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Hi All, I'm new to the forum & need a little encouragement & support to keep me on track. I recently went to see my PCP and she suggested that I have the lap band surgery due to the numberous health concerns that have came about over the past few years due to the large amount of weight that I have gained. At first I was upset that she even suggested that I have the surgery but after I thought about these last few years and how much weight I have & all my health problems I decided that she was right & I needed to start taking this big weight gain seriously. I'm 34 with 2 kids and I am the biggest I've been in my entire life even while pregnant. I am really interested in the gastric sleeve for a number of reason but my insurance (Anthem) won't cover the procedure. I was sad to find this out and got in a big funk and said the hell with it I'm just not going to have anything done. I decided to look into the lap band procedure more and saw so many success stories that I decided to go forth with the lap band surgery. I had to remind myself that this surgery is not just about me but my kids as well. I use to love to go out & do things with my family & friends but since I've gained so much weight I hate going outside now to even go grocery shopping. I hate how people look at me & the one's that haven't seen me in awhile always start the conversation off like "Hey I didn't even know who you were you gotten so fat" I feel like running & hiding at the site of old friends. I've actually shut myself off from the outside world. My 13 yr old actually told me mom your a loner.....I felt like I wanted to die inside. Because he was right that's how I really feel at times. I lie to the few real friends (2) I have about why I can't go out just so I won't feel like the elephant in the room. Today was the day I decided to do something about it and contacted the surgeon's office to schedule my 1st appointment. From my understanding my insurance doesn't have any waiting periods or anything of that nature I know I have to see several specialist & attend a support group or two. I did the seminar online because I just hate going out since I've gotten so big. But I'm starting to get excited becasue I know today was really a big step for me & I can't wait to be a success story not just for me but for my kids as well. Blessings

Hello. I'm new here. I'm going from band to bypass. Band removal is scheduled for April 25th. I have to wait 3 months and then revision to gastric bypass. I'm looking forward to this. The band has slipped and GERD is really bad now. My highest weight was 340. My lowest weight was 280 before additional diabetes medications caused some weight gain. I've been lurking on the forums for awhile and just wanted to say Hi.

I agree with many of you here. I was a BIG beer drinker. I have not had one in 16 months now. I do miss it in the summer, and even dreamed about drinking it just two nights ago..... But I drink wine, martinis, vodka and cranberry, and I too like bloody marys. I was good about doing it ocasionally, but have been under tremendous stress at work (could lose my job the end of next month) and my adult sons are wearing me thin, so I've been drinking a glass of wine almost every day when I get home. My doctor is concerned with the increase and I guess I am too, but it really hasn't caused any weight gain. I'm to stressed to eat!!! So be careful. I know I'm going to have to put the breaks on sooner or later. I just need the relaxation at the moment.

*I* ate in school cafeterias. So did my brothers, the older of which is *still* 8 years younger than me, so I'm rather well-versed in having to play ersatz daddy to a teenager (since his wasn't around). We ate Breakfast at the schools, including a fair amount of sugar, fat, and starch. I drank soft drinks, and not the diet ones. Lots of sweets. I even went for seconds. I didn't do sports beyond seasonal marching band (walk, stand for a few minutes, blow a horn -- it didn't do anything to curb weight gain). I ate more even in college, where my breakfast of choice was a root beer, OJ, and candy bar. Still, that didn't get me where I am today. Nor do I think it got him there. Nor am I at all persuaded about his friends being feeders. Nobody I have ever known, even from sketchy or over-full households, ever had the level of autonomy at 14 years that you suggest. Now ask yourself how long it took for the boy to reach his current state -- I doubt it took less than two years to gain 400# (possible, yes, but unlikely). So what was he doing at 11, and what the heck was his mother doing? What sort of parenting did she engage in? Again, unless this was some sudden onset, the mother would have a large amount of fault there. There is no reasonable path to his condition that doesn't imply significant neglect on his mother's part. For the record, she would have been entirely in her rights to exercise authority over where the child went and what he did there -- the law would back that up until he reached his majority.

