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HB-That video is creepily beautiful lol! Is creepily a word?? Bobbie-Sorry to hear it didn't go quite as you had hoped. When a door shuts a window opens. Me-I really need to vent so sorry..apologizing in advance..and I am not looking for sympathy. I just keep asking myself can I DO THIS?? I have eaten crap, not exercised like I should and I just can't seem to get myself on track. There is no motivation and willpower at the moment and it is honestly breaking my heart. I hate that food is where I turn to. My feelings just make me want to run to ice cream. I used to smoke...that was my escape. Quit that for food. Gained lots and lots of weight (so who knows maybe I would've been healthier a smoker!). I don't deal with stress and anxiety well. There is alot of stress & anxiety in my life right now and I just can't deal with it...and now I am feeling like a failure on top of it :smile2:. I have an appt with my PCP, but soonest I could get in on an evening is the 22nd. I don't know if there is anything he can give me for anxiety/depression that doesn't have weight gain as a side effect. Also seeing him because it seems my exercise induced asthma is in full swing again (which is not helping with the whole weight loss thing). GRRRR....Isn't there just a skinny/happy/life is perfect pill??

I was banded in April of 08 and it took many several months (probably 6 or more) to get good restriction. I have the Realize Band and was honestly worried as I neared "max capacity" and still had no restriction. My doctor assured me that I would get it - and I did. I had to get more than the max (can't remember if it's 9.4 or 9.6cc) before I was at my sweet spot. By the way, the Dr. called the manufacturer to make sure this was ok and they assured him there is some leeway there because the tube and port hold some, so the band itself really doesn't have more than the maximum amount in it. Bottom line - it WILL come- keep the faith. I know how you feel as I was in the same situation, but keep the faith. The problem is in eating right until you get it. Because you CAN eat anything doesn't mean that you SHOULD. It really is about doing your absolute best to stick to a "diet" (bad word, I know) until you get restriction. The beauty of the band is this - you will eventually get that restriction, so if you can just stick it out, you will never have that rebound weight gain from going "off the diet". The band will help you immensely to do what you are now doing all alone. But it's SO worth it - hang in there! And feel free to ask for the support you need- that's what this site is all about. Good luck! Lisa

I had lost 12 or 13 lbs, I believe, before surgery. And of course post-surgery, it's very frustrating to get on the scale and note that you have gained weight (or at least I did) from the gas and the fluids I received IV during hospitalization. It took me at least five days to get rid of that and I am not 'counting' the weight gain...it was a pause in progress, really. Since surgery, though, I've lost 8 more lbs, and I'm feeling pretty darned cheery about that! Best, Deb WS

I had a lot of head hunger for Taco Bell. But when I broke down and bought a taco, it was the most disappointing taco I had ever had. I found it to be repulsing and have no desire to eat there again. Oh, I couldn't believe their taco's were 99cents. So over priced for nothing. Hummmmm. I use to eat these all the time. Could they contribute to weight gain? TACO BELL bad food! No Taco Bell for me. LOL

so im now 6 days post-op. i still dont have much energy cuz im not getting in enough calories. Today ive had 10oz of water, 6oz of protein shake, and 1 ice-pop so far. i know im not getting in enough fluides just having a hard time with it. Every time i drink i get a pain in my tummy im sure its just trapped gas, i have to sit up to drink or i cant get my burps out. I had weight gain after surgery im guessing due to IVs and stress on the body, im only down 4lbs since my surgery weight. Im feeling better and better every day and i cant wait to say that i really enjoy my sleeve right now hes just OK

I started this journey back in September. I've kept a spreadsheet of all the HOOPS to jump through and I'm ALMOST there!! Like most of you, I really questioned this decision. I have always struggled with my weight, and have gained and lost 30 - 40 pounds every year for the past 20 years...but this time in 2014 I gained 85 pounds and was still climbing. I became a fitness instructor in 2002 and know how to keep healthy and fit, but since this last year of unprecedented weight gain and new and scary health consequences deleloping, it's clear I need a more permanent solution than sheer will power and head knowledge. I've got every size in my closet from an 8 to a 20 and I've worn them all just about every 18 months or so. Ugh. ANYWAY! I'm on the home stretch and have every reason to believe my surgery will be scheduled for March. I'm so excited! I'm so tired of being like those little plastic animals that expand to 10 times their size in Water, and shrink back down when they dry out.

