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While Iggy's story can be the case, do know it can be relatively smooth sailing too. Here is my almost 2 week post-op story. Yes, I know I am not out of the woods yet and can develop a leak or some other complication. -- No major pain after surgery, other than my wrist arm swelling from the vein they blew -- still hurts -- No major gas pain -- No nausea -- No close calls with throwing up -- Able to drink fluids relatively easily, albeit slowly -- Moved to full liquids per my Dr's plan easily -- I am getting 60+ grams of protein, and close to the 64 oz of fluid (remembering to sip water and waiting the 30+ minutes after is annoying) -- Since moving to full liquids, I am been getting 600 to 700 calories in, is that too much? -- Finally lost the water weight gain plus, and an additional 4.2 lbs since the surgery for a total of nearly 12 lbs -- Traveled to my client site and worked pretty much my same routine of super fulls days, i.e, 10+ hours (yes, I did crash as soon as I got back to the hotel) Now, for the minor complaint, when will my wrist along the vein stop hurting? It hurts to stretch the arm out and to touch it. OK, I know I will hit a stall, I am thinking moving to more solid foods might present a problem, I just know I will hit a road bump at some point and will be on here asking for help. But, until then, pre-op patients, please know that the ride can be smooth. I know so far I have been one of the lucky ones. Thank you to who ever is watching out for me, I really appreciate it. Personally, I attribute some of my smooth sailing to my lower BMI and being healthy going into the surgery. No heart complications, no high BP, etc. Mary

I'm 17 years out...About 6 months after my surgery in 2004, I developed consistent, debilitating migraines. I also started developing attitude issues, and was diagnosed bipolar. The theory was that my body chemistry changed after the surgery, causing these issues. I've had weight gain due to bad nutritional info, and have also developed Asthma. I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for... There were other medical issues, I had cancer, but I don't think that was related...

I completely understand what you are going thru. I felt the same way. For me, after soooo many disappointments, diet failures, massive weight gains (over and over again), the humiliation, physical pain, heqlth problems and limitations, and so on, we are scared to believe in anything. I questioned "could this be true? Get surgery and then lose the weight and associated health complications and embarrassment? And keep it off? It CAN'T possibly be for real! Maybe I'm letting myself in for more heartbreak by chasing this rainbow!" And then, scared half out of my wits, I went ahead with the surgery. I followed every rule to the t both pre- and post-op. And to be honest, unlike what some other sleevers report, this has not been an easy fix. But it IS a Godsend. This surgery has helped me tremendously, but at the end of the day, just like so many say, this is a tool, not a magic mystical pill. To me, it is VERY important for us to address our fears head-on. You are not crazy. You are facing your fear. Stare it down and never give up on yourself. This tool will work for you if you are willing to put in your share of the work. I wish I were one of those people who never got hungry and have to remind themselves to eat. I do get hungry, but not nearly like it was pre-op. My restriction is not as much as some others have but it IS there, and it is very helpful. I am 3.5 months out (surgery 10.17.11) and have lost 64.4 pounds. I can now pretty easily consume about 4 oz of protein plus a few bites of veggies per meal. I am still fighting head hunger and trying to resist nighttime snacking. And I am trying to exercise (walking for now since my hips, ankles and feet are pretty much shot from intense pounding whilst obese) 4 to 5 days a week. So yes, there is effort on my part. But I am so glad I had the surgery. I am attending monthly support group mtgs and read helpful and motivating posted on this forum. I hope this reads as it is intended: as a helpful and compleltley no BS account of my WLS experience. No pretend sunshine; no dramatic negativity. You are worth this. You can meet success. I believe in both of us!

I think you should be ok just stick to it as best as you can Its important and I think you will be very happy with the surgery I know I am Im at almost 90 pds lost and last summer I was feeling so lost and out of control and not having a way to stop the weight gain this was the only way for me.

