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I am posting an article I just found online from Psychology Today. I am posting it here because this could be a complication of any weight loss surgery, with the lack of carbs we are able to eat after surgery. I am presurgery and struggle with depression NOW, so I am interested in your personal journey or comments about depression you may have experienced AFTER your surgery. Thanks in advance. food that would feed a gnat, weight loss is inevitable. So little food can be eaten at a time that patients are told not to drink Water at mealtime because doing so leaves no room for food. Pounds seem to melt off, leaving the post-operative patients optimistic about improvedsupplements. Eating too much causes severe nausea and pain, another unpleasant but avoidable side effect if the temptation to take one too many bites is overcome. However, some problems don’t disappear as quickly as the weight, and for some, may persist for years. Anxiety, depression and chocolate again might put you into a permanent funk. But the depressions reported both in the scientific literature, and in the hundreds of personal anecdotes on gastric surgery blog sites, suggests otherwise. Some have associated depression with the very low-calorie Protein and supplements to prevent muscle, Vitamin and mineral loss. Even though tryptophan is one of the amino acids making up protein, studies done over several decades at MIT showed that when protein is eaten, little or no tryptophan enters the brain. Low and/or inactive serotonin is associated with depressed mood and anxious mood, sleep is by taking prescription sleep medication,” is not an uncommon description of persistent wakefulness of many post-surgical patients. According to some of their reports, the insomnia lasts for months and even years. Some people reported taking melatonin but in such large doses (the correct dose is 0.3 mg) that it shut off their body’s own production of this hormone and stopped working. Others would attempt to limit the use of prescription drugs for fear of addiction, but eventually give in after several sleepless nights. Would eating more carbohydrates help? Might more serotonin help calm and soothe the mind so it stops racing around like a gerbil on a running wheel and allow sleep to come? No one disputes the life-saving consequence of bariatric surgery as it removes or decreases the many health problems of excessive weight. But unless depressed, insomniac individuals find some way to feel and sleep better, they are a risk for regaining weight and losing their health. Call it an unexpected blindside of a surgery meant to make life easier to begin with.

GASTRIC BALLOON: ReShape Duo Clinical Trials and Report done by: Dr. Jaime Ponce, Hamilton Medical Center, Dalton, GA Here's an article I just found about the Reshape Duo, and the FDA trials done here in the USA to test the Balloon. As we know, the balloon is not yet available in the states, but has been used in other countries for years, with success. In this course of trials there was apparently a 28.5% reduction in excess weight (ex: if I needed to lose 100 lbs, rounding up to 30%, I would have lost 30 lbs from that 100 excess, leaving me 70 lbs left to lose). There was of course a control group and the balloon group. The Duo Balloon is an interesting balloon; it is in 2 parts, to prevent one balloon from going down the intestines if it should happen to collapse. Balloons are filled with a blue liquid so patient can see in their urine, if one of the balloons does collapse and then can go in and have it removed through the mouth. Placement and removal is done through the mouth, and it is kept there for 6 months. Some patients reported nausea and discomfort the first week/s after placement, which went away; some patients' discomfort did not go away, so they had the balloon removed: most kept them in. Some did get gastric abrasions or ulcers from the balloon rubbing against the stomach, that were treated. Please read the article for all the details. http://consumer.healthday.com/vitamins-and-nutrition-information-27/obesity-health-news-505/balloons-in-the-stomach-may-spur-weight-loss-693511.html?related=true&utm_expid=38353063-2.r5ETjFV6SrG5_xobVbsyDw.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fplus.url.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dz%26n%3D1417042866979%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fow.ly%252FDZp9U%26usg%3DCu_VkUY4VjGyUGuEkRbxHMmV8aU.

Warrior, Thank you so much for sharing! I really appreciate your experience and hearing how it went for you. Triss

I appreciate this thread. It has been very informative for me. For those of you pre-surgery folks, reading this thread and wondering if there are other ideas out there, well there are. Here on Bariatric Pal there is a section on other, less invasive methods of weight loss that do not include surgery. OTHER less invasive ideas for Weight Loss: (NO SURGERY) Here's some info on bariatric weight loss medications: What I have found in reading the user reviews I have posted and also doing my own research, is that some folks can lose up to 40 or 50 pounds with medications. Why not try it and follow it up with another method of weight loss? This, for me, seems a real kick-start to my weight loss. Or try it, come off for a while, go back on for more weight loss. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1096-weight-loss-medications-new ---------------------------- Please feel free to go there and have a look around. There are various types of gastric balloons that have been successful and my favorite, alternative procedure, which is going through FDA Trials here, a surgery free procedure that imitates a by-pass and is very successfully being used in other countries. It is called the ENDO BARRIER and you can actually sign up to be in the USA trials of this method. I am NOT associated with any of these bariatric procedures, I am just like you, PRE SURGERY and seeking ideas before venturing into something that you can't 'undo' ... surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/

Please tell us how you are doing... i'm kinda worried about you.

Hi there, Please make it clear which meds you are taking for the past year? This medication (CONTRAVE) has only been approved for usage for weight loss by the FDA since September 2014 (at this time, only available 2 months). Please post under the heading of the medications you are taking, so as not to confuse others that are coming here for research purposes. What are you taking and what strength? If you are, in fact, taking buproprien and naltrexone, separately, which ARE the two that make up this new medication, do let us know the strength, dosage and any side effects that you have had. Very interested to hear about your experience with these two drugs taken together. Thanks in advance, Tristan

Hi there B52, MANY people come to this website to look at the POSSIBILITY of surgery, to research questions and to look at complications as well as the positive results of wl surgery. This website is here to answer those questions, assist us in making decisions, help us bond with each other, and for me, after researching here and seeing here, the complications from the surgical methods of weight loss, this website also suggests other possibilities besides surgery. Haven't you seen many that are here on this website for information and questions about surgery, PRIOR to their surgery? I see many. I am one of them. With your completed surgery, you don't need BOTH surgery and other alternatives, but many people here, after reading complications, problems and issues others are having with their surgeries might want to consider alternative, less invasive bariatric methods of losing their weight. All the methods I have listed and others have listed, including medications, ARE A PART of and under the BARIATRIC HEADING of methods our bariatric doctors use for those wanting to consider weight loss. Some of these methods are experimental in the USA, and some of them are not, but personally, I think it important for everyone to look at what is out there as alternatives, before actually making that permanent surgical step of a major surgery. Not many places on the internet provide you a comprehensive place to look not only at the different bariatric surgeries available, but also the medications and other, less invasive methods of bariatric weight loss. One of the admired bariatric doctors said it himself quite succinctly, that in time, these surgical methods will be considered very primitive and the newer non-invasive medical procedures will be used instead.

Contrave Generic Name: bupropion hydrochloride and naltrexone hydrochloride Date of Approval: September 10, 2014 Company: Orexigen Therapeutics Treatment for: Obesity FDA Approves ContraveNew weight loss option targets both the physiological and behavioral factors associated with obesity. The U.S. food and Drug Administration has approved Contrave for chronic weight management in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. Contrave is a combination of two FDA-approved drugs in an extended-release formulation: naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol) used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, and as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Contrave is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Medication GuideRead this Medication Guide before you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical problems or treatment. Important informationContrave can cause serious side effects, including: Suicidal thoughts or actions. One of the ingredients is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.Stop taking this medicine and call a healthcare provider right away if you, or your family member, have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying new or worse irritability attempts to commit suicide acting aggressive, being angry, or violent new or worse depression acting on dangerous impulses new or worse anxiety an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania) feeling very agitated or restless panic attacks other unusual changes in behavior or mood trouble sleeping (insomnia) During treatment, you or your family members should: Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start treatment or when your dose changes. Keep all follow-up visits with your health care provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms. Contrave has not been studied in and is not approved for use in children under the age of 18. What is Contrave?Contrave is a prescription medicine which contains two medicines (naltrexone and bupropion) that may help some obese or over weight adults, who also have weight related medical problems, lose weight and keep the weight off. It should be used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is not known if it changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke. It is not known if it is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight loss products. It is not known if it is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. It is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation). One of the ingredients, bupropion, is the same ingredient in some other medicines used to treat depression and to help people quit smoking. Who should not take Contrave?Do not take this medicine if you: have uncontrolled hypertension have or have had seizures use other medicines that contain bupropion such as Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin and Zyban have or have had an eating disorder called anorexia (eating very little) or bulimia (eating too much and vomiting to avoid gaining weight) are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids such as methadone or buprenorphine, or are in opiate withdrawal drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines and you stop using them all of a sudden are taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including linezolid. Do not start treatment until you have stopped taking your MAOI for at least 14 days. are allergic to naltrexone or bupropion or any of the other ingredients. See theend of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients. are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking Contrave. Before taking ContraveBefore starting this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you: have or have had depression or other mental illnesses (such as bipolar disorder) have attempted suicide in the past have or have had seizures have had a head injury have had a tumor or infection of your brain or spine (central nervous system) have had a problem with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia) have or have had liver problems have high blood pressure have or have had a heart attack, heart problems, or have had a stroke have kidney problems are diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar have or have had an eating disorder drink a lot of alcohol abuse prescription medicines or street drugs are over the age of 65 have any other medical conditions are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medicine can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should continue treatment or breastfeed. You should not do both. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, Vitamins, and herbal supplements. This medicine may affect the way other medicines work and vice versa, and can cause side effects. Ask your healthcare provider for a list of these medicines if you are not sure. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider or pharmacist when you get a new medicine. How should I take Contrave?How to take Contrave Morning Dose Evening Dose Starting: Week 1 1 tablet None Week 2 1 tablet 1 tablet Week 3 2 tablets 1 tablet Week 4 Onward 2 tablets 2 tablets Take the tablets exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. Do not change your dose without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will change your dose if needed. Your healthcare provider should tell you to stop taking the tablets if you have not lost a certain amount of weight after 16 weeks of treatment. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush. Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot swallow the tablets whole. Do not take more than 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening. Do not take more than 2 tablets at the same time or more than 4 tablets in 1 day. Do not take the tablets with high-fat meals. It may increase your risk of seizures. If you miss a dose, wait until your next regular time to take it. Do not take more than one dose at a time. If you overdose, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away. What should I avoid?Do not drink a lot of alcohol during treatment. If you drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having a seizure. Contrave side effectsSerious side effects include: See Important information Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take this medicine. The risk of seizure is higher in people who:take higher doses have certain medical conditions take this medicine with certain other medicines Do not take any other medicines during treatment unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure, stop taking Contrave and call your healthcare provider right away. You should not take Contrave again if you have a seizure. Risk of opioid overdose. One of the ingredients (naltrexone) can increase your chance of having an opioid overdose if you take opioid medicines. You can accidentally overdose in 2 ways:Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids, such as heroin, methadone or opioid pain medicines. Do not take large amounts of opioids, including opioid-containing medicines, such as heroin or prescription pain pills, to try to overcome the opioid- blocking effects of naltrexone. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death. After you take naltrexone, its blocking effect slowly decreases and completely goes away over time. If you have used opioid street drugs or opioid-containing medicines in the past, using opioids in amounts that you used before treatment with naltrexone can lead to overdose and death. You may also be more sensitive to the effects of lower amounts of opioids:after you have gone through detoxification when your next dose of Contrave is due if you miss a dose after you stop treatment It is important that you tell your family and the people closest to you of this increased sensitivity to opioids and the risk of overdose. You or someone close to you should get emergency medical help right away if you: have trouble breathing become very drowsy with slowed breathing have slow, shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing) feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms Sudden opioid withdrawal. People who take Contrave must not use any type of opioid (must be opioid-free) including street drugs, prescription pain medicines (including tramadol), cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids, or opioid dependence treatments, buprenorphine or methadone, for at least 7 to 10 days before starting Contrave. Using opioids in the 7 to 10 days before you start may cause you to suddenly have symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you take it. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe, and you may need to go to the hospital. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before a medical procedure or surgery. Severe allergic reactions. Some people have had a severe allergic reaction to bupropion, one of the active ingredients. Stop taking this medicine and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction:rash painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes itching hives swelling of your lips or tongue fever chest pain swollen lymph glands trouble breathing Increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may get high blood pressure or have a higher heart rate when taking this medicine. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure and heart rate before you start taking, and while you take Contrave. Liver damage or hepatitis. One of the ingredients, naltrexone can cause liver damage or hepatitis. Stop taking this medicine and tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems:stomach area pain lasting more than a few days dark urine yellowing of the whites of your eyes tiredness Your healthcare provider may need to stop treatment if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem. Manic episodes. One of the ingredients, bupropion can cause some people who were manic or depressed in the past to become manic or depressed again. Visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). One of the ingredients, bupropion, can cause some people to have visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). Signs and symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma may include:eye pain changes in vision swelling or redness in or around the eye Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for angle-closure glaucoma and to get treatment to prevent it if you are at risk. Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines to treat their diabetes. Weight loss can cause low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (such as insulin or sulfonylureas). You should check your blood sugar before you start taking this medicine and during treatment. The most common side effects include: nausea dizziness constipation trouble sleeping headache dry mouth vomiting diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. StorageStore tablets at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. General informationMedicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use this medicine for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms or condition that you have. It may harm them. If you take a urine drug screening test, Contrave may make the test result positive for amphetamines. If you tell the person giving you the drug screening test that you are taking Contrave, they can do a more specific drug screening test that should not have this problem. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information that is written for health professionals. IngredientsActive ingredients: naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose anhydrous, L-cysteine hydrochloride, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, edetate disodium, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, Opadry II Blue and FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake

THIS IS CALLED APPTRIM-D by Physician Therapeutics

great idea... more please

Just me, but please go see your doctor. Maybe others here can have more advice?

This is why i started these topics here... Alternatives to changing your stomach through surgery. Read these topics and u will find the new ideas. Don't forget weight loss medications. If u live near a u.s. hospital or center doing the endobarrier trials u can have one probably for free. Let me know here what u find in your research. There are mexican docs that do the gastric balloon now, some overpriced for now. Please post here your discoveries.

Sending prayers and positive thots your way,dear. Others have had this happen.. And made it through.. U can 2. Please stay here with us and feel free to write your feelings and experiences. So glad they caught it early. I wish i could help u in person. Sending u hugs and moral support... Tristan

Just google endobarrier trials locations usa. They are in many cities.

Please share your experiences with Belviq (locaserin) here. I have included drugs.com patient reviews of this medication, at the top this time, just to switch things up. Important side effects, detailed description of the medication, etc. are placed after the patient reviews. User Reviews for Belviq The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. Learn more Snacks. Eating two Protein shakes for Breakfast and lunch (Medifast and/or Isagenyx) and a lean meat and green salad for dinner. Low carbohydrates and fat diet in general, plenty of veggies and lean meat or eggs. 30 mins of aerobic exercise a day. Like someone said, it's will power in a pill. The only side effect was a headache the first two days and Advil took care of it. I'm naturally a relaxed and happy person, but I do feel a general wellbeing and sleep better. I also felt a little more distracted than usual for a couple days at the beginning but after that nothing else. If you want to lose weight and feel better, try Belviq. Good luck to all! 41 users found this comment helpful. Did you? food plan so easy. Then I started having an urge to urinate frequently that was painful and bothersome. It is a side effect. I called my Dr.and I came in to give a sample. Totally normal. It was the pills. I hadn't taken any pills that day but I drank about a gallon of Water. I started to feel better. It was the water. I'm back on the pills, drink a gallon of water a day, and I've lost 8 pounds. I'm happy with that. No side effects at this time. New prescription ordered. 26 users found this comment helpful. Did you? sleeping better, and lower heart rate and b/p. Great stuff! So grateful for it! 60 users found this comment helpful. Did you? Vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Before taking this medicine You should not use Belviq if you are allergic to lorcaserin, or if you are pregnant. To make sure you can safely take Belviq, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: diabetes; congestive heart failure; a heart valve disorder; sickle cell anemia; leukemia or myeloma; kidney or liver disease; or a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease). Belviq may be habit forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Never share Belviq with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. FDA pregnancy category X. Weight loss during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, even if you are overweight. Do not use Belviq if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether lorcaserin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Belviq. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice. How should I take Belviq? Take Belviq exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. The usual dose of Belviq is 1 tablet 2 times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions. You may take Belviq with or without food. You should lose at least 5% of your starting weight during the first 12 weeks of taking Belviq and eating a low calorie diet. Tell your doctor if you do not lose at least 5% of your starting weight after taking the medication for 12 weeks. Belviq is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Store Belviq at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Belviq is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Do not share Belviq with another person. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide. What should I avoid? This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter weight-loss products without your doctor's advice. Avoid taking cough and cold or allergy medications while taking Belviq. Belviq side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives to Belviq; difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Belviq and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: unusual thoughts or behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness; feelings of standing next to yourself or being outside of your body; thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself; agitation, hallucinations, fever, rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting; very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out; trouble breathing, slow heart rate; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; swelling in your hands or feet; pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, trouble concentrating; body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat; low blood sugar (headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling jittery); breast swelling (in women or men), nipple discharge; or penis erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Less serious Belviq side effects may include: headache; dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired; nausea, constipation; dry mouth, cough; or back pain. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What other drugs will affect Belviq? Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially: cabergoline (Dostinex); ADHD medication; cold or cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant); erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil (Viagra), avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), or vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn); heart or blood pressure medication; insulin or oral diabetes medications; medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder; narcotic pain medication; St. John's wort; tryptophan (also called L-tryptophan); an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); an SNRI antidepressant such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) or venlafaxine (Effexor); an SSRI antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Rapiflux, Sarafem, Selfemra, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), or vilazodone (Viibryd); other antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) or trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro); or migraine headache medicine such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet) or zolmitriptan (Zomig). There may be other drugs that can interact with Belviq. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Where can I get more information?Your pharmacist can provide more information about Belviq.Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Belviq only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

It probably would be a very good idea to call your doctor or whoever is signing this off as a prescription, and explain you need this. my doc is very one on one and would sign this if i asked... but perhaps having it come at them in the mail without your input, they don't know and don't sign. Call your doc and explain it is coming, and please sign. Even tell them perhaps what you are spending and that this would really help. Even the ones that didn't sign, perhaps you can call the doc and explain. One on one really helps with things like this. Also remember, this may very likely be a tax deduction.. it is medically needed. Talk to your tax person.

So sorry for this. Prayers your way!!! As you and others have said, your wls may save your life! My 87yo mom had a fall, what we thought was minor, but she did hit her head, so I took her to ER and with a scan it was found she had a number of blood clots, in she went to the hospital, and she was immediately treated. So sometimes it works out! Radiation can KICK BUtt. sleep girl, sleep. Never was I so hit by a truck as when I had radiation. You can do this... Lots of prayers your way!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry this has happened... In support, triss

Summer, What a honest share! Thanks so much. Hang in there! I so completely identify with it. I remember being happy too.. but it is kind of like a cloud in the past. I have come to a point where I literally have to force myself to exit the house, and I often cannot do it. today my adorable furry boys need food, so I MUST get out for that. I know I isolate. I guess I just feel more comfortable in my own company. I know i am off the scale on the Meyers Briggs for introvert-ism, but I kinda don't think hiding under the blankets is quite what it means. Just know that I appreciated your share, because somehow it helps to know that we are both working on it together. Summer feel free to IM me here. So happy you have a supportive husband and kids. My boss just told me about a free counseling program that I can participate in, so there's that great news. Summer, maybe going back to counseling will be very helpful. Do you have any offered through your work/husband's work?? When I had my excellent medical coverage, mental health was NOT covered, which made me sad. Really pleased to hear about this free coverage that's just a perk I didn't know my company had (and I am part time)! I think counseling can help everyone. I know I am going to call about it on Monday. I appreciate also the helpful advice you were given, and I will read that over a few times. Great support here, guys! Hang in there, Summer!!! in support, triss

What a wonderful idea, thanks for sharing! I wonder if this is similar to pho? I know a lot of my friends are pho fanatics and it is so good on a cool or wintry day (hey, we have snow today in the upper mountains, whoa). Here at least in utah (where we are 5 years behind) you can get it on almost any street... its very popular. Often these restaurants are 'known' by the quality of their broth. They provide you various things to put in the broth, but you certainly don't have to. Maybe next time you are downtown and don't want to make your own, you can try pho and let us know how it works with the sleeve/bypass/band. I am pre op and benefitting by all the wisdom shared here.

oh hellfree i am feeling ya. if you feel a bit uncomfortable there, go to a few different gyms just to see how you feel. in my large city, we have a lot to choose from. I just remember going into a gym, wanting to put a bag over my head, overweight, and kinda crawling home. i felt best about planet fitness (10/month) as even their ads are geared toward normal folk that don't grunt as they lift weights or something. there's also curves. i also loved the idea of swimming to get in shape, so there's that. and if you have no other possibilities, take the advice of these other ladies and just DO IT. i DO want to start weight lifting, so I will be joining you at some future date. in support, triss

FIRST, congrats on your amazing weight loss. I so admire you. I spend time in the Complications area here. I have read so much great stuff, but honestly, I want to know both sides... I WANT TO HEAR because I want to be able to make a decision from all the information gathered. I do spend time googling things like 'failed sleeve surgeries" "percentage of leaks in gastric sleeve surgery" and I would advise you to do the same, as I don't know if those folks are here on this website to share, in that it might be hard for them to admit or even want to talk about it here. You can garner much in Complications area here, though. And google is your best friend to garner more. Personally I would like to see someone start a topic that says, "I wish I hadn't done it and why" Hey, maybe I will, except I haven't done it. Yet.

Get a cuppa.. I have been researching WLS for many years. The band seemed sensible and there were myriad articles about it. The closest I got was attending a bandster bash in Tijuana, talked to others, watched a fill, and interviewed quite a few doctors there. I decided on who I wanted, started getting together with ladies in my area who had the band, then decided to 'give it another try' on my own. Two of my good friends struggled terribly with the band and one was, 2 months ago, finally dragged to the ER by her husband in a near coma state (both my mother and I gave her money, she was very poor). Both had them removed. A dear relative has gained almost all her weight back after a RNY. Another relative almost died from complications months after her bypass. So there's that. Now comes the sleeve and gastric plication. I liked the plication because initially I read that it was reversible. Now I find it really isn't. So, back to the books: I allow myself months of research. Then I came across some studies about 'foot drop', leak rates, and suicide rates in post bariatric surgery patients. That last one was my achilles heel as I struggle with depression. So those are my reasons for WAITING, and doing more research. While I am still very seriously considering the sleeve, and now I have narrowed it down to 3 doctors, much of my research energy is going into new and non invasive bariatric weight loss procedures. Even Dr. Ariel Ortiz (much admired here) states that in future we will look back and see these cutting surgeries as primitive and the Obalon type procedures as more preferred... I promise to go get the exact quote from him. OR go watch the Obalon video I posted from Nightline. I am excited to post these bariatric procedures and my research here on this website. Many are passed European safety trials and are being used in Europe/UK/South America now, but have not yet passed the FDA. Some have trials now going on in the US and some don't, but are available in Mexico or foreign countries. It is true that non-surgical methods may not bring you rapid, huge amounts of weight loss. But I find these non invasive methods can be used more than once, to get a larger amount of pounds lost. I kind of like the idea of no cutting to my tummy. I like the Endobarrier (a sleeve of clear plastic that is placed through your mouth and works like a non surgical bypass, and is removed through your mouth after a period of 3, 6 or 12 months - they are finding it eliminates type 2 diabetes as well)(now in trials in a city near you) and the Obalon (a capsule that is swallowed and turns into a gastric balloon, allowing you to feel satiated...after 3 weeks it is then deflated and removed through the mouth). These procedures are done on an out patient basis by doctors, and have success. It is true that they are not permanent, but for me, I hope after initial weight loss, I can get my 'healthy' on, and use that weight loss as a kick start to get me rolling with new habits. The Endobarrier can be adjusted for greater weight loss, or you can do it again, and the Obalon after the 3 weeks, you can do it again, after a wait i would imagine. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/ Prices seem high now, for these outpatient procedures, but I think these will come down, in time. But can I wait? I am just not sure if I can, thus my continued sleeve interest. But, If I was NEAR a city that was doing the Endobarrier trials, I would be there in a heartbeat.. I have actually considered MOVING to one of the cities for a year to get in on this trial. I am very supportive of everyone's journey here, and may still go with a sleeve, but feel free to have a look at my new research on non invasive or non cutting types of bariatric procedures (link above). I know all the arguments, pro and con. Please respect my outlook, as I respect yours. In support, triss

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is invaluable information for us researching and beginners. in support, triss

Everyone's responses to this almost make me cry. How encouraging. I have had back pain since I broke my back in 1993, and I know the extra 100 lbs. I carry makes it worse. Your comments about that are also very encouraging. in support, tris

Done, also wrote a personal story.