NON SCALE VICTORY....lol It is a good feeling when you are in the middle of a simple conversation with your husband and he stops you to say....."wow, babe...you are really beautiful". and of course I ask him where that came from and he say to me. "You know I think you are beautiful. But you can already see a difference in your self confidence and I really like it". <INSERT HAPPY DANCE> I am CRAZY IN LOVE with my husband. It's weird...5 years together and he still gives me butterflies. I didn't realize how my weight gain had effected my relationship...because of how I felt about myself.....but it did. Everytime I turn around today I have Corey coming up behind me to steal kissed or hugs and to tell me how sexy or beautiful I am. The way he acts you would have thought I had already lost 100lbs instead of 25 to 30lbs. It is wonderful.... It truly reaffirms the fact that I made the right decision to get the surgery. He tells me everyday that he is so proud of me. I know I am a very lucky woman and I cannot thank God enough for such a special man in my life. He's not perfect (Lord knows he can make me mad at times) but he is perfect for me. He likes to read my blogs and is always impressed with the support I receive from all of you ...... but I hope he knows that his support is amazing in itself. THAT IS MY NON SCALE VICTORY SO FAR.....and I would say it's a pretty darn good one!

Well thank you Kato. I'm happy to help where I'm not causing trouble:guess Ok I am not a personal trainer, nutritionist or a doctor, but I have done all that I am about to post and it is working for me. I've had lab work done and all of my labs came back negative for everything. I am very healthy. So here's what I've been doing. Forgive me if I seem a bit scatter brained. Exercise Routine & Weight Training Ok, I made up my routine however I did use a Personal trainer to get me aquainted with the circuit machines. My P.T. reviewed proper stance, movement and isolation using free weights. Please feel free to copy and paste my workouts and use them for yourself. Get a very supportive sportsbra, I would get mine a size smaller than I normally wore b/c it held me together better. Try to get 4 of them, that way there are enough to have for a 4 day per week workout. I have 6. Get a sweat jacket if you can. I used to wear the sauna suits to drop water weight and inches but it got to be too costly as I wrecked those suits every week. I use a sweater or sweat jacket and it works great. Keeps the heat in as I run and workout. Heat also allows your muscles to be less tense and more relaxed, so in other words, it will loosen up your muscles. After I run, I tend to get really cold so it keeps me warm. Just think about boxers in training. They wear sweat jackets, with their hoodies on. Weight training is great for you, toning your muscles and tightening your skin as you lose weight, however your weight will stall a bit during weight training. You will be building muscle hence speeding up your metabolism, causing you to be hungrier, more often. That's why I eat 6 times per day. I weight train 3x's per week. Word of advice - if you just want to tone and not bulk up then go with bigger repetitions and lower weights. If you want to bulk up and build muscle then up your weights heaviness and lower the repetition. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Muscle burns more calories than fat. Food Choices & Food Portions Try to drink 64fl oz to 128 fl oz (1 gallon) per day. This will keep you hydrated and keep your system clean. Stay away from sugar and flour products. I stay away from pasta as well. Eat tuna if you can. It's packed with protein and very low in fat, abvout 1.5g of fat for 3oz. Albacore is the best. Salmon is high in protein and has good fats such as Omega 3's. Lean Chicken or any kind of Lean meats. I eat alot of Spinich leaves. It is high in iron, folic acid and full of nutrients, not like your iceberg lettuce. Iceberg is all water. I will also mix the Spinich greens with a bag of garden salad mix. I use fresh lime juice as dressing or I will use Asian Sesame or Mikoto dressing. I stay away from Italian, Thousand Island, French, Ranch, etc. They are very high in fat. Try to stay within whatever your nutritionist layed out for you with regards to caloric intake. If she said to stay around 1,000 calories then darnit, you better start counting. Calorie counting is a chore but it works. If you take in too few calories, you will lose weight BUT your body will go into "starvation mode". We don't want that. Starvation mode kills your metabolism and will allow you to survive and maintain at that calorie count. However, you will ruin your metabolism and