Both the weight gain and the hunger are normal. Like the other said, the extra weight will come off quickly and once your new stomach heals a bit the hunger will disappear. I'm only 16 days post-op, and for me it took 2 full weeks for my hunger to go away. Hang in there and be encouraged. Things will come together in time. All the best, Niki

I am almost 2 years out - sleeved in 2010. My struggles are that I can eat whatever I want. This has helped me to regain a little weight from my lowest (9 lbs ago) Post surgery is all about choices once you are healed. Because slider foods are easy (chips/candy/junk) goes in and out of the stomach with little resistance, now I can eat more than I hoped even with the sleeve. If I stick with the plan and make great choices, I don't gain weight and can even lose weight. Decisions - good or bad food. This is what maintenance is all about. I have no regrets save not doing this sooner for myself. Best wishes in your choice ahead. Edit for another post: It is really hard to confess when you have gained back some weight. Ignorance is not the reason I gained weight back, my stupidity and gluttony is the reason. I allowed sweets along with unlimited sliders back into my life. Working towards losing back the weight. I am still well within normal range of weight even with weight gain. Just don't want to get out of hand, so I progress towards my lowest (Think I was too skinny though for my height)

It's wonderful you're following up with your doctor again. It is entirely possible that a band that's too tight can slow your weight loss. In fact, it can even result in weight gain. It's great that you're realizing this and letting your doctor help you through it. Have a look at this article, I think you'll find it very interesting: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 Best wishes!

I think yes cash pay. That’s what my situation is as I’m still considered low BMI despite significant weight gain after my band was removed.

What a great article.!! Makes me feel a little better knowing there are so many factors that may contribute to weight gain. I'm looking forward to my "fizz" scan next week. At least I'll finally know what the problem is with my 6 month weight stall. I have to learn to stop focusing on the negatives & get my mind in a more positive frame of mind! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was taken off metformin by my primary prior to surgery because he assumed I wouldn't need it because I was going "lose weight". I have most of the signs of pcos and he thought I had it but was never told definatively that I did have it. I have facial hair, but I'm blond so I'm lucky and shave. Have/had type II diabetes Have so many skin tags that I can't count and want to wear turtlenecks all the time! My periods are six weeks apart give or take a day or a week or whatever but I'm almost 48 and don't plan on having anymore children anyway Can't go on the pill because I get/had blood clots in my legs Really bad dandruff Had a few uterine cysts but got an oblation Forgot on meds for anxiety and depression clonapen and cymbalta Naturally I have a weight problem and have put 20 pounds plus since surgery Anyone with advice. I was put on synthroid for an inactive thyroid that was just discovered prior to surgery but still gained back all my weight and feel like a loooooser!!! but not the right kind of loser!!!! Never lost weight after being banded 7 months ago, lost it during the medifast phase. I see my surgeon on the 22nd of this month so I don't know what he's going to do with me:confused: Thanks, brandyII

kamicola, thanks for all the info, you sound like you know what you're talking about. I was originally sent to an endocrinologist when my gen practitioner thought I had pcos and also was found to have high blood sugar at that time but she said my thyroid was "normal" and put me on metformin and said "don't think that you're going to lose weight on this drug". I was like well I didn't but okay???? She had a really bad bedside manner and I had this feeling she hated fat people, I don't remember why I got this impression because it was a few years ago but I remember the feeling. Anyway I ended up losing about 20 pounds after that because I went on a diet drug that I don't remember anymore. Went back to her and she didn't change anything but they did take a blood test every time I went in and that was a big twice! My gen pract. had then written the Rxs for metformin. Then, probably about 5 years later I decided to have lap band surgery and my surgeon was pretty thorough and he sent me through all sorts of testing. It was the blood test that I had done through them that caught the thyroid issue. I've heard there's a thyroid test that is very expensive and many don't have that test done, maybe that's what the one that caught the problem. I did a follow up with their endocrinologist and she's the one that put me on synthroid and I told her how I had been on metformin but my gen pract. took me off and didn't renew my prescription because I had lap band surgery (still hadn't gained it back yet) and she's the one that thought that was weird and I also told her how I never tested my blood sugar because no one told me to or how and was never given a kit. Anyway she whips one out and shows me how to use it and tested it right there so now I have one. Unfortunately she never wanted me to follow up with her but did order some tests so I made an appointment anyway. Probably because I went there for pre-op to lap band and she possibly thought I'd see another endo or something, I have no idea but my script from her for synthroid runs out in a couple months so I'll have to find another doctor because she moved to another office much further than I want to travel. Sorry for making this so long and I hope I'm making sense and not just rambling. OKay, I had surgery the end of last August and have put back all the weight I had previously lost on Medifast prior to surgery. I don't know why I totally screwed this up but you've said and so have others that I need to see the endocrinologist. I understand that I should take this into my own hands and find a new one, which by the way, there aren't that many endos here for some reason, but do you think this could be related to my weight gain? I can get on the scale one day and be five pounds heavier, it's awful. I tested my blood sugar yesterday and fasting was 125 but I kept it down most of the day with just one spike in the 250s and that was 2 hours after lunch which was mostly Protein. I don't drink any sugar drinks and rarely alcohol. Anyway hate to lay this all on you but you seemed to know a lot about this and God knows when I'll get an appt. with a new endo. Thanks for listening, brandyII.:regular_smile:

. I can always lose more weight but at 35 my chances of getting pregnant again go down. Dont worry about weight gain, its part of growing a human being!!

