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I have thought about this a fair bit and I have come to the conclusion that 'carbonated drinks stretch your pouch' is a myth. It just seems a bit trusting to take that statement at face value. For a start, there are actually two holes for the gas to escape, either up or down... if food is blocking the down bit, then up it comes... I know that from experience LOL. The pouch is made from an elastic material and the brief time a little liquid is effervescing in it is not enough to permanently stretch it. I know if I drink carbonated drinks too fast that I pay for it either by burping or it coming back up... but I don't believe it can stretch our pouches. I am not advocating drinking sugary or alcoholic carbonated drinks... all I'm saying is that I don't think a bit of sparkling Water, soda water or sugar free diet sodas is going to be bad for us. We have to deprive ourselves of so many things, why deprive ourselves unnecessarily?

Thank you so much for responding. I was so discouraged, but I've researched tricare and lapband a lot. As of March of this year, Tricare requirements have changed. You have to have a BMI of 35 with 2 comorbidities to qualify. I may even be denied at first, but my new surgeon is aware of this, and works closely with Tricare to get his patients approved. They do still use the Met Life scale, and the surgeon has to mark "small" body frame specifically. Met Life also adds an inch to your height, automatically assuming that you'd be wearing shoes when measured. My doc specifically states that you're not wearing shoes on the form for that reason. I've already had my psych visits (approved), and will meet with the nutritionist and exercise physiologist this thursday morning, and then my first appointment with my new doctor is that afternoon. I'm so excited! I hope I get approved!!

I'm in the same position as you are,so I totally understand your frustration. After reading so many stories I think I need to continue to work with my doctor to find the sweet spot with the right fill level. I need to get a fill level that will help me not be so physically hungry so that I can deal with my head hunger. We can't give up as we have just begun this journey. Many others have said that it takes time to get adjusted both physically and mentally to this new reality. Hang in there and know that you are not alone.

Did you want to be puking? Puking is so unhealthy for you and for your band, I can't imagine that puking would mean the band is working properly for you. It's hard to restrict yourself but you have to do it. I haven't had any fill and have lost 75 pounds. I've eaten properly EVERY SINGLE DAY since surgery and am at the gym everyday. If I can do this - you can do this - I swear. I never imagined I would be able to do it but instead of looking at the band as something to make me lose the weight, I am looking at it as the thing that is going to keep the weight off. So this time, I have hope whereas before the band I was done trying. I think you perhaps were hoping the band would work differently. Now that you know how it works for you - use it to your advantage. Get on track, track all your food and exercise. If you do that - a month from now, you WILL have lost weight. I promise. Best wishes to you!

They have liquid meds you can take. Or you can crush up pills in powder with water ask your Dr.

200 lbs gone in 2 years. No, the band doesn't work. I work the band.

I am at the lowest weight I have been in a long time. I am down from four blood pressure pills to three a day. So I went to Walmart to shop. Before I was half way finished I felt so weak and tired I wasn't sure I could finish. When I went near the pharmacy to get my Gas X, I saw the blood pressure machine and used it as an excuse to sit down. While there I might as well check my blood pressure again. It was 170/110 after surgery. Today it was 110/58. I suspect the weakness is related to not being used to such a low number. I hope I see two pills today in my near future. So, weight loss=lowered blood pressure =weakness=less medicine.

Okay, I joined the rec center in town so I can use the gym. Wednesday I rode this stationary bike that has a program that takes me on a trail that I can see on the tv screen in front of me. It was really fun and helped me pass the time. I did the 0.9 mile trail in 16 minutes. followed by walking 1/5 mile on the walking trail. I thought, this is no problem...I can go every day. Then I woke up yesterday exhausted. I'm not very strong yet. So I laid around most of the day. Today is a new day and I feel mostly rested. I am going to go buy groceries, make and freeze some low call Quiche and then try the workout routine again. BTW, I have fibromyalgia and my progress is always slow, but I am determined to learn to exercise. Baby Steps are better than No Steps.

I was excited to eat and went to Le Madelines to have quiche. I had the spinach one. I ate half of it, but left the crust. I also had a little tomato basil soup with it. I never felt full. I ate slowly and chewed well. About 1/2 to 1 hour later I had pain that feels like my waistband is too tight, but up high around my ribs. My stomach seems to be gurgling or growling on the left side near the ribs. Have you had this before? Any ideas? I took a gas X in case it is gas pains, which were gone.

So today was a good day. I didn't have much pain but I was really tired all day. I don't know why and I just went with it. I sat in the front yard for a couple of hours and enjoyed the sunshine. My Body Bugg arrived today. I am trying to learn how to use it with my phone. I'm excited because the first time I put it on was as I took a walk down the block. I would like to enjoy exercise. I never have. I'm looking for a lot of changes in my life and maybe that will be the first one.