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Hi! Paxil is a NOTORIOUS weight gainer! You're lucky you've been able to keep the 12 lbs. off that you lost. I've seen many people gain 5-10 lbs. A MONTH on Paxil. Of course, this doesn't happen to everyone, but Paxil has gained the reputation as one of the antidepressants that can cause the most weight gain. While everyone is different, have you tried Lexapro? In MOST patients it is weight neutral and in some can help w/weight loss at the beginning of use. Good Luck! Give yourself a pat on the back that you have been able to keep that intial weight loss and not gain more. One thing I will say, though, never stop taking your meds without talking to your doctor and you will probably have to be weaned off the Paxil slowly, in increments, if that's what you and your doctor decide.

It sounds to me as if you may be going into a manic episode. When I start to lose wieght it is easier for me to have them too. Just make an appointment with your doc and see if he can give you something to ease your irratability. I would also mention to him any other symptoms you have been having and the fact that you are banded and trying to lose weight as several of the mood stabilizer meds can cause weight gain.

Has ANYONE else found that medications they were on was partly to blame for their slow weight loss? I am 18 mos out from banding and have only lost 12-15 pounds - and that was during the pre-op diet - haven't gained or lost since surgery. This is VERY frustrating to me. No, I am not a perfect eater, and no, I don't exercise religiously. I'm also not blaming my slow weight loss entirely on medications. However, I do take Paxil and birth control daily. Are these making it more difficult to lose the weight, than if I weren't on them? I know there is documented proof that weight gain is a side effect of birth control; however, that is not a side effect listed on my information from the pharmacy for the Paxil. Although, I have heard many, many times that anti-depressants can cause weight gain. So, if they cause weight gain, is there a chance that they are hindering my weight loss? I have given up so many things (ice cream, pop, etc.)that I feel I should have lost SOME weight by now. What do you think?? Please let me know - I'd like someone to either validate my concern or tell me I'm crazy. Thanks

Thanks for the replies. That makes me feel better. I need to stop reading the baby books. As for weight gain, I didn't gain any weight during the first 11 weeks (because of band restriction), and then I got unfilled and gained 6 pounds in the last two weeks. In the last few days I am hungy ALL THE FREAKING TIME! I don't know if this is because I'm pregnant or unfilled (probably a combo of the both). I'm trying to make good decisions and eating lots of fruits and veggies. But yesterday, I literally HAD to eat every single hour because my stomach was growling. I almost gave up and went to the McDonalds to get a double quarter pounder with cheese, but I held on. I know I shouldn't care too much about weight gain because it's about doing what's best for the baby and not necessarily caring about my figure right now. But with my predisposition for gestational diabetes (my mother is Type I and I'm obviously overweight), I'm worried that giving in to the Reece's Peanut Butter cups isn't the best decision right now. Good luck to us all. This is a tough time, but I'm hoping it gets better.

Just checking in! I am not getting on the scale today. I'm scared my 283 was a fluke! So not going to weigh!!! I'm keeping that 51 lbs! Everyone says I look good. I can't really tell a difference yet. Clothes are fitting loser/better. Maybe have to get some new jeans soon. The ones I have are so nice but they are stretch and after like an hour they are falling off me. They fit nice when they go on right out of the wash/dryer! I have to share this story because only you guys will appreciate just how thoughtful this was. I belong to a Mommy/play group. One of the Mother's Husband is an Oncologist. I had read that cancer patients and bariatric patients drink a lot of the same protein drinks. So I asked her if her husband had any samples or anything in his office for his patients. He didn't have anything that was good for me, because he is encouraging weight gain usually and not weight lose. So, yesterday we went to their house for their son's first birthday party. He was so excited to see me, and he bought me 20 of the pre-made EAS drinks from Wal-Mart!! Now, we all know how much the pre-made drinks cost. How sweet was that???

I'm 16 weeks and I still have no signs of pregnancy.. so.. don't feel bad!! I feel fat when I push on my belly, and no kicks or anything exciting. I am also 6'0 and due to my first trimester weight gain (ahem) I am back to needing to lose 50lbs.

For me, the biggest advantage to going low carb is that when I eat carbs, I crave more carbs. This causes weight gain, not weight loss. I wish I could get them out of my diet completely, and when I do, I am a much happier person. Then someone brings chocolate chip Cookies to work, and all my will power goes out the window.

Most anit depressants do cause weight gain.Birth control can cause weight gain too. The only thing you can do to combat these medications is lots and lots of cardio. See my post above to see if you are exercising in your target heart rate for weight loss. You need to do at least 5 days a week in your target heart rate for at least 45 min each time. I had to hire a trainer to get me there and learn all of this, but it was worth it.

I just wanted to say that about 3 years ago I quit smoking and, without changing my eating habits, I gained weight...weight gain is very common when you quit smoking...hang in there you'll be okay!!! Try a hobby if you feel the need to munch on something...I took up crocheting and painting...anytime I feel hungry for a snack I start crocheting and then I don't want to stop Good luck

It's out. I had a stack sitting on the porch when hubby got home last night and he took care of it. Probably took it to work. My official weight this morning was 212. Ugh. A 3 pound weight gain this week. A bit of a wake up call. It's all my eating because my exercise hasn't changed at all.

Georgia... WTG Girl!!!! I'm so happy for you! Now you are all set for Sat. Don't worry about the weight gain... it'll come off! Renewed... keep on sittin around and heal up so you can continue to kick whosya's butt! Sugar... sounds like we are both very close in our battle. Its totally emotional now for me! I so badly want to get to Onederland, but also to that 100lb mark, which comes close on the heals of Onederland. I'll cheer for you and you cheer for me! Leslie... congrats on getting back to running. I hope you're still going for the race on Sat with Georgia. It'll be a good motivator for you. Well, I didn't get my run in today. I rolled over when the alarm went off instead of getting up, and now I'm just pooched! I knew it was going to be hard to get in a routine for running once back to work... but I'll do it!

Has anyone that hasn't lost like they thought they should, found that a medication they were on was responsible? I know some medications cause weight gain, appetite changes, etc. I take Paxil and oral birth control and am wondering if either of these or possibly both are partly to blame for my EXTREMELY slow weight loss (banded 18 mos and down 15 pounds!!!!):thumbup:

i am currently 17 years old and weigh about 180 lbs. Writing in this forum is especially hard for me because for first off im having to actually finally accept the fact that i am over weight. The weight gain all started about two years ago...and in 2005 i weighed in at 98 pounds exactly. I have been small my entire life untill now and it is extremly hard having to cope with the new way of life im forced to live with. Three years ago i was sexually, emotionally and pyshically abused, after living in that situation for 11 months i came out of it a wreck. I was diagnosed with post tramatic stress disorder and had to undergo extensive therapy,hyonotherapy and a wide variety of medications. All of which seemed to get me out of my depressed state. What i didnt notice was i began gaining weight like crazy and i had no clue why. My entire body is coverd with stretch marks from gaining around 90 pounds in two years. I feel and look completly disgusting. I was once a 98 pound, active healthy happy girl. Since the weight gain came on, ive found out that i have a auto immune disease called hashimoto thyroiditis which caused excessive weight gain. But once i found out i had it and began meds, nothing got any easier. I now have mild narcolepsy,chrons disease,major thyroid issues, and acid reflux. I also have back pains and joint pains. I continue to gain weight to this day and i am miserable. My mom was over weight and got the lap band surgery and it worked wonders on her...shes lost over 60 pounds and feels and looks amazing. I am really confused and afriad to even think about this surgery, or to even think that my weight is causing me to be unhealthy. Untill i found this forum i felt like no one would be there to listen or understand my situation. I have breifly mentioned it to my doctors and they said it would be really hard to get insurence to help out...did anyone else have that problem when trying to get the surgery? Do you think i would actually be a good candidate for the surgery?

WOW! Congratulations Jaime!! Lose weight, gain a baby....should be interesting times for you! Mom - are you planning on a tummy tuck? I would love to have one, but as I am still paying off this surgery, another one isn't in the cards for me. It's a glorious Tuesday morning - sun is shining, weather is uncharacteristically balmy, and I'm just feeling pumped today...gotta enjoy it all!

I've been banded for over 3 years. I got down to 160ish from 297. I quit working prior to getting preggo and ended up starting this pregnancy at 234. Well 24 weeks later I'm at 236 and having a heck of a time eating. Yes, I've only gained 2 pounds at 6 months gestation! Prior to getting preggo I also had my band completely unfilled while I was trying to figure out if I wanted to switch to GBS rather than to continue my bumpy road with the band, thus the pre-pregnancy weight gain. Now I have no interest in food. My OB is monitoring the grown of the baby and isn't yelling at me as long as she continues to grow correctly. I've had some nausea, dry hurling and occasional vomiting but nothing extreme just no interest in eating. Anyone else in this frustrating situation??

I'm 42 days out and had lost 15 lbs in 3weeks but am loosing and gaining the same 5 lbs since...no change in calories and maintaining exercise...what is this about? I've read many opinions about weight gain but if one is eating less than 1200 calories and exercising then one should lose wt. banded or not?!!! hope the fills make things more consistent and clear..puzzled right now..i am moving foward and just keeping with the program....come this far. Want to love the band:redface:

Hi all! I am 18 mos from surgery and the only weight I've lost was the 12-15 pounds preop. I haven't lost OR GAINED anything since surgery. SOOOOO FRUSTRATING. I'm not a perfect eater, though I do considerably better during the week than on the weekends. And, I don't exercise at all, outside of the usual go to work, come home, clean house, fix supper, do laundry (thank God my washer and dryer are in the basement, at least I have to go up and down the stairs), get the kids in bed and start all over the next day. I really need to kick up the exercise, and get more protein in. But, the real reason for my post is I feel like I have given up a lot with this band, and should be seeing more results than I am. I got to thinking about the medications I take and reading on the internet about them. It appears that both of them have been shown to cause weight gain, and I wonder if that isn't part of my problem??? Just wondered if anyone on here has actually found that medications were part of or all of the cause of their lack of losing or possibly gaining, despite the band? I'm not blaming the medications on my entire lack of success, because I know I have not been as faithful as I should be. In case anyone's interested, the medications I'm specifically wondering about are Apri (generic birth control) and Paxil. Let me know if anyone has come across this, or think that this could contribute to my problem. thanks

((Tracy)) keep us posted!! Hopefully it's just cysts or something! Haydee you looked super cute. I never did find my pirate costume, and about 15 minutes after handing out candy I changed into jeans & pumpkin t-shirt. Just got back from the gyno, took them a while to find the heartbeat, so I was getting nervous.. guess the nurse could tell cause she was going 'it's a little heart, it can be hard to find sometimes, don't worry!'. When she finds it, she always gives me this big sly smile that makes me feel akward--like I'm suppose to cry tears of joy, and my smile isn't adequate enough.. anyway. Normally it's been 150-160 bmp, which according to an old wives tale means it's a girl. Today it was 140 bmp, which according to old wives tale is a boy. My next appt (Dec. 8) they do the anatomy thing, and tell me if it's a boy or girl!! So excited. I told them DH doesn't want to know the sex, but he wants to be there for that ultrasound, so she was saying there's a slight chance he would be able to tell from the picture.. but I've looked up pictures of how they tell and it took me a lot of effort to figure out what I was looking at. Even little girls have 3 ball looking area, so I am fairly confident Russell will have no idea what he is seeing. Regardless, I will just tell the technician when to tell him to look away. Their parking is so bad, it's 2 small parking lots, that always fill up. I drove around 15m with no luck, so I finally illegally parked on a curb. I crossed my fingers I didn't get towed.. luckily I started a trend, a lot of people were parked on the curb when I came out, whew. They also looked at the rash on my back, she didn't want to touch it, she thinks it's ringworm. My GP thought it was ringworm and put me on meds, I did it for 2 weeks with no change so I stopped. She told me to try another cream.. Lotrimin I think. Doesn't both me though! She made a comment about my weight gain that made me want to melt into a puddle and hide. I know I'm gaining too much, I told her how I feel and I'm so hungry all the time. She said it's the progesterone, and asked if I should see a nutritionist.. no not really, it's not like I don't know how to eat.. she asked if the banding folks told me how to eat well-- yes, yes they did. It's not ignorance, it's.. will power. So whatever. Today Russ goes back on Atkins, I'm going to make a point to cut out sugars that aren't naturla (re: fruit). No more candy, cookies.. blah blah. Brought all my leftover halloween candy to work today, they betta eat it! Ok have a good one ya'll!

Good morning everyone, I'm originally from Boston, currently reside in Philadelphia, been here for almost 5yrs now. I'm a single mother of a beautiful 3 year old girl; she is my sunshine and an inspiration to turn my life around. Currently in school, take care of my mother and work full and part time. I was told to join the website because the members on this site keep it real and any question's I may have, I can most certainly find the answer's here. About myself, I'm 30 yrs old and about 5'9...weighing over 300lbs :smile2::rolleyes2::drool::crying:I can go on endlessly on how I feel. I've been battling with the weight gain for almost 10yrs now. My goal is to weigh 175lbs or fit into a size 8!!! I am sweets and a fast food eater :w00t:...dislike veggies and fruits, even water! :thumbup: I've tried, weight watchers, Ediets, Medifast, Cookie Diet, over the counter meds, you named it I've tried it!! I strongly feel by submitting myself to the Lap Band and join a great support group I can shed these pounds for good. I really can't do this alone; I've failed doing so for 10yrs. I really look forward being part of this site and hope to speak with those that can relate to me. :glare: Chika

38. if i could have gotten the band placed to PREVENT the weight gain in the first place - i would have.

