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I had to recheck my records -- it *wasn't* Welbutrin that caused weight gain for me, it was Lexapro. And weaning myself off of it was the hardest thing in the world. I took it for 2 months and it took me 4+ months to get off of it without having debilitating headaches and a complete and utter ability to cope. Welbutrin didn't have any ill side-effects for me that I noticed; it just didn't work for me. So, I may not have the insight that you're looking for. Sorry about that, but thanks for giving me a chance to set the record straight. Jonathan

Karen, Funny how all of our systems are so different. I took Wellbutrin XL 300 for about a year. Didnt notice any weight gain. But didnt notice any aid in anxiety/depression either. Only problem with this was I had a very hard time sleeping when I took it.

After trying many antidepressants for medication-resistant depression, I've been taking Wellbutrin 200 mg. and Prozac 20 mg. It seems to be pretty much working. My weight is stable, (no gain) but no loss either. I believe that is because I'm in need of a fill, but really haven't been eating that much. The last med. I took was Paxil, which was disasterous weight-wise. I know some people have switched to Cymbalta from Wellbutrin because of weight gain. If weight gain was the only reason you switched, do you find that the relief from depression is comparable? If you are comfortable doing so, please share your experience with antidepressants and weight gain/loss. Thank you.

Babs, I'm sorry for all the stress you're going through. PLEASE watch your weight very carefully. I gained 60 lbs in 2 months when I started taking Welbutrin. I don't think that kind of weight gain would be possible with the band, but it was horrible for me. My brother also gained about 60 lbs while on Welbutrin. If you think you're gaining weight because of it, don't be afraid to ask your doctor to switch you to something else. I take Cymbalta now, and it's perfect for me. Everyone's different of course, and you may be fine with it. I just know it was a direct cause of a massive weight gain for me. Jonathan

Ive told no one but my fiancee,my 2 best friends and 1 sister who is my biggest confidant-she never tells anything-lol.My 17 year old daughter doesnt even know...and she lives in the house!!!!Im a very private person and never tell people anything and the 2 friends have no ties to my employment so no one will ever know-works for me.I have hated the comments people make about my weight gain-I gained 80 pounds in 10 years and people who hadnt seen me would freak out.I have my 20 yr high school reunion next year and Im totally gonna be there since I didnt go to other ones because of the weight gain.

Your band can get tighter because of stress. I had this happen when I had to go to St. Louis for a few days. The trip wasn't stressful, but I never felt that I had enough time to eat. Many people notice that their bands get tighter during their period -- well, right before it and when it first starts. My theory, you ask? Alot of women retain water before their period (thus the weight gain)...I think that affects the band too. Causes things ALL OVER to swell. If you had a PB, you should back off a little bit. If a PB was bad enough, your stomach might have been irritated because of the PB making you even tighter than you were before. This is very common -- alot of surgeons recommend going back to liquids for 12-24 hours after a PB because of this. The restriction may have kicked in. Alot of people swear that they don't feel their fill until 2-3 weeks after it. I haven't ever experienced this and I personally can't figure out the "science" behind it, but so many people have said it, that I just got to believe it to be true.

The restriction may have kicked in. Alot of people swear that they don't feel their fill until 2 weeks after it. I haven't ever experienced this and I personally can't figure out the "science" behind it, but so many people have said it, that I just got to believe it to be true. Your band can get tighter because of stress. I had this happen when I had to go to St. Louis for a few days. The trip wasn't stressful, but I never felt that I had enough time to eat. Many people notice that their bands get tighter during their period -- well, right before it and when it first starts. My theory, you ask? Alot of women retain Water before their period (thus the weight gain)...I think that affects the band too. Causes things ALL OVER to swell. Also, when you have a PB, you should back off a little bit. If your first PB was bad enough, your stomach might have been irritated because of the PB making you even tighter than you were before. This is very common -- alot of surgeons recommend going back to liquids for 12-24 hours after a PB because of this. SO....in my opinion, go back to liquids for 24 hours. Then start solids again, but VERY SLOWLY. Cut what you think is a bite, then cut it in 1/2. Chew that 20 times. Then swallow. See if that helps. jayme