I am on my last month of physician supervised visits, and I get the same discouragement from my surgeon, even when I went to Support Group meeting the people who had Lap Band seemed to struggle with weight loss though they were all losing it was at a much slower rate than bypass. When I mentioned that I was undecided as to which surgery to choose lap band or bypass (sleeve is not option for me) all by passers were very quick to push bypass while the lap banders sat quietly while I gave my reasons why I was leaning toward lap band. Then slowly one by one they encouraged me to continue on that path because even though they were losing slowly that were all very happy with their decision. Also, when I looked around the room the lap banders were they ones with great skin color, bright eyes, and no hair loss. That stuck with me the most, yes,I need to lose weight but I want to do it with the best long term health consequence. I do not want to become deficit in other areas. I need something to guide me toward making the right choices to lose weight and change my bad habits. Lap band, I feel is that tool, along with support from my WLS center, websites like this, and good support system I am finally going to win this war of unhealthy weight gain.

My "this is it" happened this past week. I reached 220 and I am uncomfortable daily. I am 5 ft 3 and successful except for this area of my life. I see myself in a window of a shop and I am startled by my weight gain, embarassed of my vacation pictures and really avoiding social situations. I have lurking on weight losss sites for two years but really thought it was all about me not being in control of myself. I have tried multiple diets, pills, personal training etc. I am glad I am doing this because it is the only selfish thing I have done for myself. I dont think it is magic but it is a powereful tool that will help me reach my goals!

I have gained weight, lost weight, gained weight and lost weight again. There have even been a few times that I lost over 50 lbs and still gained it back plus more. I'm a little over a year since my VSG and it was the BEST decision of my life! No more yoyou dieting to only gain it back. The sleeve limits the amount of food you can eat at one time which helps a lot! Unfortunately, you will still be able to "graze" throughout the day and will put weight back on if your not careful BUT it's nothing like before the VSG. I will notice I'm putting on a few pounds and then I'll stop the grazing for awhile and get back in control and my weight goes back down. I personally would never have been able to keep the weight off without the VSG. Prior to my VSG I kept asking myself the same questions that you are...I can do it myself. I have before, so why not again? and am I just being stupid and taking the "easy way out"? These statements/questions are all too common from people like you, me and members on this site. Almost all of us on here have lost weight before on our own...the problem is...keeping it off and keeping our weight under control. Yes, you definately have cold feet as most of us did. I have no regrets doing the VSG and have recommended it to many of my friends and family members. Good luck and if you need to lose the weight one more time on your own then do so but if you want to get to the end of the insanity of yoyo dieting and exercising then I recommend keeping your appointment and going through with the VSG. It's such a personal decision that nobody is going to be able to tell you one way or the other of what to do. Be honest with yourself and really evaluate what you want. Good luck on your journey!

i think the danger in grazing is people don't realize how many calories they are taking in on a given day. You are supposed to eat every 2-3 hours. Ive been told to have 3 meals and two snacks. I think the difference is mainly that your meals and snacks are planned, weighed out and calculated where as grazing you are just kind of going through the day picking here and there. The serving portions and calories just run away from you. I think if you make good, healthy, low calorie, high protein choices, then grazing won't cause weight gain.

If your BP medication was a diuretic, then water weight gain could certainly be the cause

Weight gain or Salt? Odds are you are gaining some muscle mass / retaining some water. I assume you aren't tracking your body fat %. Because it's very possible you've gained "weight" but lost fat. There have been a LOT of times when this has happened to me, I'll gain a pound or so but lose a few tenths of a % of body fat. If you are hitting your intake goals and consuming less calories than you burn in a day... then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I dreaded telling my husband because he would think the same way I did when I first contemplated this ...it just seemed so extreme, it doesn't now the more I educate myself about it and here all these success stories. He actually found out on his own when he got on our shared computer and kept seeing this web site narrowed down at the bottom. He laughes and doesn't think I'll actually go through with it and of course gave me the lecture about starting today ...eat right exercise etc. and I'll see in a few weeks I'll lose the weight....I kept my 10 year intense weight loss battle mostly to myself I guess. I felt like this last weight gain after a stellar 4 month effort of marathon training and healthy eating just did me in....it was the straw!!!!!

