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Hello Va Gang again, JA9VA I really appreciate your reply, Thanks you so much . It's so great to have this place to vent. Those friends that are not in this realm have no idea of the torment that goes into making a decision like this because they have always been naturally thin. When I was younger I was very thin then around 22 I gained about 50 lbs in a year. I didn't understand it but it happened now I have been told that I probally had PCOS which causes huge sudden weight gains and could have been corrected. But then I tried to diet and excercised lost a little weight had baby packed on more weight, lost a little again, had another baby, gained more, and then repeated it one more time. I have tried so many diets but it's never been successful for long. One time I took Redux and lost 60 lbs I loved it but then it was taken off the market. But since that I have been extremely unsuccessful with weight lost. I also had to have Hysterectomy when I was 33. Recently developed Thyroid issues, reflux, joint pain and Diabetes. I guess thats enough of my justification. It's really difficult to want this so bad and still not even know if insurance has approved me yet. It seems like the process is so slow. Lumpy: I will definitely keep in touch with the process. I really wish you well with the surgery. Thanks for being here. Suzie

What I was told before is that when you have one addiction like food and give that up then most likey you turn to something else that you will use as your crutch. I personally don't think it's a high percentage but it is a possibility. I seen a special on this on discovery health. I also believe if you don't work out the underlying issues that has caused weight gain then of course you'll have issues.

I have been banded approx. 3yrs., 3 months. Goal to lose: 70 lbs weight loss; 30 lbs. On scale of 1 to 10 with satisfaction of the band: 5 Because I was post menopausal when I had the band put in,I was told that if I did not exercise, it would not work for me. I have not exercised. That is my fault. The psychological exam before the surgery was a joke. Anyone who has dealt with being obese for years would easily give answers the psychiatrist wanted to hear, rather than the truth. If you are still considering the band, listen to the people who say it is just a TOOL. That is what it is. You will still have to plan out meals, write down what you eat, and exercise, ... as you did before the band. The band will allow you to eat portions that will satisfy you, and you can easily stick to the plan. Concentrate on doing whatever you have to do to get to your goal, and the glory is, that the band will facilitate staying within 5 pounds of your goal weight a breeze compared to the past. I found the support groups that I attened for the first 18 months to be very frustrating. They were pretty heavily populated with people who had Roux-En-Y surgery, and they do not have to deal with the same issues that we do. At the support groups, I was sold tupperware, and people brought lots of dessert recipes. Let's face it, I was not obese because I had a lack of dessert recipes. How to cook chicken and fish meals that are low fat and interesting, that I could use. I am grateful that I do not have to obsess every day on what I eat, and get on a scale and have it show that I have gained weight anyway. I have stayed at the same weight for the last 2 years. No weight gain during the holidays, vacations, etc. I do need to find a support group. Maybe I can still pull of the next 40 pounds and feel good about myself. Before band, I ate more vegetables than the average person. Now it is easy to 'fill my face' with a yogurt (which is fine on the healthy intake scale) , or a burrito from Taco Bell, etc. ... or something that does not go down well, ... like a half a bage and cream cheese, or a donut, so I deal with the 'stuck' feeling for the next few hours, but I skip a meal that way.

A little background..I had taken Zoloft for the last 8 years for anxiety (not so much depression). Over the years, I went from 155 pounds to 223 pounds. Not blaming it all on the Zoloft, but I have researched and that does seem to be a side effect of it. Anyhow, I went off of it back in August of 2004. I didn't really lose any weight during the time I was off of it and having my band surgery in March 2005 (in honesty, I didn't really try to since I had made up my mind to have lap band surgery) I am now going thru some trying times (not related to the lap band) and have considered going back on it. My question is, do you think I will have a weight gain? Rhonda Dr Lopez 3/10/05 221/198/140 First Fill 05/07/05 3cc

I gained 65-70 lbs with the Paxil before my lap band and am now off of it, there is no way I would ever go back on that, it has nothing to do with the ammount of food you eat, I ate the same foods that I ate before I started taking the paxil as I did when I was taking it, same ammounts too but gained all that weight. all of those meds make your metabolic rate zero( Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin etc..) I went round and round with my PCP about this and all the different meds. I do not think having the band or not having the band will make a diference , weight gain is still possible, this is just my opinion on it!

Whey protein isolate is very insulinogenic. Although blood sugar may go down after drinking a wp drink, it's going down because we've dumped a crap ton of insulin on it. Now, when you have PCOS, we already are insulin resistance to begin with and so we dump maybe 10X as much insulin in response to the wp meal which results in? Weight loss slowing, stalls, or gains. My gains were influenced primarily as a result of fluid, not true weight. But I had the frustrating response of starving myself and seeing a subsequent gain or lack of loss. Yes, excess anything causes weight gain. Even fat. Here is a very helpful article that explains it very well. The doctor is a noted nephrologist and fasting specialist. He deals in metabolic medicine. His name is Dr. Jason Fung. https://idmprogram.com/insulin-index/

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.

I have absolutely heard of surgeries being denied because of weight gain during 6 month supervised weight loss program. I have also heard of surgeon's postponing surgery until more weight was lost (if the person had a requirement from their Program).

I think it is because this is our sensitive point. If you have been jeered at nagged and ridiculed all your life about the one point it does make you sensitive ...no matter if it was not intended to be hurtful. It has been my observation that usual people who have an issue ( weight, facial features, whatever) and who have been singled out in the past because of it..rarely make such personal comments because they know how it feels and they have empathy. That is why we find it so surprising that people feel it is their duty to comment on our physical condition ...as if maybe we just didnt know we were fat... and once they point it out then we might do something about it. I have noticed this particularly with my husband's ethnic group. They are traditionally not prone to weight gain and they are constantly amazed how people such as myself cannot control themselves... so they have in the past said things such as "My you really are fat" or "isnt your husband nice that he loves you despite you being so fat..you are lucky" and the advice they can give you is priceless such as "you should try to eat less" or drink a glass of Water before each meal, or most priceless the specialist who I went to see re Gastroscopy said that I shouldnt waste my time with banding and that I should eat an orange before each meal. She was a Professor of her speciality who would have weighed 59 kgs dripping wet ( which I would have gladly made her except for the fact that I needed her approval for the band) So instead I thanked her for her wonderful advice and said I would certainly give it the college try. All in all I think this is why I certainly am sensitive:smile2:

I am sorry that you are so stressed but I agree, take your stress and anger out on the treadmill. Take a walk. Take a kick box class, a zumba class. Exercise is the best way to get rid of stress. I spend 50% less time on the internet now than I used to. I contribute a lot of my weight gain to sitting on the internet.

My surgeon told me to expect a weight gain of 10-20% once I hit my lowest weight. He said the body will adjust up to where it feels healthy/normal.

No only am I BP (medicted) but my birth daughter, husband, and adopted daughter are also. It can be a struggle but so much more so when we aren't on meds. thsnks God doctors now see it and can help us find the right ones but sometimes the side effects is weight gain (as if we need another struggle) On here we support each other no matter the struggle so feel free to share yours some of us are going throught the same thing and we can learn from you.Thanks so much for sharing you have already helped us.....................line dancer

The Lap Band was a great tool, until it wasn't. About 50% of the people that have had them for over 10 years are now having problems with them and getting them removed. Many WLS docs wont even do them now. I also was one of those statistics--it worked great for about 6 years and then the problems started...slow weight gain, constant vomiting, reflux, etc. I just got it out three weeks ago--it had slipped--and got a RNY revision and I have already lost 20 pounds. The band should be working for you, not you working for it. Whatever what you decide to do, good luck! We are here for you!

First the average weight loss statistic for sleeve or bypass is about 65% of the weight you have to lose to put you in a healthier range. Of course some lose more & some lose less. Now the why. The surgery will reset your body’s set point. This is the weight your body is happiest at & is easiest to maintain. Your set point could end up higher or lower than you’d prefer. Life. It can throw crap at you & make it more difficult to lose or maintain your weight (stress, emotions). Health conditions & medications. Some meds are notorious for increasing your appetite & causing weight gain & some health conditions limit your ability to lose all the weight you want e.g, restrict mobility. Personal choice. Some feel happier at a higher weight. Or they make food choices that better complement their life & how they want to live their life. Your body reaches a lower weight but resettles a bit heavier. A bounce back regain of 10+/- lbs can occur. And so on. I understand your fear of regaining. I mean we all have a lifetime of experiencing weight loss & the inevitable regain. This is the first time in my life (was almost 54 when I had my surgery) I have ever maintained my weight after losing for longer than a couple of months. The difference is I did not go back to eating in the sane way as I always did. I worked out a way of eating that I’m comfortable with, doesn’t make me feel like I’m missing out or making sacrifices, allows me to live my life as I want, is sustainable (very important) & works for me & my body. I changed my relationship with food. My choices may not work for you or others & some may think it too restrictive. I din consider it a die but just how I eat. I avoid as much sugar, sugar alternatives & artificial sweeteners as I can so no sodas & sweets only a couple of times a year (e.g. Christmas). If I want/need sweet I eat fruit. I prep & cook most of what I eat - mostly lots of whole foods & low processed ingredients. I rarely have takeaway & haven’t had fast food since before my surgery. I keep my carbs lowish & choose whole & multi grains more complex carbs. No bread or similar products pasta or rice (choice & also sit heavily in my tummy). I also chose not to exercise. I didn’t want to have to spend hours in a gym or run or cycle miles every week to maintain my weight. I’m happy with the stretches, resistance band exercises & sit ups I do. (Takes a total of about 25 minutes over a couple of sessions a day & wouldn’t burn 30 calories - LOL!). It works for me & my body seems happy at this weight (set point). I’ve basically maintained my weight since my surgery. Chat with your surgeon about a realistic goal weight after surgery & what you might experience & your dietician about how your future of eating might look. Research & avoid trendy diets - if they worked & were sustainable no one would have weight issues. You may find this video informative. You may find this video informative. Dr John Pilcher has many great videos on a variety of topics. Dr Matt Weiner is very good too.

Congratulations! I hope you have a very wonderful, low weight gain pregnancy. You're in my prayers...

Het Tellymell I am down 3 pounds also because I lost my water weight gain Just wanted to give you an update Vickie

I had my 32 week ob/gyn appointment today. I went from a belly measurement of 28 to 30 centimeters from 2 weeks ago, which although smaller than typical for gestational age she is still growing appropriately. I gained 1.5 pounds in two weeks which is actually pretty decent. My first month without a fill I caught up with all my weight gain expected for the first 5-6 months in a single month. That really scared me to say the least but I am happy I am back on track. Total weight gain so far is 20 pounds from 12 weeks when I had my first ob visit to 32 weeks (not including the 5 pound loss in the first 12 weeks). So net gain is 15 pounds - not too bad considering I have less than 2 months to go. If I gain a pound a week for the next 8 weeks, that is only 23 pounds. Even if I go up to 30, I can live with that and feel like I accomplished something good (gained 67 with my first pregnancy). I should lose most of that before I leave the hospital :0). Anyways, I feel like a dork that I haven't updated my ticker. I just don't have the heart to do it yet. 138 was an unbelievable number for me and beyond my wildest imagination of how low I could really go - 158 just doesn't feel as good, lol. Perhaps I should put a pregnancy disclaimer on there, I looked at your blog and it is just about the same issue, lol. Only real difference being mine is more of a short girls rant instead of tall one. :0) I am just aggravated that I wasted money on stuff I don't/can't/would prefer not to wear. I have a quick question on stretch marks. With my first pregnancy I looked like a roadmap. I went from 126 to 193 in less than a year, and I had them all over my belly, inner thighs, inner arms, breasts. This time I don't have a single stretch mark yet. Has anyone else noticed a lack of stretch marks after losing a lot of weight and getting preggers? I was just wondering if it had to do with already having excess skin to help offset the stretch.

Weight update: I have gained a TOTAL of 49.4 lbs this pregnancy so far....12 of those pounds I gained before I went in for my first intake appointment (because I had my lapband loosened and ate like there was NO tomorrow) so they are only counting 37 lbs gained on this pregnancy. My weight gain has slowed alot these past few weeks (less than a lb a week now) as the baby is getting bigger and i'm finally eating less...LOL How have the rest of you fared and how hard (for those of you with previous band babies) was it to take off afterwards??

He may not be jealous. It may be that he is afraid of you leaving him behind. He might be even depressed about his weight gain and feels helpless. Hopefully he will come around and be supportive again.

Hi Vince, I too am looking at a surgery date of 1st week in December if all goes planned with insurance. I went back and forth since I know (As a busy mom of 3) that this is a crazy time of the year with alot of trigger foods. My motto is however, there is NO time like the present. If its not the holidays, it's Valentines, Halloween etc. candy snd sweets are always around. I can no longer make excuses...it's time for me to get off this roller coaster weight gain/loss journey. I'm done...and ready for the new me to be revealed!!! If you end up being banded in December would love to create a support team of 'Team Holiday' Bandsters!!! We can do this!!!!!

Hi Vince, I too am looking at a surgery date of 1st week in December if all goes planned with insurance. I went back and forth since I know (As a busy mom of 3) that this is a crazy time of the year with alot of trigger foods. My motto is however, there is NO time like the present. If its not the holidays, it's Valentines, Halloween etc. candy snd sweets are always around. I can no longer make excuses...it's time for me to get off this roller coaster weight gain/loss journey. I'm done...and ready for the new me to be revealed!!! If you end up being banded in December would love to create a support team of 'Team Holiday' Bandsters!!! We can do this!!!!!

I am so sorry you are feeling discouraged. Are you eating processed foods? The reason I ask is because processed foods will always slide right down because it already has gone through a phase of digestion it will not stay in your pouch. Take a look at your diet are you really not satisfied after eating some skinless chicken breast, vegetables and sweet potatoes for example? For the first year I battled with head hunger I kept telling myself I was really hungry but I wasn't I just wanted to eat. But please keep on going in the right direction no matter what your scale says doing the opposite will only cause weight gain and you already know that.

Why did you/Doctor feel the need to remove saline from the band? Were you too tight? having symptoms? Most often taking saline out is done to resolve problems. I'm curious why he felt that was the "right amount" . I've has saline removed due to reflux on occasion but usually.5 cc. waited about a month then went back for a refill. I don't know your age but when going through a menstrual cycle some women have complained about "Water weight gain" which is possible our body retains water in the cells constantly, due to different reasons, salt intake etc,and the body is 60% water in general. Call your new doctor ask them to come back in, but some saline back in and I think you'll be surprised at how quickly that 10 lbs will go away. Good luck

I am a self pay. (5'8", 31 years old, 225#, don't qualify because I am healthy with no comorbids, weight gain obesity is only for last 6 years) I am going to Mexico. Tropicana, PM me if you want to know details about what I am doing. Another good person to talk to that self payed is La_Madam. We both have the same doctor. Although, she is already banded and I won't be banded until end of March. She answered a lot of my questions.

You have to like what you're doing at least somewhat. I mean, I have stopped kidding myself that I will EVER go to the gym and lift weights. Its just not going to happen. But I do love running. What I love about running: - you can set goals. Distances, times, fun runs, small goals (5K) big goals (half marathons). You can measure your improvement, you can do it in different places. And it was just a goal of mine. I never ever get over the kick of being able to say "I am a runner". To me, it was the ultimate of what losing weight is all about. And on that note - its about focussing and enjoying the outcome, perhaps even more so than the process. I plan to do a hard interval run on my treadmill tonight. I dont really "want to" per se, but I know I will and once I get going I will feel awesome about what I am doing and when I am finished I will feel GREAT. And I have accepted that its what I have to do to have the body I want. I look around the workplace, there's a few of us women between 40 and 55 and nobody is really obese but everyone has softened into middle age, and has big tummies and large breasts and thighs that want covering. They all sit at lunch in the staffroom with healthy lunches, salads, fruit and yogurt, rice cakes and avocado. Nobody eats crap. nobody brings chocolate for Snacks, nobody drinks soft drinks. I am the only one who is not fat and looks fit. I have a lapband and I'd say I eat more during the day than half of these people. The difference is my running. I wont ever stop! I've been through early menopause at the age of 43 thanks to chemoradiation and I have none of that typical round the middle weight gain and accelerated body aging. Bone density tests have shown excellent results (they were worried about me what with being only 43 and so thin) - that's thanks to running. I got through it with minimal pain - thanks to running. Anybody that doesnt exercise will live a substandard life as they age, its that simple. It keeps you young. Thin is only a small part it.