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The first few days are rough. Diarrhea is likely due to the fact that you are taking in only liquids. Liquids in = liquids out pretty much. With COPD, you have an extra hurdle to cope with now, but once you start with consistent weight loss, your body won't be making COPD worse, which is great. Weight gain....the day after surgery, I was up 10 pounds. It all went away as soon as I started moving around some whenever I could. And I think a lot of people here will tell you a similar tale on the weight. When do you move to mushy food? Are you on "full liquids" yet? By that, I mean stuff like cream soup, yogurt, pudding, etc.

Hello all my beautiful bunnies, I need to vent a moment. I am almost 3 weeks out from my band date and I have only lost 8 lbs. Yes it a loss, but not what I expected. Which leads me to my topic line, STRESS! One week after being banded my DH tells me he thinks we should move from Texas to Florida due to his job. What a bomb that was. I can handle that, but I have 4 kids. One of which is getting married on May 22. Then two of my girls have sports banquet, which most of you know involves dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair and nails! Plus I had tofly to Tampa to find a house, plus try to get this one ready to put on the market and pack! He wants to be out there by JUne 1!!!!!!!:rolleyes2: Now, as you can see, I have alot on my plate. No pun intended. And because of this I am reverting back to my old ways and eating fast food! I guess I just need some encouragement! I go back next week for my one month post-op and fill. I am hoping that will help, because I really have NO restriction what so ever. I was so excited about this band, now its the last thing on my mind! D:unsure:

Well you know they say what opinions are like... a$$holes... We all have them and most stink... But WTH, I'll opine anyway... There are some things you may wish to consider before running out and stocking up on a supply of chocolate milk... Before jumping on the bandwagon of the study, we should know more about the study... Who financially sponsored it and why? What about the participants? Were they obese people trying to lose weight - or competitive athletes? Was the nutritional content of the chocolate milk consistant across the study group (and what was the nutritional content anyway). You can go to the grocery store and find all sorts of different brands of chocolate milk - with nutritional content all across the spectrum. The people in the study may be very different from us - with very different goals than us. It appears they were simply looking at this from the perspective of endurance and muscle recovery. Very few of us are competitive athletes burning 4000+ calories a day In fact, most of us are trying to LOSE fat, are people prone to weight gain, and likely a bit more sensitive to carbohydrates than most - especially simple carbs. The chocolate milk controversy isn't new - it's been around awhile. I tried it as a post workout drink for awhile back in Nov. and it adversely effected my weight loss. I attributed that likely to the high sugar content. So I began mixing a commercial Protein mix with skim milk - and that did the trick. Tasted just like chocolate milk - and still had the milk - but not the simple carbs. Protein intake is a whole other debate. Personally, I'm of the opinion that people who exercise significantly can benefit from a higher protein intake. It just depends on how you want to achieve that intake. I think whole foods is best, but I supplement with commercial products as well. Even though it is a buyer-beware market. The fitness supplement industry is one of the most deceptive and cut-throat markets there is! Thats my two cents and a whole lot more.... Brad

Like everyone else here, I have a weight problem! (glad I got that off my chest! ) I went from a very active job to an office job and in 3 yrs I went from a size 9 to a size 18!! That was 15 ys ago. Ive tried every diet I heard of. Ive gotta admit WW does work if you go to the meetings EVERY week and truely WATCH what you eat. I lost 27 lbs the first time I went, and I felt great! The only reason why I stopped going was because I got pregnant,so of course there was weight gain, and up 2 sizes. Now at a size 22, Ive had ENOUGH!!!!!!!! My dad had about 11 siblings, all of which have passed away from obesity/heart disease before age 60 except for 1. I want to live a long heathy life, I want my kids to understand how important it is to be healthy! About 3yrs ago I pondered on the idea of Gastric Bypass, but I wasnt fat enough (imagine that). I did go back to WW, but I had a much harder time committing with my new schedule. Recently a close friend/relative decided to have bypass, I didnt even think about myself ( I guess I just came to accept being fat is me! lol) and we'd talk about her weight loss and her goals etc. Then one day I was talking to my mother in law, I didnt realize that she had researched the lapband for her self, and she suggested that we go to a seminar together. I was a little unsure when I left, just because of the foreign object in your body but after a few prayers I got over it pretty quick!! So I made an appt. w.Dr.O on 3/24/09, the girls in the office were very friendly and comforting! So thats about where Im at, Ive had several tests done.. 4/3 Upper GI/Chest Xray 4/9 Pulm Funct Test 4/14 Psych Eval/Nutritionist 4/21 Ekg/labwork 4/22 Echo 5/8 Sleep study My insurance does not require anything extra, thank god!! I do have to pay about 5k out of pocket, but it is so worth it!! Iam addicted to this website!! I love to read the testimonials from everyone! I have decided that I AM ready for a life change!!! I want this more than anything!! I want my family to be healthy, and I have to be the one to make that happen!! So let the journey begin!!!!!!!:tounge_smile:

