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I really think the high protein intake was the reason for my muscle gain, cause it sho enough wasn't from workn out. Prior to banding I ate little protein, now I'm a protein freak. In all my 55 years I never knew until one of the nutritionist meetings the protein helped boost the metab and helped you stay full longer. See the band came with good ideas.

My Obgyn took me off the pill when I discussed I was having the surgery. I Have the implant in my arm low estrogen so no weight gain or crazy hormones. No issues thus far that are noticeable I'm only 3 weeks out though hope this helps good luck

Hi, I was 194.6 lbs when I took the surgery 3weeks ago My BMI was around 32 as well, I lost 18 lbs so far. Well I have mixed emotions right now, sometimes I feel happy and proud of my self that I did it especially after several stresses I have been through after the surgery and how I didn't turn to the pantry for comfort "as usual" and sometimes I feel regret doing it and wondering what did I do to my self and why?? I hope my regrets will pass away and stay with my good feeling about the surgery after I loose the extra weight and KEEP IT OFF this time. Good luck.

I am 16 months post op on 11/23. I have lost 60 pounds and have recently started working 2 full time jobs and unfortunately gained 4.5 pounds. I realized this and have decided to follow the pre-op and post-op diet to a T just to get myself back on track. Today is day 2 of liquids. I had a 5 day liquid diet before surgery and then 1 week liquids, 1 week mushies, 1 week soft and then the 4th week slowly introduced solid protein and veggies back in to my diet. Thanksgiving I will allow some solid foods but only for that day and only 1 meal. The liquid diet is definitely an eye opener to how reliant I am still on food. I am in this for success and will make it there. I have about 44-49 pounds I would like to lose. I am 194 right now and a size 14/L. I started out at 250ish and was in a size 20-22 and a 2xl shirt. I just stared getting really comfortable with my size and realized I need to lose even more to be healthy. I am not in this to get "skinny", I am in this to be healthy. I will get there. Down 1.5 pounds in 2 days. Wish me luck!!!

I got a band in June 2010. I did great the first 4 months! Then it started to slow down then I started constantly throwing up and only thing could eat was soup. I went on like this for 2 years. I found out the band had slipped. I had a few options to correct this: remove the band and try losing again on my own, remove the slipped band and get another one, or do a conversion to the sleeve. The sleeve was not an option when I got the band, so I was nervous about doing that. I researched it and asked questions. I wish the sleeve had been an option when I first choose to go the surgery route! My starting weight was 277 with the band I went down to 230 and then gained 20 off and on in the 2 years. So with the sleeve I started at 250 and am now at 220. I had the sleeve in November 26, 2012. I was doing great again!!! Then in May, I plateaued again!! I have not lost since!! Any one have any suggestions?

Extra skin happens =( Glad you lost so much weight though!! Great job

{ Cool Pic, Road Queen. } Interesting. I see LapBand PreOps worry about Plastic Surgery and I guess my thought was - It's only an issue if you lose the weight. Why stress about it? One thing at a time!:phanvan I don't think it's a case of 'needing' plastic surgery. Everyone has a different tolerance level for hanging skin. I had zero tolerance! I want to look great. So maybe my attitude is a bit different. I'm single/no kids and wanted a single girl's wardrobe. I knew a long period of obesity had done a number on my body. Nothing on me "bounces back" no matter how fast or how slow I lost weight. Period. And since I don't have some man who has sworn to love me "for better, for worse" or "For wrinklier, or For saggier" :confused: I approach this from someone who would be seeing me for the first time. One day I might not be single - and I was hoping not to traumatize whoever the poor sap is who sees me unclothed (the only men who see me unclothed now all have medical licenses so they're not allowed to faint on sight). :rolleyes But I knew I'd only need some work if I got the weight off first. Trust me, for a lot of people, you won't know how you'll look or how you'll feel about how you look, until you get nearer to your goal weight. As for me, I'm considering my body to my best investment. Some women have jewelry and heirloom diamonds. I have a $20,000 ring (but it's made of silicone and it's internal instead of external), instead of a diamond bracelet I have a $8,000 Tummy, and pretty soon I hope to have some $7,000 boobage and cleavage. Who said diamonds are a girls ONLY best friend?

Hi Everyone, I'm faily new to this group and I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a married 30 yr old mother of two and have taken this step to have the sleeve done. My starting weight is 265lbs and i'm excited and a little bit nervous. I'm more nervous about being here for my two girls and waking up from anesthesia to be here for my girls. When i weigh the risks of staying overweight with this high blood pressure vs the risks of surgery, i think I'm better off having surgery. I look forward to talking with you all!! Stephanie

Well, I'm 9 1/2 months post-op and down 201 lbs. I still consume mostly softer foods, Protein of about 80 grams a day and calories about 700 a day. I walk a brisk 5 miles six days a week and do about 300 push ups and 400 bicep curls ( with 5 lbs. 0 daily ). The equation is simple, keep calories low, work out alot and you will have success. Hunger is only in your mind now with the gift of by-pass surgery. Your trainer want to keep the job and if he/she senses that you want to eat more and implies that you should consume more, they win and if you gain some weight or fail to lose more, they win because you really need the trainer, Right ?

Hey everyone, its been awhile since I've been on the boards! I just wanted to share my story... I was banded September 2012. I learned pretty quickly how to eat (and drink!) "around" the band. I did not commit to an exercise routine, and have chosen mostly foods that I know will go down (carbs and lots of high-fat snack foods, mostly). As such, the only weight I have lost to date was due to the pre-op and post-op liquid diet. Now I have gained that back, and more. I have not been in for a fill adjustment since probably last Spring. Over the past year, I definitely have had some issues with what I believe is called "transference" - or turning to another addiction in absence of the ability to binge eat. For me, it was alcohol. I have always been a social drinker, but in August 2013 I ended up in a mental hospital after a drinking binge - the booze had interacted with the medications I take to help regulate my moods and I had become suicidal. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks, after which they wanted to send me to a 30-day rehab. I opted for an intensive outpatient program instead, which I attended for about 5 weeks before I relapsed. Since that relapse, I have continued to drink daily, with periods of heavy drinking interspersed. There is no doubt that the amount of liquid calories I consume has greatly impeded my weight loss attempts, though I have had no further bouts of deep depression since my hospitalization. I'm sharing all of this because with new year, I am making a new commitment to myself. I am going to try my best to do everything I need to do to help the band help me with reaching my weight loss goals. This includes scaling back the drinking (currently 24 hours sober!) and quitting smoking. Luckily, I am pretty well educated about band-life, as the one thing I did do right in the beginning was my research. But I believe the learning neve stops and I can always learn from others' experiences. Anyway, I have about 100lb to lose now and though I am not very confident, I am committed to at least doing the absolute best I can. Thanks for letting me share

I am SO afraid of that. But if you are exercising, maybe you are gaining muscle which weighs more than the fat you are losing. Have you taken your measurements? How are you clothes fitting?

I had mine done 1 1/2 years ago and mine still hurts once in awhile but I am so thankful I had it done, all weight gone

Hello everyone my name is Julie and I am from Louisiana I had gastric bypass in 2007 and I don't know if my pouch expanded or something went wrong I haven't seen the dr since my 6 month checkup. I have gained back about 100 lbs and I still eat like a bird. I just don't understand why I am gaining. It has just been over the last 2 years can I get the band to loose the weight

Hello, I know that some people are getting the band ontop of the gastric surgery. You should really research and see why you gained weight. Do you journal the food you consuke daily and do you count calories. You should also see your Dr. and talk to him. Wish you the best

people gain weight simply by eating more calories than they burn off......and that turns into excess body weight...you can eat like a bird but eat all high fat/high calorie....that being said, the other posters gave great advice. ..just having surgery wont make you lose weight..it takes a lifestyle commitment/change and want power....want to lose weight enough to change your life...and then do it...no excuses...that is exactly what i did.

I would probably get some taken out...maybe half of your last increase? I have similar issues. i got a fill before I went on a cruise in August b/c I didn't want to gain any weight. I was fine for a month after and then all of a sudden I could hardly eat anything. I was getting sick all the time and the only foods that didn't irritate my stomach (other than shakes) were "slider" foods. I went from 5.5 ccs to 5 ccs and actually dropped weight quicker than before because I could get back to eating healthy food. I am still at 5 and have started having problems again and considered getting some additional Fluid taken out. I haven't been on this site in a while and thought I would see what was going on b/c I was having problems again. <br /><br />It is helpful to hear that people are going through the same problems. Thanks for your post. I think I am going to call my doc right now to get a little unfill <img src='http://cdn.lapbandtalk.com/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Hi. I'm new to this forum. I got my band in 2009 and have lost a total of 30 pounds, gained 20 back. Weirdly my lowest weight was when I was 7 months pregnant! I hate my band and have an appointment for the beginning stages of revision to sleeve. I was wondering if anyone has gone to Dr. Attia in Vineland?

I'm very happy with the way things have been going with my weight loss. My lower legs, however, are concerning me. My calves and ankles are always "full" of edema (swelling) no matter what. Sometimes it will loosen up if I have zero sodium and nearly drown myself with Water, the skin will relax and not look like a full balloon. Then, the skin sags, but I feel like my legs are relieved. I could care less if the skin sags, it's very minor. I can't seem to keep it under control. The skin too is mottled and pale, like I'm not getting enough circulation there. Since I am always cold, no matter what, since my band surgery, I have been doing lots of Yoga to help increase my circulation, but it isn't getting better. I have no ankles to speak of. I don't wear skirts or shorts - ever. I still have 38 lbs to go. I'm hoping that this will be part of the last round up of fat. But I have to say, I am bummed about what's goin' on. I will live with it if I have to, because my legs have - literally - supported me in the worst of times and the best of times. They've done a fabulous job. My thighs aren't too shabby either. The calves and ankles are just not pretty, not exactly normal, but not horrible either. I don't even think I'd want surgical intervention. Anyone have any ideas or wisdom to impart on this? Wish I could wear cute little executive girly skirt suits.

If it's "pitting" edema, your doctor should be addressing this. If not, I would be looking elsewhere. If you press in with your finger and it leave a dent, that's Fluid. How is your blood pressure? I used to have this problem, but since losing weight, it's not as much an issue any more, but I agree with the others and would have this looked into. I agree, a desk job really causes swelling in the legs after long periods. It happens to me.

hi i am 253 pounds and my goal weight is 115 /120 pounds cause i am short and i would love to see how that would look on me but my question is has anyone reached that goal ?

Havent lost any weight in 3 weeks im 6 weeks post-op i get bout 60 grams of protien and 64 oz of water a day..i do my exercising. Dr wants to see me monday to see what going on...anyone have any advice???

Hello everyone this is my first thread as I am a brand new member. I started reading the threads about 6 months ago as I have been contemplating lapband surgery for about two years. At first I was only looking for a way to help me lose weight but then I found this website where there were all of you with PCOS that has had the lapband or is thinking about getting the band. I am really happy I found this site as everyone has inspired me to at least try this. Reading so many success stories I once again had hope that maybe I would get what I want finally. The struggles people have posted have made it easier for me to understand the changes I need to make and prepare me for the same struggles.. I think I developed PCOS when I was around 15. My periods stopped completely I could go 8 months if not longer without a period and when it did finally come it would last a day or two. When I turned 18 I started having periods that would last months on end. I didn’t think anything of it except my cycle is changing or I haven’t had one in quite a while it is okay. When I turned 20 I had a period that was going on 4 months I was dizzy and light headed all the time and I felt very weak. I finally went to an OBGYN and we had to do an emergency D&C because I was anemic and losing too much blood. I have had a 2 D&C’s because of the PCOS. I was started on a full birth control treatment so I can control how many periods I will have. I was doing very well with this treatment until recently. Due to all the antibiotics and meds they gave me for surgery it broke the birth control treatment and now I am in need of another D&C as the bleeding will not stop. I have not missed a pill. It took forever to get my surgery scheduled and all the pre appointments done. I had my surgery on 12/8/08 and since the surgery I have lost 27lbs. prior to the surgery my heaviest point was 264lbs. right before surgery I weighed in at 228lbs I am scheduled for my first fill on 1/20/09. My target weight goal that the surgeon set for me is 150lbs. I have 52 lbs to go until I reach their target weight . The ultimate goal in this surgery is to stop the D&C’s from happening every year and the main reason I want a baby. I have tried fertility treatments and was somewhat responsive but not enough to continue trying. After reading some of the posts where people have done IVF and were told to try and lose some more weight I figured I would try the weight loss approach first and then try clomid again. If it doesn’t work then I will try the IVF.

The band won't do much to cause you to lose weight; to be honest, my weight loss about the same post-op as it was pre-. It will, however, train you in portion control, which will help you to lose weight on your own, and to avoid gaining it back later which is where many of us have the biggest problems, and why surgery is a good option for us. If you're diabetic, I'd suggest bypass over band.

Accept your genetic body type. Your weight, height, and bone structure are strongly determined by your genes. Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Stop comparing yourself to others. Be media conscious. We are bombarded with media messages telling us our bodies are not perfect… Most fashion and women’s magazines focus on an ideal of beauty that is just not something thatanyone in real life can be. Remind yourself that the body images you see are manufactured by make up artists, hair dressers, airbrushing specialists, fashion designers, lighting specialists, and cosmetic surgeons. Also know that many fashion models have eating disorders and are not able to maintain their low body weight in a healthy manner. Create a Why I like myself List. Think about all the things about you that you like… are you funny? Creative? Honest? Intelligent? Think of all the reasons you deserve to love yourself and write them down. Remind yourself of all the things you are besides a body. Read this list daily and add to it every time you think of something else you like about you. Create a Body Appreciation List.Think about how your body has been loyally functioning on your behalf no matter how much you fed or starved it. Write these things down (remember that your heart has continued to beat, your lungs continue to breathe, your liver continues to detoxify your body, also perhaps your body has learned a new skill, gotten stronger, taken you to the top of a hill, rejuvenated during sleep, or allowed you to comfort a child, share love with a spouse, or go shopping with friends!). Celebrate your body and the marvelous things it can do. If you’ve had WLS note all the things that your body can do now that it could not do before. How has your life changed because of the changes your body has gone through? Read this list daily and add to it every time you are grateful for something your body has done. Stop thinking that thinner thighs are the answer to all of life's problems. When you find yourself hyper focused on your body stop for a moment and ask yourself what you would be doing, thinking, or feeling if you were not obsessing about your body. What is this preoccupation stopping you from being present to in your life? Am I in anyway benefiting from focusing on what I believe are my physical flaws? Deal with and set goals about the real issues in your life - relationships, job, etc.. “Act as if you” were comfortable in your body even If you are not quite “feeling it” yet. How would you walk, what would you wear, how would you speak to people, what kind of self talk would you be speaking, what kind of eye contact would you make with others? If you change a behavior the feelings will eventually catch up. Give up judgments about your body right now!! If you find yourself being critical of your body, stopand acknowledge that this will not support you feeling good about yourself, then respond to yourself as you would to a best friend. For every negative thing you catch yourself saying about your body, apologize to your body and say 2 loving/ appreciative things about your body. Make a decision to truly “nourish" yourself. Read a good book, take a bubble bath, schedule a massage, get a haircut, dance to your favorite song, make plans with a friend, take a nap, ask for a hug, give yourself permission to say “no”, meditate, pray. Make it your intention to move and enjoy your body; go walking, swimming, biking, dancing, do yoga, tai chi, etc… not because you have to but because it makes you feel so good. Your body deserves to be treated well. Surround yourself with people who celebrate and appreciate who you are. Say “thank you” to compliments without discounting them. Know that you can control your experience of your life by the thoughts you choose to think. How you experience your life is a direct consequence of your predominant thoughts. By making a decision about the thoughts you choose to think you take responsibility for creating your reality. So if you decide to think about what is not good about your body you will experience not only your body not being good enough but you will also experience your life as never being good enough, always being in a state of waiting till things change before you can really be happy. If you choose to think about what is good about you, what you like and appreciate about you, you will feel gratitude for this life that you experience as abundant and joy-filled! You choose! SELF LOVE AND COMPASSION is the foundation upon which a healthy body image must be built. The next time you find yourself being critical of a particular body part, sit down and write a letter to that body part telling it exactly what you don’t like about it and how it makes you feel. Then have that body part write back to you telling you how it felt to read that letter. Then write back to that body part…….. and just notice what happens………. If you have any questions or comments about this article I would love to hear from you! You can email me at louisa@louisalatela.com or call me at 856.429.9799. To learn more about my telephone support groups visit www.louisalatela.com www.ysayit.com

A couple years prior to wls I had lost 90 pounds on my own with tracking my food and exercise and I did it in 9 months. I did put it back on the following year after falling into a depression over the death of a parent, the 90 plus 10. The month before surgery I started talking to family/friends about getting serious about weight loss again. If they asked how I was doing it I would say the same way I did last time, tracking my food and exercise, which is true I am doing those things. While I was recovering from surgery I told family/friends that I had the flu and it was kicking my butt. This became the reason I couldn't be social for a while or wasn't up to doing much... still getting over that flu, man it was a tough one. It worked for me.