Search the Community

:help:Last night was a really bad night! I have had several episodes where I start by having to throw up something I ate that sticks and then it progresses to not being able to keep down even a sip of water. Usually, by the morning, and with no sleep, I go get my fill taken out. Last night, I determined in my heart to see this thing through without having to call my doctor, drive over to Texas, have the fill taken out, and start over with the inevitable weight gain of the "freedom to eat" ticket (no fill)! Me and the Lord had a long and continual talk through the night and praise God this morning I didn't have to go have my fill out! I am trying to recall all of the enormous amounts of information you get before surgery about eating right, troubleshooting, etc. and I started out this morning with a glass of grape juice. Liquids today, soft foods next, gradually building up to a normal diet (if I can ever find what that is!)! I feel like I have jumped a tremendous hurdle and I feel really encouraged! Pray for me that I can FOLLOW THE RULES! To date, I have lost 30 pounds - several times in the past year actually - and I want that number to be 80!

Hi, I was diagnosed with PCOS about six years ago. It took quite a few years before that to find a physician who actually believed that there was something wrong with me besides just weight gain. I had my band on Monday and am doing well. In order to get the procedure covered (BMI is 35) my primary care physician and endocrinologist worked with my surgeon. Both wrote letters on my behalf and in the end, the surgeon himself actually spoke to the insurance company. I am glad I persued the surgery, as my PCOS symptoms were getting worse, despite being on large doses of Metformin, etc. Good Luck.

Good morning all. I am almost at my 1 yr mark for being banded,I have lost umm about 40 pounds.I need help with getting enough protein per day.I am very restricted in mornings and have a hard time with the shakes even,since they are cold (get up at 5am) I was able to eat chicken and tuna before but no matter how I cook it except in soup:phanvan it causes me to feel uncomfortable or I vomit now.I am starting to feel like I am losing the battle against weight gain .I will appreciate any ideas to help me get on track again with the right foods.Oh yeah I haven't eaten red meat in over 10 yrs,but I will if it is a way for me to get enough protein. I have been eating cheeses, yogurt, a little peanut butter, beans, some lunch meats, fish and shell fish but kinda tired of eating same things over and over.(I also have high blood pressure so I watch sodium content of foods, because since banding it has been lower:biggrin1: Thanks in advance for all your help

Wow. I can't believe what I did tonight... I wasn't even hungry and all I did was eat. This is the self-destructive behavior that put me on the road to weight gain and I just experienced it for the first time since being banded 4 months ago. Has this happened to anybody else? Is it normal? I feel absolutely terrible about myself tonight. I'm thrilled that I already have another appointment for a fill on Tuesday but I'm just so ashamed that I ate what I did tonight. Any advice? Similar situations? I'd really love to hear from you guys tonight... I'm not doing so hot. Thanks.

I started out at 9'7. I was average toddler and young child and a stocky elementary age kid. I got chubby when I was about 11 and stayed that way through age 14. I slimmed down and spent most of my highschool years between 125-140ish and I was bigger than most so I did feel fat. I starting packing on pounds in college and averaged between 165-185. After I got married is when the weight gain really started and never got better. So I had brief times in my life when I was thin or at least healthy but nothing that has stuck. I can't wait to get to my goal and stay there.

Currently I'm waiting on insurance approval for the lap band with Dr. Felix. I'm nervous and excited. Unfortunately, my normal method of dealing with emotion is to overeat...so I've gained about 10 pounds since my first appointment which was in late November. 10 POUNDS!!! AHHHHH!!! Did anyone else have this problem during pre-op? I'm not on any sort of diet yet. I feel like I'm in lap band no man's land. I'm pre-pre-op. How weird. I'm angry at myself which then leads to...guess what... more eating! :faint: I'm really doubting my ability to be able to do this. I know that this is just pre-surgery jitters and I know that this is just a tool. I really do believe that I can be sucessful... but I am really nervous about this most recent weight gain. :cry The only reason I haven't gained more is that I've had the flu twice and keep landing myself in the ER with dehydration from being so sick. Please HELP. Thanks for reading. You guys are all such an inspiration to me and I feel so grateful to have LBT in my life. Sheila 300 / 270- Went to a weight loss program over the summer and slowly gaining it all back =( P.S. While I was writing this post, my insurance company called me and I was denied. Sometimes, life stinks.

