I had my surgery in the fall of 2007. Never was able to eat like other bandonators...they could eat salads, protein, I was only able to eat pureed meats and vegetables, soups and ice cream. I had all of the fluid removed from the band but continued throwing up anytime I tried to eat anything with substance. I was losing weight but the pain and dread when I ate hardly made it a worthwhile experience. I was made to feel as if I was to blame, there was something I was doing wrong. I didn't chew long enough, portions weren't right, bites were too big, eating too fast even though I was pretty much eating nothing but liquids. Finally I was in such intense pain I couldn't take it anymore. I went through this hell for 8 months convinced I was to blame. During the last month I was losing a pound a day, I had GIRD so bad I had to sleep sitting up and even then I would wake up with a mouth full of vomit every two hours or so. I ate antacids like pez taking three or four brands throughout the day. I couldn't get my surgeon to pay attention because you know it had to be my fault. Went to my GP and she became incensed at how I looked. I was a walking dead woman. Long story short...they removed the band..turned out it was too small to begin with, had grown into my stomach, the opening on the inside was covered with scar tissue from the vomiting and was the size of a pencil lead. I am having a new band put in in May. The purpose of this story is not to scare or play the pity card, it is to let you know that no matter what they say IT IS NOT ALWAYS YOUR FAULT and if you feel something is wrong, don't suffer silently. I think we are told our fat is our fault for so long it translates to ..damn near everything is our fault.

Hope EVERYONE reads this story!!Glad to hear things are working out and that your stomach wasnt so damaged you coudnt get a new band. Its a good story for everyone to read. Many of the people I read on this site have the people-pleaser personality and it sometimes can work against them. The threads about whether or not to tell certain people show that a lot of these people have negative/critical people in their lives they cant stand up to...if you cant stand up to a critical coworker how are you supposed to stand up to a doctor? You spoke for yourself and maybe saved your own life. Thanks. Cali

Glad to hear you are doing better. Thanks for sharing your story. Each one teach one.