DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I'm no doctor so this is just a guess based on my own experience, but it sounds like you're having allergic reaction to the adhesives in the band aids. If you had surgical tape or steri strips on the red irritated area, they could've caused it as well. Definitely talk to your doctor to be sure, but when this happened to me (many times, btw) I found Bendadryl cream on the skin really helped ease it a lot (but not on the actual incision or broken skin). Going forward, I only used cloth or paper tape so that didn't happen. Best wishes.

I'm sorry you're having such an awful time. I don't know what will work for you, but I can share what worked for me. Between April 1st and June 1st this year, so just a couple months time span, I had my life crash down around me. First my gallbladder had to be removed, then my grandma died, then I had a tummy tuck/hernia repair, then my uncle died, and then I almost died from life threatening blood clots in both legs. All this also triggered a major Multiple Sclerosis exacerbation for me, too. (yes I have MS) My stress level couldn't have been higher. Yet despite two deaths, two surgeries, and almost dying I still managed to lose weight during all this hell. The way I did it is by remembering that someday, all this would be over and I'd still have to live my life. I knew if I allowed myself to gain weight I'd be that much more miserable and feel even worse. I also thought about things like how proud my grandma was of me for losing weight before died, and if she looked down and saw me gaining out of grief for her, she would be devastated. I focused on my kids and not wanting to make things even harder on them. I thought about the fact I'm healthier when I weigh less, and the last thing my family needed on top of all the crap we were already dealing with was to worry more about my health if my weight climbed. So, I stayed on track and lost. I kept Protein bars in my purse so I could eat when at wakes. When I was in the ICU, I actually made them bring me an Ensure Protein shake with every meal so if the meal they served me wasn't healthy I'd have a good alternative. I made sure at home all the "comfort foods" I'd normally binge on were out of the house so my only food options were healthy ones. It wasn't easy but it worked. You have to find the inspiration and the motive that works for you. Best wishes.

I can only speak for myself, but I don't have a problem with pills. I take 2 gel caps and 2 tablets a day and have no problem with them.

Try it and see how you do with it. It's the only way you'll know. Personally, I don't have a problem with it cooked or raw.

Ironically, the day after this thread was started I ended up in the ICU with life threatening blood clots in both legs. I'm here to tell you, the surgeon who told the original poster blood clots were painless couldn't be more wrong. In fact, I find it disturbing a surgeon could be so ignorant to something so serious. The reason I ended up in the ER, where the blood clots were discovered, was because I was in such severe pain I couldn't even walk to the bathroom without sobbing. I hope the original poster found the source of her problems and is ok. I wouldn't wish the hell I went through with blood clots on anyone.

I agree with TMF. You're not hungry between meals and have lost a lot of weight, it sounds like Green Zone to me. Personally, I wouldn't risk getting too tight with another fill.

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is research both and decide which is the best option for you. As for weight loss with the band, how much you lose is entirely up to you and what you're willing to work for. It's a myth that you won't lose as much with the band, in fact studies show that though weight typically comes off faster in the beginning with Bypass or the Sleeve, at the two year mark the amount of weight loss is comparable for all three surgeries. On a personal note, I lost over 230 pounds in 20 months with the band. Ironically, I have lost more and faster than anyone I know with either the Sleeve or Bypass, too. I chose the band over the other two surgeries because I could not logically justify rerouting my intestines or hacking out 80% of my healthy stomach. I could not be more thrilled with my decision- my Lap Band not only gave me my life back it also saved it. Best wishes on whatever you decide is best for you.

Is your hunger controlled? Can you go at least 4 hours between meals without hunger? If so, then you probably don't need a fill. Are you hungry too often? Can't go at least 4 hours without hunger between meals? Then you might need another fill. Always ask your doctor to help you decide- that's his job and his specialty.

If you don't know whether it's kidney stones or your gallbladder, you need to see your doctor ASAP. If your baritric surgeon isn't a general surgeon as well, then you need to see your family doctor.

I agree, when I'm out and can't stop for healthy food, Wendy's chili is always my go to. It tastes great!

You are one of many people trying to make money off us by selling this stuff. It's getting really old. Fact: All of these wraps work one of two ways: Diuretics or thermogentics. Sometimes a combination of both. The ingredients in the particular one you're selling contain diuretics as well as a plant used for hemorrhoids. The "active ingredients" (they like to call them herbs) in these wraps: Horse Chestnut Seed Extract- used to treat hemorrhoids Horsetail Leaf/Stem Extract- diuretic Butchers Broom Root Extract- diuretic and laxative Rosmarinus or Rosemary Leaf Oil- diuretic You may have minor results but being as they're based on diuretics, they will be temporary. When you stop using these things the volume will return because the moisture returns. These wraps are nothing more than an over-priced temporary fix. If you want to use them for the rest of your life, wonderful. That's your choice. But, others deserve to know the truth before spending their money on a gimmick.

I think the best place to start is to figure out how much protein you need a day. Your profile is blank so I have no idea what you currently weigh, but to figure out your daily protein requirement you take your weight x .3. For instance, I currently weigh 189 pounds so I need a minimum of 57g of protein a day. How much protein are you currently consuming daily?

You can have food stuck without anything coming back up and Water still able to go down. I'm also quite sure people are generally smart enough that if they say they're stuck, then they're stuck and it's no one's place to question what they are feeling regardless of how it compares to our own stuck experiences.

Are you counting calories? Weight loss boils down to simple math- when you burn more calories than you consume you lose weight. Tracking your calories is the easiest way to assure that happens.

I eat meat, poultry, fish, nuts, peanut butter, etc. Pretty much all the "normal" protein stuff. When you say you can only eat a little bit, how much can/do you eat?

We need a lot more detail to even consider answering your question. Describe "uncomfortable". What sensations are you feeling? When were you banded? Edit: Just realized both posts above were by the same person. Coughing is a sign of being too tight. It's a good thing you're seeing your doctor tomorrow.

Amazing story! Thank you for sharing it with us, you're quite the inspiration!

Did this happen while you were eating? If it were me, I'd go on liquids for a day to give your stomach time to relax. Getting stuck often causes swelling that leads to more stuck episodes and swelling. Going on liquids a day can allow the swelling to go down. If after a day of liquids you still feel stuck, I would give your doc a call. Good luck.

You sound stuck, but not being a doctor I can't say for sure. Are you able to swallow liquids? Has food come back up?

Mine are always quick, easy, and painless. It's over in seconds and I don't even feel the needle at all.

Honestly, only you know what's right for you. I do know if you feel rushed and not ready for surgery, I'd postpone it. You have to be 100% ready and committed. Good luck

Only your doctor can answer that but I seriously doubt it.

They only have 12g of Protein per 2 scoop serving. That isn't nearly enough. Especially during the post op diet phase you should be getting at least 20g of protein per serving for your shakes. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't waste my money on them. I'd stick with a good (cheaper) Protein shake.

Thanks Alex. That is reassuring

As far as eating, it's really important you take small enough bites, chew thoroughly, and pause between bites. Most doctors recommend bites the size of a fingernail (or similar) and chewing food until absolute mush. Kids and rushed or not, it's crucial to eat properly so you're not constantly stuck and get the nutrition you need. As far as the acid reflux, that isn't a normal side effect of Depo or the band. However, it can be very dangerous with the band and lead to erosion so it's very important you talk to your doctor so he can help you resolve the problem. Best wishes.