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Brandy – Congrats on NORMAL weight… That’s so Great:biggrin: Karri – Congrats on RUNNING – that a BIG accomplishment… I have my love/hate relationship with the gym – I hate being hot and right now they don’t always have the fans going. I am a BIG head sweater – On Tuesday they had the fans going and I was only going to do 2 miles as I was feeling a little tired – well ended up doing 3.5 – cuz with the fans on I stay cooler and can workout longer – yesterday felt strong – but the fan’s weren’t on – after the 1st mile I was hot – 2nd mile dieing and really wanted to quit - and when I ck’d mileage is was 2.5 so I figured I could do ½ more mile – that’s only 2 songs. By the time I finished my head looked like I just got out of the shower. Blue Eyedbaby – The Secret – Well watched that show (oprah) and said to omg – That’s how I have been living my life – so for me it wasn’t a secret – I thought it was my original idea. I truly have always thought that there is a lesson to be learned from our life experiences and all the other stuff she wrote about – I guess I could have written this book in 92 and made a mint… #1 – I weighed 3.12 lbs at birth – I was a preemie – I was a chubby kid during grade school – 8th grade weighed 165 and was considered the fat girl – looking back at pic’s I wasn’t that fat – but had 40 lbs on all my friends. High School 130 then in my mid 20’s started with the weight gain – 140 -160 – 180 by 29 206 – did various diets /drugs 200 – 180 – by 92 after parents died went to 230 – lost 30 – then for the last few years – got to 190 – 200 – 220 – 230 – 240 then 250 – alas lapband As a child my family looked like Ozzie & Harriett – but it really wasn’t – My Mom always made the comment – such a pretty face – infact I was like in 4th grade and they had me on a diet (liquid diet meds) – all that did was make me a closet eater. My rebellious side comes out – tell me not to eat – I will eat ten times more.. #2 – Yes today I see my self thinner – as I have my size 12 jeans on – but 188 isn’t thin – ya it’s thinner than 250 – but not thin enough – so yes some days I do - some days I don’t – but heck look at the skinny chicks who are always saying “I’m so Fat” and they weigh 120 lbs and are 5’7.. Peaches – we aren’t in a contest here and really – it’s not about how fast it comes off but how long we keep it off – That will be the proof that this thing works – or should I say helps me keep it off – then I will know I am a success.. Linda – You may not need any more in your band – since it was a slight unfill – maybe you will be at your sweet spot.. Ok gang - I wrote this all this morning - but it didnt post for whatever that reason is - just like the dryer always eats that one sock :rose: Hope everyone is having a good Friday .... Will Ck back later...

ok, i feel different than a lot of people i see on here. i am exactly 3 months out today, and i have lost 2 lbs, and i just lost that 2 lbs, in the last 2 weeks. however, i had lost about 10 after my 2nd fill and then gained back 8 in the next week ---didn't think that was possible, but i'm having major fluctuations. so, i have good restriction right now, but it loosens up in a week or so. i do not want sweets or treats or anything really when i am tight. i am perfectly satisfied with some meat and veggies. it is just keeping that restriction that is the problem. i'm scheduled for a 4th fill already in 2 weeks. i have felt true restriction and i know that it helps with my cravings, my problem is keeping it there. (i have around 7 cc's in my ap small band). i need to exercise.. and let me just say about the food tracking, that i think we should all track our food even at restriction. my doc really stresses this. it is the only way to tell if you are getting adequate protien and it is a definate way to tell if you need a fill. you will see a pattern of more eating and can schedule a fill before you gain weight from it. also, my doctor says as a general rule, if you can eat more than 1/2 of a sandwich with bread then you need a fill. you should only be able to take about 10 bites. i'm not quite there yet, and i'm not stopping until i am. i'm a slow loser, and i need all the help i can get. funny thing is i drop the lbs fast. 4 weeks after surgery down 12 lbs, 6 weeks after surgery down 4 lbs (gained 9), 10 weeks after surgery 2 lbs over presurgery weight (gained 6), 12 weeks down 2 lbs (but i had lost 10 the first week..so igained back 8)...wth?

Bebers, I started on Nutrisystem a year ago, that was my highest weight. I was 220 at surgery, so I've lost 21 since surgery. Cyndi, I got fill number two on 1/14. I asked for a total of 6. He looked at me over his glasses and said don't be a hero. So we played around with the numbers a little, he put in the 6 MY GOD The Water backed up, he totally openend it and I felt it all go down...swoosh...I said MAN that was fun! So I ended up with 5.5. I am just now starting to eat solids, tried to eat a 3 oz bag of tuna today, OMG I felt the tightness in the chest, and the pain, I had to stop. Couldn't do it, I figure I better work up to it slowly, but I think I have some great restriction as I am not hungry at all. Did you get your fill?. Any way, the thread is about how many cc's do they put in your fill. I think it's really based on how your hunger is and how your weight gain/loss is. I would rather move it up slowly than to feel like I did with 6cc in there. That was brutal.

