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Are you taking any medications that have weight gain as a possible side effect? I was stalling out a lot and for long periods like you then I discovered that one of my meds can cause weight gain. I'm off it now and within 2 days of quitting it I'd lost 3lbs. Something to look into.

waited a long time for my first period after surgery and then it lasted twice as long as normal and was very heavy flow. Feel like it is coming again soon - slight weight gain due to fluid. Yuck

Beth...there are studies relating sleep deprivation with weight gain, especially in menopausal women. Some studies state that with sleep deprivation comes stress. With stress comes eating because of stress. (Sorry, don't have those studies at my fingertips to quote). I gained an enormous amount of weight during menopause and I was sleep deprived due to extreme hot flashes. I do not agree with OP though on staying in bed and letting the weight fall off. Gotta move in any way that a person can. If I sat on my butt during weight loss stage, I would be afraid to look in the mirror to look at my saggy a$$. It was difficult at first to exercise but with pushing myself came the ability to exercise more with each phase.

I think I developed it with my first daughter as I have a lot of fluid retention throughout my body and just the sudden weight gain in the pregnancy yes I've been told that having the hernia repaired is going to change my life around I can't wait😁😁😁

Yes I am new to the sight, all I have left to do is my preop testing and then I am good to go. Getting banded on 2/23.I am so looking forward to enjoying all the activities I use to enjoy before the major weight gain!!!! Life here I come.

You may want to have your Thyroid checked. Sounds like you could be Hyperthyroid but I am not a doctor. I am hypothyroid which causes weight gain and hyper causes weight loss

I am so sorry that you were told by him that you couldn't be scheduled for surgery. I know that would have been the point of melting for me. I have had my share of emotional wrecks through this and yes they should know that we are putting our hearts and souls as well as a lot of time and money into this. I had to take the whole day off of work to drive from Rocklin to SSF for a half hour appt. I totally agree that they need to get this stuff happening up here. As for what I asked, I was requested by another woman to ask how strick they were going to be as far as weight goes. She too is going to see Dr. Le and is having trouble loosing the weight required. Having lost more than the required weight put me in a position of trying to ask without making him suspicious. So in trying to get the information for someone who asked me to, I decided to find out if they would cancel someone's appt for that time of the month. I mean when I even broched the subject I got a really funny look because I have lost twice their required weight loss. The look said "What do you plan on gaining a bunch back?" Having opened the subject I HAD to go somewhere. His response was that they have people banging down the doors and they don't have to give surgery to people who don't want to follow the program. He also said that they would NOT stop surgery because of Water weight gain for that time of the month. He said "we're not concerned with 5 pounds." I am sorry that he told me one thing and then denied you because of that reason. I truly don't think my question caused that and I would do it again because someone who was having trouble loosing the weight asked me too. If it were me, I would call and ask him (or email) if I could prove it was my time of the month water weight gain by weighing in at the class on the 27th would he schedule me? By the way, they are scheduling for late February. Again, I am so sorry that you got denied but I didn't break anyone's trust. I only did what was requested of me.

April: Just received your note, have you been on Norco, it is a stronger version of Vicodin, I took it for several months until the knees got so bad and was not cutting the pain, also check with a drug book and go over your medications you are taking along with the Percocet you can also ask the drugest about weight gaining medications or possiable weight gain medications you are taking. They said at the class they could not say it would effect everyone that way but I did notice everyone in the class I was in was struggling with weight gain. Some times I think they think all we do is sit around and eat bon bon's all day. I talked to the Richmond office and they said I was too early to worry about not making mandtory appointments, and the only think I had to do was to be sure to get a weight to they with in the month. The Pill book I picked up was from Wal Mart and was cheaper then the book stores around here. By the way your address says Sacramento, is that where you are? I am in Shingle Springs need the new Red Hawk Casino. I will close for now take care. Sincerely Judy:blush:

Hey siblings, I'm a bit bummed right now. My weight is actually up 1.5 lbs from my current 'profile weight'. I had RNY on 7/25. I've stuck to liquids like a madwoman. I've tracked intake on various days of ea week. I've averaged anywhere from 100 calories a day to 340. Ironically the 1st week after surgery I was closer to 300 calorie mark and then I had issues with nausea, feeling tight restriction even when only drinking few oz's, etc. so I dropped down to 100 calories or less for about 4 days. Ended up getting 2 bags of IV fluids last Thurs Wasn't on an IV for 24 hours, etc. I knew I'd have some 'water weight' gain from 2 bags of IV fluids but scale has not budged from current gain (Waited 3 days to weigh hoping I'd get some water off). So am almost 3 wks out with only a 10 lb loss to show. Was SO looking forward to pureed foods as I've been on liquids FOREVER, but now am terrified I'll eat pureed foods and start gaining. I plan to keep pureed (plus any shake supplementation) down to a bare minimum of calories/fat/carbs (of course protein is my main focus). Weird, while I was typing this my dr called!! Said he wants me to start taking some bites of food tomorrow. He said avocado, eggs, etc. I was like..um...puree stuff. he said 'no, real bites'. LOL..I told him I'd do whatever he asked lol...as I"m staring at HIS list for the pureed phase which I was supposed to start this Thursday. GAH! I just realized I'm posting as I'm so nervous about what will happen when I add purees (and I know tracking is crucial, at least it is to me..it gives me comfort)..and now he said 'start tomorrow'. Oh sweet baby Jesus... I am seriously so happy that my siblings are doing so well but I must admit I'm becoming very sad and bewildered.

I also have sleep apnea and have had it for quite awhile. I'm on my 3rd CPAP machine and I have to tell you ....I've never gotten used to it. I am quite anxious when it comes to having anything around my head and face and though I know there is forced air pressure, I feel like I am being suffocated. I never found a mask that was comfortable, and believe me, I've tried dozens of them!! The nasal pillows are by far the best or at least easiest to tolerate. All of my doctors stress how dangerous the Sleep Apnea is.. not to mention that it causes weight gain and could slow down you weight loss after surgery. I do try to use it but I have to say I am not 100% compliant and I remove it many times in my sleep in the middle of the night. I can only relate my experience, I don't know how to make it easier for you...all I can say is try it. A friend of mine was hesitant about using a cpap until his doctor showed him the video of him sleeping. He flipped and flopped all night like a beached croaker. It made a believer out of him and now he is sold on his CPAP. Maybe it just takes getting used to. Good luck.

Hi, I too had a BMI of 36. I am 5'5 and was 220. Just like you I did not have any health related issues, but plenty of emotional issues. I have been struggling for the last 15 years with my weight gain. I struggled with endometriosis and therefore was on tons of hormones and several surgeries to have children. Fast forward to 2004 I had to have my uterus removed. This past march I once again had surgery to remove my ovaries. Thus hormones again. From March to September I put on 22 more pounds, putting me at my all time high of 220. My husbands insurance offers no WLS coverage, and my insurance said I wasn't heavy enough. I also looked into the Mexico thing, but when I seriously thought it over, the fear and the thought of not having my Dr. in town quickly changed my mind. I decided to go to a seminar in my town and within 4 weeks I was on the O.R. table having my band put in. Now as far as costs, I decided to apply for care credit and was approved within 60 seconds online. My surgery cost me 15,500, this includes preop,postop, and fills for one year. Now don't get me wrong, I am in no way not condoning going abroad for surgery, however when I went to the seminar, the surgeon clearly stated that he would not touch any patient who went abroad for a band placement due to liability issues. I have also heard of Dr.s in the states charging up to 3,000 to become your postop doc here in the states. Thats when it became clear to me, that it truly was not worth it for me. As far as the band is concerned I could not be happier. This has been the best decision in my life. I have lost 17lbs since 9/12/08 and am looking forward for my first fill so that I can continue going downwards on the scale! I wish you the best of luck in your decision, and may you also become a bandster very soon! ObTech 89117

(Note: I was just reading a thread from someone asking about the consumption of Cookies and other sweets, when I realized my response was turning into quite the essay. I decided, since I was going to post a little hello/re-introduction message anyway, that I'd just move my response over here.) I absolutely agree that once you start eating the sweets, it's that much harder to stop. Vicious cycle. In fact, I'm just now coming off of a 3-4 MONTH stretch of eating sweets almost morning, noon and night. I was doing wonderfully for the first few months after being banded. I was eating healthier, diligently tracking almost everything that went into my mouth, drinking tons of Water, taking my Vitamins, doing more and more research, participating in forums, and watching the numbers of the scale steadily drop. Then came time for a family vacation. I told myself I'd allow a little "wiggle room" to enjoy myself and indulge, but that'd I'd still play it safe. The vacation didn't quite go as planned, for a handful of reasons, and I found myself falling back into old habits. I allowed myself candy, ice cream, cookies, baked goods, etc. When I got home, because I was still eating LESS, I continued to allow myself these things every once in awhile. Only problem is that when stress reared its ugly head, or PMS, or getting sick (when certain foods were harder to consume), I was far too permissive and actually justified it with "I deserve to..." and "Just one more, and then I'll get back on track after the weekend..." We've all been there, eh? And then I found that I had this almost insatiable craving for the sweets. I'm ashamed to admit there were more than a few shopping trips where I looked down into the cart and everything I'd tossed in was carb/sugar-filled, barely resembling real food. I completely slacked on vitamins, on drinking water (and when I did drink it was liquids with calories), on eating Protein, avoiding empty carbs, didn't follow-up with my surgeon's office, I stayed away from the forums because it was less painful to claim "blissful ignorance" rather than be forced to take a hard, realistic look at how far I'd backslid. I have two young children at home, and I'd been leaning on the fact that taking care of them was more important, rather than realizing I absolutely have to make the time to take care of myself as well. Thankfully, I didn't do much damage in the way of weight gain, and even managed to lose a couple of pounds in there. But I'm positive I could've lost a good 15-20 more by now had I snapped out of it sooner. It's taken some time, and I'm certainly aware that this is something I will struggle with the rest of my life. But I've re-evaluated, started taking more of an interest in whole foods and cooking again (hooray for the local library's cookbooks!), and am just getting back on track, in general. Sure, I'm disappointed and bummed that I'd allowed myself to behave in such a way. But it happened. And I'm ready to move onward and upward. I never thought this would be a miracle cure, that I'd get banded, never think about food again, and just watch the weight melt off as I happily went about business as usual. But I've come to realize that I'm someone who needs the advice, support, input and accountability of others. I'm grateful to have a couple of friends who were also banded, and are at different stages in things, that I've started to turn to for advice and support. Now I'm just trying to find a way to start attending the support groups for my WLS clinic, because I think that will also help. Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble and share a bit of where I'm at in my journey. Congratulations to those of you who are on the steady path to reaching your goal, to those of you at goal and maintaining, and to those of you taking the steps to living a longer and healthier life. And for those who are struggling, for one reason or another, hang in there!

I am really nervous. I am not eating that much, but have gained 5 pounds in the last week. Am I doing something terribly wrong? I'm not eating bad stuff - carbs, pasta, rice or anything. I have sausage or eggs for breakfast. Tuna, turkey, chicken salad for lunch or dinner. If I have a late breakfast, I won't be hungry for lunch so I'll have the salad for dinner. This weight gain has me worried. Any advice?

Historically, my weight has really jumped around seemingly without much "input" from me....I'd pile on 20 lbs here and keep it for a year and then suddenly drop 20 lbs in a month for NO reason, but the general trend was up a little every year. My eating habits have generally been WORST when I was thinnest....probably because I thought it was "okay". My most severe and most recent weight gain was different, however, because I started taking meds that made me hungry all the time--so yes, still small portions, but LOTS OF THEM. I'm looking forward to the sleeve, got the hubby on board, trying to choose a surgeon, and trying to MANAGE my expectations. If I expect to lose 10 lbs a week I will be let down and make bad choices if it doesn't happen.

They have really nice clothes but I decided that i don't want to buy clothes untl I am close to my goal.. Remember I have plenty of sizes of clothing with the weight gain over the past 4 years, I put on weight because of a pregnancy. Shes now 4... i had gained 75 lbs and after the c-section it kept going up . I could not loose the lbs. All sorts of diets and restrictions . Still No weight loss. It was depressing and UNJUST!!! Lol seriously , I had to have surgery to live and I am very happy with my sleeve. Everyday I learn something new about my body . I always saved certain outfits, Saying " I'lll get back in that when I loose weight" , Well that is now a reality and I love it. I don't need to buy any clothes now because i have that size... lol..

Are you eating your maintenance phase food instructions to slow/stop weight loss? 1000 calories will keep you in weight loss mode. Glad you are slowly increasing them. I understand that you are sick of shakes. If you choose to get calories in with shakes, Read food facts on the back. Weight loss shakes - premier protein shake 160 calories – 30 grams protein, 5 grams carb, 1-gram fat. It won’t help you gain An option is a weight gaining shake: you decide how many scoops to add. 3 scoops = 1360 calories 198 carbs – 10 grams fat– 40grams protein. Choose a weight you feel healthy at. I’m sorry you feel too thin at 130lbs BMI of 24 = Goal weight is personal choice - 133lbs BMI 25 over weight zone for your height. BMI calculator link below: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm SIDE NOTE: I’m five years out – My BMI fluctuates from 21 to 23 It’s a healthy BMI zone. it's what works for me. I hope you find what works for you.

I too have PN and I've stopped taking my meds for it because they cause weight gain. It's a horrible feeling but I think the worst part was the testing for it. I will never forget that.. -__- Please contact your Dr ASAP! Best of luck to you!

I know I haven't posted in a while, everything is going great here. I thought I would post my 2 cents on Dr. H. I gained 12 lbs after an unfill this summer and was absolutely humilated to go in and "face the music." My bp was up and I got upset on the PA when she mentioned my weight gain. I asked to ask Dr. H to give me a couple of minutes because I was so embarassed. When he came in and we talked, I thought he was OVERLY almost hateful when lecturing me on my failuer...especially since I was noticably upset. I just sobbed until he was finished talking and got up and left. I have not seen him since. I really hope it was just a bad day on his part because I don't easily cry unless I'm ashamed of myself. I hope that if I see him again I can voice my disappointment in being scolded like a child by someone I paid $15000 to help me. I think he could have encouraged me and tell me tomorrows a new day. The last 2 times I've been my bp has been high because I worry I will have to see him again, and this time I KNOW I won't cry...I might just do some scolding myself!

Hi Viv and iBelieve! Isn't a it a relief to have it done? Thinking...your date will be here before you know it. I had a surgery during the hot summer a few years ago and it was horrible with the perspiration and the incisions. So you will be heading into the cooler weather perhaps and will not have to trouble yourself about infection from sweat. Hang in there. Fills. I have a follow up in early July, and am hoping to have a first fill then. Perhaps it is too early..it will be 6-7 weeks post op...I don;t know. He didn't actually come out and say the visit was for a fill. Incisions are healing up nicely but still a bit sore on the wasteband line. As for eating...I am on my last mushy day. I have (a few times) forgotten to chew chew chew and swallowed too soon...eating at the computer does that...and the food just sat like a baseball in my chest. I wondered how something so small could feel so gargantuan in my chest! It was a good reminder each time to do what the seasoned Bandsters at the Support Group called 'Listen to you Band'. It does send out warnings to me, even without a fill..."Stop! You've had Enough", "Slow Down and Chew", "No! Resist the urge to sip after swallowing that bite that feels stuck". Weight has been slowly going down..not much, but headed in the right direction. I find that it is the sodium in the broths..even low sodium..which will cause water retention weight gain in me. The only thing I can kvetch about is the fatigue which I hear is normal til about 6 weeks after surgery. A trip to the market does me in as does a few minutes of slow walking on the treadmill. So I continue the protein. Good to hear from you all.

Just walked in from what I "think" is my last pre-surgical meeting....but with the way things have gone for me since Thanksgiving with Dr. R, I never know.....I'm scheduled for the anesthesiologist next week and surgery on the 27th. I'm hoping this time things go as I've planned. I noticed the posting about last night's meeting after it happened. I'll go when you guys go!! I miss seeing all of you and I want control over my eating and my life back. After living for 3 years with my band, the past 5 months have been absolute hell. I now understand why the people who need to be unbanded are bitter. I recognize that the underlying reasons for my obesity are still there, though latent for a few years. Hidden well by my working out incessantly and eating very little, but nonetheless, still all there! Jay, you'll appreciate that I've been on the pre-op diet for 4 weeks now. Dr. R kept sending me home to lose weight.....thought I was gonna die. Seriously, I wouldn't have this band if not for needing it. I assure you, if I could lose weight without it, I would. I didn't think surgery was just something fun to try! Even WITH my weight gain, I've still maintained 55% of my excess body weight lost.....so I wasn't very nice the last few times he gave me a hard time. This time I even accidently swore when defending myself. With as far as I've come in the past few years, I'll be damned if some man with a few degrees more than me is gonna make me think I'm a complete effing failure. So....I miss you guys. Need my old life back and need to drop a few so I can go wedding dress shopping. My life has been on hold for 5 months and I want it back.....

I have never heard eating too little can cause weight GAIN. A stall yes. But if your eating too little how are you able to gain fat ?

Dr. Titus Duncan is a lead surgeon in this field; based in ATL. Teaches other docs around the world. Also, I live in Roswell. We might be neighbors :-) I'm contemplating the LapBand. Have full confidence in Duncan; I'm just worried about the psychological aftermath. I LIKE eating. I LIKE drinking LOTS Of water. But psychologically, I'm now terribly depressed due to recent 40 pound weight gain, and I already needed to lose 40. I'm now 240 pounds. female.single. Not good.

I found my med mix in 2010. Had surgery 2012. Lowest weight was 200 lbs. Had weight gain due to loss of control over my environment. I had to move in with my mother to take care of her after an accident and she had goodies. Needless to say I gained due to being unable to ignore food that ws sitting right by my bed. I was staying in her combo livingroom, kitchen, diningroom. Moved out and the weight gain stopped. A year later I got a grip on losing at least a lb a month. Now I am considering revision. bupropion is great. I find it not only combats depression but deals with compulsive behavior I.e. compulsive overeating.

I want to be within my target weight maintenance range at the two year mark - Oct 20th. Range is 153-156. Weight this morning - 151.6. I always read that most folks have a "bounce back" weight gain at the 12 to 18 month mark. My weight stabilized at 155 at about 13 months out. I was determined that there would be no bounce back. So far, so good! I'm absolutely convinced that the key is my food log. Which I've maintained since a few weeks after my surgery. And the next milestone will be being in the same range at the three year mark! Lovin the new me!!

your comment has upset me a bit and i asume it is implied towards my comment about my mother and seeing as you do not know my mother let alone ever met her i would like to tell you. My mum has been a 'taxpayer' for over 40 years, she takes over 5 medications a day and she has type1 diabetes which incase you dont know is not caused by weight gain and is not cureable!!! my mum struggles so much with her diabetes and its the position in which the band sits arround the stoumach that sends messages to the brain to use the insulin she has to inject - the weightloss is an added bonus. my mother eats a reasonably healthy diet and it was the insulin she was perscribed that caused my mum to pile on 15kilos in just over a year. My mother has been through so much and sacraficed so much over the years if they could afford the op then she would never have been recommended to the DHB, and seeing as she was denied we are working on raising those funds. i believe people like my mother that have worked their whole lives and have an illness that impacts their life so much deserve a surgery that could change the impact the illness has on their lives 10 fold. I do not think that the surgery should go to people that have bearley worked a day in their lives and live off us, the taxpayers (like my brother), that is where i believe these surgeries are going. sorry for my rant.