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Hi, I too had a BMI of 36. I am 5'5 and was 220. Just like you I did not have any health related issues, but plenty of emotional issues. I have been struggling for the last 15 years with my weight gain. I struggled with endometriosis and therefore was on tons of hormones and several surgeries to have children. Fast forward to 2004 I had to have my uterus removed. This past march I once again had surgery to remove my ovaries. Thus hormones again. From March to September I put on 22 more pounds, putting me at my all time high of 220. My husbands insurance offers no WLS coverage, and my insurance said I wasn't heavy enough. I also looked into the Mexico thing, but when I seriously thought it over, the fear and the thought of not having my Dr. in town quickly changed my mind. I decided to go to a seminar in my town and within 4 weeks I was on the O.R. table having my band put in. Now as far as costs, I decided to apply for care credit and was approved within 60 seconds online. My surgery cost me 15,500, this includes preop,postop, and fills for one year. Now don't get me wrong, I am in no way not condoning going abroad for surgery, however when I went to the seminar, the surgeon clearly stated that he would not touch any patient who went abroad for a band placement due to liability issues. I have also heard of Dr.s in the states charging up to 3,000 to become your postop doc here in the states. Thats when it became clear to me, that it truly was not worth it for me. As far as the band is concerned I could not be happier. This has been the best decision in my life. I have lost 17lbs since 9/12/08 and am looking forward for my first fill so that I can continue going downwards on the scale! I wish you the best of luck in your decision, and may you also become a bandster very soon! ObTech 89117

I don't understand how I could possibly be gaining weight since I have been extremly strict with my diet progression through the appropriate stages and my amounts are staggeringly small.....3 or 4 tbls of food at each meal. How is that happening? Doesn't that mean that when I'm able to eat real food that I'll continue gaining? This is so depressing and I was so close to canceling my suregery anyway cuz I thought I was doing so good on the preop diet (20 lbs lost). I've read that post surgery is about healing more so than weight loss, but how terrible I feel to be gaining on such small amounts of food. Anyone know why this happens or has happened to anyone else or is it just me failing once again at weight loss?

While my husband never said anything mean, or criticized or insulted me, he just quit being interested in me. He didn't touch me, hug me, cuddle me. In one year, I think we had sex about 5 times. It was awful. It hurt so bad. I constantly tried to be affectionate, like we always had been, and I started to think he had an affair. to this day he denies it. Despite this, he always told me he loved me. It was so confusing. Yes, I had gained 100 pounds. I was well aware how different I looked, but it still hurt. I came out and asked him about it, and he said that for me, sex is a visual thing, and with my weight gain, no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't get past it. It had nothing to do with me personally. I started to think about getting a band at that point. Then one night he dissolved in tears and blubbered about how much he loved me, and it hurt him to the core to think that one day he was going to have to wheel me around in a wheelchair, and that he was terrified of losing me to ill health. THAT hit home. I started the banding process the very next week. It was the best thing I've ever done. We're like teenagers again. The sex is great and all is well. I feel good. I have confidence. I'm happy and no longer depressed. I have energy. We do things together again. We travel and go places because I'm not tired. We're like newlyweds again. I didn't realize how much my weight affected our marriage. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

I agree Michee. Protein is calories, just like any other food. Protein has similar calories as carbs gram for gram and if you eat too much protein, and that leads to excess calories, it WILL make you fat just like any other food. However you can play around a lot with how much of your daily calorie intake is made up of protein v carbs v fat of course. The way protein damages the kidneys is not by taking 40 grams at a sitting. overtime if you have a very high protein intake (like over 100 grams a day), your body doubles the rate at which it excretes Calcium and THAT can cause kidney stones and gall stones (the calcium based ones) and also if you take in your protein with a lot of animal products and saturated fats you can predispose yourself to gout (nitrates) and heart disease. However, if you take in a lot of manufactured protein (as in soy products) this can have detrimental effects on the hormonal systems of the body, particularly males. Body builders LOOK fantastically healthy. That doesnt mean they are. Big muscles does not equal cardiovascular fitness or health for example. Many body builders cant run around the block and they can have awful blood make-ups. It has to be done right and it doesnt transpose that because you're an average joe, working out four times a week you can go slogging three or four Protein shakes a day and the calories wont add up, or you wont be overdoing the protein. You need "adequate" protein to grow muscles, more doesnt equal bigger muscles necessarily. Moderation is the key. 60 grams a day for a woman is fine, there's absolutely nothing dangerous about that, but it should come from a variety of sources, dont overdo any one food or rely totally on shakes. Protein shakes on top of a normal diet can easily cause weight gain if you're not burning it all off. And protein is not complete nutrition, you also have to remember all the other elements of a healthy diet. But even staunch carb eater that I am, I do have to admit that a high protein Breakfast stops the mid afternoon cravings for sweet carbs So lately, I have been trying to do that. For me, high protein breakfast and high protein lunch = awful awful gas. High protein breakfast and then my normal carb based lunch (like a sandwich including a small serve of protein like chicken or egg) = no naughty treats in the afternoon. dinner for me is usually a protein and veges, I usually cant fit in the starch, but sometiems we do have Pasta.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for sharing . . . that is great to know. I am also still being very, very careful with my diet so I feel like I will be on the good side with weight gain. So far I am still losing, slowly, but losing.

Hi Nanook. I'm glad you are feeling better. I'm happy for your daughter too but strictures sound a bit painful. I recently moved to St Charles, Mo, so I haven't been at lapbandtalk for a while. I hope things continue to get better for you. Hi jsewell. I can understand how you would be nervous. At least you can look forward to things getting better. I know the stress you went through and then the weight gain just feels awful. I haven't experienced a revision but I think it is a fear we all have. Just know that things wil get better after your revision. I look forward to hearing how things progress. I know it isn't a popular thing to say, but I will say extra prayers that things go well for you. Tina

I have a low BMI. I weigh 207 give or take. My doctor doesn't want me to lose too much beacuse I will go under the BMI. Like a lot of people I have lost weight before but then gained it back. Last year I lost 20lbs and was down to 186 and it felt so good. I even got to stop taking my blood pressure meds, and had energy to have fun, exercise and my self esteem was so high. I had surgery in fall 2007 and got a staph infection and had to go in for surgery again and then gained 25LBS!! This weight gain this time has taken a toll on my knees and I have little energy. I hate this 6 month diet and wish I had enough money to self-pay. When I am thinner I feel good, I exercise, get out and swim, etc. My insurance is bad too I have to pay HALF . I feel like I am doing okay at work, but I do have a hard time at home with the diet. I saw things on here about having to give up bread, what other things beside soda should I go ahead and give up and did anyone else have problems witht the diet. I am afraid of cutting everything out and exercising too much because of the low BMI. What do you all think, thanks and I have learned a lot on this.

YAAAAAY Tina! Go Tina! Go Tina! *dancing around computer* I am SO PROUD of you! 60 miles is an AWESOME accomplishment...and you can count on me for support next year as well - I know we'll still be here on LBT together! Make sure you check with your doc on the tendon thing - though I'm sure you already have. As to the weight gain - that could be Water you've retained because you worked your muscles so hard during the 60 miles of walking...I have heard that after a tough workout, you can retain water. Of course, I'm not a doctor, so take that with a grain of salt - but - you are phenominal!:tt1:

I had a mid-band fitted in Paris Oct. 03. I reckon I have done really well over the years. My start weight was about 14st 9lb (maybe doesn't seem that large but with lots of health complications and only being 5.4") was a problem for me. Over a 2-year period and with a total of 5 'fills' the last being in March 07. My lowest weight was about 9st.7lb but at that weight I was told by friends and family that I was "far too skinny and it aged me" I am now 11st 13lb and feel huge. Despite taking advice and continually trying hard I'm panicking about weight gain :-( On the positive side of things I still feel much healthier than I did and look better. I have no regrets about having the surgery at all; I just wish that the restriction continued forever. My band is not fully inflated I have 7.75mls and the Bands capacity is 9. I'm wandering if there's anyone out there filled to capacity and if so how they are doing, also if anyone who has had the band as long as me is experiencing the same?

Sue, that's GREAT news!!! I'm so happy for you. Don't be embarrassed about the weight gain. If we could control our weight on our own, I'm just sure none of us would be having surgery. I know I wouldn't have spent $13,500 out of pocket either.

