My last fill on 1/27 resulted in a lot of restriction, so much so that I questioned in this space and others whether or not the band was too tight. At my appointment last week, 3/3, the doctor said he thought 2 ounces of food was a good amount per sitting so I assumed the problems I was having were related more to my eating habits than the band.

And then the real vomiting started. I'd thrown up a couple of times and slimed since my last fill but it got to the point over the last week that at least 1 meal per day ended up in the toilet or sink. Finally, after a week of feeling weak and that I wasn't getting enough nutrition (still) and I couldn't sleep because I kept gagging and vomiting a bit while lying down, I called the doctor's office yesterday and they were able to get me in today.

As soon as I described the vomiting while prone, the doctor said the band is too tight and he'd take some fluid out. He said that monthly fluctuations can cause different feelings of restriction so if I retain a lot of fluid with my period, that could be the cause. Of course, I don't have my period but sometimes it just happens.

He took out 1.5ccs (I had 7.5 in my 12 cc band) and told me to drink a cup of water and see how it went down. I sat in the waiting area, sipping my water and it didn't feel right. After about 3 ounces, I felt that old familiar pain and urge and ran to the bathroom and threw it up. Back to the exam room and he took out another 1cc of fluid.

I feel like a new person. I drank my cup of water with no problem and even had a satisfying little burp at the end. Got some soup on the way back to the office (doctor said warm liquids at first) and it went down beautifully.

Here's the concern though -- after I had the whole soup (about 6 oz - more than I've had at a sitting in over a month), I wanted more! I am worried that I'm back to square one with restriction and even though I will try to stick to the plan and eat the right foods and right amounts, it's the restriction that I depend on to help keep me on track. What if I blow it? I know I won't gain back all 60 lbs in the month before my next appointment but I question whether I can stick to my goals for 4 weeks if I have little restriction. I'm so bad in general that I actually considered getting a roast beef sandwich on the way back from the doctor's office, just to see if I could do it.

So, I'm glad that I'll be able to sleep and won't be running to the bathroom after every meal but I'm worried that I'll eat too much because....I can.

the band is only a tool... we need to be aware of what we eat.. My motto is "LOSE IT AS YOU WILL LIVE IT". I was going through the same and has some taken out. I now journal what I eat at it seems to help.

don't forget that your stomach is hungry...if one meal a day has ended up coming back up, your body is hungry. This is not going back to step 1, it's jut your body telling you that now is the time to eat right-sized portions, and get back on the bandwagon.

Hang in there!

I got and un-fill today too. I feel better already. I have to do liquids for a day. I can handle it. My third fill that was back in October made me as full as I ever wanted to be. Being that full for so long made my esophagus work over time and I started to have acid reflux at night while I was sleeping NOT GOOD! Got the full treatment today. Gastro drink, X rays, Un-fill and Nutritionist talk and Blood work Long day what more could I ask for. I am sure the un-fill will be just what I needed. I have learned so much in these past 9 months playing well with my band is the best life I could ask for. I will continue to make healthy choices and measure food intake that has become part of my lifestyle with the band. Down 97 pounds in 9 months. Best wishes imaluckydog

Take it easy...i cant say i know what you r going though since i have had 2 fill ans still feel no restriction. But at the same time i keep telling myself and my surgeon that i want to take it slow, i want to be conservative about how fast my band gets full cuz i dont think it is healthy for my body to go from eating 8 oz of food to 2oz per meal...and specially not being able to keep your body hydrated.

YOu are not going to gain all the weight back, just think before you eat. writting what you eat can keep you honest.

Good luck!!