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I have this saved on my computer to share with people from time to time. It's a long read but it's really intresting. :confused: THE WATER CURE CAN MAKE YOU THIN! We can’t rave enough about the latest weight-loss breakthrough. It’s simple, safe and effective. This M.D.- devised technique has already worked wonders--three times faster than average--and without dieting. Before you read another word, go pour yourself a glass of water. WHY? Because what we’re about to tell you is going to make you very thirsty. At least that’s the reaction Chicago mom Amy Biank had when she first heard about a groundbreaking treatment for weight gain, fatigue and a host of other stubborn ailments ..... “At the time, I was getting out of bed in the morning and feeling old and heavy,” recalls the 54-year-old, who’d been steadily gaining weight since her early 40’s. “My joints ached. I would get overwhelmingly tired. I had hot flashes, mood swings, sinus headaches. I didn’t have the stamina to work out, and I had such strong cravings for foods like chocolate and bacon .... I just surrendered and said, ‘This is the way I’m going to be’”. But, in fact, it wasn’t the way she was going to be... Fast forward six weeks: Amy was shopping in the “fat ladies’ section at her favorite store and tried on a size 20 skirt. “It literally fell off,” she beams. The outfit she took home? A size 16. Now she’s in the 14s working toward a 12. Maybe “working” isn’t the right word because Amy has lost the weight, quadrupled her enerby, eliminated achy joints, beaten her allergies--simply by drinking water -- more specifically, by drinking a doctor-prescribed amount of water. That’s exactly what Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D., affectionately known as “Dr Batman” around his practice in Falls Church, Virginia, tell his patients--who have lost up to 40+ pounds just by increasing their water intake. A recent survey found that while two out of three of us know doctors recommend drinking at least eight cups daily, only one in five actually drink that much. How much, do we drink? On average, a mere 4.6 cups a day. “This chronic shortage is the reason so many of us are sick, tired and overweight,” claims the expert, author of YOUR BODY’S MANY CRIES FOR WATER. “Humans are 75% water. More importantly, our brains--our control centers--are 85% water. Without adequate hydration, our metabolisms slow, energy levels drop, toxic waste becomes trapped, cells are deprived of vital oxygen and nutrients and so much more.” So why don’t we feel thirstier? “Studies show that as we get older, we experience a gradual loss of sensitivity to feelings of thirst,” says Dr. Batman. And for reasons not entirely understood, humans accept a dry mouth as the primary indicator of thirst. “Yet it is the last signal your body sends that it’s thirsty”, Here's one more installment on this subject:he adds, noting that earlier signs include sleepiness, achiness and hunger. Since so many of the systems that keep us slim are dependent on water, it only makes sense that when these systems falter, we get fat. That’s the bad news. The good news is that simply by following one simple water-drinking guideline, we can restore our body to peak health and leanness ...... HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED TO DRINK TO LOSE WEIGHT? Dr. Batmanghelidj and the world-famous Mayo Clinic both offer the same easy formula for figuring out your body’s daily water requirements: take your weight and divide it in half. If, for example, you weigh 150 lbs., you need 75 oz. (nine to 10 glasses) daily. If you weigh 250 pounds, 125 oz. (15 to 16 glasses). Any time you perspire heavily for 30 minutes, add an extra 15 to 30 oz. Any time you drink a caffeinated beverage, add an extra 8 to 10 oz.! Is pure H2O the only liquid that counts? No, say experts. Any beverage without calories, caffeine, carbonation, artificial sweeteners, or sodium, such as herbal teas, bottled waters with fruit essence--also counts toward your daily quota. Meet your daily quota and your rewards will be many ............ EASY WAYS TO GET MORE WATER The idea of drinking 75 oz. of water each day may seem overwhelming at first, but these tricks make it easy ----- *Reaching for water first. Start taking water breaks instead of coffee breaks, sipping water instead of soda, and you automatically drink more. “In the past, I tried to drink more water in addition to all the Diet Coke, and it just didn’t work”, says Chicago mom Amy Blank. “But once I started making water my beverage of choice, my cravings for Diet Coke disappeared!” *Keeping lots of H2O where you can see it. That way you won’t forget.“The first two weeks, I put eight bottles out on a shelf, and I knew I had to finish them by the end of the day,” says Amy. *Adding a twist. Water doesn’t have to be boring “Try bottled waters flavored with fruit essence. Or squeeze lemon or lime into chilled tap water. “Sometimes I add a tablespoon of peach nectar,” says Amy. “Or I’ll take an herbal tea bag and pour the water on top of it,” *Keeping it cool. Each night, put some water bottles in the freezer. Take one or two with you to work and enjoy an icy treat in the midafternoon. Also a great idea if you’re going to the beach. SURPRISING REASONS DRINKING H20 MELTS FAT Water makes your metabolism burn calories 3% faster. During a study at the University of Utah, test subjects who were just slightly dehydrated saw a 3% drop in their resting metabolism. And since the calories we burn when we’re sitting still account for the majority of calories burned each day, a 3% drop is enough to cause a pound of weight gain every six months. ........................ Water fights fatigue-induced hunger. Studies have shown that the more tired we feel, the more we eat. That’s why folks who work the night shift tend to pack on extra pounds. But by drinking water, you can prevent the weariness that leads to overeating. “There is amazing new evidence that when water passes through our cell membranes, it creates energy independent of food--a sort of hydroelectric power,” says the expert. ......................... Water helps the digestive system operate more efficiently, so you have fewer cravings. The more water we have in our systems, the more efficiently our enzymes can break down and extract nutrients from food, explains Dr. Batman. The more nutrients you extract from the food you eat, the fewer cravings you’ll have. ........................ Water replaces beverages proven to cause weight gain. It probably comes as no surprise that substituting water for sugary drinks saves you lots of calories. But what you might not know is that calories we drink are much more likely to end up as fat: one study found volunteers who ate an extra 450 calories unconsciously compensated at later meals and didn’t gain weight: those who drank an extra 450 calories (the amount in one large cola) didn’t compensate and gained weight. “The great thing about water is that if you drink too much, the excess is simply excreted--it is never stored as fat,” notes Dr. Batman. What about no-cal beverages like diet sodas, coffee and tea? “They aren’t stored as fat per se, but they trigger fat storage,” he says. “Caffeine is a diuretic, so you drink it, thinking you’re satisfying your thirst, when actually you are further dehydrating your body. In my opinion, rising obesity rates--especially among children--are directly linked to our increased consumption of caffeinated beverages.” Artificial sweeteners make the problem worse: “When digested, aspartame is broken down into chemicals that reduce blood sugar available to our brains,” explains the pro. “When this happens, we become hungry.” Sweetness alone can cause the body to anticipate a new supply of sugar--so when sweetness hits your tongue, it begins to store circulating blood sugar in fat cells. “I never realized how much more I ate when I was drinking coffee and diet sodas until I stopped,” says Amy. “I still have them occasionally, but when I do, I make sure to have extra water.” Bonnie Siegler BONUS: 5 WAYS WATER ACTS LIKE MEDICINE When it comes to water’s benefits, losing weight and gaining energy are just the tip of the iceberg. Researchers now believe that ordinary tap water helps reduce the risk of kidney stones, urinary tract and bladder cancer and possibly even colon cancer. There is also evidence, says Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D., Author of YOUR BODY’ MANY CRIES FOR WATER, that .... 1. It prevents the common cold. Moisture in your throat holds the antibodies that fight off viruses. If you’re even slightly dehydrated, this natural protection disappears. 2. It controls migraines. Without plenty of water, you’re more likely to have an attack. 3. It helps lower “bad” cholesterol. When you’re dehydrated, your blood becomes thick and acidic and can cause damage to arterial walls. Levels of LDL cholesterol rise in response to coat the arterial walls. 4. It may cure asthma. When you’re not getting enough water, your body produces more histamine, which regulates how often your bronchial muscles contract. Drinking water decreases production of histamine, keeping breathing steady. 5. It soothes arthritis pain. Water in the cartilage of your joints acts as a lubricant. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's one more installment on this subject: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why Drinking Water Really is the Key to Weight Loss by Maia Appleby Don’t roll your eyes! The potion for losing that excess body fat is all around you. It covers two thirds of the planet. If you eat right and exercise at the intensity, frequency and duration proper for you, but still can’t get rid of a little paunch here and there, you’re probably just not drinking enough water. No need to get defensive. You’re actually quite normal. Most people don’t drink enough water. Most people are also carrying around a few more pounds than they would be if they did drink enough water. If you can’t seem to get that weight off, try drowning your sorrows in nature’s magical weight-loss mineral. It works, and here’s why: “What on Earth is 'metabolism', anyway?” People use the term all the time, but ask them what it means and you’ll get all kinds of answers. Merriam Webster defines it as, “The process by which a substance is handled in the body.” A little vague, but that’s really all it means. There are many forms of metabolism going on in your body right now, but the one everyone is talking about it the metabolism of fat. This is actually something that the liver does when it converts stored fat to energy. The liver has other functions, but this is one of its main jobs. Unfortunately, another of the liver’s duties is to pick up the slack for the kidneys, which need plenty of water to work properly. If the kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do their work along with its own, lowering its total productivity. It then can’t metabolize fat as quickly or efficiently as it could when the kidneys were pulling their own weight. If you allow this to happen, not only are you being unfair to your liver, but you’re also setting yourself up to store fat. “I’ve tried it and I couldn’t stand it!” The problem is that, though many decide to increase their water intake, very few stick with it. It’s understandable. During the first few days of drinking more water than your body is accustomed to, you’re running to the bathroom constantly. This can be very discouraging, and it can certainly interfere with an otherwise normal day at work. It seems that the water is coming out just as fast as it’s going in, and many people decide that their new hydration habit is fruitless. Do take heed, though. What is really happening is that your body is flushing itself of the water it has been storing throughout all those years of “survival mode”. It takes a while, but this is a beautiful thing happening to you. As you continue to give your body all the water it could ask for, it gets rid of what it doesn’t need. It gets rid of the water it was holding onto in your ankles and your hips and thighs, maybe even around your belly. You are excreting much more than you realize. Your body figures it doesn’t need to save these stores anymore; it’s trusting that the water will keep coming, and if it does, eventually, the flushing (of both the body and the potty) will cease, allowing the human to return to a normal life. It’s true. This is called the “breakthrough point.” One recent finding, as irresponsible as it may be, that caffeine increases the body’s fat-burning potential has many people loading up on coffee before going to the gym. This finding may hold some degree of truth in it, but caffeine is, in essence, a diuretic, and diuretics dehydrate. Caffeine may increase the heart rate, causing a few more calories to be burned, but this is at the expense of the muscles, which need water to function properly. This isn’t doing your heart any favors, either. It’s already working hard enough during your workout. Never mix caffeine and exercise. In fact, your best bet is to stay away from caffeine all together. It’s a big bully that pushes your friend water out of your system. Water is the best beauty treatment. You’ve heard this since high school, and it’s true. Water will do wonders for your looks! It flushes out impurities in your skin, leaving you with a clear, glowing complexion. It also makes your skin look younger. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, plumps up very nicely when the skin cells are hydrated. In addition, it improves muscle tone. You can lift weights until you’re blue in the face, but if your muscles are suffering from a drought, you won’t notice a pleasant difference in your appearance. Muscles that have all the water they need contract more easily, making your workout more effective, and you’ll look much nicer than if you had flabby muscles under sagging skin. “Eight glasses a day? Are you kidding?!” It’s really not that much. Eight 8-ounce glasses amount to about two quarts of water. This is okay for the average person, but if you’re overweight, you should drink another eight ounces for every 25 pounds of excess weight you carry. You should also up this if you live in a hot climate or exercise very intensely. This water consumption should be spread out throughout the day. It’s not healthy at all to drink too much water at one time. Try to pick three or four times a day when you can have a big glass of water, and then sip in between. Don’t let yourself get thirsty. If you feel thirsty, you’re already becoming dehydrated. Drink when you’re not thirsty yet. Do you think water is yucky? Drinking other fluids will certainly help hydrate your body, but the extra calories, sugar, additives and whatever else aren’t what you need. Try a slice of lemon or lime in the glass, or if you really think you hate water, try a flavored water. Just make sure you read the labels. Remember that you’re going to be consuming a lot of this fluid. It’s probably a good idea to stop drinking water a good three hours before you go to bed. You know why. “How cold should it be?” This is debatable. Most experts lean toward cold water, because the stomach absorbs it more quickly. There is also some evidence that cold water might enhance fat burning. On the other hand, warmer water is easier to drink in large quantities, and you might drink more of it without even realizing it. Do whatever suits you, here. Just drink it! When you drink all the water you need, you will very quickly notice a decrease in your appetite, possibly even on the first day! If you're serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking water is an absolute must. If you're doing everything else right and still not seeing results, this might just be the missing link.

I was banded in Feb, 04, and have never been able to keep a fill. Approx six weeks after a fill, the discomfort would be unbearable, and I would have to get unfilled. Three fills over three years -- three unfills. Done under fluro, esophagitis was always the problem (a sensation of having a lump in your throat; the feeling you get when you start to cry.) Fortunately, I always have restriction w/o any fill, and have manged to lose weight. Fast forward 2 1/2 years, and now I have been diagnosed with GERD. I've had the endoscopy as well as motility study and PH. Lots of reflux going on; sleepless nights due to coughing and wheezing. Aciphex twice a day and now a diagnosis of Barretts esophagus (precancer condition). My surgeon insists that none of this is attributable to the band as "research supports that the band aids GERD symptoms". I believe that the band has put too much pressure on my lower esophagus, and it no longer works as it's supposed to and stays open all the time. This was confirmed by the motility study. So the acid just keeps coming up all day and night. I'm getting very close to having the band removed and possibly trying a VSG. I'm not sure a VSG will help with the GERD symptoms, but I'm afraid of weight gain once the band is removed. My advice is that if you are experiencing heartburn/acid reflux/coughing/wheezing, etc., talk to your doctor. The acid is nasty stuff and can cause some permanent damage if you don't manage it properly.

OK so this reflects the weight gain from my junk food frenzy and the again lost. I went up to 294! and am back down to 292 after one day of being good and back on track All I have to say is that logging my food in fitday makes a huge difference for me. It forces me to acknowledge everything I eat. Name..........................Starting…...…..Current….…..Goal…....To Go Juliegeraci......................238............. ...... 238.................228.............10 Lapbandit.......................231............... .....226………….199.............27 Waterlily.........................300............. .......292.................264.............28 Roiansmom.....................299................. ....299.................270.............29 Libra...............................248........... .........242.................228.............14 JulieNYC........................212............... .....205.................185.............20 Elisabethsew...................282................ ....276........... ......264.............12 PeaCeJ...........................338.............. ......338.................318..............20 RidinMyHDDream......... 297.....................289 .................281...............8 Babygirl1234..................260................. ....253.................240..............13 Leecelove70...................228................. ....228.................200..............28 Josette............................351........... ..........351.................335..............16

Welcome, Ohio. I am an RN and only 2 people know I have been banded. It's been a good decision for me to keep it private. Don't worry about the weight gain. If you lose too much on the supervised diet, they will deny the claim for surgery. Collector, you're entitled to copies of ALL of your medical records.

I am curious if anyone out there have Health Net Insurance and have ran into difficulty with qualifying for the Lap Band Surgery. Whether you've had a good experience or not so good, please let me know. I'm deciding whether to stick with them or try another approach. I'm dealing with increased health problems due to recent weight gain while waiting through the long qualification process. -Prebander:help:

I've been reading this forum for a couple of weeks and decided to register today. There is a lot of good information here, but some of it scares the daylights out of me! :omg: It was recently recommended by my Endocrinologist that I consider this surgery as my diabetes has progressed rather rapidly. Those of you who are diabetic and on insulin know the weight-gain that accompanies insulin. I am at my heaviest ever, and I know that losing weight is the only way to reverse the path I am on. The more I read about side-effects, the more leery I become about trying this technique. I have a delicate GI system to begin with, and don't want to spend the rest of my life vomiting or in pain.:sick What is PBing? I cannot seem to figure that one out.:cry Anyway... does anyone regret getting banded? Do most people have problems? Can you live a normal life after?

:welcomeB: It sounds like you've come to the right place!! Pull up a chair and get comfy -- there is all the support you need right here. Some even say it's better than their local (face time) support groups! Don't feel so bad about your weight gain. Just dust yourself off and start again. Going to the gym is a huge step in the right direction!!! Good for you!!:clap2:

I saw Al Roker on another T.V. show (Not The Today show )He admitted to a weight gain of 20 pounds and he was working out with Oprah's personal trainer.....But I saw him this AM on the Today Show in a wet suit and bless his heart he looks like is struggling with more tha a 20 pound gain :-( I also noticed as he was walking he has a much more pronounced limp again. He had a hip replacement about 5 yrs ago and the extra weight is putting a real strain on that new hip ! It just proves that the Gastric Bypass is not sure proof either. I have a friend who is going to Jenny Craig again after having the G.B. and losing 120 lbs she kept it off for 4 yrs and it just started creeping back on as she was able to return to her old eating habits. She has gained about 80 lbs back and is very depressed ! She is NOW asking her surgeon for the Lap Band but he says it is not possible. Just my 2 cents, Joanne

Hi Deb, Welcome and congratulations on finding the lapband -I hope you are able to go through with it. Many of us, like you, have lost and gained the weight you describe. The band will 'force' you to see all those behaviors that may have contributed to your weight (overeating, eating too fast, not chewing, etc.) I did notice you said something about hormones and some other reasons for your weight gain and just wanted to suggest you really explore that fully before getting banded - I've had many struggles getting weight off and do follow the 'bandster rules' (not perfectly but pretty darn close) and am just exploring what I know will be a long and probably expensive road to figure out what is going on metabolically/hormonally. However, even if I don't lose another pound the band has helped me in other ways with my eating, etc. Please know i am NOT discouraging you from the band - just suggesting you check out all reasons for not losing weight prior to doing this. Good luck.

Hi, I was banded on 2/20. Since Tuesday I have been able to start eating "soft foods." I weighted Friday morning and I noticed a 1.5 lbs weight gain. Since I knew I was still healing, I really wasn't expecting weight loss, but I don't want to gain weight either. Most soft foods, I notice are higher carbs. I had been out a lot this week so I was getting a lot of mashed potatoes and soup, etc. So, I went grocery shopping and bought more vegetables and some ground turkey. My appetite is coming back, but I am making sure that I watch my portion size. I still have weeks until my first fill. What are you guy doing between banding and your first fill? Anyone else having this problem.

I really think you should wait to have any plastic surgery done until you are closer to goal. I am now down to 150 lbs at 5'5" from 294, and am very close to my 140-145 goal. I can tell you that my body has made changes I never thought would happen. My breast shrank with the last 15 lbs and actually look better than they did two months ago...so I believe that if I had already had something done, I would have to have it redone at some point. I just know that my sister-in-law had breast lift, implants and TT done all at once when she got down to 200 lbs and needs the TT done again after a 30 lb weight gain and loss. Any kind of weight fluctuation will effect the TT. Her breast didn't seem to change a lot when she put the weight on and then lost it again. I only want to go through that sugery one time!!!

I just need to put my two cents worth in about the sleep study. No, it was not pleasant, but I would rather go thru that (study) than die. Apnea causes many, many things. Cardiac failure, high blood pressure,WEIGHT GAIN, just to name a few. Personally, I was glad to find out what was causing my inability to sleep a full nite. Or even 3 hours. And I feel 110% better since I have been on my machine and had surgery. But I guess everyone has their own opinion. Paula, burping is kinda funny for me. When I get uncomfortable, I (go to the bathroom or somewhere where there aren't any people) and bend over at the waist. Sounds like rolling thunder. I sometimes get tickled at myself. I have NEVER done that. lol When I hiccup the first time, I quit eating. I am full. To cure the hiccups, see above suggestion. lol Glad to see that everyone is doing so well. I have been stuck, but (knock on wood) I am starting to loose again. Haven't changed my ticker on purpose. Hang in there Sugarbear, it's not much longer now. My favorite liquid for post-op was the soup from chicken noodle soup. Tastes a lot better than just broth. (and slim fast) lisa

OH my God! SaraMoss, That Pre-operative list is frightenning. Seriously bandster, YOU DO NOT NEED them at all. At the end of the day, it really is down to common sense and it really is NOT that difficult to follow. Just like anyohe going for any operations, you just have to take it easy for a couple of days. After the op, there WOULD NOT BE a great deal of restriction as yr doc wud hv just insert the ring band around yr stomach. U will need a few FILLS before you will feel any restriction, and that would be in the duration of a least 6months before you will feel your weight seriously going down. The doc did say it will be a duration of 1-2yrs before we will lose 80% of our overweight weights. Just be careful because you just had an operation. Stay off solid food as instructed, stock up on liquid low calory drinks, non-fat yogurts, light clear soup for the 1st couple of weeks. Stay off cabonated drinks. By week 2, I was already on pureed food and creamy soup. The hosp you going to should be giving you some chewable pain killers when you check out of the hosp anyway. Yr wound should heal in a week's time. It's more scarry than it is painful, truthfully. Good luck to those going for the op. And to answer yr question Sara Moss, I have lose 24pounds since Sept. I suffer from my underactive thyroid which means I should celebrate even if I lose 1 pound cos I have a non existence metabolism and weight gain are usually associated with this disfuntional thyroid problem. I went underactive 3yrs ago and put on 3stones, which wont buldge despite all my exercise & diets. Thats why I finally seek the banding option.

I had my first fill on 2/12, and up until 3 days ago, it was not like I couldnt eat what I ate before, it was just that I seemed to got full faster. I was still snacking, but, still not eating as much. Now, it is really bad..I ate like 4-5 full sized chicken strips, and some girl scout cookies..I understand that the first 3-5 fills can be this way..my doctor doesnt expect a good weight loss, or even a weight gain the first 3 months after surgery.. I go in next week for my second fill and I know I need it..I have gained about 3 lbs...geri

My major health concern is my hypoglycemia. I am quite learned in how to control it with a high-Protein diet, eating every 2-3 hours, etc. (I've had it for 30 years!) And having to eat protein (with the usual associated fat) so often has contributed to my consistent weight gain over the years. I'm not an emotional eater, except that I am very emotional about avoiding low blood sugar!! I am quite sure that the band will allow me to regulate my blood sugar without so much food intake and will keep the frequent hunger pangs at bay. Am I on the right track here? How has the band affected your hypoglycemia and your ability to control it? How do you normally control it, with protein or with sugar (carbs)? Your input is really appreciated.

Kim McNeely, Congratulations on your pregnancy and your weight loss. I am not sure how you feel about gaining weight but I was a bit...well very scared about regaining the weight. It was emotional because I knew I needed to eat but at the same time I often forgot. Of course not on purpose but hte band was doing its job. After a few months I relaxed and tried to remind myself to eat often. I guess I must have been eating enought because my daughter was developing fine and I gained an acceptable amount of weight. To my surprise I lost all of the weight. As of today I have lost all of the weight gained during the pregnancy. Oh, by the way my married name is Neely so initially I thought we had the same name. Also, I was born and raised in Houston. I am considering returning to the area as it is so very expensive to live in the DC Metropolitan area. Did you see my before and after picture? I posted a picture of me at the beginning of my weight loss and then another at about 5 months pregnat. I thought it was hilarious. The tag line said, "This could be you" LOL. You know after we lose all of that weight out husbands become..."frisky" LOL. AGain, congrats!!!

The first couple of weeks after surgery, I was obsessive about getting on the scale. Why not, it was GREAT to see the numbers go down EVERY DAY! Then around my 16th day, the scale went UP! I got so obsessive about the weighing - I did it about 4 times a day. My Dad told me that he was going to take the scale away - because I was making myself crazy. I was concentrating on weight loss and not on the healing process. Then the hunger came, and I started to eat - sensibly, and of course my restriction is not what it was the first 15 days either. So now, I have not weighed myself in nearly two weeks. I'm afraid to - b/c I don't want to see any weight gain. Is this a smart thing to do at this point? I don't feel like I've lost, though the clothes are fitting much better. Should I get the scale back and weigh in once a week, or wait until after my first fill - Around March 15? Because it's not until after I start getting fills that I can have restriction, eat less - and of course expect some weight loss. Opinions??

Man, I'm just so discouraged. I am up to 145. I have gained 10 pounds. I feel like such a slug. All of my jeans are fitting extra tight. I went and had a fill about 12 days ago, got down to 141, but now am back up again to square one. I can eat more now too. I was so motivated after my fill, but now I am just stuck. I feel like I'm never gonna get back down to 135. I know, to most 145 is a wonderful weight to be at. But in my head, it's terrible. I know I should be greatful, but I feel like this is just the beginning and I'm gonna end up back up to 219. What's worse is that right now, I have no game plan. No way to combat the weight gain. Mentally, I am just exausted and stuck. I have lost faith in my ability to keep going. Every single day, every single hour of following the bandster rules is a complete struggle to me. I don't know why. I feel like a food addict. I think about food every hour of every day. I know something is not right in my head. The only stress I am feeling right now is the stress of building a new house. That's it. Nothing major. So what is wrong with me? I am tired of the mental roller coster ride...

Man, I'm just so discouraged. I am up to 145. I have gained 10 pounds. I feel like such a slug. All of my jeans are fitting extra tight. I went and had a fill about 12 days ago, got down to 141, but now am back up again to square one. I can eat more now too. I was so motivated after my fill, but now I am just stuck. I feel like I'm never gonna get back down to 135. I know, to most 145 is a wonderful weight to be at. But in my head, it's terrible. I know I should be greatful, but I feel like this is just the beginning and I'm gonna end up back up to 219. What's worse is that right now, I have no game plan. No way to combat the weight gain. Mentally, I am just exausted and stuck. I have lost faith in my ability to keep going. Every single day, every single hour of following the bandster rules is a complete struggle to me. I don't know why. I feel like a food addict. I think about food every hour of every day. I know something is not right in my head. The only stress I am feeling right now is the stress of building a new house. That's it. Nothing major. So what is wrong with me? I am tired of the mental roller coster ride...

Ok, I just found on my policy that bariatric surgery IS covered...if you're "morbidly obese" which in medical standards I am lol... So then I searched until I found the Blue Cross Utilization Management Guidelines which says the following (just more of what you posted above): Medical Policy Subject: Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity Effective Date: 09/14/2006 Last Review Date: 11/13/2006 Policy #: SURG.00024 Current Status: Reviewed Description/Scope Clinically severe obesity is a result of persistent and uncontrollable weight gain that constitutes a present or potential threat to life. There are a variety of surgical procedures intended for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. This policy addresses those procedures. Policy Statement Medically Necessary: Gastric bypass with a Roux Y procedure up to 150 cm, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (the Lap-Band® System), vertical banded gastroplasty, or biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch as a single surgery, is considered medically necessary for the treatment of clinically severe obesity for selected adults (18 years and older) who meet the following criteria: 1. BMI of 40 or greater, or BMI of 35 or greater with co-morbid conditions including, but not limited to, life threatening cardio-pulmonary problems (severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome and obesity related cardiomyopathy), severe diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease or hypertension. *Note: Individuals considering the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band®) procedure must meet the above minimum BMI requirement and, in addition, have a maximum BMI of less than 50. AND 2. The patient must have actively participated in non-surgical methods of weight reduction; these efforts must be fully appraised by the physician requesting authorization for surgery. AND 3. The physician requesting authorization for the surgery must confirm the following: * The patient’s psychiatric profile is such that the patient is able to understand, tolerate and comply with all phases of care and is committed to long-term follow-up requirements; and * The patient’s post-operative expectations have been addressed; and * The patient has undergone a preoperative medical consultation and is felt to be an acceptable surgical candidate; and * The patient has undergone a preoperative mental health assessment and is felt to be an acceptable candidate; and * The patient has received a thorough explanation of the risks, benefits, and uncertainties of the procedure; and * The patient’s treatment plan includes pre- and post-operative dietary evaluations and nutritional counseling; and * The patient's treatment plan includes counseling regarding exercise, psychological issues and the availability of supportive resources when needed. For revision of a gastric restrictive procedure for clinically severe obesity, there must be documentation of a failure secondary to a surgical complication such as fistula, obstruction or disruption of a suture/staple line, and is subject to the same criteria listed above. :amen: Blue Cross of California_ Medical polices and Clinical UM Gui....pdf

Well kinda. PCOS causes weight gain and causes us to have a harder time losing weight. I have done a ton of research on PCOS. They say if you lose weight it helps PCOS, but PCOS blocks weight loss. It is a horrible circle. They have found that low carb/no carb diets help PCOS. In my personal experience, when I am low carb, PCOS symptoms go away. The band would help you on portion control of low carb items. If you can fight the carb cravings. (Which are worse with PCOS.) I stayed low carb for years, which straightened out my cycles and helped me avoid a hysterectomy (sp?) and it also gave me documentation of doctor supervised diet under my OBGYN. Good luck with your banding...

did you check your hormone levels. you may have estogen dominance. too much estrogen makes you store fat. even if you eat tiny amounts. check your thyroid and glucose. work up your cholesterol. if you have metabolic syndrome you may have insuline resistance. all these factors contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. i reccommend also keeping a food diary. i hate that . but it does keep you on track. i lost 85 lbs in a 14months. i work out and eat well. but i had to get some help when i wasnt losing anymore,. so now i take progesterone and metaformin. i think it is working so far. also i work out even more. i hate that too. sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. that totally sucks. maybe your port leaks and your not staying filled. i dont understand why you are not shrinking. i hope you get the right help and let us know what happens. keep strong.

I thought i would start this thread. For the past two weeks I have been having body 'issues'. Some good and some downright scary! As I said in a previous post, I am using my chin as a sign of my losing weight, my kirk douglas dimple is back. (It think its been nearly 5 years since I saw it!) So that gives me a reason to smile at my image in the mirror every morning. It's feeling as I am starting to fit into the slim image I had always seen in the mirror, even at my heaviest. It was the most frustrating thing, knowing my body was a blob and yet in the mirror i fooled myself into a morphic body change. Not healthy at all. So I get to smile morning and night. Another positive is that when I walk now, I feel lighter, I have extremely sensitve joints, and the concept of walking quickly was an impossibility, until now. I'm not super quick but my joints feel so much freer, no longewr weighed down with the weight. Sadly the pain is still there but it is far more bearable! Now for the downers. Every diet I ever did never took the fat off my breasts. I was fairly confident that I would keep the cup size c, which grew during my weight gain. Tragedy has happened! My breasts are disappearing! I only noticed that this week. I am starting to see my collar bone. But Ia m losing my breasts. It's stupid. I have never had huge bazoomers but I had loved my slightly more voluptious breasts. I shall have to get used to it I guess. But, seeing my breasts disappearing I am worried what else is going to happen to my body. Can I really cope with the concept of having a new body? It is all well and good taking the weight off for all the health reasons. The more I lose the weight be it inches on bust or lbs the better my body feels. But, my subconcious is not so comfortable with the changes happening. I am running a bit before I can walk but I have always seen myself as a size 14 but what if I go smaller? What would that be like? Could I cope? Part of me wants to go down into the little league, every woman does in someways. The reality though is a different matter! Does anyone else feel like this?

Thanks....it's a GREAT time! Just got back from a quick one mile walk with the Schnauzer. He's high energy and prone to weight gain. It's a beautiful 54 degrees in D/FW. Hope it's as nice where you are! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!

Hey guys! Remember me?? I was banded on July 5th 2006.. OMG what a roller coaster I have gone thru.. I have only lost 20 lbs. First thing is, I was my Doc's guinea pig. I was his first band. (of course he had a specialist with him to do the surgery) Filling was new to him and he thought he was filling me up but in actuality, he wasn't. I also have a wiggler port. It takes 2 people to fill me. One to stabilize it and another to inject. Doc says I might have to get that stabilized in the future but it is okay for now. That was the first problem. Second problem was me. I totally BLEW it over the holidays. I got a mixer (Artisan) for christmas from my fiance and was "going to bake for the family and friends".. well, apparently that means for myself too.. UGH.. When I went for my January check up, I gained 6.. thats right 6 pounds!! Boy did the nurse ream me out.. whew.. she made me cry but then felt bad and hugged me.. she said I had to get some "tough love" .. I then went home and went thru my kitchen. I got rid of the crackers, pretzels, bread, micro popcorn etc. (just like Dr. Phil says, get rid of the triggers) And then I did the unthinkable... I JOINED THE GYM! ME! wow.. If you would have asked me if I would join a gym a year ago, I would have laughed in your face! And it is a regular gym.. not curves or a gym geared towards "fat people".. do you know it was sooooo hard to walk in there the first time.. My friend couldnt make it so I went alone! I went alone!.. I got there, scanned in, went to the locker room and even struck up a conversation with a young girl (24ish) who was all thin and trim.. she said to me, "comon! lets grab a treadmill before they are gone!".. So there I was.. working out with a stranger.. a nice one at that! Me, Ms. Low Selfesteem.. I walked on that thing for 30 mins and then rode a recumbant bike for 15 mins. WOW.. and I actually liked it! I go every other day now. Last thing that inhibited rapid weight loss is that I suffer from "seasonal" depression so I am on wellbutrin. My doc says wellbutrin can cause weight gain. yay.. but I will be off that shortly.. Fast forward to this past Friday... I went for a check up and lost 7 lbs!! and Doc gave me a 2cc fill.. aggressive I know but I tell you.. I feel restriction now.. for the first time in 8 months!!! So with my new exercise routine and FINALLY getting restriction.. my ticker better show some loss! I have given up some comfort foods and what not and that is very hard.. things like pizza, rice, regular pasta (I do still eat wheat pasta but only once a week or so) That is my update and I am so glad to be back. So sorry this was so long but I really wanted to get stuff off my chest. Love and loss (weight loss that is!), Donnamarie