Like everyone else here, I have a weight problem! (glad I got that off my chest! :thumbdown:) I went from a very active job to an office job and in 3 yrs I went from a size 9 to a size 18!! That was 15 ys ago. Ive tried every diet I heard of. Ive gotta admit WW does work if you go to the meetings EVERY week and truely WATCH what you eat. I lost 27 lbs the first time I went, and I felt great! The only reason why I stopped going was because I got pregnant,so of course there was weight gain, and up 2 sizes. Now at a size 22, Ive had ENOUGH!!!!!!!! My dad had about 11 siblings, all of which have passed away from obesity/heart disease before age 60 except for 1. I want to live a long heathy life, I want my kids to understand how important it is to be healthy! About 3yrs ago I pondered on the idea of Gastric Bypass, but I wasnt fat enough (imagine that). I did go back to WW, but I had a much harder time committing with my new schedule. Recently a close friend/relative decided to have bypass, I didnt even think about myself ( I guess I just came to accept being fat is me! lol) and we'd talk about her weight loss and her goals etc. Then one day I was talking to my mother in law, I didnt realize that she had researched the lapband for her self, and she suggested that we go to a seminar together. I was a little unsure when I left, just because of the foreign object in your body but after a few prayers I got over it pretty quick!! So I made an appt. w.Dr.O on 3/24/09, the girls in the office were very friendly and comforting! So thats about where Im at, Ive had several tests done.. 4/3 Upper GI/Chest Xray 4/9 Pulm Funct Test 4/14 Psych Eval/Nutritionist 4/21 Ekg/labwork 4/22 Echo 5/8 Sleep study My insurance does not require anything extra, thank god!! I do have to pay about 5k out of pocket, but it is so worth it!! Iam addicted to this website!! I love to read the testimonials from everyone! I have decided that I AM ready for a life change!!! I want this more than anything!! I want my family to be healthy, and I have to be the one to make that happen!! So let the journey begin!!!!!!!:thumbup:

Your success looks great!! What happened with your fourth fill? (if you dont mind me asking) I am loosing slow but fighting othere things like menopause and weight gaining meds from diabetes. I know how hard it is to NOT get discouraged!!

I Have a BMI of 45. I cant believe this has happened again ( the weight gain). Behavioral & spiritual methods have worked, for a while. I'm on the presurgical diet from north Fl surgeons. Surgery is scheduled for 2weeks. I'm hopeful & nervous. I'm on the liquid protein drink/bar 4 a day plus a broiled chicken breast, or tuna without mayo. My first day today. I'm doing this for 2 weeks for the sake of a safe surgery. Thats what they tell me. Im trying to think positive, but I find myself crying a little bit. Positive Positive. I'll make it through. Can someone respond w/ inspiring words, or not. A response would be helpful to me. Thanks. :crying:

Good morning everyone~ Laura-is he a cryer or has he been a quiet baby? Macy would cry every day starting about 3:30 or 4 PM and not stop until around 5 or 5:30 PM. Every day like clockwork. It lasted for about 3 months. I think she was going thru nicotine withdrawels (yes i smoked while pregnant, bad me). Kat-an early Thursday phone call would be great! We can catch up :crying: Terry-sounds like a good time in Jax. Ready to go back, huh? What did you do with Hero while gone? Here is the pic I e-mailed ya'll of macys cereal. Some of you could not open the attachment, so here it is. She did not plan for it to look that way, just started hollering MOM COME LOOK!!!! I do not have time for personals to everyone but I will bbl and post more. Have a great day ladies and respect the pouch!! JANE....I feel your pain on the weight gain. I can gain that much that quick too. Chin up lady, we can do this together, ok? We are here for you!