Hi, I am 4 weeks post-op, feeling good, but I really wanted to update this thread ( with the advantage of hind sight of course) My surgery was in the morning, I was pretty groggy but cheerful, I rested that afternoon, but went for a short walk to a local shopping mall that night to pick up some groceries. Second day post op was quite good! I spent the whole day at the shopping mall with my wife. I walked lots, and rested at each bench just to make sure I didn't over do it. I started to break my fast with fruit juces and strain chicken noodle soup from Tim Hortons. By the end of the day, I was pretty tired. I felt so good on day 2, We were planning on going to Naigra Falls on Day 3 but my experience the night before was terrible. My stomache had finally woken up from the anestetic ( hindsight) and the gas production in my stomache was in full swing. I was taking gas-x every hour or so, and I was interpreting the stomach cramps as needing to poop. I spend a great deal of time eternally optimistic sitting on the toilet hoping for a bowel movement. Day 3's trip to Niagra Falls was cancelled. Day 4 - If I thought Day 3 was bad, day 4 was more of the same and worse. By this time, I had stopped taking the codiene because I thought I was constipated. I was into the children's liquid tylenol( sickening sweet, almost gagging), I was taking milk of magnesia, and was also trying to induce a bowel movement with glycerine suppositories. I had also noticed that I had reverted back to an almost a Water fast. Nothing but water was weakening the heck out of me, yet, I didn't feel like I could handle anything else. Anyways, I started to force down the protien shake. And, I started to feel a bit better. Day 5 - because I was starting to feel better, we tried our luck at a trip to Niagra Falls. I was pretty much comatose on the drive there, and I don't think my wife realized how miserable I felt. We walked to the falls and spent about 30-40 minutes looking at the falls. She want to check out more attractions but I had to pull the plug on our plans, and asked to go back to the car. My wife was disappointed but understood. On the way home, we stopped at the Tim Hortons, and I was able to has a tiny tiny bowel movement. The first one since the surgery 5 days earlier. There was nothing solid about it , considering that my last meal was a ceasar salad the night before the surgery. I actually started to feel better on our ride back to the hotel room, but I was tired as hell. When we reached the hotel room, I was able to have another tiny tiny bowel movement, and that made me feel even better. Still tired so I laid down for a nap. Now here's an embarassing moment that I wouldn't be sharing if you knew my full name......I woke up after 45 minutes and went to the washroom to take another dump because I woke up having wet farts. Well, when I got to the toilet, I realized that I had completely soiled my drawers and the bed while I was sleeping. The milk of magnesia has finally unplugged me, and i made one hell of a gross mess. The whole experience was very embarassing. I don't think my wife totally understood what I was going through, but she got some change and laundry detergent and we cleaned the bedding ourselves at the hotel laundry mat. At least, I didn't have to call the cleaning staff in to take care of the mess. Day 6 and 7 were bad, but not as bad as before, because I was forcing down the protien shakes and my bowel movements were happening again. I lived in fear of diarehea. And, the gas production in my stomach surfaces as my biggest problem. Since day 3, every 2-3 hours I was getting gas pressure so bad it was causing me to hic up. Gas-X would settle it down. But I was taking it twice as often as the box was recommending, and I was begining to think the gas-x wasn't doing anything other than disolve the gas back into my stomache fluids so it could create more intestinal problems for me. I flew home on Day 7, it was a long 3 1/2 hour flight. I found myself finding a nuetral position that was most comfortable for me, which was an upright position. I was worn out and needed to sleep. I have sleep apnea and I'm unable to sleep well without a CPAP but that day I was able to breath ok by extending my jaw forward before drifting off to sleep. this trick is the first time I've ever tried it, and it probably doesn't work that well but it seemed to work well at least on that plane ride. Day 8, my first day of softfoods. I really didn't start to recover from my stomach problems until I started to eat soft pureed food. This leads me to beleive that existing on an almost liquid diet just isn't good for the stomache. After, I switched to cottage cheese, and apple sauce, and tuna, and mushed vegies, I felt better. By end of day 9, I was feeling better, and my hunger has returned. Today, I'm 2 days before my first fill, and I don't feel any restriction at all. This is discouraging because I find myself eating like I used to, and my weight loss has changed to weight gain. Anyway, this must be a pretty long rant by now. Good night, All! regards Tyler

