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Well, for several reasons I need my parents approval when I do things. I've got that kind of personality. Sometimes I do things against their approval, but I have a lot less anxiety in life knowing they support me.. so it was important they were on board with me. I didn't know about lap-band. I wanted RNY.. 3 years ago or so. They said they were completely against it, just diet, etc. So I did.. I lost weight.. gained it back.. then this past December, after gaining another 60lbs on top of my highest weight.. I decided I was getting RNY with or without their support. I was doing research to get information put together to convince them this is what I needed to do. That's when I found lap-band. So instead, I presented them all the lap-band info.. before I could show them anything.. I had to take a deep breath and explain.. I was doing this.. and my mom had seen a Dateline on the lap-band the week before I came to her, so the 'fight' never happened. She said she thinks it's a great idea, they support me. I asked if I could get a loan from them to pay for it (my insurance won't cover it), and they said they would pay for it without it being a loan. So that was that. I'm sure if she hadn't seen Dateline, it would be a relapse of the RNY thing.. how I shouldn't do it, it's unhealthy, I'll get sickly, etc. Maybe your parents just need the educating! Get information on it, show them how it's reversible if it ever needed to be, it's adjustable to fit your lifestyle, etc. Show them the death rate, and complications statistics. It's a no brainer when you get to the nitty gritty. Compared to RNY, where the statistics are scary.. but being the overweight party you're willing to risk it.. even when family is not.

Bandito: With all that you have on your mind, you are tremendously successful. To not show a weight gain is awesome. Think of what would be happening if you did not have the band. Emotional eating can get out of hand, but your band is working. Doddie

Hi Everyone 19 days till surgery. I am so excited yet feeling a bit overwhelmed. I feel overwhelmed at the thought that this could really work. After all the failed diets, fads, and programs. Is this really it? I just cannot imagin. Well I can. I weighed 160lbs before my son was born, after that the weight gain didn't stop till I hit my hugh of 173. Today I am 165. Anyone else feel that feeling of "this is a dream"? I am so excited just...you. Thank you to everyone who shares. It is inspiring?

sizewise, I actually have this as well and I've had surgery 2 times in the past 10 yrs to have cysts removed so, I completely understand where you are coming from. Even with the banding that I had done, I only managed to lose 65lbs until recently when I couldn't hold anything down and then I lost another 25lbs in less than 3 weeks. I had the band in for 5 yrs and was just removed on 06/14/07 due to complications. With PCOS, it seems to make it more difficult to lose weight than the doctors imagine I believe. My lap band doctor was constantly on me about losing more weight. I was sticking to the program that his office suggested and exercised my butt off but to no avail would the pounds come off. I also believe that until you can really get a handle on the PCOS it makes it more difficult to lose weight. Now, so far my OB/GYN only gives me the options of birth control to slow the cyst growth or to get pregnant. Apparently this is to reverse the hormones the way they are naturally supposed to be and stop PCOS. Now, I currently don't do either one of these therapies that are recommended for PCOS. I actually read in the New England Medical Journal years ago that the help of glucophage has had tremendous success with the battle of PCOS. I am trying to find a doctor that will listen about trying this out as PCOS is actually insuline resistant and this is the cause of the weight gain from what I've read thus far and with my medical background. Glucophage is actually used to treat Type II diabetes in most people but, OBGYN's are starting to come around to the new therapy that is a possible solution to getting the body back on track. Right now, those are the only 3 treatments that I know of. I'm sure there are herbs and such to use as well, but consult a doctor before trying those out because sometimes they tend to make the problem worse before getting better. You know? :guess Sincerely, Txbbwstrwbry

I have no medical advise to offer whatsoever but just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for all the troubles you're having and I hope all goes well for you. I was banded two years ago but have only lost 60 lbs. because I was just diagnosed with something called PCOS and that causes weight gain or inability to lose. My weight is all in my stomach and I hardly eat but gain nevertheless. If anyone with PCOS could advise me I'd be appreciative. Good luck to you.

Hello MsPris, thanks for the info on the weight gain. I sure was freakin out about that! Good luck on yours girl!!!

