Extreme approach????

 Hi, here's where I'm at, I need advice. I have been banded about two years and recently  had my Plastic work. I probably did the plastics a little early but it was good timing with my schedule. I started at 276, and was 161 at the time of my plastic surgery. I never weighed myself right after surgery but I wouldnt doubt he took up to 10 pounds off me.  So in a perfect world I should weigh around 150. Well back to reality, I am 180 . Ugggggg I have probably gained almost 30 pounds in the last 5 months. The past 3 weeks my eating and behavior has really gotten out of control. I feel guilty about this which makes me not want to go to the gym. So it's been a vicious cycle.  I know the typical responses, but I am really really thinking of trying a new approach. Plan A- in the past I was able to loose 100 pounds with phen-fen also I did a topamax and pentermine combo. I do remember having a lot of energy when I did these in the past. Which I have been dragging at the gym so would look forward to the boost. I also would not like to do these long term, just a few months to get me where I should be. One negative is I think the walkin clinic I would have to go to is very expensive. Plan B- I am thinking of going on a antidepressant.I have considered this in the past, but it's a big commitment. I am usually more moody, rather than depressed. I can turn into a bad mood instantly. I also have a lack of interest in things. After work I just like to stay home. Going out always seems like a chore. I have googled antidepressants and Wellbutrin is often suggested for weightloss. It is also used for stopping smoking. I don't smoke but it's also good for impulse control. I am not able to type anymore I will continue writing by responding to my post.....

 Ok, so it only let's me post so much. But the thing that concerns me about Wellbutrin as opposed to other antidepressants is a rare side effect is seizures. Kind of a scary one for me. To be completely honest about another reason I hesitate is I wouldn't be able to drink with it. I actually never drink at home but I do plan on going to Vegas in a few months and I'm sure I'll drink there. But the daily not drinking is not a problem. One other thought that is going thru my head is I can do the phentermine and topomax right now just I get to goal then stop taking them. (I can then do myvegas trip) then when it's out of my system I can look into Wellbutrin or another antidepressant choice. I do know that most antidepressants actually cause weight gain but a few are more weight neutral. (I think Prozac, and a couple others) I know that band basics is the best advice but I was thinking of doing band basics along with one of these options. Thanks for listening. 

I would find a good psychiatrist and talk about anti-deppressant options. Tell the dr. about your band, weight gain and concern a med. will hinder your weight loss. I have bi-polar and am lucky enough to have a great doctor. My meds make all the difference in the world. Actually, one can hinder weight loss but I loose consistantly when I do the right things. It's my understanding that you are not suppossed to drink on an anti-depressant because alchohol in a a deppressent. I know it doesn't seem like it when you drink, but that is how it effects the brain. Counseling might also be a good idea. I went through it as I was loosing weight and it was a key to my success. Good luck!

I have been banded almost three years now and in the last 8-9 months, I had gained 17 pounds and was also just really off track and feeling very depressed about it.  I REALLY realize now that obesity is something that I will struggle with always.  I decided to ask my PCP about medication to help me lose and started taking phentermine.  I plan to use it only short term.  I started it in June and have lost 12 pounds so far and feel so much better!  I have five more to loose and think that I should be able to do it by October.  (It takes so much longer to lose weight when you are closer to goal than when you have 90 pounds t o lose!)  I know that many folks think that we should be able to do it just following band rules and I do that too, but when you have energy and are not feeling hungry, it's so much easier to be a good bandster.  I don't know what will happen when I stop the meds, but I think I will wean myself off by reducing the dosage for a month first.
Good Luck to you!

 Thanks for your replies. I still don't know what approach I will do. I can't even call around till Monday so I have time to think. I might be leaning towards the phentermine. Mostly because I've taken years ago and I know it helps my energy level and hopefully my hunger too (the two previous times I took it I took it with either topomax or the other fen, so not ure how much appetite suppression it is alone) I think the reason I'm leaning towards this route is because it's less of a commitment. I'm not sure if I'm gaining weight because I'm depressed, or depressed because I'm gaining weight. I do think I need to consider a depression med, but maybe I will give it a few months before I commit. Thanks or your comments, and I haven't decided for sure yet do any more advise is welcome.