I had my band removed in late October, at which I weighed in at 294. My surgeon requires that I re-start the approval process for the revision to sleeve, he also requires 6 months between surgeries to make sure the stomach heals and a 10% weight loss prior to surgery. I go in for my first psych consult and dietician appointment on Monday and I have gained 10 lbs since my surgery. I am not making any excuses. I know why. I am struggling to hear my body's "full" cue as it was so used to the band and feeling severe discomfort. I also think I'm struggling with "last supper" syndrome knowing that I went years with things I couldn't eat/caused pain, days of not being able to eat, etc. And ultimately, fear of the same thing happening again...that I when I am eating I get stuck in "EAT IT ALL". Again, not making excuses, I know why I have gained weight. I am seeing a therapist regularly already to work through all these, and other issues. I am stressing MAJORLY about the weight gain and worrying how the office/surgeon/psychologist will react. Has anyone had this experience and how did your programs respond?

Reconsider the iud! There are 3 on the market now. Skyla-for women who have not had children yet-it contains hormones and is smaller mirana -the big sister to Skyla and Paraguard which contains copper and no hormones. I didn't have weight gain using the nuvering. I did have issues with the arm implant gaining weight. So in september I will go back on the pill when it's removed. Non hormone methods-diaphram or cervical cap. Hopefully in a couple years I can just get my tubes tied and be done. Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App

So prior to my surgery on 4/20 my boyfriend and I didn't use birth control. Because of my weight, it would have been difficult for us to get pregnant. We don't really want to, but we were of the mindset that if it happens it happens. Post surgery, if it happens its a big deal and a bad thing for the first year. My gyno suggested iud, but I've heard too many horror stories from close friends and everyone seems to know someone who's had issues with it. I know there are plenty that don't, however the risk doesn't seem to outweigh the reward for me. I'm also not really into the idea of having to go in and have a procedure should we change our minds and want kids. So my gyno wasn't into giving me a pill because she did a little research and found it could be less effective if you have gastric sleeve surgery. My surgeon said no, it's fine and my gyno agreed to prescribe it for me. After picking up my pills I started to be concerned with weight gain which I know is a very common side effect of the pill. I read up on the pill I was prescribed and found all kinds of women posting that it made them gain weight and now I'm terrified. We really don't want to go back to condoms, but we really also don't want to yet pregnant! It's become a real problem and a huge stressor for me! Help friends! What's your advice other than just get the iud. I'm not willing to do it even if you dont have issues with it. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

I was worried about weight gain on my six month pre-op as well. I gained five pounds. The NP in my surgeons office told me not to worry about it since those extra pounds will come off in the weeks before surgery (2 weeks low carb + 4 days clear liquids). She was right. I'm down six pounds with only two more days till surgery. Sending good vibes & positive thoughts your way. YOU CAN DO IT!!

You're not a failure. I've never been able to stick to a "diet" unless I was on prescription diet pills. I had already had a six month medically supervised diet 2 years ago and so I didn't have to do that now but I've had a hard time with my food intake too and my NUT appt. is next Tues and I don't want to show any large weight gain. If I'm up a pound or 2 no big deal. So this week I started tyring to just eat clean - chicken breast, veggies. I weighed myself and I'm 5 pds. heavier than my initial appt. with the surgeon. I think I can drop the weight before next Tues. I don't think the insurance will deny you because you are going up & down 1-5 pounds a month - it just shows you need the surgery.

I have heard that is the first thing that makes you gain is drinking with meals. If you drink, you are able to eat more and therefore you should not do it. NOBODY was a bigger drinker with their meals than I was!!! I could easily drink 3-4 glasses of tea with each meal. I started practicing about 2 months before surgery and when I had my surgery, I was prepared. I missed it at first. Now, I am 4 months out and NEVER think about drinking when eating. I still only eat about 2 oz of food at a time so maybe that is why, but the only time I think about it is afterwards to see what time I can drink. I think it just becomes a habit and we have to break it. If drinking with meals is the number one reason for weight gain with the sleeve, I WILL NEVER drink and eat together again!!! Kelly

Well said! This is the sensible approach to a lifestyle you can maintain for the rest of your life. This panic over the holidays and the "inevitible" weight gain - that's fat thinking. That's all or nothing, food controls me and my lapband should do ALL the work thinking and whilst you indulge in that, you are never going to truly beat obesity. You can keep your band ultra tight so that it controls you with an unpleasant hard stop - until it slips or erodes or something forces you to unfill it. Or you can exercise some self control, allow a bit of indulgence on Thanksgiving day, eat healthy the rest of the week and do some extra exercise - put your shoes on and go out for a walk every day if that's all that's available while you're away. There is really nothing to stop you doing any of that. The only reason why a whole ton of extra food and alchohol make it down your gullet and cause a weight gain will because you choose to allow it. Christmas is a hard time, but normal people gain a couple of pounds occasionally too, and a couple of pounds is easy to lose. But a bit of self control and some extra effort around the difficult days will probably net that out. whilst I was unfilled and afraid of the same lapses in judgement, I would start my meal with a fairly large serve of raw vegies - carrot, cucumber, capscicum, mushrooms and a big glass of Water. It really did take the edge of enough to keep me to a bandster sized portion of the less healthy foods that were put in front of me. And despite having chemo, and feeling crap, I still ran and went to the gym almost daily. If you want it bad enough, you can do anything. Keepign it up long term is pretty hard, but you will get some fill eventually.

Thanks you guys. I'm really not blue. I am kind of laughing about it, actually. I have not really allowed myself to eat stuff like "real" candy or those forbidden foods for many, many years. My weight gain has related to overeating, but it has usually been healthier foods. Not that it makes a difference, though. My BMI is around 36, and I have the disabling health problems nonetheless. I guess I feel like I have struggled with the urges, fighting them daily for so long. Now that things are going to change, maybe I can just relax for a minute and have that Milky Way bar. I think dinner tonight will be a Malibu and Coke, some uncooked bread, some popcorn, and a grilled chicken salad. I will enjoy these on your behalf, and when I'm on the flip-side, I'll feel like I've said my last goodbyes properly.:thumbdown:

I have had some hairloss, make sure to get your recommended protein!!! That is important! Get it all!! From what I've read on the board, some experience it worse than others, but it is not really preventable. Some have tried hair supplements, but it didn't prevent it. Don't worry it will grow back! That is what I have read on other threads here. If you don't get your protein in it will be worse! I haven't heard of strech marks with weight loss, weight gain is another story though. I'll search the posts here to see if I can come up with anything. Best of luck!! Use this site's search engine to reseach any questions you might have, it will help you! I have found out, that ANYTHING you experience at least one person has experienced it as well and you can read their posts for support!

You should be ecstatic. Pretty amazing when you hit goal, Right? Goal weight is a personal choice. Find whatever weight you feel comfortable and healthy at. How I have managed to maintain? I think it has been the members that came before me. I’ve learned from the successes and mistakes. I am realistic that anyone of us can gain weight back. I had a gain my third year. I came back to the site for support. I’m back to maintaining in the 130s How is my sleeve surgery restriction? My restriction has become less over time. ***It’s nothing like pre surgery*** My maintenance plan is adding more calories and low glycemic carbs to slow/stop weight loss. I eat dense protein and as much veggies as I like to fill the extra room in my pouch, stay satisfied, and not go over my maintaining calories/carbs. When or if you experience less restriction with the sleeve. Watch for grazing/eating around your surgery. You will not feel surgery restriction if you eat small portions all day long (healthy and unhealthy choices) that total over your weight loss calories and macros. The sensation is as if you never had surgery. It’s a major cause of weight gain with any type of surgery. Some things you may already know or to prepare for in maintenance phase: It may be hard to transition out of the ingrained six months of “bariatric weight loss rules” Maintenance is a different mindset. Fear of weight gain can be an issue. Choose a weight bounce range to maintain. (I maintain ten pounds up and down the scale.) It may take some time to learn trust yourself and relax. Find your balance. Know that you can work the bounce range and keep your weigh off. We get to indulge within reason and not feel guilty about it. If the scale moves up, get back in weight loss mode to bring it down. If you have a gain or need motivation to maintain, you always know we are here.

