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Mimi, that unconscious food fest is so well known as to have a name: it's the Last Supper Syndrome. We all go through it. Sometimes twice--once when we make up our minds to have surgery and then again, much later, when we actually get the surgery date. It's very hard to conquer, I know--I gained 7 lbs in the last two months before surgery. But it really is important not to let it get out of control, since you want to be as healthy as possible for the procedure and healing. Take comfort in knowing that our food choices are the same after banding as before, and the behaviors that will change are those that MUST change if we want to leave our obesity behind us. So eat what you want, but try to practice not gorging. That will set you on the right path and possibly abort your weight gain in the process. Good luck with this!!

Isn't it funny how things have changed since being banded?? Instead of worrying about weight gain, we can now worry how we going to deal with all the old clothes, when to start buying new clothes and in Alex case, if the port will start sticking out

Hi Alicia, Here's my experience after my fill: ( I have a 9cc band and was filled 5 cc) - Major pain if I don't chew well and then PB - Even Water if swallowed fast and often will come back - Feel hungry about every 3-4 hours What helps: - Chew Chew Chew and then Chew some more (the 20x regimen is good) - Drink warm water before you start your meal ( at the begining when I had just gotten the fill Sept 20- I would drink warm water with my food. I know they say not to drink with the meal but that was the only way the food would go down. Now that some time has passed, I can eat my food without any water. So you have to gage your body and see what works for you. - The slower you eat the less pain - I found that I have more pain when I am hungry and eat in a hurry. So don't wait until you are starving to eat. I start to heat my food at the first feeling of hunger. Sounds like you are at your sweet spot. I understand what you mean about eating eventhough you are not hungry. That's a habit that caused my weight gain and I struggle to kick it every day. You just have to be aware of it. I trick myself and say I will have it in 2 hours. This seems to work sometimes. Good Luck. You should start to notice some good loss now. Mary;)

I eat sushi (cooked and uncooked) all the time. Before I was banded I used to be able to polish 5-6 large rolls in one sitting. food poisining: If you eat at a decent sushi joint you should not have these issues. I know my sushi place gets a fresh fish delivery every single day. They are also very careful handling and storing the food. PB Worries: If you eat SLOWLY and in small amounts and you make sure the sushi is moist or dipped in (low calorie) soy you should not have any problems. Some people are more sensitive than others and you'll just have to test the foods yourself. I did ask my Dr. and nutritionist about sushi and they said it was perfectly fine. Weight Gain: Before I was banded I gained a decent amount just from (over)eating sushi. Now I have 2 regular sized rolls and I'm pretty filled. People think sushi is healthy but in reality the rice is high in carbs and most sushi chefs dress the rolls in all sorts of crap (mayo, high cal dressing etc.) Good luck and don't let one in a million stories scare you off .

I'm thinking that your twin is experiencing the weight gain that is indicative of being overfilled! Also known as "soft food syndrome." When we cannot handle solids (which we need to make the band do its thing), we start eating soft and liquid foods. And we gain weight, because we are "eating around the band." Some people need a day or a few days post-adjustment to let the trauma of the fill (or unfill) subside so that the mucosal lining of the stomach is no longer swollen, and then they can return to solids. Sounds to me as though your twin either has an EXTREMELY sensitive stomach (how long post-op until she was able to eat?) or she is overfilled and will continue to gain weight because she will have no choice but to "eat around the band." Sue

As I said before I had two babies close together. I have four in all, 13, 10 and 1 year old girls and one son, who is 2. The 1 and 2 yr. olds are 14 mos. apart. While I was pregnant with my son, I had a normal weight gain for pregnancy, even though I was over weight at the time (about 220lbs). My previous babies weighed in the 6 lb range and were both born 1 month early. I had a lot of trouble with my son, I started to miscarry at 11 weeks and was put on bedrest. So I lay in bed for about 3 months, and then at 7 months was back on bedrest and meds due to premature labor. I had my son one month early, and he was a whopping 9 lbs. I had been tested for gestational diabetes, but had shown I was 'borderline." He got stuck during delivery, and didn't breathe right away after birth. It was very scary!!! But thank God, he was just fine. Then when he was 9 months old, I found I was pregnant again. I was petrified. This time, I was monitored more closely and did have gest. diabetes. I was able to control it with diet. She was born 7 weeks early, and was only 4 lbs, 8 oz., but she was healthy. I decided that I DID NOT want diabetes, so something had to give. I actually lost weight with my last pregnancy. I began the pregnancy at 232 and ended at 229. I didn't want to eat, I had to force myself to eat. The baby pushing up on my stomach just deadened my appetite. I thought..."If I could only have this feeling without being pregnant!!!" Then I learned about the lap band. I felt like it would simulate the sensation of fullness I had during pregnancy. So this is what I'm hoping for! I decided I liked the lap band because of it's reversibility, and also that my digestive system would stay in tact. I have had some second thoughts, thinking that RNY would be good for losing faster and for discouraging to me to eat sweets (dumping) but really just like the band for it's better (I feel) qualities. good luck in finding a dr! Linda Dr. Bonanni 255/255/150

Hi... My name is linda...I've been approved for lap band surgery and my surgery date is Nov 14. I've been "going through the process" since January. I thought I wouldn't get the surgery until next year. So I'm a little shocked that it is happening so soon. But I'm happy! I found out three days ago, and ever since I've been eating like crazy. I guess it's the "Last Supper" syndrome. I weigh 265, the highest weight I have ever been in my entire life. I had two babies fourteen months apart, and it took a real toll on me. But most of my weight gain is due to overeating. Like most of you I have been on diets most of my life. The most I ever lost was 40 lbs five years ago. I dieted (low fat) and exercised (walking and lifting weights), but couldn't maintain it and gained it all back and quite a bit more. My surgeon is Dr. Bonanni in Reading, PA. I'm a sahm with four children. I look forward to reading the posts here and posting myself! Linda

Sending the last reply screwed up the formatting. This is how the top line should read: Diet- Started-Stopped-Weight lost-Weight gained back

I remember when I was in Wt. Watchers that they claimed many medications can cause weight gain, including antibiotics. Were you on any for your throat? Make any other changes in medicines? Even Advil taken for more than a few days can cause you to retain water, according to what I was told. Did you cut back on drinking with your sore throat? If so, you may have tricked your body into retaining fluids it already had. Try drinking more water now and it'll flush out the "bad stuff" you've accumulated.....

Megan, Bright, Alex, You guys are so witty. Megan: Great thread. Most obese people think all of these things, but rarely share them with others because they don't think they will be understood especially by slender people. I do not know why I am obese other than the fact that I eat too much. I have never tried to pin it down to one specific or multiple things that occurred in my life that contributed to my weight gain. Way too deep for me!!! Yes, I come from a dysfunctional family, yes, I was mentally abused and physically abused as a child and yes I had at least one parent who forced me to eat everything on my plate and threatened me if I left food there. Would talking to someone about these issues help me? Probably to some degree, but I think I would benefit more from therapy to help me with some of the changes you mentioned rather than thrive on the past and why I got this way. I worry about lots of things; will I still feel the same way about my husband or will he feel the same way about me? Himself? WIll I want to take up skydiving or do something totally outrageous that was taboo before because of my weight? I got lots of questions... Bright: I am getting more and more excited for you as the big day comes! By the way, early eighties fashion is making a big comeback!!! Alex: Remember that one of the greatest strengths you have is the advice that you give others. Not many people are capable of this, so this is a wonderful asset which you have and I always enjoy your posts even if I have a difference of opinion. At least as far as this board goes, I have never thought that you were observing life from the outside. And from your photo, you look absolutely beautiful, so I am surprised to hear that you do not think you get lots of male attention now, but it is true that you will get more later! Babs in TX 334/289/180 6/23/03

Hi, Im from Australia. Date to be banded is 17th November. I cant wait as I feel this will change my life in a fantastic way. I cant wait to feel normal in society as a low weight person. Im going to splurge on clothes like a kid in a lolly shop! I am a low BMI (33) but have been accepted due to my extensive battles with weight loss for over 25 years (I am 35 years old). The band will nip my weight gain in the bud, so in ten years time I wont be even bigger (with a much higher BMI). Im excited about so much. This will be my first NYE not starting with a binge after another new resolution to loose weight! Regards Sharon

"The Benefits of H20" By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their workload is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for Fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside of the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to over come the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs---plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water you system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of un-needed salt is easy---just drink more water. As it's forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water then the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss--- shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear and resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of---all the metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight loss: - The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently. - Retained water shows up as excess weight. - To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. - Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean? - Endocrine-gland function improves. - Fluid retention is alleviated, as stored water is lost. - More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. - Natural thirst returns. - There is a loss of hunger almost overnight. If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain, and loss of natural thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough."

hey, don't be to hard on yourself, I bet you have been eaten a lot less then you did before you where banded. Some people say it takes 5 or more fills to reach the "sweet spot". And thats especially true when you are getting filled in the usa. The fills are like .5 or 1 cc at a time. So have patience and just try to do the best you can. As for Water, you really have to drink enough water, read the below article and you will understand why that is. btw on my site in the links section there are some wonderfull documents that I have found on the web and posted have a look there. "The Benefits of H20" By Donald S. Robertson, M.D., M. Sc. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their workload is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for Fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside of the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns. The best way to over come the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs---plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat, the more water you system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of un-needed salt is easy---just drink more water. As it's forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium. The overweight person needs more water then the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss--- shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear and resilient. Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of---all the metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? Constipation. But, when a person drinks enough water, normal bowel function usually returns. So far, we've discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight loss: - The body will not function properly without enough water and can't metabolize stored fat efficiently. - Retained water shows up as excess weight. - To get rid of excess water you must drink more water. - Drinking water is essential to weight loss. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. However, the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. Water should preferably be cold. It's absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories. When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, it's fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the "breakthrough point." What does this mean? - Endocrine-gland function improves. - Fluid retention is alleviated, as stored water is lost. - More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolize stored fat. - Natural thirst returns. - There is a loss of hunger almost overnight. If you stop drinking enough water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain, and loss of natural thirst. To remedy the situation you'll have to go back and force another "breakthrough."

Well, sure, but even a doctor isn't really likely to want to operate on a healthy patient "just in case." Once the patient really did start to gain weight rapidly a doctor might reband, as happened in Wayne's case, but insurance carriers have their guidelines and preventing future possibilities aren't in them. Personally, if my band slipped when I was at or close to goal I'd first want to see if there were any possible chance that my new behaviors could prevent weight gain before having the band replaced. The less surgery the better, IMO.

hi folks I wondered if anyone has any advice about explaining the lap band procedure to their children? I have two boys, the eldest is almost fourteen and is quite close to me. I have been pretty involved in researching and learning about the surgery and discussing it with my husband (in private, away from the kids). This morning my son came to me and wanted to know what's going on? He said "I know you and dad are discussing something and i heard one of you mention hospital". I didn't know what to say - I haven't a surgery date yet, I'm not even 100% sure (i am 99%!) sure i am going to go ahead with it so don't want to worry my son yet. We have had quite a bit of trauma in our family in the last 18 months and he is quite sensitive to me being preoccupied and/or stressed. So what I'm asking is when and if the time comes to have the surgery, do any of you have any ideas how to explain this to my sons, without worrying them or giving them incorrect ideas about weight gain/loss etc? I'd be grateful to hear of any of your experiences

I've had a RNY and been banded. I lost some weight with the RNY and then began to gain it back. My surgeon suggested the band as a way to avoid more weight gain and to increase my previous loss. So far, so good. I am two months since my banding and I feel OK and I've lost a good deal of weight. I wouldn't recommend this for everyone, but if the RNY doesn't work and you have the option, it's worth consideration. ebnewf

I sent an email to the woman who wrote the article. She responded to me within twenty four hours and admitted that maybe he was not the best subject. She asked me if I would like to participate in a followup story about someone who is success ful with the lapband. I gave her referrals to Century members and three different lapband support groups. I told her to get back to me in a few months, so I really have something to tell since I am a newbie with slightly less than 30 pounds in the last 6 weeks. Here is my letter I sent to her: Dear Ms. Martin, I was thoroughly disappointed with your article on the Lapband procedure. Most of the information about the Lapband in your article is inaccurate and has no real substance.You also make a mockery of all morbidly obese people by choosing a photo of a candidate with 10,000 calories of food at his table ordering the waiter to bring more. Most Lapband patients achieve longterm weight loss percentages similar to bypass patients without dumping syndrome, malabsorption and without permanent damage to their stomachs and intestines. The process is slower at a rate of 6-8 pounds a month, which is a much healthier approach to weight loss and requires less plastic surgery (or none)for the person who is morbidly obese. We are a society of quick fixes to long term problems. Obesity is a serious problem in the US and many will choose numerous other tortuous procedures that will permanently damage their bodies over one that is slower, but more healthy. I should know because I was banded and I am successfully losing the weight I want to lose slowly and in a healthy way. I have learned that it is true that the band is just a tool and the patient must eat healthy low carbohydrate, low caloric food and exercise as well to achieve the desired result. However, it is not true that negative reinforcement in the form of food getting stuck in the band is what is keeping me away from the fast food. I eat without much restriction and definitely without pain, which could be said about most Lapband patients. I now take the time to chew my food and taste what I am eating instead of inhaling it. Most of the banded people I know have lost 50 to 100% of the weight they want to lose within 2 years. Many bypass patients will lose 60-80% of their desired weight and many will gain back 20% or more of their losses. Banded people who learn to eat properly and healthy and get regular exercise have just as much of a chance to lose the same amount of weight and keep it off as bypass patients. It is my opinion that bypass patients never really get the chance to eat normal portions, since the amount is not adjustable. I eat about 6-7 ounces of food, Protein and vegetables and then leave the table. People in other countries have been banded for the last 10 years and these statistics are more accurate than the most recent US ones. In a European study, it showed most banded patients lost between 47%-75% of their desired weight loss. What I want to know is why you would choose to write about a man who obviously has a compulsive eating disorder? Anyone who eats three Breakfast meals and is still is thinking about lunch (despite his profession) has a bigger issue at hand. I am sure if a licensed psychologist did a self inventory eating disorder panel on such a candidate, they would not recommend any surgery.One should try to tackle the eating disorder first before considering any bariatric procedure. There is a difference between eating too much and being a compulsive eater. There are also other factors such as genetics, metabolism, lack of exercise, hormonal and glandular disorders and many other factors which contribute to weight gain. These are people who might make better candidates because they are willing to make changes to improve their health. If you would really like to learn about the Lapband, I would be happy to put you in touch with at least three different support groups that are national and regional who would give you more accurate information for a future article.

Hi everyone; I've been "lurking" for the past week, gaining valuable information! Had my first consultation, and today scheduled the psych eval and other tests. Can't get in until late in August which is a bummer because I WANT THIS RIGHT NOW!!! Patience isn't a strong suit, but the weight didn't come on overnight so I guess I'll have to be patient a little longer. I'm truly convinced this is the right path for me. I've been overweight for most of my 36 years of married life. My husband has been wonderful; never complained about my enormous weight gain (90#'s) and has always put up with my crazy dieting patterns. I guess that's what true love is. But now I want to get thin and healthy for him as well as for me. Lulu Dr. Engstrand

{{$title = \IPS\Output::i()->title;}} {$title} More than one-third of American adults are obese;1 another third are overweight. Less than one-third of American adults are at a normal weight. Worldwide, more than 500 million people are obese,2 and obesity is one of the top global risk factors for death.3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Overweight and Obesity http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html. Updated 2012, November 6. Accessed November 9, 2012. Obesity and Overweight. Fact Sheet No. 311. World Health Organization. Web site. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html. 2012, May. Accessed November 9, 2012. Global Health Risks. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/global_health_risks/en/index.html. 2009, December. Accessed November 9, 2012. Causes of Obesity You gain weight when you eat more calories than your body needs. You need energy, or calories, for normal metabolism and for physical activity. Eating too many calories leads to weight gain and eventually obesity. What can lead to eating more calories than you need? Too Much Food, Not Enough Exercise Food, especially high-calorie food, tastes good, so it's hard to stop eating Turning to food when you're lonely, bored, happy or depressed High-sugar, high-fat foods can be addictive and cause physical and emotional dependence so that you crave them The food industry spends billions of dollars per year on advertising to make you want high-calorie food that you don't need Fast food and convenience stores are everywhere, so you eat even when you're not hungry Food is part of every party, gathering, meeting and other event in our society. It's hard to escape it! Ready-to-eat fast food and convenience foods are everywhere and cheap Not enough exercise. Going to the gym Sedentary lifestyles. A lot of us have desk jobs and don't move much throughout the day Other Causes of Obesity Genetics: some people are more likely to store fat when faced with the same diet choices as another person Health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can lower your metabolism so that you don't need as many calories per day, and eating too much is easy Medications can change your metabolism and cause weight gain Effects of Obesity Why is obesity such a problem? It hurts your health and quality of life, and it's expensive. Obesity costs the US $190 billion per year1 in medical expenses, and has additional indirect costs because of lost work productivity. Obese individuals take more sick days and have less energy at work. It can be costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars per year. Health Effects of Obesity Obesity kills. It can take 13 years off of your life if you are a young, morbidly obese man 20 to 30 years old with a BMI over 45.2 A woman in that category might live 8 years less than if she were at a healthy weight. Obesity raises your risk of: Diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) and pre-diabetes Heart disease Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and triglycerides High blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause stroke, kidney disease and heart disease Osteoarthritis and joint pain Sleep apnea Asthma Some kinds of cancer Other Effects of Obesity It's not just about your health, but also about living a good life. Living with obesity can mean: Missing work and fun times due to illness More trips to the doctor and pharmacy Sitting out of activities with family and friends because you can't keep up or fit in (literally) Being unable to shop in normal clothing stores Depression Feeling embarrassed and being judged because of your looks Finkelstein E, Trogdon JG, Cohen JW, Dietz W. Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and service-specific estimates. Health Affairs. 2009;28(5):w822-w831. Fontaine KR, Redden DT, Wang C, Westfall AO, Allison DB. Years of life lost due to obesity. JAMA, 2003;289(2):187-193.