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Thanks Janet...I have those moments when I think my face really looks old. But then I have to remember my age. The fat filled out all the wrinkles and now I am deflated. I started my weight gain at the age of 38. Prior to that I was the weight I am now. Guess I couldn't expect to have have the same 38 yr old face reappear? Why not? Oh, why not? LOL I'm on my way out the door. Blocking out thinking of my 3 hour time in the dentists chair this morning. Just focusing on fun and relaxation at the resort I will be staying at the next couple of days. Looking forward to seeing some old friends. Just hope they look a hell of a lot older than me....I'm bad.

I have just begun the process of my 6 month weight loss visits. I was informed by the surgeons office that the insurance company will not want to see a weight gain and if they do they will probably deny me. I questioned this and they told me because it just proves to them that I cannot follow the recommendations from my doctor and therefore I may not be successful with the lap band. Honestly I made sure I gained 10 lbs. before my first weigh in. My first weigh in was the day after christmas. I felt like this assured me that I should be able to show a loss. I just wonder how much of a loss is ok. I also heard you have to be careful not to lose too much. I think it all depends on your ins. I have BCBS NJ.

hello everyone, my name is maria but i like to be called mer. been having a rough time lately with the weight loss. i had my band surgery on june 18, 2007. the surgery was easy, hardly any pain and i healed fast. i haven't lost that much weight and in fact the past month or two i have been gaining. at first after the surgery i did lose because i was in that zone to lose and with the restrictions from the band helped. exercised alittle too. everytime i noticed i was eating more than ishould i would go in for a fill. after the first couple of months everytime i went in for afill i would make an appt for my next fill. the first 13 months were free fills so why not and if i felt i didn't need afill then it was no problem cancelling. by the time my first year aniversary came around i had lost about 70 pounds. which is good but not good enough in my mind. i stayed at about 70lb loss for afew months then i had foot surgery so i was unable to walk around for acouple months and so i became bored. for me bored equals eating. while i was recovering i started to gain but then when i was able to walk on my foot the weight gain slowed, alittle. i thought when i would return to work it would get me back on some sort of routine but no. i just made an appt for a fill. i'm alittle embarrased because of the weight gain and almost didn't make the apt but i need to get back into eating better so i worked through that fear and called. any way just wanted to say hi and let you know where im at in my laplife. sorry it was so long:smile: mer

I was up at 3am, this stupid nose allergy whatever this is thing. Strikes really bad in the middle of the night, I go through a box of tissues. and it itches SO BAD.. it wouldn't stop last night so I got up and got on the computer, read some forums. Finally got back to sleep around 5:45. Connor is actually a name I liked (middle school crush was named Connor) but Russ didn't like it Russ has lost 10lbs so far doing Atkins. I have plateaud (WHEW) again on my weight gain. I go back to the doc tomorrow, she has me coming in every 2 weeks now. Hope you're getting some good news Kat! I keep meaning to say WOOWOO Pam on all that you've done on the diss :cursing: Hope everyone else has a good day. BLEH Mondays :biggrin: OH and Terry, I plan to take maternity leave for as long as I need to 2-6 weeks, and then I have a secretary office connected to my office that I am going to have Carson in (bought a portable crib for in there). I'll probably work half-days, or whole days depending on his temperment, etc. I am paid commission, and 99% of my customers communicate via e-mail, so I shouldn't miss too much with my blackberry and computer at home.

Many straws! I would say the one that made me pick up the phone to see a surgeon was dieting for the 100th time, and gaining the weight back. Again. For the 100th time. Other "straws"- 1.) starting to have heart palpitations and occasional chest pain. Cleared by a cardiologist....but it still gives me anxiety. 2.) losing 100lbs on my own and gaining it back. 3.) wanting to have a 2nd baby, but too scared to be pregnant again at this weight. (Lots of pregnancy/delivery complications related to weight with my first baby). 4.) loving to socialize, but always dreading seeing family I haven't seen in awhile during the holidays and wondering if they are judging my weight gain, how I eat, etc. I just want to go to family functions and enjoy! 5.) being too big to fit- in everything. The regular sized BP cuff at the doctors office, seats in airplanes, restaurants, and theaters, etc. 6.) not having enough energy for my 2 year old and my stomach being too big for her to sit comfortably on my lap to read a book. 7.) my father and grandfather had heart attacks/congestive heart failure and my father has diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes. He has constant issues with foot sores. I do not want that life!!

