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Those damned grocery store displays is right. We are surrounded by temptation, damned commercials, damned ads in magazines. But Tricia is right, the first line of defence is keeping a 'clean' house. I have 3 young kids, 11, 8 adn 6. I often feel as though I have to have 'something' in the house, 'for them' But often I am eating more than each of them. So I am starving my kids off sugar. That can only be a good thing, or at least training them that treats are for weekends. But certainly I feel your pain. I am all for throwing them in the garbage. I had to do that with much of the crap candy from Halloween that my kids had. I didnt' even want them to eat it. Good luck with this, it is a very difficult thing to do. hugs here is a good article I read on Canada.com Michelle Lang, CanWest News Service; Calgary Herald Published: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 KANANASKIS, Alta. - With an abundance of cheap, high-calorie food all around us, eating is replacing cigarettes and alcohol as the new "drug of choice,'' says a University of Calgary scientist. At an Alberta obesity conference on Tuesday, Jaideep Bains argued food may have more addictive properties than many people realize, with both eating and drugs activating the same regions of the brain. Back to Body & Health A molecule called orexin, for instance, is critical to stimulating appetite and also makes the brain more sensitive to the effects of cocaine, noted the neuroscientist and assistant professor at the university. "It's not drugs and alcohol that are the drug of choice these days it's food,'' Bains said. "Feeding behaviours are not dissimilar to addictive behaviours.'' The Alberta Obesity Summit is a two-day conference bringing together scientists from across North America to discuss their research into the growing problem of bulging waistlines. Bains also told the conference that stress appears linked to eating and addiction, triggering both behaviours, particularly binge eating and relapses in recovering substance abusers. He noted stressed-out university students, for example, may "pig out'' during exams. "Stress could make cravings (for food and drugs) more profound,'' he said. "There's also some thinking it could relieve stress. That it's a coping mechanism.'' Another presenter at the conference said it's never too early to start tackling weight problems, arguing a predisposition to obesity could even begin in the womb. Rhonda Bell, a human nutritionist at the University of Alberta, noted a Dutch study of pregnant women who were malnourished when their country was occupied during the Second World War had children with increased obesity rates. Bell's own research in animals also suggests early eating habits have a profound impact on weight gain later in life. In one study, Bell introduced fructose, a type of sugar, into the diets of rats between seven- and 12-days old when they would normally be feeding on milk from their mothers. The rats grew up to be 20 per cent heavier at 12 weeks old than rats who consumed a normal diet in the first weeks of life. Her research also found rats on high carbohydrate diets passed their weight problems onto their offspring. ``We look at kids and say `they can eat anything. They're so resilient.' But that isn't always true,'' she said. University of Calgary scientist Keith Sharkey said research presented at the conference suggests obesity is a disorder of the brain that's also strongly influenced by early life experiences. He said more research needs to be done to understand obesity so scientists can advise policymakers on how best to intervene in the problem. "We're not in any doubt as to what we have to do,'' said Sharkey, who helped organize the conference. "We're in doubt as to the best way to solve it.'' © CanWest News Service 2006 Oh ya, and love yourself enough. <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Thanks for the dose of encouragement!! Last year was the year from hell. The result was the weight gain. I know I have to put the past in the past and move forward. Any how, I am from The Town of Tonawanda. It's about half way between the city of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Are you familiar with these areas?? Where do you live? You mentioned that you needed a little encouragement yourself. Anything I can do?! I've heard of the doctor that did your surgery. I also know of a couple of people who live in Buffalo who have had gastric bypass by two different surgeons. One, a male, lost alot of weight. The other (obviously female) did okay, but lost her weight very slowly and didn't lose as much. Tell me all about where you are in your journey. I would love to hear it!!

Sadly, I noticed his weight gain as well.

Alexandra: Congrats on the 2 little ones! Let me clarify: when I say I won't be having kids due to my weight problem, I mean that I would be too terrified to risk any intentional weight gain, including pregnancy. I've fought my weight my whole adulthood (and before that, honestly) and I'm still fighting even though I have a LapBand . If I ever managed to break free of obesity then I promised myself I would never threaten that with a pregnancy. My body does not 'bounce back' from things, and I doubt pregnancy would be any exception. I don't believe I'd ever get the extra weight off. To top it off, I do believe fat genes exist - at least in my family - and I would NEVER, EVER pass mine on to a child. Nothing has been worse than being fat, at least for me. TheBestMe/Kathy: My Alien Growth sounds similar to your sister's situation. I also have to receive a C-section incision. I'm absolutely inconsolable about this newest scar. As if my skin is not scarred up enough? Ack. Remember I'm single, so in my mind I can't imagine how delicate it is to explain a C-section scar when one doesn't have the normal "bundle of joy" that normally comes with it. It seems like that will be unbelievably awkward. And yes they also told me I have to sign a pre-surgical consent to agree to a hysterectomy if the docs get in there and think the uterus can't be saved. I'm not particular attached to my "nether organs" and now especially since I know this specific organ has been housing an Alien. :alien But my hormone levels & cycles have always been normal but all these years I've been frighteningly anemic. The docs have attributed this to my long dieting history, the fact that I don't eat meat, to my reduced diet since LapBanding, etc... when all the time there's been a Freeloader sucking up my red blood cells and all my Iron. It's time this 'squatter' was evicted, or at least pays some rent ! When I think about the procedure, I do sometimes think "Eh, let them just take all the plumbing out" (how unromantic! :rolleyes ) but the harsh reality is that Men can sometimes be unenlightened. And surprisingly, now that I'm a 30-Something-Year-Old, I meet men all the time who ask me about having kids. So even though I don't plan to have any kids (and I do say so) they take that news a lot differently from the way I think they take hearing "I can't have kids." Right now I just don't think I'm up to dealing with those types of issues. Vinesqueen: Nope, it's got to be a lower abdominal incision. They call it a (ha ha) Bikini line cut, but I've yet to meet one solitary woman who felt they could wear a bikini after having one. I'm already having to figure out how to work belly dancing costumes around my LapBand scars and I dang near feel like giving it up. No "I Dream of Jeannie" outfits in my future, unfortunately. Now I'll have a smiley face under my stomach. Great. I doubt any future suitors will be inspired to smile about it, if ever I dare show it. Luckily I don't do tattoos or I'd be tempted to put the phrase "This property is condemned" on my stomach and point an arrow downward for comic effect! :rolleyes HarleyNana: Thank you, Harley. As you can see, I am really fighting to keep it together. I'm very upset. You guys are the best. I've been feeling rather low about this surgery and I know it shows. So I am very appreciate of the support. I will need it to go through this, seriously. ~ Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All... ~

Hi MelAnne, I'm so very sorry you are struggling so. Sweetheart, you are only 3 weeks out, and your body is still in the WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO ME phase. I think just about everyone goes through this. But you said you were gaining weight. Okay, was this gain when you moved from liquids? It is so very frustrating for this weight gain, but it isn't really, it is a matter of your colon now having matter in it, where it was empty before. I believe it was Capt'n Jack who said that the colon can hold up to 15 pounds of matter. Now, you are absolutely right, the band does not work for everyone. The band does not work for me, but I have other things going on. If you are continuing to gain weight even after you have had your prper fill, you will want to talk to you doctor about this. Do not let them push you off, because weight gain on little calories can be a symptom of a very serious condition. Getting filled is not a game, a lot of people get good restriction with their first fill. But the band does not work without a fill. It isn't designed to work without one. Any weight loss before your first fill is BONUS. Please don't be so hard on yourself.

I woke up one day a couple of weeks ago and boom no restriction, well hardly any. I have had perfect restriction for mths or so. My Dr was worried and did more checks today. I dont have a leak or a slip so he put it down to one of those things. He finally gave me .5ml today because I have put on 4 kgs in the last few weeks and I was really starting to panic about the weight gain thing. I know one day I can eat something and the next day I cant, but I am used to that now, this lack of restriction lasted like I said 2 or 3 weeks, so I know it was pretty much gone.

I exercise four times per week. Running and cross-trainer. I have just went thru revision surgery and it is helping me combat this weight gain that I have struggled with since unfill, surgery, barely any fill, etc. If I didn't eat crap I probably would loose. But for me 153 is ok, not really where I liked previously. I felt more comfortable in a size 8 and 140 lbs. But until I am restricted I struggle? Go figure. I also am almost 4 years out so the doc said my stomach isn't a normal virgin one that would respond to the band like it did in the beginning. As long as I am restricted and keep my eating to 1 cup to 1.5 cups eating wise choices, exercising I was able to loose. best wishes to you. Dody

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome I was just wondering if there's any other women out there that have this? I have it and due to it I don't ovulate at all and I have darkening of my skin on my neck and armpits and around my waist line. I'm just wondering if this all changes after having the band and losing the weight. Symptoms of this are: infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes acne, oily skin, or dandruff pelvic pain weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist type 2 diabetes high cholesterol high blood pressure male-pattern baldness or thinning hair patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area sleep apnea―excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep I'm sorry if this is a reaccuring topic. I didn't see anything about it. Does having this make it harder to lose the weight even with lap band? Any insight would be great. Thanks!

I'm glad that you are feeling a bit better about the whole band process. I've gotten pretty down about it myself at times. I lost 55 lbs from July of 04 to August of 05, and then nothing until last month. Eesh. It gets so frustrating at times!! I don't like that doctors are 'fine' with 60%, and tell their patients not to expect any more than that. That 60% is an AVERAGE, which includes lots of people who lost 100% of their weight, and any people who haven't lost any weight, and everyone in between. I do think that as we get closer to goal, it will be harder to lose, but easier to maintain our weight with the help of the band, if that makes any sense. I'm sure that no one will have much of a problem for you to join the slow losers club. Well, to find out what's going on, I think we need more info! Are you tracking your calories n' stuff? Have you started exersizing (I know, it's horrible)? How much are you eating, and what are you eating? What does your doctor say? *hugs* Also, if you are working very hard, and not losing, go to your doctor and start demanding answers. Find posts on this site by Vinesqueen. She has worked her band as hard as it can be worked, and has lost I think 15 lbs total since being banded (she was down to 30, but gained 15 on a ONE THOUSAND CALORIE DIET!!!). She has been diagnosed with cushings disease and is being run through a gamut of tests, to try and find out what she can do to take the pounds off. Well, feeling better and having your blood suger be in control is good, right? What kinds of stuff are you eating? How many calories are you eating? And what does your doctor say? Like I said above, if you are following all the rules, your calorie levels are good, and you are exersizing, there has to be another part of the equation that isn't being addressed. Another thing to thing about is medications. Are you taking any medications that cause weight gain or anything? Is there an alternate medication you could be on? There are so many factors to weight loss sometimes, and it doesn't ALWAYS come down to calories in/calories out.

Hi ya! I think the major thing is that I would encourage ANY bandster to have a discussion with their bariatric surgeon about having the Fluid removed from their band before ANY abdominal surgery. This would especially apply to those of us ladies who have "monthly" tightness. You see, I KNEW that pre menstrual weight gain made me tight. I just didn't transfer the knowledge to fluid retention after major abdominal surgery. (I coulda had a V-8! :faint:) My program (in Cooperstown, NY) has had a lot to learn from me! I am one of their very earliest band patients, and the first band patient to reach a normal BMI. I am also the first band patient at a normal weight to undergo reconstructive surgery. We learned, alright! lol I have a friend who is going to have a hysterectomy this week. She is one who has struggled with monthly tightness with her band. So, based on my experience, she went to our bariatric surgeon and asked him to remove the fluid in her band in an attempt to avoid excessive swelling and tightness after her surgery. I think she is very wise woman. Okay... I've rattled on enough now! Thank you all, again, for your marvelous support. I just LOVE bandsters!!!

:help: :help: :omg: Okay, help I feel like a freak or a science project. i was baned on 4/27. As of approximately 1 week post-op i was down 15 pounds. Every morning I would get up and I would be a pound or two lighter. I started at 226 and at one time even saw 210. pop up on my scale. I was very weak during the clear liquid phase but stuck to it. I have since gone on to Protein Shakes and Soups. I have never exceeded 800 calories in a day, most days averaging around 600. Here is the problem. The last FOUR days I've gotten up and I have gained!!!!! Yes,it's true. Please don't run screaming from this message thinking that if you read it you might catch what I have. I need encouragement, help, scientific explanations on how this could be happening. I keep thinking it is Fluid but how many days will this continue? PLease don't tell me not to weigh myself, I can't help it I can't stop. First, I laughed not at all suprised by my bodies fear of losing weight (it has always been hard for my body to drop). but now I am starting to panic, what's the point of no food if I am still gaining f.....ng weight. I am really getting pissed. I AM NOT EATING!!! I feel like a science project that has gone way wrong. My scale says 214, now. Yesterday, after my 2.5 mile walk it even bumped up to 215.:angry Why am I not losing, and why am I putting it back on. I am starting to feel desperate and it isn't funny anymore. This makes me want to eat. Please help. Did I have the only band placed for weight gain? Should I call my doc and see if a horrible mistake has been made? Thanks, tina

//This is my worst nightmare, remember my weight gain is inevitable post?// I don't have my band yet so can't comment about that but I was wondering if you have been tested for Hyliobacter Pylori (H.Pylori)?? Sometimes that can cause all kinds of problems...and you could have had this lovely little bacteria that lives in your duodenum since you were a kid. A simple blood test is all you need and if you do have it then they give you two antbiotics and prylosec. All gone and symptoms such as heatburn...gone, too. It's worth checking out. I know because my surgeon always does this test for his Lapband patienst...and sure enough I had it, which explained my heartburn. I haven't had any since i finished the medications.

P'Nut!! I'm out of my funk too!! Shew...... It was getting a little depressing! :rolleyes I'm not sure what brought me out, but I'M OUT!! I hadn't weighed myself in quite a while & about died when I stepped on the scale. I thought for sure it would have shown a BIG weight gain, but I actually weighed 200 lbs!! I LOST WEIGHT!! I am only 1 lb away from ONE-derland!! :biggrin1: This band works better then I thought. I don't feel like I'm on a diet. I eat normal foods, just stop when I'm full & I'm losing weight!!! :faint: NOW I AM SOOOOOOO BACK ON TRACK!!! I'm only 1 lb. away from hitting a very big goal & I am not going back to anymore FUNKS! Pretty soon you'll be seeing a big picture of me stepping on the scale reading 199!!! (Tricia, I'm right behind ya girl!!!!!!!!) I have been reading here everyday & you all keep me motivated!! THANK YOU!!! I'm giving everyone a big hug!!!!! :hug: Can you feel it?!?!

I have several reasons for choosing the Lap band over RNY or any other surgery. 1. I didn't want stinky poo like everyone I know who has had RNY or other weightloss surgeries. 2. I wanted a tool, not a quick fix. 3. Lap Band is safer! 4. It can be adjusted for my lifestyle (babies), weight gain etc. 5. Was available here in town, I wouldnt have to travel far for follow ups.

Its amazing how putting on a few kgs can affect your whole attitude. Each day I weigh myself the scales have gone up, even if it is only a little bit. 2 weeks and 4 kgs is ALOT. I havent been eating any differently to what I was, only more because the restriction has gone to nearly zilch. My mood is back to that depressive state. I feel fat...so fat. The new clothes I have bought are tight and snug fitting now. I feel yucky and I feel sh*t. Its been 6 months and its never been a problem to him before, why now? Its controlled and I dont even know I have it if I take my meds. For me my prior post is weight gain inevitable...welll right now....yes it is. I cant stop it. The difference in eating little amounts and now eating more normal ppl amounts is making me put weight on in itself. No one here (in real life) understands so please excuse my whining and if you think I need a kick in the butt and told to wake up then please do it. Tell me something...anything just dont tell me that this is the way it has to be...not with a few months left to my dream wedding.

:help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: :help: I met with my doctor on Thursday,to find I have gained back 2 lbs:cry he suggested I would need a fill,since I am struggling to not over eat and I don't feel any restrictions. I was informed that BC/BS covers 1st fill after 90 days:cry (I was banded 3/8/06) so should I try to tough it out until end of June(hopefully without any more weight gain)or pay for it out of pocket (lol will figure out the $$ part later this is stressful enough) I am drinking water when I feel hungry and really careful of what/how much I am eating now. I really binged on Thursday nite after finding out bc/bs won't pay and I paid dearly with the golf ball and sliming thingy.

I posted the other night about whether or not I should get a fill as my restriction has just about gone. I never even considered he would say No or tell me the things he said. I have had reflux since about my 5 th fill I think. I have had 9 fills. He gave me medication(losec) for the reflux and it has been fine....now he is saying I have 6 weeks to get rid of the reflux or he is taking all my fill out, if that still doesnt fix it he will take my BAND!!!! I was like OMG WTF!!!!!!!!! How did a friendly visit for a bit of a top up turn into this. This is my worst nightmare, remember my weight gain is inevitable post???? Well was that a coincidence or what. Someone please tell me this is crazy...pleaseeeee. If you cant tell me that can someone let me rest my head on their shoulder and cry while they stroke my head and tell me I am not going to end up a big fat porker again. :think :think :think

I was wondering if anyone had the same problem as I am having? I was just banded on April 11th 2006 for the first 21/2 wks I couldn't eat anything at all, in that time I lost 21pds. Now that I am able to eat very little I have gained back 4pds!! :help: I haven't been eating anything bad for me basically solid foods. General day is::hungry: 1 egg (if I can eat the whole thing) for Breakfast 4 peices of deli turkey breast for lunch with 2 peices of am cheese 4oz of chicken breast with a small salad for dinner About 50oz of Water through out the day I know I am supose to drink 64oz but I can't seem to get it all in right now. Oh ya and not to been having trouble going to the bathroom. Is this normal a 4pd gain, or can it just be water weight? Any suggestions on what I can change? Thank you for all your support!! Felicia:help:

I FINNALLY had it happen!! It took a day and a half, but at least things happened. I watch Survivor, and just knew I was going to be like that guy that was taken outta the game !!!!! ROFLOL It took with it, my pound weight gain!!!!! (ok, so I know it didn't - but the pound dissappeared and thats all that mattered!!!)

TERESITA??? Whaaaaaaaaaaaa??? Omg hon! That is superb. You are doing so well!!! Gosh that's really great! 61lbs gone. I see you are in the next bracket now. Doesn't that feel great? **Hugs** Geesh -4lbs over the weekend and a day is amazing. Weekends are soo hard too. shake it Tere! Do you guys want to do this again this weekend? I'm up for it? I'd like to do it again and fight the "scary weight gain weekends". Let me know if this is a good idea and to keep it going as a kind of reinforcement for our Major challenges such as Bootcamp and Gone For Good Club. I think.. as long as we have something to get us through the weekends, the Monday and Wednesday weigh ins won't be soo depressing.

I am just curious if there are any people out there that have been banded and lost the weight, but then gained it back even though they were still banded? Is it common for someones stomach to strech that much? :confused:

I'm with you. Somewhere along the way, I gave up friends and outside activities that I enjoyed as well. I think it was the depression and lack of self-esteem that came along with my weight gain. The more I gained, the less I exposed myself to others, especially emotionally. It's tough to face that head-on and work through what might have gotten you there. One step at a time. Local support groups, church, exercise classes. I have begun water aerobics. I've gone to CURVES. I've gotten myself back into church where I get a whole lot of support and genuine caring from people who don't owe me a thing or who don't know the first thing about my past experiences or judge me. It's baby steps, but it's do-able. Good luck in regaining your confidence and getting back out amongst the people. :rant:

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

I gained about 2 lbs back but lost it quickly once I switched from eating mashed potatoes to eating scrambled eggs and other South Beach diet idea. Just remember stick to the Protein, drink Water and exercise and you should minimize initial weight gain. Good luck! :eekB: Kristin

You have to take BMI with a pinch of salt. It is a measure for very broad averages. The more muscle you can get, the less BMI means. You will want to get an accurate body fat calculation done before you put yourself up against the BMI 'standards'. One thing I'd recommend is (and I'm trying to get away from this mentality myself) is not setting a hard 'goal' weight. The primary goal is to be healthy and happy. I set myself a goal weight of about ~210 pounds because that is my 'healthy' weight according to the BMI scale. I now think that this is going to be absurdly low. I'm going to be spending some good solid time at the gym (started yesterday - finally) and I'll be focusing on changing the remaining pounds of fat into muscle. That in mind, I doubt my weight will continue to drop on the level it has. Rest assured though GFG'ers, any weight gain I have will be muscles!! JA!