I was diagnosed with PCOS in October 1996 and have a number of surgeries, medications and a long line of other treatments for this disease. I too struggled with having a regular period and went almost completely absent of any menstruation for 4.5 years. When it came time for me to try and get pregnant there was a lot of discussion about IVF, but my Reproductive Endocrinologist gave me an injection of Ovidrel and I became pregnant 2 weeks later! I had the band implanted in October 2005 and it has its pros and cons. I have lost approximately 40 pounds since then and it has assisted in controlling my weight gain since I became pregnant. Fortunately, I am 21 weeks pregnant and I have only gained 6 pounds. I have had a number of complications over the last year and a half from the band, but overall I am glad that I did it. I would happy to talk more with you about any of these topics if you are interested. :Banane43: Ms. Jaime Z. Banded: October 27, 2005 Lost to date: 40 lbs. Current fill level: 1.5 cc (Was 2 cc before pregnancy)

I weighed between six and seven pounds at birth, but I was also about 3 weeks early. I hit puberty the week I turned 10. Before that time, I was average. I thought I was fat, but when I look at pictures, I realize that I wasn't. My weight gain was fairly slow, but I think I eventually hit a point around 7th or 8th grade where I just started piling it on. I think I've had PCOS since I first started menstruating, so I think I eventually hit the tipping point where it was concerned. I think my PCOS made me tend to gain weight a little easier, and then I eventually got to the point where the weight I was gaining caused my PCOS to worsen, which then caused me to gain more weight. It became this vicious cycle.

Sunshine 2.....you're just beautiful! You look great, and so happy! I got home this a.m. and weighed in...after all (what I thought) was alot of eating - no weight gain! However, no loss either. I definately have stalled. Could also be some PMS creeping up on me. Regardless, I know I have no restriction - and now I'm actually afraid! I just have to stick to my proteins and stay away from the carbs. Hope everyone is doing well!

I just love this group. I come here for support, to put things in the right perspective, and to get a quick kick if I stray. I think I'm starting to turn a corner. I asked DH to rid the house of the Cookies and candy. He could hide them, heave them, or eat them I didn't care as long as I didn't see them. I also went straight home and put a new hormone patch on. I read that lack of estrogen could cause carb and candy cravings. Not taking any chances. Last night I did something I haven't done in 8 months. I had a 100 calorie bag of popcorn. WOW, it went down easy, and satisfied my snacking urge. I felt better eating that then all of the crap of late. I don't want to eat a bag everyday, but feel now that once in a while in might be alright. I really want to get a fill, but I will wait a few more weeks. I hope the Doctor is at the support meeting tonight so I can ask about fills and my problems with them. I might just have to make an appointment with him and see if he can help me get the proper restriction. I weighed this morning and had dropped the 1 lb I picked up from PinkyLee's loss. :mad: I have 4 more to get back even from where I was a couple of weeks ago. I changed my ticker to reflect the weight gain so I could keep myself honest. And above all else, I am grateful for what I've lost so far. For me it has come slow, but it has come. As others have said, we are in this together.

PCOS is an a acronym for PolyCystic (sp?) Ovarian Syndrome. It causes weight gain, facial hair growth in women, irregular or absent periods....help!!! My memory is failing me!!! Kat

I'm so happy that your hubby's reservations have changed & am happy I could help with that Men are very visual creatures and it helps seeing another 'regular' person v's a model like we get bombarded with on TV weight loss commercials.... I think our failed attempts at those diets made our guys lose faith in the ability of things to work for us since we aren't models/actors.... and since the band is more scarey sounding than a normal diet (cause of surgery) as well as more expensive they get both scared and think we might be being 'conned' yet again... . plus they are our 'protectors', they love us and don't want us to feel like we have 'failed' again if it was just like one of those other diets. My BMI (i guess that's the only way we can compare being different heights) I think was 39 going into surgery, (sz.22 at millers, 20 at 16/26, medium at my size). I went to genesis for a month (where i seemed to be most peoples idea of their worst weight nightmare) and then switched to fernwood (heaps better!) and went religously once the doc cleared me for exercise and got the best runners for my feet (for me that was nike tn's at the time $249, now with current changed needs is nike shocks $199 but footlocker frequently have 30% off sales so you can get better prices - without the best shoes for your feet - and everybody is different - you wont be comfortable or have the same drive - i couldn't believe just how much difference the right shoes for my feet made).... it took ages for me to get restriction (literally - it was october 12th 2005 when I put my foot down and went to a different surgeon to get restriction to make sure I wouldn't gain my weight back because my motivation and will power was really stretched to the limit and I was sick of living on appetite supressants when I had a band - wasn't going to take t he 'waiting 8 weeks' between adjustments any longer, I had had this thing in me long enough it should be doing some of the work by now! - he gave me a huge fill (what i was suposed to have was not in there) and I finally knew what having a band was all about) but I persevered without much restriction those first 8 1/2 months and it took 10 months 13 days to get to 'healthy' bmi. With your attitude I know you will do it too!! I attribute my weight loss to my band because without my band I would not have had the motivation to actually lose all that weight - every other diet proved that - but every other diet didn't cost as much as the band (even if the band didn't do all or any of the work physically those first months just being in me brought out the tight ass in me that wasn't going to spend all that money and fail!). I did gain back nearly (shock!) 12kg when I lost that precious restriction and was hungry 24/7 like a rabid hyiena. A year had passed so it was to be expected; I saw my surgeon who didn't think it was a big deal since he still thought i was skinny and my bmi was still (barely) healthy and then I went back to that other surgeon again (i mean i didn't want to be gaining and crazy out of mind hungry) - he gave me an adjustment which took away my hunger - those 12kg melted back off once the hunger was gone. Therefore I know my band is the only reason I am still a normal weight - if that rabid hunger and weight gain continued i'd be obese again by now.... gut wrenching hunger regardless of how much you eat is the most awful thing.... the band squeezing the vargus nerve just right stops that which is a miracle. I eat a tonne more than most because I don't have a "tight" band like others describe..... I still get up in the middle of the night sometimes and have a piece of vegemite toast with my dog (now when I cook 2 pieces one is for me and one is for her.... before it was 2 each!) - other people hear that and I can see the pained look on their face as they imagine trying to swallow toast lol. The band is so individual, we all need it to work differently in terms of tightness for our lifestyle.

Go the sugar free route because you might end up eating alot, and at 10.3 cals each for a mento, 14 in a roll it's so easy to eat a roll a day which is 144cals (that's 6kg a year in weight gain just from trying to have fresh breath!). Figure out if you are an emotional or hungry eater first. Don't chew chewing gum for your breath if you actually suffer from real hunger - it just makes the hunger worse as your body prepares for food from the chewing action.... if you don't suffer from real hunger but are just an emotional eater chewing gum is really good though because it gives you the satisfaction of chewing + the fresh breath. If you can handle going into the chocolate box without being tempted to buy chocolate go to the diabetic section - they have sugar free mints in little tins that contain guarana - so your getting the fresh breath + an energy hit for no sugar.... great! They have plain mint and berry mint, they are both good and you could swallow either through the band without a problem they are tiny (like a smint). They are about $4 I think (haven't bought any for ages but lived on them for over a year) but there is about 100 in a tin so well over a weeks worth so not expensive compared to other mints, just seems like they are at first glance. Once you stop losing weight your breath returns to normal. When your losing weight you get really furry teeth for no apparant reason (to do with the burning fat) so invest the $30 in a really good fast electric tooth brush so you can clean a few times a day even at work but not for too long at a time, just to get the fur feeling off and freshen (because it's not good for you to brush too much - removes enamel; so don't do the full on 5min thing 5 times a day, 30 seconds will do just fine). Sadly Myer stoped stocking the best toothbrush I think has ever been on the market by sunbeam (can't even buy refill heads here anymore - get mine in thailand), hope I can find somebody else that stocks it to recommend it - I love mine and bought them for all my family and friends... they leave you not just clean like other electrics but full on feeling dentist clean - amazing! I've tried so many electric toothbrushes and none come close to this one. I use the polish tooth paste from macleans for that perfectly clean confident feeling.... I have to find these actualy names/model numbers tomorrow and update for those interested. I am a really savy buyer (tight-ass) so always wait for a sale to stock up on tooth paste, mints and refills - stretch my $$$ further to spend more money on cute clothes (or for those newly banded, to save alway for plastics down the track remember every $ counts).

