Hi everyone. I've been gone from LBT for nearly a year and with so many new members I thought I'd re-introduce myself. I was banded in March 2005 by Dr. Arturo Rodriguez in Monterrey, MX. I had good success with my band, losing 70lbs in the first 7 months post op. During my 7th month post op I found out that I was pregnant with my second child. I was quite nervous that I wouldn't be getting enough nutrition for my baby with the level of restriction that I had, so I chose to have all of the Fluid removed. Well, that was the beginning of my pregnancy. As my pregnancy progressed, I found myself eating things that I hadn't even attempted in the months prior (ice cream, fast food, grilled cheese sandwiches). It's not surprising that I gained 50lbs during the pregnancy. I also did not exercise.

This was very devistating time for me. I went from being on a very disciplined high Protein diet, to being able to eat whatever and how much that I wanted. I started to forget that I had a lap-band.

Even though I gained so much, I was able to wear maternity clothes in my current clothes size, so I really didn't notice the weight all that much. Now, 6 months after having my daughter I am still nearly 50lbs heavier than my all time low. The shape of my body has really changed and none of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit correctly and I had thrown out all of my larger clothes, so I'm constantly feeling self-conscious in ill fitting clothes.

I've had a band adjustment and I do have decent restriction, but I find myself needing to retrain my brain to follow the lap-band rules. I've been back on track for a few days now-eating lots of protein, drinking Water, and working out at the gym.

I've come to realize how much I need LBT for the great advice and support that everyone offers. So-with my head hanging low in shame for the choices I've made that put me back 50lbs, here I am. I'm committed to checking in here with my LBT friends for support and advice through thick and thin. I plan on being thin :confused:

GLAD to meet ya.. as I am one of the newbies you mentioned. For me it is good to see a bandster that survived a pregnancy.. I would say .. yo know how to do it, and be glad you only gained 50.. It could of easily been 80lbs

I am patiently (NOT) waiting for my band date.

I also had my journey kind of interupted by a band baby. I had surgery 01/05, found out I was pregnant 08/05 and my baby was born on 04/06, I was also very upset when I found out that I was pregnant because I was down 40 pounds and wanted to loss 40 more. My baby is now 9 months old, I only gained 23 pounds during my pregnancy so you think it would be easier for me to loss be back on track but its been really hard. I really admire the fact that you are able to go back on track because its so hard to re-start. Good luck!

At the info sessions i attended.. They said not to get pregnant until 2 years.. But if it happens 1 1/2 years after the band.. That's okay too.

Did they say anything about getting pregnant so soon after?

but hey! you lost 70, gained 50... but you are still 20lbs lighter and have a new baby! you'll get back on track. good luck and *HUG*

Congrats on your new baby and welcome back! I have not been banded as of yet, but will be on January 30th. I have spent many hours on this and other threads. Everyone has been so supportive and is so informative. I wish you luck. It sounds like you are on track. Keep us posted-Gigi

Great to have you back Corinne

I know exactly what you mean about getting off track with the band. This christmas season for me Has been a killer (weight wise) I think I have stayed away from LBT cause I have just been feeling so bad about my actions of the past few weeks but you and me together...with the support found here will get back on track in no time at all.

Good luck

becky

PS oh and congrats on your new bub!

Thanks everyone. And welcome Becky, Tracey, Silry, Gigi and Kelsy.

Esmerelda- Thanks for the kudos and congrats on your band baby.

Kelsy- yes my doctor recommends not getting pregnant until 2 years out. What can I say, I have a beautiful baby girl. My pregnancy did not hurt my band physically, just reduced the chances that I'll get to goal weight. So, I'm here to work twice as hard to make up for the time that I lost and the weight that I didn't :-) I would not trade my beautiful baby for anything in the world. Having said that...I did not plan to get pregnant so soon after getting banded. I would have loved to be 2 years out, or at least under 200lbs. What's done is done. I'd like to have one more child, but if I'm not well under 200lbs before my daughter is 3 years old (2 1/2 yrs from now), then I'm calling it good at two kids.

It's great to be back.

Congrats to you and your new baby. I'm due in March. I lost 27 pounds before getting pregnant and my mind was totally in the right frame. Luckily I havent gained much weight. I feel very lucky knowing after I deliver my baby that I can go back to this great plan of losing weight. May I ask how long after you delivered did you get adjusted. Congrats again !!

congrats on your baby!! I'm sure you'll be back into the swing of things soon! :)

welcome back and nice to meet you! I think you should be proud- you got lots of weight off (and are still 20 pounds lighter) and have succeeded in the past with your band when it was properly filled. You are going to be back on your way in no time, and with a sweet baby as well!

Corinne, be good to yourself. Having a baby is a huge life change. I probably would have gained 50 lbs too. Keep the faith, go in for your fills and just move on from this experience. Good luck.

I'm in the same boat. Less than two weeks ago, I gave birth to my little surprise, Lily Jene. I became pregnant with her just 4 weeks after my lap band surgery--now that's bad, huh?

I had just lost 25lbs and was about to get my first fill...needless to say, I never got that fill.

Finally, after waiting almost one year, I will get my first fill on March 7. I'm so excited about this and am hoping I get restriction as I had NONE during pregnancy.

Here's to a new year!!!

Congrats on the new Baby Corrinne.

Welcome back.

We'll be here if you need a hug... or a good swift kick.

:]

Hey Maysa - hello and good to meet you! Congrats on your new baby - you must be so happy. I have a feeling you will get back on track now that you have a fill - losing weight is as much 'mental' as it is physical and you are taking the steps you need to get some weight off. Don't be too hard on yourself as I think most of us would struggle unfilled or de-banded - these food issues seem imbedded in our pysches! I'm probably getting mine out and realize I will just eat and eat although I'll try, I know without my band I will even bigger. So, hang in there - take it one day at a time and soon you will be losing again. Good luck.

I must be lucky or either my doctor attached something to my band that runs directly to my brain when he did my surgery because I have been very well but not over restricted since my surgery. I actually had lost down to a little less than 150 lbs (which I never thought I would see) when I found out I was pregnant in Nov of 06. Now...6 months pregnant I am still at 150 lbs. I had lost about 6 lbs in the beginning of my pregnancy, thankfully not because of morning sickness, but I have just now gained that back. I rock between 147 and 150. I have gained a belly where my "little man" is growing well, just haven't gained in numbers. I think that my biggest gain from the lap band surgery is the mental piece that I have had to have to lose the weight and keep it off. Although when I found out I was pregnant, I was immediately scared about gaining. Even now, even knowing that it is all baby, it is hard to look at my tummy growing big again since I had lost all of it and had a nice semi-flat stomach. I am just anxious to continue and meet my new son come June.