Search the Community

One day at a time...today is Day 3 on Atkins Induction. Surprisingly, I'm not craving as much as I have in the past when I went on induction. Maybe it's the mental attitude of seeing my carbs as a true addiction and knowing that I'm avoiding them completely for that reason...and not just a diet to lose weight? Who knows the head games we play with ourselves. :smile: At any rate, my headache is finally gone and I feel better than I usually do the first week. The mental fog seems to be gone as well. Bonus - my belly is shrinking again. At some point, after that initial reshifting of body weight (skinny legs, no butt or hips, belly reducing) any weight gain (which I did when I went from onederland back up about 20 pounds) went right to the tummy so it's nice to see it shrinking back down. Since I'm on the induction phase I don't worry about monitoring the quantity...just making sure I'm eating minimal carbs. So, since it's a cold, rainy day I think I'm going to make a pot of my chinese Soup so I can sip on it throughout the day. It's pretty low calorie anyway but very satisfying. Only 4 more days to Disney! WOOHOO! .

Yes I hate that ive been like that too nd it is really scary afraid of the weight gain....

My name is Alex and I'm a 39 year old male living in Tennessee. I am divorced with three children. My highest weight was 323 and I became more and more concerned with my overall health condition. In 2007 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and just two years ago, atrial fibrillation. When it was suggested that all of these problems could be related to my obesity, I started looking for more extreme ways to try to lose weight. I have struggled with weight gain my entire life, trying all kinds of diets, losing 60 pounds when I was 16 but gaining it back by the time I was 22. My ex-wife had Roux en Y surgery in 2007, and had a dramatic weight loss. Unfortunately, she did not heed the advice of the doctors and dieticians and never took her supplements, so the weight came right back within two years. This has turned me away from having the surgery until a mutual friend of hers, a lap bander, had me speak to another friend who had recently had the gastric sleeve surgery, which I had not heard of until earlier this summer. I got very excited after researching the surgery and called my insurance company for physicians in network who perform it. I signed up for a consultation with the Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss in Nashville in July and that is when I was sure this was the right time and the right thing to do. When the surgeon, Dr. Brandon Williams came in during the presentation I realized I went to high school with him and felt another sense of ease since we already knew one another. I had complete encouragement from my parents, my fiancée, and my personal physician, who wrote the letter of recommendation for me to have the surgery. And my insurance company was very easy to deal with, and only required a few standard prerequisites prior to having the surgery. (Psych eval, attendance of support group, evidence of trying other diets, etc). Four months later my surgery took place 11/21/2013. My only complication during the surgery was during post op; my heart went into atrial fibrillation while I was in the recovery room. I was moved to the cardiology floor at Vanderbilt for monitoring. The first night in the hospital was spent seeing many cardiologist trying to figure out how to get my heart rate below 130 where it stayed for hours. By morning, it was down to the 80s, since I was able to take my beta blockers crushed (yuck!). I was discharged the next day since my heart rate was back in the 60s. It has almost been 2 weeks since I had the surgery, and the only pain I feel is in my right side around the ribs, which is close to where they removed most of my stomach. I am now past the soft foods stage and can drink and eat ok, long as I resist the temptation to eat too big of a bite of food. I still crave the old foods I am no longer allowed to eat, but am putting in the toughest battle to stay with this diet by the book. I am 27 pounds down and hope to lose more and when I return to work I hope I can keep in control of my daily diet. That's enough about me... Good luck to everyone out there. I feel good about what I have done, no regrets.

I am 34, I had my surgery a week ago on 4/16/13. I am an RN and I work in Neonatal ICU. I have been happily married for 13 years, but we've not been able to have children. My husband actually had gastric bypass in 2009 and lost 150 lbs. Our pets are our "children" for now - we have a yellow lab and 3 kitties, all of whom are very spoiled! I have 2 little nephews (also spoiled by me!) and adult neice who is about to graduate from grad school and an adult nephew who just graduated college. Also I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and my best friend who I consider a sister as well. I was a thin child, underweight actually until puberty. My weight gain was gradual starting around age 17. I married at 20 and was diagnosed a couple years later with PCOS while we were still in college. We were told we could not conceive without medical intervention, which turned out to be true. When we graduated college and were ready to start a family, we went on fertility treatments right away. 3 pregnancies in about 6 years of active fertility treatments (everything but IVF) all ending in early first trimester miscarriages. After extensive testing, no reason was found for the miscarriages except for my PCOS and insulin resistance. We are very hopeful that reaching my goal weight after surgery will help with conceiving and carrying a child.