@@Band07 when I told my family I was going to The Dominican Republic for a tummy tuck in 2013 they thought I was crazy. However to this day with weight gain and all I still think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. You just have to keep remembering that this is for you! I'm having surgery on the 25th and couldn't be happier with this decision too!!!

Tracy, I read an article today in Prevention Magazine, about weight gain and debt. Wrote by Suze Orman, about how we gain X amount of weight in correlation with stress over debt, especially those that have hidden debt from their spouses. Made me think of you---not that you have hidden debt from Frank!!! But how you stress, and it all hits you at once! When you had to move back after the loss is when you began gaining again....made me think that maybe the stress and expense of moving might be related in your case. Then as DSD moved in and out, and the stress and expense of the bigger house, and the unneeded bigger house hit, the weight come on faster.......seeing the connection? I KNOW it was part of my weight, the stress made me search for comfort, and going and doing was not an option, yet I felt not deserving, but not guilty about spending money at the grocery store, so what did I do? I ate, and not much of it was very good for me! Wierd! Anyway.....I would have liked to have seen the article when it was happening. I mean I know from back in my single days, that unhealthy food is far cheaper than healthy. I mean I could buy a whole case of Ramen noodles for $3, and if need be it would feed us for days----I could not buy ingredients to make one single serving salad for $3.....single, and poor, raising a child, you do the math! But the emotional ties to weight----she predicted (meaning Suze Orman) the winner in The Biggest Loser, based on their FICO scores---and level of debt! I don't know if they have a website you might see some of the article in or not. Rick is about 70 miles out, and they have been out for 12 hours already, and have not even pumped the job yet. It will be middle of the night before he gets home.....ick Soon as the kids leave, I am headed to the dollar store to buy dog bones and such. Will be back when I get back!

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?

So happy to hear you came through well. Don't worry about the weight gain! I came home after the hyster and stepped on the scale to an 11 pound gain!! That was after doing a pre-surgery colon cleanse with liquids only most ofthat day plus losing half my insides LOL and liquids only the day of surgery. They really pump you full of fluids in there. Mine went down in about 10 days at a pound a day or more!

Yes we can! My first appointment with the surgeon is on Wednesday. He is very strict about weight gain after your first appointment so I will find my will power. I need this surgery.

I am 5 weeks post-op, and twice now I have experienced 3-5 lb weight GAINS. The first time was random, and it really upset me. The second time was after I hurt my back and was basically immobile for 3 days as well as taking (liquid) pain meds (hydrocodone). It is very frustrating, especially when I think that I have only lost 20 lbs (+/-) total since surgery, at a time where I thought my numbers would be much higher. Is this typical?? Right now, I just got down to 1 lb BELOW the last 5 lb gain (so I lost 6 lbs, verrry slowly) and now I'm up almost 2 lbs. IT'S SO FRUSTRATING!! Especially when I don't know if anyone has ever experienced such a strange phenomena. I can't call my regular doc since they are closed for the holidays. I have to admit, I am not exercising (because of my back issues, in tandem with the stress of the holidays), and I'm hoping that this, in conjunction with my choosing high carb items (baked potato Soup, cheese soup, noodles, etc) has something to do with it. Please tell me that this is actually what the problem is, so that I can begin that rapid downward scoop that I was looking for pre-surgery!! Or, am I just expecting too much, and should I be happy with my weight loss to date? I began at 245 which is comparatively low for GSS patients, in general (I'm told). Could that be it?? I'm just stumped, and frustrated.

That is awful!! Is there an appeal process? A 2 pound weight gain could be anything... what you are wearing, sodium, menstrual cycle, digestive issues, holidays. So unfair.

I’ve never had banging boobs and would love to know what that’s like. I’d always wish the fat from my belly would go up to my boobs instead. So unfair. Yes to the turkey waddle!. I’ve always had a double chin and then the weight gain made it worse. Now that we are all in virtual meetings, it’s all I see! I looked up exercises and even ordered a chin lifting mask from Amazon to see if it will help. I am not consistent with the roller and exercises so once all the weight is gone, I’ll see how I feel. Honestly, Ive had feelings about my boobs, tummy, thighs, back and upper arms and chin but I don’t take surgery lightly, it scares me but I know so many who have gotten surgery and look so good so I’ll see....but in the meantime I’ll keep using all the gizmos and gadgets I’ve bought over the years lol. Best wishes if anyone goes for it, share pics!

Hi everyone, I am scheduled with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on October 8. I am having revision surgery and am one week into my pre op diet. I am a guy, 45, currently weighing in at 220. I lost almost 80lbs with my lap band and then when I was only 10 lbs from my goal it started acting up. My weight has been on the rise since. I am looking forward to reversing the weight gain and finally reaching my goal.

Michelle-omg...I am SO worried for your weight gain. Glad to hear that you are kicking your own butt otherwise I may come do it for you. :tongue2: The good news is that you ARE aware and you ARE taking action. I am so proud! If you ever need an example of what not to do....call me. lol Seriously though. I would not wish the heartache I am going through on any one of you ladies. If I could forgive myself for regaining I may be able to completly start over. I hope that is where I am (even though I just ate a Wendys Frosty). Do you know I have gained so much that I do not even need a fill?! Go figger! You can regain contaol. I have complete faith in you! Cindy-I am so sorry that you have strep! I will say a big ole prayer that you get better ASAP! Get plenty of rest! Kat-we have a fireplace in this apartment. I have never had one. I am excited. Duraflame logs here I come. :thumbup: Debbie-I had to laugh when you poked fun at yourself. Then I felt guilty for laughing. I am demented! Have a great night everyone!

Phyl, remember they have been pumping you full of fluids. Naturally you are going to have a weight gain. Right now it is about healing!!

You know what irratates me is how many people BLAME their weight gain on me.... I love to cook and all my friends know this... They will call up and say, "what's for Dinner/ I'm coming over"... Or when they come to visit they will raid the cookie jar I keep stocked for my BF and take baggies home with them.... I don't twist peoples arms or insist they eat the food I prepare... Yet, when we hang out with other friends or go places they say, "it's all Jennifers fault I'm fat.. Or It's all Jennifers fault I gained 15 pounds last year" My one GF who does know about the surgery is notorious for this and we had actually not even talked for months last year due to my busy work schedule and her divorce and move to the other side of town and she still tells people this... She's blaming her weight gain from 2 + years ago on me when I hardly even see her anymore... I probably saw her 5 or 6 times all of last year and most of that was Post op since I stayed at her house for 3 or 4 days to recover so my BF wouldn't know I had surgery... It really irks me that she does this... She is still thinner than me but won't be for long and I think she always wanted to be the thinnest/prettiest one of the group and is getting nervous about me getting close to her weight so she says it even more now that I am not super huger than her anymore and she feels the need to justify her own size which is more noticable with me getting smaller... I have to learn how to tactfully deal with these situations....

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

Hi, Well... taxes are done and we don't have to pay too much. Well, Earl thinks so, but I'm happy with the bottom line! That is a big load off my mind! Used H & R Block software and it really wasn't that hard. Went to neighbor's today (Judy) and she walked me through 2 more hearts.... one from scratch, the other, the gold one I made 2 weeks ago and then had to take 40% of it apart because I found a broken bead down in the center.. I think I can do one on my own now. Swavarski crystals are expensive and it takes 74 of them to make a heart, but, they are so pretty. Want to make one for each sister and my Mom and two daughters and daughter-in-law. Don't know if the granddaughters would really appreciate it. But, I went over there about 11:30 a.m. and by 12:45 I had one done! Next one is going to be an iridescent capri blue! Linda.... wasn't concerned about the beads, just need my "stackers" back. I think I'm going to put in an order to FireMountain for some more beads. But I really need to get at the rests of my unfinished projects, too!! iPad and new laptop were purchased with some of my insurance money from the accident. Will save the rest for our next vacation. Haven't yet played with the new laptop. And maybe not tonight because we're going to a performance at the clubhouse tonight. http://www.freddiepelletier.com/index.html We've heard them before but not for a few years. Very talented, and funny! I think we're going early for ice cream! Not a good idea! I had a big weight gain at TOPS yesterday. Back on track w/exercise and food. But they usually have skinny cows or low cal option. One week from today we will be in Cabo! Leave next Friday morning at 7a.m.

Good morning everyone~ Sorry for my lack of posting but I have had dss and dsd over. The house was crazy! Michelle-I am so sorry that you are in pain. When should you get to see your dr? Kat-I love green chiles...especially in cheese dip Jenn-depends on how cute he is :wink3: Suzanne-when are ya'll gonna be in this area? When are you leaving for your trip? You gonna call me? questions, questions, questions...lol (if you have answered these questions, please forgive me and reanswer them) Terri-sorry you are hungry but it will pass. My stomach used to growl all the time. You will be so glad you went through this! How is the weight loss going? Cindy-so tell me...how ya liking this HEAT! omg, it has been unreal, right? I am so ready for winter it is not even funny. So signs of fall in the south!! Angela-I saw about the creme broulee (sp).....ummm, have you made it yet? Everyone...well, I have done FANTASTIC since I saw that HUGE weight gain and I have lost 11 pounds. I am very proud. It has not been easy, but I am doing it. And today I will strive to have another good day :thumbup: Detoxing from ice cream is not easy. For those of you who do not know me that well, ice cream is my drug of choice. Last week I had some and I told dh when i was done "I can honestly tell you that I did not enjoy that AT ALL". I meant it too. So, while detoxing, I am just remembering that bowl and how I was not pleased. That has made it easier (somewhat). On a happy note, I found out that icees (which I am also addicted to) are only 65 calories for 8 oz. WHEW! :w00t: The great thing about that is I do not have an icee machine. lol, I have to drive to the store to get it. Icees are SO refreshing in 100 degree heat. So, I am rambling now so I will just go.... OH...one more thing...dh has lost 2 pounds too. We are rockin' this thing! Have a great day ladies (and gent)

I DID IT!!! I finally broke though to the 120s! So excited this morning to see 129.6! I want to maintain between 128 - 132. I feel like I am there! At six months old I was pulled off formula and put on skim milk due to excessive weight gain. I do not remember a day in my life when I was not trying to lose weight or thinking about how out of control my weight was. I have to say that NOT wanting to lose more weight is really a foreign and kind of scary feeling! I guess it's going to take time to get used to it! Carol

For me, I used to look like Sophia Loren in my 20's. I was about 125. But, then emotionally over the years, a bad marriage and big weight gain. I was about 220 and I lost about 20 lbs. Being infatuated with a gorgeous man. Then the weight gain was 20 lbs. Reaching 240. I looked pregnant and all I want to do was sleep. I was addicted to cookies, jellybeans and carbs I hated my body. Also, my Blood pressure and Pre-Diabetic readings showed that I was headed for 300 lbs. So, I'm 218 lbs. Now. I can't wait to get below 200 lbs. I'm working out and eating Pureed foods at the moment. People would tell me "You're just voluptuous. You are not eligible because you aren't 400 lbs.". But, I was unhappy and I was eligible. I will lose about 70 lbs. And maybe a little more. It's been 3.5 weeks and I'm being good. I love how I feel. I have so much energy. I live in a mobile home with a tiny bathtub. I know how much I've gained by how I feel in this tub. So, even a smaller body is desired by me. My BMI was 46. , so I qualified.

Yes I agree Wishfull, I have had all my adult life fighting weight gain. I lose some and look and feel better and then it all goes back on again plus some. I felt really depressed that this was the way my life was going to be forever that I had to do something drastic and this is it. It's something that we can't really afford and are having to take out a loan, but my hubby is soooo supportive and agrees that its the best way forward now. I don't imagine it will be easy, and I dare say I will get fed up, BUT I am determined to make it work. I don't think I will say anything about it to anyone, like you say its no-ones business and I am still losing the weight, not the band! x

Hello all......the last couple of days have been hard....I'm sick of liquids and have been testing my chewing abilities to see if I can eat or chew something more substantial, but I then feel guilty and return to eating soup and other liquids, feeling like I'm not giving it time to heal properly. This morning I used 1/2 a banana, 1 scoop vanilla creme and a slim fast and mixed it in the bullet...wow, it was good and it has kept me full for hours!!! I think most of it is just head hunger and the fact that I'm being lazy..... My one week follow up tomorrow......keep my fingers crossed that they will allow me to move to mushies!! Forgive - sorry to hear your weight gain, but I would just put it down to water retention of your on-coming "that time of the month".....next week will be a whole new ballgame!! Phyl - Just wanted to say thanks for the heads-up on the group meeting in my area, met two new people who have been banded for a long time and hope to meet more next month!! Lynette - sounds like you love your work and they love you.....that's a great place to be. I can really "hear" the satisfaction in your posts!! Marcy - Doritos? Wow......can those really go down?

I don't really have a secret as well, I guess. With people around me wanting to lose weight or wanting to prevent weight gain, they sometimes ask the people around them about "their secret" (including me, even the ones who know about surgery, which strikes me quite odd). Most seem to answer with "moderation" and I see them eating salads and lots of vegetables but also sweets and pastries or French Fries etc. as well. Two petite women come to my mind when I think about this and one of the male colleagues in his 50s. You never know if they're struggling inside but they don't give the impression of doing so. At least there seems to be this interesting difference between them and the colleagues who e. g. are into the new weight watchers program. It appears... more relaxed. I can't pinpoint it, it's just some kind of vibe I get. Anyway, when I mulled this whole stuff over I came up with some "big three" so to say. Two might be seen as guidelines or rules, one is just the way things are (the secret??). 1) Whatever you plan to change - ask yourself if you're willing to change it forever. Going to the gym regularly five days a week for two hours straight might sound like a good plan for now but is it sustainable for you when considering the rhythm of your life? 2) Overall lifestyle and personality. How high is your NEAT? Are you a fidgeter and not able to sit still? How physically demanding is your job? Do you e. g. bike to work and like it? Walk to the grocery store, even if it's only because it's too much of a hassle to inch your car out of the underground garage, through traffic, the store's parking lot, go back through traffic and inching it back into your parking space at home to get a few bread rolls? Do you take the stairs just because when you see the elevator is on the 10th floor you roll your eyes because you know that it will take ages to come down and it gets on your nerves simply thinking about waiting for it only to find it crammed with people and damn thing holding at every damn floor on your way up? Are you a more nervous person that tends to move more, exercise more to calm yourself down and have e. g. better quality of sleep? 3) Only eat foods you like. Don't eat anything you don't like just because it has little calories. Nothing wrong with experimenting and if you find a substitute for a higher calorie food you really like and don't feel deprived eating it instead of the original stuff - go for it because why not? I buy new products or try new recipes as well. If it tastes good, is not much of a hassle to prepare and don't need to spend a fortune on one portion of it I'm going to buy/cook it again. If I don't like the product, no matter how little calories or how healthy it might be, I won't buy/cook it again. I might not throw it into the trash bin (depends on how awful I think it tastes) but I definitely won't have it again. Not eating foods you like and substituting them with foods you think taste awful will leave you feeling deprived. Diet fatigue won't be far away then.