Hi Alex, Havent been here in 7 months and just saw your post. I didnt know about your band slippage. I hope you get a new band soon. I just moved to Georgia from TX and cant find a doctor to do my fills. Not one so far in Atlanta who will take insurance and the ones that take cash want way too much $. So I sit with no restriction and a lot of weight gain since I have not had adequate fill since August 2006. Anyway, hang in there. Babs in GA 334/180/2-- teens???

I think it's just because I have a lot to lose! Also carbs have a horrible weight-gaining effect on me, so once I drop those I usually lose it fairly quickly. Now the key is to stay away from them!!

Erosion is serious business. Your stomach can be extremely damaged... it's not the same as a slip at all. Depending on the degree of an erosion, it can not only prevent a surgeon from placing a new Band, it can keep him or her from doing any revision surgery. It really depends a lot on how badly the stomach was damaged. Personally, it would seem too risky to me. I'd look at other options. But here are some studies anyway... Obes Surg. 2005 Jun-Jul;15(6):849-52.Links Treatment of intra-gastric band migration following laparoscopic banding: safety and feasibility of simultaneous laparoscopic band removal and replacement. Abu-Abeid S, Bar Zohar D, Sagie B, Klausner J. Department of Surgery B and the Advanced Endoscopic Surgery Service, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. dr_subhi@tasmc.health.gov.il BACKGROUND: Intra-gastric band migration (band erosion) following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a known complication requiring revisional surgery. Management has most often involved band removal and suturing of the stomach wall, followed by delayed replacement at a third operation. We report our experience with simultaneous band removal and replacement. METHODS: Between May 2001 and December 2003, we performed 754 laparoscopic operations using the Lap-Band ®. Patients developing band erosion were treated by laparoscopic band removal and immediate replacement of a new band following gastric wall repair. RESULTS: 16 patients (2.1%) developed band erosion after a mean of 23 months following surgery (range 11-40 months). Patients presented with epigastric pain (6), port-site bulge (3) or were asymptomatic (7), band erosion being suspected during fluoroscopy for band adjustment and confirmed by gastroscopy. Postoperatively, 11 patients developed fever that responded to antibiotics. No patient suffered from intra-abdominal infection, wound infection, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. Mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 1-8 days). CONCLUSION: Band erosion following LAGB can be treated safely with simultaneous laparoscopic band removal, gastric wall suturing and immediate replacement of the band, thereby preventing weight gain, the appearance of co-morbidities and the need for additional surgery. PMID: 15978157 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Obes Surg. 2003 Jun;13(3):435-8.Links 11-cm Lap-Band System placement after history of intragastric migration. Vertruyen M, Paul G. Department of Laparoscopic GI Tract Surgery, Europe St-Michel Clinic, Brussels, Belgium. marcvertruyen@belgacom.net BACKGROUND: Intragastric migration (erosion) of the band after laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LAGB) is a serious late complication. It requires removal of the entire system. Subsequent recurrence of obesity can be treated by laparoscopic placement of a larger band: the 11-cm Lap-Band System. METHODS: In 727 laparoscopic gastric bandings using the 9.75 Lap-Band, 10 cases presented with intragastric migration of the band. The same complication was encountered in an additional 4 patients who had previously been implanted with an Obtech band in another hospital. Laparoscopic removal of the band was performed in all cases. In 9 cases, after a delay of 6 months, a new gastric band was placed using the 11-cm Lap-Band, because of uncontrollable recurrence of obesity. RESULTS: No complication was observed during the laparoscopic removal of the system. The placement of a new band required conversion to laparotomy in 1 patient who had previously received an Obtech band which had been placed using the pars flaccida technique. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, no intragastric migration of the new bands was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic placement of an 11-cm Lap-Band in patients with a history of intragastric migration is a safe procedure. It allows effective control of recurrent obesity. The laparoscopic procedure was easier in patients initially operated using the perigastric technique. PMID: 12841907 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Obes Surg. 2001 Dec;11(6):744-7.Links Lap-Band erosion: incidence and treatment. Niville E, Dams A, Vlasselaers J. Department of Abdominal Surgery, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium. erik.niville@ping.be BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective and safe surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Migration of the band through the stomach wall is a well-known late complication that may jeopardize the aim of the treatment--permanent weight reduction. METHODS: 301 patients were followed for > or = 2 years (mean 39 months) after a Lap-Band procedure. Cases of erosion were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: 5 patients (1.66%) developed erosions. Laparoscopic band removal was carried out in these 5 cases without complication. The first 4 have received a new Lap-Band, and all are doing well. CONCLUSION: Band erosion is a bothersome late complication after LAGB and requires band removal. Rebanding is a feasible option. Further study and longer follow-up are necessary to determine whether these patients will develop erosion again. PMID: 11775574 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hi! Hope to be banded soon, but funny you should mention the weight gain. Last evening I attended the required Support Group meeting and one of the surgical nurses, spoke about just that. She said, she'd seen people weigh as much as 20 lbs. more than the day of the surgery. The reason - all the IV fluids they give you. Not to worry she said. Hope that puts your mind at ease. Congrats! Feel Better! ...and good luck!

A little test, it may seem odd but try this. Close your eyes and relax (Make sure you remember these steps because you need to keep your eyes closed as you do this) Imagine that you are going to take a journey wherever you and your imagination choose. Lets do a short test flight, imagine that you are going to travle back to yesterday, you will travel on a scooter that is guided by a line that intersects your body. Imagine this line as it intersects your body allowing you to travel both to the past and to the future. Now answer this question Where does this line intersect your body and in what direction does it point, head or flow. You can use this visualization technique to travel back in time in your mind and re-visit the significant events in your life that impacted your weight gain. You can also travel to the future and see yourself as thin and then travel back and view all of the things that you must do to achieve your target. By traveling to the future in your imagination you can adjust your subliminal vision of how you think being thin will change your life. If you truly do fear being thin your imagination will take you to a place that is not positive, if you then force yourself to change this vision by imagining a positive scenario and if you continue to do this your subliminal view of being thin can be modified from a more negative to a morte positive view. I use this technique more as a tool to help me prepare for stressfull work assignments. I visualize the event being completed in a positive way then I travel back to today and record all of the tasks that I needed to complete to bring about that result. I would never suggest that this will cure or resolve any major internal issues but it can change you attitude about being thin from negative to positive. It is much harder to complete a task if you believe that a negative outcome will result. Now the $64000.00 question, where does that line intersect your body and in which direction?

I would recomend speaking to your dr. Get them to run your blood work. One of the reasons I am going for the band is because I am sevearly anemic I have been most of my life. I get shaky often and its due to two things I dont eat much protein and lack of proper vitamins my suger spikes only when I eat after not eating for along time. A huge contributor for my weight gains. try special k protein water someone mentioned it I tried it and it fills me right up I love it new best friends. A little pricy but worth every penny now if I could just grind chicken into water I could save lol just kidding.

My experience with Cigna Insurance and the Quest for Lap Band approval. I want to first give all thanks, praise and honor to God who has delivered me from my misery. I have learned quite a bit about what to do and what NOT to do when applying for coverage with Cigna. I hope that this note can be of help to the many who seek Lap Band Approval. My experience in getting approved for Lap Band Surgery. I first contacted my PCP (Primary Care Physician) and made an appointment to meet with her to discuss weight loss procedures. She agreed that the Lap Band was one of the safest techniques out there so we moved forward. She then asked me to find a Doctor who performs the procedure and do my re-search to check the credentials and success. I then went on line and located a Dr in my area. I gave her his name and she type up a referral letter so I could present it to his office. I called his office to inquire as to what steps I needed to start for the surgery. I was told to attend a Seminar to see what the Lap Band was all about, etc so I did. After the Seminar I called the office the following work day and was told I needed to set up a Consultation. At the consultation he took my weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, etc and talked to me about dieting, weight loss and the procedure. He then told that I would need me a series of tests prior to being qualified for the surgery. There are several tests such as an Upper G.I., Eco, Stress test & Psychological Evaluation. Once I completed those test the Dr's office faxed the information to Cigna. I did not hear from Cigna so after about 5 days and I called the Dr's office to see if they had heard any news. They did not and the Receptionist encouraged me to call Cigna to see what status my paper work was in. I called and they asked me to call back in 7 days, so I did. Cigna said they needed more information but refused to tell me what information they needed over the phone. So the Rep stated that they would send it to me and the Dr's office via "snail mail". After 7 days neither of us had received the letter. I called back and told the Rep that we had not received the letter and due to time constraint I needed the information today! The Rep told me that she could not give me the information over the phone and I immediately asked for a Supervisor. She transferred me, I remained calm in advising the Supv. that I had not received the letter and needed to know what information they were still needing. The Supv then advised me that they did not receive the Psy Eval (we did fax it) and they also needed a letter from my PCP of my diets, weight-loss, gain etc. I had not presented them with a letter of weight loss from my PCP so I called and asked if she would type something up for me. Although I had not been on a 6 months diet program, I did have 5 years of weight loss on file. I did not go on Weight-watchers, Jenny Craig, etc but I did do the Atkins Diet in which I managed to loose 88 lbs. My PCP type a very generic letter stating my weight loss, disciple, determination, etc. This was not at all what they asked for because I had not been on a supervised 6 month diet per say, but I was successful as loosing the 88 lbs on Atkins and working out. I was a bit nervous when I read the letter from my PCP, but she only stated the truth and that's what we went with. When I presented the letter to Dr's office the Receptionist read it and said "well it's different but we will send it anyway". "Cigna is tough and they usually require documentation stating the different diets, weight loss and/or weight gain with each diet". I then told him that this is all I have so let's go with it. Since they asked us to re-send the Psy Eval he faxed it over again with the letter on a Monday. I called them on Tuesday to confirm that they had received the fax and they did. At that time they advised me that it would be a 48 - 72 hour turn around before the office that I was speaking too would have it. So I called back the next day on Wednesday and they had not received the paper work from the other department but asked me to check back later. I called back on Thursday to see if they had received it in their office and also to see if I was approved or denied. The Rep told me I would receive a letter advising whether or not I was approved or denied. I told her that I've never received anything that they said I would and demanded to speak with the department who makes the final decision. After giving me the run around she finally transferred me to the Pre - Determination department.The Representative from the Pre - D department then asked me to hold, she came back and said we have the paper work in office and you are approved! I couldn't believe my ears! I asked her if she was sure and she said yes. I immediately hung up and called Dr's office and spoke with John. By this time he knew my voice and said "hello, what's going on", have you heard anything? I said "praise God...I'm approved! He then asked me to call Cigna back to get them to fax a "Authorization Letter" which would have the Authorization number on it. I called back and Cigna said they could not give me the number over the phone but would mail it. Once again I had to bypass the first Rep and ask to speak with the Pre-D department. Once getting through the Rep in Pre-D pulled my chart and gave me the Authorization number over the phone. She stated that they would mail a letter to me and the Dr's office. The most important thing was getting the Authorization number even if we didn't have the letter yet. When I called John back with the Authorization number, we both started laughing in total dis-belief. I do not have any illness that Cigna requires for this surgery. So much was going against me but I stayed on my knees trusting in God. I had a 37 BMI, no high blood pressure, no diabetes, etc. I am as healthy as can be but because of my height 5ft 1 inch and 196 lbs, I am 75 lbs overweight. That was my only leg to stand on regarding health issue was the 75 lbs overweight. I do believe the 88 lb weight loss worked in my favor over the 5 years that I had been dieting. I did not loose any weight the last 2 1/2 years and that is why I began to see medical help. I started this journey on May 9th , 2007 and I was approved on June 14th, 2007. To say the least I was ecstatic! There are some very important things I learned in this quest for a new beginning. First, have all your ducks in a row before submitting paperwork to Cign or they will quickly deny you! Secondly, seek a good Dr. who is persistent in following up with you to see if the Insurance Company has contacted you. Thirdly, you must be proactive in following up for yourself call, call and call again! I cannot stress how important it is to have ALL your documents faxed on the 1st go round. Then, you must call, call, and continue to call. It is annoying to continue calling but if you do not call over and over, your chances of getting approved is very...very slim! Another key is bypassing the first Representative and being transferred to another department who can give more concrete information. God will deliver those who trust and believe in Him. Don't give up! Warmest Regards,

I don't think you are trying to be obnoxious. And for many to get down to your goal weight is a major struggle. But one has to remember that the band does not cure your root problem in regards to your weight gain. I know some that go up and down with their weight on the band and thats because the total concept is still not yet in place. For years I was eating the wrong food, not being active enough and doing everything wrong until I was so heavy that I was in a critical mode. The band is a great starting point and for some it will take awhile to let it go. I dont suggest that you walk away from the band but look into many other alternatives that address health and weight loss because the more you go down this road the less you will need the band and the associated problems that can occur. (food get stuck etc...)

I am now 8 days post op. My doc required a two week pre-op liquid diet. Immediately after surgery, he wants me on a two clear liquid diet. Since starting my pre-op diet, I am down 25 pounds!!! But...I had gained 15 pounds from my initial consultation in November. I think the weight gain was due to numerous things since November...Christmas, Disney Vacation in January and the whole fear of not being able to eat a certain food ever again. I feel good. I don't see my doc till Thurs. for a followup and release to return to work. I'm looking so forward to full liquids and mushies! Never thought I'd say I was looking forward to cream soups, puddings, etc. Later.

I am now 8 days post op. My doc required a two week pre-op liquid diet. Immediately after surgery, he wants me on a two clear liquid diet. Since starting my pre-op diet, I am down 25 pounds!!! But...I had gained 15 pounds from my initial consultation in November. I think the weight gain was due to numerous things since November...Christmas, Disney Vacation in January and the whole fear of not being able to eat a certain food ever again. I feel good. I don't see my doc till Thurs. for a followup and release to return to work. I'm looking so forward to full liquids and mushies! Never thought I'd say I was looking forward to cream soups, puddings, etc. Later.

Hi Magilla, I have to say that I have my ups and downs. I went to see my doctor in June. My total loss so far, which was a supprise to me was 33 pounds. I actually felt I had not lost and even thought I gained but to my surprise I had lost eight pounds. It was time for a fill but I told my doctor I was about to go to Italy and I wanted to be able to EAT! He started laughing and said he would actually want to do the same thing. So he didn't fill me and I promised to come back in for a fill as soon as I got back. Well, the trip was great but the food wasn't. I was soooo dissapointed. HAHA The food wasn't that great, in fact, I think the Italian food we have right here in the USA is much better. Go figure. I also had a Tour Nazi. I thought I was going to die. We got up early everyday and were off and walking the whole day. We never stopped and OMG all those friggin stairs! I really thought I was going to die! My legs and feet were swollen the whole time I was there and when I got back home It took two days to recover. I stayed in bed with my legs up in the air until my swelling went dowm. Four days after I got home it was time to see the Doctor. I was excited, thinking I had lost lots of weight with all the walking I did. Right? Wrong. The nurse weighed me and the scale said I had gained Nine pounds! UGHHHH! NO WAY! I got so depressed. I then went in to see the doctor and told him how I was sooo surprised and upset about the weight gain. He didn't say much except it was time to get my 2nd fill. Well, here I am on my second week after my second fill and well, some days are good and some are bad. I have been getting stuck much more often which isn't fun but it definitely reminds me to pay attention to what I'm doing when I eat. I have a tendancy to eat fast. Well, now I have slowed down alot. I still have trouble not drinking with my food, though. I know this is whats keeping me from losing the way I should and could. I haven't been going to the nutritionist which is another thing I should be doing. I need to give myself a nice long talking too. I need to remember everything I've been through to this point. Everything from my long, losing fight against obesity to the pain I went through to get this surgery. I am trying to eat how I did when I first got the band. Drinking those shakes really does help me. Hey, we're only human and are trying to change life long bad habits. We can't put ourselves down for slipping here and there. It will just make it harder for us. We just need to start over when we slip up and use this as a lesson. I know I can do this. I know I can. I won't give up. Maybe I'll need another fill but for right now I need to be more careful with what I put in my mouth. Your not alone in your journey! You can do this! WE CAN DO THIS! Elee

Good Monday! Well, I guess you could say that I had a couple of really crappy food days. :think I tried to make better choices as I ate all day, and for the most part I did, but I gave in to the potato chip monster. And it's completely stress eating, I'm having huge coping issues. I didn't realize I was as bad as I am for comfort eating. You see, my husband's grandpa is passing away. And seeing as how Chris and I have been together for 17 years, and everyone elder in my family is passed (bad heart disease in my family) except for my mom, he may as well be my grandpa too. He's quite old, 91, but he's always been in such great shape. We've been told to expect a call at any time, so now I am on pins and needles. And this really brings back when I lost my brother which has been almost 10 years now. I've never really recovered from when he died and that is when my true weight gain really got out of control and I started needing meds for depression and anxiety. So...I guess you could say I have a coping mechanism that revolves around food. I mourn with food. I know this. But how do I work around it? I wish admitting this would make it go away. Perhaps just admitting it in this post will help. I've never seen it on paper (screen) before. Sorry to be such a downer on this beautiful day. I'm not really as sad as this sounds. Just more dissapointed that I want to cram a bunch of junk food in my face! Why does it make me feel better, even if temporarily? I used to smoke (years ago) and any amount of stress caused me to run for a smoke and feel better. Now I just cram food in. I get the same effect as I did from the smoke. Have any of you come up with new things to do other than eat? Nothing seems to give me that quick blast of "feel better" than food. Thanks for listening. I needed to get it off my chest somehow. Like I said, I'm not as sad as this appears. I know he's an old man who's had a great life. I'll miss him, but I'm okay with it. Have a great day all! And again, thanks.

I was looking to see if anyone pointed out this fact yet, and you did. When you tear muscle down it creates inflammation and inflammation is edema. Edema is Fluid so there could well be a weight gain and it is from exercise. I am guilty of claiming it is muscle too, I'm just too lazy to explain it as you did.

Sherri- My heart goes out to you!! My sister just went through this same thing about 1 year ago. She had been married for 7 years, 3 small children and had no idea her hubby was on his way out. He was wonderful for the first few years but then when he turned 29 it got really bad. He complained about what he had in life and didn't have, weight gain and losing his hair (mind you he was only 29....good grief!!!) Anyway, he went to work one Friday and didn't come home after work, somewhat had become the norm. He would go out with guys and they would set up and drink all night but he would usually come home by 3-4 am. This night in particular he didn't come home until 9:30 the next morning. Had every excuse in the world. My sister loving him ever so faithfully, let it go. She didn't believe him but she let it drop for the day. That night we had a family function for a wedding reception with dance. They got there about 6 and he told her they had to go at 7:45. Said he was tired and wanted to go home. Went home, dropped her off. She asked where are you going and he said where ever I want. I will be back. He came home the next morning at 10AM (mother's day last year) and said I am moving out I have found someone else. Walked out and didn't give her a cent. 10 months later he had a baby with 'the other women'. The divorce wasn't even final yet. The family pitched in and helped her but I tell ya we were all soooo worried about her. Now she is 57 lbs lighter, is socialiing with friends again and has a life. She hasn't been like she is now since before she got with him. She is doing so much better and just the other day we were talking about the whole thing. He has bothered her a few times since leaving with one day he wants her back and the next she is worthless. She fell for this a long time. Then we talked her into counseling. It has done her womnders and given her life back. She had stayed home for so many years and done everything for him and now she is living for her daughters and herself. He still gets angry because she doesn't take anything from him now. She has her own life and if he doesn't like something......TOO BAD!! I know what you are going through right now. I too was married before. He cheated on me in the very beginning and even after 10 years of marriage it still hadn't gone away. I honestly don't think that is something people can get past. Good luck to you. You are NOT asking for sympathy. Just compassion. We all need that. Exspecially at times like these. It may seem like you can't do it without him but believe me you can. I am now remarried but I am also a very INDEPENDENT women now. My new hubby and I have the problem that he feels that I don't 'need' him. I do....but I can also take care of myself. Good luck and I hope things work out for you. Come here and talk anytime. We will listen!

<p>mdrai-sorry about your weight gain..I know it has to suck...but, it will sart going down again, so chin up!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Tracy-any special plans for your vacation? Don't forget what Terri said about having liquids & mushies after your PB episode! I did not know about that until she mentioned it to me.</p> <p> </p> <p>Laura-did you call the dr about the pain in your band from lifting that heavy bag (shame shame shame)</p> <p> </p> <p>adorable-what a great attitude to have! you are right, tomorrow is a brand new day!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Well, for fathers day my husband and I are planning on taking all three kids (12, 7 and 3) to Minute Maid Park to watch their first Astros game in person. They have never been to the ballpark so they are so excited! my 3 year old should be OK as long as the food and money doesn't run out. I have already told my DH to only expect 4 or 5 innings out of the 3 year old....have I lost my mind buying those tickets or what? Well, I will never know how she does unless we bring her, so keep your fingers crossed. The past couple of games we watched on TV I have told her "see all the people sitting down in the seats? We have to stay in our seats too or the people will make us leave, and we don't wanna leave, do we?" "no ma'am" she says. </p> <p>Thank God it is dollar sundae day....Iwish it would have been dollar hotdog day too, but can't win 'em all!!</p> <p>I will check in later...til then, take care!!</p>

There could be any number of reasons for that. You'll have to give us some more information: Have you had any fills? What are you eating, and how much? Are you exercising? Do you have any underlying health issues that cause weight gain or that might make you resistant to weight loss? Are you on any medications that might cause it? And most importantly, have you talked with your surgeon about it?

Thanks for your advice I attended my seminar on Saturday and I am going to my regular dr to korrow to fill in some of the gaps as to my weight gain. Hopefully it is smooth sailing from here

I thought I would jump in and give perspective from someone who is about to hit my 5 year "bandiversary" in August. Would I do it again knowing what I know now? Yes! I can't say it has been a picnic and my loss was very slow over the last 5 years BUT I did not get this surgery expecting to lose it all in the first 6 months and be done with it. I KNOW we all expect it will be fast and some are very quick losers, but I decided I did not want to be a perfect bandster and I eat crap when I want to..but I don't beat myself up about knowing what the consequences are..slow loss vs fast loss.. I feel sad when I read Zengirl's reply that she is already given up on the band in a few months and wished she had bypass. You REALLY don't, girl. There is absolutely no benefit to losing it faster or what you may think is easier. I have personal experience with both. I was banded in 2002 at 286lbs. I initially lost 20lbs pretty quickly, but then it really came off in slow chunks from there..after a good fill a little came off..I would get the flu and drop 10lbs(not a fun way to lose but it happened) and no matter how "perfect" I thought I was..I would not budge..your body will be like that. You need to reverse your thinking on this band. Not how fast or easy the weight comes off, but how much easier it will be to KEEP IT OFF!! I have not gained back an ounce in almost 5 years..took me as long to lose it, but I managed to maintain it! Okay..fast forward to 2005 when my best friend, weighing around 285lbs at her sugery had gastric bypass. For some medical reasons, she explained to me gastric bypass was a better option(personally I think she made that up because her insurance would not cover the band but would cover the bypass or she felt that bypass was better to her..don't know) At the time of her surgery..I think I was just about 200lbs..can't remember..had already lost 85lbs..but after almost 3 years banded..still had another 50+ to go. My friend quickly lost down almost to her goal in the first year of her surgery. She passed me and kept on going. She was bound and determined to not "cheat" or even have sugar pass her lips in fear of dumping. Well that quickly ended when she did indeed have surgar. She doesn't "dump" and get really sick..she just gets extremely tired. She can quickly pass out after a few drinks..she gets stupid drunk fast and I worry about her dating men she doesn't know who could take advantage of this. I tell her not to drink but a glass a wine at the most when around other people. We eat about the same amount and just about the same foods, but she does watch how much sugar she consumes. I finally did get down to about the same weight..I weigh around 150 now..she got to 140 something, but has since started to gain a little weight. So I think she actually weighs a little more than me now. She just started having to take B12 injections and I really don't think she gets enough Vitamins in as she should. Her doctor told her to take a flintstone Vitamin. Not much in those even for kids never mind a bypass patient. She is almost 50 and will need extra nutritional support as she ages..but we shall see. So..you see..we both reached goal..she has more worry about weight gain than I do. I keep my band pretty snug and if I needed to..still do have some room to make it tighter..but I am pretty set where I am at right now. I don't have the worry about eating certain foods or consuming too much alchohol(and we are not talking ALOT to get her seriously screwed up!..a few glasses of wine can do it!) I would worry about the long term effects of actually bypassing stuff and getting nutritional support to my body..she always seems more tired than I am..but I am 9 years younger..but I know people who are 80 and more active than her! Looks like most of you are pretty recently banded and barely begun getting fills. It can take a while to get to a good fill..depending on how your doctor fills you and how agressive he/she is in keeping up with you. I was banded in Mexico and went down for fills, but I don't think my doctor ever really filled me enough worrying that I may have to come back for an unfill (and I live in Nor Calif!)..I finally started going to a fill doctor in Tahoe area(only a 3 hour drive instead of a 9 hour drive to Mexico) and though he fills "blind"(no flouro)...he gave me excellent fills and I finally started feeling like this was working. He spent more time with me each visit and really laid down the law with me...some of which I listened to and other stuff I was the typical "yeah, yeah, I know it all!"..but mentally..I needed a kick in the pants and it worked. Don't Don't Don't give up on this band and wish for that bypass..DON'T assume to be a hare and be fine with a tortoise as long as you don't gain it back. The journey..your journey will be different than EVERYONE"s elses journey..so don't compare. Don't beat yourself up about being too slow..I think we are more concerned about what our friends and family will think if we don't peel of the weight in a few months and THEY think it is a failure or you made a mistake..tell as few people as possible about the surgery..it will save you some agony on your journey. My in-laws were just told earlier this year! They obviously have seen my loss..but I never admitted to surgery until recently..now that I am done, they can know the truth. Does it feel good to be down to a "normal" weight finally? Yes..it does..lots of times my friend and I complain how uncomfy it is being too bony on hard chairs and feeling bones protrude where they didn't before. I was talking to her about seeing a pair of pants on ebay that I used to buy in size 20..in a size 2 and always thought..no way would I ever be there..but last week I tried a size 4 on at a dept store (I usually wear size 8-10 now with a few 6's and few 12's depending on cut)..so 2 now just does not seem that far off! Very weird. It will happen ladies and gents...don't fight it..don't regret anything..just enjoy the journey! Patty

Eyespy I was just going to say that I do a lot of volunteering and I love it! We have a local women's group here and we do community projects, fundraising, and lots of social stuff. There is always something to do, which I often find to be a pain in the butt, but at the end of the day I'm happy I volunteer. I'm a firm believer that if everyone did a little bit for their community, then we would make a big difference. Hokey, I know, but it's how I feel. I've made some great friendships though, and have had the chance to do some fun things with my "volunteer" friends. Go for it! As far as recovery, I needed two weeks. I had soooo much shoulder pain after surgery I really was in agony. That, and I think I ate less than 300 calories a day for the first 7 days so I was very weak and didn't feel well. The second week I felt better, but I did get tired easily. Some people bounce right back though, so it's hard to tell how you'll do. Denise - congrats on the fill working! I hit a point after this last fill where I said "ah ha, THIS is how it's supposed to work". lol. JC hang in there! I know the weight gain is devastating, even with all that exercising, but you're doing great. Look at all the positive changes you have made in your life since you've had the band. I can bet a 4 mile walk and kyaking was not a part of your regular routine in your past. You should be pround of that accomplishment!