Question:
I had gastric bypass in 2004 and have gained about 50 lbs back.

I do not know how to get back on track. I am considering the Lap Band surgery. I have Aetna Insurance, do you think they will cover the lap band surgery, especially since I have previously had Gastric Bypass 4 years ago?    — mrscjo950 (posted on January 29, 2009)

January 29, 2009
I can understand how easy it is to gain weight back...I gained back 8 lbs and never lost it...I had aan addition 10 lb gain from eating all wrong...and I knew if i didn't get back on track by going BACK to the basics that you learn before surgery...I would continue to gain. I was eating sugar, grazing, drinking with my meals, I stopped taking my vitamins (figured I didn't need them since I was gaining weight so my nutrition must be fine...WRONG!!!) I did the 5 Day Pouch Test (Full test and guides found here: http://www.5daypouchtest.com/) which was a speficific diet to follow that rids you of carbs and their cravings...and "resets" you pouch to go from eating liquid to soft protein to dense protein...It helps you to FEEL your pouch and FEEL fuller longer on the denser protein. That was just fantastic, but I still had to lose weight...So Withthe carbs gone and eating better choices I NOW needed to cut calories and figure out exactly WHAT I was eating...SO I journaled my food and learned what and where my nutrition was going. 1 pound is 3500 calories...If you want to lose a pound a week you have to cut 500 calories a day! Add exercise and you can double/triple that one pound a week. I was able to cut about 250 calories just in juices and coffee creamers alone! WLS is does not mean you can't lose anymore weight ever again...It's harder...and you have to work at it...You have to work at maintenance too...You have to stop eating when you are NO LONGER hungery and not after you are full. These are ways to do it WITHOUT another surgery that will not work if you DO NOT make changes...I know it seems impossible right now...but it can be done...And it won't ever be as fast as it was newly post op...Once that weight loss stops...It's not ever going to happen that fast and easy again...It took me 4 months to get off every bit of that 10 lbs I gained. Yes it really di take that long for me! But once I got it off I was able to keep it off still a year later! And get LABS! If you are NOT taking your vits...start back! You might have deficiencies that can make your body not function properly which can aid in weight gain! Start weighing and measuring food out to one recommended serving size...It is usually just perfect! Try to stop eating BEFORE you feel full or tightness...And you will be amazed how long that holds you! Dense protein like meats will keep you fuller longer as well! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

January 29, 2009
I have to agree when you start to gain that weight back, go back to the basics. I also had to up my exercise. I had the Lab band and I thought I would have been better off with the Gastric by pass. I felt that people lost weight faster and kept it off. I had my lap band on 6-6-08 and I have only lost 30 lbs and I hit the gym at least 3-4 times a week. So hang in there and get back to your 1st week after you had surgery and start the eating process all over. Good luck to you. Susan
   — susangielda06

January 29, 2009
It is all about willpower. I finally found mine after packing on some extra weight over the past 5 years. I don't know how to tell you to get motivated. Something will just click. Good luck!!!
   — Carlyn M.

January 29, 2009
I would doubt it. They would look at the first surgery as failed unless it was done as a medically necessary measure. Aetna particularly has some rather strict rules for surgical coverage. So it might have to come out of pocket. I would do some serious research and find out if there is in fact a doctor who would help you. Is there a health problem? I don't mean to sound harsh but something just doesn't seem right. If it were me, I would go to the doc and start over; do the blood chem workups, tests all that and see whats going on. Then if you get approved for surgery; Best of Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

January 29, 2009
I am going through the same problem. I had RNY in 8/03 and I lost 70lbs. I have gained 30lbs within the last 9 months. I haven't been exercising the way I should, and I eat about 1350 calories a day but most of them don't come from protein as it should. My advice exercise 60mins a day and make sure to include 3 days of strength training. and boost the protein intake and reduce the carb intake. Just to get back on track and then you can try to balance everything else back out. Make sure to take your vitamins. B12, B6, Folate Acid and Calcium.
   — LARRISHA S.

January 29, 2009
jUST WANTED TO SAY HI I WOULD GO BACK AND TALK WITH YOUR DR THAT PERFORMED THE LAST SURGERY NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF IT HAPPENS MY DOC SAID AT MY VERY FIRST VISIT AFTER SURGERY THEY DO NOT CARE 3 4 YEARS COME BACK AND THEY WOULD HELP ME GET BACK ON TRACK MAYBE THEY CAN HELP U GET BACK ON TRACK OR GIVE U IDEAS AND IF U WANT ANOTHER SURGERY JUST CALL AND ASK YOUR INSURANCE THE WORST THEY COULD SAY IS NO, BEST OF LUCK AND I HOPE YOU GET BACK ON TRACK NEED SUPPORT EMAIL ME ANYTIME SINCERLY TAMMI
   — Tammi Sandoval

January 29, 2009
I saw this on the news last week. Its call StomaphyX. Check out this link or google the term. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,372461,00.html
   — smparker2

February 1, 2009
Carolyn, I personally do not think the lap band is the right choice for you. Do some research,especially Stomaphx. Watch the video on the procedure. I also recommend talking with your surgeon and if he has no suggestions, then look elswhere. that's waht I've had to do. I'm 4yrs post-op and have gained 38lbs.My blood pressure never got to normal and now I'm back on NSAIDS for arthritic pain. I get full; however, it doesn't last very long.My new Dr. has scheduled some test to see if the pouch has stretched or if it has grown into another organ. Getting dressed is such a pain in the ass because nothing fits and it is very depressing to need larger size clothes. Good luck. Cheryle
   — amistique569