how much do tummy tucks range from? ALso I am in my early twenties and I want to have children in the next few years, at least before I am 27. SHould I wait to have a tummy tuck till after I have kids? My belly dropped due to weight gain. 5'8 and 282 pounds will do that to you. Now I am still obviously 5'8 but now at 210lbs and the stomach pouch has gotten significantly smaller. I just cant imagine it completely dissapearing and I am very self contious about it. considering i know my skin will need to strech again, is it a bad idea to get a tummy tuck. I am worried that removing the access skin will make the already stretched skin strech even more causing complications... or is the new stretched skin as tough as regular skin... if anyone has any ideas about this please let me know.

i hope you dont mind if im candid... 1) my father died from obesity related factors in july 2005. His estimate weight was 475-500lbs. Nine days later his identical twin brother, also the same size, died from same factors. They suffered horribly the last month of their life. 2) Ive always struggled with obesity. Ive lost around 300 lbs in my life at 50-70 lbs at a time, and gained it right back. 3) i rolled over one morning and my head went one way, and my big body didnt follow. I ruptured an already herniated disc, blocking the nerve to my left arm. My pcp at the time, told me to get over it. eventually i got ahold of my current doctor and got to a nuerosurgeon who got me in for a laminectomy and discectomy to fix the problem. it did, and left a long horrible scar. 4) i havent had sexual relations in two years. Not my choice, But i understand. 5) My job has alot to do with image. my sales have plummeted since this last round of extreme weight gain. 6) i started to question every chair i could fit into as to weather id wind up on the floor again. 7) i wanted the least invasive option that would fix these issues on a permenant as possible basis 7) i researched and found a surgeon with an excellent record and personal approach, then really be pursuant about insurance and working with this surgeon. those are the real reasons i did this.

By the way the scale said I was +3 lbs this morning. Boo on weight gain! Although I am not surprised. But still, boo.

Funny you noted all the reasons for your surgery choice. I did the same thing and my list is endless. As I would think of something that has changed in my life due to weight gain, I would write it down. The list got longer and longer. Someday I'll pull it out and see how many things are now back on the "ok to do" list and be very happy with my decision. As it is, I'm only 5 days post op, so gotta wait it out. 9 lbs. down already though, so that made me feel much better! Are you banded yet? lessofme

I like that plan...lose weight, gain a refund. We should get tax credits for each pound we lose...wonder if DubYa could pass THAT through congress??!! Molly-we love hearing from you so yes, keep on checking in! Welcome to the new challenge members! Yep, our little thread is growing and I like it! What I don't like is Winter...when is Summer coming?????? I'm cold.

I asked myself that same question. So last year, I decided to give it my all, I was strick low carb, didn't cheat for 200 days, lost about 40 lbs. I was down to 190 lbs. Not at goal, but at least feeling better and thinking - I will do better without the lap-band. I can do this! Then July came and we went on our family vacation. I have a motto, vacation is meant to enjoy, so I enjoy everything. If I want dessert, I get it. I don't diet on vacation - ever. Well, vacation ended and back home we came, gaining 8 lbs in a week from the vacation, I said "tomorrow, I'll get back on my diet". Guess what, tomorrow never came, By November I was up to 248 lbs. I realized, I can diet, I am successful at losing weight, however, I'M A FAILURE at keeping it off. I was depressed, sad, and embarrassed at my massive weight gain from July to November - I had packed on 58 lbs in 4 months! I know my co-workers were talking behind my back, I know my family was concerned for me. My DH expressed his concern as well. Thats when I realized I needed help, serious help. I once again looked at the lap band. I started the process 11/22 and had my surgery on 1/18/07. I know I"m only a month out, but I tell you, I believe it is the best decision I have ever made. I no longer fear going on vacation. I know that I can enjoy what I want to, however, my tool (the band) will keep me from gorging uncontrollable. I feel safe now with my tool. I know that I wil NEVER be 248 lbs again. I am not trying to talk you into getting the band, I'm just sharring my thoughts. Only you know yourself, only you know if you can lose the weight on your on and keep it off. Whatever you decide, it sounds like your co-workers are a great support for you and care about you very much. I wish you the best!

Wow things are so different from place to place. Here in NY it was a six month process of seminars, exams, nutritionist, losing 10% of weight, psych consult, etc. Very strict, any weight gain they'll cancel your surgery. Best of luck hope your process goes smoothly.

Hello every one! This is a great post. I'have been on both side of the coin. From totally "Obsessed" with exercise & weight loss,only because of my obsession and fear of dying! I, went nut's on losing weight reading every thing I could find on weight loss and Nutrition. I, work out up to four hours aday 5 or 6 days a week one week 3days of lifting light weights & 3 days of walking running jogging in place with swimming, biking,carideo then would change my routine's. And I lost 120 pounds of weight in about a year half or so it almost killed me because I was over exercising and counting calories I was only taken in some times1500/ 1600 then burning more calories then I was taken in and that spelled starvation and my weight loss stalled! I wish I could find out the Lady who told me to go to bed and to increase my calorie intake It helped me to lose more weight at a slower pace a safer one! Thank God I lost the weight before I hurt my back! now all I can do is some walking and swimming, and count calories that keeps me in check with my weight loss! This may sound funny but please listen before you judge me! I had a fear or gaining lots of weight back, so I' took two months of from counting calories lots of pain meds in the process in a controlled experiment with my self I let my self gain weight "too lose the fear of weight gain" I gained twenty five pounds in weight eating lots of Ice cream. I started watching all of my calorie intake stayed at 1200/1500 and I very happy I have lost 16 pounds now at my own pace have no fear of weight gain any more and don't have to live by the all mighty scale. Now I check my weight twice a week count my calories and im in control eating lite and losing weight 213 pounds and dropping 16 pounds of new weight loss it will now take me 3 or 4 mounths to drop 23 pound and get back to 190 weight class, which the old way of over exercising I could of done that in a month or less the old way! Im very happy that I can control my weight loss, and very very happy that I have so many friends, who have helped me out many times in these past years! lbt is a great site. thanks again. John

I have no health insurance, and have been checking into surgery in Mexico. I would totally do it as I have been researching forever. Problem is I am waiting for SSI to approve or deny my claim *this could take up to 2 years! In the meantime I cannot work not only because of my health but because if I bring in any money I will be disqualified for SSI! I cannot so far get financing as my hubby and I are one year out from a bankcruptcy. So my question is...what is someone like me to do? I know people think this surgery is just plastic surgery or really not needed. But, without going into long details I have 2 medical disorders that have caused this weight gain to begin with...and this is just about my only option according to Doctors. I am soooooo frustrated I could just die! Dahlia

Jeanette - I've started solids today. I'm starting out with some soft baked fish. Or Tuna. What I'm trying to do instead of eyeballing it, is I measure my food out. That way I know I'm not over eating. This is the point that we will be increasing our calories, so keep in mind that our bodies have been eating very little before solids, so their might be a weight gain, but thats okay. It will soon come back off once our bodies get used to the new adjustment. My doctor recommends trying a food then see how you react with it, then move to another type of food. Since protein is so important, I'm trying to eat lean meat. I'm also adding in a small amount of veggies. I'll start with some can green beans since fresh are a bit stringy and could get stuck.

Cookie, I would seek medical attention. The doctor's office has seen many people struggle with the band. This band is not a cure all so don't feel bad that you have gained some weight back. Let them check your band out and give you a clean bill of health. It may not be the band at all. I would stay with Clear liquids until your doctor appointment. My doctor said that if something gets stuck, stop eating and wait until your next meal to eat again. However, I would go to the doctor if I were you. Who cares if they give you a hard time about the weight gain? We all make mistakes. Please get there and let them help resolve your problem. That way you can get back on track!

Yes, I lost 40 lbs on my own and my weight loss had stalled. That is why I went with the band. It hasn't been easy as I have only lost 40 lbs in 9 months but at least I haven't gained any back. That is the beauty of the band. I think your results will be good. Especially with weight gain.