I agree with both Sandworms and Rachel you get out of the band what you put into it. Unless the band has slipped or their is some type of malfunction, it will do its job, but your job is still the hardest. It is was determines significant weight loss from plateaus and weight gain while having it. I've noticed a trend over the last 6 months on blogs, forums, youtube etc. from bandsters who are having trouble shedding the pounds and aside from band malfunctions, they are all cheaters. Whether that be with alcohol, not exercising, or poor food choices. If your drinking alcohol on weekends, or fruit juices high in calories, snacking on cookies, ice cream and other high calorie items you were told to stay away from, you are NOT gonna be successful losing the weight. If you put in the work and follow the diet, you will lose the weight you want. I've also noticed a trend in those who lose alot, and who are most sucessful at keeping it off over time, and that is, they've become alot more physically active. They take gym classes, do workout tapes, 4k runs, etc. Lapband isnt a magic pill, its just a tool to help you, but you've got to be willing to put in some work if you want to be successful. Good Luck, I'm sure you can do it. I intend to work my butt off to lose all the weight I want to. If you are too, you will.

Jodi In KY, come to think of it my BMI was 39 and my insurance company paid for mines. I'm with Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. All insurance companies have there own requirements. I called my insurance company and spoke with a representative, who advised the requirements that I would have to had fulfilled before the insuance company would pay for my surgery. Luck I fit those requirements. Suffered with my weight gain for the last 5 years, 6 month supervised weightloss program in the last 2 years, either 6 months straight or 2 consecutive 3 month sessions would qualify. Two health physical or health problems related to weight gain. I did not have health problems and throught because my BMI was 39, I would not qualify for the surgery, but I was approved.

I have read A LOT of research studies on the theory that diet soda causes weight gain, and the evidence is far from convincing. Dr. Matthew Weiner (a bariatric surgeon with a huge YouTube presence) says he doesn't mind if people drink fizzy water, but doesn't want his patients drinking diet or regular soda. The belief that it stretches the stomach isn't really true from what he says, and from other evidence, but also it just doesn't make sense. But he says, many people just find it uncomfortable. Like @PolkSDA said, it can be hard to find non-carbonated unsweetened drinks on the go other than water. I travel a lot for work, and I had given up soda 6 months ago as I prepared for surgery, and when I started to travel more again, I gave up and started drinking diet soda again. I've stopped now that I'm on my pre-op diet. One thing I did at first was carry packets of sugar free drink mix (like crystal light, but I don't like that brand) and a water bottle and just refill it and add a packet of drink mix. That worked when I didn't want plain water. I met a woman on a trip who drank Coke Zero from day one and drank it with her meals. She said she had gained some weight back, but she felt it was from too much alcohol.

My mother always blamed herself for my weight gain, even though I was out of the house & married off before it became an issue. She wasn't thrilled with the idea of my surgery because she was sad that it had "come down to that". She wished I could have found another way. She & dad drove down to the hospital to be with DH and I when I had my surgery. I didn't know this at the time, but she cried for hours the night before my surgery. Mostly tears of misplaced guilt, I believe. A few of fear. We both know sisters who were banded several years ago, and one has had some sognificant issues with her band that have lead to other problems including extreme (from size 36 to a loose 0) weightloss. And a few tears because she was afraid that it was a pure desperation move on my behalf. She never vocalized it, but she wished I wouldn't do it. Now that she sees I'm getting myself back, sees the changes in my personality, and my body... sees that I can get down & up again from the floor without any effort, and that I can rup up and down the stairs & still breathe... and most importantly that I'm still healthy, able to eat wholesome foods, and not having (yet) complications, she's thinking about the band herself. At the same time she has a lot of the issues you share about your mom. She is overweight, though I was by far the largest. She told me once, "If you do this and lose weight I'm going to be jealous." It always gave her a measure of comfort to not be the fattest one in the room, I'm sure, even if it caused her horrible guilt at the same time. We visited my parents last weekend and mom brought out all the food she had bought for me - Cookies, ice cream, chips. She meant well, but I told her I don't eat that stuff any more, and even when I do it's 1 cookie, not a box. She keeps insisting that, "With no more than what you eat, a few cookies isn't going to hurt you" or "You can use real butter, you need some more fat in your diet." She means well, but she too struggles with her proverbial demons. As does your mother. Have you tried a real heart-to-heart with her?

Pseudotumor Cerebri Details Pseudotumor Cerebri Symptoms The common symptoms are headache, dizziness and impaired vision. Headache is often worse on awakening, and can be intensified by coughing, laughing, bending over, crying, and increased physical activity. Impaired vision shows up in several ways. It can be visual blurring, brief moments of dimming or loss of vision called transient visual obscurations (TVO's), small specks appearing or vision distortions (items moving up or down). Blindness can occur. Other symptoms affecting PTC patients include: shoulder/arm pain, neck pain, memory problems, awkward coordination, muscle weakness, fatigue, back pain, and depression. Possible symptoms include dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears or noises within the head called tinnitus. Regarding headaches: a study showed 92% of patients interviewed had headaches; 93% of those with headaches said it was the most severe headache they had ever experienced. The head pain was described as a pulsing headache that kept increasing in intensity. Another description was a "pressure" headache, resembling a percolator. Seventy four percent of those with headaches had it on a daily basis. Can also experience neck stiffness or nausea. Pseudotumor Cerebri Characteristics By appearance, a person looks well. PTC can last for months or for years. It can go into remission. For those in remission, PTC can re-occur 5% to 10% of the time. 80% of PTC patients have some positive response to treatment. (This means that the PTC symptoms improve, not that the PTC necessarily goes away.) Pseudotumor Cerebri most commonly appears in women of child-bearing age. However, this disease also occurs in children and teenagers (both male and female) and adult males. For women of child-bearing age, there is often a history of menstrual problems. Frequently these women are overweight and/or have had a recent weight gain. Although physicians recommend weight loss, there are patients whose weight loss has not affected their PTC. A number of PTC patients have had a previous history of sinus problems. Many patients are light-sensitive; bright lights bother them and fluorescent light will fatigue and bring on confusion. Endocrine studies can appear normal. Often PTC is complicated with high blood pressure. PTC does appear to have a relationship to adrenal hormones. Things Linked to PTC Secondary PTC has appeared with the use of oral contraceptives, prolonged use of corticosteroids, large doses of Vitamin A, use of tetracycline , nalidixic acid, nitrofurantoin, sulfa drugs, lithium, indomethacin, and phenytoin. Rapid recovery often occurs when drug use is stopped. Chlordane toxicity (an insecticide) can also cause PTC. Other things linked to PTC include: Tetracyclines (including doxycycline and minocycline, antibiotics for chlamydia and acne) Lithium carbonate (a mineral salt to treat bipolar or manic-depressive disorder) Systemic lupus erythematosus Lyme disease Addison's disease (a condition in which the adrenal glands hypofunction) Cushing's disease (a condition in which the adrenal glands hyperfunction) Prednisone (and other steroids, possibly by any route including topically, nasally, orally, etc.) Hypo-thyroidism Hyper-thyroidism Pregnancy Obesity Head Trauma Irritable Bowel Syndrome Empty Sella Syndrome (condition in which the pituitary hypofunctions) Licorice (the inciting ingredient is glycericic acid) Vitamin A or its derivatives (used in bone marrow transplantation patients and to treat acne) Respiratory infections sleep apnea (a condition in which the patient snores and has headaches upon awakening) Norplant (a contraceptive that is implanted under the skin) Growth hormone therapy Climacteric (the start of menopause) Kidney disorders and kidney transplants

I'm so interested in what folks have to say about this. I too had the sleeve and my Gerd disappeared but now 3 yrs later and almost all my weight gained back in the past year due to personal loss that caused depression my Gerd is back worse then ever before. So I've been thinking about revision surgery.

For as long as I can remember I have always had a faster than average pulse. With recent years and of course, continuing weight gain, it has increased. My average is 95bpm. When I am stressed or at the doctor's office it is usually up around 120. Has anyone had this? And has WLS helped it at all?

I am on the six month supervised diet also and tomorrow have my fourth appointment with my NUT also see the PA and have my psych eval. I am nervous because I am sure I gained weight this month. I had some family issues, work issues and money issues and lost focus long enough to put back on some of my weight, hopefully not all of it. They have never told be I had to lose a certain amount but still I am so upset that I have to go in there and be a failure at losing weight again. But besides the weight gain issue I have so any questions, I first need to find out if they will do the sleeve surgery instead of the traditional bypass. Well it gave me some comfort that not everyone excels at losing on this supervised diet and still is able to have the surgery. Good Luck and I hope everything goes smoothly for you and we both are able to hae the surgery soon.

Hi dreamers! First of all, take a deep breath. I had a lot of worries going into this too, knowing I wanted to make the change but not believing that I could after so many years of unhealthy habits. Congratulations for quitting smoking -- you have just added YEARS to your life! Many of us went into panic mode that week before starting the pre op diet. I hit all of my favorite restaurants and drive thru's. You know that you are only sabotaging yourself, so it is essential to reach out for help. What does your doctor say about the 30lb weight gain? Are you required to see a nutritionist or therapist? Please set up an appointment ASAP so they can help you get to the root of this. As far as practical suggestions -- how is your exercise? You have not been banded yet but the earlier you start, the better. Even just 15 minutes. Have you considered a personal trainer for motivation and accountability? If hubby is willing to work out with you, even better. Figure out your trigger foods because frankly those will have to go for the next few months. DO NOT have any unhealthy foods in your house, period. Pack your lunches for work. It is not worth damaging your chances of having the surgery, and later damaging your band. How would you feel knowing you threw away this life changing opportunity just for the temporary satisfaction of junk food? You deserve better.

I completely understand what your going through. Two months before lap band I gained 62 pounds. I ate so much junk food, fast food preparing for this new life style. My family kept telling me I was sabatogizing myself and they were completely right. My advice is: each pound you gain before lap band surgery is only making you further from your ultimate goal. I am so incredibly mad at myself for gaining so much weight right before surgery. Start now!! They say with lap band we can expect one-two pounds per week of Weightloss. Each pound you gain preparing for surgery is adding a week to loose...I know my body can gain one pound per day and it did. If I only didn't do what I did I'd be almost 200 pounds today but instead I'm 275. Also, my surgeon explained to me that the weight we gain before surgery is belly fat that can cause complications during surgery. He said the fat all stays in belly first and makes the surgery harder to perform. That scared me, and I wish I knew this before gaining 62 pounds right before surgery. Also, be careful about weight gain because you can get denied if they weigh you, and a month later you've gained more. It shows insurance and surgeon unreadiness for life style change. Also, try going on a shake morning and lunch..and eat sensible dinner..I lost twelve pounds week before surgery drinking the two shakes and having dinner. Three weeks of liquids is a lot....and mentally if you know you don't have too, it makes it very difficult. Try one day of replacing breakfast and lunch with shake and see if you can manage that before going straight to all liquids.....

It may be a great way to get nutrition in considering fluids are much easier to go down with the sleeve than solids. My concern is weight gain from the sugar content of fruits. I know not all sugar sources may be equal, but fruit sugars can certainly put on weight for those of us prone to gaining. I'm really considering getting one, but I'll be getting creative with the discounted fruits/veggies for sure!