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Wow, congratulations. At the rate I am going I will be lucky to lose half that much in 6 months. But at least it will be less and not weight gain. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 4 years out and I am just now starting to feel a lot of hunger again. I hate it. Like everyone else, weight gain really freaks me out. I have clothes that don't fit me anymore and it really makes me very sad. I think it would be a little bit easier if I were younger. I am just plain tired. I can't do the amount of exercise I used to be able to do. My neck and spine hurt all the time. I do go to a support group, once a month. The nutritionist comes to the meetings, and he says exercise is not the key. Eating right is the key. It's very hard to eat tiny portions now. I am trying to eat more vegetables and salads but I am so tired of all of this. I have been dieting all my life. It's really difficult to order a salad while friends and family are eating pizza. I'll keep plugging along though. I still have my tool and I know the basics. I just hope that's enough to keep maintaining.

Ditto with all the comments above. How many calories are you taking in daily? I, too, had no issues drinking, and I also had a lot of water weight gain due to the IV for a few weeks. It is normal.

I was put on anti-anxiety meds a few months ago due to chronic anxiety and frequent panic attacks, and I got into a really in depth convo with my PCP because I'd already been on a med for my TN (trigeminal neuralgia) that made me gain weight and I was only able to lose half the weight that I gained so I absolutely did not want to go on a med that had a high possibility for weight gain. She told me that basically anything for anxiety or depression could lead to weight gain. So we ended up choosing a med that had less potential side effects and moderately low risk for weight gain which is the med Celexa. I take 20-30mg a day (20 for good days and 30mg on bad days). The holidays f-ed up my med cycle and I had to go without my meds for a solid week (the pharmacy f-ed up my refill order and due to the holiday couldn't get in touch with my doctor) and I had multiple panic attacks in that time and during that week it really hit home just how much the meds had been helping because without them I was an absolute disaster (the worst day of the week I had four panic attacks in one day. FOUR. IN. ONE. DAY). Anxiety is a terrible thing to have to deal with and I'm glad you reached out for help (I waited. I allowed it to get worse and worse and for 3 months I just dealt with it until the panic attacks that were one a week or one every other week started happening almost daily. I hope you don't have the panic attacks with your anxiety. Because it's scary. And sucks. So much.)

I am feeling very unhappy. My Lap band is coming out on 9/21 after 12 years. I really loved it after losing 110 lbs. and being thin for 10 years. But I have had complications with pain and GERD for the last 2 years and the band was opened. I have gained all my weight back plus more. The band will be removed. I feel awful after being so fit and healthy for 10 years and having it taken away. I have to wait 3 months for my conversion and my surgeon is not certain if I will have sleeve or bypass. He believes I may have a motility issue. I hear weight loss after conversion is slower. I'm so worried and discouraged. I feel like going through this surgery and then the motility tests and the conversion surgery are going to be very traumatic and take forever. I know I may sound ungrateful but I have been suffering terribly with this quick weight gain in 2 years. The quality of my life has been horrible. I've had two back surgeries and I am on a ton of medication due to being so obese. I guess I am looking for anyone who has been in my position who can help make this psychology easier for me. I just need a pep talk to get me through the rest of this waiting and all the surgeries and pre op testing. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was told not to stop drinking before and after food for a number of reasons: 1. Water w/food will make what you eat mushier (sp?) and a "slider food. Similar to drinking a shake or puree 2. Because it is mushy and not dense solid you eventually will be able to eat more, and "eating more" often leads to slowed weight loss or weight gain 3.you will move the food through faster and will not get that full feeling as soon nor as long. I would ask your team too. I had to do it the hard way and not have any beverage on the table at all. by the time I go and fix one it has been about 20 min. I am on pureed foods now so its not as big of a deal now, but will be later. CC

I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague.