Ok, first things first, when people ask you how much weight you have lost, tell them that is not what you are most interested in with the lap-band. Tell them you are first and for most interested in getting healthy and extending your life. We all know it is also to lose weight, but people shouldn't make you feel like a failure just because you can't report back a loss to them. What you lose or do not lost isn’t their business. We also all know the band can be tricky and finding that "sweet spot" takes some time, once you do though, there will be nothing holding you back. It sounds to me that you need another fill, no big deal. I wouldn't beat yourself up about the weight gain though. You have ONLY had 1 fill, don't worry you will be great! :tongue2:

me too exactly .. as far as back pain , try a heating pad .. does wonders with some tylenol , for me it was lower back .. i am wondering if it may be monthly weight gain ? im thinkin its about that time 4 me

I know exactly how you feel. I am 55lbs away from my goal when I found out I was pregnant. I have not been on the scale in over a week and I am afraid to do so. I find I don't know what even to eat anymore. My weight is already beginning to shift to my front. My tummy is already getting bigger. And I am terrified and mortified all at the same time. It is a head game. It is hard to switch your mind it to the "its ok if I gain weight" mode. I gained 18lbs with my last pregnancy. That would be all well in good if I hadn't started out at 214lbs. Not sure if I have any advice just to say that I understand and you are extremely lucky to be only 6lbs away from your goal weight. the truth is, you won't gain 67lbs this time, and what you do gain will hopefully be gone shortly after your blessed event. And then, if you breast feed you will lose those 6lbs in no time. I have decided to not weigh myself except for once a week. Maybe. Hang in there, and I can tell you that if the morning (noon and night) si!ckness hits you, you won't care about the weight gain. You will eat whatever makes you feel better!! LOL Good luck and congrats on the baby

Hi. I'm also relatively new to the forum. My insurance company does require a six month supervised diet, and I'm one month into it. I realize how discouraging it is. I want the band done and I want it done now, but that's just not going to happen so it's best to take advantage of the "pre-surgery" time I have to get my life in order. A six month supervised diet basically consists of going to your doctor or a nutritionist and getting weighed in once a month, or at least that's what my insurance (Blue cross blue shield) told me. During this time I'm also getting all of required pre-op testing done and out of the way. I've had labwork done which reveals not only do I have the beginnings of Diabetes type 2, but I also have hypothroidism. I've been started on medication for both. This is a good thing to have had done because had these things not been checked, it would have been a struggle to lose weight. Since starting on the meds (2 weeks), my carb cravings have been significantly reduced and I've lost 8 pounds without even trying. Of course all of my weight gain cannot be attributed to my imbalance, but the part that is, will be shedded pre-surgery. I also had my sleep study done last week which revealed obstructive sleep apnea. I was have >50 hyponeas within a 15 minute time span. Basically, I am not getting any restful sleep. I'm worn down. I'm tired. My body is exhausted. I expect this week I'll be starting on the CPAP machine which will hopefully restore my body and thus give me ENERGY. So look, in the first month I've already discovered things that I currently have working against me and I'm now working to reverse these things that can sabotage my progress. Quite simply put, had I not done these things and went straight for the band, I would have probably not lost much weight and would have been disappointed. Another thing I am doing in this time is getting my relationship (or addiction) with food under control. I am trying to understand why I eat when I eat, and I'm hoping this too will serve as another map for success. Anyway, dont give up. Let's support eachother through this time, because is six months really that long of a time to wait when the rest of your life is set out before you? Oh, I also want to add, that if you have a fear of complications, which I do, which is why I won't get bypass, think of this time as a way to prep yourself for anesthesia. Any weight you can lose prior to being put under is going to lessen the anxiety you have of surgery. It'll also be easier post-op! Okay. Sorry for the long ramble. :crying:

Hi everyone, I thought I would just give those of you who might be interested a not so quick update!!! Be warned that I have written a bit of a novel. I had my mega surgery on September 9 and the 2 surgeons were able to do everything (yeah!!!!!). I have been told by about a dozen nurses and doctors that having everything done like that was probably as big of a surgery that could ever be done. Both of my surgeons have been positively giddy since the surgery, and I think they are very impressed with themselves :cursing:. I had: Anterior bowel resection (took out about 1 foot of my diseased colon and reconnected the remaining pieces) Reversal of my ileostomy – which means reconnecting my small intestine with my large intestine (for the last 2 and ½ years I had not been connected and was managing my bowels through my small intestine which had been poked through my abdomen and I “pooped” into a pouch that was attached to my abdomen – I had no bowel control). Repair of two huge hernias (one in my belly button and the other a peristomal hernia which was as a result of my ileostomy) Panniculectomy – the plastic surgeon removed about 5 pounds of excess fat and skin in my abdomen. I was in hospital for 10 days and had a wound vac for that time – special dressings attached to a type of vacuum that sucks out Fluid and guck (frangi has one) to help with wound healing. I had 3 drains across my abdomen and 46 staples. The wound line is about 28 inches from one back side of my hip to the other (the line is straight across the hips but then goes up and around my genitals – the doc said he had to take the cut a bit higher than they usually do). I believe he went higher to assist with the bowel surgery and to be able to remove the bad skin where my ileostomy site had been – I had a whole there plus some wounds that had not healed for a couple of years). When I left hospital they removed about half of the staples and two of the drains. The other drain I was supposed to keep – it ended up coming out (with some assistance from me) about 4 days later. I was noticing a bulge on my other side (which I was worried was a recurrence of the hernia), but when I went in to see the plastic surgeon to get the rest of the staples out it was a build up of fluid. He ended up draining 360 cc’s fluid that day, the next day 190 cc’s of fluid. I then went and saw him last Tuesday (four days later) and had 2 separate pockets of fluid (800 cc’s of fluid between them), so the decision was made to “reinsert” 2 drains again. To drain the fluid, they stick a really big needle into the wound line and start pulling out fluid – not a really pleasant experience. I was told it is not really unusual to have fluid build up, but the amount of fluid I have is unusual. Radiologists reinserted the drains this by ultrasound. They froze the areas separately by needle, cut two new wholes and inserted the new drains, which they stitch to the skin to hold it in. This time they used industrial size tubing and drain bags (the bags can hold up to 600 cc’s which is more than 2 cups), which I strap to my leg. What can I tell you – I am a fashion statement!!!!! I will likely have these drains for a couple of weeks. Worst thing – I can’t shower now until they are out). I have lived with an ileostomy for 2 ½ years, so taking care of the drains is really simple. My other main complication has been fluid retention in my legs. I went into surgery weighing 164 pounds and left hospital at 194 pounds :cursing:– all fluid being held in my legs (NOTE - I am NOT changing my ticker ). It is incredibly painful and uncomfortable to carry that kind o fluid. The docs finally put me on a mega dose of Water pills (80 mg per day). I have lost 17 pounds in the last 3 days – which really drains you (literally and figuratively), but at least the legs are starting to look and feel a little better. I am trying to sleep with my legs above my head - interesting position let me tell you). I have an appetite, but can’t eat much (which is pretty ironic considering the weight gain – I mean REALLY - gain that much weight but not with anything good to eat sucks horribly :smile:). I had very little restriction before the surgery, and I didn’t get any solids (clear fluid only) for the first 8 days after surgery. My band is being pretty picky right now – for the first time since being banded I am struggling with bread and some meats- although some days I can eat quite a bit and others almost nothing. Ironically, Pasta seems to slide right on down. I have been told to load up on Protein, so I am back on Protein shakes. My port feels like it didn’t move at all as a result of the surgery (I was not unfilled for surgery). It is hard to really say what my body looks like now, with the drains, fluid retention, etc., but the first time I put pants on I was incredibly excited because I had no extra stuff hanging in my abdomen to stuff into my pants. I could feel it was flat before, but wow it felt different and great when I put on pants :cursing:!!!! Because I didn’t have any lipo, my mid section is pretty square and boxy (I have never really had a waist though). I will never be able to wear a bikini (oh yeah – I also don’t have a belly button any more), but I am excited about what I can see (or not see). Sorry for the length, but I wanted to get it off my chest (or thighs or ankles :cursing:) and I have always felt very supported here. The first week or so after surgery was very rough - but I would gladly do it again. I hope to get my arms done in the next year (no hurry though). Thanks for listening!! Jacquie

1. Increased mobility (I have osteoarthritis) 2. Less self conscious in social settings 3. More stamina in everyday activities 4. Buy pretty clothes from regular stores and catalogs. (I received in today's mail a catalog from one of my favorite stores. Their largest size is 18-20.) 5. End the cycle of dieting and weight gain that has plagued my entire life, since childhood. Probably should be #1 on my list. I'm pre-band and on the 6-month diet trying to lose 10% of my current weight. All of the above are motivations for me to meet the pre-surgery requirements and get on with my life. Dee