Hola everyone! just getting back from vacation. I had a great time hanging out at the beach, eating and yes drinking. Best part was that we exercised everyday, swimming, bike rides, lots of walking, even went to the hotel gym. So all in all no weight gain. REady to buckle down now though....I'm a ways away from my next fill goal still. I was thinking maybe I should call and get on the calendar. Maybe that will kick me into gear. I still need to go back a read the last few pages but congrats Ash! Annalyn yes your getting close. Miss you guys....

1day at a time, did you lose all the weight and put it back on? How do you think the weight gain happened? Im just wondering because it sounds like you had lost some weight and put it back on again. Im worried i will do that too I learn from others and srry if im being nosey...just trying to catch up on the situation behind some of your posts. And YES you WILL take control of your weight. And there is a really really good friend to have in these situations...well in any situations....God. Best friend i ever had

I was a 36DD before my kids and crazy weight gain...They got as big as a 40FF while breast feeding and were a 38F before surgery now I am back to a very saggy 36DD

The sugar alcohols used in many artificial sweeteners cause problems for many people: diarrhoea, bloating, discomfort, … Personally I try to avoid or reduce as many artificial sweeteners, sugar alternatives & sugar as I can. It’s hard because it’s in almost everything you buy. I did it to kill my sugar craving - it has. (Artificial sweeteners & sugar alternatives still feed your desire for sweet.). Also there is a lot of research being done into how artificial sweeteners still lead to weight gain, affect your immune system, etc. But this has been a personal choice for me. Generally if I want something sweet I’ll eat some fruit. But again it’s been my choice to do this. I have made chia seed pudding & used vanilla extract as flavour. There is natural & added sugar in it but it’s very little. Also added milk powder which gave some sweetness (& extra protein) & a natural sugar. What about a fruit crumble? Cook up apple, berries, rhubarb or other fruit & sprinkle the top with a mix of rolled oats, coconut, nuts, a little plain flour, cinnamon a little butter & bake until golden. Use a little monk fruit for a touch of sweetness if the fruit is a little tart & in the crumble topping. Congratulations on your daughter’s weight loss. So wonderful she’s been inspired by you to make changes in her life too.

This is to Renewedhope about Metformin. Before my surgery I was on and off of it for one year because my body could not handle it. I noticed since my surgery my Avandamet did not effect my body like it did prior to surgery (making me very ill). So I pulled the good ole Metformin out of the cabinet this week to see if maybe it has the same effect and I have not been sick once. The reason I tell you this is because Metformin stopped my weight gain before being banded unlike anything else I just could not deal with the side effects. I cannot explain it, but I have had 0 side effects now. This whole banding thing is amamzing.

My Doctor is very compassionate. I have been really struggling the past few months and had tummy problems to boot (with the iron) and she told me this was a long process and everyone goes through it. I had a real long talk with her last time because I was so frustrated and she is leaving! She told me that I would probably be losing for the next two years because I have so much to lose. You are not alone Susie!! It is a hard hard fight. I love my band also, just didn't know that at times it would be such a struggle. But, I hope all Dr.s are caring and compassionate with weight gain or plateaus. Jane

Hi TexasBecky! You sound like one of us already! The time that I spend running is a wonderful part of my week. I don't talk or listen to music. Instead, it is a time to let my mind wander and go wherever it wants to. Many problems have been analyzed, plans have been made, artistic endeavors visualized, wise words (from my friends here at LBT) have been contemplated, and blessings have been counted. It not only clears my mind of unfinished business and give opportunity to reflect, but also makes me feel powerful and proactive. Instead of feeling like a victim to my uncontrollable weight gain, I have faith and hope in my ability to choose. All of these things bring me a brighter mood. There are also endorphins that are released. Though I have always exercised, it became less consistent as I put on weight. The way I have succeeded is through an exercise challenge thread that was started for those banded in the same month. The accountability and iprogressive ncrease in time and difficulty was what I needed. That is how I came to know Julie and Betty, and a few others here. We challenged each other and ourselves. Instinctively, I built a program for myself very similar to the couch potato to runner method. Julie used that and it is how she has become a strong runner. I totally recommend starting one for yourself!

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) .

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

Think of it this way. After surgery, for some people, there is no difference and they can eat pretty much what they want...until they get enough fill(s) to feel restriction. Then they start living as bandsters. For a very few, there is some weight gain during that time, known as "bandster hell". Then with restriction later, the fun begins..... Remember too that people who talk on this site are often looking for support for difficult times, so it appears that there are more problems with the lap band than therereally are. People who aren't haveing prolbems are less likely to post...they're just out living life. Believe me....I had cravings, binge eating, and grazing problems...and all the usual failed diets. For the first time in my life, with the band, I am losing and comfortable. When I screw up, I just stop losing..until I get back on the program. The band waits for me to get it together. I can live with that....

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.

SW: 259 Last Week: 227.6 Current Weight: 228.5 1lb weight gain ( could be water retention, constipation...) Goal Weight: 160

Not that I have ever heard of. Google only comes up with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) as causing weight gain. I definitely have slow motility, but not really any other SIBO symptoms. I'll have to ask my gastroenterologist ex next time we talk ....hmmm ...

Hi all, 1st angelia, when did u get banded? can i assume 2/13/09 is your date?:smile:...lol. I was banded on 2/4/09 and just started eating food. :thumbup:i was to start on mushies on 2/25/09 but now since i can tolerate regular food that is what i have been eating. i could use a fill too, but my dr. wanted me to stay on liquids for 6 weeks to maximize my weight loss,:w00t:but i couldnt take it i was just too hungry :cursing:and my nutrionist stated i could eat soft foods. i initally lost 15 pounds :thumbup:but since i can eat reglar food i have gained back one pound :w00t:and i am thoughrouly disgusted.:wink: not sure when my dr will give me a fill, :blushing:but i dont see him again until 3/12/09. i feel great.:tt2: i have no soreness around the port which is just above my belly button, and my surgeon did a great job and i have 2 small scars from the surgery one just below my breaST BONE AND ONE INSIDE MY BELLY BUTTON THAT YOU CAN NOT SEE, IT LOOKS LIKE I NEVER HAD SURGERY.:thumbup: I AM GOING TO STILL FOLLOW JENNY CRaig until i get my fills, so i can minimize any weight gain if any at all and watch what it is that i am eating. i really fell good with the 15 pound weight loss. i am going to attend the lap band conference here in queens ny in hopes to learn new things and meet new people. i am coping...but i am hungry...lol.

hi i was banded just a few weeks before you were (December) and im down a very happy 44 lbs. My Dr is very happy with my progress, says this is the best way to do it , averageing 1-1.5lbs a week. (Im on my 6th fill) i have occasional plateaus but nothing im not expecting. This part may not work for everyone, but i keep a daily weight diary. I dont worry about a 2 lb weight gain as i put it down to digestion, hormones, water weight etc, but if i gain more then 2 lbs i can easily look on Myfitnesspal .com and see what ive been eating, exercising etc. This has been a huge help for me, plus the weight diary visualy shows me how my weight is going, usually down .....down....down......... Just when i think i havent lost any weight i look back on my weight diary and can see " Oh wait a minute, ive lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks ! Um .......im ok with that !" This helps. alot. Good luck to you !!!

I've been reading this thread and lurking in the background. I am trying to do this fasting but find that I feel ravenously hungry and end up snacking myself into oblivion. Sigh. Also trying to stay very low carb. I find the low carb thing difficult at times but not as hard for me as the fasting. For some reason it makes me feel very fatigued. Does anyone else experience this? Maybe it's just not for me. I am very frustrated with myself and my inability to lose the holiday weight gain. Just seems like I never had the surgery sometimes except I'm fighting from a much lower weight than before. Other than that it's just as frustrating.

Amanda- I still see my life coach once a month. I think it is money well spent. I am hoping to go to an as needed basis after the first of the year. It has been over a year since I started seeing her and she is just a great source of support for me. I think I am finally settling into my band. Quite a few people at work noticed how much I've lost and are in awe so far. It feels good to get compliments and encouragement from co-workers. I had a few rough weeks but no weight gain (thank goodness). Where the heck is Jonathan???? Shall we go to New York and hunt him down?

More irrational answers! (and some rational ones too... ) Rational Me: I'm not interested in achieving any more weight loss goals, because YES, I am liking how I am looking and feeing (If anything, I now have exercise goals, which is likely hampering my calorie increase attempts, but that's another story...). I don't particularly want to go lower on the scale, but I have accepted that until I get into a real groove which lasts longer than 3½ weeks, weight loss (and most likely weight gain later on) is going to be an occupational hazard. My current weight is still nicely in the middle of the normal range so a few pounds up or down isn't going to kill me. Irrational Me: I fully admit to being wary of carbs. Specifically bread products, pasta, rice, to some extent root veggies and added sugar. Hence the shirataki and the no added sugar vinaigrettes. For now, I am choosing to stay low carb. I do, however, have the occasional breaded product (buffalo cauliflower! crackers on the charcuterie board! chicken wings! cake!) or high sugar item (ice cream! fruit! bbq sauce on my chicken wings!). And when I do, I often attempt a "correction" the next day by watching/limiting my carb intake (which I am supposed to counteract with increasing my fats - not always successful). Though as I type this, 💡 I'm not even sure that averaging out carb intake over a period of time has the same effect as limiting carbs to a certain level daily... LOL...i'm going to have to do a bit of research after I post this. Again, this is the irrational me talking, and I'm fully aware I will not implode and could probably benefit from eating a sandwich (as my "concerned" friends and family say both to my face and behind my back 🙄). Rational Me, again: I went back looking at what I've posted on this thread so far and looks like I started this thread around the same time that my average cals dropped from around 1500-ish to 1000-ish, so my daily menu's do look pretty diet-y. I haven't gone out/had people over as much these past couple weeks and it shows. I tend to eat less when I'm at home and fixing food for myself. Though I rely on the fact that everything will even out because I know there will be indulge days...like yesterday (which I'll post later), and tomorrow (it's BFF's Mr's bday and we are going to a rodizio restaurant (i.e., AYCE Brazilian Steakhouse) #yum #almostAsGoodAsKoreanBBQ I read this article and the study it references waaaay back. The one ray of hope here is Rudy Pauls. He was the sole person in the study who ended up getting WLS and his metabolism slow down was markedly less than the others. At the time I read these, I researched other papers and I recall a paper or two discussing how WLS patients' metabolisms returned to normal levels for their eventual size after the initial (and expected) drop. Now this is all hearsay on my part right now, because I don't have the links to these alleged papers, but if I get can get into research mode later, I'll try to dig em up. (I need to be in the proper mindset to read these papers cuz man, sometimes I go cross-eyed trying to keep up with all the notations) Nope ❤️

I keep losing and gaining the same damn 3-5 lbs. I just don't get it. I get down to 237 and the next day I can bounce back to 241! Then it will come off and then back again. I get the salt thing and have stayed away from it. I assume it is not actual weight gain because I could not have possibly eaten enough to warrant that much of a gain. The holidays were hard and yes, I ate more than I should have but not that much. I haven't had a fill yet and hopefully that will make the difference. Will the doctor be disappointed that I haven't lost anything in 4 weeks? banded 11/29

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!!

I eat at least 1 serving of oatmeal a day- NO worries with weight gain at all...Also et Oat Bran cereal and Oat muffins- NO problems