if you started to take in more calories because you are hungrier then ..uh oh. Weight gain with a slower metabolism. Don't go under the recommended amount. If you are stalling on weight loss and you are taking in 1,000 calories.... crank up your exercise. You will exert the weight off in a healthy way. If you are running marathons or biking, jogging and lifting weights in the same day then you will need to up your caloric intake to over 2k calories. You need to understand that in order to drive yourself to these extremes, you have to fuel your body. If you are banded and are filled then you should be able to feel restriction and will know when to stop eating. However, the purpose of the band is to help remind you when to stop. You should be aware of portion size as well as be aware of how much you are eating on your own. You should pay attention to how much you are eating and stop yourself before the band does. I mean, we all know when enough is enough right? I got here b/c I had a bottomless pit I think, but I ate good foods, I just didn't know when to stop. I kept eating and eating and stopped exercising. So review time: Water - Drink lots of water Food Choices - Eat good, wholesome foods with alot of nutrients and low in fat, low in carbs. Complex carbs are better for you. Complex Carbs - potatoes, pasta, grains, beans, etc. Also may want to invest in some protein shakes. Isopure, Spiru-tein, Myoplex are good protein shakes to check out. Try to replace at least 1 meal a day with a shake. Cardio - Put in 45min - 1 hour of cardio per day for 5 - 6 days per week (if you can). Weight train at will but alternate muscle groups. Never work the same muscle groups 2 days in a row. It will do more harm than help you. (If you lift weights in a muscle group, you will create small tears in your muscles. This helps to build muscles as they heal. However if you go and weight train the same muscle groups the next day you will hurt that muscle and possibly damage it due to too much work and stress on it. Give it a day or so to recooperate). Portion Control - Know when you feel satisfied or pay atten to the band. Do not try to pouch pack. Vitamins - Take a multivitamin. I take GNC's Nature something..I forget it's a women's multivitamin. I also take biotin for hair, skin and nails and my hair is growing back after some recent hair loss. My skin is very clear, even glows and my nails are stronger than ever. I hope this helps a little.

I used to have the Mirena IUD. I had it for the full 5 years. When it was time to have it removed, I was going to a different GYN and they said since I've never had children I should not have another one inserted. The risk of infertility was way too high. So they put me on the pill. I've been okay with the pill. I've not forgotten (i set my phone alarm) and actually no weight gain (even when I wasn't dieting). The generic name is Triphasil. The only thing I don't like is that I now have a period. With the IUD I didn't have one AT ALL! So of course I stared my period THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY! When it rains it pours!

I wanted to share a note about weight gain during the surgery. As a few posted before, the fluid from surgery makes you GAIN weight when you get it, so don't be sad or look at the scale for a while! I knew I would gain fluid, also since I missed a few doses of diuretic meds during/after the surgery. I gained TWELVE POUNDS when I got home- and this is after almost no calories for two days! So far I have lost two of those pounds (TMI- peed them right out, ha ha). It will take some time for the rest of the liquid to go away- I can feel a lot of it in my gut, etc. Even more TMI- my main incision (I have five- the big one is right above my bellybutton) is definitely worse than the others, and last night there was a lot of bloody drainage out of it. Hopefully this is normal, and it seems to have calmed down. Not fun cleaning that off the floor through :rolleyes2: I'm sure this happens to a lot of other people, so I think we should just not look at that scale (or realize it's all fluids!). I have to say I think I have more pain than some others on here, along with a killer headache- I think maybe it's just the different ways we are affected by surgery, and how much they have to dig in there to do the surgery. I have to take two vicodin every four hours just to manage. I found that instead of grinding them and putting them into a spoonful of yogurt, it actually tasted way less bad to just chew them a bit and swallow with water. It is lovely here in MI today so I walked outside, slowly, for half a mile. Being outside was a relief! I hope the rest of you are doing well!

