gowalking

I agree. This is likely not related to weight loss at all but possibly musculoskelatal or neurological. Speak with your primary physician immediately.

Hi Sarah. It's more than possible as I too lost all my excess weight on a steady basis. It still took more than a year as I had an awful lot to lose. I never lost more than 3 lbs. in a week, but it was a fairly steady loss of 1-2 lbs. per week. and I also did not get any fills for a long time. Even now..almost four years after being banded, I have less than 5 ccs in the band.
Just know however, that this is NOT typical. Most banded folk...and most WLS folk, regardless of what surgery they got, do not lose weight in a steady fashion. It tends to be in fits and starts...and sometimes you can gain, or get off track. Just as a heads up, I used the myfitnesspal app to track my food. it was a great help to me so consider it as well.
good luck and glad t hear of your success!

Hi Sarah. It's more than possible as I too lost all my excess weight on a steady basis. It still took more than a year as I had an awful lot to lose. I never lost more than 3 lbs. in a week, but it was a fairly steady loss of 1-2 lbs. per week. and I also did not get any fills for a long time. Even now..almost four years after being banded, I have less than 5 ccs in the band.
Just know however, that this is NOT typical. Most banded folk...and most WLS folk, regardless of what surgery they got, do not lose weight in a steady fashion. It tends to be in fits and starts...and sometimes you can gain, or get off track. Just as a heads up, I used the myfitnesspal app to track my food. it was a great help to me so consider it as well.
good luck and glad t hear of your success!

Great idea...to have a regain forum. At my lowest, I was 113 lbs. I'm now at 133. I didn't ever expect to stay at 113 but I do want to be between 120-125. So I'm approximately 10 lbs. more than I'd like. My clothes still fit but some are tight. I don't want to wear tight clothes unless they are tight in the right areas. I REFUSE to buy larger sizes. I just won't go there again and have my closet look like a clothing store...with items in every size.
So, each and every day, I vow to eat clean. Some days I do...and some I don't. I don't consider myself a bad person if I gained...but I adjust if I have seen the scale go in the wrong direction.
Most important, is I remember that I'm mobile and normal sized and can do pretty much anything I want. That was not always the case. I remember that I can catch up to my toddler grandson as he runs around, and can also hang with my teenaged granddaughter while she plays softball and volleyball. Was a time I was unable to fly to see her because of the weight.
Point is...I live my life and it's not based on the number on the scale. If I can't get it to go down..I head back to the doctor for an additional fill. I also reign in what I know are bad choices and start anew.
Sorry for not focusing more on the specifics of weight gain....but I also wanted to note where the focus should be..or at least where I think the focus should be.

I lost 140 lbs. doing a basic Weight Watchers plan. It worked for me and even now that I'm more than three years banded, I still measure my food at home to make sure the amount isn't creeping up. Good luck and see if this works for you too.

While some posters are recommending revisions, I'd say that your issues are emotional rather than the band not working. You've learned how to eat around it and that's the problem. Talk to the doctor, be honest with him or her, and see what he/she says about fills vs. a mind reset so to speak. It might behoove you to consider working with a therapist. I do. She had been banded at one time and understands better than most, how to help me to navigate the world of successful WLS and more importantly, how to maintain that success. Good luck and keep us posted.

While some posters are recommending revisions, I'd say that your issues are emotional rather than the band not working. You've learned how to eat around it and that's the problem. Talk to the doctor, be honest with him or her, and see what he/she says about fills vs. a mind reset so to speak. It might behoove you to consider working with a therapist. I do. She had been banded at one time and understands better than most, how to help me to navigate the world of successful WLS and more importantly, how to maintain that success. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hope everyone has a happy, healthy and sweet new year!

L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem!
Blessings upon you and yours.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What a beautiful picture! You look spectacular. Truly.
Regarding this date and how it impacts you....yesterday was 22 years that my husband passed away. Once again, my son posted the picture of him bringing his daughter to the grave to pay his respects...and to show Alexis off to him. Obviously I can't compare one year to 22 but what I want to do is give you a glimpse into the future. The anniversary date will not be as raw and difficult as it is now. And as time passes, you may use this date to remind yourself how far you've come and how much you still enjoy life even with him not part of it. I don't mean this in a bad way...I mean this to show you that you must keep enjoying your life...as that is what he would have wanted. I know that's what Alan would have wanted. I live my life hoping he is doing so with me...even if it's as a passenger in my heart. I took great satisfaction that 22 years after Alan passed from this world...his wife is doing great. Living the dream so to speak. I also take the same great satisfaction to see that our children went about their business yesterday spending time with their families and also living their lives as they do every day by being wonderful fathers and husbands. This is a better memorial to him than any words or monuments can say. Hang in there dear heart...I know how hard today is for you. Tomorrow will be the start of a new day, and embrace it with joy and enthusiasm as it's the best way you can honor your husband and the love you shared.
Holding you in my heart.
Liz

Hello and good morning my friends. Welcome to Banders #7. So, I guess I'll start it off by saying how grateful I am today and every day for the new lease on life that I have. I walked to the office today from the train station. That was something I couldn't do before the surgery. I always say how light I feel and I realized it's not a state of mind, but a physical reality. We are weighed down by the excess weight and all that goes with it. When we don't rumble and jumble as we walk, our steps are lighter. I was listening to my ipod and started to dance a little as I was walking. I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but who cares? When one is thin, even looking ridiculous seems OK.
I am grateful for my for my beautiful grandson who I was able to tuck into my lap last Saturday morning so we could play while Mommy and Daddy got to sleep in a bit. I'm grateful that I fit anywhere and everywhere. No more worrying if I will break a chair, or be able to navigate a booth at the restaurant, or walk down a narrow aisle without having to suck it all in just to get past someone/something.
I'm grateful for my health. I take alot of pills, but many of them are supplements and not prescription for chronic ailments. I'm grateful that I can walk again...that I can swim, bike, climb, and yes....enjoy sex. I am surprised at how flexible I can be now that I'm thin.
I'm grateful that I earn enough money that I can indulge my new found love of shopping. I really think I'm one of the best dressed ladies in the office these days...and I know I've upped the game for others. I am definitely seeing more dresses than I did a year ago.
I'm grateful to Alex for having this site available...and I'm grateful to all the folks on it who are part of my success. I know I would not have been as successful as I have been if not for all of you. I talk about things here that I don't talk to anyone else about. You all know the struggles of being fat, and immobile, and feeling like a failure regardless of what we've accomplished..and I know now how much we 'hidden' people have accomplished. It's helping me to not turn that self hatred towards others still struggling with obesity. It also reminds me that I will always struggle with obesity. Under this thin person still lurks the fat girl. She is the one who whispers in my ear all the time that I'm not worthy of the good things out there and I should just order a pizza and eat the whole thing. She and I clash daily and it's why I still go every Tuesday to the therapist who listens and helps me to navigate this new world I inhabit.
Well...I think I've posted enough for today. Feel free to comment on the above, or share your stories, or say hi, or just lurk. Enjoy your day today...enjoy the upcoming holiday, and looking forward to a wonderfully robust Banders #7 thread.
Liz

Help keep us "newbies" motivated as we navigate through all of the pre-op requirements. What can you do now that you couldn't do before?
You've read about some of the physical things people can do that they couldn't before. Let me tell you about the other stuff. How about being able to look people in the eye knowing there is nothing they can comment on or make a face at that they might have before. How about feeling comfortable enough to talk to people, or go on a date, or assert yourself, or apply for a job you may not have before. How about feeling normal or even good about how you look. How about not worrying about what others are thinking, how about seeing something in the window of a store and knowing you can go in there and try it on. How about just the fact that you are even in the mindset to be looking at all at something in the window because you want to be noticed...and not for the wrong reason.
Shall I go on? Yes...the physical stuff is wonderful. I'd be one to know as I once was unable to walk more than a few steps before having to sit again. But along with being able to move better, or fit somewhere better...how about feeling like you fit into this world and not just into a seat.
I feel blessed every day since having my surgery because I checked out of life for a long time and am doing everything I want and hope that I can make up for the years I just existed.
Hope that's enough motivation for the newbies. If not, I have a list a mile long. Welcome to the forum!

THAT...is a gorgeous dress! Oh and the body inside it isn't bad either...

Help keep us "newbies" motivated as we navigate through all of the pre-op requirements. What can you do now that you couldn't do before?
You've read about some of the physical things people can do that they couldn't before. Let me tell you about the other stuff. How about being able to look people in the eye knowing there is nothing they can comment on or make a face at that they might have before. How about feeling comfortable enough to talk to people, or go on a date, or assert yourself, or apply for a job you may not have before. How about feeling normal or even good about how you look. How about not worrying about what others are thinking, how about seeing something in the window of a store and knowing you can go in there and try it on. How about just the fact that you are even in the mindset to be looking at all at something in the window because you want to be noticed...and not for the wrong reason.
Shall I go on? Yes...the physical stuff is wonderful. I'd be one to know as I once was unable to walk more than a few steps before having to sit again. But along with being able to move better, or fit somewhere better...how about feeling like you fit into this world and not just into a seat.
I feel blessed every day since having my surgery because I checked out of life for a long time and am doing everything I want and hope that I can make up for the years I just existed.
Hope that's enough motivation for the newbies. If not, I have a list a mile long. Welcome to the forum!

Fantastic! What a dress...and you look spectacular in it. I hope the hubby couldn't keep his hands off you!

You will look back on this and be soooo happy you went through with it. I felt just like you did....terrified and full of doubt. I'm three years banded now and have gotten my life back. Truly. I was heading towards living my life in a wheelchair because I had such terrible joint pain. This past summer, I rode a bike through all the Royal Parks when I went to London on vacation. Yup...I'll say it again...I GOT MY LIFE BACK!!
Good luck. You will do great.
PS: sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words. This is me before WLS and after.

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There are two types of bariatric patients. Those who are chomping at the bit to get the surgery and get going, and those who have fear, cold feet, buyers remorse... however you want to put it. All I can say being on the other side for coming up to four years banded in January, is.....do it man! All the nonsense with timing, appointments, family stuff, personal stuff, whatever...is just that. Nonsense.
Don't procrastinate my friend. Jump into the deep end. Believe me...you will be in such a better place a year from now. Why delay that? And so you know...I went into this kicking and screaming. I would have done anything to avoid it but my back was against the wall as I was heading towards a wheelchair full time. This is me just over a year ago and the before pic was easily 50 lbs. less than I was day of surgery. So..not only no wheelchair in that picture, but here I was riding a friggin' bike in preparation for a trip to London...which included a ton of walking. So believe me when I say that the grin you see is 'gen-you-wine' happiness. Time for you to have your happiness too.
Good luck!!

Therapy my friend, therapy. I had the same thing happen to me and had no idea how to live life like a normal sized person as I had been overweight and then obese for several years. I'm still dealing with it and truthfully think at times that I will always see myself as a fat girl. I look in the mirror alot. And I take alot of pictures. My sister thinks I've become self absorbed, but it's not that at all. I need confirmation of my new size and photos help alot. Oh and I added a before/after picture so you can see what I've been dealing with. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Sweetie...here's what I did to lose the weight. I kept track of every single thing that went in my mouth via the myfitnesspal app...and I followed a basic WW type of plan...3 oz Protein, 1/2 cup veggies, 1/4 cup carbs. That and some exercise...not tons, but enough to keep me moving. Hope that helps some.

Honestly...all you can do during such a stressful time is not go totally off the rails. Keep on with the support system(s) you have in place and know that we have your back as much as possible in this virtual world we are in.

Honestly...all you can do during such a stressful time is not go totally off the rails. Keep on with the support system(s) you have in place and know that we have your back as much as possible in this virtual world we are in.

I can't help you with a recommendation as I am no where near your area...but I can say that you need a supportive PCP immediately. This doctor is wrong wrong wrong about WLS.
Telling you to 'eat right and exercise' is the same as having someone tell you to just 'walk away' from the table. That's so NOT helpful and it's more than that. At best, it's condescending and to me, I'd say she is potentially doing you harm by not having your best interests at heart and instead is showing her own ignorance and prejudice.
Stupid doctor....

When I graduated from high school I was a size 13 and thought I was fat. Now 26 years later, I am in a size 14 pants and I couldn't be more thrilled. 99 pounds gone and healthier than I was in high school. just over 2 weeks until I run a 10 mile race! (my first - although last weekend I ran more than 11 miles) Happier and more self confident than ever.
I even started teaching again this week. (I left teaching 9 years ago, not related to my weight, but...the time was right and I am now teaching ESL once a week. Can't believe how much I missed it.) I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or energy to try teaching after working a full day if I had even thought about it a year ago. I even interviewed last week on the phone for a more teaching focused position. I am just waiting to hear if I am being asked back for a second interview. Getting the job would mean moving 150+ miles to a small town, albeit near where I graduated from high school, and essentially starting over. The thought thrills me! I've stayed in the job I have now for 4 years, about 2 longer than I should have, because it was safe, but now...
Is this all related to my WLS? No, but do I have the confidence and energy to even pursue these big dreams because of the surgery? Yes, most definitely.
pam
Actually Pam...I'd say that all of this is related to your WLS. It's the source of your newfound confidence and energy and I think all this good stuff can be traced back to the weight loss.
I still find it so amazing when I read stories about how people have literally claimed their lives back. And I'm not talking about just the obvious physical aspects. We all know that carrying less weight opens up a whole new world of pushing ourselves physically. It can mean anything from getting out of a wheelchair or off a cane, to running a marathon.
But...the stories about reclaiming our lives...that's what is so exciting. Sometimes it's hard. I've seen lots of posts about leaving bad relationships but it takes a strong person to do what is necessary. Losing the weight helps to make us strong. Or like yourself....going for a new position/leaving a position we stayed in because it was safe... Hell...there are dozens and dozens of stories like this and it makes me so proud of the people I've met here. THIS is the goal of WLS. Not what we weigh but what we do to embrace our lives with the extra weight gone.
Great story Pam...so inspiring!

I guess I was living in a bubble for a long time as I was so not aware of how many of us live with chronic pain. I still remember when my doctor did that stupid pain scale and I said my pain on one particular visit was 4-5 and he said it looked to him like my pain level was worse based on how I was walking/sitting, etc.
I reminded him that pain was subjective and since my highest pain was more than most people could bear, my version of a 4-5 would likely immobilize someone not used to living this way.
I do my best to not have it impact my life...or impact it as little as possible.
I'm glad this thread is here...to get input and advice and just comfort in knowing I'm not alone in dealing with this.