In summary from reading these and other articles (my conclusion—please draw your own, I am not an expert and still awaiting to be sleeved!). I am having a bit of pre-surgery jitters, so re-researching to be clear I am making the right choice for me, for the right reasons and my expectations of self and surgery are realistic. The long term percentage rate of dieters regaining most or all weight back does seem to be much higher (up to 95%) than those that actually have bariatric surgery . HOWEVER, WITH THAT SAID, SOME STUDIES SAY UP TO 5% OF BARIATRIC PATIENTS GAIN IT ALL BACK. 2-3 years after surgery 80% of patients regain 5-10 pounds and approximately another 20% keep creeping up (unclear how much and if you look at other stats it appears most of them most get a handle on it). I am having pre-surgery (April 10, 2012) jitters and was having moments of wanting to back out but the stats seem to favor using the tool of surgery, but it is obvious bariatric surgery is no magic wand and one still has to ; PORTION CONTROL (YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO EAT ENOUGH TO REGAIN WEIGHT—IF NOT CAREFUL!) EATING THE RIGHT FOODS EXERCISE SUPPORT SYSTEMS (FOR BOTH EATING & WORKING OUT HABITS AND OVERALL MENTAL HEALTH support for dealing with the daily stressors in life!) Dieters-Weight Gain Stats http://magazine.ucla.edu/exclusives/dieting_no-go/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/438395-the-percentage-of-people-who-regain-weight-after-rapid-weight-loss-risks/ http://www.lvrj.com/health/weight-loss-hard-to-maintain-121986554.html Weight Gain Stats for Gastric Surgery Patients; http://www.livestrong.com/article/407343-a-regain-after-weight-loss-surgery/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1856611/ (very medical stat type of doc) http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com/2011/05/understanding-weight-gain-after-weight.html (a blog discussing stats but not referencing…so okay article) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Fitness/story?id=4444057&page=1#.T3syJ_mUUq4 (a good and concise article) http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/weight-gain-after-gastric-bypass.html (Excellent article on regain stats, how not to regain, what other tools needed for success)

HI suzee, I've gone from 119kgs to 99kgs then up to 101kgs. I'm a little bothered by the weight gain but Dr Couch has said it's not too much to worry about. As I work away that means I'm a fair distance from medical attention if something were to go wrong, so, I've only been getting 0.5ml fills. I'm now up to 4mls in total. Do you find that it take only a short time for your hunger to return after a port fill? I've noticed that it takes around 1 week for the hunger to return. Another thing is that did you fins it hard to stick to only 3 small meals per day? Got any advise on what to eat and when as I work 13hr shifts and find I get hungrey easily. Have fun in bali, have you had to have your Fluid removed? JoMc

@@happybuddy my advice would be to go and see your OB/GYN. Primary Dr. is great but what it sounds like right now is that your hormones are in a big flux. You want to check that out and make sure you aren't experiancing PCOS (Poly cystic overian syndrome) This can be the cause of your body holding on to the weight as well as Water weight gain. Our hormones and not just the thyroid are what make our body and our brain work to keep a balance. If any of these are out of balance they send signals to the brain that we might not want them to send and trust me I speak from personal experience here. Even though you see the OB/GYN the sex hormones may or may not be your issue. They are probably the issue with the periods but more than likely there are multifaceted issues going on at once as your body is undergoing major changes to the way you are eating etc. Keep the faith, you will get where you want to be. In the mean time be healthy and keep doing what you need to do for you. Try not to focus on the scale number and let it get you down. It's just a number, focus on how you are feeling and work from there to get your body in motion. Prozac can make you hungry and can also cause some weight retention, however if you have been on it for a bit and your dose sounds low it's probably not the issue. My step son is on this medication and it has worked wonders for him, don't stop any medications without checking with your doctors.

Hi can someone help? I am hungry nearly all the time. My stomach feels empty or uncomfortable in the middle above my belly button and between my ribs. It usually goes away temporarily when I eat then starts up again with half hour or more. I take 2 Prevacids a day. One in the morning with Water and one before dinner with water. This was the way I felt before surgery, all through my life-always hungry, always in the mood to eat. My doctor even did my hyatal hernia so that this would be lessened. Drinking liquids does not fill me up or take the discomfort away. I also typically wait an hour after eating to drink. It is getting harder each day to keep below 1200 calories, sometimes I am getting up over 1600 which could mean weight gain. I feel like I am starving all the time. Today I had 2 sausages, 1 egg and a tiny amount of hash browns for Breakfast and made it 2 hours before hunger again. A few days ago there was a post about another acid product to try that I have never heard of. I've spent hours looking for it on this site and cannot find it. Was it something with an "oid" or "Magnesium"? It sounded like a supplement or mineral. I have an appointment with my gastro doctor but would like to try the other product too. Tums only provide a few minutes of relief. I tried 40 mg of Protein like beef. Yesterday I tried a big bowl of salad with a little low fat cheese. Another time, bread, another time, fruit. The best results seem to be protein and carbs like low fat pizza.. That seems to hold me the longest. It is getting harder and harder to have self control and keep my calories low when I feel like I am starving all the time! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I had to do 6 month diet and was told I had to show weight loss and no weight gain

@@dvons Absolutely..... it all about what you put into it. If you follow the rules and do what your supposed to... so will your WLS no matter which one it is. I have seen first hand weight gains with all of them... but i have seen success with all of them too. Like you said....complacency is the root of all evil....

I'm Almost 50. I've been Heavy since 2003. Obese since 2003. The years between 2003 and 2013 were Mixed with periods of overweight, weight loss with Atkins diet, then weight gain to morbidly obese, at 253 pounds. Then, weight loss again to achieve overweight status with b-12 shots and appetite suppressants to now---once again--- obese. Battle-battle-battle Obesity is in my family as well as diabetes & heart disease. I lost my father this past April to heart disease. I have high blood pressure & I am borderline diabetic, now I have new severe back pain and ailments coming out of seemingly nowhere. But, the "nowhere" is bad health and it finally got my attention. Researched options including lap-bands in 2012 Sleeved 2/25/2013 The rest of the story...will be Great Success (and I will keep you posted) through the support of my family, consideration of my clients and support from forums like Vertical Sleeve Talk. We were born into a community because we all need each other. I LOVE what I do. I am a Licensed TX Broker & Realtor and I am the happiest girl in the world. I am ready to give more to my community and really live life to the fullest. I am very grateful for this opportunity and do not intend to squander it My life goals: To Breathe life where ever I go. To Give the gift of encouragement. To live with incredible passion so that "Life itself" continues to be THE most amazing lover I've ever had ! (Copyright)

I think I may be the only one on here that has the balls to admit I am currently taking Phentermine after WLS. I was sleeved on August 31, 2012 and have lost 60lbs. I got very discouraged in my weight loss venture. I am human and give in to temptation just like most of us do. My weakness is Mr Pibb. I know it's a horrible thing and I'd lose way more if I'd stop drinking 2 sodas a day. Which is a huge improvement from about 2 -2 liters a day before surgery. I don't need anyone preaching to me what I already know. I have a hard time drinking Water and yes I've put everything known to man in it to make it more desirable, but no luck. I can go 12 plus hours with out drinking a drop of anything. My Dr says I have water weight gain and has put me on the Phentermine to make me thirsty and to help with the water weight. Phentermine isn't a quick fix and I still have lots of weight to lose, but it has helped me get over the depression I have felt for quite sometime about the weight not coming off. I lost 10lbs on it and I am way thirsty. He only prescribed it a month and I'm glad he did. I have found that if I actually get out and walk around for a little while I start to notice more energy. I also have learned to pre-weigh and pre-pack my lunches and dinners for the week. This is a huge life changing journey and man what a roller coaster ride it has been. I'm sure most of you are appalled about the phentermine after surgery, but some of us need that little extra boost to help us get through hard times. Especially when there is no support and a strong ear would be nice to have for thoughts and wonders. So before you are quick to judge me, remember we are all human and no-one on this earth is perfect.

I'm 3 days post op & trust me I struggled with the preop phase...I felt I had to get it all "in" before I had to change my life forever. I did give it my best the last pre-op week However, once you have the surgery, everything will fall into place very easily. Just slow down STOPP jumping the gun so to say. This is not an overnight process. If you fall Into the wrong habits post op, you will pay so it will only take u once to make that mistake. i dont mean weight gain, i mean pain, your body will reject anything it shouldn't have!!! One day at a time. Take this process all in and you will be fine. TRUST me, I been where you are but I'm here now and its GREAT. You are aware of it and not in denial which is s HUGE step!!

I liked the idea of dumping too, but it really doesn't happen for me. I can overeat (slightly, I still have a pouch after all!) sugar and carbs, and while I don't feel great, I wouldn't call it dumping. But I'm not that disappointed, although I do need to be more responsible for my eating now that I'm two weeks away from being two years out. It can be a struggle, but when I get back to basics, it's much easier! I have to be honest and say I have been far from perfect and even had weight gain. I'm learning a lot more about why I eat, things I'd never considered before. I admit this is something I've been working on for 30+ years but hey, I'm a slow learner!! And yes, I know I should have done that pre surgery, but I thought I had. Then I had to go back to work after a year of not working (nine months after surgery, and at my goal weight) and it took me a year of being back at work to realize how the compulsive urge to binge is directly related to work stress. Stick with the basics for as long as you can, and if you ever stray or have regain, just get back to basics again. Most importantly, no liquids with meals or 30 minutes before or after (or at least 15 minutes), meet your protein and liquid goals (whatever yours may be) and eat your protein first. That's the rest of your life. I might not be the right person to answer this because I'm still taking two steps forward, one step back getting back on track, but I do know the rules, even if I don't always follow them!! Bottom line? You absolutely have to change the way you eat for the rest of your life. I wouldn't recommend following my path but if you do, don't beat yourself up. Just pick yourself up, and get back to basics asap. And stay plugged in to groups. Socialize with other bariatric patients, in all stages of the journey. You can do this!!

You aren't thinking rationally. You yourself have said it could be water retention because it's that time of the month. That's not a true weight gain. You lost 3 stone(42lbs) in 3 weeks! When has that ever happened? You have to realize that there will stop, starts and times when it will appear that you are gaining as your body undergoes this transformation. If this upsets you, throw away your scale and only get weighed at the doctors.

My doc wouldn't allow it. You had to maintain a steady loss leading up to surgery. If he saw you gaining at the end, which meant binge eating, he would cancel the surgery. I think most everyone goes through this to an extent. The problem is food is just like a drug. Eat something terrible, but then feel that wasn't the right "fix" you were looking for and move onto eating something equally as bad. For me I wish to hell I would have had a last meal at Buffalo Wild Wings and gotten my wing fix taken care of. Problem is I would have gotten that fix and I would just be craving something else. Personally I don't think there's anything wrong with having a few cheat meals here and there as long as it doesn't lead to weight gain. I had a good send off weekend prior to my 2 week pre-op diet but it wasn't anything insane. I was really careful in what I ate a few days before and after to offset any potential gain. I suppose you need to look at it as getting things under control at some point. We're all different and everyone handles addictions differently. The 2 week diet is not a walk in the park so bear in mind that the more you binge the tougher those two weeks are going to be.

Just remember there are those of us who are still banded, yet we still struggle with the lack of weight loss. I know I would be struggling with the weight gain if I were in your position. I wish I could say that if my band were removed I'd have learned enough NOT to make bad choices, but I don't always practice making the best choices with the band, so I do feel for you.

Vegas... perhaps you are not eating enough and your body went into starvation mode and is hoarding all your calories? Add 1 more shake a day, see if that helps. Also, your period is a big contributor. Mine should be starting any day now too, and I am hoping this weight gain is partly due to that, but I'm not counting on it. Also, are you exercising at all? that might help some too. These are just guesses from a lifetime of dieting. Fingers crossed for you to see that scale move the other direction soon.

BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence? (Part One of Three) I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. It’s important to recognize the difference. Why? For starters, you can stop beating yourself up over the things you can’t do anything about. It’s also important that you focus on putting forth effort where it will get you the best results! It’s essential for both doctors and those suffering from obesity to have a mutual understanding of these causes of obesity and which people can influence, so that: 1) Doctors can develop or increase empathy for the struggles of those suffering with obesity. When doctors better understand that many people with obesity have struggles that go beyond fighting their biology which negatively impact their weight, the doctors can more compassionately and appropriately address these issues and refer patients to see other professionals, if need be. 2) People struggling with their weight can evaluate the numerous factors impacting obesity and work toward accepting those things they cannot influence. In addition, they can take responsibility for putting forth effort into those aspects of their struggles with weight that they can positively impact. All righty, then! Let’s look at three of the main contributing factors of obesity and then talk about each one, emphasizing what, if anything, each person can do to have a positive impact on their weight. Genetics Culture and Environment Metabolism Genetics Obesity definitely has some genetic determinants, as researchers have clearly discovered. If there are a lot of obese people in your extended family, you have a better chance of being obese than someone from a family without a history of weight problems. Although there are many more obese people in the current population than in previous generations, this cannot all be linked to genetics. The genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in obesity reflects major changes in non-genetic factors. Listen to this… According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002): “Since 1960, adult Americans have increased in height an average of 1 inch but have increased in weight by 25 pounds.” So in 50 years, the human species has grown taller by only an inch but heavier by 25 pounds. That tells us there is more than genetics influencing weight gain in this country. PATIENTS: Even if you have a genetic predisposition for obesity, there are other factors involved, including the food choices you make and whether or not you exercise on a regular basis. Some of these behavioral factors are habits learned in your family, so what appears to be a genetic predisposition may be a familial pattern of unhealthy habits that can be broken. DOCTORS: Remind yourself that patients cannot “eat less/move more” and have any effect on their current genetic makeup. Acknowledge to patients their genetic predisposition for obesity in a compassionate manner. Help to gently educate them about the factors affecting their weight that they can influence. Do so in a “firm and fair” way, providing encouragement rather than admonishment. Culture And Environment In addition to one’s genes, a person’s culture and environment play a large role in causing people to be overweight and obese. The environment and culture in which you were raised impacts how and what you eat. Some people were taught to eat everything on their plate and couldn’t get up from the table until they did so. Others never sat at a table for a meal but watched television while they ate. Some kids are fed well-balanced meals while others exist on fast food or microwaved mac and cheese with hot dogs. In some cultures, simple carbs make up a substantial part of every meal. In other cultures, fruits and vegetables are consumed regularly. When you are a child, you’re not in charge of buying the groceries or providing the meals. You did learn, however, about what and how to eat from those with whom you lived. And guess what that means? How you feed your children is what they will think of as “normal” and will most likely be how they eat as adults. (I’m always concerned when weight loss surgery patients tell me their kids are “just fine” even though they eat the same unhealthy foods as the obese parent. It’s only a matter of time before the kids start to gain weight and have health problems as a result of their unhealthy diet and learned eating behaviors.) PATIENTS: Although your genetic composition cannot be changed, the eating behaviors you learned in your family, from your culture, or developed on your own can be changed. You alone now determine what kind, and how much exercise you do and what and when you eat. Your behavior is completely within your control. Work toward accepting the fact that you are in charge of, and responsible for, your behavior and every food choice you make. For every choice, there is a consequence, positive or negative. And NO EXCUSES! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, whether you get a lunch break at the office or whether you have to cook for a family. Even if you have five kids in different activities and spend your life taxi-ing them from one place to another, you are the adult and you are responsible for how you eat and how you feed your children. It takes a very responsible person to acknowledge, “Although I have a genetic predisposition for obesity, I am responsible for making healthy choices about my eating and exercise. For me and for my children.” Focusing on what you do have control over rather than that over which you are powerless, leads to believing in your capabilities. So take charge and make positive changes happen! DOCTORS: Engage your patient in a discussion about the cultural and environmental factors that helped shape their current food choices and exercise behaviors. Empathize with them, noting they are going to have to put forth consistent effort to change years of bad habit formation. Encourage them to get support, whether it is from friends with a healthy lifestyle, a health coach, a personal trainer, or the use of free online exercise videos. Help them set a short-term, reasonable goal and set an appointment with you to follow up. Remember, docs: That which is reinforced is repeated. Reinforce even small steps forward you see in your patients. This can go a long way in encouraging them to continue making healthier choices. A step forward is a step forward. Notice and praise every single step forward your patient makes! Resting Metabolic Rate Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is simply the energy needed to keep the body functioning when it’s at rest. In other words, RMR describes how many calories it takes to live if you’re just relaxing. Resting Metabolic Rate can vary quite a bit from one person to another, which may help explain why some people gain weight more quickly than others. And why some people seem to find it more difficult to lose weight than others. There are some factors related to metabolism that you can’t change, but there are actually some that you can influence and change. Things you cannot change about metabolic rate: Metabolic rate decreases with each passing decade, which means the older you are, the slower your metabolism gets, making weight loss more difficult. Sorry ladies - Men generally have a higher metabolism, meaning they burn calories more quickly than women. You can inherit your metabolic rate from previous generations - which can be a benefit… or not. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can slow down or speed up metabolism. Some things you can do to influence your metabolism and burn more calories include: Eat small, frequent meals. Drink ice water. You can boost metabolism temporarily with aerobic exercise. You can boost metabolism in the long run with weight training. PATIENTS: I’ll bet you didn’t there was much of anything you could do that would increase your metabolism. I’m hoping you choose to implement the ways you can help your body burn more calories. And what do you know? They are completely consistent with healthy post-op behaviors that you’re supposed to do anyway: 1) Eat small, frequent meals. CHECK. 2) Drink water (so add ice and boost that RMR). CHECK. 3) Engage in exercise, both aerobic and weight bearing. CHECK. There’s no reason NOT to anymore! (That’s a slogan from a really old commercial…) The point is, your specific RMR is both something that is unique to you, and that will slow down with age, is gender-influenced, and can be affected by thyroid issues. Accept the things you cannot change and DO the things you can to get the most out of your own, unique RMR. You DO have choices! Opt not to make excuses and JUST DO THE THINGS YOU CAN! DOCTORS: I’m pretty sure that educating patients is in your job description. Even though you have an allotted set of minutes during which to accomplish all your goals with a patient, point out the ways they can boost their metabolism while you’re looking into their ears, or hitting them on the knee with that little hammer. Present it as a, “Hey! Guess what I was reminded of today?” sort of thing. It’ll probably be absorbed better than a mini-lecture. Leave yourself a sticky note in the patient’s folder to bring it up in your next session… and then a new educational point for the next meeting, along with the small goal you set with them so you can be sure to praise them for their efforts! Patients and Doctors and all Allied Health Professionals: We need to work together to do the following: 1) End Fat Shaming 2) End Blaming 3) End Lecturing 4) Encourage reciprocal AWARENESS and ACCOUNTABILTIY 5) Encourage reciprocal EDUCATION and DISCUSSION 6) Encourage reciprocal GOAL-SETTING and FOLLOW-UP Stay tuned for Part Two of BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence?

yesterday's goals 1) walk 60 minutes with weighted shoes - did 20 minutes walk with weighted shoes and 20 minute walk in regular shoes 2) not eat after 7 ---- blew the crap out of this one 3) spend my noon getting closet doors - took an hour vacation yesterday to go buy them I think I got in over my head hiring people to remodel while I go to Mexico for 2 weeks. I forgot about all the decisions I have to make in a hurry. Today's goals 1) face the music - weight gain - when I see the surgeon and nutritionist today 2) 40 minutes on the treadmill - done 3) pick out medicine cabinet, toilet topper, blind, towel racks, floor tile, counter top for bathroom (this may take 2 days) 4) not eat after 8 5) remember to relax and unwind

Weight loss surgery? Really? For me? Why? What’ll it cost me? Perhaps a better question is “What’ll it cost you if you don’t?” With today’s uncertain economy and rising healthcare costs, it’s normal to wonder if now is the time to consider the LAP-BAND® AP System. Extra weight on a person often goes hand in hand with extra financial burden. Obesity can have significant medical costs over time. Weight loss surgery can help reduce the cumulative cost of living with obesity: like weight loss programs, prescription medicine and hospital visits. Knowing this, you may want to consider these questions: What are your current out-of-pocket healthcare expenses? Are they due to go up? What are your current prescription and over-the-counter medication costs? Are they due to go up? How many times a year do you see a doctor or specialist? Has that gone up over time? How many days have you missed work over the past few years? Has that gone up? How much have you spent on non-surgical weight loss programs? (WeightWatchers®, Jenny Craig®, etc.) Did that work? How much have your costs for groceries and dining out gone up? How much have you spent on additional clothes due to your weight gain? Acting now by using the LAP-BAND® System to help you significantly reduce your weight — may also reduce your weight-related costs!

I have a little experience with excess skin, lap band and RNY. I was always on the heavy side since childhood and when I was 19 I lost over 100 lbs fairly quickly with the help of drugs that you could get very easily back then but were not done through a prescription. I then gained it back over the course of a year and then the following year lost it again. During those two weight losses I had no extra skin. I then put on about 25lbs became pregnant and had a 9lb11oz baby and stretched out my stomach, gained some weight over a 3 year period and had a 10+lb baby and stretched out my stomach a lot more. So basically even though I lost weight quickly the first two times I had no extra skin and didn't until I had to the two babies. I don't know if it's a quick weight gain then loss that creates the skin, genetics or what but I don't think you can say that with lap band you'll have no extra skin and with RNY you will. I will always have extra skin no matter what. My daughter was a quick gainer of weight prior to her RNY. I think she may have put on an extra 60 lbs fairly quickly at one time so since her surgery she's having extra skin issues and is in her 20s. So maybe it's a quick gain that does it not necessarily a quick loss that guarantees the extra skin or both. Just a thought. It does take more time to recover from RNY as I have been there since my daughter's surgery this past May. There are many more things you have to take in order to supplement your diet basically for the rest of your life. It works, I've heard people can gain back weight after a period of time but not as much as the had lost in the beginning. I personally did have a difficult time letting my daughter go through this as she's my flesh and blood and no one wants their child to go through something this traumatic but then I knew if she didn't she'd be miserable and she chose this surgery over the lap band as she felt it had a better rate of success. I don't know if my issues had that much to do with it as she's a pretty smart cookie and makes up her own mind. Nancy:smile: