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Glad to hear your DH is OK Lisa. Under the circumstances the cupcakes can be forgiven. PinkyLee so good to see the scale move in a positive direction. Hang in there I think things will start moving once again. Melissa let us know how your Dad is doing. He is in our thoughts and we're glad you are with him. We'll miss you at lunch, but your Dad his definitely more important. I'm just coasting this week. I'm not being really good or really bad. The scale is not moving so I still have the 4 lb weight gain from the unfill. Since I lost 8 lbs in just a few days I guess it was to be expected. I'm still 10 lbs down from the 1st of the year, so that's not bad. Have a great day and stay warm for all of those in north and east. Several of our offices are closed and by Go Live for a new application is put off until tomorrow. It's like throwing a party and no one comes!

Here's my story: I was right at 170 to 180 pounds back in 1995 a few years after my Army days. I had no problem with getting a Woman or a date for that matter. Then I met my children's Mom right after I had started to experience back problems. I had explained to her--how the military service had caused it. She insisted she was a bit phased. We soon was pregnant with child. My son was born in June of 1996. I went back to work without a problem mid 1995. within 3 years--I have major problems. I started to m7y weight go up to, due me always missing work for back pain. In July 1998 I had to have surgery. All of a sudden at the end of 1998 I was totally unappealing. I found out my thyroid was almost asleep. I started on thyroid meds. Soon I got the cold shoulder. During this time--a second child was born. Speeding up a bit--she walked out, complaining hot big and fat I had got--how I was just 1/2 a Man. I went through the up and down weight slide. Down to 250, back up to 300. Tried this diet and that diet. Nothing worked, When I kicked butt with a serious weight loss in 2003--My knee was gone. A full knee replacement, then a second neck surgery. Yes I am disabled, But I pride myself on bouncing back. Now I am 270 and holding. My ex-wife saw me in 2005 and claimed I was l0ooking good. No way I could go back. The mral of the story is, with all of my surgeries, weight gain, weight loss and medical issues. I can't blame my ex-wife. The best thing that came out of it--winning hild custody of my 2 sons--now soon to be and 11 years old. Now I am not even attempting to get a new wife nor girlfriend. I am totally focused on my weight loss--getting the "Lap Band"--even as the medicare policy has changed with the new cuts. I can't blame the ex because--Many years ago before my Marriage. I was really feeling good about this Woman I knew. We attempted dating--but she said --No, No, No. She was like a fit size 8 to 10. But all of sudden she started to gain weight. She had developed Hyperthyroidism--where you lose weight. So her Dr has to place her the meds to gain weight back. Since that is not a clear cut science--she went from that 1o to a large 20 as I would guess. I saw her--I was trying to get away from her. So would I expect someone to date me due to my weight loss and not date me now--again my answer is maybe. I know how folks feel since I have gone from skinny to fat and back.....

My husband and I had only been dating about a month (well a little over a month) when the going did get tough for me in terms of my health. That was the way I saw how truly amazing he was. I got sick, and it wasn't clearing up, whatever it was. And I sat down with him and I said that in case this turned out to be something wierd or lasted a while I would understand if he wanted to get out now and not be involved with me, because I couldn't do anything fun like go for walks and I never felt good, etc. I don't think he actually considered it. Well I got a lot sicker and for a lot longer than I ever imagined when I said that. And he was absolutely amazing. So I married him Seriously, I do not know what I would have done without him when I was at my sickest. I would spend days lying on his couch. He would feed me and get me medicine and just take care of me. And he took me to so many Dr apointments, to the ER, he asked the guys at work about gynecologists for me, etc. After we had been dating several months and my health started to improve a little (finally!) I gained some weight- about 20 pounds. Enough to get a bigger skirt size when I went shopping and have a bigger belly, so it was noticeable. And he did notice because he asked me if I had gained some weight. So I said, yes, about twenty pounds. I was nervous. What if he was disapointed in the weight gain? What if he asked me if I was going to lose it, etc? I had no plans to go on a diet. Instead he did the best thing he could possibly do: He said, "Ok, I was wondering." And then he kissed me on my big fat belly. So you see I had to marry him. My highest weight was actually just a couple of months before the wedding- I was just a couple of pounds under 300 pounds. But I got down to about 270 for the wedding, closer to my normal weight (I had ballooned on lyrica). He was nothing but supportive. Now I have never been thin (well unless you count when I was a tiny little girl). I was about 220 or 240 when we started dating. Of course I am also one of those morbidly obese people who doesn't seem to have the self esteem issues. I have tons of self esteem. Maybe a little too much. I think I am adorable. Granted, I am more adorable thiner, but I am still pretty damn cute morbidly obese. And I have awesome breasts. Anyway, I knew my husband liked bigger girls when he started dating me. I even asked him why. He said it was cause he felt that thinner girls were too thin and looked that twigs and he would worry about them snapping in half or breaking or something (he is actually very gentle). He just doesn't find skinny attractive. Guys I have dated in the past found me attractive. I never got past the second date with them because I never wanted to (i'm picky) so I figure I was ok. I wasn't going to date someone who jsut wanted a thinner version of me. And I wouldn't date somewhere who liked me but not my size-- unless- and this is the big unless-- unless my transformation to a healthier life style would be what promted them to ask me out instead of just my weight loss. If a guy was more impressed with better habbits and routines and energy and exercise and health, I could dig that. But if all a guy cared about was the scale, no way. Same with friends, etc. I know some people feel very negatively about obese people. Now maybe they don't care for what they feel is a lack of good grooming or something or other ignorant stereotypes. As I tend to be oblivious and still dress like a sloppy undergrad a lot (bleach stained t shirt, here I come), and I am more likely to forgot to brush my rather long red hair than I am to actually do anything with it (I haven't worn a ponytail in at least two years), I tend to have a bit of acne half the time because I can't be bothered to actually put on my acne cream, same deal with glasses and contacts, and I would like to wear makeup, its just that I would first have to remember, and then I would have to put it on. And that takes time and skill, and effort, and finding the makeup, and so forth. And I swear eyeliner requires an advanced degree in makeup technology. So on occasion, as I rush out of the house, it occurs to me I look like a fat slob. If I were to cultivate a more polished look and had people respond to the polished look I could understand that. But how does one figure out what one is responding to (other than asking because people do sometimes lie about things and I don't know how to tell if they are being honest)? Are people going to have a positive response to healthier lifestyle or lost weight? To polish look or to lost weight? Or is it impossible to distinguish?

Wow! My composition professor would be appalled at my beginning anything with that but January was so insane for me that I can only begin with a Wow! I prayed, I researched, I posted here, I poured over everything I could find on obesity and gastric surgeries. I watched an all day long marathon on the morbidly obese on Discovery Channel. As always, I overdid, I over-thought, I drove myself crazy. I was in church on a Wednesday evening and could not set still. I finally went out into the lobby and called the insurance company. I was so hoping I was denied and then the searching for a decision was over. The man's voice on the phone told me differently. I was approved. By Friday I had my date. Jan. 31, 2007, with my liquid diet beginning on Jan. 17, 2007. In a week and a half my whole life was changing. The only thing I could compare this to was my pregnancies but this time it was all about me. Was I selfish or rather self-caring enough to go through with this? The idea of waiting on approval had actually caused me to go for the cokes and the caffeined sugary drinks even more and my sedentary job was just helping with the weight gain. I knew I had to quit the sugar now or forget the surgery. Guess what the Wednesday evening services were on all the month of January? A personal trainer/ pastor gave health lectures and focused on fasting! When I decided to fast God had the whole church fast! I actually began liquids and protien shakes every day until the 17th followed by a healthy evening meal. I am truly blessed I did because I would not have made it through the two weeks of liquids 24/7 before surgery if I had not began to prepare weeks ahead of time. My next entry I want to share what those two weeks of such a limited diet did for and to me mentally and physically. I learned about me and what I am vulnerable to. I also learned how strong I can be.

Wow! My composition professor would be appalled at my beginning anything with that but January was so insane for me that I can only begin with a Wow! I prayed, I researched, I posted here, I poured over everything I could find on obesity and gastric surgeries. I watched an all day long marathon on the morbidly obese on Discovery Channel. As always, I overdid, I over-thought, I drove myself crazy. I was in church on a Wednesday evening and could not set still. I finally went out into the lobby and called the insurance company. I was so hoping I was denied and then the searching for a decision was over. The man's voice on the phone told me differently. I was approved. By Friday I had my date. Jan. 31, 2007, with my liquid diet beginning on Jan. 17, 2007. In a week and a half my whole life was changing. The only thing I could compare this to was my pregnancies but this time it was all about me. Was I selfish or rather self-caring enough to go through with this? The idea of waiting on approval had actually caused me to go for the cokes and the caffeined sugary drinks even more and my sedentary job was just helping with the weight gain. I knew I had to quit the sugar now or forget the surgery. Guess what the Wednesday evening services were on all the month of January? A personal trainer/ pastor gave health lectures and focused on fasting! When I decided to fast God had the whole church fast! I actually began liquids and protien shakes every day until the 17th followed by a healthy evening meal. I am truly blessed I did because I would not have made it through the two weeks of liquids 24/7 before surgery if I had not began to prepare weeks ahead of time. My next entry I want to share what those two weeks of such a limited diet did for and to me mentally and physically. I learned about me and what I am vulnerable to. I also learned how strong I can be.

wow girls you make me feel like a whimp! spinning class, running,themage, I thought I was hot shit cause I can drive now! lol Lianna- second opinion and tell them what you want, and let them know you want tight abs. My understanding is that your abs seperate towards your side with weight gain too, not just child birth, and with the tummy tuck the muscles are brought to center and stitched together to get the six pack look. ask the surgeons if the consult fee is applied to surgery if you go with them, mine was. For the breast life qustion, yes, they do get smaller. I was a Victoria secrets 40 dd/e before surgery, and bringing the girls to about face and removing excess skin I am now (yes I went shopping already) a Victoria IPEX as it has no wires, cant wear wires, ready..... 36C, yep cant believe it, I got hot, sweaty and thought I would pass out when the bra fit in the cup and then in the middle hooks around. I was crying in the middle of the mall. Havnt been that size since Jr. High. So yes they are smaller and purky. Husband told me they look fake he is so used to the saggy ones! Joestta: You have to remember Georgia is SUPERWOMAN!! I am 4 weeks out and today is the first day I have driven and if I worked at a desk it would start today dont rush things. wait till you have time to recover. Georgia; YOUR MY HERO!!! Keep me informed on the arm therm--- anything to shrink the fat!!! where do I sign up!

I'm Back! This has been a crazy week. I finally sold my house. It's been on the market for months, so that feels great. Hopefully this 5-day inspection phase will go well, too. Next comes a HUGE yard sale! Yesterday I viewed 11 houses and bought a new-construction one in a development. I never wanted to live in a housing development, but we landed a house with only one neighbor on one side and a green belt to the other side and in the back. Best of all, an unheard of 3.75% interest rate is the only way I could afford this. I guess I'm rambling... My sprained ankle turns out to be a bit broken as well. I will have an MRI in a week after teh swelling goes down. Then I may need surgery to tighten the ligaments and remove the bone fragment. Good grief! Just when I was gearing up to work out again! To top it off, I can't even swim yet! I think this past week I have gone back to some poor eating habits. I guess I am not just a bordom eater, but a stress one, too. Was the sugar-free coffee ice cream really worth the weight gain? Of course not! Tomorrow is my first fill so I am looking forward to restriction again. Saturday I take off for Nashville with a 15 YO aspiring country music star. He's like a nephew and can hardly contain him excitement. I'm glad to have a fill before getting there. Have you tried fried pickles? Actually, fried everything the last time I went there. My friend wants me to booze it up with her, but obviously that can't happen. (She's having us stay with her.) Well, I guess that's the Jeri-catch-up-minute. It sounds like others have had ups and downs, too, but everyone is plodding along nicely. Peace!

There is a good article below, looks like if someone does not lose weight, it is not her or his fault totally. Why Did They Lose More Weight Than Me?” - by Cynthia K. Buffington, Ph.D. During a recent support group meeting, five patients whose surgical procedures were identical and performed on the same day asked why they were losing weight at different rates. Three months following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, the only male patient, Charles, had lost 71 pounds. Sarah, on the other hand, had lost 57 pounds, Sally had lost 40 pounds, Sue was 29 pounds lighter, and Jennifer had lost only 19 pounds. Why had Charles lost more weight than the female patients? Why had Sue and Jennifer experienced less weight loss than the other patients? Were Jennifer and Sue not adhering to the recommended postoperative dietary protocol? Were they consuming calorie-dense beverages or foods, such as milkshakes, colas, cake, ice cream? Did Charles and Sarah, who lost the greatest amounts of weight, exercise more regularly than Sally, Sue, and Jennifer? In order to determine why there were such large differences in weight loss between patients, we examined the lab results, nutritional profiles, and clinical reports of their most recent follow-up appointments, which had taken place only 3 and 4 days earlier. To attempt to understand why some individuals lost more weight than others, we first examined body size measurements before and after surgery. All patients had a somewhat similar body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery, i.e. range 43 to 47, but patients differed as to where on their bodies fat was distributed. Body fat distribution is determined by measuring the circumference (distance around) the waist and the circumference of the hips and then dividing the waist circumference by that of the hips to derive the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). A male with a WHR greater than 0.95 stores much of his body fat around the waist (abdominal fat). Premenopausal females store fat in their hips and buttocks and generally have a WHR less than 0.80, but females with a WHR greater than 0.80 tend to store fat in abdominal regions, as well. Deep abdominal or visceral fat has a much faster rate of turnover than fat that is deposited on the hips and thighs. For this reason, larger amounts of abdominal visceral fat are lost with calorie restriction than are fat deposits on the hips and thighs. A person with abdominal obesity, therefore, is likely to lose weight more rapidly on a diet or after surgery than would someone with fat on the hips and thighs. Men tend to store much larger amounts of fat in abdominal visceral adipose depots than females and, for this reason, men are generally able to lose weight more rapidly than females. Charles had a pre-surgery WHR of 1.2 and at 3 months had lost most of his weight from around his waist. The greater rate of turnover of Charles’ abdominal fat is likely to be one of the primary reasons he was capable of losing more weight than the female patients. Sarah, Sally and Sue all had similar WHR, i.e. 0.85, 0.84, and 0.83, respectively. Changes in waist and hip circumferences at 3 months after surgery were also similar, with all patients having a proportionately greater loss of inches from the waist than from the hips and thighs. Jennifer who had lost the least amount of weight of any of the patients (only 19 pounds) had very large hips and thighs and a relatively small waistline and upper torso. Her WHR before surgery was 0.68. Fat on the hips and thighs is broken down at a far slower rate than fat in abdominal regions. Women who have large hips and thighs and small waists generally have the greatest difficulty losing weight following surgery or with any other anti-obesity procedure. Jennifer may, therefore, have lost the least amount of weight post-surgery because most of her fat was stored on her hips and thighs where fat turnover is slow. Differences in fat distribution could not explain why Sarah, Sally and Sue’s weight losses differed, as all three had a similar WHR. (Remember: Sarah had lost 57 pounds, Sally 40 pounds, and Sue only 29 pounds.) The three females also had similar starting weights. Furthermore, exercise habits could not account for differences in these patient’s postoperative weight losses, as all three patients were participants of the same postoperative exercise program. Nutritional profiles, however, did provide a clue as to why Sue’s weight loss post-surgery differed from Sarah and Sally. At our clinic, nutritional profiles are obtained from patients’ food diaries at each of their follow-up visits. Nutritional information obtained from these profiles include total calorie intake, the percentage of diet that is Protein, carbohydrate and fat, the types of protein, carbohydrate and fat consumed, and dietary Vitamins and minerals. We found that Sarah and Sally’s nutritional profiles were similar with regard to daily calorie intake and dietary composition. Sue’s diet, however, significantly differed. Sue was eating an average of 250 calories more per day than Sarah and Sally. In addition, Sue was consuming fewer calories as protein and more calories high in sugar-containing carbohydrate. Sue’s greater intake of sugar-containing carbohydrate, coupled with the slightly greater number of calories she was consuming each day, could have contributed to the lower weight loss she experienced when compared to the weight losses of Sarah and Sally. Sugar-containing carbohydrate and processed grains increase insulin to levels higher than would occur if fiber-rich carbohydrates were consumed, such as fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, vegetables. Insulin, in turn, drives fat into fat storage depots and reduces the breakdown of fat, thereby adversely affecting weight loss success. Sue’s diet was not only higher in simple carbohydrates but was also lower in protein than the diets of Sarah and Sally. Eating sufficient amounts of protein helps prevent the breakdown of muscle and other lean body tissue that may occur post-surgery or with low calorie diets. Muscle has high metabolic activity and oxidizes (burns) fat. A loss of muscle or other lean body tissue, therefore, would reduce metabolic activity and fat metabolism. Over the 3-month postoperative period, Sue lost proportionately more muscle and other lean body tissue and proportionately less fat than did Sarah or Sally. (Note: body composition was measured by bioelectric impedance). Sue also had a greater reduction in basal metabolic activity (measured by indirect calorimetry) in association with her loss of muscle and lean body tissue. Basal (resting) metabolic activity accounts for up to 70% of all calories burned during the course of the day. Sue’s failure to lose weight as effectively as Sarah and Sally, therefore, could have resulted, in part, from her postoperative loss of lean body tissue and decreased basal metabolic rate. Sue’s poor nutritional profile, her greater muscle and lean body tissue loss with surgery and reduced basal metabolic activity could explain why she lost less weight than did Sarah or Sally. However, differences in nutritional profiles, body composition, and basal metabolic activity, as well as fat distribution, initial body size, and levels of physical activity do not explain why Sally lost less weight with surgery (17 pounds less) than did Sarah, since all of these measures were similar. Why, then, would Sally have lost less weight than Sarah? According to Sally’s 3-month postoperative clinical records, she was still taking diabetes medication (a sulfonylurea) to control her blood sugar, albeit at a lesser dosage than before surgery. She was also taking a beta-blocker for hypertension. Sarah, on the other hand, was on no medication. Ironically, many medications used to treat diseases caused or worsened by obesity increase body weight. Most diabetes medications (except metformin) cause fat accumulation and weight gain, including insulin, sulfonylureas and the thiazolidinediones. Many anti-depression medications or mood stabilizers also cause weight gain, especially lithium and the tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, steroids used to treat osteoarthritis or autoimmume disorders increase body weight and fat accumulation, as do beta-blockers and Calcium channel blockers for hypertension. It is likely that Sally’s diabetes and hypertension medications were responsible for her inability to lose as much weight as Sarah. However, there could have been factors other than medication, diet, exercise, metabolic rates, or fat turnover that caused post-operative differences between Sally’s or Sarah’s weight losses or those of other patients in the group. One patient may have lost less weight than another because their growth hormone levels were low, sex hormone production was altered, or cortisol levels were high. Defects in hormones, gut factors or neurochemicals that regulate food intake, satiety and energy expenditure may also have caused variability in patient post-surgical weight loss. Altered activities of enzymes regulating fat metabolism or energy utilization may have influenced rates of post-surgical weight loss. Genetics could have contributed to weight changes, as could numerous other conditions that influence energy intake or expenditure. Why, then, does one patient lose more weight than another with surgery? For numerous reasons, including differences in calorie intake, energy expenditure, body habitus and body composition, basal metabolic activity, hormone profiles, genetics and much more. Because weight loss is regulated by such a myriad of factors, it would be highly unlikely that any two individuals would lose identical amounts of weight post-surgery, even if they were consuming the same amount of calories and performing similar amounts of physical activity. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals realize that identical surgical procedures do not result in identical weight loss patterns and that weight reduction is regulated by far more than calories in and calories out. Furthermore, patients should not despair or feel unsuccessful if they have lost less weight than others, particularly if they have been honest in adhering to their postoperative dietary and exercise regimens. Cynthia Buffington is the Director of Research, U.S. Bariatric, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando Originally Published in Beyond Change - 2004

