Question:
Weight gain

I had lap band 1 year ago, lost 35 lbs, and am now gaining weight. Up 12 lbs. I don't have any restriction and never feel full. Help!!    — jhetrick (posted on November 2, 2009)

November 1, 2009
I don't know much about the lap band, but I know you do need to have the band adjusted accordingly to how much or little you can eat. When was the last time you had a fill? It sounds to me like the band was filled at surgery and since then the swelling has gone down and now it isn't tight enough for restriction. Just a guess. You didn't say anything about when you had it filled last or have you ever???? You should contact the surgeon and tell them you have no restrictions and never feel full. I am sure they will have you come in for a fill.
   — Kristy

November 2, 2009
this is probably a question for your doctor. the band requires a lot of maintenance so it may be time for a fill if you're not feeling restriction. your dr. can also give you tips for keeping yourself satisfied and less hungry.
   — greenpunchbuggie

November 2, 2009
I am not a lap band patient but I would think you should be making an appointment with your surgeon to see if you need an adjustment.
   — rkurquhart

November 3, 2009
I don't know why so many people think that the Lap-Band takes a lot of maintenance (unless you don't like your surgeon or something). I am 5 years post-op with the Lap-Band. I am at my goal weight. I still see my surgeon every one to two months for a follow up visit and a "fill" when necessary. I've even had fluid taken out a couple of times this year. I fully expect to continue to see my surgeon every couple of months as long as I need to adjust the band to maintain my weight and be able to eat a healthy diet in the right quantity. For the first 2 years, I saw my surgeon every month. How often are you seeing yours? Everyone has plateaus. They are normal. Your body needs to adjust to the weight loss it is experiencing. However, if a plateau continues for a couple of months, or when you start to gain weight (which you are doing), you need a "fill". Are you following your surgeon's guidelines? I recommend keeping a food and exercise log for the next couple of weeks. You should be doing the following: 1) Eat only when hungry. This should be 2-4 times a day or you probably need a "fill". Stop eating when you are full. 2) Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Take 5 minutes between bites. 3) Half of your meal should consist of protein and the other half should consist of vegetables and/or fruit. You should take one bite of protein for every bite of anything else. 4) You should be eating solid foods, not soft foods, junk food, or liquids. For example, eat cheese over drinking milk, eat an apple over drinking apple juice, and eat meat over drinking a protein shake. This will fill you up faster and keep you full longer. 5) Drink 2 quarts of water a day. Don't drink during your meal or for 30-60 min. afterward. The fluid will cause the food to pass through your pouch too quickly and you'll eat more and/or get hungry quicker. 6) Check your activity level. Do you have an exercise routine, do you go for walks, etc.? If not, start by adding more activity to your day. Begin small, maybe walk around the block during the first week, then add distance each week. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Work in the yard. Go dancing or for a bike ride. Make it fun, and find someone to enjoy it with if you can. If you still have a problem gaining weight and you are doing all of these things, you either need a "fill" or there is something else wrong. Get to know your surgeon and family doctor. Keep them up to date on how things are going with you. Let them both know when you've encountered a problem and let them know what the other one is doing to address that problem. The surgery was not a magic "fix" to all of your problems. It is a wonderful tool to help you eat healthy, small portions to lose and maintain your weight. Get into a support group for answers, information, encouragement, and support. I feel 20 years younger, and have left my previous weight related health problems behind me. I know you can do the same. Be kind to yourself. I know you can do it. Just a note, I have regained 7-11 pounds on a couple of occasions along the way. I just went back to the basics, got a "fill", and before long I was back on the road to more weight loss. I wish you all of the best on your journey toward good health. God Bless.
   — KimM