Normally following a tight regime of a controlled diet and regular exercises are the measures prescribed for weight loss. Most of the people find it difficult to follow these measures over an extended period. It is claimed that with Alli you can escape these grating restrictions and can follow near-normal routines; slowly but steadily you can manage to lose weight and lead a healthier life. Alli is a FDA approved OTC weight loss product. Alli is not a dietary supplement; it is claimed to help you lose weight gradually; by working as a fat binder or fat blocker. Excessive intake of calories causes increase of weight; and fats contribute far more calories in food-intake as compared to Proteins and carbohydrates. Fat in our diet is the main culprit in weight gain. When taken in the prescribed manner, the active ingredient of Alli attach themselves to some of the natural enzymes in the digestive system; this prevents these enzymes from breaking down over 25% of the fat you eat. This undigested fat cannot be absorbed by the body and it passes through the body in the natural way. This excess fat is prevented from contributing to weight gain. Alli only works on enzymes that would normally help in digestion of fat. So carbohydrates and proteins are not affected and these nutrients are absorbed by the body in the normal manner. Alli works only in your digestive system; it does not act on your heart or brain. You would not feel unsettling effects such as sleeplessness, racing heart or jitters which are commonly experienced with other weight loss drugs or supplements. When you use Alli to lose weight, you may have to observe certain drastic dietary restrictions, depending on your existing diet. Manufacturers of Alli advise you to consume reduced-calorie meals of 15gms or less of fats on an average. For some this may be a rather severe restriction, but that is the price to pay for being able to have the option of slow but steady weight loss leading to a better life. You may suffer certain side effects such as loose motion, frequent bowel movements, gas, etc. if you do not observe the restriction of 15 gms of fat. Obviously if you are able to adjust to the dietary limitations and put up with the side effects – “treatment effects” as the makers of Alli call them – Alli should be able to work for you.

Laura - that sucks about your doctor not being more supportive. Too late to find another one? I'm not saying that they need to pander to you but they should give you more than "duh" answers, like "eat vegetables", duh idiot. Oh and that's nice that Russell asked about your weight gain. That just means he's paying attention. Since you're probably sulking about it. Is he the type to help out with it, and do you even want help with it? Like if you're eating something you're not supposed to can he call you out on it?

Last night out of the blue Russell asked how I felt about my weight gain during pregnancy. Surprised me, because he normally doesn't bring up things like that. I told him I don't like that I'm gaining, I know I'm eating too much, but I feel like I haven't eaten in a week.. 24 hours a day. He just asked if I planned to commit back to it post-pregnancy, and I said of course. Right now it's my body being hungry all the time, it is NOT head hunger. I have evaulated that, to make sure it's not just me wanting food. I am truly hungry all the time. But the head part of me controlling myself, well.. that is lacking. I am hoping post-pregnancy with whatever I gain (sigh) I will be able to diligently get it back off. I just hope I don't continue at this rate, kind of wished I had morning sickness up to now so I'd have continued losing since it says many women lose weight beginning of pregnancy and 2nd trimester is when they really pack it on.. joyous. Today is our employee appreciation lunch & dinner.. where sales & management cook for them. I just finished helping set up the buffet and room, and it hit me again. I am absolutely starving. My stomach is actually in pain from being so hungry. I took a piece of pumpkin bread--only thing I can actually munch on, as everything else is outside getting cooked. It has done nothing, my stomach still hurts from hunger. I've had 2 bottles of Water this morning already, not helping at all.

i feel the same way... so no, you're not the only one! i "gave up" dating a year ago this past July because i wanted to get my life in order... lose weight, gain self esteem, work out some issues with my family, stop letting ex-boyfriends just use me for sex. i "told" myself that i wouldn't start dating until January of 2009 to give myself enough time to get my act together. that date is rapidly approaching and i keep telling my friends i'm going to postpone my "coming out" date until i hit a year with my band which will be April 2009. the truth is... i'm scared that no one will ask me out come January. then what excuse will i tell my friends that i'm not dating? i go out with my skinny friend and the guys always want to by her drinks and since i'm her "fat friend" i get included. at least that's how my mind thinks. i know i still have a lot of self esteem issues to work thru because i still see the fat me in the mirror even though i'm wearing a size 8 or 10. maybe join a new social group where you know no one and have to make new friends and start off with people knowing the new you instead of the old you!