417 Endocrine_and_psychological_evaluation_o.pdf

Well, I think in some aspects the metal thing comes into play. Living in a drastically changed environment so quickly can do a number on you. Anxiety, depression, boredom, etc. 24-access to both your fridge and your TV/couch, for those with small kids, the lack of non-kid time to do anything else, wariness of going outside for walks/runs, etc... In my own personal experience, I gained 6 lbs around Feb-March. Reasons? It was probably a combination of laziness and boredom, as well as slacking on weighing and tracking food and exercising. Is it a coincidence that the weight gain coincided with the beginnings of COVID? Maybe, maybe not. I had to refocus and get back to my "regular" habits and with some dedicated effort, I got rid of those effing 6 lbs. For some, given whatever circumstances they find themselves in, it may be more difficult for them. Just like before WLS, people would question why did we gain so much weight? Why do you even need WLS? Can't you just diet and exercise? Same questioning, just different circumstances. So for all those out there who are finding themselves with the COVID-19-lbs-weight-gain, try as best as you are able to get back to what you were doing when you were successfully losing weight. You did it before, you can totally do it again. Addressing a 10-20 lbs weight gain now is alot more manageable than 50 later. Good Luck everyone, and stay safe ❤️

I have always been and some what still am an active person. The weight gain has just made some things more difficult or have had to alter how I do my favorite activities. I have a treadmill that I walk/jog 2-3 miles several times a week permitting I am not working at my parents. I am a big volleyball player, love basketball, extreme water sports (limited now cause i have a whole lot of butt to be pulling out of the water to ski) and will swim 12 hours a day if allowed. Everyone teases me and says I must of been born with fins. Water aerobics and swimming are going to be my most used exercise. Those two will truly burn more calories and tone more muscles than any other exercise machine, all while having fun in water assuming you would like the water as much as me.

Ayla there's a secret group on fb for only female sleevers in their 20s. If you want to join, message me your fb username and I will tell the admin to add you. So, I've been on my high protein/low carb diet since the 1st. I lost like 5 pounds but now I've gained hoping the weight gain is no indication of my liver not shrinking. Please please please let my insides be good for surgery Tuesday!!

so i had a really bad "food" weekend..snacked way too much..ate the wrong foods...i got on the scale this morning and it said i was up 3lbs :smile: :smile2: I don't know if it's just a bloating/water thing or actual weight gained, but either way i'm going to be super strict so it goes back to normal hopefully by my weigh in day on Friday. So sad! b: dunkin coffee with skim, about 50 cal b2 (i may eat this in the afternoon as a snack..depends on if i'm hungry this morning or not): greek yogurt, 140 cal l: lean cuisine, 340 cal d: lean cuisine, 340 cal No snacks!!! Total cal: 870 Gym: going. cardio and toning. will push it!!!

I've had it all my life. I was pulling whiskers and wondering why Lady Shaves wouldn't get rid of the hair on my legs when I had my first bra. Menstruation has been hit and miss. I usually only knew it was coming an hour after it arrived! Not fun to deal with. A lot of my time was spent soaking and scrubbing blood stains. It does not encourage you to revel in your womanly cycle! PCOS was finally diagnosed by a specialist when I was 42 and just as things were getting right the Thyroid went and pushed the IR up and over into Type 2 Diabetes with more weight gain. Most annoying thing for me is that I fought and struggled with the IR related weight gain all my life as well as the hair and skin issues and then once the PCOS was finally diagnosed and they gave me Metformin; my weight started dropping and when a couple of nurses I know noticed and commented on my missing 20kg, I explained the diagnosis and medication and one of them said 'well now you've managed to lose some weight you may feel more inclined to try and lose some more' and I was like....didn't you hear me....I just take a tablet that corrects a medical problem and it's going away without changing anything else....I have fought for nearly 30 years and you pat me on the back for taking a tablet!!!! I was so annoyed and the GP's that failed to diagnose it will still not recognise the diagnosis even though all the test results are there and Medicare pays my bills for it's long term management. Same attitude from my band medics - you are fat because you ate yourself this way- you must eat more than you admit to yourself or you wouldn't have been morbidly obese....and my personal un-favorite from my GP when I pointed out the test result diagnosis of Insulin Resistance...'Yes, well Insulin Resistance hmmm just a buzz word, the latest excuse'. It is not the condition or it's symptoms that I struggle with, it is the attitudes of people who just decided I was in denial about why I was fat. I over heard my mother-in-law saying that I must stuff my face as soon as they left because I hardly ate anything when anyone was around!! AAARrRGGGGHHHHH! and now...oh you are doing well...what diet are you on....stay with it this time it's working. Sorry for ranting, get's me very upset. And yes, the soulcysters website/forum thing is brilliant. Info on every aspect. I even went on the teenage pcos section and it was so sad, it was like reading a diary of my torment when I was that age. Still, onwards and upwards....:-) Good luck to all of you. It ain't easy but I know it could be a lot worse!

Geeze I never even thought about not having a scale! That is going to be hard! You are right though we should enjoy our vacations. It's funny I just got the same advice from the owner of the fish store I go to to buy salt Water. I was stressing out because I have to leave my coral tanks for a week. With someone coming only twice to feed. And so many things can go wrong But the wise old man told me always go on vacation and prepare yourself by saying everything could possibly go haywire while Your gone. But don't let it ruin your fun. You can always start over when you get home... So here's to some fun hopefully not to much weight gain and fish and coral that may or may not be here when I get back. But if something happens we can start again right?