We've all been there, it happens to all of us. I'm a bit the same at the moment, I'd hate to admit what's gone down my cake hole in the last few days. I'm going for a fill on Thursday. I had the same thing, I didnt get REALLY tight but just a bit for comfort and I convinced myself that I needed a bit out. Which I did, got relief but the the whole last 12 months has been much more of a struggle to maintain, I've dealt with head hunger and appetite the whole time. I havent gained anything significant, thanks to running about 700 miles a day. But I'm probably a kg or two heavier than I was at this time last year and its better to act now! For me, the tightness was transient, in hindsight I should have waited it out because I'm back at the same level and can easily, and I mean easily, eat an entire sandwich. Which in and of itself is not so problematic, but the appetite that comes with it is. So I'm going to have a tiny fill. And then another if I need to. I've farted around way too long complaining about wanting to have lost just 10 more lb without actually using the band for what it is meant to be used for - well filled you can eat little enough to lose weight! I guess I just kind of feel I shouldnt need it this far down the track and that my doc is going to scold me for wanting to lose more weight. What more can you do? Just approach that good restriction cautiously and slowly and keep up a lot of exercise, which works wonders to preventing weight gain. I guess you ARE starting again in a sense but if you cant take the fast aggressive fills then no amount of trying to is going to work for you, you'll just end up unfilled again. Slow and steady wins the race. Oh, and did I mention exercise! Its your number one weapon in preventing regain.

Jane!!!! Are you taking a water pill?? 16# in a month is not something you can do just by overeating!! Especially with a band in place. There has got to be something else causing the weight gain. Talk to your doctor asap!!

I personally think Doritos must put something in them to make people so addicted. Seriously! I mean think about it, when you think about them and your brain is lighting up saying “oh just one, JUST ONE!!” LOL!! Of course we all know it would never be ‘just one’. JRF, I’m so glad you found this thread! It has been helping several of us, and of course this is a NONJUDGEMENTAL zone! All we want to do here is help each other, and pick each other up when needed. You sound a lot like me with the dinner and then it turns into a weekend of pleasure! LOL!! OMG, I need to stop doing that. Thursday night is my good dinner night. From then on, I’m just going full steam ahead with all the delightful delectable foods I can get my hands on. It’s moments like that I thank my lucky stars for my band! Thanks for the encouragement! Wow, I feel so great when I make sure I get my butt out there to get some sunshine and good exercise. I really do! The whole eating thing on the weekends might be something we struggle with for our whole lives. I believe though that if we have more good moments than bad moments, then we are on the right track. I don’t believe in being perfect! No way! Of course there are a few things I know I can never eat anymore (yes, I’m talking to you Mr. Doritos!) because it’s cause for a big downfall. I cannot stop eating them once I give myself that “inch”. Know what I mean? It’s like a freight train full steam ahead! Before I know it, I’ve consumed way more than I should have and then I get all that Water retention, weight gain, etc… Ugh! Enough of that already! I don’t mind the 170 calories for the nuts, it’s a healthy fat and calories, but it’s also best for me not to indulge too much! Those calories add up fast! Grrr… Oh, and they are soooo goooood!!! Your tiredness might be a result of not getting enough nutrients. It’s really important to get all of our required daily allowances. Just though I’d bring to your attention it sounds like you’re not able to do that anymore since your fill. If it doesn’t let up soon, it might be a good idea to seek a slight unfills. I’ve heard that even as little as .25cc might do the trick. Most likely since you have been unfilled for so long, it would have been better to start in increments again instead of a huge one all at once. I don’t know, I’m of course not a doctor, just a suggestion. I just don’t like the idea of you sounding like that! J How did the boxing go for your boys? How did they do?? Welcome! We all get caught up in a little of the eating what we shouldn’t. I especially think this is true for those who have been banded for more than 6 months maybe. After that ‘honeymoon’ phase, it’s so easy to slip back into bad habits. I think what we need to learn is boundaries, and we also need to realize what our ‘trigger’ foods are too. If we avoid those foods that get us into a dangerous place, then it’s best we don’t even eat them. Likely those foods carry no nutritional value, and even if they do, we still should just let them go. Aside from that, you will have much encouragement here! That’s what this thread is all about. We can have encouragement without negativity!! Mamato3 Welcome to our little family! It is so easy to get sidetracked, in fact your story sounds very familiar – hmmm… Heh, well it was me. Not the same circumstances of course, but my personal life took a negative turn. Within that I ended up losing ground, and gaining weight back. It was so devastating! Okay excuse me while I wipe my teardrops! Now that I have said that, I have to try to remember where I left off. Even if I did take some steps backward, it’s okay. That is why I created this thread! I think the more of us that get together and stick it out until we reach goal, the better! We can do this! Don’t beat yourself up, you went through some seriously emotional moments. I think majority of us would have ended up in the same result, to be honest. Losing a husband or the fear of it is a huge major deal, and one I don’t even like thinking about… L You did great though, just consider how much more you could have gained without your little friend, the Lap band? It could have been much worse, really. Now that you are ready to get back into it, we are here for you! Good luck on a speedy race back to onederland! I never quite made it to onederland, but this time I’m gonna meet you there. :-D Princesa, PB is a Productive Burp. When your food gets lodged in your throat, and you feel that food “dragging” – then all of a sudden it comes back up. Mine does happen during a “burp” if you will. I’ve heard others mentioning a slime that comes along with it. I have never experienced any slime, but I’m glad to be honest! HTH

