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Only if you want to experience some weight gain from fluid retention!

No I dont judge people on their weight gain or loss or if they stay the same. I support people just like people have supported me. I take a personal issue with Spartan because in a previous post he said "thats why military men would rather be deployed than spend time with their wives." Seeing how I am a military wife, that statement pissed me off! Everything he says has no value to me. What a stupid thing to assume! So yep I have zero tolernce for someone like that!

Yes. Are you taking photos? Sometimes a side-by-side visual from where you started and where you are now can show a difference that you can't see from day to day. Have you tried taking your measurements? That can provide a real numbers that things are changing. Also, even if your regular clothes feel the same (remember, larger plus sizes can accommodate 20-40 pounds of weight gain/loss), perhaps you can try some smaller clothes that were too tight for you in the past. I was surprised at how well some clothes fit after 20/30 pounds lost. Grant it, some were a little tight, but considering I couldn't even zip or button them up before meant that things were changing. One more thing to consider as you lose weight - of course, we all want to avoid spending money on new clothes as we drop weight, but I think most of us are able to "shop" in our closets for smaller clothes, at least for a while. That said, look at your clothes - do the pants/skirts have elastic bands, or are they button/zip? How fitted are your shirts? Do the collars on shirts look bigger (your bra strap is showing). Where are the shoulder seams - are they hanging down the side of the arms? How much material is there in the underarms? It's not about whether or not you fit inside your clothes, but do they fit you? I have to say people noticed my weight loss a lot more when I wear clothes that fit me properly.

"How can you drop inches if you're not dropping pounds." Your body will redistribute weight, you can be losing fat but gaining muscle (even if you're not working out you're likely moving a little bit more), you could have Water weight gain in some areas but lose fat in others - resulting in steady weight or gained weight but lost inches. There are all sorts of ways.

A nutritionist/dietitian and a therapist are extremely helpful in a weight loss journey. The nutritionist/dietitian helps set you up with a diet plan and helps get you into better eating habits prior to surgery so it's not such a drastic change once you actually HAVE the surgery. The therapist helps you work through if you have disordered eating (such as binging) or if you're going through some other stuff in your life such as depression, stress, anxiety, etc (which are known to add to weight gain). Weight loss is never easy and one of the most difficult things is finding support in those you live with. You'll be on a special diet and it'll be easier on YOU if those you live with aren't bringing in the things you used to eat which would tempt to cheat on your diet. Try and talk it out with them and stress how important to you it is that they don't bring junk food into the house. Willpower is such a difficult thing. I admit, that if I hadn't developed a wheat allergy after surgery what would have ruined me is the junk food that my family brings into the house. Because of my wheat allergy, I can't eat that food. Nor can I get fast food (of which they eat a LOT). So the wheat allergy is a blessing. A sucky as hell blessing, but a blessing none the less lol (there is only a 3% chance of developing a wheat allergy or Celiac's Disease after your surgery. So chances are you'll be fine. My luck just sucks. Well, maybe not, because I really do consider the allergy a blessing in disguise as it keeps me on track and stops me from cheating as I, quite literally, have to keep track of every little thing I eat and the ingredients in what I put into my mouth).

I've had 100+ hours of therapy at http://mocsa.org a few years ago. I was of "normal" weight then. My weight gain took off after I fell down some steps and mangled my right ankle. I had one unsuccessful surgery on it. Later, two ankle reconstruction surgeons told me there was nothing more they could do. I was sedentary and very depressed after that. It doesn't help that I have an autoimmune thyroid condition. I'm not suggesting that more therapy might not help me but a sedentary lifestyle really derailed my ability to walk or do much in the way of weight-bearing exercise. It's been 10 years since I injured my ankle. Morphine is the only thing that even gets close to taking the edge off the pain. (And I tried many other non-narcotic meds first, plus holistic treatments. My PharmD daughter finally explained to me that being dependent on a narcotic for actual pain relief is different from being addicted to a drug when no physical malady is present.) Taking 300mg of morphine per day doesn't give me a "high"; it just helps me move around without writhing in pain. I also take oxycodone for breakthrough pain. Believe me, nobody WANTS to rely on powerful meds like these. It's weird to say, but I often welcome competing sources of pain (gallbladder surgery; lipoma removal, or even my knee replacements) to help keep my brain confused about where the pain is. I expect my bariatric surgery to be no different. There's nothing that my surgeon can do to my body that can overtake the pain I live with everyday. Boo-hoo me.

I started feeling fine when I hit around 160, but I didn't consciously try to stop because I'd read a 10-20 lb rebound weight gain happens to most people during year 3. So I just continued with what I was doing and I eventually drifted down to 138, where my body naturally stopped. And yep - rebound happened. Up to 150 by the end of year 3 (which is perfect for me), and I thought I would end up stabilizing there - but no - I gained 10 more lbs around year 5. Trying desperately now to get back down to 150, since I felt like I looked and felt my best there. so in short, if you're sure you want to stop there, then that's totally fine, of course - but just keep in mind that a 10-20 lb rebound after hitting your low weight happens to a lot (probably most) of us. I'm glad I let myself keep going because I eventually did end up where I wanted to be (although again, I'd like to be able to get rid of the last 10 lbs that I gained!!)

Steph, glad to know you're doing better. Don't worry about the weight gain, as Pelo said, that'll be off in no time.

The thing that led to me cinsiddering weight loss surgery was my last failed diet and weight gain that followed. At 346 lbs I was feeling doomed. After all my research this is what most strongly made me say "the band is for me!" 1. My Dr explained that there are different body types-- mine is the type that holds fat reserves and craves the kinds of foods that tend to put it on. My ancestors were the type that probably did hard labor, had lean winters or long boat trips and needed food stores to survive. Thusly there are high metabolism people with ancestors that wouldn't have survived those things. 2. I belong to a very large, supportive weight loss group that has many people who have successfully lost 100 lbs or more with dieting/life style change. They FIGHT the good fight against food every day. It can be done, BUT I'm so tired of FIGHTING so dang hard. I need some help. That's what the band is for me H-E-L-P. I want to hurry up and get with living!

Just plain Water. Absolutely no sugary beverages. I would avoid fruit water because fructose in fruit is bad. I was reading something yesterday about how fructose cause more weight gain than sucrose (table sugar).

I'm back to exercising. Feels amazing. Prior to being diagnosed with MS (in the year from hell) my formerly active life was whittled away to almost nothing. Some days, it was amazing I could walk around my house, never mind do anything else. Given that I used to weight train daily, and had begun to rack up miles of race walking (daughters and husband biked or rollerbladed), the slow slide into inactivity really, really sucked. I grew up on a farm ("The Money Pit" as my father called it), working with horses and doing daily chores including milking cows & goats, feeding chickens, and managing my several breeding hundred rabbits. Physical activity (and health) were taken for granted. Grew up, married, had my girls, and just went on living. Married a city slicker, so the horses had to go, but otherwise, I didn't mind the changes. The year I turned 33 started out well, with a family resolution to get physically fit. My girls were 13, 12, & 11. We planned our 'Get Fit' campaign and got to work. In the small town in which we lived the local gym was owned by a couple who were competitive body builders, so the facility was awesome. As a part of their business, they both offered personal training, so we took advantage of that, and started working out on a schedule. Eventually, they gave us the code to the gym and we could use it 24/7 which was convenient for us as my husband was on shift work. By about June, we were all pretty pleased with ourselves and our new level of fitness, and we looked forward to the workouts and our nightly walks as a family. In July, we decided to try rollerblading, and I got a new pair for the first time out. But I could only go to the end of the block. My legs felt soooo heavy, and I was having trouble with my balance. My right foot was dragging, and the girls were teasing me about walking like a drunk. Then I developed a black 'hole' in the vision in my left eye. Yikes! That made me go to the doctor. Hell compressed into a sentence - after months of tests and assessments, I was diagnosed with MS in December 1996. So. No exercise. Fatigue, staggering, dropping things, slurred words. Some good days, lots of bad days. Weight gain. Lots of it. Ugh. I was in a very stressful job, and the specialist told me, "Change careers, de-stress your life, and get rid of some responsibility or you'll slide into a wheelchair and stay there." (I was already using a walker) So, I did exactly that. Changed careers, changed cities, and dumped responsiblity. Got out of the wheelchair, and began to make serious health-related changes. All of which helped me to feel better, but did nothing to dislodge the 80 pounds I'd gained in 1996. Fast forward 16 years. I had given up on losing the weight until the idea of VSG came up with the doctor here. I took the time to do the research, met with the doctor, and decided to go ahead. Sleeved April 4, 2012. Last check up I'd lost 44 pounds. Three days ago I started exercising again. Really exercising. It feels soooooooo good! My muscles are sore, my legs protest as I stand up, and I love it. I have to be mindful of the MS, but I'm remembering what it feels like to have gotten sweaty/hot enough to produce natural endorphins. *baskinginthehappiness* :wub: I certainly can't do what I used to do, but who cares? I'm doing something I haven't been able to do for years. After I was diagnosed with MS I wanted to do a half marathon for the MS Society in Canada, but I couldn't manage the fatigue and the extra weight. Now, I've learned how to manage myself with regards to the MS, and I'm losing the weight... which is making a big dent in the level of fatigue I have to deal with, and I have waaaaaaaaaay more energy. Maybe... just maybe, I'll be able to get to the point where I can do that half marathon. Wouldn't that be something? For now, I need to stand up and get some work done. Ow! Ow! Ow!

