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I think many of us feel the same way! I think it is common for the band fills to kick in, even 1-2 weeks after the fill. Also, I think it is common that once you PB a few times, the stomach is swollen, thus tightening our band. Not to mention, hormones, time of day, etc. My motto with fills is...if more often than not you are too tight, then you may need a slight unfill. I HATE being too tight. Also, with the quick weight gain. Sometimes, if I am too tight (low calories) over time, then bamm I am loose and can eat more, my weight loss slows or I even gain a pound or two. I attribute this to my metabolism slowing, due to low calories/starvation mode. Then, once I can eat more my metabolism is still on "slow speed" and takes a while to speed up. Your body want to conserve the food (energy) it is receiving. Give it awhile, those pounds will come off. Shawn

Congratulations on your weight loss!! :cheer2: I am 12 days post op and could not take the hunger. I stayed on strict liquids for 10 days and lost 12 pounds. During this time I was also so Very Tired :notagree . However, I then had to EAT :hungry: . I had a very small bowl of small curd cottage cheese with ketchup (all mashed up), pudding, and liquefied mashed potatoes (not all at once of course) over the last 2 days . This made me feel much better, but also gained 2 pounds . I am also walking about 1 1/2 miles a day and thinking this will offset the weight gain from eating. I so hope I am not endangering my band but needed something more than broth. I only have 50 more pounds to lose and I am sure this will take me longer to do, but I am So glad I chose the band as my weight lose tool. :confused: If anyone wants to comment on this choice please do so, as all advise to this newbie is greatly appreciated! :D Keep up the Great work all... :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: p.s. Oh yea...almost forgot (or didn't want to confess, I also had a chocolate bunny... but will try not to let that happen again....)

I am single and have been for a couple of years. I am getting banded tomorrow and really looking forward to regaining my confidence back and self-esteem that disappeared with my weight gain. I really miss romance and having someone to share those special moments with. Tricia, your wedding photo is beautiful!!!! Fiona:clap2:

Congrats, HagerTeresa: I know you are so relieved. Good for you! :clap2: Model Bandster, there is such a thing? QUICK! Get this strange and rare animal right in this chat room immediately. It's like a unicorn - if they exist, where are they? :eek: I've been banded for what seems like forever, have met a zillion other Bandsters and have never seen a model Bandster, in captivity or in the wild. Believe me, there might not be such a thing - so no beating yourself up. If occasional chocolate and the odd latte meant Band failure then no one would be posting the incredible success stories that we do see daily, with the band. And luckily, smoking is one vice I don't have (I'm more of a wine and cheese girl :nervous ), but when I go out to nightclubs with my Banded pals I'm continually amazed and how many of them light up regularly. (Three of my most successful banded patients - who have lost 380# between the three of them - now work for Band surgeons and they smoke. They are in brochures, at seminars, and in all the ads. And then they sheepishly light in up public and are embarrassed when people remember them from the seminars or the newspaper ads.Oy, vey! ) So if you quit for your own health, hooray, but so far it hasn't stopped my friends from losing 100# or more pounds with their band. In fact, I have two other banded pals who quit without any significant weight gain - and the band probably stopped them from the weight gain that a lot of patients fear when they are contemplating giving up smoking. So that's just something for you to think about. One thing at a time, eh? Absolutely, I agree 100%. I've honestly seen most band issues rear their heads around the 2-to-3 year mark, and nothing beats a good offense like a good defense. So a peremptory check to make sure everything is where is should be, is a great idea coming close to the 2-year Band anniversary. I highly recommend it to all Bandsters. Happy Band Journeys To All...

Oh man! What a night! My Mom came & spent the night with me last night. She was started on Ambien CR 2 weeks ago. Despite saying that she was sleeping great, she was still complaining of being tired & also complaining of having a unexplained weight gain. When my Dad dropped her off last night he chuckled & told me that Mom had gotten up yesterday morning & chewed him out for eating her piece of cake (she likes the middle pieces). He proceeded to tell me that he watched her get up at 1am & eat a huge piece of chocolate cake. She is sleep walking & eating in her sleep!!!!! How scarey is that? :der: It doesn't end there. I had about 8 hours sleep in the past 2 previous nights. We went to bed at midnight. At 1:30am she woke me up asking where my chocolate & Cookies were. I said, "MOM. I don't have any chocolate or cookies." She insisted that I had to have something in the house. She ended up making cinnamon toast in the microwave! (I have a oven & a toaster oven). :help: So after she eats she calms down. I went back to bed. 2:15 - She wakes me up & says, "Here's the flashlight." At this point I know what's going on so I just say thanks. I layed it on my night stand & fell back asleep. 2:30 - She wakes me up & asks for the flashlight. :censored: sometime between 2:30 & 2:45 - She climbs into bed with me (Lonnie's out of town). I wake up to her talking to someone. She has the phone. I hear her say, "HI! What are you doing? Are you ready to get up & go to work?" (she thinks she is talking to my Dad). She dialed the wrong number :bored . She hangs up & says, " I don't know who that was! It was some woman!" I explained that she dialed the wrong number. She insists that I dial her number so she can talk to my Dad & find out what's going on! I did. I hand her the phone & hear her say, "May I speak to Reggie!?" Then she says, "Who was that woman!?" I hear the callwaiting beep - the woman she woke up has caller ID & has called me back. I don't know what Dad said, but she handed the phone to me. I explained what was going on & he just dies laughing. He tells me that she called him at 10:00, 2:00 & @ 2:30-2:45. I found out today that she also called him at 4:00 & 6:00.:eek: My Mother also has a unique gift. She can make a clicking noise with her mouth while it is closed. She did this ALL NIGHT LONG!!! She sounded like she had F***ING CRICKETS IN HER MOUTH!! I even asked her if she had crickets in her mouth. She just smiled & proceeded to click. We call her & my Grandma "Clickin' & Lickin' ". Grandma has a annoying habit of licking her lips loudly. CONSTANTLY! We named them this after riding with them in our backseat for 10 hours to & from Illinois. But I digress............ After that she stayed in bed & EVERY TIME I TURNED OVER SHE ASKED ME IF I WAS READY TO GET UP!!!!!! I finally told her that I wasn't getting up until 10:00am. At 8:30am she asked me if I was ready to get up. I asked her what time it was. She replied, "10:00." :puke: I got up. I'm out of cigarettes. I get dressed & tell her where I'm going. She decides she wants doughnuts & coffee. We get home & she eats a half of EACH of the doughnuts in the box. I bought her one of every kind that they had ( I didn't want that arguement if I had gotten the wrong kind - 12 total). She was saving the other half of each for me.:puke: After this she passed out for about 4 hours. She got up & got ready just as happy as can be. I told her what happened last night & she threw the Ambiens down the toilet. Beware of Ambien CR!!!! It's funny now, but I was ready to choke her.

congrats. Eat healthy and wise. that is the key to good weight gain with a baby. Many lose weight in the beginning. I lost weight with both my pregnancies and the second one was with twins.

