wickedme

I was already excepted into the program and they have my medical history. They won't except you if you have chron's, or bowel resections. I am in the northeast also and was concerned about the intestinal issues so was straight forward with them about it.

I have had diverticulosis since I was a very young.. My mother and some of my siblings also. Because of it I have had to eat a high fiber diet and wondered if the lap band will make a difference. The IBS is pretty constant too if I don't eat right.. I know I can ask these questions at the doctors but would like to hear some personal responses.. It would be great to be rid of those episodes of pain and nausea and lose weight.

I have plantar Fasciatis also, excrutiating until last summer doc made me a heal insert for my shoes. I got the one I could exchange in different shoes and it has been amazing.. I know a lot of other people have tried the night splints, cortizone etc.. I did too, this is what works and is still working for me Talk to a podiatrist about making them for you, it really saved me.. I'm so sorry you were denied. It a fear we all have had at some time I am sure,, Hope there is something you can do.. hugs

That was a great reply Allie, I haven't even gotten a date and felt like I should be eating all kinds of stuff because I won't be able to again..Crazy thinking, and I know it.. I find that the more I explain how the band is really a tool to help me, and not to stop me from eating entirely it is starting to sink in. The all liquid does frighten me.. Can you drink yogurt drinks and thin soups or is it all just Clear Liquids??

Hopefulmom,, I have been getting an pedicure and manicure about every 6 to 8 weeks.. its not always in the budget but I too have ignored myself since having kids. I also started wearing makeup daily again, and because I hate spending time on my hair (and don't have time to) I got a short messy cut thats easy to deal with and still a little stylish. I also used to reward myself with food items for things accomplished, (inherited from my mother) I stopped doing it with my kids last year, but just realized lately I was doing it for myself... I grab a magazine or a book instead of something to eat.. Enigma... Someone else told me recently to start dreaming about what you want to do when you lose the weight, or a wish list of things you want to do or accomplish. Like a pair of jeans that fit, go dancing without being self conscious,, playing with my kids without wanting to die!! You have all done amazing things,, thanks for the feedback!

I went to my regular dietician today because I am still waiting for my first appointment date. We talked a lot about what to do when hunger strikes and you know you shouldn't really be hungry.. She said I needed to have a "basket full" of things to sidetrack my thoughts. Things that make ME calm and happy, reading, walking, scrapbooking etc.. We also talked about the EGO part of the brain,, the voice in your head that makes you worry or overthink things, obsess about food and diet to a point where you just give in.. She said when you are in a relaxed mood, doing something calming that makes you happy that voice stays quiet and in the back of your mind. I have come to recognize that its anxiety and stress that makes me overeat. I clean when angry and shut down and sleep when depressed,, but when I am worried or anxious I head to the fridge. I have had a lot of stress in my life for the past 15 years with little to no refuge from it at all.. Yesterday I was worried about my husband driving in bad weather to take my daughter to Grandmas, and pick my son up and bring him home. Our vehicle started having issues and hubby made the mistake of telling me. I was worried all afternoon for the 4 hours he was gone.. I had just eaten a Lean Cuisine meal, and had a horrible time staying away from the fridge. Once they got home we had dinner and I inhaled my food and felt like total crap, and then had a bad case of reflux.. I don't want to keep going through that so I am getting my "basket" prepared and writing my alternatives down in a journal. She mentioned that a study done on gastric bypass patients showed a large percentage of people who were not counseled before surgery or who never dealt with their inner eating issues turned their need for food into a need for alcohol, drugs, sex and other addictions. That is a very scarey thought and I don't want it to happen to me! What is your new Focus??

Hi all, I'm from Maine and will be going to MMC/Casco Bay Bariatrics. I have been excepted into the program just waiting for my first appointment to be sceduled for my psyche evaluation, then dietician. I am also trying to be patient but find myself racing for the mailbox everyday after work.. have instructed DH and kids to leave it alone so they don't lose my mail!!! how was your experience with Casco Bay Alana??

