Search the Community

Thanks for sharing I gained about 45 lbs from April 2016 to November 17 so I know what your are going through. I had stopped exercising, eating way to many slider foods, stopped going to the DR. and pretty much stay away from this board. Kept telling myself that I would get back on track and did not seem to get motivated. Well my primary DR finally caught up with me and my blood sugar was out of whack and my a1c was 8.1. The one thing I did notice was when I finally got on track again that it has taken me 9 months to get off the 45 lbs so it seems the older I get the slower the weight tends to come off. As far as a fill go as I have mentioned before I cannot tolerate anymore than 1 cc in my 4 cc band. My Blood sugars is under control and my last A1c was 5.2 so health wise I am doing just fine. Your weight gain might seem like a lot to you and it might seem like your just "trudging along" Just do not stay away and check in when possible.

This week my calories were in the 1000 - 1200 range each day. My carbs were around 100, and my protein at about 80. I got some cottage cheese to try, I remember disliking it in my teens, but MsSS has inspired me to give it another go. My weight stayed pretty consistent this week, which, given the increased carbs is awesome. Increased carbs tends to = water weight gains for me. My size has shrunk, so I’d say I’m still losing fat. Our household has worked out a meal scheme. My husband and eldest are each responsible for one dinner a week, I’m responsible for 2, and youngest (the best cook) is taking 3. The dinners each have to include a veggie as well as protein. Tonight I made chicken pot pie from one of the Skinny Taste books. I subbed gardein scalopinis for the chicken, and used vegetarian “chicken” broth. So, the whole family can eat it. I have to say, the increased carbs have me feeling a MILLION times better. My weekend trail run is up to 4 miles, I added in tempo work to my during the week running schedule, and I don’t even feel like utter crap! I was really feeling run down prior to switching to maintenance.

Holy freaking cow, I gained like 3 pounds in 2 days! Makes me so mad. Yes, I had WAAAAY too much junk yesterday. This is really not fair, I tell you. I haven't exercised in about 3 days because I've been too busy (no, really). Can't my body give me a freaking break? Well I guess this is the first rough spot I've hit, really, so I'll try not to obsess about it. I'm just stressed because I got a little unfill (to 1.6) for my conference in Florida because I was afraid I'd retain water. I just know this means more weight gain. I just REALLY wanted to lose like 30 more pounds before May 22 when I go on my cruise. Now I've got to lose like 33 more pounds and after this weekend probably like 35 more pounds. Okay, yesterday's meals: B: Carnation instant BF S: Like 2 sugar cookies L: Stuffed pepper w/ tomatoes S: Like 2 more sugar cookies D: South Beach frozen dinner because no one loves me :cry S: Like probably 3 more sugar cookies and a mint brownie!!!!!!! I just can't have this junk around me. I have NO self control. This is why I have to plan my meals. Not to mention it was yet another Valentine's day alone and I was emotionally eating. Actually, I was babysitting my brothers while my PARENTS went out for Valentine's day. I just absolutely hate that holiday. Okay, sorry to bitch and moan. Back on the bandwagon!

You know, I'm at 8cc in a 10 cc band. I don't feel any restriction at all. I'm stuck in a plateau... am back on metformin 2 times a day for diabetes and now on lantus at night due to morning highs... My doc tells me that the metformin won't cause weight gain and the lantus is such a low dose, that it should not be affecting my weight loss.... All I know is that within a week of going back on the metformin... I've lost only 4 lbs... and that was 6 months ago. I'm very frustrated... Any ideas out there?

Hi everyone, I was catching up on reading posts and you guys are crazy funny! I watched myself on tv last night - the show was taped right before surgery. It was good to see the change, and I could see it, although my hair is long now so that was also different. I weigh myself when I feel good or know I have been really bad so I can keep it under control. I saw Hoffman last Tuesday. I gained weight but he didn't make me feel bad. He really emphasized how much he wanted me to eat Breakfast and even said I could have sips of coffee with it if that would get me to eat. I get up have coffee and 2 gummy Vitamins, 4 benefiber chewys and my medications and I am full! I understand I have to get my metabolism moving. He also said he would like to see me loose 10 more lbs. Hey now that I said it out loud that is not to hard. I can do that.......... I think the first year is hard. You are trying to get in a routine and learning how the band reacts and works. I am looking at my 1 year anniversary next month and I think it is finally clicking. I do see a food therapist once a month and last week she used props, a heavy chain which we used as a kind of tug of war, and I think I am finally getting it. Dr. Hoffman was very happy that I wasn't blaming the band on my weight gain. I know the band works. It is the head that is still a little off balance. I don't have time to get on this site often but I do enjoy all of your insights. HOpe to see everyone at the support meeting Wednesday the 16th at 6pm in the cafeteria at Buffalo General.

Karen Congratulations on 100 and I am happy you had a great TG day. Linnylou - meet the turtle. I lose 1/2 lbs per week and have been on a plateau for 3 months. As we get older, we require less food and the weight is harder to come off, but believe me it does come off with careful control of your solid proteins, etc. There are many of us that lose slowly but all it means, it takes us longer to meet our goals. But isn't it wonderful to step on the scales and not show a weight gain or even a slight loss. This I do know, the band prevents me from overeating. Good luck on your journey.

To the weight loss surgery patient slider foods are the bane of good intentions and ignorance often causing dumping syndrome, weight loss plateaus, and eventually weight gain. Slider foods, to weight loss surgery patients, are soft simple processed carbohydrates of little or no nutritional value that slide right through the surgical stomach pouch without providing nutrition or satiation. The most innocent of slider foods are saltine crackers, often eaten with warm tea or other beverages, to soothe the stomach in illness or while recovering from surgery. Understanding Slider Foods The most commonly consumed slider foods include pretzels, crackers (saltines, graham, Ritz, etc.) filled cracker snacks such as Ritz Bits, popcorn, cheese snacks (Cheetos) or cheese crackers, tortilla chips with salsa, potato chips, sugar-free cookies, cakes, and candy. You will notice these slider foods are often salty and cause a dry mouth so they must be ingested with liquid to be palatable. This is how they become slider foods. They are also, most often, void of nutritional value. For weight loss surgery patients the process of digestion is different than those who have not undergone gastric surgery. When slider foods are consumed they go into the stomach pouch and exit directly into the jejunum where the simple carbohydrate slurry is quickly absorbed and stored by the body. There is little thermic effect in the digestion of simple carbohydrates like there is in the digestion of protein so little metabolic energy is expended. In most cases patients in the phase of weight loss who eat slider foods will experience a weight loss plateau and possibly the setback of weight gain. And sadly, they will begin to believe their surgical stomach pouch is not functioning properly because they never feel fullness or restriction like they experience when eating protein. The very nature of the surgical gastric pouch is to cause feelings of tightness or restriction when one has eaten enough food. However, when soft simple carbohydrates are eaten this tightness or restriction does not result and one can continue to eat, unmeasured, copious amounts of non-nutritional food without ever feeling uncomfortable. Many patients turn to slider foods for this very reason. They do not like the discomfort that results when the pouch is full from eating a measured portion of lean animal or dairy protein without liquids. Yet it is this very restriction that is the desired result of the surgery. The discomfort is intended to signal the cessation of eating. Remembering the “Protein First” rule is crucial to weight management with bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass, gastric banding (lap-band) and gastric sleeve patients are instructed to follow a high protein diet to facilitate healing and promote weight loss. Bariatric centers advise what is commonly known among weight loss surgery patients as the “Four Rules” the most important of which is “Protein First.” That means of all nutrients (protein, veggies, complex carbohydrates, then fat and alcohol) the patient is required to eat protein first. Protein is not always the most comfortable food choice for weight loss surgery patients who feel restriction after eating a very small amount of food. However, for the surgical tool to work correctly a diet rich in protein and low in simple carbohydrate slider foods must be observed. The high protein diet must be followed even after healthy body weight has been achieved in order to maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight regain. Feature courtesy of BariatricPal.com

This is ridiculous, yes, I’m not done. I know how weight gain messes with your head. Depression, shame beating yourself up. Much of getting back on track is the mental battles. If your struggling Talk it out with us, find a counselor, find some books on the issues your battling. Night snacking is my battle – some of my go to items - veggie tray with hummus, strawberries dipped in Hershey’s sugar free syrup or sugar free popsicles. Nip it in the bud and stop. Exercise/ increase your activity. Find what you enjoy. Do it even on days you don’t want to. Below is my reason why I get it in. Video "where does the fat go when you lose weight?"

i hope you dont mind if im candid... 1) my father died from obesity related factors in july 2005. His estimate weight was 475-500lbs. Nine days later his identical twin brother, also the same size, died from same factors. They suffered horribly the last month of their life. 2) Ive always struggled with obesity. Ive lost around 300 lbs in my life at 50-70 lbs at a time, and gained it right back. 3) i rolled over one morning and my head went one way, and my big body didnt follow. I ruptured an already herniated disc, blocking the nerve to my left arm. My pcp at the time, told me to get over it. eventually i got ahold of my current doctor and got to a nuerosurgeon who got me in for a laminectomy and discectomy to fix the problem. it did, and left a long horrible scar. 4) i havent had sexual relations in two years. Not my choice, But i understand. 5) My job has alot to do with image. my sales have plummeted since this last round of extreme weight gain. 6) i started to question every chair i could fit into as to weather id wind up on the floor again. 7) i wanted the least invasive option that would fix these issues on a permenant as possible basis 7) i researched and found a surgeon with an excellent record and personal approach, then really be pursuant about insurance and working with this surgeon. those are the real reasons i did this.