I have not seen much posted about non-fat frozen yogurt? Which I must confess, I find somewhat surprising...so it has led me to ask. Is there some inherent evil associated with this diet friendly treat and the Lapband? An inquiring mind wants to know… I am planning on it being part of my post-op repertoire…or so I think? Second, it may just be my imagination, but it seems (no scientific data), that many of the newer banders are struggling with post-op weight gain and slow starts. While a few fortunate souls are making rapid progress, again the individual variable strikes…no two banders are the same. No real point to make…just an observation. Other than that it was a good gym day and we went to the Long Beach Grand Prix and got to meet Danica Patrick. Yes, she is as adorable in person. I am sorry to report, that they had the good corners of the drifting competition reserved for the VIP seats. The events held at Irwindale Speedway are much better, the venue is easier to get to and the layout is more crowd friendly. I everyone had a good weekend.

I have not seen much posted about non-fat frozen yogurt? Which I must confess, I find somewhat surprising...so it has led me to ask. Is there some inherent evil associated with this diet friendly treat and the Lapband? An inquiring mind wants to know… I am planning on it being part of my post-op repertoire…or so I think? Second, it may just be my imagination, but it seems (no scientific data), that many of the newer banders are struggling with post-op weight gain and slow starts. While a few fortunate souls are making rapid progress, again the individual variable strikes…no two banders are the same. No real point to make…just an observation. Other than that it was a good gym day and we went to the Long Beach Grand Prix and got to meet Danica Patrick. Yes, she is as adorable in person. I am sorry to report, that they had the good corners of the drifting competition reserved for the VIP seats. The events held at Irwindale Speedway are much better, the venue is easier to get to and the layout is more crowd friendly. I everyone had a good weekend.

I "gained" 5 lbs from my weight the morning of the surgery to the day after. It certainly wasn't from eating anything. I was on clear liquid the evening of the surgery. Does the swelling, air/gas, blood cause a "gain"? Did anyone experience this? I'm 5 days post op and I'm just now back to my the weight before the surgery. I'm still on full liquids.

That was a great article. It just goes to show how much some of us just need WLS. I was going to the gym and exercising my brains out for 3 years 6 days a week before I got WLS. All it did was depress me because I never could lose it and keep it off. Even eating healthy foods can cause weight gain if you eat the wrong size portions.