I believe I've been on Actos and Met for about 6 months. There's been a marked improvement when it comes to my glucose levels. When testing my sugar, I'm usually in the range of 90-115, which is wonderful for me. I'd been testing at 200ish for such a long time that my PCP almost jumped for joy when they did my first A1C after taking the Actos for 3 months. As far as the PCOS and its symptoms - there's been no real change that I can see. My cycle is still incredibly irregular and my cravings and PMS are insane. I have to admit that I've been apprehensive about Actos since it is a relative of Avandia. I read recently that it "may be less effective than other drugs for diabetes and cause liver damage, weight gain, anemia and heart failure". Fortunately, it has worked for me as far as the blood sugars go...but my weight is still a problem. PS Thank you all for the warm welcome. I really appreciate it!

I am so there with you! Have had this "unexplained" weight gain happen to me several times. I can offer some thoughts as to what is happening, whether they apply or not, who knows? But, without doubt, I can tell you RELAX!! It's OK! It's more than likely not REAL weight, but rather the body retaining water from exercise. This is soooo common...the body "insulates, cushions" the strained (injured) muscles by packing on the fluid. I know, I know...it sucks...but seriously...you did not consume 7200 calories extra...your body is burning more than usual (BMR)...so it has to be this, IMHO. Now, don't misunderstand...I KNOW how mad that can make you!!! A few tricks...extra fluids, more protein. Try a protein bar, slice of deli meat, FF string cheese. Always strength training BEFORE cardio. Eat small amount of protein 1/2 to 1 hour after workout. Back off any bad carbs if you're eating them. Ok...time to go practice my own preaching. I'm rootin' for you!

Diane: Keep us posted! and BTW folks, Diane looks AwESOME!!!!!!! even with her weight gain, she is still a hawtie (we have the same doc, and I just ran into here when I finally had my tiny unfill)

Thank you for the support. I am going to register on Sparkpeople.com and start tracking my calories. I was feeling SO upbeat. And then, when the NP started reeling off the statistics and saying that she's seen more people fail than succeed with the band -- it just played into my old feelings of discouragement. Excercise isn't a problem for me. My weight gain is fairly recent (last 5-years), and before I gained, I was always a big excerciser. In fact, I came in first in my category in a Triathalon 10-years ago. I won't go to the health club right now -- I don't want anyone to see me at this weight. I don't want to see myself in excercise clothes right now either -- not a pretty sight! Instead, I bought a treadmill and a stationary bike and I work out at home. It's a bit difficult for me at the moment as I just had knee surgery a month ago, but I did 45-minutes on the stationary bike this morning, which always makes me feel good. I did it in my underwear -- like, who can see? :smile: It's the eating that's my bugaboo. The food. The stuffing. The feeling horrible after. I need it to stop. I want it to stop. If the band can help me stop the behavior, then I want to be on the train to bandland. Writing to this group helps. Thanks for listening. b.

Kari You sound like me - you really aren't into form fitting clothing. I think this goes to the whole - not comfortable with your body image. I still long for my elastic waist pants and baggy tops - you know that comfort factor - well I told a gf a long time ago - "don't wear baggy clothes - cuz then it's to easy not to notice weight gain" she reminds me of this every now and then.. I feel like an imposter today... Don't ask me why while I was getting ready for work this morning - I am feeling like i weight 250 still. Hormones I guess. who the heck knows.. maybe it's cuz I do have on elastic waist pants - Brandy- congrats on 150's ... Linda - you will get your exercise watching a 16 month old... Blue- 1.5 a week is great girl - be happy... and yes take the diet out of your vocaublary.

Excellent advice from everyone....up the calories!! I've found that when I'm REALLY cold (can't seem to get warm), I'm dropping inches (not lbs. right away) and am not eating much it translates into lbs. on the scale 4-5 days later. I've started doing 5 days really low calorie (and lots of water) days and then 1-2 days a little higher calorie intake. I just don't want my body to get used to the lower calorie intake. Also, not that this would happen, but a long time ago, I did an 'Optifast' medical supervised fast for 4 months. I was taking in ~ 600-800 calories a day. When I went OFF the fast (and yes, I was working out too), anything I added above 800 calories a day, I started to gain weight. I learned (the hard way) then not to let my body get TOO accustomed to a daily low calorie regime. Mixing it up a little keeps you from going into 'starvation' mode. Just my $.02 worth...everyone is different and others may have different successes different way. Here's to US all being successful!!!! :smile: P.S. One last thing. When I'm on a plateau, I figure the scale is about 2 days behind what I'm really doing at the time. Weight gains and losses (at least for me) usually show up a day or 2 later... -Becky

Yeah I guess I should move this - didn't really know which forum to throw this out. I did travel w/my husband last wk (first time since getting the band) and I was tight. It only last an hr after landing but I did get a tight sensation, something I hadn't experienced before. My husband was a totally different story. He PB'd on Water on the plane, and afterwards couldn't get anything down for well over 24hrs. We're still new to this process, but believe he's at his sweet spot, me I think I need one more fill - but won't know till next wk when I have #4. Thanks Wheetsin, hubby is a big scuba diver (hadn't in the last 2yrs - weight gain, et all) and was terrified when he was told he may not be able to with the band. Again thanks for the response.

Hi everyone. I'm a newbie from Michigan and just found out I was approved for surgery. I go on Thursday for my medical and behavorial assessments. I'm hoping to have smooth sailing and have my lap band in a cuople months. Where I'm going I'm required to do Optifast for 4 weeks prior. I have about 90 pounds I want to lose. I gained about 35 after I quit smoking back in June. Even though I've hated all the weight gain, I never once seriously considered smoking again to curb the gains. I'm looking forward to my journey and sharing it all with you and getting to know everyone here. Anyone have any words of advice?

So glad I found this post. You are not alone in your worries. I have PCOS with insulin resistance. My doc put me on Metaformin it stoped the weight gain but even with a healthy diet and a personal trainer 5 times a wek I still haven't had any luck. WLS surgery was my DR. idea so I have to hope she knows what shes talking about. Not that I haven't been doing tons of research on my own. Either way PCOS and the Band will be my first Question at my consult. Good luck to you. And All us PCOSers should keep each other posted on our progress.

GINGER3151, You said you are using low fat foods. Most products labeled Low Fat are very bad for you. They have artifical sweetners which in some people have shown to cause weight gain or difficulty losing weight. They are also filled with chemicals which may also hinder weight loss. Try staying away from anything labeled Low Fat of Fat Free or that has the work Diet.

So sorry to hear your situation but don't give up. I have Anthem BCBS of Ohio and they are strict but should check for sleep apena. Mine was brought on by my weight gain. I'm at 250, bmi 41 currently and I have mild sleep apena. So just for that, it's important.

Deb, Well that is one thing I have done. I've gone to the same Doc for the past 15 yrs for everything. He has lots of documentation of weight gain, weight loss, energy levels,joint pain, he knows my weight struggles, which is good he is also very easy to talk to. I don't feel I will have any trouble getting his support. Heidi

Hey West Houston folks. I was banded 8-2-06 by Dr. Spivak who was wonderful. I am 65 pounds down with about 20 to go and I feel fantastic. Went from a sendentary lifestyle to exercising 3-5 times per week. Little to no hunger pains, little weight gain and easy to lose. Go for it!

Yes this is my point. So many posts show individuals that are defeated because of weight gain after strenuous exercise, low food intake and yet they show gains. People trying to loose weight have to know their bodies and how the weight is lost. When they know what occurs then they won't get discouraged.

I heard on Oprah not long ago that for every 30 pounds a man loses, he gains an inch of penis. So, this could probably help some men who have lost a lot of penis from weight gain. LOL.

Well, remember 1st and foremost that you will go through phases and hormonal changes monthly can cause weight gain. I tried to keep this in mind when I saw the scale go up a pound or two....just wait it out. Having a fill doesn't mean you are adjusted to the correct amount. You may have to go back for another fill. We all hope we can be lucky enough to not have even 1 fill! Or hoping the first fill does the trick...but often times it does not. Just enjoy yourself these next four weeks before you see your doc again for another adjustment. Meantime, try to re-learn how to eat. Get a jump on a new way of eating for nutrition and wellness. pizza is a tough one...was my toughest. I would eat a bite...and then rationalize I could eat more/alot more and just slime it up. Yep, my children hated it when I ate pizza!

Diane, so sorry about the shoulder and the weight gain. please dont let it get to you, it sounds like you are on the right path again, you can do this! i can relate about using vacation for surgeries. it sucks so bad, i will be using a week of vc if they dont approve the FMLA (doubt they will since i am almost positive it will be considered 'cosmetic') and i will be back to work 9 days after my tuck. that is starting to scare me. if you want a vacation, how about a long weekend somewhere? C

Well, I'm glad you are a licensed nutritionist, I'm sure you'll be happy with your new found career. This does not change the fact that your information is not necessarily correct. I am female, I have thyroid issues, and I was not vulnerable, I was quite well informed when I wrote out that check. The reality is that even though weight may have come on easily, we don't grow to be MO by eating carrot sticks, thyroid or no thyroid problems. ALL of us have to come to a point of honesty with self. We have to acknowledge and admit that we don't always make the best choices and much of our weight gain is our own doing, same with our weight loss. There are many reasons for overeating both physical and emotional. But all of us really have to get to a point where we quit blaming everything outside our own choices for weight gain. Usually by the time someone is banded they realize that the fat needs to be burned and if they don't realize that, they learn quickly when the fat doesn't melt off. Bands don't absorb calories, we are responsible for what goes in our mouths. A lapband doesn't stop us from bad food choices, just quantity of many foods. Some people have a harder time than others burning fat. But it really does come down to the same thing. We did not get fat by eating carrots and we won't get skinny by eating too many calories. It's a huge head game we play with ourselves. Who hasn't spent a gazillion hours on line trying to find something that makes this whole weight thing the fault of anything but our own choices? Who hasn't blamed stress, family members, upbringing, thyroid, anything and everything for our own weight gain? We've all been there, but there comes a point where you just have to get serious and get down to business. You have to get real with yourself. And you know... if we buy into your thinking we are not doing you any favors. I don't think you'll find many people who have already been where you are now... who will support your current thinking. Support does not mean patting your head for bad choices and helping you blame something else. True support from those who most certainly do understand happens by confronting thinking that isn't going to get you anywhere. With that said, your thinking isn't going to get you anywhere. It's time to get real here. Maybe you do have more or different challenges than others. I don't really know. But your current issues will not prevent you from losing weight. It just won't. We ALL have our own unique issues to deal with and overcome and you just aren't any different from the rest of us. You can do this, the first step is to want it bad enough to make the right changes. Good luck to you! Keep coming back and posting. Get really involved with others facing the same obesity issues as you. Read everything you can, but most of all it really is time to change your thinking.

I would totally send you my bra size, but I seriously have about 3 or 4 different sizes from years of weight gain!! Ha! Once I run out of these, I'll let you know! THanks for the offer!

It has been 3 months since yesterday. And, yes I do feel back to normal I suppose. I haven't been too active on this thread as I'm a bit disappointed/disgusted with myself right now. Despite the surgery removing 10 pounds from me I am now up 7 pounds from my pre-surgery weight. That makes a total weight gain of 17 pounds! Yes I know there is some swelling. Yes my swellling though not painful or uncomfortable in any way does seem to be more than most people. But I just can't believe that all 17 pounds are from the swelling. Especially considering the VERY poor food choices I've been making. I am still very happy with how my stomach is looking. And I do think I've turned a corner with the food. Both yesterday and today so far I've been following the high Protein low carb regime very well. Let's hope it is a trend. No matter how my resolve stands up with food I will post an updated photo for everyone to see at the end of the month when I have my official 3 month follow up appointment with the PS.

I went for a year or two trying to lose weight and had the 'no weight change' too. I saw a few pounds lose with the band surgery and a little after the first fill. Now on my second fill, the weight seems to slide off. I had a big problem with xmas and chocolates. I had to decide that it was up to me to say No to sweets and food that is bad for weight gain. The band keeps your portions down. When you are restricted you can eat a small amount before you are full and the full feeling lasts. Only then did I realize how much I was eating at a meal before the band. The band gets rid of the hunger pains and that makes a BIG difference. I think you will see weight loss.

I already know i want a TT and Breast Lift/implants . Like you I have 2 kids with the weight gain and loss i have a lot of excess skin around my waist. I too am a little concerened about the pain. procedure in general. From what i have seen and read from others its not AS bad as people think it is ? I have heard the recovery process can be a little long as far as not being able to pick kids up , ect. My kids are older 15 and 6 so I am not as concerened about that. I think what is important in this for you is support from your husband , if your going to do this , espcially with the little ones and lining up care, help ect. I think if he stands behind this , know's your not going to leave him , know's your doing this for your continued self esteem. Last night on the show Big Medicine there was a really good segment. A woman had lost a lot of weight. She had a TT and breast implants. She explained ( very emtionally ) to the show and her husband why she did it . It was not to look like a super model, ect it was to look and feel "Normal" for the first time in her life . I can see if i can find that for you if you want. Anyway good luck ! Mindy