#1. Surgery date? 2/4/2010 #2. State you live in? NYC #3. Doctor/Surgery Center? Maria Kurian #4. Insurance or self pay?insurance #5. Age and height 25/5'9" #6. Current weight and goal weight? 352 give or take/ goal 160lbs #7. What was your deciding factor for having this surgery? I want my body to match how I feel on the inside. I am so sick of going to doctor for non-weight related issues and my doctor would say the reason for my issue was my weight. Tired of not being able to fit through the turnstile of MSG to see a concert. Cannot fit comfortably in seats. Tired of sweating or being hot all the time. Tired of the wieght loss/weight gain emotional rollercoaster. I am just tired. Plus this year for the first time I am starting to FEEL big meaning my knees are really giving me problems. I was fine at 300-330 but 350lbs is the max. I regret to admit that I lost some of my mobility . Nobody would notice if they saw me but I do. I have been waiting to drive for years but now when I drive, I practically need a crutch to walk sometimes afterwards. #7. Do you have the support of family and friends? Yea but my mother always says "you did it before so you can do it again." I feel the same way but a little help... well a lot of help does not hurt. lol #8. Concerns and questions? I am starving during this pre-iquid diet before surgery. I wonder if I can have chicken noodle Soup? There is not any vegetable soup that does not have the high calorie veges like peas,bean.pshhh I am worry alot too such as would I be the one time the surgery goes awfully wrong. All these people are going to see me naked. I am shy. I am also worried about work. It is such the worst time to do this but if now, then when. .....and anything else you would like to add! I think it is brave for us to take this drastic step at losing weight depsite what others think. For some people it is their last option but not for everyone. Regardless it is a step in the right direction. We should not feel bad or feel as though we are giving up and letting the surgery lose weight for us. We are doing the complete opposite. We are finally focusing on ourselves and making an effort. Despite what everyone else says, my mother nor anyone except for big people know what it is like to be big/overweight. Keep your heads up yall. We will get through it together. Also go to the group meetings. You make instant life long friendships...something I have not been able to do that easily on my own

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.

My kids are 1-1/2 and 4. Obviously, our baby girl has no clue about the candy involved in this holiday. But my son is aware of Easter treats in general & the pre-filled baskets are everywhere. And he's a very observant kid, so he's seen "the stuff" when we're out & on TV, too (darn that Dora). He even remembers jelly beans & peeps from his basket last year (shocked me). They're young kids, so our baskets are very small anyhow. I'll probably just cruise our dollar store for holiday toys. I do plan to buy holiday themed individual candy this year, so as not to have leftovers. A new PEZ guy was always in our baskets as kids & that won't hang around either... And I was thinking a frisbee (for him) & bubbles would fill up their baskets well, too. Plus a small stuffed animal. That is so much less than the abundance of my childhood baskets, which my mother (a converted Jew) delighted in making for us! I feel a bit guilty to be giving them "less" than my own traditions. But they're little -- and I'm making changes on all sorts of fronts -- time to change my Easter celebrating, too. I really was surprised at his memory of the candy from last year...it's not even like he ate much of it!!! We'd just bought the stuff DH & I like, divvied it up into the 2 baskets from the Easter Bunny, and then recombined it into the "junk bowl" that night. I don't usually let him have "candy" (& she never gets it) in the 1st place, but the exception to that rule is holidays. My problem is that I adore Easter candy! :hungry: Fruit flavored & full of sugar -- that's the way I like my junk food! So while other people fret about winter holiday weight gain, baked goodies can't compare to the temptations of the Easter Basket in my book! I guess that just means I face my big challenge early. Once(if) I make it now, it's all down hill!!! :biggrin1: <O:p

Finally home after three nights in the hospital due to abnormal hear beats the evening after surgery. Not taking pain medicine today. I feel great except for the soreness around the incisions. I also got staples instead of glue and steri-strips because I am allergic to the tape if it stays there a long time. No need to worry about taking shower and changing dressings with staples and no drains. The only negative is the 14 pound water weight gain from the the IV pump. Hopefully, I will loose it in the next few days. Did anyone have a drastic water weight gain after surgery? Now drinking my Premier Protein Shake even though it takes me about 2 hours to swallow all of it. It's hard to believe that I can't consume much without it hurting so much. The only thing I am not looking forward to this evening is the Lovanox syringes to prevent blood clots. I am a bit apprehensive to do the shots myself and hubby is not crazy about the idea either. Well...off to do more walking.

Red Robin List (copy and past) Going to be there: Dynamo (Michelle) Tied2BFit (Dee) Mal Marilyn (I HOPE) Well I can't seem to beat this bug. between the chest cold and tummy upset, I am worn out and cranky. I have been staying home from work I feel so weak. I know it will get better, but I am ready. Water and food still taste funny. everything beside liquids pb's. So since I am such a mess and did I mention CRANKY, I haven't posted. However, Dee, You can do IT!!!!!!! I thought the waiting would never end and now you have had to do it several times. I am really impressed with you girl. Hope I can come to RR and give you encouragement. You are so sweet, awesome, pretty and such a great all around person. So kick that depression right back where it belongs. "This too will pass" You go girl!!! Dyna - where did you put those good things to eat, I want them and you only live a couple of miles, i will eat them for you and save you from temptation. that is what good band buddies do for each other, RIGHT!!!! So bring it on, nothing much stays down so I should be able to eat and return with no weight gain. I think I am loopy, maybe aother protein shake, then bed.

Hi girls. Well, looks like I'm probably gonna lose my band :hurt: . I'm still in a lot of pain, only now it is 2 very distinct types of pain. One is what I have had all along... the crushing, spreading pressure/gas-like pain, the other is what I call the "ball of pain" that is the feeling that someone punched me in the right boob and left their fist in there. This occurs when I eat or drink anything and lasts for hours. I ended up going to the ER 2 weeks ago for this new pain. They told me my stomach was still distended (like I didn't already know that). They also called Dr Metz about this. He called me back about 4 days later (nothing like customer service, huh?) And told me that he thinks the band is pressing on the vagus nerve and is probably is going to have to come out. This scares the HELL out of me!!! I still have at least 50 pounds (my goal) to 90 pounds to go (where the BMI charts say I should be). I am so afraid I will put all this weight back on. We just started with Kaiser, evidently so did Dr Metz, so he recommended I call the head of the bariatric program at KP and ask for a referral to see him. I did this and she told me she had no problem referring me, but she wanted to talk to him first to see what his plan of action was. I am still waiting to hear back from her, too. I finally got into a gastroenterologist, it took me 3 weeks to get an appointment, while I was steadily geting worse each day. I have gotten to the point that I am barely eating/drinking for the pain. Now I am so weak I can barely stand for more that a minute or two at a time. I figured they were going to jerk me around... "Here, try this med and come back in a month" type of thing. But she was like "I can get you in tomorrow for an endoscopy" This would have been at St Joe's but admitting was already closed for the day, so we made an appointment for tomorrow at 11 AM at the Kaiser office downtown. She will be looking for an ulcer or stricture, though she told me she doubts it is either of these things. I told her of my weight gain fears without a band and asked her if I truly have gastroparesis (basically your stomach muscles aren't working to push the food through... it just sits there and rots) if a bypass would fix it (that seems to be one of the few things that works for people). She told me that if she doesnt find anything tomorrow she is going to call Natalie (the head of bariatrics) and suggest she refers me to Dr Metz for exploratory surgery <Yikes> and a bypass. She said she feels that this is being caused by something structural, and I will definetely have to have exploratory surgery, so they "might as well do a bypass while they are in there". I am reallly freaked out about needing X surgery. And if I can't have a band I will take the bypass. Now I'm stressing thinking that Kaiser will not want to pay for the bypass, since they tend to have a lot of hoops to jump through before they will pay for bariatrics. I am hoping that they will not deny this since: 1). This would be done to alleviate a very real, dangerous stomach condition. And, 2). I have "proven" myself and my commitment already by losing 113 pounds with the band. Of course, now (for the first time in probably 20 years) I am under a 40 BMI. This may come into play also. I didn't elect for bypass in the first place because of the risks and more danger associated with it.... but I guess the risks of ballooning up to over 350 pounds are pretty high too. Figures..... I decided on who I was going to go to for my PS, and to have my boobs done too. Now this is most likely going to be put on the back burner for quite awhile. Best case scenario: She finds an ulcer, and I am all better after 6 weeks of meds. I can get my band refilled and have my lower body lift. Second best case scenario: Kaiser pays for a bypass, I quickly lose even more weight, and look even better after my LBL. The last scenario: Kaiser refuses to authorize the bypass. Dr Metz removes the band and I see how much it would cost for me to pay cash for a sleeve while he's in there. There goes my plastics money..... OR ..... I go to Mexico for a sleeve or the new sleeve plication. Again, bye bye plastic surgery. :broken_heart: Sorry for the long post, and I'll post back tomorrow after my test.

Hi Everyone. I'm so excited because yesterday when I weighed in at Dr K's office I finally made it to the 100's. I went from 204 to 194 in the last 4 weeks which is the best I have done since having the band. I actually even gained weight between my surgery date and my first fill. We decided that I was at a good place with my fill and so I will check in again in 4 more weeks and we will determine if I need more fill at that time. I do give a lot of credit to my Body Bugg. It is awesome and totally keeps me accountable and motivated. It's like a game I try and win everyday so its fun!:biggrin: So the other thing that I wanted to share is that I'm going out on a date tonight....for the first time since my x and I broke it off a little over a year ago. It's scary but I know I really need to get back out there.... :thumbup: And....I was offered two great jobs in the last few weeks and after sitting on the fence (and getting a very sore hiney because of it) for way too long I finally made a decision and I am now officially a software product manager at my company. I have been traveling for work almost weekly for the last couple years (thus the weight gain and the end of a relationship) and I have had enough. This job will offer me the opportunity to have much more of a stable home life and lots of opportunity for growth. Anyway...thanks for reading guys. I just wanted to share. I hope to meet a lot of you Banditos on Wednesday night at Red Robin. :biggrin2:

So glad to have helped. You made the right choice; the doctor is always ready to answer any questions, no rush. Don't pass by Natalee's office without picking up a card for your pocketbook. It's about how you should feel and when to gage if you need a fill or not. ( I got to know her my last visit out there and found her to be an exceptional resource for diet, and kind of a "go to" person). She gave me this article: Think You Need a Fill? THINK AGAIN By Nikki Johnson Do you remember that feeling you had when you first had your band placed? For a while, everything was great. You didn't experience hunger, you felt satisfied with a small portion of good food, you had more energy, and you were thrilled with your initial weight loss progress. If you are like most people, your experience changed over time, Some of those feelings of hunger returned, and you stopped losing weight. You knew you needed something, so you went to your surgeon's office and asked for a "fill" right? If so, you might be surprised to learn that it is your thinking about your band, and not the band itself, that needs adjusting. The LAP-BAND Bad Word Paul O'Brien, MD, FRACS, is a skillful, compassionate surgeon and a foremost expert on the LAP-BAND System. he was involved in its design in the early 1990's and placed the first band in Australia in 1994. Since then, he has treated thousands of patients and is recognized worldwide for his expertise. When his patients utter that worst of four-letter words, "fill," in his office, they are asked to throw a dollar in the Red Cross donation bucket--a reminder that, according to Dr. O'Brien, thinking about a "fill" is just wrong thinking. How can a concept that we hear about so constantly be so very wrong? Dr. O'Brien's answer is simple: "Any adjustment to the band is something that only takes place in the context of clinical consultation--part of a relationship of trust, honesty and communication between patient and surgeon--that is much more key to the success of the patient than the precise number of milliliters of fluid in the band. This concept of partnership is the central theme of Dr. O'Brien's new book, The Lap-Band Solution--A Partnership of Weight Loss. Patty's Note: Available on Amazon.com ISBN#9780522854121 Like many people, you might assume that weight gain or a sustained plateau means an incorrectly adjusted band; in fact, you may be right. But you may be surprised to learn that weight gain sometimes results from a band that is too tight. This is part of the reason why the "fill" concept is so misleading. If your surgeon determines that you are not losing weight as you should, then discovering why that is happening is crucial. Sometimes adding fluid to the band will only make matters worse. Life in the "GREEN ZONE" Most people who have the LAP-BAND operation will have an amazing feeling of disinterest in food for the first week after surgery, before any adjustments are even made to the fluid in the band. According to Dr. O'Brien, that lack of interest in food is referred to as satiety. A related but different feeling is satiation, or the feeling you get as you are eating, precisely at the point that you don't need any more food to eat but you do not have an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. These two feelings--satiety and satiation--are what the properly adjusted band helps you achieve, allowing you to maintain your new healthier eating habits. Your careful observation and truthful sharing of your feelings and eating behaviors, combined with the expert care and training of your surgeon and his or her staff, can make the very individual determination of whether your band is properly adjusted much more accurate. In order to help create the most effective partnership between themselves and their patients, Dr. O'Brien and his colleagues at the Australian Centre for Obesity Research and Education have developed a concept they refer to as the "Green Zone". When patients are in the green zone, they experience satiety, satiation after properly-sized small meals, and satisfactory weight loss or maintenance. However, there are also yellow and red zones, both of which indicate that the band is not optimally adjusted. If your band is too loose, you will not have the benefits the band's hunger-controlling mechanism. If your band is too tight, you will have trouble eating properly and may actually gain weight because the foods you can eat more comfortable, that tend to be liquid and calorie-rich, like ice cream and chocolate, do not provide the proper nutrition. Learning to recognize when you have the feelings and eating behaviors that signal a problem can help you give your surgeon the information he or she needs to help you keep the band optimally adjusted. Thinking Adjustment Once you have eliminated the concpet of "fills" from you Lap-Band vocabulary, you will be able to let go of much of the conventional thinking connected to it. Perhaps you have heard talk about the "ideal" amount of fluid in the Lap-Band. While it may be helpful to have some idea of how much fluid is in your band, Dr. O'Brien says there is no magic number. No perfect amount of fluid will provide the best results for everyone. He says, rather, that "whatever volume of fluid is needed to achieve the [feeling of non-hunger] is the correct volume." When you notice that you are feeling hungry or are not losing weight, your body is telling you it is time to revisit your partner in weight loss -- your surgeon. your success absolutely depends on this relationship. So rather than thinking "adjustments," adjust your thinking, and, in partnership with your surgeon, find a lifetime of health! For more information about all of the themes discussed in this article, please see Dr. O'Brien's book, The Lap-Band Solution--A Partnership for Weight Loss, which is available fro Amazon.com. We also invite you to visit LAP-BAND® System Forum - Home for more information and supportive resources. You should ADD FLUID Hungry Early Big Meals Looking for food You are OPTIMAL prolonged satiety Small meals satisfy satiety Satisfactory weight loss or maintenance You should REDUCE FLUID Difficulty swallowing Reflux - hearburn Night Cough Poor eating behavior Regurgitation

This is very hard for me - I'm coming clean here with my weight gain and actually moving my ticker, my precious ticker!, up to where I am right now. :crying:

How did I ever live without you guys??????? Ok everyone in my office thinks I am a total nut job but I DID IT!!!! I even went to do some filing, oh I have to admit this, there is a chair in the filing room that has wheels that I usually sit in and roll myself from cabinet to cabinet cause standing hurts my back if I do it for long, but NOT today ladies!!! I stood the entire time I did the filing!!!! I have to laugh, its really not a biggie, but like you said baby steps!!!!:biggrin1: I am going back in a few to do some more filing and I think I will stand again!!!! wooo hooo does this count? I am in the Spring boot camp and I am scared sarg is going to yell at me, lol, so I havent posted my little weight gain. ughhh. Janet- thanks for the kick in the booty, lord knows I needed one! You wont believe this, I have a candy dish at my desk for "guest" that come into the office and we usually keep sugar-free life savers in it, but not today someone filled it with chocolate MINI eggs. I think this is cruel and unusally punishment. I have been good tho, not one piece, my b-day has passed and aunt flo isnt on the schedule this week.:paranoid Mikey- Oh no not a sarg shirt!! Say it aint so:director: Donna- I did it I did it I did it. I just got to keep on doing it. dangnabbit corn bread and butter! How can something so heavenly be so evil! Stacey- please take care hun. Keep us posted and them girl scout Cookies are evil evil evil I tell ya!! Ok I think I am lossing it!:bounce: Pthrlisa- And you went all these years and no other doctor ever found this? I think that is kinda scary. Glad it isnt serious. Cashley- my scales moved too but in the other direction. Congrats on your weight lose!!!!:clap2: :clap2: OK OFF TO STAND AND DO SOME FILING!! IF I DONT POST FOR A WHILE YOU KNOW THEY CALLED THE LITTLE MEN IN THE STRAIGHT JACKETS TO COME GET ME, CAUSE I THINK I AM GOING TO MARCH UP AND DOWN THE HALLWAYS TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!:Bunny

Honestly, I don't think I was beating down on FOG *at all*. It's reality that diets don't work if you are as heavy as you have to be to get a band. Exactly! People who come here and tell us that *they've* found the answer and *we're* stupid to having gotten a band when they haven't even gotten to goal yet are going to get exactly the reaction they deserve. Especially if they've been on a diet for a grand total of TWO months! Everyone is like this when they first go on a diet. Whatever diet they are on -- a commercial program, something they've come up with themselves, whatever -- is the greatest and they've finally cracked the code!. Then the weight starts not coming off so fast and it gets harder to exercise obsessively and they never even get to goal. Or they get to goal and the hunger is too much and they start eating a little bit more here and a little bit more there. The weight creeps back and at first you tell yourself that, hey, 10 lb. isn't so bad. You're still in normal clothes and maybe 10 lb. ago you were a bit gaunt anyway. And then 10 becomes 20 and 20 becomes 30 and the next thing you know, you've gained it all back. I know this because I've lived it. We've *all* lived it. Statistics show it. Scientists can even explain exactly why it happens. So people who tell me they've found the answer and I just wasn't dedicated enough when they aren't at goal and haven't been at goal for at least 5 years have absolutely no credibility with me. Not to mention, you don't tell someone who has beaten the odds (I've been in the 2% that those studies talk about.) that they aren't dedicated. I fought my weight gain like a banshee and I did way better than average because I was dedicated. But I ultimately failed for the same reason we all ultimately failed -- because my body was fighting me and my hunger would not be denied. The other thing is, I came here because I was looking into a band. I made friends here. So when I decided I didn't want a band, I didn't want to leave. I stayed and everyone was very nice. But I didn't run around the boards telling you guys how stupid you were for getting a band and that you should have got a sleeve instead. If I had, I would expect people to be upset with me and I won't blame them.

OK Dec. BAndsters, I have just had the worst weekend since the band. Had college friends over for the weekend, and need I say that the party was on, but now I cant seem to break the swing of it. Havent excercised all week, lost gym ID, and I've eaten this weekend like I do not have a band around my tummy. Got up this morning with a good outlook, but I can not get out of the funk. Sacle not loking good today either, hoping its just water weight that made the numbers creep up, and not tru weight gain. Could really use some support, because I'm feeling like I've undone the 20 lbs. I have convinced myself that I will not be hungry as lond I put something in my stomach, and this is basically tru, but I cant get past the feeling of constantly wanting to eat. I go to the fridge a thousand times, but there is nothing in there that would do it for me if ya know what I mean. Nothing to actually satisfy me, because its not hunder I am trying to fill. Oh Boy. I need to make myself busy. Got to get out of the funk.

Hey Donna... I would have missed ya if I hadn't been off having my own pity party. Seriously girl... I know just how the whole outta control eating and weight gain situation feels... it SUCKS! Now... the pity parties are nice and all... but I think we have a better chance at pulling our butts out of a rut if we come in here and spread the joy. (((Hugs))) Patty... AN office full of kids... yikes... just the mere thought of that makes me want a big bag of chocolate! Good Luck! Rene... Smoking is evil... and stinky... and gross... and it makes your gums recede and your skin all leathery... and eventually your fingernails will turn yellow and get all clubby looking... and your breath is all hagish... THERE... I feel better all ready! Sorry to any that currently smoke... I'm sure none of the above pertains to you. :confused: Pat... Can I have the doggy bag from your lunch out. Cindy... A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... Okay... 3 months down... lol... I am going to lose my mind for sure! Eileen... hope you are enjoying your hookying lil hinder off! Oh... had to take my 13 yr old for her phyiscal today... LOLOLOL... she wasn't expecting to get any immunizations... WRONG. Bless her heart... she turned right back into Mom's baby girl for a few minutes! Had her little head buried in my chest and hung on to me for dear life! Off to do a couple more chores before the Cab O Mom Co. has to haul the dd to piano lessons. OHHHHHH... and I forgot to tell all of you that the remote electric fence worked like a charm for the ddog... it nearly gave me a nervous breakdown when she got nailed but let me tell you... the next time the collor gave her a warning she ran back to her human Mom lickedy split! It's so nice to let her out without worrying she will run out into a street or run off! Okay...TTFN

Gosh.... that's such a good question! One I've avoided thinking about for way too long. I should probably go to therapy to answer it. I mean the obvious culprits are there -- lack of exercise, love of chocolate and junk food, eating lots of food late at night and not eating all day. I totally do the "night picnic" someone mentioned. I actually get annoyed if my boyfriend comes home before my little food fest is over because I like to binge in privacy. But deep down, I think my weight gain always has to do with MEN. I've never been obsesssed with food in the way some people are talking about. I definitely don't think about it all the time or anything. In fact, the opposite is probably true. I DON'T think about it and then I get starving out of nowhere and eat whatever is in front of me, which ususally means fast food, junk food, processed food-- and the absolute WORST thing for my diet -- TAKE-OUT! I live in NYC and take-out is a way of life here. No one, and I mean no one, COOKS anything. In fact think one of my biggest problems is LAZINESS. I'm very lazy when it comes to food and I just want what's there and what's easy. Even now as I sit at my desk, the thought of going down two flights of stairs to get a salad and some tuna fish just seems like a big mission to me. I put it off and put if off and then the caf is closed and I have to eat something from the candy store instead. Which is really bad with the band and so I need to learn how to take the time to eat the right things or I'll end up losing nothing. But back to MEN -- let's see, there have really been two of them which have caused this gain. My father and my ex-boyfriend. My father died suddenly on vacation when I was 7 years old. My parents were in Italy and I was staying with an aunt who ended up being the person who told me he was dead because my mom was still stuck in Italy trying to get his body back home. It was a total nightmare because she didn't speak Italian and was hysterical and of course, I had no idea what was happening and wast totally terrified. Anyway, the first thing my aunt did is give me a king-sized Butterfinger. She kept giving me and my cousin candy money for the next couple weeks just to go to the candy store and of course, I put on a bunch of weight. I ended up losing most of it though as I grew up, just because -- thank heavens -- I ended up being really tall and lost a lot of the weight in puberty. Still, I don't think I EVER once in my life have not thought of myself as FAT since I was 7 years old. It's so sad, I look at my diary when I was a kid and there's all these "memoirs of a 7-year old", in this really childish handwriting, ranting about how fat and disgusting she was and how she would never, ever eat chocolate again -- and then I realize that's me! So like many of you, yes I guess food become a MAJOR comfort for me. But not just food in general, JUNK FOOD. And not even chips or fried stuff or anything like that, but CANDY. Yup, that fabled afternoon when I found out about my daddy dying -- just created one of the biggest sweet tooths imaginable. Fast forward a bit and then take-out food and alcohol became the big culprit --- that was always my problem in college and even when I moved to NYC. Take out is just so fattening, especially when you eat it late at night like I did (and still do unfortunately). Plus all the beer and booze you drink in college and as a single-girl in NYC.... EEK!!! Still, it was fairly under control until STEVEN. That's the evil ex. It's probably not appropriate to discuss but basically he had absolutely ZERO sexual interest in me and this would make me completely depressed and the bastard would SENSE this and bring home a pint of Ben & Jerry's. He basically placated my need for sex and intimacy with chocolate and sweets. I think he also WANTED me to get big in a way... the psychotic jerk. :angry So ultimately, sexual rejection = eating candy, and abandonment = eating candy. But here we are NOW. No sexual REJECTION (the new BF is wonderful and worships me just the way I am -- he's probably more concerned with me losing weight and finding some other guy or something ridiculous like that), and no ABANDONMENT (although I guess that always sticks with you, doesn't it?). So why am I fat now?? Last year I lost about 20 pounds through hard, hard work at the gym and in about 2 months, I gained it all back plus 10. Why?? Well, laziness is part of it -- I really don't like to exercise, although once I'm there, I enjoy it. Plus, I "hide my weight well" as they say, being 5'8 and all so gaining weight didn't really affect my confidence or social skills that much -- until recently of course, which is when I decided to have the surgery. But also, I think I JUST DIDN'T CARE ANYMORE. Strange really, but it was like I just gave up on the thought of ever being skinny. Even now with the band, part of me just can't imagine being skinny ever, ever again..... I simply don't believe that it's a possibility. I read everyone's success stories on here-- which are so inspiring -- but I have this deep down terror that the band just WILL NOT WORK FOR ME. I don't know, I guess I'm totally crazy. Anyway, sorry for the "book" guys. It just feels good to get all this stuff out though, doesn't it? Funny, I never thought I'd be exploring my internal struggles with perfect strangers, but there you go! Good luck and God Bless to all of you! Suzanne

I'm thinking of quitting drinking altogether. I'm 7 months out, I never drank much before and with the no eating and drinking I chose to keep drinking. So I'd drink ALMOST the whole bottle of wine but I don't get drunk fast like they say we do. I don't want to have one glass because hey, what's the point? I never considered myself a food addict, I ate when I was bored, but when I had a food I really liked and bought it once in awhile I would gorge on it. I'm not even a fan of the taste of most wines until the second glass. Transfer addiction. Sadly my mom had this happen with her bypass. She lost the weight, started drinking and became a raging alcoholic for years. Now she's 5 years sober. (12 years post op) But she also put on 40 pounds in that process and with guilt of the embarrassment and also recently losing both her parents she is struggling to get it off. So...anyway I know I won't be one of those people who can have that one glass of wine, I drink to get buzzed which always ends up in la la land and eventually weight gain. Nope. Done. The only place I will miss having a drink is weddings because they are awful sober. Did one 2.5 months post op, that dragged on and people were crazy drunk. So I said I'm thinking of quitting drinking in the beginning of this post, yeah as I've wrote about it and processed it more I'm definitely quitting.

1000 calories is good. I try to get between 1000 and 1200. If you haven't tracked in a few months, could be a few extra Snacks are sneaking in and writing it all down and adding it up will help you to see where it's sneaking in. Try varying the calories from day to day, like one day 1000 and another day 1200. I find it can help to confuse our body on what to expect. Yes, on shorties the weight lost shows quickly and so does the weight gained. Yikes!