Scales, to weigh or not to weight. The scales can not always be your friend when losing weight. Everyone fluctuates 1-3 lbs daily from water weight gain. When you are doing the pre surgery diet, the goal is really not so much weight loss but shrinking the liver so when they do the surgery your liver is not in the way. In our anatomy the liver and stomach are very close and if the liver is enlarged it can prevent the physician from completing the procedure closed. In the beginning we all want that instant gratification of seeing the scale drop but for the long haul it is about results and a lot of our results are in inches not weight. As far as exercising during pre-surgery stages, your going to feel tired. Even now weighing 175 lbs it takes about 1700 calories just to maintain this weight if I wanted with little activity so if your only consuming 500-600 your body needs all of those calories just to maintain and when your exercising your body goes into starvation mode and holds onto every calorie because it needs it to provide energy to all your organs. Remember your heart is muscle and it needs protein also. Maybe taking a short walk in the evenings once or twice would be good but make it a nice walk, time to relax and center your self. Listen to relaxing music and prepare yourself mentally for the journey ahead. Your dedication to the pre-surgery diet will prepare you for the focus you need once your surgery is completed. Proud of you, you are doing great, the day is closer, only one week left.

I have sweet cravings at times over a year out. I did experience dumping syndrome...no fun. Anyway, I eat Atkins Endulge snacks, sugar free or no sugar added ice pops, fruits. These help with the cravings, are lower carbs and do not make me feel guilty or suffer weight gain when eaten in moderation. Congratulations on your weight loss btw.

So...Im currently on the 6 month physician supervised diet required by my health insurance. Went in today for my 3rd weigh-in and my doctor was so frickin negative. It left me feeling so bummed. He said something like "I really wish there was something to say to get you to change your mind. I know this surgery will not work."....MIND YOU...He was originally supportive when I started in October. Maybe he said this cuz I had a 2lb weight gain...but I am on my period....I usually gain about 4lbs. Perhaps he was only supportive because he thought I wouldnt follow through. Idk...im just feeling bummed out about this. I really LOVE my doctor and do not want to switch providers mid program but I just may have to. Thanks for listening

Carlene, I'm glad you mentioned that you have to work to maintain your weight loss. I read so many posts where people say they got the lapband because once they lose the weight it won't come back, but that's not necessarily the case. If you're not careful about what you eat, you'll gain it back. I worked with a woman who got the lapband, lost over a 100 pounds and gained back 50 because she kept eating candy. I think we will always have to fight our weight, but it sounds to me like the band helps us if we make good food choices. Do you think you have the ability to gain back the weight as easily as you did before the band? Do you feel the band keeps you somewhat in check? I was surprise at my former co-worker weight gain, but she's a candy nut. Her name is still engraved on our vending machine.

Update....had my 5th post op visit this week and couldn't be happier with my weight loss this far. BUT...why is there ALWAYS a but? So for the past 2 weeks I have been having heartburn/reflux. Sometimes with discomfort, sometimes without. Sometimes it's just noise (embarassing noises that permeate from my chest). So of course I had tell my doctor...and of course she immediately went to "you must be to tight" So the battle insued. I knew she was going to want to do an unfill so I came ready. I knew an unfill would mean a set back and maybe even a weight gain, because without the band I have a veracious appetite. So we compromissed and she only took out .15 with the stipulation that we...that I monitor this heartburn/reflux. I must say that even that tiny unfill put me in a full on panic. But I am happy to report that the heartburn/reflux is significantly less AND my portions are still managable. But I get hungrier quicker....We'll see what happens and I'll keep you posted!