Mariposa, I think you possibly nailed it in your first post....when you referred to your migraines and the hormones. Fat cells horde estrogen, and when you lose weight quickly as you have up til now, that excess hormone gets dumped into your system---causing the hormone induced migraines, PLUS causing a multitude of PMS like issues---including bloat, and Water retention---which both result in weight gain. You might also notice mood swings, and libido changes, acne breakouts etc. Your body actually adjusts quickly and they will pass. I would not recommend going any lower in calories, and in fact, maybe instead of counting calories for a few days just concentrate on eating as healthy as you can...fresh nutrtious food, avoid the processed often high sodium foods---which will just make the water retention worse. Years ago I had hormone induced migraines, and they went away when I had a hysterectomy (had it for other reasons---not the migraines), never had another one until I got banded!!! Then I had a few during the first month following it, and they went away.....never to return I hope!!! Good Luck to you----I bet it eases up soon, and the weight loss continues! Kat

I was diagnosed with PCOS about 12 years ago. I only had periods once or twice a year. I struggled with weight gain, infertility, amenorrhea, facial hair, and fatigue. My band has saved my life.... I am almost 1 year out and have lost 86 pounds. I have to agree with the carb thing. My weight loss for the past 3 months has been pretty much nonexistant. I low carbed during the first 6 months post band and then decided to start taking in carbs again. Bam...weight loss stopped. I am low carbing again and beginning to see the scales move. I really do think that there is something to carbs and PCOS not mixing well. Anyway, I am 11 months out I have normal periods, lots of energy, 86 pounds gone, my sex drive does exist now. I still have problems with excess hair, but I dobt that will ever go away completely on its own. I have begun laser hair removal. And believ it or not I am getting my tubes tied this month. That is just wild when I have struggled with infertility for so long, but it would appear that I have become fertile again, but we have 1 bio son and adopted 1, so we are not planning to have anymore. I say all that to say this, YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Yes PCOS sucks, and makes it harder, but not impossible. Cut out carbs, exercise and log what you eat!!

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the community. I am scheduled for the lapband on 10/13/2008. I'd love to find someone else to chat with who may be in a similar situation. My BMI is around 36 and my weight is around 207. Up until I was 25 (I'm 37 now) my weight was around 125 and I'm 5'4. I'm not looking for sympathy here, I'm just trying to find someone else who might have lived at a normal weight then found themselves unable to loose after weight gain. I wish I could say my weight was due to childbirth, but my hubby and I are non-breeders :tongue: Please say hello and thank you for welcoming me to the community! Cat

But we can help by not worshiping thinness or youth. Going back to aging gracefully like our grandmothers did and didn't have to be thin once they hit menopause or get botox or plastic surgery or have larger breasts. I feel bad for the next generation. I know this topic is way too volatile for a WLS forum so I will leave before I start a war, lol! Anyone wonder how much yo yo dieting attributed to our weight gains and if we had only ate normally and not had to try every diet out there we may be much thinner and healthier than we are now and possibly WLS would never have entered into the picture? Doing my part tomorrow by removing the collar and leash and going back to being a normal human being who doesn't spend 100% of her time worrying about how she looks or how many points are in that and getting her life back!:tongue:

Shar, I don't know about the vitamins but I take the Viactiv with no problems and believe I would know cause I am off the hormones and the hot flashes are fast and furious. And I am not taking the viatamins or viativ as you should stop them a week before surgery so I just stopped them early. Do you have a surgery date? Have you lost your 5%? Once you are approved I don't believe they will cancel surgery for weight gain but SB Phase 1 is very important for the week before surgery. My final weigh in is Monday and I suspect I have gained a few pounds after my marathon poor eating this week.

Thanks KD! I may just stick with the spanx. I am hoping that my drains will come out next week and that will end the problem. Did you have swelling issues after 2 weeks? Did you have weight gain right after the surgery? K

HAHA my hubby is a great cook that is my problem when we met I was weighing 135lbs and over the course of 7 years I have gain all my weight now I am at 216lbs so that isnt good, he is a good cook and for that I am how I am , I will have to control my self later on , I dont blame him for my weight gain but that is how I got where I am at today LOL He plans to get on a diet when I get banded LOL

I'm not banded yet, but I've always experienced either no weight loss or a little weight gain around my period. I don't weigh myself for a few days before until after my period. Your body retains a lot of water and is bloated. It'll go back down, and probably lower than pre period.

Anyone notice not losing weight around their period time? I have weighed myself nad lost nothing last two days, but know im getting close. via cramps, crappy mood etc lol.. Im wondering if i shouldnt weigh myself until after my period ends? What does everyone else do during this time?