Seems we all have so much in common for so many different reasons.. I grew up with two loving parents, the youngest of 8 kids. It deffinately wasn't a perfect childhood, but I truly have nothing to complain about, except that the only thing in abundance besides my mothers love was food. She and my dad both lived through the depression and went without a lot. My dad had acres of garden that he tended himself with a little help from some of us kids so there was never a shortage of fresh vegetables or fruit in summer and fall. We ate balanced meals finished off with homemade Cookies, pies and other deserts. I was always active as a child, and not fat, but always taller and bigger then all the other girls till High School when I stopped growing up and started growing out.. My real weight issues started around my early 20's. Random sleeping habits, late night meals, partying.. I gained and lost the same 40 lbs reapeatedly till a few years after my daughter was born, then it wasn't so easy. I started having female problems and became less active. I had my son after months of bedrest at age 31 and everything went to hell after that. I went through a depression because of the situation with my step daughter and her problems, money problems, health issues and just general unhappiness. Anti depressants made me worse, cooking made me feel great. I had always loved to cook, but it became and obsession. I was stuck at 240, but dealing with it. After a much needed hysterectomy I gained another 47 lbs from HRT.. I have been trying to get this weight off since 06 and just can't seem to keep it off. My health is really taking a toll and I don't know the person I am becoming. To summarize.. I was taught to clean my plate,, I love food and eat almost anything, I don't know how to eat just a little, I do great during the day, but if I don't go to bed early I will pick for hours.. I don't eat when I'm sad or mad, but unconciously reward myself with food for many different reasons. I have no control over what bad genes I am passing to my children, but want to teach them how to be healthy so they don't have to look forward to this later.

I finished all the paperwork and have been excepted into a Bariatric Sugery Program in Maine. I haven't gotten my first appointment yet and am trying to be patient about it. I am seeing a dietician at my lipid Drs. office, but haven't done very well this past two weeks.. I have had some really strange hunger pains since changing my reflux meds. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with things, making excuses as to why I didn't exercise everyday, mostly because my kids were gone and I didn't have anyone to motivate me. I have an appointment for a weigh in on Monday and am dreading it.On the other hand, I walked 1.5 miles in a parade for my daughters softball team after admitting that the only reason I didn't want to go was because I didn't want all those people I never see to see me. I admitted it to my friend and fellow coach and I think she was shocked. My other excuse was my still healing broken leg which is a valid complaint, but I survived it. I am getting some mixed reactions from people about the upcoming surgery. I have had very few reactions of "go for it" from the people closest to me. I know most of it from my family is just general concerns, but isn't that the whole point of the drastic life change?? I'm already seeing the effects of being overweight. I hate that look that people can't hide that says,, well why don't you just stop eating.. I think I have thought that before myself, but obviously if I could do it and stick to it I wouldn't still be fat right? I have started the conversation right off with " I am going to have the Lap Band Surgery,,, because I don't want to have a stroke or heart attack" It pissess me off that people have to be so judgemental before they even listen to what you have to say:cursing:. My other struggle is finding a support person who is supportive not a food police. Every non essential bite I take brings on guilt and self beatings, I don't need anymore of that verbally. I want someone to say, "you ready for that walk?" or hey I found a great place for salads!.. lol I do have one friend who wants to walk with me, but I can't talk to her about the surgery because she truly believes I can just do it all on my own. In a perfect world that might be true, but I really need some help. I had an appointment with shrink that I had made on my own to talk about anxiety attacks. She doesn't want to put me on meds which I am happy about, but wants me to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to help me work through them and control them on my own. I am also trying some Omega-3's and multi B vitamin to see if it helps.. Its been a week and I feel a little less tense, but my kids were also gone for a week for the first time for more then 2 days ever so I didn't have that kind of stress to deal with. I am going to work harder this week to be better about the amount of food I am eating, and will not eat out at all if possible..

I finished all the paperwork and have been excepted into a Bariatric Sugery Program in Maine. I haven't gotten my first appointment yet and am trying to be patient about it. I am seeing a dietician at my lipid Drs. office, but haven't done very well this past two weeks..:sad: I have had some really strange hunger pains since changing my reflux meds. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with things, making excuses as to why I didn't exercise everyday, mostly because my kids were gone and I didn't have anyone to motivate me. I have an appointment for a weigh in on Monday and am dreading it.On the other hand, I walked 1.5 miles in a parade for my daughters softball team after admitting that the only reason I didn't want to go was because I didn't want all those people I never see to see me. I admitted it to my friend and fellow coach and I think she was shocked. My other excuse was my still healing broken leg which is a valid complaint, but I survived it.:smile: I am getting some mixed reactions from people about the upcoming surgery. I have had very few reactions of "go for it" from the people closest to me. I know most of it from my family is just general concerns, but isn't that the whole point of the drastic life change?? I'm already seeing the effects of being overweight. I hate that look that people can't hide that says,, well why don't you just stop eating.. I think I have thought that before myself, but obviously if I could do it and stick to it I wouldn't still be fat right? I have started the conversation right off with " I am going to have the Lap Band Surgery,,, because I don't want to have a stroke or heart attack" It pissess me off that people have to be so judgemental before they even listen to what you have to say:cursing:. My other struggle is finding a support person who is supportive not a food police. Every non essential bite I take brings on guilt and self beatings, I don't need anymore of that verbally. I want someone to say, "you ready for that walk?" or hey I found a great place for salads!.. lol I do have one friend who wants to walk with me, but I can't talk to her about the surgery because she truly believes I can just do it all on my own. In a perfect world that might be true, but I really need some help. I had an appointment with shrink that I had made on my own to talk about anxiety attacks. She doesn't want to put me on meds which I am happy about, but wants me to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to help me work through them and control them on my own. I am also trying some Omega-3's and multi B vitamin to see if it helps.. Its been a week and I feel a little less tense, but my kids were also gone for a week for the first time for more then 2 days ever so I didn't have that kind of stress to deal with. I am going to work harder this week to be better about the amount of food I am eating, and will not eat out at all if possible..

Thanks I chatter,, had to spill today and it felt good to just dump and be done with it.. Very good words of wisdom and info. The doctors in the bariactric practice I am going through have a very strict curriculum that they follow, and are very cocky about their percentage of successful outcomes.. I like that, but it terrifies me at the same time. It is why I picked them, because I don't want to have the surgery and not have it work to my full advantage. They demand you keep follow up appointments and have a contract you sign.. Of course they can't make you show up, but will be less likely to go out of their way should you need their assistance if you don't follow through with the requirements. I am going to a therapist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to resolve any issues now. I don't have any compulsive eating habits, just always have a clean plate!! I think once I have a date for the first few appointments I really will feel like its real and will get back on track and stay on track. I want to learn some of the eating habits now so that it isn't so hard later.. I have done a bit of dreaming of what could be, but went to the old mode of "don't get ahead of yourself".. I guess that way of thinking needs to go,,, right now.. I will start envisioning myself dancing again, and playing outside with my kids and not feeling like I'm going to pass out... Hope to see your post on your first appt...

I have told most of my family,, all but one so far thinks I should do it. They know how hard I have tried, and our family medical history is scarey at best. I have a cousin who is becoming disabled with back issues and called this morning to say he has decided to get the lap band surgery, so he can have the back surgery.. Friends?? The ones I have told immediately start making excuses why they can't do it?? Others have tried to talk me out of it or made comments like,, "that will suck if your thinner then me..??" Hope I'm not that kind of friend is someone needs me to listen.. One friend wants to know how it goes because shes interested in it. Since the weird responses I haven't really told anyone else, or talked about it with anyone except the doctor who felt that the friends and family with strange responses were intimidated in some way.. I don't know why they would be, but I guess it is possible. I think that my husband is a little afraid of the outcome because we have had some issues. I have lost a lot of confidence in myself and am much more passive, I know that will change.

ELAIN:::: I can relate to that as well. My grandmother was very obese.. She would not have her picture taken at my parents wedding because she didn't want to "ruin" the photos.. It devestated my mother, expecially since she died 4 years later. I only have a few photos of her,, I don't want to relive that history for my children.. My mother in law made a point of saying she didn't take my picture at the family reunion because she didn't want to embarrass me??

My strawsssss... There are many since my doc suggested it in Feb and I turned it down.. My risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes.. Not wanting to go out and be social, fear of never being "ME" again.. Loss of interest in things that were important to me because they are too difficult.. my chin and breast suffocating me when I put on socks and shoes...................My son saying I was too chubby, my husband ignoring me, not letting anyone take pictures of me, or deleting them for the past 5 years... I'm the family Geneologist and the only one without a current photo... Lellow,, your story is like mine,, finally started getting control of myself, calorie counting and exercise and I broke my leg.. One of my brothers cried in the hospital because he knew how hard I had been trying, swimming in his pool every morning for an hour and walking... It will be a year in August 08 and I am just now able to stand on one foot without severe pain.. My leg will bother me and keep me from really working out until I lose some of the weight. Vegasgirl.. sooo funny and inspiring.. I too have had the same response in the mirror.. I see myself as a chubby but cute woman pushing 40, until a see three chins in a photo and someone I don't know at all.. I want my life back!

The Bariatric center I am going to go through has a requirement that you need a specific support person.. My sister and a close friend both went to the seminar with me, and I have a husband also.. My sister immediately started naming off all the things I was going to have to change before we even left the building, one being junk food in the house.. which I can't afford, and can't and haven't eaten for more then two years, along with other comments.. My friend called me 2 days after the seminar to tell me she wasn't going through with it because her friend was in the hospital with an ulcer and had to have the band removed... Her friend never quit smoking even after she was aware of the ulcer, and never followed what the doctor told her from the beginning.. Then there is my husband,, I explained to him what the doctors are requiring and that if he wasn't up for it to tell me now.. His biggest concern with this is hes afraid I will get angry if I can't eat what I want to eat??? what?? He said, well yeah, I'll do what you need me to, and in the same sentence started instructing me on nutrition.. (from the man who eats all his daily calories between 6pm and 11 pm) This irritated me and made me laugh at the same time... "I said support, I have a nutritionist and a nagging concience", listening, exercising with me, bringing home fruit instead of icecream, going for a walk,, arghhhh.............. I don't know if he can get it together for me, and my only other option is someone who has their own stuff going on.. Any suggestions on how to make loved ones understand what you need from them?? I'm beginning to think my 11 yr old daughter is my best option!!

From previous surgery experience,, they like to see the nail bed. its one of the best signs that all is well with you blood flow and the anestesia.. I have been asked to remove polish every time,, would agree with other comment about the bacteria issue too.. fake nails carry a lot of it!

I decided to go through with the surgery some time in MAY and went to a required seminar in June. Got all my paperwork I needed to sign, no pregnacy, smoking, etc. in July,, now just waiting for my first appointment which is with the shrink.. I was totally into this and determined to lose some weight, recording everything I eat,, (for current dietician) and was exercising again.. Now that I'm just waiting for an appointment I'm slipping, how do I stay motivated. The surgery program I am going to put a new notice on their site today, that they are making almost everyone go on a pre diet even if your insurance doesn't require it,, mine doesn't, and that if you gain weight they will postpone your surgery.. I am terrified.. :eek: I have been struggling with weight gain since my hysterectomy(been overweight since early 20's). I stopped gaining when I stopped taking HRT but I have been unable to lose any.. I am swimming regularly, and know I should be doing some more exercising, but I'm eating less then I ever have and still can't lose.. My clothes fit better but these doctors go by the scale not by inches.. I am curious if after meeting with the shrink, and the dietician that I will feel like there is an end to the waiting and it will motivate me to exercise more and do better,,, did this happen for anyone?? Did anyone feel really pumped about the life style change and get really excited about it.. Lately I have found myself getting more depressed about my weight then I ever have before.. I hate going anywhere, and have resorted to long flowing skirts instead of shorts this summer, and hate to go swimming in public.. I have never cared about any of this before... I know that if they called tomorrow and said I was scheduled for surgery I would not be mentally prepared,, I really feel like I need some guidance. I am truly eating the right foods 95% of the time, but am physically hungry all the time and its driving me crazy.. I have just started taking a new generic form of prilosec for GERD and have had weird stomach pains and pangs since.. Could this be the source of my hunger?? It is making it even harder for me to not give in to overeating and its exhausting me mentally. I have an appointment with the dietician and my PCP next week and will definately ask them what to do,, (drinking Water today when feeling strange) On a lighter note I have been checking things off of my pre op check list.. Went to a shrink on my own for anxiety and she agreed with me that anti depressants won't work... they make me bi polar (its actually a real diagnosis) I am going to see a Behavioral Therapist for my anxiety and panic attacks.. I have more anxiety then panic due to high stress at home and life in general so I am going to learn some coping skills, and hopefully will be able to teach them to my children and avoid them going through what I am,, and what my mother did. I also am having some long overdue dental work done,, need to chew my food more:biggrin: I was going to apologize for the ramble, but will just thank anyone for taking the time to read this!!! I am having a difficult time finding a support person who will stick with me through this, and not try to police me!!! But that is another issue...

Please be very careful and well advised as to why you are bleeding so heavily. It was suggested by my doctor to have the marena put in, I had a bad feeling about it and refused.. Following my gut instinct saved my life because I had adenomyosis, bleeding between the inner and outer lining of the uterus, the marena could have punctured it. I had a complete hyterectomy,, lost after, but gained 47 lbs from HRT.. Whatever you decided to do, make sure they have done extensive ultrasounds before you go forward. This may not be the case for you but better safe then sorry

Thank you all for your ideas.. I had forgotten about the unflavored jello,, have some in my cupboard.. My mom used to make her own with 100% juice for weightwatchers.. The artificial sweeteners seem to make my reflux worse so I stay away from them.. I too water down juices a lot because I don't like the sweetness.. Weird because I very rarely pass up chocolate cake ?? Lately me and sugar are not friends, it makes me nauseous, I have replaced the cravings with cheese.. now I need to go to lowfat cheese.. ughhh Thanks again,, any help is good help!

I really don't like sweeteners at all, but is there any kind of Jello or anything that doesn't have them.. I would rather drink it in the raw then have that stuff in it.. I drink coffee no surgar, ice tea unsweetened, am I going to have to buy a juicer?? Ahhhh The only time I can tolerate a sweetener is in a diet pepsi or Dr. Pepper which I probably have 4 times a year.. I know that broths don't have sugars, but what else is out there?? I'm trying to prepare myself mentally now for what is to come and this happens to be one of my concerns. I've even tried splenda, but unless you use it in something totally acidic like applesauce with cinnamon to hide it, it still tastes bad.. Which brings up another question, I read somewhere that most people can't tolerate cinnamon??? why is that?? I have IBS and diverticulosis so I can understand why popcorn and other things will cause pain, but not a spice like cinnamon.. Maybey I will have to browse through the natural food section for something tasteless.. lol...I guess my hubby was right about being nervous about my food anger issues lol...:incazzato:

You are inspiring to us all..:driving: I too have had surgeries, c-section, abdominal hernia repair that turned out to be endometriosis and c section adhesions, total hysterectomy, broken tib/fib, ... My docs said this would be nothing compared to them, and I have had to reassure my husband of this. I couldn't lift a gallon of milk after hyst do possibility of adhesions for 4 weeks. Family and friends gave me crap about everyone they knew doing things before I did, but I don't have scar tissue or complications and its been 2 years.. I had never heard of the liver issues until now, but know that when I had an ultrasound two years ago they mentioned my was large and had spots on it,, why didn't they tell me what caused it?? No one mentioned it was because I was overweight,, I guess I really need to start the pre diet pre diet or I won't get a gold star...:incazzato: Hope you healing is uneventful,, wishes of willpower and determination to you:biggrin:

I am just in the beginning phases of this, but am making lists of things I need to do to make this successful, one of them is deffinately portion control and cutting out the unnecessary foods in my current diet.. Of course I have done this before to no success or have gained the weight back, but its to set some goals so that when I get to that surgery date I won't be so overwhelmed with having to stop eating everything I like or crave.. I have found myself really overeating these last few days, like its a now or never thing.. (since getting the go ahead from my PCP) Today is a new day, will get my head back on track and get some walking in too.. Is it two weeks for the prediet?? My insurance doesn't require the six months, and I have already been seeing a nutritionist for a year... for that matter for the past 8 years... Congrats and best wishes Lissap

Tammy, This is all interesting to me because I have a hiatal hernia and severe reflux.. was hoping to do away with the reflux meds once I stopped over eating.. how big was your hernia and what did they do to fix it? Is it possible to have a hernia where the band goes so that you wouldn't be able to get banding? so many questions lol

I guess it all began with two awesome parents with really bad genes.. Three of four grandparents had diabetic issues, all four had heart issues, one was severely obese and died at 55, leaving me without an awesome grandmother! Two of my five brothers had heart attacks and seven stints between them at age 50, one of them is diabetic, another brother and a sister have Afib, one of them has had Ablation twice.. Hereditary high cholesterol in all but 2 of the eight kids, one is a vegetarian and always tired, the other has chrons disease,, great bunch huh?? My dad never drank or smoked, but never had his cholesterol checked and had a heart attack at age 75 on my daughters first Christmas. My mom passed away in a car accident, but struggled with her weight from 40 to 55. It took her two years to lose 80 lbs through weight watchers but she did it and kept it off for 8 years before she passed. It was right around the time that I had really started gaining. I had a 4 month miscarriage and let the sadness get the best of me. I didn't take that weight off, and more piled on. I was pushing 240, and met my hubby. We were partying, I was a bartender, dancing and never eating and lost 25 lbs.. and got pregnant.. I gained 58 lbs with my 10 lb daughter,, I suffered through two more miscarriages between them, lost about 20 lbs and be came pregnant with my son. I was about 268 when I delivered him at 9lb 12.5 oz,, I lost some of that, but my female problems were taking over my life. After 5 years of misery I had a complete hysterectomy. I was convinced that this would end my weight cycle once and for all. I was going to have this surgery to save my life and my sanity and lose the weight. I started walking daily, seeing a dietician, and was really into it,, I lost eight lbs, and it took me 4 months to do it.. very discouraging.. still convinced my female problems were the root of it all I had the hyst.. A week later I was down to 242,, extatic and proud of it.. Live was grand, no complications and healing wonderfully.. We bought a pool and I started swimming everyday along with the walking.. Went to the docs, stepped on the scale and I was 250,, what??? Bad scale, water retention, I would be find.. Kept at the calorie counting and exercise,, felt sluggish, went back to docs,, 260 in 3.5 weeks.. I told them I wanted off the HRT,, they said no, we need to up the dose, thats your problem.. I started having hot flashes, mood swings, panic attacks and headaches.. went back to the docs at 6 month mark,, I weighed in at 289:scared2:, I was devestated. I told them I was going off HRT and every med I was taking to stop the gaining. They disagreed with me and said it would make it worse,, I did it anyway and never gained another pound... but never lost any either.. I have been fluctuation between 283 and 289, but never less in 1 yr 9 months. So here I am, considering and being considered for the lap band.. I don't know where this is going or how it will end, but I do know that with 304 cholesterol,, bordering sugar levels, apnea, gerd, hiatal hernia, incontinence when coughing, back and leg pain, potential heart risk, I have to look into this.

I guess it all began with two awesome parents with really bad genes.. Three of four grandparents had diabetic issues, all four had heart issues, one was severely obese and died at 55, leaving me without an awesome grandmother! Two of my five brothers had heart attacks and seven stints between them at age 50, one of them is diabetic, another brother and a sister have Afib, one of them has had Ablation twice.. Hereditary high cholesterol in all but 2 of the eight kids, one is a vegetarian and always tired, the other has chrons disease,, great bunch huh?? My dad never drank or smoked, but never had his cholesterol checked and had a heart attack at age 75 on my daughters first Christmas. My mom passed away in a car accident, but struggled with her weight from 40 to 55. It took her two years to lose 80 lbs through weight watchers but she did it and kept it off for 8 years before she passed. It was right around the time that I had really started gaining. I had a 4 month miscarriage and let the sadness get the best of me. I didn't take that weight off, and more piled on. I was pushing 240, and met my hubby. We were partying, I was a bartender, dancing and never eating and lost 25 lbs.. and got pregnant.. I gained 58 lbs with my 10 lb daughter,, I suffered through two more miscarriages between them, lost about 20 lbs and be came pregnant with my son. I was about 268 when I delivered him at 9lb 12.5 oz,, I lost some of that, but my female problems were taking over my life. After 5 years of misery I had a complete hysterectomy. I was convinced that this would end my weight cycle once and for all. I was going to have this surgery to save my life and my sanity and lose the weight. I started walking daily, seeing a dietician, and was really into it,, I lost eight lbs, and it took me 4 months to do it.. very discouraging.. still convinced my female problems were the root of it all I had the hyst.. A week later I was down to 242,, extatic and proud of it.. Live was grand, no complications and healing wonderfully.. We bought a pool and I started swimming everyday along with the walking.. Went to the docs, stepped on the scale and I was 250,, what??? Bad scale, water retention, I would be find.. Kept at the calorie counting and exercise,, felt sluggish, went back to docs,, 260 in 3.5 weeks.. I told them I wanted off the HRT,, they said no, we need to up the dose, thats your problem.. I started having hot flashes, mood swings, panic attacks and headaches.. went back to the docs at 6 month mark,, I weighed in at 289:scared2:, I was devestated. I told them I was going off HRT and every med I was taking to stop the gaining. They disagreed with me and said it would make it worse,, I did it anyway and never gained another pound... but never lost any either.. I have been fluctuation between 283 and 289, but never less in 1 yr 9 months. So here I am, considering and being considered for the lap band.. I don't know where this is going or how it will end, but I do know that with 304 cholesterol,, bordering sugar levels, apnea, gerd, hiatal hernia, incontinence when coughing, back and leg pain, potential heart risk, I have to look into this.