I have felt that very same thing! I have been having to go onto Meal Replacement packs which is costing more money on top of aready money spent on the Gastric Baloon which perforated on the stomach.. Then to have it removed and the band fitted which then the PORT Flipped and have it resited.. So not a Good Journey for me thus far on this Battle with the Flab. I have to restrict what I eat ridgidly.. I think I will need a bit more of a fill soon I was told I had 5mls in the band.t I can eat soft bread and chicken.. Rice and breast of chicken drier meats get stuck.. But never get that really full feeling. I can also feel the food going through the band. I am not sure if this is meant to happen so readily?? I am restricting my own intake.. ..I think the only thing the band is doing for me is to stop larger amounts going down which helps avoid the weight gain..I can maintain but losing has been harder at my age.. Menopuse 54. Grrrr Oh well onwards >>>> Dawn

Has anyone ever gained weight during your pre-op liquid diet? I'm on day 7 and every day the scale was lower and lower, but today I'm 2 lbs heavier. :/ I'm wondering if my metabolism is slowing down and storing fat. Can that be a possibility?

If you don't want to read the whole dang story just move onto the colored text at the very bottom of this post. I am so conflicted right now! My husband and I have always planned on having a large family. However I'm starting to feel like I'd be the dumbest person alive to actually INTENTIONALLY get pregnant after getting WLS and reaching goal. Especially considering how much it costs out of pocket for us to get pregnant without insurance for my infertility issues!!! We can certainly afford both......but I can't help but feel like maybe I'm being stupid not waiting to get the VSG. But then, when the thought of waiting occurs to me.....I feel like hell because I know that we will have to wait at least 2 years (as usual) to even begin TTC, and with my infertility/pcos it'll be more like at least 3 years to actually fall pregnant. That is so long to remain unhealthy and unable to enjoy my life with my children. I fear becoming diabetic and getting hbp and high cholesterol as I'm already bordeline...and it's only getting worse the longer I wait to lose all this weight! I also feel like if I waited for the WLS, I'd be stealing a further 3 years plus from my children to have a normal healthy mom who can do everything with and for them that a mom should! UGH! So confused. The thing is.....Both times I've been pregnant, I have had IUGR babies due to my severe loss of appetite coupled with the first two trimesters of nausea. I lose 20-30 lbs everytime I become pregnant, and that effects the growth of the babies not getting enough nutrients like they should. I always thought that even if I wasn't getting any food, the baby was supposed to be fine as he would just take from my body, and the ill effects would just be mine, and mine alone! That is what the doctors told me the BOTH times. But apparently they changed their minds after I had my second child the same way! This last pregnancy I had gestational diabetes, which wasn't even a concern the first time. Both babies weighed approximately 4lbs at birth, and had stopped growing at 37 weeks, and were always measuring 2+ weeks smaller during all of the ultrasounds. Proving that they were not getting what they needed to grow properly. Thank goodness they are both incredibly healthy now and are doing exceptionally well and are not only caught up, but hitting milestones far ahead of their age groups! But the problem still remains, because of my weight and the ever looming PCOS, and pregnancy hormones making me severely ill and causing my loss of appetite due to the PCOS....it's a never ending cycle you know? I know that if I lost the weight, I'd no longer have