Wow, as I read through these threads, my heart goes out to those of you who suffered abuse at the hands of those who should love you most...your family. I am proud of you all for making the strides in life that you obviously have...AMAZING!!! My "why am I FAT" story is different. I was raised in a loving environment, was catered to with my eating, if I didn't like what was for dinner, my Mom made me something else. I remained thin my entire childhood. My Dad struggles with his weight, but nothing like where I am now, he is 6'4" and has topped out at 250 pounds, and he exercises, and watches what he eats, and keeps it under 230. He has serious health issues with his arteries and heart, so he is very into keeping it under control. My Mom is a little heavy, nothing extreme, has never had to buy plus sizes! My only brother is stick thin, and well over 40 yrs. old. he was injured in a car accident when he was 18, and is mentally challenged now, although coping and living independently, and self supporting (more than many "normal" people seem able to do!). Now me...as I say, I was very thin, through my childhood, first marriage, having a child, back down to under 150 lbs, and at 5'9" that was fine. Then I made a massive mistake, and married my 2nd husband. He was abusive from the beginning, he broke both my bones and my spirit for awhile. People always ask why I stayed. When my ex would get in a rage, he would threaten my family...not just me. He would say things like maybe it was time to pay my brother a visit, or go tell my Grandparents a thing or 2. So I stayed and took it. THEY did not marry him I did, I could not be responsible for getting them hurt. And he would do it, he threatened a friend, and hospitalized him. So I beleived. Well, into the marriage a couple of years, he wanted to move to TX, I saw it as my way out, I had no family in Texas for him to threaten me with, so we moved. One day as I was biding my time, we were in the laundry area of our apt. complex when this overweight woman come in, and he tells me, "if you ever gain weight like that you are GONE!" And the mold was set, I did everything in my power to gain, I ate butter straight out of the Country Crock tub! And then I found Weight Gain through GNC........well true to his word, he hated it, and the beatings got worse. I finally made arrangements for my daughter (from the first marriage--who's Dad had now also moved out of state) to go visit Grandma back in NM. And I was ready to make my move to leave. Things did not go real well, he went into yet another rage, and did his best to kill me. 7 stab wounds, and 3 broken bones later, I finally managed to leave...albeit by ambulance, but he was on the run, and I was OUT!! I was elated! I flew home the day I was released from the hospital. But my eating to be "unseen" had just begun. I no longer trusted my judgement in men or anything else for that matter. I did not want anyone to look at me. Being fat was fine. I found a friend in food. And so I ate, ate and ate some more!! Meanwhile they finally found and arrested my husband, and I had to go back for the trial. But they locked him away for awhile on an attempted murder charges. He eventually got out, and come back to New Mexico and harrassed me, but has finally been locked up again for assault on a P.O. and an armed robbery and shooting with the intent to kill, which was his final felony strike, so will not even be eligible for parole until 2036. I feel safe. But habits had been born, and nurtured, and still I ate. A lot!! I love potatoes...fried, mashed, any way... chips, comfort foods, are (were!!!) my big downfall. But also finances played a part. When I was struggling to restart after all of this, I knew a nice lean piece of meat and a salad was healthier for my daughter and I, but macaroni & cheese out of a box and hot dogs were what the budget allowed. And ill fitting teeth following mine being knocked out, made pasta and potatoes much easier to eat. Well way back when between husband #1 and husband #2 I met a man and I do mean a MAN...made of what ALL men should be made of! We dated, even lived together for awhile, but he was off to school in the big city, and I could not go (divorce restrictions on leaving the state with our daughter), so we went our separate ways. I continued through the years to be in contact with his family. Well one night he called me out of the blue. We talked for 5 hours on the phone. For the first time I felt ashamed about my looks. I told him, he seemed to be unconcerned. He come to town, and once again took control of my heart. He has never, ever said one negative thing about my weight. But he is of normal weight for his height, and is quite active. He loves his motorcycle and wants me to go with him to ride, and I feel like everyone is looking at me. He wanted to buy me leathers for the bike, I told him it would take 10 cows! We have been married now for 7 years, and I am finally happy again, and trust him, and eventually my own judgement, and I no longer feel the need to hide behind this. Now the decision was easy.....doing it will be much harder. Hubby supports the decision, and will be right by my side as I go through it on the 24th of this month. He has changed his own habits to help me along already. He has begun making lunch while at work his big meal, and therefore we have a light dinner. I feel ready for this next step, and look forward to feeling what you all have talked about as you lose the weight. As I go forward with this I look forward to the support I am sure I will find here!! Kat

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

dang it I just got a KIND reminder that I enrolled in BOOT CAMP!!! I totally forgot to weight in..I had a 13 hour work day on 4/10 and forgot to post my weight. I am going to Contours tomorrow and will get my measurements and weight taken there. I have a scale here and it too will calculate my Weight and BMI I just an usually NAKED when I do it and feel like that is cheating..so I will do it dressed infront of a stranger..... let me go weigh really quick.....DAMN>>I do need to be here...I am back up to 257!!!! THat is 4; F-O-U-R pound weight GAIN!!! OK I am going to do ANOTHER total sweep out of the Pantry and kitchen..absolutely no junk... if you want it dear BF go to the store and buy a single freaking searving and dont you dare bring it back into this house!!!! I cant wait for the weather to be warm enough to get back in the pool!!!! COME ON SUNSHINE!!!! Sarge...sorry to report that I too will be a problem child for you.... my sincerest appologies in advance.... I will post my weight and measurements tomorrow . Good luck to everyone...

Vera, you know me better than I know myself! Self-hater? NOT. I'm too in love with myself for all that! Though if I continue to eat & gain, I will certainly join Penni in her depression. I'm all about love, babies! And Vines, I just kissed my fur babies goodbye on the way to the post office to mail my daughter her Easter basket and birthday gift. Peace, love & flower power. I've completely let go of my past so I don't blame my childhood for being fat. Yes, there's the big connection to my childhood since that's when this addiction/hoarding/binging started, but now it's just plain addiction. I'm addicted to the bad eating habits, and my brain simply screams at me to eat. That's what I did all my life, so the screaming doesn't just stop because I want it to. I'm up 10 pounds, POOF, just like that. And my stomach pain is getting better, but the acid in my esoph gives me a full time lump in my throat with cough. As far as OA meetings, I've been a 12-Stepper most of my life. Southern California has the BEST OA meetings in the world. They say when things get bad to go to 30 meetings in 30 days, but there aren't even 30 meetings in Vegas to go to. Vegas is a different planet than the rest of the world. We have thousands of AA meetings and just as many NA and GA (Narcotics & Gamblers Anonymous.) But the OA meetings here are lousy; I've tried going throughout the years, and there's no sponsorship here. Nobody "works the OA program" here. Small group meet and focus on sharing, but NOBODY shares about their food struggles, it's just a big bitch session. I've shared that I need help with my food and and weight gain, and I've asked for phone numbers, but they look at me like, "Who's the fat girl interrupting our chat session?" Weird... definitely weird in Vegas.

Hey, I had a TT, Breast Lift and lipo of the flanks back and arms 4 weeks ago. I asked my Dr shitloads of questions, and I still emailed nearly daily with more questions to ask him up until the surgery. Jamie, just remember be CLEAR as possible about what you want. Let them know exactly so you both go into the op with the exactly the same ideas of the final results...How tight, muscle repair, sutures or staples, how high for the nipple, extended vs normal TT, lipo etc...ask it all!!!!!!!!!!! I am trying to find my questions I asked him at my first consult so I can show you... 1.Can you tell how far apart the muscles are before the op? 2.How aggresive are you with muscle repair? 3.How tight do you pull the stomach down? 4.How much longer is my ETT scar going to be vs a normal TT scar? 5.How long for the drains - how long for the binder? 6.How much are you going to take off with lipo in the flanks and back area? 7.Is the ETT going to pull the top of my thighs up and my pinny - Will it lift my butt a little also if the scar goes further around? 8.Will I wake up in pain or is that controlled already? 9.How high do you do the boobs with a lift and what happens with them if I lose more weight, say 15kgs 10.Will you use my ceasar scar? How do you do the scar, long or curved or?? 11.How much skin app will be removed with my TT? 12.Will I have a roll when I sit? 13.Does the ETT involve the vertical cut also? 14.How do you do the belly button - looks wise? Can it be pierced later? 15.How long till I am standing straight? 16.Will my body match with a flat tummy and a waist etc but still fat arms and thighs? 17.Will me having a port with the lapband effect where you can do the lipo on my flanks? 18.staples, stiches or glue? 19.Do we use Bromelain, Arnica or lymphatic massage afterwards? 20.Is pain levels controlled by a pump after? 21.Will I lose nipple sensation? 22.What kind of cut do you do with the TT and the breasts. 23.What kind of belly button do you create. These are questions copied from a plastic surgery forum I am a member of : Muscle Repair Most women who are seeking a tummy tuck will require some muscle repair. Childbirth, weight gain, and aging all contribute. The fascia which holds the muscles together to form a strong core is actually what is repaired, not the muscles. To understand what the fascia is, think about the gristley part of a steak. The part between the meat and the fat. That is what the PS's sew back together to draw the muscles back in. For those who need MR, it can be what causes the most dramatic changes in appearance. Most women having a FTT will have roughly the same amount of skin removed, the area between the pubic mound to just above the belly button. The main difference between a good TT and a great TT is in the details of the MR and the incisions. Having the muscles pulled in nice and tight is what brings in the waist line and the sides, so as to 'frame' the body that the skin will drape over. So how do you know which Drs do the better job? Here's a few tips. * First educate yourself by looking at tons of pics. You can find many right here on MMH -Pictures. Compare one persons results with the other. Visit the Tummy Tuck Message Boards, and follow the recoveries of women. Who was standing straight at what point, how do their results compare with others? What was their initial body type in comparison to yours? Learn to look at pictures with a discerning eye, that's how you'll be able to judge the work of the PS when you visit for a consult. I like to compare a good TT with getting a good paint job. If you take an old rusty car to Maaco and get the $199 special, you'll still be thrilled with the results in comparison to the befores. But if you take the same car to the custom shop, and they remove the bumpers and rebadge and do extra body work, you would be able to tell the difference when compared side by side. In PS, surgeons usually charge about the same in a given geographic area, so make sure you're getting the custom job. * Ask your PS what his philosophy on MR is.. He won't be able to gaurantee you what he'll be able to do for you until he gets into surgery, but he should be able to tell you what he 'usually' does. Is he aggressive? How close - in mm's - will he try and pull them together? How soon can you expect to stand straight? If he tells you, you can stand straight w/i a week, then he either doesn't do aggressive MR, or you didn't need it. Some PS still don't do any MR, and some do only a modest amount. They have their reasons. There's a longer recovery time, more pain for the patient. It also takes them longer in surgery to do a good job, as it usually requires more layers of stitches to do it tighter and have it hold. Discuss your Dr's techniques and his philosophy with him to make sure your expectations are on the same page. Your case may be one where MR is either not required or where he can't be as aggressive for very real reasons. Make sure you have all the info you need to make the right choice. Sutures and Closure Most Dr's will use disolvable internal sutures. Where they vary most is in how they close the incision. Here's the most common types: * Steri-strips or tape. This is placed over the incision to help the 'top' close cleanly. Your Dr will usually advise you not to shower for several days up to a week, to allow the incision to close before exposing to Water. * Glue. If your insicison has been sealed with glue, then you will be able to shower on or about day 2, as the glue will prevent water from touching the incision. Within a week or so, the glue will begin to peel off. * There are still a few Dr's that use staples. There is some risk that the staples will cause extra scarring, tho alot of women have done just fine. And the staples will have to be removed during the first week. Scar Placement As with everything else, this largely is a preference determined by the PS, depending on your body type, the amount of skin to be removed, and the natural fold of the skin. If you get an Extended TT (ETT), then your incision will go all the to the back of your hips. If you have a mini TT (MTT), then your scar will be low and much smaller than most. You may or may not be able to have much say over where the scar is placed, as doing it other than the way the PS recommends could give less than satisfactory results and cause issues such as 'dog ears'. * Where does he recommend the inisicion be placed? * Will it be the smiley face shape or a more straight line? * Can you wear your favorite panties or swim suit to help determine the placement? * How far back will the inicision go? Binders Here in the states most Dr's use a binder for at least some period of time. It helps close the space that was created when seperating the skin/fat from the fascia, which keeps Fluid from collecting. This is to help prevent complications such as a seroma or a hematoma. It can also reduce the amount of swelling by compressing the tissue and forcing fluids out. Some Dr's recommend the Stage 1 binder for a week or two, before graduating you up to a stage 2 garment . A stage 2 garment is usually just a high waisted support panty that you can buy in a store. You don't want something that just comes to the waist, as it can pinch the ab muscles and be extremely uncomfortable. Some Dr's will take the binder away from you in a couple of weeks and not have you use anything. And then there are some - especially in Great Britian - who don't use a binder or garment at all. * Will you wake up in a binder after surgery? If so, what kind? How long will you need to wear this binder? * If you're to provide your own, what does he recommend? * If you're having a combination of procedures, such as a "breast augmentation" or liposuction, how will that effect the garment you should wear? * Can or should you wear a stage 2, and if so, when can you switch from the binder, and how long should you remain in it? Drains Almost all Drs use drains of some type. This is because the lymph system has been disrupted with the skin removal and incision. The drains are put in to assist the body in removing the fluids, so as to reduce swelling and prevent a build up that could cause a seroma or a hematoma. There are some new techniques available now, where drains aren't required. One is a procedure where a sort of 'glue' is made from your own blood to seal the pocket, and another is called pregressive tension sutures, which also closes that pockets. Since they're both pretty new at this point, alot of Dr's are taking a wait and see approach before using this technique for themselves. * Where does the Dr put the entry points for the drains? In the incision directly? Or in the pubis area? Will there be a seperate scar? * How long does he typically leave the drains in? Will he remove one first and then the other? Does it depend on the amount of fluid being drained? * Is there a max length of time that he'll leave a drain in? If it extends for longer than anticipated, does he prescribe antibiotics so as to prevent infection? Time off work The amount of time for recovery depends alot on the amount of MR, as well as the general health and condition of the patient. It seems that most Dr's will recommend at least 2 weeks before returning to work, depending on the type of work you do. Even with a desk job. Sitting can be harder than standing, because of the pressure it puts on the MR. If you return to work at a desk job, make sure you get up often and move around to prevent the muscles from cramping up. During lunch, I would often go out to my car and lean the seat all the way back, so I could rest the muscles mid-day. * How long before you can return to work full time? * How soon before you can resume household duties? I recommend at least 6 months off from this activity. ; ) * How soon before you can take care of small children if you have them? * How long before you can resume exercise? Walking? Weights? * How soon can you drive? Definitions seroma A mass or swelling caused by the localized accumulation of serum within a tissue or organ. hematoma A localized swelling filled with blood resulting from a break in a blood vessel. fascia A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body. As for weight, you will lose about 6 or so kgs if you have a TT. Thats average, some dont lose any. It will also take a while to see it come off because of swelling etc. My Ps said that you can lose another 20 kgs or so after a TT so it doesnt effect the results. I really have to stress that muscle repair is a huge factor of the final results with a TT. It is an absolute must. Make sure you and your PS are both clear that he performs it, because some dont. Also make sure you look at lot of pics of patients they have done with the same procedure. I think you are a perfect weight now to have it done and will get optimal results being so close to your goal. Good Luck if want to know anything else just let me know.

Did you pick up the scales and hit him in the head? Of course the damn scales lie, that's all they do. This is so personal for me. I've been accused of being a lier about my food and my excersize, because I gained 10 pounds in a week at 1000 and only lost 1.5 pounds the month I was at sub 700 calories. There is a recognized condition called Cushing's, and one symptom is unexplained weight gain, another is the inability to lose weight. I'm so tired of doctors and everyone else using the scale to beat-up on us. The next time he does this, accuse you of lying, you get pissed off! How dare he do that to you.

I hear that a weight gain after your liquid stage beforer your first fill (or sweet spot) is to be expected. Could you guys please tell me how much you lost and regained in this transition?

On my liquid phase I lost about 16 pounds. I'm on my 3rd week (mushy foods) and after going from the liquid stage to the mushy foods I went up about 4 pounds. On liquids I was on about 300 to 400 calories a day to now about 700 - 1,000 per day. Why the weight gain if the calories are still low (under 1200)? When does the weight start coming off at a normal rate of 1 to 2 pounds a week? Once I start regular food and go to maybe 1200 will I gain all my weight back? Please let me know if this is typical in the beginning? Thanks,

Two years ago today I was banded.. I do not regret my decision for one single second to have my band nor that I went to MX to have it done. It changed my life..I am happier and healthier then I have ever been in my life, despite my erosion on November 28th 2005. For 18 months my band did its job..I am happy to report I have lost 106 lbs to date and NO weight gain in the last 5 months without my band. I went from a size 22 to a 10..I have learend to use my head and do this solo, it is not easy ..no lie there but I am determined. Best of luck to all of you..I wish you the same success I had with my band :scared:

I just wanted to add some facts that have been missed or misquoted in this thread: 1) the last study on mortality associated with RNY showed 4.6% died within 1 year of the operation. In those 65 and older, that figure was 11.1%. The 'way under 2%' death rate that has been suggested in this thread is fundamentally incorrect. It represents perhaps those that actually die on the table (instead of within 1 year), or perhaps the results of one highly superior surgeon. Overall, the picture is far worse than that. 2) There have been several international studies that show by 5 years out, the weight loss for RNY and GB are within 1-2% of each other. RNY do gain weight back starting in the third year, on average. GB studies I have seen show no weight gain or a very small weight gain by the 7th year. Of course these are average results. Some people do much better on one or the other; some do worse. 3) Gastic bypass is the 'gold standard' ONLY in this country, and our medical system is ONLY ranked around 37 in terms of the world. In other words, if there is a gold standard, we probably don't have it- some country with a much better medical system probably does. (Sorry to those who want to think America could only have the best of everything.) Those coutries that are in the top 10 all hold the band as the gold standard.

vine's- i have read your journal for the first time today. it was interesting (and unsettling) watching you morph from excitement and NSV's after your surgery to where you are today....very unhappy and depressed (my interpetation). i have been there. this is the third time in my life i have been at my current weight...i have always been able to get down to 190 or so...and then i gain every lb plus back....it scares me to death to know it could start at any moment...today could be the day i start gaining...it keeps me on edge always... although i feel great about how i have done so far, this last week or so i have been feeling out of sorts, eating things i should not...feeling not so good about myself...these are all signs that my weight gain is about to start...i am struggling to keep it under control. with that said, i want you to know that you were one of the people who inspired me and help me to make my decision about getting the band. you cannot give up. you cannot let them get the best of you...you must continue to fight. stop concentrating on the weight loss for now, and concentrate on getting well. i pray that they are able to get your cushings under control. don't do this to yourself. some things are beyond our control!! lastly, it really made my heart hurt when i read that it hurts you (and other turtles) to see tickers with weight loss on them....i am so sorry it hurts people...but it is just so important to my own personnel journey....it is in no way meant to be hurtful.. i am sending good vibes and prayers your way. i will continue to stop in and see how you are doing!

Amen sista! The low carb revolution gave people a new lease on low-glycemic eating, but with the launch of so many low-carb substitutions (Splenda included) we haven't learned how to eat differently - we just substitute it for engineered, low-carb alternatives. I just can't imagine we're not paying a dear price for this. Our bodies just don't recognize the content of some of these chemical bonds and the result is free radicals roaming around your body, resulting in aging, weight gain, loss of energy, and in some cases cancer. I'm an organic gal, myself. I figured I'd change it ALL when I got banded and began to eat organic, non-processed foods. You can't imagine how quickly the craving for sugar dissipates. Your eyes are brighter, your skin looks better, you have a lot more energy! But it's definitely a lifestyle alteration; one that's not easy to convert to (ecspecially if you have a family).

well i have been waiting in fear for this day....i drink sweet tea with lemon EVERY DAY and yep i only use splenda.... i use 85% natural organic products but i just cant use ANY form of true sugar...i have used the turbinado...weight gain... so if they pull it i will again switch to Raw sugar but will have to cut it back to a glass a day... i have no doubts that splenda has things in it that are not good for our health...at this point (until they pull it) i will stick with it. i feel like i cut enough of the additives by not eating anything proccessed but splenda ( and the occasional chocolate bar) i have seen first hand the 'side effects' calvins mother has recently (the last 6 months ) having skin rashes that she thought was associated with allergies...after all the testing they told her it was likey the splenda. she has quit the splenda and is getting better....

Thanks for all of the replies. I am seeing a small weight gain. I think it might be that I am walking 2-3 miles per day and maybe i'm turning on some muscle growth. I am a big strong guy by nature and gain muscle weight real easy. I guess I just need to watch what I eat and keep walking.

Lots o' factors come in to play: someone can be banded and not lose weight because their bodies have reached equilibrium between caloric intake and energy expenditure. This can be considered "maintenance". Someone can be banded and not lose weight, but lose fat. Weight does not equal fat. Someone can be banded and not lose weight because even though they are eating smaller portions, they are also making poor food choices. Someone could gain weight in the same way. Bandster portions are pretty close to "normal" portions, and normal portions of nothing but crap will lead to weight gain. As for a loophole, of course there are loopholes. liquid or soft calories are a huge one. Learning to eat around the band, e.g. drinking during meals are another. This isn't a fail safe guarantee of weight loss, it's something that will help you control your portion size so that in addition to doing the work of healthier eating or "dieting", you can more easily maintain healthy portion size.

Tammy, your post cracked me up....I ate a footlong like 2 weeks after surgery...and so I so know what you are talking about. WOW...KitKats with icing...that sounds yummy.....ahhhh I mean disgusting...yeah disgusting..lol! No really, you are doing fine...don't worry about the weight gain, those subs have tons of sodium so some of it is water gain. Just relax and let your body do the work...so easy for me to type but Iknow its actually very hard. Good luck Sweetie!

I rarely have so much to share, but I must reach out to you. I know you. You are me. Please, I urge you to consider this reply. I hope this will not be perceived as condescending. I speak from experience. I spent years in a relationship that was NEVER obviously abusive. He was the love of everyone we knew and everyone thought that I had it made. Even me sometimes. Weight seemed to be to blame for everything that was wrong though, and certainly the root of my self-hate. It turned out though, that this person didn’t want what he perceived as damaged goods no matter what the issue was. Finally with weight watchers I started losing the weight, but my joint problems are not related totally to weight and they still got worse over time. It all came to a head during a trip to the zoo. I was having a horrible time limping around, in pain and struggling. I was almost in tears when I swallowed my pride to take a wheel chair. I had never done that in my life, and I was humiliated by admitting my weakness. I just didn’t want to ask him go home because of my problem because he loves the zoo and being outdoors and active. Then it came…the knife. He said “No, pushing you around in a wheel chair isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. I would just rather go home.” This man, who was so seemingly gentle and kind, and yes, wonderful with kids, was, at the heart of things, cold and unthinking. That was the beginning of the end and I have regained happiness since then. After finally learning to love myself, I then started dating a man while I was on Topamax and thin, and now have ballooned into a big big girl. He still tells me I am beautiful. He supported me in my surgery and even loaned me the money and we aren’t even engaged. He keeps encouraging me even though I haven’t lost weight very well because of other medical issues. That is real love. That is real support. John, that is his name, would push me in a wheel chair for the rest of my days if necessary and pop wheelies with me all the way. He has known this is a possibility for me from the beginning, but sees my worth far above that. YOU ARE SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY!!! This is taking care of “this one thing.” He should be jumping up and down for you! Why? Because this is not a weight loss scheme! Has he researched it with you? Does he show interest in this process and what will be happening? If weight loss is truly the answer, then right now, he should be feeling a renewed sense of hope, and so should you. But is it? This is a very complex issue. You have responsibility to love yourself. There is no doubt about that. And that is not just a feel good notion that I throw your way just to make you feel better. If you cannot, you won’t be happy with anyone, and it can destroy everything you love. Now with that said, I do not mean to cause despair. I KNOW that is not just something you decide to do and POOF! you suddenly think you are awesome. It is a process, but one that is up to ONLY YOU and it is ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE. There a lot of things you can do to get started. Counseling is one obvious one. It is likely that larger issues and addiction drive the weight, and this will only be discovered in deep self-discovery. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. BUT!!!!!!! His IS TO LOVE YOU UNCONDITIONALLY. Yes, UNCONDITIONALLY. “Just because we took vows?” YES!!!! That is exactly why. If you were in a terrible accident and were paralyzed, what would be the outcome in your marriage? Only you know the answer to that. That answer is very important. Why? Because this parallel can create a very similar situation without the stigma and blame of weight gain. However, it can also produce the same bad characteristics in our loved ones. The fact is though, then, they do not have the luxury of blaming, judging, pointing the finger, and pretending there are far above you because of “your condition.” How do you REALY THINK he would behave? Again, REALLY. Be honest with your self. I do not pretend to know that answer, but you must find it. I have seen both sides. Think long and hard about what you deserve. YOU ARE NOT YOUR WEIGHT. YOU ARE NOT A FAT CELL. YOU ARE A WOMAN WORTH LOVING. Please PM me if you wan to discuss more. It so much deeper than what I can write here and I know you understand that. I hope this helps.

Hi , I agree with Vinesqueen, Alex and everyone else here who posted about unconditional love. The physical part should equate to very little in a relationship of substance. It sounds like you have been battered emotionally and I was angry when I read your post and subsequent posts (not at you, just the futility of the situation) because you really seem to believe that your husband has a right to treat you with disdain and repulsion just because of weight gain. And divorce is not the end of the world. I have been there and life goes on. Your husband does not sound like a good role model for your child. If he berates you about your weight and allows her to believe that it is OK to only commit in a relationship just based on someone's appearance, what kind of message is that sending to your daughter??? Also, the question you should ask yourself is if your husband gained 80 lbs and tried diligently to lose the weight and kept yo -yoing would you leave him? Would you support him or would you tell him that you met him thin and his present weight repulses you?? Or would you try to support him and do everything possible to help him succeed no matter how many times he failed??? food for thought..... Babs in TX 334/180ish -154 ish

Hi, I'm from just outside Berea, KY and just now looking into getting banded. I've been working out for about four months and the last month I've been very regular at it. I go to the gym at least three days a week, do cardio five and six days a week, lift weights and do the machines three and four days a week. I've lost 27 lbs. but the last month have gained 10 back. I'm so discouraged because I'm working out harder than before but gaining weight. I'm hoping the banding will help me gain control of my hand-mouth disease and get my weight under control in the process. I'm 44 and thinking that my slow metabolism might have something to do with the slow weight loss and then I think the weight lifting is probably what's contributing to the weight gain. If I knew for sure it was "muscle gain", I wouldn't be so down about it but who knows? I am scheduled to attend a seminar on April 14 at the Georgetown Hospital, the Bariatric Clinic. They wouldn't tell me much on the phone except that it will cost just under $18,000.00. My husband is behind me 100%. It kind of made me wonder if my weight bothers him that much and he said he just knows it bothers ME that much and wants me to be happy. I'm 5'2 and currently weigh 230. I'm size 16/18 and would like to weigh in the neighborhood of 120 and size 8. According to "the graphs", I should be 115ish. PJ, I thought about going to Vanderbuilt (I think that's the hospital but could be the town in TN, I'll have to check with my cousin) for the surgery. I've heard they have excellent doctors there but not researched it thoroughly yet. Caramel, I am approx. 76 miles from TN border so I could go to Louisville as easily as I could go to TN. Georgetown is the closest place for me so far but when a doctor comes with such high recommendations as Doctor Lusco, it would be worth the extra hour to drive. Can you give me their phone number so I can contact them and schedule a consult or maybe attend their seminar? I will be a self-pay so it will take me a few more months to get the rest of the funds together. At Georgetown, they also told me that the price I was quoted covers all the fill fees for life. I'm looking forward to the seminar so I can ask questions and get answers. Gale