High sodium contributes to Water retention, which we all know translates into weight gain. It's just speculation based on my own experiences. If you are on a low sodium diet, this is probably not the case for you. Just throwin stuff out there.

Thank You Suzie, SommerBrez, and LilMissDiva. I really appreciate ya'll taking time to write me back. Suzie: I know this won't be a quick fix, however, I don't want to go backwards either. I know I need to be more patient with myself its just hard to when I see so many people already getting to their goal. I guess I don't factor in how much time they invested to get there. SommerBrez: I'm so glad I'm not the only one feeling this way. I get my fill in a week and a half. I hope to see some change after that especially since I will be able to work out then. LilMissDiva: what about the sodium? I do try to keep a low sodium diet but thats because high blood pressure runs in my family. How is that contributing to my weight gain?

I've read so many times in various threads about people eating super low calories, and it always worries me. And also high fat, high Protein, low carb diets... I wanted to post about the dangers of very low calorie diets and of high fat/protein low carb diets, so here is some info and the sources it comes from: "When you want to lose weight, a very low-calorie diet can seem attractive. After all, the sooner you lose weight the better, right? Well...no, that's not right. Eating fewer than 1000 calories a day can, at best be a short-lived attempt at dieting, at worst it could be a recipe for long term health problems. Your body is not designed to function well on a very low calorie diet. In fact, it goes into starvation or famine mode and tries to preserve essential functions at the expense of the less essential ones. So what happens to your body on fewer than 1000 calories a day? Your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. Your body uses blood sugar, made from carbohydrates, for fuel just as a car uses gas (petrol). Without blood sugar, the brain and central nervous system, as well as other bodily systems, will cease to work efficiently. To try to counteract the lack of blood sugar from carbohydrates in the diet, your body will break down fat, which is what you want, but it will also breakdown muscle and other lean body tissue. Losing lean body tissue can be very dangerous. Even organs can be broken down to use as fuel. Losing lean body tissue can also be counter-productive. Muscle tissue increases the resting metabolic rate. With reduced amounts of muscle, your metabolism will slow. When you come off the diet, increased fat cells will form because your metabolism is slow and so your body needs less blood sugar for fuel. It is also a survival mechanism in case of another 'famine'. With very low calorie diets, an imbalance in minerals and electrolytes can occur, which can be dangerous. These govern the balance of fluids in the body allowing nerves and muscles to function. Osteoporosis can be another danger, especially for women. Often dairy products like eggs, milk and cheese are cut out of a very low calorie diet so cutting out a major source of Calcium leading to loss of bone mass. Anaemia (a lack of Iron in the blood) can also be another risk. If taken to extremes, women can find that menstruation (periods) becomes irregular or stops altogether. A lack of serotonin in the brain can be another problem which leads to clinical depression. You might find that the lack of essential nutrients on a very low calorie diet leads to a deterioration in the condition of your hair and nails. One of the great dangers of this kind of dieting is that you can become acclimatised to it. As your body reduces some of its functions, including those of the brain and nerves, and as depression takes hold due to a lack of serotonin, you can slip into anorexia nervosa - a truly life threatening condition. As mentioned above, when you finally come off this diet, you will almost certainly regain all the weight you have lost plus more leading to yoyo dieting, now believed to be dangerous. Altogether, very low calorie diets are a danger to physical and mental health. They are counter-productive and can lead to long term problems as well as a lifetime of yoyo dieting. It is far better to lose weight safely and slowly on a sensible diet." (source reference: http://www.allinfoaboutdietsnutrition.com/index.php?page=21 ) "Low-carb/high-fat diets pose dangerous health risks and may increase the risk of contracting serious chronic diseases. Studies have linked extreme low-carb/high-fat diets to an increased risk of developing certain disease states, including: • Alzheimer disease • blindness and macular degeneration • some forms of cancer • cardiovascular and heart disease • c-reactive protein/inflammation • metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance • osteoporosis • kidney stones This is due to increased levels of saturated fat and dietary protein in the diet, with inadequate nutrition coming from plant-based phyto-chemicals. [/url]Low-carb diets may increase the risk of birth defects and childhood cancers. Bread, Pasta, Breakfast cereals and orange juice — foods that are “off-limits” in a low-carb diet — are fortified with folic acid, a micronutrient essential to the neurological development of fetuses. The U.S. food and Drug Administration currently requires that enriched grain products be fortified with the essential Vitamin folic acid (the synthetic form of naturally occurring folate, or vitamin B-9, found in many leafy green vegetables, fruits and legumes). Since the fortification of grain-based foods with higher levels of folic acid, beginning in 1999, there has been a remarkable 19 percent drop in neural tube birth defects in the United States. Followers of a low-carb diet do not receive the benefits of folic acid fortification. Low-carb/high-fat diets are not more effective for weight loss. According to studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are no significant differences in weight loss between low-carbohydrate diets and conventional weight-loss plans. The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (April 9, 2003) reviewed studies of low-fat diets conducted between 1966 and 2003, and found that weight loss from low-carbohydrate diets was associated with length of diet, pre-diet weight, and the number of calories consumed, but not reduced carbohydrate content. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (May 22, 2003) found greater weight loss with a low-carbohydrate diet than a conventional diet during the first six months, but no significant differences in weight were observed after one year.1 Low-carb diets are perceived to be effective because of the rapid, initial weight loss. However, the weight loss is primarily due to the loss of muscle glycogen and Water — not body fat. Loss of muscle glycogen can result in lethargy and fatigue.1 Foods high in carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, are generally more filling — more “bulky” — than foods high in fat, and less prone to overeating. Foods high in fat can increase energy intake (calories) because they are more energy dense, not as “bulky,” and taste good, leaving eaters desiring more and making it easy to over-consume them. A lifestyle that is high in high-fat foods and low in exercise can lead to weight gain. Carbohydrates, such as pasta, do not make you fat. Consistently overeating calories— whether they’re from carbohydrates, fat, or protein — will make you fat. The only genuine, time-tested principle of healthy, long-term weight loss is to take in fewer calories than your body burns. Low-carb diets may cause cognitive difficulties. Carbohydrates are the only source of fuel that the human brain — the most energy-demanding organ in the body — can use. Muscle cells can burn both fat and carbohydrates, but the brain does not have the “machinery” to burn fat. Depriving the brain of carbs means depriving it of energy — and the shortfall can affect intellectual performance, such as memory and cognitive processing.1 Once the body’s glycogen reserve is exhausted, the brain ends up using ketones, a by-product of the breakdown of fat. Ketones are not the optimal energy source for the brain, and their increase in the body has been shown to impair mental judgment.2 Low-carb diets can make people — especially women — short-tempered. A new study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that the brain produces serotonin — which regulates moods and emotions — only after a person consumes sweet or starchy carbohydrates, in combination with very little or no protein. A shortage of serotonin can lead to mood swings and depression. Eating a healthy pasta meal encourages the brain to make serotonin; eating a steak actually stops it from being produced.3 A Healthier Choice According to the American Dietetic Association, the voice of nutrition in America, there are no good or bad foods — only good or bad diets. At “Healthy Pasta Meals,” a recent Barilla-sponsored conference in Rome, Italy, a team of 38 nutrition scientists from around the world concluded that the “Mediterranean diet” is an excellent choice for maintaining overall health. The Mediterranean diet includes abundant plant foods (such as vegetables and pasta); olive oil; dairy products; fewer than four eggs weekly; fish and poultry in low-to-moderate amounts; red meat in low amounts; and wine with meals, in low-to-moderate amounts. A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of death from heart disease and cancer.4" Low-carb/high-fat diets pose dangerous health risks and may increase the risk of contracting serious chronic diseases. Studies have linked extreme low-carb/high-fat diets to an increased risk of developing certain disease states, including: • Alzheimer disease • blindness and macular degeneration • some forms of cancer • cardiovascular and heart disease • c-reactive protein/inflammation • metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance • osteoporosis • kidney stones This is due to increased levels of saturated fat and dietary protein in the diet, with inadequate nutrition coming from plant-based phyto-chemicals. Low-carb diets may increase the risk of birth defects and childhood cancers. Bread, pasta, breakfast cereals and orange juice — foods that are “off-limits” in a low-carb diet — are fortified with folic acid, a micronutrient essential to the neurological development of fetuses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently requires that enriched grain products be fortified with the essential vitamin folic acid (the synthetic form of naturally occurring folate, or vitamin B-9, found in many leafy green vegetables, fruits and legumes). Since the fortification of grain-based foods with higher levels of folic acid, beginning in 1999, there has been a remarkable 19 percent drop in neural tube birth defects in the United States. Followers of a low-carb diet do not receive the benefits of folic acid fortification. Low-carb/high-fat diets are not more effective for weight loss. According to studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are no significant differences in weight loss between low-carbohydrate diets and conventional weight-loss plans. The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (April 9, 2003) reviewed studies of low-fat diets conducted between 1966 and 2003, and found that weight loss from low-carbohydrate diets was associated with length of diet, pre-diet weight, and the number of calories consumed, but not reduced carbohydrate content. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (May 22, 2003) found greater weight loss with a low-carbohydrate diet than a conventional diet during the first six months, but no significant differences in weight were observed after one year.1 Low-carb diets are perceived to be effective because of the rapid, initial weight loss. However, the weight loss is primarily due to the loss of muscle glycogen and water — not body fat. Loss of muscle glycogen can result in lethargy and fatigue.1 Foods high in carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, are generally more filling — more “bulky” — than foods high in fat, and less prone to overeating. Foods high in fat can increase energy intake (calories) because they are more energy dense, not as “bulky,” and taste good, leaving eaters desiring more and making it easy to over-consume them. A lifestyle that is high in high-fat foods and low in exercise can lead to weight gain. Carbohydrates, such as pasta, do not make you fat. Consistently overeating calories— whether they’re from carbohydrates, fat, or protein — will make you fat. The only genuine, time-tested principle of healthy, long-term weight loss is to take in fewer calories than your body burns. Low-carb diets may cause cognitive difficulties. Carbohydrates are the only source of fuel that the human brain — the most energy-demanding organ in the body — can use. Muscle cells can burn both fat and carbohydrates, but the brain does not have the “machinery” to burn fat. Depriving the brain of carbs means depriving it of energy — and the shortfall can affect intellectual performance, such as memory and cognitive processing.1 Once the body’s glycogen reserve is exhausted, the brain ends up using ketones, a by-product of the breakdown of fat. Ketones are not the optimal energy source for the brain, and their increase in the body has been shown to impair mental judgment.2 Low-carb diets can make people — especially women — short-tempered. A new study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that the brain produces serotonin — which regulates moods and emotions — only after a person consumes sweet or starchy carbohydrates, in combination with very little or no protein. A shortage of serotonin can lead to mood swings and depression. Eating a healthy pasta meal encourages the brain to make serotonin; eating a steak actually stops it from being produced.3 A Healthier Choice According to the American Dietetic Association, the voice of nutrition in America, there are no good or bad foods — only good or bad diets. At “Healthy Pasta Meals,” a recent Barilla-sponsored conference in Rome, Italy, a team of 38 nutrition scientists from around the world concluded that the “Mediterranean diet” is an excellent choice for maintaining overall health. The Mediterranean diet includes abundant plant foods (such as vegetables and pasta); olive oil; dairy products; fewer than four eggs weekly; fish and poultry in low-to-moderate amounts; red meat in low amounts; and wine with meals, in low-to-moderate amounts. A 2003 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of death from heart disease and cancer.4" (source: http://www.barillaus.com/Dangers_of_LowCarb_Diets.aspx ) Take care of yourselves! and research the effects of your choices!!! XO Leila

That area is where the terminal part of your large intestine is located. With the weight gain and pain in that area, could you be constipated?

When you reduce stress u decrease weight gain for those emotional eaters.

I had my surgery 6/8 as well and everything went well I spent two days in the hospital because I wasn’t taking in enough liquid. The first week out the weight was falling off I was down 17.5lbs fast forward to last week and I gain two pounds. What is going on? I feel like did my surgery not work? Why am I gaining weight? On top of that here’s a list of things I’ve experienced after surgery. Burning in my lower abdomen from the blood thinner shot, gas and burping, weird stomach noises, itchy incisions😩, a yeast infection from the meds they gave me in the hospital😫oh and did I mention WEIGHT GAIN. The struggles are real. Can someone shed some light on the weight gain?

I still have to respectfully disagree with you...if you are on a low carb diet, the white potato (along with foods made with white flour) is not a good choice. The carbs they contain are the ones which lead to the carb high and crash, and for many people that only leads to the craving for additional carbs. The result is a prescription for weight gain. I did not write that white foods are "worthless", only that they are lacking in nutritional value. With a band, everything one eats has to deliver big on nutritional value. Yams (sweet potatoes) have more nutritional value, high Fiber, and are a complex carb, thus a better choice for the low carb diet. The sweet potato is considered to be a potassium super food, ranking well ahead the white potato in nutrition and potassium levels. Other good sources of potassium are yogurt and tomatoes. I'm certain there are more... I'm a label reader, and question the wisdom of the manufacturer to see the list of chemical ingredients added to the over processed foods in general. Why process all of the nutritional value out of the ingredients, and then use chemicals to add some of the nutrition back in? If white bread and white rice are so nutritious, why would so many dietitians and surgeons leave them off their recommended food lists? I find that simple and fresh foods work best for me, and what I was advised to use...I control what, if anything is added to them during preparation, and know what I am eating. It's a simple way to grocery shop; I avoid the middle of the store (only go there to get my coffee...), and avoid the bakery. On the periphery of the store you will find the produce, meat/fish, and dairy products...where the fresh and simple foods are. Your mileage varies...

Every morning. I’ve noticed that my large weight gains in the past are all this mysterious weigh-in free time. I literally have almost a decade of data on MyFitnessPal showing drops in weight then a missing 6 month period that then reappears like 50 lbs heavier...then weight loss for a while, missing time, huge weight gain, etc. I try to stick my head in the sand about weight gain. I need to make it a daily habit or I just stop weighing in and I know where that leads.

Hi All, I am petrified. I was sleeved 4/13. I went from 244lbs to my lowest 139lbs. I must say it was the best thing I've ever done. However, I am almost four years post surgery & I have gained 15lbs. I'm freaking out. I was in a car accident in Nov 2016 & it has slowed me down, I picked back up some bad habits, junk food, fries foods & I'm not working out due to herniated, bulging disc in my neck & back. I've been reading about the pouch reset & was thinking of doing that. Today, I started drinking Slim Fast shakes for Breakfast. I made a cabbage Soup, by the way which is very good. I'm ready to do everything to get 10-15lbs off. Please if you've been through this, share! Give me some advice. Thanks in advance! Chay Weight B4 Sleeve 4/2013: 244lbs Weight 10/2013: 145-150lbs Current Weight: 153lbs Sent from my iPhone using BariatricPal

Having a hard time dealing with the weight gain after getting to my goal of 125... I had Gastric Sleeve on 10/18/2012 Starting weight was 235 and being only 5' 3" it was hard on my body. I decided to have the procedure done after seeing the fantastic results of my father in laws surgery ( he also had the gastric sleeve). I saw results right away and was very happy with how things were progressing. My husband at the time was totally against the surgery and did not even stay with me in the hospital. It was a bummer to say the least that I was so exited to finally feel good about myself and no one to share my success with. I finally reach my goal of 125 in just a few short months. By this time my husband and I had split up and of course he found someone else ( who of course was larger then myself). I was so sad and happy at the same time, I had the body I had been hoping for and my health was improved. A few months later my then ex- husband committed suicide and I fell into a very deep depression and my bad habits came back with a vengeance. I slept to much, didn't exercise and went right back to eating just like before surgery. As you would guess the weight started coming back and quite quickly. It has now been a few years and I've been trying to get back on track. I have lost about 30 lbs of the 80 I gained back and I see no reason to stop now.

I was banded on 11/15/10 and have lost 45 lbs with 35 left to go. We will be taking a 7 day cruise May 7 and I admit I am alittle nervous about the food. I have a signifigant about of restriction which always keeps me alert yet as my Dad used to say sometimes " my eyes are bigger than my stomach." I am hoping to replace that with the joy of being on a nice trip with my 92 year old Dad and my sister. We just lost Mother 2 months ago and decided we needed some good times together. The Lap Band was the one good thing I had going for me when Mother was dying. It made me feel I atleast had control over some aspect of my life and the weight loss rather than weight gain kept me positive in a very trying time.

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes six years ago. The oral meds I took for this time contributed to a 20 lb weight gain over those 6 years. In January 2011, my doctor broke the news that my A1C was too high at 8.4%. I was going to have to increase my meds again. After I balked at the idea of more meds, my doctor suggested that I consider lapband. My wife was banded 5 months earlier in Mexico, so we went off to Mexico again, this time to get me banded. In 5 months, I have lost 60lbs, A1C went from 8.4 to 5.8, BP from 120/75 to 95/60, triglycerides from 335 to 133, cholesterol from 180 to 135. I have much more energy now. I can't believe that I may have to figure out how not to loose more weight in the very near future. That will be a great problem to have. My doctor believes that I can go medication free at my next visit in September.

I'm done. I think I've come to the end of my journey. So I haven't weighed myself since after Halloween. I had lost 13 lbs in 2 months. I got off my diet when I got really sick and was in the hospital for kidney failure. Was told not to drink Protein shakes because my kidneys can't handle the protein right now. I couldn't really exercise, I was a mess. I weighed in at 296 today. I'm back at my starting weight from September. My heart sank. My stomach feels like it's going to fall out of my butt. It took more than 2 months to lose 13 measly pounds and I gained it all back in 3 weeks. I weighed in at the hospital and my doctor said the weight gain could be Fluid retention because I was all swollen. The swelling has gone down immensely and I'm still at a high weight. So I'm just a failure. What's going to happen if during my 6 week Protein shake diet my kidneys fail again and I can't use Protein Shakes? My nephrologist said I will be ok to have surgery and if I have to I can probably push the diet a little sooner to foods but still. I'm a wreck. I'm really scared.

I know four people who have the LapBand. Each lost huge amounts of weight, but hated going in for fills. Three had complications (port infections requiring replacement). One got married and had all the Fluid removed and did not go back for a year and regained 90 of the 100 pounds he lost. The other two also grew weary of fills and stopped after maintaining weight loss for three years and have both regained a significant amount of weight. The final person did well and has no significant weight gain, but has slippage and erosion and is need of removal. Three of the people are now going through the process of revisions to the sleeve. All were afraid of going so drastically but all said they wished they had gone for the sleeve. There is also a man in my support group who has had his band for 8 years, he lost 160lbs but it is now creeping up and he is also going for a revision. It was the my wife, four friends/neighbors and this forum who helped me make the decision to get sleeved. I too was set on the band because it was reversible and less intrusive. My wife wanted me to have a more get it and forget it type surgery that did not require multiple fills. I was sleeved and I am now 65lbs lighter and shrinking after being sleeved on 2/19. My wife and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary next month, and she said this is the best gift I could ever give her. Good luck to you on your journey no matter what you decide. Sent from my iPad using VST