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ok ... i still had a minimum of 50 pounds to lose to even be at a weight i can live with... my first appointment, my OB suggested i maintain while pregnant... at first i seriously thought no problem!! but now that the morning/all day sickness has pretty much subsided, i'm famished all.the.time.... and i've gained about 3-4 pounds... i can just imagine her freaking out on me my next appointment (next Monday) cause i gained... i know i'm not supposed to 'diet' while PG, but there's the mentality there that almost makes me want to...

Hi, I just found this site because I am considering lap band surgery and have been diagnosed as PCOS. I hear your story and sounds too much like mine. I battled weight problems as a child and around age 18 I became very athletic and muscular- weight was 140 for a little while. After college the ability to exercise 2 hours a day slowly diminished and the weight crept back up. After a rough time with work and a feeling of depression I settled on taking an antidepressant. Within 4 months I gained 40 lbs and the weight has slowly crept higher and higher to my current 235 lbs. It took only about 2 years or less to make it to 220 and then the 235 in the last couple years. I have been off the medication a few years now- fearing it caused the weight gains. But haven't lost any weight since being off it. I was diagnosed last year with PCOS only after bringing it to my OBGYN's attention because I could not understand why- no matter what I tried- I could not lose weight. I knew there was a problem when I trained for (5 months) and completed a century ride in 2000 - among several bike rides that were 50+ miles. Then in 2007 I trained (5 months) for and completed a 1/2 marathon (walking). My clothes actually felt tighter! I was going out of my mind!!! Why didn't I lose ANY weight?? I think we have all felt the devastation of saying "this is the last time I am trying another new thing to try to lose the weight." And if you're like me you keep doing more and different things just to see if it will change life because you really can't give up. I still haven't given up exercising because that is the one thing that keeps me from laying in my bed and feeling sad. Not that I don't feel it some days. It's also hard because alot of friends and family really just want to believe "if only you ate this way" or "you just have to keep up with the exercise." They don't understand and I've worked harder than they have- only to feel like I achieved nothing in batttling the weight problem. Alot of people see it as willpower- I only can smile at them and say "thanks for your advice." I still have a hard time believing that all my efforts resulted in almost zero weight loss. Today is a good day for me and I feel okay about my weight- tomorrow might not be so happy- but I at least hope you see that you are not alone. There are a generous number of women out there battling the same problem- It sounds like you will find a good handful of them- with support- if you need it on this site. I'm hoping I can get alot of support as well because I have tons of questions!!! I do hope you feel better- sorry for the long post, I just didn't want you to feel alone in this battle- I'm right next to ya! :ohmy:

I'm so glad I found this post this is exactly what is happening to me (no weight gain though thank goodness) it is good to hear that its normal not to feel the restriction at first.

Hi all - I am a newbie in that I am not banded but new to this forum. I need to lose about 110 lbs and I'm sure like all of you, have tried every darn diet known to man, and lost the same 40 lbs over and over again, and gained each time afterwards. The last thing I did was go to BMI (Bariatric Medical Center) here in Ottaa. The people and doc there were great and I learned how to track calories, etc but ultimately gained back everything and more. My knees are aching and I am having trouble staying on my feet for long. I'm seriously thinking of banding but I am terrified of getting it and having it not work... and of course getting more weight gain. do any of you regret doing the lapband. Is it worth the money? Anyone in Ottawa do the surgery? (I haven't found anyone.) How about the clinic in Montreal? I'm sorry this is rambling. Any replies would be appreciated.

Hi, I am a very satisfied patient of Dr. Maese and have been for over a year. Thanks to him and having restriction, I have lost 90 lbs that wont' be coming back to stay. That being said, if I had the choice to do it over again, I would without a doubt have gotten the sleeve. No way on the bypass. The sleeve is so easy, its not even funny. My husband got the sleeve 10 months ago. He lost 100 lbs in 3 months. He eats 4-5 ounces of food at a meal. His stomach cannot stretch because Dr. Alvarez took out the fundus which is the stretchy part of the stomach when he did the surgery. There is no dumping or malabsorption, no weight gain because you can only eat 4-5 ounces of food forever. The rates of weight loss are similar to the bypass without the complications and mortality rate. It will become the "GOLD STANDARD OF WEIGHT LOSS" and surpass the bypass in this country within 3 years. We are the only country that toots bypass as the way for weight loss surgery. Europe and Australia use the band and sleeve. I have major acid reflux with the band, things get stuck and no matter what or when I eat, I have to get up and walk around to get things to start moving. Its very frustrating. There are some things I can and can't eat. I have restriction one day and none the next. And no, I am not too tight and no, I did not have any problems with reflux before getting the band. Just know that there is another alternative. Don't get another band and deal with this b.s. all over again. And please, don't get the bypass. Research the sleeve. Misty www.mymexicopsjourney.com My blog and pictures from getting plastic surgery after weight loss.

Carbonated drinks (sodas, beer, etc.) is a real no-no. It's not the calories that are a problem, but rather the carbonation. The carbonation swells and stretches the pouch. Do that enough times and stretch the pouch, then it takes more food to fill you up and make you feel full. Eat more to fill you up = eventual weight gain.

From what I understand is that almost all BCBS requirements are pretty much the same with the gastric surgeries...I have a BMI of 37% and I have 2 co-morbidity issues and I was approved...but the other requirements are >40% BMI or 100 pounds overweight, but you can't have weight gain due to a metabolic condition. When i talked to them, and the doctors, they told me if you have a BMI of over 35% and no other issues besides being overweight, then its not medically necessary to get any gastric surgery. But if your BMI is higher than 35% you probably have something else going on. I would get a full health screen by your PCP and you may find tryglyceride problems, blood pressure, cholesterol....It can't hurt. Good Luck!

I too have clinically high blood pressure, weight gain, and Insulin Resistance. My main reason for doing this is because I had post partum Congesitve Heart Failure at 25. I was in 1% of pregnancies this happens to,and I run huge risk of have heart problem later in life,and with my next pregnancy....but next time it may not correct itself. My heart is fine and normal now, but in may be permenant damage next time if I get pregnant and have all this extra weight. I am ready for a change, and ready to feel normal again!

only allows you to have a period every so often? I am on of you who goes through the hard time of trying to get anything down during my PMS time. Having fewer periods would help there...but... I don't need the pill (tied tubes) and I am worried about side effects and weight gain (I gained weight on the regular pill) at least I blame it on that!!!:thumbup: Anyon have updated infor?

Not being able to exercise does make it harder. I didn't exercise at all from my surgey in November until May, but once I started walking ( I was walking some before surgery and then stopped after surgery) it made a difference. Spring was when I stopped losing, not having restriction, but the walking stopped any weight gain and actually I have lost a few more pounds. Water aerobics would be great, especially during these hot summer months! You're an experienced and successful bandster, you know what to do to get to where you want to be.

Hi everyone! I was banded on May 13, 2008. I had my first fill on June 23 and after the first week with the fill the scale stopped moving. I am due for my second one on Monday July 21. I also suffer from PCOS, I was diagnosed 17 years ago when I was 15, so I have all of the classic attributes from it! Diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and weight gain. I have never tried a high protein, low carb diet aka Atkins plan, so I may need some advise from some experienced people! I plan on starting next week after I get my fill. My doctor has me do 2 days of clear liquids and then 2 days of full liquids/soft foods before advancing back to regular diet. After my last fill I attempted scrambled eggs and that did not set well with me at all, I took 2 bites and I was running to the bathroom, I have been scared to try them since. Can someone please explain how to calculate a net carb? Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!!!

I would like for people to share their experience w/lapbanding time lines. From the decision "I am going to get lap banding" until the actual day of surgery how long did it take. I really appreciate everyones stories because I feel like the 6 month "supervised diet" is just a stall tactic for my insurance. I have 20 years of diets and massive weight gain to show. Thanks:drool:

Good to hear you are well Kendra, sorry about the weight gain but you have been through an ordeal and getting your health back on track is more important than a few lbs. Hope you're not overdoing it with work and your moderator role. Sounds like fun though. I'm off to work so hopefully I'll see you around more often. Take care!

Hi - know just how you feel -the same thing happened when I switched to soft foods as well - I had my post op today and the Dr, did a fill - I'm 17 days out also - he said not feeling full until after a couple of fills is normal as is the slight weight gain - hang in there - let me know how you are doing! - M

Hi Jen, I have PCOS and I was put on Metformin as well as BC pills to help regulate my cycle and reduce the symptoms of PCOS (acne, weight gain, etc.). I've been on this combination 1 full year and it has helped to regulate my cycle better and reduce the acne. It has done absolutely nothing to reduce my weight gain, but I do know of others it has helped in that regard.

Hey, NJ Gal, You did it? You got married? Congrats! Where are the pics? Please don't get down on yourself too much about not weighing what you want. you're a newlywed, please enjoy this time with your new husband and then set a date to get back on track with eating. I have a complication with my band. Dr. says it's unlocked. I am having a second surgery on Aug 5th to lock it. I have not lost more than a couple pounds since the end of April, but I have been able to maintain my previous weight loss, by walking. I never believed how much difference the walking can make, but it does. Maybe that can be part of your "get back on track date" to start tracking what you eat AND walk at least a mile. Everybody can find 20 mins to walk a mile. Before you know it you'll be walking 2 miles. There were days earlier this summer, before it got too hot, that I was walking 5 miles. I can't even believe that myself, but my feet are living proof as I have the blisters to prove it! But I've endulged in ice cream and other summer treats, like a cocktail or wine and still managed to hold off the weight gain. Take your son with you to a walking path near you, maybe he can bring a bike or skates, while you walk. I see families on the path near me do this all the time. Anyway, Congratulations again and lock up that snack food! hope you post a link to the wedding photos!

This was very interesting to read, and I am surprised more people have not responded. Do people (especially ones that have been together for 3 years) really not know the art of communication? Have we become such an electronic world that we have forgotten how to sit down with our partners and talk, and I mean TALK ~ not just a comment about "maybe we should work out together". I am a 39yo gay male, and my partner is 19yo; in December we will have been together 2 years. Before we got together, I never thought much about my health, my weight, or my long term. However, after spending just a year with him, I knew that I wanted to be around for him as long as I could. So, it was announced that my insurance would finally cover the lap band procedure. Did I just go and sign up? NO! I sat down with my partner and told him my thoughts. Part of the reason he fell in love with me was because I was an older "bigger" man, a BEAR if you will. I was 340lbs and 37 when we met! So ok, how am I going to suddenly become thin (thinner) without discussing it with him? We sat and talked a long time about it, the decision wasn't completely made for several weeks. My constant question to him was, "will you still love me and be attracted to me if I am thin?". What I love even more about him was that he didn't lie, he said he didn't know. It is very similar to asking your partner if they would mind if you had a sex change, you will NOT be the same person they fell in love with. I gave him time, he gave me time and we sat down again, and TOGETHER, as a COUPLE we made the decision for me to go forward with the lap band. He realized that he would rather have me around for a lifetime than be with someone that he was just attracted to physically, he realized he loved ALL of me! Now I am banded, have lost 52lbs and am more healthy than I have ever been in my life; and most importantly, I know that I have a partner that I can talk to and who will be honest with me. How much more rewarding can you get. So I say to the girl who was upset with her girlfriends weight, instead of asking her to work out, did you try sitting down with her and talking about how she feels, and is there something she is going through causing her weight gain? Did you ask her if there is anything you can do to help her (and suggesting working out is not asking a question). Did you ask if she is happy with herself? Perhaps you need to look closer at yourself, she has given YOU a good 3 years, but have you given HER a good 3 years? My suggestion to you would be to take a class on etiquette, couth, and communication because it seems you lack all 3! In any relationship our goal is to support our partner, encourage our partner, and the two most important are LOVE and RESPECT our partner. So I suggest she rethink things, and decide if she loves her partner, or her partners body; and if she can't answer that honestly, she needs to give her partner the respect she deserves and move on. Sorry if I went off there a bit, but I feel pretty strongly about relationships, and that girl who made the post on Craigs List needs some help! Jason

Thanks Skinnie. I am at the opint in this whole journey where my focus is brginning to shift from "how am I going to lose all this weight" to "how am I going to eat and what am I going to feed my family from now on?" There is a different mindset, and both are necessary at different times. I have about 25 pounds to lose before PS and then only 15 to goal, so I am trying to switch to a lifestyle of eating healthy. I will still make Protein my priority and I will eat healthy veggies and fruits. Only whole grains and very little bread. If it doesn't work I can always go back to strict low carb. I am really nervous about this decision. I fear cravings and weight gain, but I think, like you said minnie, that if I stick with healthy choices then I will be ok. I am not going anywhere!! You guys rock!!

I ,too, am having fill issues. I had my 6th fill last Wed, thought it was going to be good because when I ate soup it made all of the grumblings that I hadn't heard in months! However, two days later on solids.....NO restriction! I am a self pay and each fill is $200.......YOUCH! That can eat a paycheck quickly! So, I dunno....calling fill doc on Friday to make a fill. However, I think I will set it up after vacation! :cool2: Right now, I have been drinking Slim Fast twice a day to try and ward off any weight gain. Any helpful hints/comments would be greatly appreciated! Oh, I haven't had any good restriction in about 2-2.5 months...

I decided to go through with the surgery some time in MAY and went to a required seminar in June. Got all my paperwork I needed to sign, no pregnacy, smoking, etc. in July,, now just waiting for my first appointment which is with the shrink.. I was totally into this and determined to lose some weight, recording everything I eat,, (for current dietician) and was exercising again.. Now that I'm just waiting for an appointment I'm slipping, how do I stay motivated. The surgery program I am going to put a new notice on their site today, that they are making almost everyone go on a pre diet even if your insurance doesn't require it,, mine doesn't, and that if you gain weight they will postpone your surgery.. I am terrified.. :eek: I have been struggling with weight gain since my hysterectomy(been overweight since early 20's). I stopped gaining when I stopped taking HRT but I have been unable to lose any.. I am swimming regularly, and know I should be doing some more exercising, but I'm eating less then I ever have and still can't lose.. My clothes fit better but these doctors go by the scale not by inches.. I am curious if after meeting with the shrink, and the dietician that I will feel like there is an end to the waiting and it will motivate me to exercise more and do better,,, did this happen for anyone?? Did anyone feel really pumped about the life style change and get really excited about it.. Lately I have found myself getting more depressed about my weight then I ever have before.. I hate going anywhere, and have resorted to long flowing skirts instead of shorts this summer, and hate to go swimming in public.. I have never cared about any of this before... I know that if they called tomorrow and said I was scheduled for surgery I would not be mentally prepared,, I really feel like I need some guidance. I am truly eating the right foods 95% of the time, but am physically hungry all the time and its driving me crazy.. I have just started taking a new generic form of prilosec for GERD and have had weird stomach pains and pangs since.. Could this be the source of my hunger?? It is making it even harder for me to not give in to overeating and its exhausting me mentally. I have an appointment with the dietician and my PCP next week and will definately ask them what to do,, (drinking Water today when feeling strange) On a lighter note I have been checking things off of my pre op check list.. Went to a shrink on my own for anxiety and she agreed with me that anti depressants won't work... they make me bi polar (its actually a real diagnosis) I am going to see a Behavioral Therapist for my anxiety and panic attacks.. I have more anxiety then panic due to high stress at home and life in general so I am going to learn some coping skills, and hopefully will be able to teach them to my children and avoid them going through what I am,, and what my mother did. I also am having some long overdue dental work done,, need to chew my food more:biggrin: I was going to apologize for the ramble, but will just thank anyone for taking the time to read this!!! I am having a difficult time finding a support person who will stick with me through this, and not try to police me!!! But that is another issue...

Hi over 50 gang: I am so grateful to see this site. I am prebanded and my tag says I'm 47 but that is when I started this journey and I am still not banded. I have the worst insurance for LB coverage with Cigna and started with a borderline BMI 37/38. I'm going through the arbitration process ..it's been a long road. In the mean time I'm getting even bigger and morphing into a woman I don't recognize and I don't feel comfortable or particular like what I see at all and I feel like withdrawing and hiding. Most of my life I was a very attractive woman with a good figure and a happy attitude. Later age pregnancy and meopause took me to a weight gain I can't manage on my own. Now I don't know who this woman is in the mirror as of the past few years. The hot summers here are particulary difficult. I stilll go to the gym as I love yoga and excercise but I'm getting down about my new appearance and feel myself withdrawing. Though through all of these hormonal ups and downs one of the things that has kept me from feeling too down is the support I feel from woman in their 50s and 60s 70s and beyond ...woman in these decades of age are just so much cooler, less judgemental, kinder, just more supportive of their fellow female folk. I thank all of you for your smiles, kind words and support.

Yep I am excited too :w00t:- just got my new camera - gotta figure out how to work it :huh2: - the battery is charging - I am going to go read the book but who know's how much I will remember -:embaressed_smile: Phyl bringing her laptop laptop so we can post during the weekend.. Oh that means I gotta bring my ubs cord - stupid me... We got everyones' number steph phyl you me linda in our phones - remember to bring your chargers. I gotta ck the weather - when I looked the other day it said 84 - and that's cool for me - but someone said it will be humid Ok off to read my book and take my fish out - I really should get a fill before we go - but I don't want to be too tight and it can take a day or 2 for the fill to settle - so I will just have to bite the bullet and accept whatever weight gain I have when I go tothe docs after our trip - his scale has me 4-5 lbs heavier than mine - but his doesn't count only mine does

Yes, try a protein drink first thing in the morning. Caffeine can actually make you more hungry, so cut back on that. You might have 1 sweet cake a week as a treat to yourself for following your dietary rules. Another important food to watch out for is carbs. Those add up fast, also make you hungry, drive your insulin levels crazy and put on weight gain. I try to stay under 40 grams of carbs a day. Hope this helps. Good luck!

I have just been approved by Aetna for the Realize Band. I read our policy closely and saw that I needed to have 5 years worth of medical records showing how much I weighed and blood pressure, and so on. I went to the doctor all the time and all they want to see is that you have had a constant weight gain, loss, and so on. My weight only fluctuated by a few pounds. I obtained a copy of my chart back to 5 years. I checked that off my list. Next, I had to show that I had other issues and that I was being treated for it. I am being treated by the following: high blood pressure, sleep apnea (I use CPAP); if you have not had a sleep study, the surgeon may order that; reflux; and joint issues. The surgeon I went to has a nutritionist, exercise physiologist, RN, and psyc nurse on his staff. I went once a month for 3 months because my insurance requested it. I only had to see the psych person one time initially. Make a list or if your surgeon's office has one, get the list and work your way down the list. Surely, your surgeon's office has a staff that can help you successfully make this happen. Donna

thanks now that you mention it i have slowed down on the drinking but that was coz i thought i was drinking to much Water thats way my weight gained. i love my iced tea and decaff coffee love my crytal light, but for sum reason was gaining, then loosing the gain it back