hi, I feel your pain,,,, I had it done and it almost killed me, I better finally after 6 weeks ! lost 130 lbs.. Four years later I have gained it back! It is so discouraging.. Any tips you may have for me would be great! 

A little bit on artificial sweeteners: Aspartame is commonly recognized as Equal or Nutrisweet (blue packets).  It is a synthesized chemical and a large amount of the population is intolerant to it (with all the symptoms listed about).  Sucralose is commonly recognized as Splenda (yellow packets). It is a derived compound made by chlorinating sucrose (sugar). Less people are intolerant to it, and those that are usually have trouble concentrating and gastro-intestinal distress (gas, diarrhea, constipation). Saccharin is commonly recognized as Sweet'n Low (pink packets). It is a derived compound made from Toluene (a Coal Tar derivative used in paint-thinners). It has a pronounced after-taste, is linked to increased cancer risk. Most people have no tolerance issues. I personally am intolerant to aspartame and sucralose... they give me wicked mean headaches and I can't concentrate. I am also intolerant of many of the other sugar alcohols used as sweetners in "diet" foods (mannitol, maltitol, sorbitol, etc.). Most of these give me serious GI distress - and that's pretty common, although most people have to consume a significant quantity before it affects them. But if you're eating diet food (like Nutrisystem) and are experiencing lots of gas... this could be the culprit. The only non-sugar sweeteners I've found that I can tolerate are Stevia (although it tastes kinda funny), Saccharin (even though I try to avoid it), Acesulfame Potassium (Sunett or Sweet One), and Xylitol. Now Xylitol will give me some GI distress if I totally overdo it... but it also has the added benefit of making your teeth stronger (the only gum & mints my dentist recommends are sweetened only with Xylitol). If you're intolerant to artifical sweeteners like I am, you may find that you'll have to "give up" many of your most coveted foods after surgery because the substitutes contain sweeteners that you can't handle. This is also true of many of the protein shakes and bars... so READ THE LABELS or you might be in for an experience almost as bad as dumping.

I agree whole-heartedly that many hypothyroid patients are not diagnosed properly. I would suggest that you go see and Endocrinologist who specializes in bariatric or diabetic patients - or go with the home test kit mentioned above.  I haven't been dx w/hypothyroid yet and am still waiting to get my RNY, but my new PCP is running a full panel on me because my last TSH was 2.7 and I can't lose weight even though I've restricted my calories to 900. She also said that 0.5 to 5 is only "normal" if you don't have any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, 0.2 to 2 is "normal".  Symtpoms commonly are: Fatigue Weakness Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight Coarse, dry hair Dry, rough pale skin Hair loss Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you) Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches Constipation Depression Irritability Memory loss Abnormal menstrual cycles (women) Decreased libido   More info on Endocrine Web: http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html You may also have an imbalance in your sex hormones. While they may all be in "normal" range, they might not be balanced (like one at the very bottom of the band and another at the very top).

I had the lap band in 9/05 and have lost 130 pounds.  Hubby had the band in 7/05 and has lost 120.  I am still 35 pounds from normal BMI but still slowly losing which I haven't been exercising lately and could use another fill so it is my fault that my weight loss has slowed down.  Even if I never lose another pound, I will be happy as I have got my health and life back.  Plus I have not had one complication from the surgery.  Research done in the past year showed that after 3 years, percentage weight loss for RNY and lap band was the same.  As far as regaining weight - no matter what surgery you have it can happen.  The surgery is just a tool.  If you do choose the lap band surgery, make sure you do NOT compare yourself to RNY patients as majority of the weight loss for RNY is in the first 6 months so you will get frustrated and think the lap band is not working for you.  The band does not wor****il you have it filled to the right level for you.  That is what I like about the band - that it is adjustable.  You are doing the right thing - researching to ensure you are making the right decision for you.  Best of luck!

I was in the same boat as you.  I met with my surgeon for the first time yesterday.  He does both LapBand and RNY.  He explained that with RNY you may "burn bridges" as far as not being able to reverse it.  He said LapBand works well, but if there is a problem you have not cut your insides up and could then choose to get RNY or DS or VSG.   I liked that thinking.  I decided to go with the LapBand and work it the best I can.  I will know there are other options if for some reason the band doesn't work for me (which is VERY rare!) There is my opinion - good luck - it's a hard decision!