My 2 BIGGEST weight gains were after quitting smoking, and after taking prednisone.

Has anyone gained any weight since they have had the lap-band???:hungry:

I never felt guilty about it. I felt fortunate that I was able to take advantage of modern technology for a situation which I was unable to control on my own. I viewed, you see, my weight gain as being akin to having diabetes or from suffering, as I do, depression. Now, depression runs in my family and is a genetic thing. We all know that obesity is a result of overeating plus genetics plus the modern lifestyle. In the case of some of us there are further complicating factors. I am really happy with this technology. I have lost weight and I feel much better about myself even though I am still not a Hollywood grrl. And I paid for myself; it was money well spent.

Dear PRBrooksie---I was at our support group meeting Monday, and a very wise person said not to compare your loss with anyone else's. I look at these posts, and I know it's true! I've gone through periods of weight gain, no weight loss and weight loss with the band, times when I needed a fill and times when I thought I might need less. Honestly, you'll just make yourself crazy if you try to parallel your weight loss with anyones. It's odd. Until a week ago, I was frustrated without adequate restriction. I was kicking myself for my lack of control and wondering if I wasted my money. Now that I have just the right restriction, the cravings and compulsions for food just stopped. I think they'll come back and I'll be dealing with issues again, but I've decided that all I can do is deal with today. And the first thing I ask myself is if I need a fill, since that worked so well once I got it restricted enough. Then I ask myself if I've planned and cooked my food so I dont' have to impulse eat. Have I rehearsed what to take with me when I travel in the car. Have I thrown out contraband. Have I exercised, gone to support group, etc. But for me, number one is the fill issue. I have been such a total failure at even controlling my eating for a single day in my life. I know I need the band to do it's job or mine just isn't possible to do at this stage. I too ate until I PBed at times because I didn't get that sense of being full...but it doesn't happen with my new restriction. If I let myself, I'd go crazy with envy of Angela, down 33 pounds without a fill. Instead, I'm committed (on my good days) to be happy for others, and then figure out what I need to do. My new motto is "There are no problems that are bigger than me." It's a matter of sticking with the problem solving in this complicated new journey we are on. My heart is with you.

Katydotrn - especially with an increase in weight and reps, your weight gain was probably new muscle mass. Formation of muscle mass is a little more straightforward than fat loss. You damage the msucle, new muscle comes in place. It happens, period. Breaking down and metabolizing fat reserves, and then getting that change accurately reflected on the scale, is a much more mysterious (aka random) beast.

Hi J, I think you are right that Sarah does not really seem ready or willing to get the weight off. She didn't really want to exercise either, although I can understand that at her weight it must be hard and painful. I think if she comes back she has more of a chance of changing her life. The home environment may have contributed to her weight gain in the first place. These girls like her and Cat ( Who looks amazing) are so lucky to have men that love them and care for them. I just figure at my weight that I can't find a man who would love me so I just hide because I fear rejection. I would like to find a special someone, because I don't want to be alone anymore, and I would like to have a baby because the clock is ticking. Right now it is all too hard to deal with for me. I have too much on my plate to be honest. Susannah

Thanks Julie. I have an appointment for a fill next Monday and I'm going to share my concerns with the PA. I'm just hoping I'm not denied a fill b/c of my weight gain.

Me too ,this happens all the time for me, I am so upset when I don't loose weight , so when I see a weight gain like 3-4 pounds overnight this freaks me out, bit on the other hand it makes me be extra good that day or week...

Hi! I would try to stay off the scales if I were you. The weight gain that you are experiencing is probably due to fluid imbalance/redistribution. My doctor said not to pay attention to the scale until after you get a fill. He said that your body needs a good 6 weeks to heal itself. It sounds like you are doing well. I am only 6 days post-band. I am so tempted to get on the scale,but at the same time kind of afraid. I lost 16lbs on the pre-surgery diet. I hope I've lost more despite of what my MD says about the 1st 6 weeks being a time for healing and not weight loss. Best of luck to you-Gigi:)

You are doing great Kareyquilts. Plateau's and minor weight gains can be contibuted to almost anything when it comes to women. If you want to kick in another cardio exercise that is great but try not to stress yourself. Keeping carbs and sodium low it can be helpful.

:angry :biggrin1: :help: :help: :help: WELL ANOTHER DAY HAS GONE BY AND I ATE GOOD TODAY. I AM UP FROM STARTING 118 IN DEC....2006.... AND I HAVE TO GO 2 MORE WKS TILL I MIGHT GET A FILL.. I CANT STAND THE WEIGHT GAIN DEPRESSINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG ]

Hey Susan. I feel much better today. Thanks for askin. I don't know what was wrong yesterday. Just an off day, I guess. Glad you have learned how to eat. Now, we will see that Valentine's goal. (aw-right!!) I haven't lost anymore, I don't think. Haven't been on the scales. wait.......nope. nuthin. But, you know what time it is? Bout a 3 pound water weight gain. I just hate that!!!! wish i had a water pill. lol Have a good day. Talk to you later. lisa

I dont think getting the band removed will help the RA. Once you have it you have it. And with the steroids you may need it as they cause terrible hunger and weight gain. This would be bad for your joints. Ask a rhuemotogist but that is my opinion. Jill

Me too was just unfilled today due pouch being too big cause of overeating. So what works best for those 2 weeks liquids soft food low carbs, whats best for healing and low to no weight gain?? Chery; Banded May2006-215 January30th-160 totally unfilled pouch too big

Originally Posted by Lap_dancer From BCBS Association (corporate) . 5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational settings. The improvement in health outcomes for laparoscopic gastric bypass can be attained outside the investigational setting, if the training of surgeons and the programmatic elements are similar to programs in the published literature, and if performed at a hospital with sufficient surgical volume. However, there may be considerable variation in capabilities and resources among different bariatric surgery programs. To address this concern, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the American College of Surgeons have developed criteria for credentialing and tracking outcomes from bariatric surgery programs. Based on the above, laparoscopic gastric bypass meets the TEC criteria, when performed in appropriately selected patients, by surgeons who are adequately trained and experienced in the specific techniques used, and in institutions that support a comprehensive bariatric surgery program, including long-term monitoring and follow-up post-surgery. http://www.bcbs.com/betterknowledge/.../20/20_15.html Source found at above website. Yeah, but isn't this just for gastric bypass? I couldn't find anything about gastric banding in this document. JB .................................................................................................. Airman, think of doing searches on this subject like a crossword puzzle. Just because you have a th_ _ K doesn't mean the word is think. You won't find some of the information easily. You should keep track of your searches via your search engine history. Book mark things, reduce the screen and open up another window to continue a new search. Open WORD and copy and paste links and language from documents. ( I do this all the time when I am researching). I'm not an insurance agent but here is what I have learned about Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) is like a mall. Inside the mall you have different stores that you can shop from. So you get Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Blue, Blue Options, ... Google is a good friend. Please utilize this in your efforts to gain information available to you. Google entry from me was: BCBS South Carolina weight loss surgery HITS: Suburban Surgical Care Specialists, S.C. - Bariatric Surgery Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Exclusion List The Next Step for Weight-Loss Surgery Blue Distinction Centers for Bariatric Surgery That one sounds good, I think I'll try it......... (thinking, if BCBS doesn't cover it and thinks Lap Band is experimental, I won't find a hit on my search ) Inside this HIT I see it is the BCBS site, I'l go to SEARCH and type in GASTRIC HIT: Displaying results 1 - 5 of 5 items found. 1. TEC in Press - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity (Web Page; Thu Jan 25 15:43:00 EST 2007) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background: Bariatric surgery leads to substantial amounts of weight loss in morbidly obese patients, and this weight loss leads to net improvements in health outcomes. Among different surgical procedures,... Description: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity 2. Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity (Web Page; Mon Oct 30 15:26:00 EST 2006) Assessment ProgramVolume 20, No. 15 February 2006Executive Summary Background Bariatric surgery leads to substantial amounts of weight loss in morbidly obese patients, and evidence exists that this weight loss leads to net... Description: Bariatric surgery leads to substantial amounts of weight loss in morbidly obese patients, and evidence exists that this weight loss leads to net improvements in health outcomes. 3. Newer Techniques in Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Long-Limb Gastric Bypass (Web Page; Mon Oct 30 15:27:00 EST 2006) Assessment ProgramVolume 20, No. 5 August 2005Executive Summary Morbid obesity, generally defined as a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or greater, is associated with excess mortality and a high burden of obesity-related morbidities.... Description: Morbid obesity, generally defined as a body-mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or greater, is associated with excess mortality and a high burden of obesity-related morbidities. HIT: TEC in Press - Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background: Bariatric surgery leads to substantial amounts of weight loss in morbidly obese patients, and this weight loss leads to net improvements in health outcomes. Among different surgical procedures, gastric bypass is the most common procedure performed in the U.S., and offers the most favorable benefit/risk ratio among established procedures. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an alternative technique that has the potential advantages of being less invasive and reversible. Prior TEC Assessments have concluded that LAGB does not meet the TEC criteria. Objective: To review the available evidence on whether LAGB results in similar improvements in health outcomes as does open or laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBY). Search strategy: MEDLINE search for the period of 1980 through September 2006, supplemented by hand search of bibliographies and search of Cochrane database. This goes on but it tells me that they are NOT calling it "investigational." PRINT AND SAVE 1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate governmental regulatory bodies. Bariatric surgery itself is a procedure and is not subject to U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. However, certain devices that may be used as part of the procedure may be subject to FDA approval. The Lap-Band® system received premarket application (PMA) approval by the FDA in June 2001 for use in morbidly obese patients. 2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes. The evidence is sufficient to permit conclusions concerning the short-term safety and efficacy of LAGB in comparison with GBY. Weight loss at 1 year following LAGB is substantial, in the range of 40% EWL, although less than that seen following GBY. The short-term complications of LAGB are very low, with serious short-term complications being uncommon, and mortality exceedingly rare. Rates of short-term adverse events, including serious procedural complications and mortality, are lower for LAGB compared with GBY. Same page, further on down the page. Airwayman, I could truthfully sit here for the next span of time and do this research for you but in the end, it teaches you nothing on perserverance. I am a teacher. I teach my students that perserverance pays off. In the frustration of learning, there is victory in the end. *I began my own Quest knowing NOTHING about the surgery, my own insurance plan nor how the process works. After six months, I can answer pretty much any question thrown my way. Tomorrow I will get my chance to educate the insurance committee at work. They were told "gastric surgery is not covered by Blue Cross", I beg to differ. http://mcgs.bcbsfl.com/ Search: Medical Coverage Guidelines BCBS HIT: 1.(61.06% Relevant)Gastric Electrical Stimulation... peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, direct or inductive coupling 64595 Revision or removal of peripheral or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver 0155T Laparoscopy, surgical, implantation or replacement of gastric stimulation electrodes, lesser curvature ...2.(59.05% Relevant)Gastric Bypass Revision... gastrectomy or intestine resection; with vagotomy 43886 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; revision of subcutaneous port component only 43887 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal of subcutaneous port component only 43888 Gastric restrictive procedure, open; removal and replacement of ...>>3.(58.83% Relevant)Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity... or stapling along the horizontal or vertical axis). Unlike the traditional gastric bypass, which is essentially a gastric restrictive procedure, these very long limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses combine gastric restriction with some element of malabsorptive procedure, depending on the location of the ... 02-40000-10 Original Effective Date: 10/15/99 Reviewed: 04/27/06 Revised: 05/15/06 Next Review: 04/26/07 Subject: Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity (Bariatric Surgery; Gastric Bypass Surgery) THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE IS NOT AN AUTHORIZATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPLANATION OF BENEFITS, OR A GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT, NOR DOES IT SUBSTITUTE FOR OR CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL MEDICAL DECISIONS ARE SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PATIENT AND PHYSICIAN. BENEFITS ARE DETERMINED BY THE GROUP CONTRACT, MEMBER BENEFIT BOOKLET, AND/OR INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIBER CERTIFICATE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME SERVICES WERE RENDERED. THIS MEDICAL COVERAGE GUIDELINE APPLIES TO ALL LINES OF BUSINESS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED IN THE PROGRAM EXCEPTIONS SECTION. Non-Covered Billing/Coding Reimbursement Program Exceptions Definitions Related Guidelines Other References Updates DESCRIPTION: Clinically severe obesity is a result of persistent and uncontrollable weight gain that constitutes a present or potential threat to life. For purposes of this medical coverage guideline, clinically severe obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or greater. See the height and weight tables for Men and Woman, BMI tables (100-195, 200-295, 300-400, and formula for calculating a BMI. Several surgical (bariatric) procedures are used for the treatment of clinically severe obesity. These procedures can be categorized as follows:

I think I would go in with the idea of only get .1. If you gurgle with .2 then that is too much. You are probably real close to your spot so go real conservative. I've decided it's worth the extra money to me to go real slow. You also may want to rethink getting a fill this soon. I don't think the weight gain is really from you overeating and not after 2 week and not after being real tight. Now the real cause of the weight gain. Yes it could very well be the antismoking medicine. It also could be the gratification you are seeking with food instead of cigs. Why don't you log what you are eating to be sure? I also think it's hard to do both - weight loss and give up smoking. I commend you for trying, but I know it must be frustrating. Two big oral gratifications taken away at the same time. You might have to substitute with another oral fix. OK you guys minds out of the gutter - I was thinking singing or humming or whistling or public speaking or .... Also might want to think of some of that hard candy that has few calories. It could be something to suck on instead of thinking of cigs. Also, I saw a suggestion to pop one of those Listerine mouth referesher sheets that disolve in your mouth. They are supposed to take away the urge to eat. I haven't tried that.

Ok guys I need some advice. I am like Barbara and VERY sensitive to fills. I will repeat my last fill story of 2 weeks ago so you know where I'm coming from. Fill under fluro- tech said I need .6, I told her I was sensitive and back it off some. so she put in .5 went out to drink water, 3 drinks WHAMO, threw it up.:frusty: Tech takes out .2 (now I have .3 total) go drink water, it gurgles, but I feel like I am ok, just swollen from throwing up and the 2 sticks of the needle, she says can't let me leave with gurgling so she takes out .2 more leaving me with a grand total of .1, ok so after a couple days go by, swelling goes down, guess what, I'm wide open again. So wide open I have gained 6lbs since that fill, I am SOOOO frustrated!!!! Ok here is the advice I need. I am going in to get another fill on Thursday, and I am going to tell them I don't care what the fluro machine says I only want X amount. But I am not sure if I should say .3 or .2, so based off of my story, what do you all think???? I want these pounds I gained back off! On a side note: I can eat a lot more but have been trying not too, but hungary all the time.:hungry: I am however taking a prescription called Chantix to help me with the smoking, is it possible the medicine is causing the weight gain too? I just don't know what to do.....Help!!!:help: