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Does anyone else remember gaining a lot of weight right after surgery (the 2-3 days after, I mean) due to Water retention and/or swelling? I've gained 10 lbs since my removal surgery 2 days ago and I've hardly consumed any calories at all. Of course, what I HAVE consumed has been broths that are high in sodium. Still, that seems extreme to me. Anyone go through anything similar with any surgeries you've had? Is this remotely normal?

Conquer Even Your Nastiest Cravings! by Bridget Kelly eDiets Senior Writer Do you eat healthful, balanced meals all day long until 4 p.m. or so, when a sudden and irrepressible craving for rich, dark chocolate or salty, crunchy chips strikes? Does your mind consistently wander to that pint of coffee-chip ice cream, tucked away behind the frozen broccoli, an hour or so before bed? Lately, a popular theory attests that craving a particular food means you must be deficient in one of its ingredients. For example, you might believe that hamburger hankering is due to your need for the Iron in red meat. But what's really behind those seemingly uncontrollable cravings, and how can you get a handle on them before they wreck your diet plan? While some cravings may indeed relate to a need for certain nutrients (as you'll see below), employing this reasoning as a blanket justification for nibbling on foods that are packed with fat and calories will only result in one thing -- weight gain. Many doctors and nutritionists dispute the claim, citing a lack of good evidence, and raise a solid point: If you're truly deficient in iron, say, why not crave other iron-rich foods, such as spinach or black Beans? When it comes to food cravings, researchers believe there are other biochemical and psychological processes at work. And they agree that understanding the cause behind a certain yen is the key to prevention. So follow these basic strategies for staving off any kind of craving, then identify your specific food lust and learn how to stop it in its tracks! Dodge the desire: Be a grazer. Nutritionists suggest that eating several small meals throughout the day (or three meals and a few light, low-fat snacks) can help to prevent cravings later in the day. Choose high-Fiber, low-fat foods to keep hunger at bay longer. Go cold turkey. Some research has shown that completely giving up a particular food can result in losing a taste for it. According to Elizabeth Somer, M.S., R.D., author of Food and Mood (Owl Books), the longer you go without eating a particular food, the less you'll crave it. Get distracted. When you feel a craving coming on, do something that will get your mind off of it. Go for a walk or make a phone call. After 10 minutes, you may notice that the craving has passed. Fast fixes for the top four cravings Although we all have our favorite must-have foods -- ranging from pickles to pastries -- there are some common threads when it comes to the provisions we pine for. Here, identify the type of food you desire, then read on to conquer that craving. The craving: sweets If visions of Cookies and ice cream dance in your head, what you may be craving more than the sugar in these foods is the fat that provides their texture, taste and aroma, according to Somer. Several studies have shown that fat and sugar may release endorphins into the brain (neurotransmitters that can produce a feeling of pleasure or euphoria). This hypothesis may explain why people crave that sweet, creamy taste -- it produces a pleasurable feeling. The solution: Guess what? Good old-fashioned exercise also appears to boost levels of endorphins (they're the same substances credited with the so-called "runners high"). So next time you feel like biting into a chocolate-covered ice cream bar, lace up those walking shoes or hop on your bike instead. You'll get the same pleasing feeling and the benefits of doing something good for your body. If you're on the job or unable to get immediate fitness gratification, you can still get the creamy taste and texture you yearn for from low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit. The craving: salt According to Somer, many women experience salt cravings related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) since fluctuating levels of estrogen can interfere with the normal salt concentration in the body. Unfortunately, cravings for salt often result in the consumption of foods that are not only high in sodium -- dangerous for anyone with hypertension -- but also heavy in fat (think chips, French fries, pizza). Some studies have shown that people who are deficient in Calcium crave salt more frequently than those who are not. And Somer suggests the desire for salty foods, such as chips or pretzels, may have more to do with the wish to crunch than the actual salt. The solution: Try upping your calcium intake (which will also benefit your bones) with low-fat dairy foods or leafy greens. And reach for crisp, fresh, munch-able foods, like baby carrots or bell pepper wedges -- they make great stand-ins for that pretzel or chip crunch. If you can't forgo the salt, eat just one serving of low-fat, whole-grain pretzels. The craving: carbs Cravings for simple carbohydrates are most frequently associated with times of stress. The explanation behind this relationship? Carbohydrates found in such foods as crackers, breads, unsalted pretzels, and animal crackers have been shown to help boost levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, shown to produce a feeling of calm and well-being. The solution: Anything that relieves stress can help to inhibit these cravings. Try deep breathing techniques, yoga or simple exercise instead of resorting to the refrigerator. When you feel the need to feed, go for Snacks of complex carbohydrates, such as yogurt or vegetables, which can help fend off cravings for simple carbs. The craving: chocolate They don't call them chocoholics for nothing. While it could fit into the "sweet and creamy" category by most definitions, chocolate's complexity and the fact that it is the most commonly craved food among Americans, according to Somer, earns it a class unto itself. Chocolate is the most difficult of foods to explain. According to researchers at the University of Arizona who last year conducted a review of the current research on chocolate cravings, the sensational combination of the fat, sugar, texture, aroma and several ingredients with addictive properties similar to those in psychoactive drugs, are most likely responsible for chocolate cravings. The researchers also suggest that these cravings can be a result of a magnesium deficiency. The solution: Uncompromising chocolate addicts may balk, but keeping other magnesium-rich foods, such as raw soybeans (a.k.a. edamame), on hand can be a quick fix. In cases where the longing is not due to magnesium deficiency, there's not much else that will fulfill cravings for chocolate, Somer says. She suggests sipping a cup of warm, low-fat cocoa, or plunging fresh fruit, like whole strawberries, banana slices and melon wedges, into fat-free chocolate syrup -- both of these approaches will add up to a lot less fat and calories than your average chocolate bar. The way you respond to food cravings just might make or break your success at weight loss and maintenance. Veering off from your eating plan occasionally will not be earth-shattering, but if you make a habit of giving in to your eating impulses, your moments of weakness will certainly catch up with you. The good news is, if you remember these tips you just might be able to conquer those pesky cravings. It will pass. Believe it or not, you can simply wait out a craving. Sometimes we may even mistake a craving for actual hunger. Playing the waiting game will help you distinguish between the two. If you still want something 20 minutes later, chances are you really are hungry. If you allow yourself a little time to take a pause before giving in, you may find the craving will disappear altogether. Get your mind on something else: take a walk, write in your journal, play a game. You may be pleasantly surprised to find time has passed and the craving has subsided. Drink up. A glass of Water, that is. While some suggest this is another method of "stalling" like the wait-it-out method above, you may find that drinking water satisfies your craving in and of itself. Sometimes we can mistake dehydration for hunger or cravings. Your body is telling you that you need something, and you assume it's food... take a chance and sip some H20, it may be just what you need. Give in... just a little. The bad thing about cravings is that when we give into them, we are giving in to an impulse. When you act impulsively you have lost some control. Which means you probably lose control of how much you eat, too. Take a moment to think about what you are doing. Try putting some scale. Never allow yourself to sit down with an entire carton of ice cream or a whole bag of chips. Take out a serving and put the rest away. Better still, purchase small portions to begin with. You will probably find that the first few bites actually squelch the craving anyway. Then, if the food is not already in your hands, you probably won't go back for more. Keep it real. You're a smart cookie. If you really want a chocolate chip cookie, that reduced fat fig bar is just not going to do the trick. Don't try to fool yourself. That's right, go for the "bad" choice. Remember "all things in moderation." Allow yourself to indulge in what you really want (just watch your portion size!) and you will not feel deprived. If you do not grant yourself this allowance, you are more likely to eat that fig bar and the chocolate chip cookie, because the former didn't really satisfy your craving.

Hi Bella, welcome to LBT. Turtles, Turtles, Turtles... You have asked a very good question. But unfortunately, we don't have the answers. I don't know that anyone really knows if they are going to be a Turtle until they are one. I have been diagnosed with Cushing's, a condition where I produce way too much cortisol. Right now I'm in the middle of tests to verify the diagnosis. One of the symptoms of Cushing's is the inability to lose weight, and another is unexplained and rapid weight gain. I have to wonder how many other Turtles are also Cushing's folk. But the think is Bella, I have a very strong suspicion that Turtles will be Turtles even if they are converted to a malaborptive technique, like the DS or one of the other bypass flavors like RNY. But we make up a very small percentage of the banded population, if LBT is any indication.

You've done a great job. There is a chance that what you want your body to be at and where your body is comfortable are two very different things. That doesn't mean you can't slowly lose more weight, but perhaps your body has lost all it wants and the process slows down dramatically. I've seen that happen with RNY patients also. My daughter is 35 and is a diabetic. She is 5'5" and 120 lbs. Nothing prepared us for this diagnosis. She had gestational diabetes when she was pregnant but the dr. assured us it would probably go away. It didn't. She is now on insulin every day, so your weight doesn't have everything to do with your being a diabetic. You may lose 20 more lbs. and still be diabetic. Some things you just may have to adjust too. People equate diabetes more with being heavy, but the truth is it can strike anyone. My daughter works out and runs and eats healthy, but the disease got her anyway, and with no family history that I know of. Good luck to you, and congratulations on that great weight gain. Those elusive 20 more lbs. may just be your body telling you it is content where it is.

I definitely understand what you're going through. I have been experiencing depression and anxiety since getting my band. My issues focus mainly on fear of the band itself; something going wrong with it: slippage, erosion, etc. I am constantly worried about it. I also have a feeling like "oh my gosh, what did I do!?!?" Certainly if I dont lose at a good pace, that will make me upset. I do find Wellbutrin helps me. I don't know where I'd be without it! I'm so glad I stayed on it after surgery because I know without it I'd be a mess. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about it. It doesn't cause weight gain and I do feel it's helpful. With regard to the weight loss, I would say to try and remember this is a long journey and it will take time to achieve the final goal, but you can do it!

Banning anything is always a touchy subject. Prohibition is a fine example. I personally see most commercials as little more than legalized drug pushing, and thats not product specific. Whether its food, toys, pharmaceuticals - the message is simple: "Your life will be better with Product X in it". There is freedom, and then there is freedom to such an extend whereby it infringes on someone elses civil liberties. I think there should be some legislature. Just like pharmaceuticals that must state harmful side effects, I think there's no harm in forcing other industries to add such disclaimers to their products. "Warning, eating this burger may contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, extremely high cholestorol and premature death." I think the little ones might be less inclined to beg for candy, if that was on every commercial. I think it is practically a crime that food in schools is horrific, however parents, we can raises your voices at various stages and campaign to have the stuff removed from the schools. There's some additiona cents for ya.

I was dx'ed with PCOS in 2000. I had all the typical symptoms (weight gain, cysts, acne, IR, infertility, hair, absent periods, and on and on) 13 months down the track, my 3000mg of Metformin is down to 500mg (I am comming of slowly, my insulin and sugars are perfect now) I am down to 77kg, from 135kg, I have perfectly clear skin (I get the odd sopt just before I get my period) and I have a 28 day cycle for the first time in my life! I still have some hair on my chin and arms, but there is far less than before. I hope that helps a little.

I had PCOS and after one surgery to remove cysts they came right back within several months. It ended killing my ovaries and so had to have hysterectomy. I am still suffering from the weight gain from the PCOS and was banded in 1/06

I usually notice a pound to a pound and a half close to that time of the month and the cravings....:croc:they get me every time. Salty Snacks, sweet snacks, it doesn't seem to matter. But once "Flo" has completed her visit, usually the weight gain is a distant memory. I never really noticed it before surgery, but then again what was a pound or so when you weighed close to 300. Also, the scale was a bad word in my house at that time.:bandit

I haven't had any weight gain at all since the surgery, but this specific issue was not a problem pre-op for me either. I am wondering about this though, I am 5 1/2 months out from surgery and have not had my period in 2 months, the doctor can't really answer why and doesn't seem concerned, I thnk it might be the surgery/body changes combined with stress. Menopause (I am 40) Has anyone else experienced this?

I had lost 3 lbs. then at my last visit to set the surgery date I had gained seven. I told the doctor I had quit smoking and was trying to fight both battles. Plus my insurance was changing and they were not going to cover the operation, I had a appointment within two weeks to be banded on Dec. 30th. And they were strict also about the no weight gain. It all in how you present it.

I've gained 10lbs in 2 months. Not what I wanted to do. My BMI is a little over the limit my doctor sets for laparoscopic surgery with the weight gain. He suggested I do the liquid diet for longer :confused: I don't have a date yet so I'm trying to watch calories and get it off. It doesn't help that I had my period both times I went back in to see him!!!! Next visit I hope not to have it, so maybe some pounds will be gone!

I just give up weighing during my friend -- it is discouraging! I never really had the weight gain with my period prior to banding. Everything is different now with my cycle -- including the 2X month frequency! But I have noticed that if I lose weight it is after the friend comes & goes -- definately not during! And cheri, don't feel bad, I had2 muffins yesterday since my friend is here......I PBd on one and still had another later -- how stong is that munchie urge!?!?!?

Well, today I saw the Endo, but it didn't go quite how I would have liked. Becaue I don't have the strechmarks, and because I work out I don't have the thin arms and legs, he doesn't think I have cushings, but he ordered the 24 hour urine test and three other tests. (my husband has my PDA with that information). I do know they are testing my testosterone because of the increased body hair, the increased facial hair (6 laser hair removal treatments and it is all growing back) and the male patterned baldnes, he thinks I might have something wrong, like a masculinizing tumor, but probably not cushings. He wasn't interested in my sudden and unexplained weight gains, my fatigue, or my inability to lose weight. I think the man weighs 150 soaking wet. He's going to send me to a doctor that specializes in metabolic issues, although she mostly sees professional atheletes. He kept refering to me being obese (no kidding) and thinks that is why I'm having all the problems. He thinks I should work harder at losing weight. (hello! I had WLS for crying out loud, I work out, and I've managed to lose 15 pounds net since April. I'm not terribly optimistic, but he didn't dismiss me altogether either. He did tell me to stop taking the thyroid medication. He looked at my test results from Jan and couldn't believe the other doctor put me on thyroid medication. This doesn't mean that I don't have Cushing's, it just means that I won't know until after I get the test results back from the lab, and until I finish peeing in a bottle for 24 hours. Oh joy that one... I just sort of thought that after reading all that I've been able to read about Cushing's that some of the major symptoms that I have would have been looked at, and not brushed aside. He wasn't interested in my journals, my before and now pix to see the difference and I was disapointed at that. The Cushings's board said to bring all that stuff, and he didn't even want to see any of it.

Well, today I saw the Endo, but it didn't go quite how I would have liked. Becaue I don't have the strechmarks, and because I work out I don't have the thin arms and legs, he doesn't think I have cushings, but he ordered the 24 hour urine test and three other tests. (my husband has my PDA with that information). I do know they are testing my testosterone because of the increased body hair, the increased facial hair (6 laser hair removal treatments and it is all growing back) and the male patterned baldnes, he thinks I might have something wrong, like a masculinizing tumor, but probably not cushings. He wasn't interested in my sudden and unexplained weight gains, my fatigue, or my inability to lose weight. I think the man weighs 150 soaking wet. He's going to send me to a doctor that specializes in metabolic issues, although she mostly sees professional atheletes. He kept refering to me being obese (no kidding) and thinks that is why I'm having all the problems. He thinks I should work harder at losing weight. (hello! I had WLS for crying out loud, I work out, and I've managed to lose 15 pounds net since April. I'm not terribly optimistic, but he didn't dismiss me altogether either. He did tell me to stop taking the thyroid medication. He looked at my test results from Jan and couldn't believe the other doctor put me on thyroid medication. This doesn't mean that I don't have Cushing's, it just means that I won't know until after I get the test results back from the lab, and until I finish peeing in a bottle for 24 hours. Oh joy that one... I just sort of thought that after reading all that I've been able to read about Cushing's that some of the major symptoms that I have would have been looked at, and not brushed aside. He wasn't interested in my journals, my before and now pix to see the difference and I was disapointed at that. The Cushings's board said to bring all that stuff, and he didn't even want to see any of it.

Well, today I saw the Endo, but it didn't go quite how I would have liked. Becaue I don't have the strechmarks, and because I work out I don't have the thin arms and legs, he doesn't think I have cushings, but he ordered the 24 hour urine test and three other tests. (my husband has my PDA with that information). I do know they are testing my testosterone because of the increased body hair, the increased facial hair (6 laser hair removal treatments and it is all growing back) and the male patterned baldnes, he thinks I might have something wrong, like a masculinizing tumor, but probably not cushings. He wasn't interested in my sudden and unexplained weight gains, my fatigue, or my inability to lose weight. I think the man weighs 150 soaking wet. He's going to send me to a doctor that specializes in metabolic issues, although she mostly sees professional atheletes. He kept refering to me being obese (no kidding) and thinks that is why I'm having all the problems. He thinks I should work harder at losing weight. (hello! I had WLS for crying out loud, I work out, and I've managed to lose 15 pounds net since April. I'm not terribly optimistic, but he didn't dismiss me altogether either. He did tell me to stop taking the thyroid medication. He looked at my test results from Jan and couldn't believe the other doctor put me on thyroid medication.

Does it seem difficult to lose weight before during and after your menstual cycle it seems I always put a .5 to 1 pound on prior to my period and it takes so long to get it back off it is so frustrating. The bloat and the retention just frustrated

Sunta: Very good news that you don't have a blood clot. Have you tried the Campbells Microwavable soups that you can drink? They have a velvety potato one that doesn't have the little chunks. Tammy: I'm sorry about the weight gain. I would be upset too even though you know that it is normal. I'm sure with some restriction you will lose. Hang in there. Janet (and others): I have been really up and down with my mood swings too. This healing period is rough. I had more but my Mom just got here so I gotta run.

Yes, once you go back to solid foods, it is normal to see some weight gain back and it is OK! The band is designed to work with a fill. Just advise her to continue to eat good healthy meals like she has been doing and make sure that she is watching her calorie intake and getting enough water. Fitday is a good free source to log those calories. Best wishes!

I have heard that Lexapro is better since it doesn't cause weight gain. I take celexa and I know it made me gain weight but I am not ready to go off it..............I am going to ask about lexapro at my next appt. I think the trauma going on with your body right now is MAJOR and there is a huge adjustment period following surgery. Try to bear with it and allow yourself to feel down for a while if it's not too too bad. Good luck with your testing & hang in there. Sorry you are going through this...................

Zoloft made you gain weight? Wow I didnt know it did that, i wonder if it contributed to any of my weight gain.. I am now on celexa..

Kat, Unfortunately, the weight gain all started around 4th grade. It wasn't until I was 17 that the doctor thought maybe we should try something. Geeez, ya think????:faint: Audra

When I was about 22 I had to go off the pill, blood clots & weight gain (I had gained about 20#, up to a sz. 18 from a 16, still in a "normal" weight range). My PCP referred me to the women's care clinic for a consultation on other options. They weighed me, did my height, etc. My husband (he wasn't my husband then, but we were living together) came with me. The OBGYN came in and introduced herself, then started reading my chart & history. She says, "Ooh, I notice you've gained weight lately, you looked a little poochy but most of the women here are pregnant." About 5 mins later se says, "Well, at least you're lucky that you found a good looking man who loves you for your personality."

Hello, This is my first post so I am learning. In July I had blood clots in my legs that moved to my lungs and spent a few days in the hospital. The first thing my Dr said to me was Smoke and die, and Blood thinners for life! That being enough of a 2x4 upside the head, I quit smoking and started on my way to a 20 lb weight gain. Also i was unable to take ibuprofen anymore for my bad knees so I started excersising and walking less and less as they got worse and worse. This also led to a weight gain. I had previously lost 65 lbs on Adkins but had been stalled for a long while. I gained almost all this back in 4 months. Talking to my Dr about what to do with my knees, she suggested the surgery. I didnot realize my insurance co paid for this till then ( 90-10 coverage). My husband and i went to the informational meeting and I decided to have the lab band- less intrusive with my history. I think the hardest thing was calling a shrink! Anyway, surgery was Feb 7 2006 and my first fill is next wed. I was 337 before the 2 weeks preop of liquids. 325 at surgery and 305 now. I have been surfing this site for a few days and have learned a lot. Thanks!:clap2:

(((Kelly))) I can certainly understand wanting to be done with all the drama. As devastated as I was to lose my band, I did take some comfort in the fact that I wouldn't have any of these worries again. The flip side is, the hungries definitely kicked back in, and so did my weight gain... :mad: So sorry to hear about hubby - wishing you both the best, and good luck with this difficult decision. xxoo