Hello all Im sorry I didnt post for so long but I went to London, let me tell you I got a bit shopping crazy and bought lots of stuff...Skittles as well...I ate lots of it and also Ben&Jerrys icecream, because we dont get it here and I gained like 3-4pounds but I have my period right now so Im not sure about the real weight gain:-) But the 5days of shopping were great, of course I saw some sights but shopping is my thing now:-) Im adding 5 sessions to my challenge cause I was walking like 8hours each day:-)

Im so happy! I just spoke with my doctor, and my surgery is back on track for next Tuesday 21st! It was a few days of uncertainty and stress with the possibility of having to reschedule due to my previous weight gain, but I proved to myself and the doctors how committed I am. I have lost 8 pounds during the first week of liquid diet thanks for your support, and good luck to everyone on your journeys!!

I used to diet in preparation for occasions: weddings, graduations, reunions, summer season. The eating plans would start after my January birthday and I would follow strictly for a set period of time. I always considered this way of eating to be 'temporary', and that meant my efforts, results, successes were also 'temporary'. I am a regular at the gym, 4-5 times a week. I have made friends there and have been supported and accountable to them, and them to me. Including instructors. Though, I am clearly the heaviest one in the group. These people have seen me lose weight, gain weight, continue to come to the gym regardless of my size. Recently, one of these people, who has had weight loss success herself, said to me, "I am concerned that we have not been seeing you lose weight even though you are here all the time. In fact, I think maybe you have gained some?" I know her intent was to help and support, and that is the spirit in which I took her comment. But having it out there, said aloud, is exactly like seeing a photograph of yourself. The reality is harsh. The comment was not the catalyst, though. Just one of several things I have taken notice of recently (in the last year). I have noticed that several exercises are uncomfortable or impossible for me to do because my belly is in the way. My ankles and knees and hips are less forgiving and are often exhausted after exercise (which is regular) and I find that I am in some pain (not the good pain) daily. And at my last annual physical exam with my doctor, I have been asked to regularly monitor my blood pressure. I have not yet been diagnosed or medicated for high blood pressure - but I sure do not want to. So, I decided that I am going to do something about my situation FOR ME. Forever. Not for an occasion, not for a while, not until I get bored with it. I'm 14 days away from the next chapter in my healthy life. Wish me luck.

I've been accused of that too. My daughter always tells me I dress like I am still fat. I don't like skin tight clothes. She had my get a pair of skinny jeans but she said I bought them a size too big. I don't want anyone to think Bill is not a great guy. He is. He's so funny, and articulate. The men in this area are all hicks with no up bringing. He has wonderful manners, dresses very well, and I do love being with him. He has plenty to do at his house, so it's not a problem if I run around all day long. It's night time. He wants us to spend the night at his house or my house as long as we spend the night together. I like to sleep alone. That is what he just does not understand. I am going to talk to him again about sleeping separately more nights. I've already talked to him about my need to see my friends and family., In April, we are going to San Francisco. That's going to be a lot of fun. I am at the top end of where I want to be, so I need to get closer back to 5:2 I was 134 this morning and I'd rather be closer to 130. I'm afraid he's going to cause weight gain. He loves to go out to eat in nice restaraunts.

Denise, is your infection all sorted now? Do you feel any better? Sorry to hear about the insurance crap -- that is always a huge PITA. I'm totally sick to my stomach right now. My husband just texted me that he gained 7kg...by moving the scales from the bathroom where we always keep them, and weigh on a tile floor -- to the hallway where there are hardwood floors, and his weight was 7kg higher on the wood floor. I can't even think about this or I am going to FREAK THE EFF OUT. I'm already dealing with 10+ kg weight gain, what if it's more like 15, or 20??!? OMG. I'm in hell.

Glad your back....been worried about you..... Florinda I'm glad your back too, sad for your loss and proud that you sang at Larry's funeral..... the weight gain from the exercise is inflammation from working those muscles and your body is working to repair those muscles...such a process and very frustrating to see a gain after such hard work.... I actually lost a lb from yesterday most likely due to my body not being able to tolerate lactose any longer. I get stomach problems about 15 minutes after drinking it. Sorry for TMI.....But I'll take it and continue working on losing some more..

Do we need to send a message to Alex? He assured me in the past that it was private.I wasn't aware that there was a new ap and people are having issues. I need to commit to exercise because I am a nervous wreck without it. I can't take those SSRI's for depression and anxiety but I really need to . When I do cardio every day, my anxiety is better controlled. For the first few hours in the morning, I feel so nervous and anxious, it's very upsetting. Maybe they have come out with something new since i last tried. I know a lot of those medications cause weight gain, as well. Sheesh, why does life have to be so complicated? When you think about it, everyone in our group is stressed out. Florinda has the state bothering her, Dee is really down, Sheryl is out of sorts, Sheila is trying to get used to being a mom and working full time, I am a nervous wreck for no reason at all that I know of, etc. What has being overweight most of our lives done to us all mentally?

Melody - Yes! Oh my Gosh - I forgot to add that part - during my Fluro ( GAG!! ) with the 1.5 gone, i had NO restriction what so ever, so hence , the weight gain. They put 1 back in, an i was totally blocked! lol so she put in .5, and all is well now - Very well SOOOO glad to be back!!

Betsy: Whoa...just read the posts on Mark. Lots of prayers and good wishes winging your way. Jen: Congrats on no 'camel toe' and yes, you did say that. I'm going to giggle all morning over that one. IllumLady: 14"! Woot! You go, girl. That is an incredible difference! You must feel mah-velous! Lizzy: Frighteningly, according to the rising number of drivers getting in accidents as a result of talking on cell phones, these moments do not stop when they start driving. Leigha: Sorry your husband's tired of hearing about your weight loss. Next time he says so, ask him if this isn't better than hearing about your weight *gain*. Besides...you have us and we love to hear about your weight loss! Ok...page 10...back to reading... Cocoa: Ok, I am laughing about your stuck episode and husband's response but only because I've 'been there, done that'. It's getting to the point where I just don't want to eat out anymore because I'm never sure what's going to do it next. Congrats on being so close to goal! Wow...how did I miss that?! As for heading your way for the cleaning...my method of organizing involves getting rid of anything I haven't used in the last year. I stick it in a box and put it in the garage...and if nobody misses it for the 2nd year, out it goes...and I don't even open the box up first cuz you know how that will go...back in the house. BT: LOL on creating blender masterpieces. One of my band books has a bunch of recipes that are quite...ummm...creative. If you get a craving for a cheeseburger, try this one. Take one Wendy's single with cheese and remove the top bun only. Tear/cut the rest up and put in blender. Add beef broth and run until you have a slurry of whatever thickness you like. Voila! Cheeseburger shake! GACK!! These people must honestly think fat people will eat *anything*. Good luck on your 'create-a-shake'. HB: I used to love bowling, but found at some point that I just couldn't bend enough to get that ball off right because I did worry about splitting my crotch. Guess I just didn't have my priorities right, eh? :thumbup: All the rest, forgive me if I missed commenting. Soooo many posts! Ok...off to make my shake and I will be back...

NannyG ~ I am in the same boat, I eat a little bit of carbs, and low and behold, I had a 5 lb weight gain within a week period of time. Yikes! So I finally dropped 4 of those lbs. I think it was water retention. But I will have to focus on protein, veggies and some fats. I have a lot of head hunger that I need to address. It is so hard but am learning the task to just refocus myself to eating a fruit or something. You are an inspiration to me and hope to here more about your experiences. thanks so much for sharing. Dorrie