PCOS, my hormones would be healthy and normal for once. And any pregnancy from then on forward could only be healthier. My doctors say the same thing. However, we are simply not ready to get pregnant so soon yet as the little one is only 8 months today. However, if I do get the WLS and hit goal by 1 year and maintain for the 2 years after, and THEN decide to get pregnant, I fear that I might just actually GAIN all the weight back trying to EAT and KEEP THINGS DOWN this time around. I know that any time I become pregnant in the future I am dedicated to eating ALOT, whether I can keep it down or not, and eating very healthy despite weight gain or whatever else. I CANNOT have IUGR babies any longer, and my doctor agrees that I am one of those women who absolutely need to eat twice as much in order to keep the growing child healthy. Because of this, I feel like I may ruin all of my success after WLS. Basically.....I just wanted to know if any of you knows what the likelyhood of gaining all of my weight back and becoming unhealthy like I am today after the procedure is? I don't want to get the procedure now, and have a pregnancy throw me off and back on the train to imminent disease and early death! But, I don't want to not have any more children either. That is just not fair to my husband, and not to myself. Very selfish of me if that thought ever even occurred to me, which it wouldn't! I know some of you will say that I simply should not have any more children, especially since I have 2 already and my pregnancies barely go well. But my doctor's have pinpointed the actual problem and are willing, as am I, to do anything (even if it means to become hospitalized for the first 2 trimesters in order to keep an eye on my food/appetite and the babies growth) to keep the same from happening again. My doctors have both suggested that WLS would be the best option for me, for my health AND for the health of my future pregnancies and children in so many ways. But............why can't I shake the fear that if I end up pregnant after the procedure and eat like I'm supposed to, and successfully gain weight (albeit 11-20 lbs only, since that is the goal my docs have for me since I always lose weight during pregnancy) that I won't be able to get rid of it and then I'll eventually be back where I am because my stomach will have stretched due to the eating!!! Am I losing my mind here (my doctor sure thinks I am) or are my fears legitimate and rational? In a nutshell: I am afraid of gaining the weight back if I fall pregnant 2-3 years after the procedure. I have a habit of losing too much weight DURING a pregnancy, and gaining it back plus some immediately afterwards when I regain my appetite that was suppressed due to my reaction to the hormones during gestation. I can't decide if I should have the surgery now or after I'm through having children. My dilemma is: If I have all of the children I want than I will be waiting 5+ years to have the WLS, and will be in a much much worse place health-wise by then, than I am now. I feel like I'll have stolen those years from my children's lives as well, they deserve all of their mommy...not just what she can barely give. Not to mention the fact that who knows where we may be financially in 5+ years, yes we do have it well planned....but goodness, in this day and age of recession ya never really know do you? Insurance so far, isn't an option, who's to say it would be in the future. I just want to know if you guys think what I fear is likely? If so, how likely is it? Has this happened to anyone after the VSG and having fallen pregnant? If I exercise and keep my calories/carbs down will that help. I just fear that the extra eating I'll have to do to gain enough healthy weight during a pregnancy will stretch my stomach and it will be a never-ending cycle afterwords.

I personally like to lose inches because sometimes you are exchanging fat for muscle so the scale can lie to you at times. About the weight gain, I always put on a few pounds before my period due to fluid retention...just always keep that in mind. Good luck!

My surgeon shares the following poem with all of his WLS patients. I was shocked so much of this was true for me and I think this helped me come to terms with some of my issues. There were also a lot of tears shed as I tried to read it to my husband. LISTEN TO THE LIFE OF THE MORBIDLY OBESE Author Unknown LISTEN to the embarrassment we encounter in our everyday life. The name-calling, stares, rude comments and looks of disgust we endure battling the last acceptable form of discrimination. People we meet that give us a far wider berth than we need when passing us on the street, in the hall ... in life. Afraid that somehow our disease of obesity might be contagious. LISTEN to our apprehension as we expertly eye the chair. Will we break it, or will we fit. Will we ever fit into life, as "normal" people know it? LISTEN to our agony as we just walk and perform the simple activities of daily living on joints screaming in pain from an incredible burden they were never meant to carry. LISTEN to the pain of our humiliation when ridiculed by a doctor for "allowing" ourselves to get so fat. Realizing even the doctor's office is not a "safe" place, we tend to neglect our health even more. Hey doctor, didn't you take an oath to help? LISTEN to our hopelessness after being turned down over and over for a job or promotion because we don't "match the corporate image" of the person they envision for this position. LISTEN to our guilt. Because of our size, we feel we've cheated those we love out of the parent, spouse, child or friend we feel we should've been. Our embarrassment has now become theirs as well. LISTEN to our anticipation as we eagerly embark on yet another diet. THIS will be the one. This time I WILL SUCEED! LISTEN to our frustration as once again we fail at another attempt to lose weight, reinforcing once again our feelings of worthlessness, failure and defeat. LISTEN to our fear for what life holds if we don't have surgery. We try to ignore it, to stuff it down, but when we are brutally honest with ourselves, we realize an early death is an almost certainty. LISTEN to our indecision as we do extensive research, trying to outweigh the risk of complications (up to and including death) versus the chance of a new life. A chance to improve our health, move without pain, play with our children, the opportunity to just "fit in" to society. LISTEN to our indecision as we second-guess our decision to have surgery. As we ask ourselves, "Should I try just one more diet?" ... And tell ourselves, "If I only had more willpower." Knowing that willpower isn't the whole answer. LISTEN to us as we eagerly meet with the surgeon, with our five-page, single-spaced, list of questions in hand. Let down by the medical profession in the past, can I really trust this person who looks at me with compassion, as he assures me I'm a "good candidate" and he can help? Please God, I want to believe him, tell me I'm not setting myself up for failure once again. LISTEN to our feelings of helplessness as we place our future in the hands of an insurance company. Fully aware that with a simple denial letter, all the work we have done to this point, may be pointless. This surgery is not without cost, physical, emotional and monetary. LISTEN to our joy as we open the long awaited "approval letter" or obtain financing to make this dream a reality. LISTEN to us as we grasp for a chance at improved health, of moving with ease and just living life as a "normal" person. LISTEN to our renewed hope of living long enough to see our children grow up, get married, play with grandchildren and grow old alongside our mate. LISTEN to our fear as we roll into the surgical suite. The sights, the smells, the needles, the faceless people behind the masks. Do you care? Do you understand, or will you too make cracks about my weight once I'm asleep? My life is now in your hands, please take care of me. I have a brand new life ahead of me, and so much to live for. LISTEN to the Sigh of relief as we wake up in pain ... but alive! Stand up, walk a few steps, cough and deep breathe. Sure nurse, whatever you say, I can handle it ... because I'm alive! LISTEN to our delight as the weight starts to drop off, realizing this is for real. We are actually on the losing side. LISTEN to our misery as the body we once knew so well, now betrays us with nausea and vomiting when we attempt to eat. LISTEN to our frustration as we attempt to do something as simple as drinking a glass of Water. LISTEN to our panic at the first plateau or weight gain. As that little voice inside tells us, "Once again I'm a failure." LISTEN to us relax and let out our breath as we watch the numbers on the scale edge down once again. Plateau over. Renewed hope. Maybe I will make it after all. LISTEN to our efforts to move as we slowly and painfully attempt to exercise in a body that is still morbidly obese. LISTEN to our confusion as our emotions wreck havoc with us. Why am I crying? Why do I feel depressed? Why am I mean and snapping at the ones I love? I don't like this person that has taken over my emotions. LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment the first time we walk a mile. It rivals the high of any runner completing their first marathon. LISTEN to our depression when we realize we can no longer soothe our emotions with food. We now have to learn to feel and deal with these emotions. LISTEN to our tears as we mourn the loss of that brief but satisfying sensation of gratification we once obtained from the "comfort foods" we can no longer have. LISTEN to our obsession surrounding the scale, Vitamins, Protein drinks and carb counts, determined not to fail "this time". LISTEN to our sense of accomplishment as we pass up that calorie laden, high carbohydrate treat, telling ourselves, "My new life is sweeter than any dessert." LISTEN to our elation as we reach that "century mark" that once seemed so distant, but now is a reality. LISTEN to our resolve to reach our goals. Moving the weight on the scale down another notch, reaching a new "century" of numbers, wearing the dream outfit and attaining our "goal" weight. LISTEN to the gratefulness in our hearts as we thank our surgeon for not only their technical skills, but equally important, their understanding and compassion for the morbidly obese. Thank you doctor for the opportunity to rejoin society and live a fulfilling life. LISTEN to our amazement as we come to the realization that "reaching goal" wasn't the most important thing in life. It was the lessons we learned, the friends we made and the sense of accomplishment we gained along the way. LISTEN, don't talk, don't give advice, don't judge, just listen. And then, maybe then, you will start to understand the life of a morbidly obese person.

I too have had a hysterectomy, and although I still have my ovaries, I have had menopausal symptoms. My dr. referred to them as post-surgical ovarian failure. My weight increased by 20 lbs. almost immediately after the hyster and has since been impossible to remove anything gained, resulting in even more weight gain. I am too young to safely take oral HRT until age 50 and HRT patches burned my skin. I really hope that a lack of hormones will not hinder my weight loss after lap-band!!! :bored: