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Before looking for a second surgical intervention, really she would need to do the above to make sure it's not bad habits and lack of exercise that caused the weight gain. Her body has already hit 129 therefore it will be easier to get there again. The DS surgery is not if you can't handle eating healthy and exercise. Because having the DS will cause worse issues regarding absoption of cruicial vitamins and minerals. If a person continues to eat poorly, their health will really suffer. Stick to the non-evasive treatment plan as mentioned above of changing eating habits and exercising consistently 4-6 times a week. Good luck. Really, this is something that you can fix. It's just you putting in the effort.

@@Valentina is right. If you didn't have some doubts, you wouldn't be normal. @@HanSolo1977 Mine started one I started the pre-op diet. I kept thinking about the fact that I could never go to a party and get a 'regular' plate of food. That I won't be able to finish a hamburger. That I couldn't ever be a real foodie like I've been and wanted to be. I grew up poor, and we barely had food on the table. My weight gain was thanks to me wanting to eat things I couldn't afford before + my PCOS. So all this swirled around in my head, and I really doubted that having an irreversible surgery was the right choice. I was terrified. But then I bit it all back, I took a deep breath, and I reminded myself WHY I was doing this. To ensure and hold myself responsible, so I could by the cute clothes without paying nearly twice as much. So I wouldn't cringe whenever someone wanted to take a picture of me, and so I could actually have the opportunity to have kids and be there for them as they grow up. Leading up to surgery, you're going to doubt it, second guess it, everything. What it comes down to is whether you can hold yourself to your current diet and keep it going and keep it off (I never could). Or if you need that insurance.

I don't tell people I'm not close to (i.e. coworkers who aren't also personal friends) because it's really none of their business and I've gotten enough judgment from other people about my weight and eating-- I'm not interested in more. Now that I'm a year and 4 months out, I feel like it's too late even if I wanted to tell-- some people might feel "betrayed" even if they legitimately have no right to feel that way. I don't really regret being cautious, but I do feel like I'm in a corner where it would cause problems now for me to "come out" to acquaintances who have been very complimentary about my losses. I suppose if someone came right out and asked I would definitely tell the truth, but so far that hasn't happened. People who haven't struggled with true obesity (and even some who have) are still very ignorant about what it takes to successfully lose and KEEP OFF excess weight. The research is very clear that dieting in the traditional way does not create long-term weight loss, and in fact, stimulates long-term weight gain, but "common sense" says it's so easy to lose weight- just don't eat as much and exercise! I think it is going to be a difficult thing to change opinions about bariatric surgery, but it will happen someday. In the meantime, you have to do what is right for you. This is YOUR LIFE.

I had lost 3 lbs. then at my last visit to set the surgery date I had gained seven. I told the doctor I had quit smoking and was trying to fight both battles. Plus my insurance was changing and they were not going to cover the operation, I had a appointment within two weeks to be banded on Dec. 30th. And they were strict also about the no weight gain. It all in how you present it.

I posted her under this topic awhile back as not having had any problems. Since then had a little bump in the road, but not sure if it's the band or the surgeon... I think I may have been overfilled and not sure if this is the surgeon not being as accurate as possible on how much he takes out before adding more. I ended up in ER after throwing up for five days. Initially had all fill removed (or so we thought). Was scheduled for revision becuase they thought the band had slipped. Surgeon had a scheduling conflict so surgery was postponed but I've been dealing with PA lately. We decided to go ahead and refill partially. As it turns out I still had over a cc still left in the band, which if you include the 8 ccs they took out in the emergency room and then 1 cc I had taken out the month before, would bring me up to at least 10. so I'm really wondering if the throwing up was just because I was overfilled. So I've had 4ccs in for about 3 weeks with no problems (no restriction either thank you very much...agghh...I've gained 10 lbs ...but it's been a great summer...lots of pina coladas...so I've had my summer sojourn...lol) I go Monday for another fill. I'm sure they won't do more than maybe 2. But the PA seems to be better at getting more out of the band than my surgeon was. So we'll see how it goes. I personally think it will all be okay but if it's not, it probably won't rear its ugly head until there's some real restriction on the band. But I'm am so not discouraged. What being unfilled has done has made me get up off my lazy butt and join the gym and also to get out more often to the pool in my housing development and swim as much as I can. So even with my weight gain, I'm not discouraged. I know that as soon as I start getting restriction the bread will be back out of my diet. sorry to ramble...but I don't fault the band. My surgeon is very very inexperienced when it comes to the band, like under 20 total. My daughter had the Lap-Band, no problems, but her surgeon had done over 4k and had told her that the biggest issue with the bands is port placement and stitch placement for the flap that holds it in place. So worse case scenario, I've been approved in case I need it for the revision. Good luck all. Trisha pennreporter