Your band can get tighter because of stress. I had this happen when I had to go to St. Louis for a few days. The trip wasn't stressful, but I never felt that I had enough time to eat. Many people notice that their bands get tighter during their period -- well, right before it and when it first starts. My theory, you ask? Alot of women retain water before their period (thus the weight gain)...I think that affects the band too. Causes things ALL OVER to swell. Also, when you have a PB, you should back off a little bit. If your first PB was bad enough, your stomach might have been irritated because of the PB making you even tighter than you were before. This is very common -- alot of surgeons recommend going back to liquids for 12-24 hours after a PB because of this. The restriction may have kicked in. Alot of people swear that they don't feel their fill until 2 weeks after it. I haven't ever experienced this and I personally can't figure out the "science" behind it, but so many people have said it, that I just got to believe it to be true. SO....in my opinion, go back to liquids for 24 hours. Then start solids again, but VERY SLOWLY. Cut what you think is a bite, then cut it in 1/2. Chew that 20 times. Then swallow. See if that helps. jayme <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Hi Alex, Do you have any idea what the symptoms would be of taking too much? I *was* super tired at one point which is why I asked my PCP to check it (I thought my dosage was too low, though ... lol). Hmmm, well the fact that your PCP is checking it while you lose weight lends credence to the idea that the dosage may need to be adjusted for weight loss. Maybe it becomes an issue more when you get closer to goal ... it seemed like this cropped up suddenly for me. I don't think that hypothyroid is *caused* by being overweight, but I think it can contribute at least slightly to causing weight gain (although I know not as much as what people tend to want to believe...lol). -Yvonne

Wow Brenda, you are definately on the right track now. Okay, don't kick yourself too hard. You have been through slippage and re-banding, and only gained 10 lbs?!!! I know it's hard to be discouraged by a weight gain, but you will lose that 10 plus some so easily! Especailly with a good exercise kickstart. You go girl! Hope on that treadmill! Join the May Walking challenge! Lace up those sneaky peeks (what my daughter calls sneakers) and get ta movin! So glad you checked in, we miss you! Don't stay gone for long...

yeah Ive wondered the same thing on sizes-Im 5'3 and at 214 I wore a 20/22 but I see others with basicly same stats wearing 18-I wished-if I wore an 18 id look squished in and itd define my rolls-lol.I am also top heavy-even before all my weight gain my chest is a 42dd now its a 46dd-ugh-but my doctor will finally sign off to have reduction once I lose the weight as its a health issue with my back and such.

Funny how one person will read something and take it one way, while another person will take it completely differently. Jenna, I'm sorry you feel that low bmi folks are being "blasted." I have NEVER read anything on this board that I would consider blasting a low bmi person. Expressing surprise that someone with a relatively low bmi is considering the band is not blasting, it is simply expressing surprise. I'm sorry you think of yourself as a pig. I know that you are a cop, and "pig" used to be something that cops were called. I don't know if it is still the case. Could this be part of where part of your self-image comes from? This has to be a painful thing for you, and I am sorry for your pain. But your pain is not my pain. Your pain is not universal. I started my Band journey weighing almost 300 pounds. But you know what? My weight has not kept me from doing anything. And it certianly hasn't kept the boys away. At the last frat party I went to there were men clustered around me, plying me with drinks, wanting me to dance with them and in general vieing for my attention, wanting my phone number. And these boys were in the 20-25 age range for the most part. I'm 43, and these boys were facinated with me, all 275 pounds of me. When I enter a room, I if I so desire, I own the room. When I want to, I have a commanding presence. My weight has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with my confidence in who and what I am. I too am an over achiever. I'm fat for lots of reasons, but mostly because I have been on masive doses of steroides since I was a little girl. I've been on other medications that cause a huge weight gain. I certianly wouldn't consider a PM a "chicken shit" approach. I would view it as a way to try to resolve a matter privately, and with some sensitivity. I know that people in different parts of the country and world for that matter, handle conflict differently. I probably would have also sent a PM. I believe that Babs did just the right thing. We have lots of lurkers here. Just because they don't wish to participate in your poll doesn't have anything to do with anything. Some are not ready to introduce themselves, others don't need what we offer. And that's fine too. I'm sorry Jenna that you have such self esteem issues. But your issues are not my issues. They are not universal issues. Fat does not equal ugly. I am not a pig, and I don't believe anyone else is either.

I'm surprised. I've been lurking for a while and I haven't seen anyone with a low BMI be blasted. 2 cents: How many of us wish we would have stopped the weight gain at 190 by getting the lap band? I think if any one of us who would have known what we know now, would have gotten banded. I firmly believe in my own case, the issue is not about getting a measly 50 pounds off, it's about fighting for the rest of my life to get it off. If it were a perfect world, I'd come to terms with my eating and what causes it. But it's not perfect and I may never really master it. I just need a tool that will help me cope with the ramifications of it while I deal with the emotional aspect of it. I think the band is a great tool for anyone who may be spiraling out of control. To say I wish I was that BMI is pointless because when YOU WERE you didn't stay there or take care to stay there right? I think it's a brave thing when someone sees where the road is heading and takes measures. If I could back to when I was 190 lb. and the band was around I would have gone for it...

I just jumped right into stuff and never really said who I was-oops. Im 35 and have 1 daughter who is 17.I am engaged to be married in November-we have been together for 6 years and before that i was single since my daughter was 2.I am currently trying to figure out what i want to do when I grow up-lol.I am a supervisor for a major grocery chain and although I like the basics of the job Im not keen on the drama and constant need to make money over customer service-actually this frustration is what a huge part of my weight gain over the last few years.Anywho...I love this board and feel like it has alot of great people who will nurture its members and be a great place for support.

I wish someone told me you could still gain weight with the band. I was always under the assumption that you wouldn't be able to eat enough to gain anything back. I gained 30 pounds!!! I have since lost 32 but, that was really through Nutrisystem. Band alone doesn't work for me. I need someone to tell me what to eat. Less food, less metabolism and weight gain for me.

Take it easy and let that band area rest, the good sleep proves you were too tight. Glad to see you are sleeping well! That's just as important as weight loss! I'm amazed at the difference a mere .4cc can make. I'm curious what the doc will fill you to when you go back. Surely you can't do too much weight gain damage in 3 weeks. I guess it's time to test your dieting skills! Good luck. And keep us posted!

Babs you are probably gaining muscle. Also, Chinese sometimes causes Water weight gain. I wouldn't worry about it so much right now, wait for a few days and try again. Maybe your body is telling you that this is the perfect weight for you also.

Alright, I'm kinda new around here and I just recently got filled so that I'm finally losing weight. In the last 3 and a half weeks I'm down almost 18 pounds (liquids, blenderized, soft, etc) and I've changed nothing in the way that I'm eating over the weekend. But now the scale went up 6 pounds since Friday. Now, could this huge weight increase be because I'm supposed to "start" pretty soon or what? I'm keeping track of all of my foods/calories/protein like I should be. I'm getting 1200 - 1500 cal. per day and 60 - 70 grams of protein a day. I'm only drinking water like I should be and I'm walking, like I should be. But it's just frustrating that after weeks of losing I started to gain some this weekend and of course, I go back to my doctor tomorrow. Could starting your period really cause that much of a weight (water, more than likely) increase? What can you do to help it along as well? Thanks!

LOL! That cracked me up about the food police thing. Your right, my family has tried that a few times and they get met with a very insulted look. Considering they are all still gaining weight from eating and drinking whatever they want, I figure at least I'm on the downward trend. If I want to splurge once in awhile they can deal with it. I can't think of a time since being banded where a splurge has ever caused a weight gain. I typically will plateau for several weeks at a time but it stays pretty stable. I don't know how many times I have gone in to weigh thinking I've gained 10 pounds to actually find I've either stayed the same or lost a few pounds. One of the nicest things you could do is rub your partner's back when she gets a stuck feeling. I get a huge cramp when I get stuck and that really feels good. Teresa

Ahhhhhh, I guess all I have to say is: "don't hate da playa, hate da game!" okay, so I got a lot more to say actually.... First things first... I don't feel that ALL plastic surgery is cosmetic nor is the band always cosmetic. But I do feel that the band was cosmetic for ME as I am just being a realist on how I feel about it. Doesn't make me (or anyone who feels this way) "less deserving" at all. I am all for lower BMI's getting the band as a weight loss tool. If someone is a BMI of 29 and they want the band, hell yeah go get it. yes, it is a surgery but so is breast augmentations. So is it your opinion that a certain cup size are not allowed breast implants? Now, I may not feel that lower bmi's of under 35 should be getting bypass but come onnnnn, this is a implantable and fully removable and reversable operation that is minimally invasive and carries little risk. In many cases it is outpatient surgery. Just because it has the words "weight loss surgery" attached to it there is a qualifier for it. I don't call it WLS when I talk about it to others as they automatically assume bypass or stomach stapleing... I call it WLT (weight loss tool) and then I explain. The only thing I am really "against" is designing ways for insurance to pay for it when it is more cosmetic than life saving. It is definitely a CASE BY CASE basis. And YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR are the only ones who can really determine that, not anyone on this board. If it is life saving, insurance should pay. If it is cosmetic and you just feel icky about being fat (like me) then pay for it yourself and don't eventually make us all pay for it in higher premiums, difficulty in getting other necessities covered, etc etc. And I say this as obviously as the devil's advocate so to speak as I am a low BMI that paid out the nose. Would I have liked insurance to pay for it? well sureeeeee! But at what cost to everyone else and am I really contributing to the healthcare insuance issues in our country if I did? Maybe I overthink things and think one person CAN make a difference. When my healthcare insurance premiums are rising yearly and I never go to the doctor, that ticks me off a bit. And I don't even want to get started on the entire welfare/state paid insurance for low income/homeless, that is a wholeeeee 'nother egg to crack for me. Now, I have noooooo idea what your situation is. But I can tell you that I had depression (I am fat and hated it), I have joint pain (well duh, I was fat), I had stress (umm, again, I am feeling like a cow), I have back pain (hello cow lady here), I am snoring like a freight train these days, possible apnea (again, my weight gain). None of these things I (note the use of the word I) consider morbidities as I will not be dying from the fact that my knees hurt or I feel like I look like a cow so I get the blues. But... it is fixed by losing my weight. BOTTOM LINE: It is an individual choice and individual lifestyle option. As a BMI of 33.7 (and one of those OMG what is she doing candidates, size 18, 5'8" tall) I can tell you to stick... okay, I won't go there tonight I guess. I will be good. But don't hate on someone that chooses to change their appearance because they actually took a good long look at themselves int the mirror and are catching their weight gain early enough to NOT have the physical issues that come with being morbidly obese. As someone who was once digging in her couch to find a quarter to go buy Top Ramen for my daily meal I can tell you that if there is a will there is a way. I will be honest in that my parents (although I wouldn't accept their money) used to come visit and purposely drop money in my couch or crumple a $5 and stick it in a pocket of my jeans in the laundry. I never to this day told her I knew she did it. Anyoneeee, can afford this. It just takes manipulative planning and saving. It may not be next month but I guarentee that it can be done with the right limitations and restrictions on money spending. (for example: a friend of mine was living with her parents, complaining how broke she was, getting her car repo'd, yet she was paying $200 a month for a storage unit to house all of her garage sale crap (broken walmart dressers that weren't going to feed her or her child) and these cheap figurines. Go figure. It took a few months (and many heated arguements), but she DID get on her feet again and is now doing great. Now a summary so there is no misunderstandings about my opinions: 1. Low BMI's (or I don't even care if they are 5'2" and 100 lbs) if they want the weight loss TOOL then so be it. Their choice, their body. 2. Because of the insurance and healthcare issues of the US lower BMI's without LIFE THREATENING conditions should not try and take advantage of the healthcare system for coverage. (but again if they need it to save their lives, then do it and have insurance pay for it!) Just my opinion that is all. 3. Mexico and Europe have been banding for 4 x's as long as American doctors so therefore just because they are "american" standards does not make them golden. 4. I appreciate everyone's opinion on things, good and bad. yes, some of it may piss me off a little but I still respect your right to have an opinion nonetheless. All comments here are appreciated and thought about. I do not dismiss anyone's comments. 5. I am in no way bashing anyone for being morbidly obese and not doing something sooner, I am merely saying that just because someone notices an issue sooner they should not be persecuted for it. In my particular case, coming from a family with severe morbid obesity, my personal battle with an eating disorder and at least 3 immediate family members with RNY GBypass, I only noticed my obesity sooner and was more aware due to my elders. 6. Debate is a GOOD thing, not a negative thing. It is healthy and makes us more aware of how others feel, even if we do not agree. 7. Weight-Schmeight! Who cares? If you want it, get it. If you need it, get it. If you can afford it, spend it. If you can't afford it, finance it. 7. Do what ye will, yet harm none.... words I try and live by. I again commend any lower BMI's who are stepping forward and recognizing their obesity and getting it under control now instead of later. I think it is admirable. I also think that those high BMI's that have come to terms with their obesity are also respected in the fact that they are taking back control of their pysical and mental self and creating a change to be healthy. Because bottom line that is all it is about right? We all (low bmi or high bmi, everyone) want healthy bodies and live life to its fullest. Thank you to anyone that took the time to read what I had to say. I greatly appreciate it.

bandit, Some people can be overly sensitive. And, I am sure that some are just jealous and wish they could have a BMI where you are, it is hard for them to relate. I know when I started gaining weight and I was where you are now, I felt similar to how you feel. I wished I would have had a way to stop the weight gain then, instead of waiting until I needed to lose 120. I am proud that you are being proactive in trying to find a solution that will help you. As you will read in many posts.....many wished they had had the surgery years ago. Just realize the Lapband is not an easy life. Is it what you really want to do at this point? With best regards, Denise

I recently attended a seminar where the Doctor does both. His patiant ratio is about equal. Band to RNY. But what was interesting was that several(6 that I heard of) had gone from the band to the RNY within a year or more period due to the slow & sometimes minimal results. I struggled with my decision when viewing the b/a photos because the RNY people looked amazing. I personally feel that the larger complications w/Rny are from the many cuts made BUT also due to the fact that heavier people tend to go for this surgery & usually have MORE health risks to begin with. I don't know why certain Doctors choose one over another but I can guarentee that it has to do with the amount of study, office set up & over all compensation. Not necessarily which one they think truely is best over all. What I did see is that in both surgeries people can GAIN weight back if they are not careful. Rules must be followed in both cases. I personally think the band is a safer & as we all know, a reversable procedure that can be a great tool. I like the fact that with the band you are constantly cheking in with a Doctor & therefore over the first 1-2 years aware of any weight gain ahead of time. Most of all its more of a customized procedure. We all have such different levels that work for one another. With RNY is just chop, stitch & go. I will admit though that I like the built in behavioral mech.-dumping;0) I guess I will have to be strong & teach myself that one. The way I look at it is I truely wish I could have done this by myself. But with the band I still think I will get that same feeling (like I am doing it by myself) because I know it will be alot of hard work. Not that RNY isn't just that I think the band is more work, I really do. I know with the band alot of lessons will be learned about smart food choices & do's & don'ts. I want these lessons & I think they lead to a healthier life stlye over all. Either or I am so happy we live in an age that these scientific break-throughs are available. With that said, I only wish we could get spell check on this site:0) LOL LOL LOL

I saw the surgeon today and starting the process. My insurance covers this however, they require certain criteria. I was told I need a diet history for the last 6 months. I am not sure what all is needed. Can someone help me write this...what details do they want etc. For example..all I can say is tried Xenical for 3 months..didn't work...didn't loose any weight...gained weight later.. But I think they want more than that. Does anyone know how this should be written. Thanks

Alexandra is absolutely right in that "success" is in the eyes of the person banded, and your ideas about what "success" is may have to be modified. I still have problems accepting that even if I got to "goal" weight, at 44 I am NEVER going to look like a swimsuit model - never! I probably will never look good in sleeveless outfits, shorts, or - naked, period. In my mind, however, I still cling to the fantasy of looking "someday" like some of the young beautiful people I see... lol As far as long term success - the truth is there are a lot of factors that determine this, and not all of them may be in your control. Some people return to their old habits, or inexplicably start to consume more calories via liquids/soft foods. That's something you can feel you have control over. But a reoccurring theme on the boards reserved for "experienced" bandsters is the fact that some are no longer able to tolerate the same level of restriction that got them to goal weight. So if you start having reflux problems 5 years out that are only resolved by getting an unfill - either paritially or completely - you are going to have more of a challenge on your hands, because your capacity for a higher quantity will go up, and that may allow you to exceed your caloric needs resulting in weight gain. The aging/lower metabolism beast will factor in, as well, as does certain types of medications. There is, however, NO WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY with the band - IF you are able to maintain the same level of restriction AND you continue to eat the same things in the same quantity as you did to lose your weight (or a little bit more to stop losing and maintain), then you will NOT gain your weight back due to a failure on the band's part. It cannot compensate for certain medications or the effects of aging. The best strategy in being successful is to remember that the changes you make to lose your weight are a LIFETIME COMMITMENT. This is not a diet that you "stop" when you reach goal. IF you change your eating habits and your physical activity levels to reach your goal weight, you HAVE to maintain that same lifestyle to keep it there. A reminder that muscle requires more energy to maintain than fat, so it is in everyone's interest to build and maintain muscle if at all possible - that will help combat the age/metabolism thing, but more importantly will increase your health, which really needs to be the focus in all of this. If you do not focus on HEALTH as the reason to make these changes, then once your reach "goal" you will no longer have "losing weight" as a source of motivation to continue with the changes you're making now. Good luck in your process!

Hi BRight, Hyperinsulinemia is a pre-diabetic disorder where your body becomes insulin resistant. Causes lots of problems, especially for women because it can also be confused with PCOS, which is polycystic ovarian syndrome. Similar symptoms for both. (Hormone imbalance, less menstrual or inconsistent menstrual cycles, hirutism, fertility issues and weight gain) THe only way to put diabetes or insulin resistance in remission is to lose weight, take meds and/or eat less carbs or all of the above.. If you dont have lots of sugar highs and lows, your body does not have to work so hard to process insulin, thus elimating carbs or limiting carbs in tandem with exercise, weight loss. will keep you from developing full blown diabetes. I still think you need a good fill though...... Babs in TX