Re: the ones who gain the weight back I found this article online about one of the contestants, Kai from season three. It's a really interesting read and sad in many ways. She talks about some of the product placement Biggest Loser pushes. Less attention was paid to diet, though there were plenty of product placements. Like the day they did a segment on drinking milk as part of a weight-loss plan. "That was sponsored by the dairy board," she said. "The minute the cameras shut off, my trainer was like, 'Spit it out.'" Here's the link if anyone wants to read it. Alaska 'Loser' contestant still fighting weight gain - Juneau Empire

I have had my Mirena for 3 years and have no issues with weight gain, mood swings or anything else. I don't notice a thing different, even when I got the band last year. I used to be on the pills before I had my daughter and after I couldn't remember to take my pill everyday. I think everyone has different experiences.:tt1:

I totally agree with this. I feel like at this point with 20 pounds left to lose, it is totally up to me. I can eat almost anything and sometimes can 'fit' up to 8oz at a time. With the band, I would just 'pb' it..I could do that almost at will and that was how I got down to 150 lbs... not very healthy. Now I fight my evening 'head hunger' with a cup of tea and it works. Sometimes I treat myself with a caramel or two, but can stop at a reasonable amount, whereas before....well you know how that used to go. Also, I have stopped all the daytime 'snacking' which was a major contributor to my weight gain after the band was removed. When I get hungry I look for protein first. Again YMMV.

Emotional eating is one of the biggest causes of overeating, weight gain, and weight re-gain. April is Emotional Overeating Awareness month and to commemorate this, I'm offering a free teleclass to answer your questions about how to take control of emotional eating and struggles with food, weight and healthy lifestyle. The teleseminar will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at noon Pacific and 3pm Eastern. Creating change isn’t automatic and it isn’t always easy. However, it DOESN’T need to be a struggle. Join me for this free teleseminar where I'll answer your questions about how to end emotional eating battles and make peace with food—once and for all. Just go here to register and submit your question.

I feel the same way Auntbrat, I was banded on Monday and I am nervous about going back to work...it's hard to concentrate. All the soreness is gone and I am all healed and physically I feel wonderful. However, mentally I feel miserable b/c I can't eat anything... and I am tired..weak and frustrated with myself. I m worried that I wont lose any weight...and that I'll be failure at this... or it'll be just like every other diet I've ever been on..lose some weight...gain it back... or just not lose any at all. I am scared this is all going to be a waste. I hate myself right now... so many questions that only time can answer and it sucks. I wanna eat things other than broth, shakes, Water, pudding, and Soup... I am starting to regret this whole procedure. I def. need a boost and help... I need to know that this will work... I've lost like 13lbs since the liquid diet before surgery... but I don't know how I can keep this up...I m starting to doubt myself and everything I've done... sad, confused... this is horrible

Emotional eating is one of the biggest causes of overeating, weight gain, and weight re-gain. April is Emotional Overeating Awareness month and to commemorate this, I'm offering a free teleclass to answer your questions about how to take control of emotional eating and struggles with food, weight and healthy lifestyle. The teleseminar will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at noon Pacific and 3pm Eastern. Creating change isn’t automatic and it isn’t always easy. However, it DOESN’T need to be a struggle. Join me for this free teleseminar where I'll answer your questions about how to end emotional eating battles and make peace with food—once and for all. Just go here to register and submit your question.

Emotional eating is one of the biggest causes of overeating, weight gain, and weight re-gain. April is Emotional Overeating Awareness month and to commemorate this, I'm offering a free teleclass to answer your questions about how to take control of emotional eating and struggles with food, weight and healthy lifestyle. The teleseminar will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at noon Pacific and 3pm Eastern. Creating change isn’t automatic and it isn’t always easy. However, it DOESN’T need to be a struggle. Join me for this free teleseminar where I'll answer your questions about how to end emotional eating battles and make peace with food—once and for all. Just go here to register and submit your question.

Alot of wonderful advice and great success stories here to help you. We've all been where you are at right now. You have to decide if you're ready to make the changes with yes...another different kind of tool for weight loss. No matter how we decided to lose the weight, we always use a tool of some kind....but bottom line, if you're not ready to make these changes, then you will fail! I'm almost 1yr post-op and yes you can lose at first while eating junk/fast food. But eventually, with the band, it will catch up and cause weight gain. You're doing great research and have the right questions...now...are you ready to ACCEPT the changes and challenges? Are your current weight and feelings worth it? Here's my honesty. I was DETERMINED to make it work when I decided to have the band placed. Yes I was concerned of failing and gaining it back (still am), but, I NEVER once complained about what all it will take to make it happen. And doubting yourself does not help. I'm not "bashing" you personally. I just hear from others "whine, whine, whine because of not weight loss here..." so I don't want you to get into that frame of mind at the start. Find the peace you need before if you do get the band. You need that peace to go to when things get tough/challenging! I wish you best and like I told my neighbor the other day, MAKE this happen...don't waste time pondering or you'll never get there!

Want, that is fantastic news! I’m so glad that you are still feeling restriction! It sounds like it just might have been the tech missing your port last time, or maybe when he unfilled to check how much was in there he did forget to put it all back in. Strange as it may seem!! You might want to, just for right now stick with liquids for maybe a day or so until your swelling goes down. It sounds like you had a pretty bad episode with the jerky. I’ve never had problems with jerky TG because I just love it! I can get by with just an oz of it and be good for a quick fix until dinner, or I will drink a slim fast first, and then top it off with that. It seems to be carrying me all the way until dinner time! That is so wonderful, and I’m enjoying this very much. Congrats also on your fullness!! That is so awsome and I do hope it helps to get your scale to co-operate!! :rolleyes2: JR, hello! Thanks for joining us. J Regarding the Slim Shots, I just pop one open and get it down my throat as quickly as possible. They taste pretty bad! Then I swish some Water through my mouth to get some of that taste out. Right after taking it, I’ll eat a meal (which the box suggests to do) and I seem to fill up pretty fast. Even faster than with just my band! I really like that because I seem to eat more than I should. Of course it is still way less than pre-band; it’s still more than I think my body needs for survival. Since doing this, included with discontinuing my steroidal inhaler and plenty of exercise, I’m starting a downward trend again. I’m pretty wary though this time. It’s familiar territory, and one in which I seem to keep finding myself in. It’s like I’m in some kind of crazy revolving door! Enough already!! I’m going down for good this time. I will be back down to that 227 that I left so long ago now. LOL!! I think I want to see that 227 more than I want to see that darned 199 for goodness sake! Heh, anyway, I’ll let you know when I get there. ;o) The reason I’m telling you all this is because, as you can see I can feel your pain. Yours is a revolving 5 pounds, mine is 10. Ten up and ten down... 145-155 over and over and over…. Blah! Thanks for asking about the interview, very sweet! J Unfortunately I don’t qualify for the position. I still need to take a few more classes to be reachable… It’s pretty sad too because I believe I was the top candidate. I sent my interviewer an email later that day after my interview explaining all the classes I have, vs. how many I should have. She replied and said, it didn’t look very good but she would investigate. Now one thing I know is, a manager won’t “investigate” unless they want to bring you aboard. I know though it won’t happen. There really is no getting around that, unfortunately. As a side note too, I want to reiterate that loving my band has not much do to at all with this thread. I TOO STILL LOVE MY BAND!! It has helped me in so many different ways, like preventing some serious weight gain. True I gained, but in the grandest scheme, it’s tantamount to what I could put on. Trust me, I know. I’ve gained 120 in one year before. Well, it’s been a year since I’ve stopped losing and it could be so much worse than my 30 right now. Pbrown, its really hard to get to the sweet spot. I guage mine by how much I can eat, not by how hungry I get or how fast. I’m pretty tight and I have a darnedest time eating (slow and chewing to hog heaven), yet I still seem to get stuck pretty easily. I just don’t think the band works exactly the same for everyone. I wish I was one of the lucky ones where the band helps to suppress hunger, but I’m not. That is why I have decided to find alternatives to do that for me. IDK, I just have a really hard time ignoring my hunger pains. *sigh* Welcome BTW!!

My dr has always been very supportive until recently. I was banded 06/16/07. Lost 110 lbs. Then in Oct 08 had a fill of .25cc. That evening I had no restriction at all. I called my dr. He said it was my imagination. Went back to dr in Jan 09. Only had 2cc in band He put 5cc in. Jan 09 got 2cc. March 1 cc for a total of 8cc in an 11cc band. Still have no restriction. Had upper GI last week, no slippage everything fine. Sat. had scope. No problems. So in my opinion the problem has to be the port or tube. The dr. says no the problem is in my head. But this is my body and I know how I felt (with restriction) prior to what over happened in October. What is your opinion? Has anyone elst had this problem? What should I do?