I'm approaching my 1 year bandaversary in a few weeks and there has been one issue over the past year that I can't seem to get a handle on. This past week I've been miserable and after a few days of weight gain (just 2 pounds in a week)...I finally figured it out. Correctol took care of it. 1 dose didn't work. I took 1 and a half dosage the following night. Finally, relief...and those 2 pounds gone. Constipation has been an untold issue for me since being banded. I remember having this problem when I was on Atkins a few years back. I've increased Fiber...I've decreased fiber, MoM doesn't help. Softeners don't help....I require a stimulant to do the job. I'm really concerned with what my liver and large intestines are going to look like before long. My doctor has recommended many things and even a script. But the only thing that I can get to move me is sugar. But I try to avoid sugar as my new way of eating. Yet, it's either a Krispey Kreme or Correctol. Can anyone shed some light on this issue? I need my large intestines to not absorb so much Water. HELP!

I met a woman today who told me she got banded 16 years ago. She has a non adjustable band, no port or anything. She lost 130 pounds and kept it off until a few years ago when she had a bad car accident and badly damaged both knees. She's currently recovering from her second knee replacement. She's heavy but not morbidly obese. She attributes her weight gain to lack of exercise due to her knees and her love of chocolate. She still pb's when she's not careful.

UGH. I am so sorry. Definitely contact your surgeon back in Lebanon, and make sure you get copies of your files AND XRAYS. I don't think anyone is going to want to un-fill you without knowing exactly where your port is, and no-one is going to give you X-rays when you are pregnant (as they shouldn't). how do you feel, and how is your current weight gain? As long as that is on track and you can eat healthy foods, I don't think it is 100% the case all the time that you get unfilled for a pregnancy. If you aren't throwing up, and can use healthy slider foods to gain the right amount of weight, you might be OK! Anyway, if you can get a copy of your file/xrays that might really help regarding getting someone to help you, and if your surgeon knows anyone in the US, maybe that person could help?

I had my mid band surgery in 2004. I successfully lost 87 lbs. Over the past 6 months I have gained 38 lbs! I have gone in for many Fills and can't maintain restriction. After a couple of days my restriction disappears. I have had the barium test and last week in day surgery had the port checked. It is fine. My surgeon is at a loss. There was 6cc in my band. I have always needed a larger fill than his other patients. I am hungry all the time, eat healthy, organic foods but due to Polycystic Ovarian Disease compounded with genetic obesity I have to eat next to nothing to maintain weight loss. I eat about 1200 - 1500 calories a day keeping carbs low. The band gave me the restriction I needed. I am at a loss as is my surgeon. Please, any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. I am depressed and ashamed of the weight gain after so many years of success. I do not know where to turn for help.

Lab band 1 year ago. Lost 14 kg then stalled. Had to deal with a wedding and families visiting. Gained 2 kg. Any suggestions.

Hi Gals... I had my band removed on Nov 5th and, although still a bit sore, am so happy to have it gone. I can only echo the relief of no longer having to vomit at any given time and for any given bite of anything. To have gone a full week without throwing up seems to be such a blessing. I totally disagree with the naysayers who are predicting weight gain for those of us who have the band removed. I don't understand why someone would want to plant those kinds of negative seeds. I believe we can do it, gals...and do it in a healthier, less physically risky way. I wish you God's best. Again, do not accept the prophecies of doom. We can, and will get rid of this excess weight. Seek out whatever support works for you and do not fear or underestimate your ability to create a healthy nutritional lifestyle.

No, doctors and providers don't tell you the truth about the actual weight loss. I lost about 75 lbs. initially (being able to eat only slush and mush, as I call it) and then started the tricky road to fills and unfills. Traveled to other states even to have fills done right and all this has cost a bundle along with the initial $15K I spent on the procedure. After that first weight loss, I started gaining for no apparent reason, still eating (or having food slide down my throat) small quantities. I went to a doctor and was diagnosed with PCOS, a condition that prevents weight loss and actually is responsible for weight gain even when eating only 1,000 calories per day and exercising. Fed up with the whole thing, I had as much of an unfill as is possible. Now I'm waiting till I have health insurance in hopes my coverage will include complete removal of the band. One bright note throughout this ordeal...Thanks to a suggestion from a PCOS support group member, I started on the Atkins program and have now started to lose weight. And, if I chew really well, I can keep most of the foods down. It seems that carbs are really the enemy to weight loss. So, if you feel you want the band out, get it out. It's worth $5,000 (if you can afford it which I can't right now) for peace of mind. I wish I had started Atkins BEFORE I got the banding done. Good luck.

This is bad for those of us on this journey. Yes I heard Mirena doesn't do major weight gain, but at this point scared to use any BC until I at least finish my weightloss. What I'm thinking is, I think these BCs mess with our metabolisms, because the changes I noticed were like the way I was before I had the surgery. But I'm hoping someone has be able to kick start their weight loss again, and if so, how? Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

Are you getting enough Protein in? Are you taking Vitamins? I know you are scared of gaining weight but I am afraid you might be sacrificing your health to be thin. Having an unfill does not necessarily mean weight gain, specially if you are being careful and consientious about your food choices. This is true if you are eating meat/proteins and focusing on getting more healthy foods in. It helps to be at the "sweet spot" but it sounds like you have bypassed it at the risk of your own health. You may see weight gain if you continue eating slider foods along with increased capacity that a looser fill provides. Slimfast might be helping you in the near term but may not be helpful over the long term. My doctor advised against drinking slimfast. She said that by taking in liquid/easy nutrition this way, it goes right through and I am not allowing the band to help me by giving me the full sensation. It is not very satisfying in the long run. I have been reading posts on different web sites for a long time. One recurrent them that I have seen that people who are too tight for a long time is lack of weight loss (not to mention the physical side effects). It doesn't have to be a large unfill, but something small may get you back to a more healthy diet and the additional weight loss you desire.

The unfill, rest, refill idea occurred to me too as did the possibility that after 8 years it is highly likely some fill has evaporated and you dont have as much as you think. For those thinking this should work for life - over the years, we do get older and 8 years is almost a decade after all. You do loose your lean body mass over time, and gradually your energy needs decline, normal unbanded people have to work harder and harder to stay the same weight and most people spread with age. Exercise is the best defence against this kind of weight gain, maintaining bone density and muscle mass is vital. Thankfully with a band you have one more weapon in your arsenal against weight gain over time.

Reminder: the Importance of Diabetes If you don’t have diabetes, someone in your family might if obesity runs in your family. You may remember a parent, aunt or uncle, or grandparent who had diabetes and suffered from complications. 29 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population, have diabetes, or high blood sugar, and most cases are linked to obesity. Type 2 diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S., but it gets worse. It’s a risk factor for heart disease and high blood pressure, stroke, and high cholesterol. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to kidney failure, blindness, infections, and amputations. In total, the U.S. spends about $245 billion per year on diabetes. Medications for Diabetes Diabetes medications can help keep your blood sugar in check in various ways. The following are some common types of diabetes medications. Increase insulin sensitivity. Reduce the amount of sugar your liver releases to the bloodstream. Increase insulin production. Prevent the kidney from reabsorbing sugars. Slow down metabolism of sugars and starches. Diabetes medications help, but each type has drawbacks. They can cause weight gain, increase your risk of infections, harm your heart, and lead to nausea and vomiting. Unless you’re on a good health plan, these medications can also be expensive. The Effects of Weight Loss Surgery on Diabetes When considering weight loss surgery, you probably think about the number on the scale, how nice it will be to shop at regular clothes stores, having more energy, and improving your heart health. It turns out that weight loss surgery has a big effect on diabetes, too. People who get weight loss surgery often see their blood sugar levels drop and are able to decrease their medication doses or get off of medications entirely. You’d expect to have improvements in diabetes if you lose a lot of weight after weight loss surgery. After all, your diabetes was probably caused by obesity. Whether or not you get surgery, you’re likely to have better control over your blood sugar levels if you lose a lot of weight. However, it turns out that weight loss surgery has a bigger impact on diabetes than what you’d expect just from losing weight alone. In some studies, patients have had their blood sugars lowered as soon as a few days after surgery! In just a few days, you can’t lose enough weight to explain the drop is blood sugar. There must be another explanation. As it turns out, researchers do have a lot of theories about what causes the health improvements so quickly. It may have something to do with the way your body processes carbohydrates. There could be increases in insulin sensitivity. Multiple hormones are probably involved. Researchers don’t know all of the reasons for sure, but these results are pretty consistent. The gastric bypass is most likely best at resolving diabetes quickly, following be the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The lap-band isn’t as effective, but lap-band patients do tend to see at least some improvements. Each type of weight loss surgery has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to ask your surgeon for advice. The Weight Loss Surgery Diet and Diabetes Surgery is only part of the solution to controlling diabetes or preventing pre-diabetes from developing into diabetes. If you want maximum benefits and lasting effects, you also need to take a look at your nutrition. For weeks, months, and years after weight loss surgery, your diet will largely determine your weight loss and blood sugar levels. Fortunately, the weight loss surgery diet is also a diet that can lower your blood sugar levels. First, stick to your low-calorie diet. If you’re not counting calories, serve yourself only the portions and types of foods that your surgeon allows. The low-calorie diet lets you lose weight and as you do, you’ll find that your blood sugar is in a healthier range. Next, there’s the protein content. You already know that you need to focus on protein on your weight loss surgery diet. It keeps you full to help you lose weight, and prevents symptoms of protein deficiency. Another benefit is that it doesn’t spike your blood sugar and insulin levels like carbohydrates do. When you eat fewer carbs and more protein, your blood sugar levels will be more stable. There are a few other ways you can plan your weight loss surgery diet to also be healthy for your blood sugar. Better yet, these tips will also make your diet higher in nutrients. Instead of refined grains, select whole grains, such as oatmeal and whole wheat bread and pasta, whenever possible. Eat plenty of vegetables, since they’re filling, low-calorie, and unlikely to spike your blood sugar. Choose unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, instead of saturated fats, such as butter, to promote heart health and better control your blood sugar. Eat high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, beans, and fruit, to feel less hungry and to prevent blood sugar spikes. Type 2 diabetes can be an inconvenient disease to manage, and it can cause all kinds of devastating complications. If you have diabetes or prediabetes and are thinking about weight loss surgery, it’s important to know the facts. Weight loss surgery can help resolve your diabetes and get you off medication, but it’s not likely to be too effective without a good diet, too. Just like with weight loss, weight loss surgery is a tool for diabetes management, and you need to follow a healthy nutrition plan to get the maximum results.

One of my loved ones is BP II and they are now trying to decided if she also has BPD. She gained a TON of weight from Abilify..which was billed inititally as 'Weight-Neutral". Weight-Neutral my AS*! She also takes Seroquel and now I'm wondering how much a role this might have played in her carb binging (although this is also typical of Bipolar disorder as well - i.e. not in relation to a med alone). She was on Lamictal as her first line mood stabilizer for a long time and just recently had to be switched to Lithium. I am not BP but I have been on Seroquel for a few years for sleep and anxiety. I have a fairly vicious shift work disorder situation going on and regular sleep meds like Temazepam just don't cut it. I'm on 150 mgs. I haven't noticed weight gain on it but I know meds like this along with the front line mood stabilizers...can bring with them much good, but also sometimes very undesired side effects. I've normally seen the ppl in my life gain the most from the atypical anti-psychotics. I DO know seroquel can impact your cholesterol for sure. The one thing I know for sure is that all of these very important meds bring a host of side effects and many are known impacters on several things that could negatively impact your weight along with simply having bipolar. Would be nice to see more conversations about trying to do this while dealing with some fairly difficult...emotional/mental/spiritual challenges. I know how hard a road it is to walk...with significant challenges like this, while I do not have BP myself, someone who is EXTREMELY close to me...I watch her suffer so much...it breaks my heart over and over...and then add on top of it that she has gained over 100 lbs in a year...on top of already being MO. I just love her so much..and am tired of seeing how life...just continues to throw so many unfair and awful situations her way. I KNOW life is NOT fair, but when you have something like bipolar as a diagnosis..unless you've been there/been beside someone going thru it, it is hard to explain how much it impacts every single aspect of your life sometimes...

I gave up carbonated drinks many years ago because of the gas (terrible hiccups & aggregated my reflux) & the calories. I only drank soda, tonic or mineral water (& wine, gin & scotch 😁). I didn’t miss other carbonated drinks. Now, I only have tonic or soda, which I let flatten a bit, the rare times I have gin. I agree with the studies about artificial sweeteners @s@ssen@ch mentioned. Artificial sweeteners don’t do anything to stop your desire for sweet things because they provide you with the same sweet hit just with much fewer calories. Sugar has addictive qualities as does the caffeine in many carbonated drinks. That’s what you’re likely missing @Heather13 not the Diet Coke itself. For me, this process has been perfect to cut out, reduce or limit my intake of things like sugar, carbs, alcohol, etc. All the things that contributed to my weight gain & inability to lose & maintain loss in the past. You’ll notice for every person that says they can eat or drink something or can or can’t do something after their surgery, you’ll find someone who doesn’t or can’t. Remember, we’re all different & have different experiences on this program. One of the big learnings is discovering what works for you & brings you success. I’ve very much appreciated the suggestions, advice & stories people posted on these threads & through trial & error I’m working out my what helps me & brings me success. Good luck.

Long time no post...Reason, no weight loss and very busy. Yup. A little frustrated on the no weight losss but pretty excited about the NO WEIGHT gain!!!! Yeah it sounds weird but it's true. I am very excited about another thing. I found a few new snack that are great tasting as well as healthy and full of productive calories not empty ones. My husband and I found Whole Food's Supermarkets. Ok, I would of never went into this place a few months back because it just didn't interest me. plus, I never understood what it was about. Well, guess what... I love it now!!!! i found some Soy rice cakes, some honey roasted soy nuts, dried/baked veggies that really taste yummy. Even my kids loved it. I am so pleased that my kids loved it because no we can all enjoy a healthier lifestyle together!!! I also went to Trader Joe's (also another supermarket) and found some dried fruits and fruit snack that taste like fruit roll ups and only 70 calories!!!! HOLY SH... I can fill my sweet tooth!!!! So a heads up to all those sweet tooths out there...there are other healthier and "allowed" sweets out there, we just need to look for them in the right place!!!!!

I agree with the above poster. You feel so much better with exercise everyday. One of the biggest lessons learned in my weight loss was how much I needed the exercise. Once I got out and started walking I noticed all these older people out walking and realized that in order to lead a long healthy life you need to be active. My weight gain had more to do with being less active than it did with what I put in my mouth. Yes, you can lose weight without exercise but the key will be can you keep it off without exercise. I personally don't think it's possible unless you eat next to nothing.

Studies have shown that nutrition plays a bigger part (like 85%) in actual weight loss than exercise...so, yes, you absolutely can lose weight without exercising. But in my own experience, I've discovered that my exercise habits have a direct impact on my nutrition habits!!! There is also a mental aspect for those of us who have struggles with weight loss/weight gain. Exercise is as good for your mental health as it is for you physically!!! I take one day off each week for rest and on those days, I don't have as much energy and I just feel kinda "blah" mentally.

First off, don't panic! It's only 14 pounds. Think back to past weight loss attempts and I'm sure you've regained far more in the past. 14 pounds is doable. You've caught it in time. You are determined to turn it around. So you are already off to a good start. Now is the time to evaluate what has changed for you. What behaviors have led to the weight gain? Where could you do better? Where are you already/still doing well? How can you get back to a solid foundation to rebuild your healthy habits on? You could start by tracking your food and making an effort to increase your activity level. Doesn't have to be anything extreme, just a few minutes a day to start.

Without knowing what you're eating its hard to say. I know there's some that prescribe to the diet after lapband method but I'm not one of them. I got this so I can eat normally, just in controlled portions. I lose 2-4lbs a week eating whatever I want, but I make sure to eat balanced meals that provide me with the necessary calories and protein that allow me to continue to lose. I'm not so sure that WW can really provide you with the special needs of the Lapband, but I don't know for sure and if it works for you, GREAT! I can tell you though, that weekly weighins aren't always helpful, I make it a point to only weigh myself once a month because as women our weight can fluctuate dramatically from week to week. Also you mentioned you're working out.. it's quite possible that you're gaining muscle which is GREAT. That's the catalyst you need get you to the next level of fat burning. At month 3 I had lost 74lbs post op at month 5 I gained 40lbs back in muscle in month 6 I lost more weigh for a total of 43lbs lost since surgery. At first I was devastated but when I realized my body NEEDED that muscle gain to lose more and not to mention although the scale is up my sizes are down *BONUS* It'll all even out... I would say if you're doing all the right things and you're not seeing the scale move it's one of 3 things: 1.) Not enough calories - Starvation mode as you said. 2.) Not enough or too much protein 3.) Muscle mass weight gain. Hope the visit to the nutritionist is helpful to you! Best wishes!

I am mostly a lurker and will add my opinion when it might differ from someone else's. That said, I love forum and all of the information that I've absorbed. I'm 15-days post op. I had a conversion from a stomach staple to a RNY. Before my surgery, I read everything I could and totally expected to have post op pain, issues with eating, and emotional days. This seems to the be the norm? Well, the day after surgery, the doctor came to see me and I asked him if they actually did something other than poke seven holes in me. He proved it later by having me take the standard "leak" x-ray. I saw the surgery and the pouch. I felt great - a little tired, but overall pretty good. I had surgery on a Wed and went home Fri morning. The doctors and nurses were amazed at how I bounced back from the surgery. The next Monday, I started working every day from home. The following Monday, I'm back at work (I have a desk job). Yesterday, I walked two miles and this morning, I already have one mile under my belt. I started my pureed diet yesterday and had a half cup of chili. I have had no issues with food tolerations whatsoever. I've also started enjoying yogurt - before my surgery, I hated yogurt. Now, I look forward to my yogurt and plan to have yogurt become a regular part of my diet. Has anyone else had a great recovery? Oh...I just thought - I'm probably jinxing myself by writing this. So now the stupid part. I would say that sweets, pastries, ice cream pretty much contributed to most of my weight gain. I'm an addict. Because I'm a diabetic (surprise!), my surgeon recommended the RNY surgery instead of the sleeve. This was good news to me because I knew that sugary foods caused dumping. From prior experience, I know that if a food makes me sick, I won't eat it - no matter how good it is. A week before surgery, I read that only 80% of people will dump. OH NO! My luck, I would be in the 20%. So, I had to test it out. I had to know! There was no getting around it. Did my research. I know that every meal should less than 10 grams of sugar. I found a candy with 14 grams of sugar. I didn't want to make myself too sick. I ate it. Good News! I'm a member of the 80%! I felt sick to my stomach, there was some stomach discomfort, dizzy, light headed, and then I started sweating. I felt terrible! I still have the headache. I felt like - wow, if this little candy does this to me.....never again do I want to feel this way. And I know I got a small dose of what could happen. So I'm good. I know. Will I tell the nut or RN at my next check up, probably not. Ok, am I the only one who had to test it out?

I felt the same exact way...I guess no matter how much I studied up on the whole thing I wasn't prepared for the first few weeks post op. I was very weak, nauseus, and depressed! I must say that I did regret it, and all I wanted to do was grub again, and feel normal! I know it sounds repeatative, and probably not really what you want to hear but it does get better!! It takes time not just for your new tummy to heal, but also for YOU to heal, mentally and emotionally from the whole life changing experience. I know I feel so much better now and no longer regret my choice, I am losing weight, gaining energy and self esteem...it feels great!! I no longer get hungry because I'm taking nexium, and have come to grips with the amount of food that I can eat. I think no matter what there will always be times that we want to shovel things in like we used to, but in reality we just can't!! Although I want half the pizza...lol, after my one piece I feel full and am ok with that. No matter what ups and downs we might have, we are becoming healthier, and will live longer, and love life, and that to me means more than that pizza!! You will get through it girl, just keep your head up, and remember all the reasons you chose wls. I wish you all the best on your journey, and I hope you feel better soon!! Keep us posted!!