DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I think it's important to realize the band is there to control your hunger not make you lose weight. You lose weight by consuming less calories than you burn. When you're not hungry all the time it's easier to eat less- that is how the band works. The very first thing I'd do is follow up with your doctor. I'd also start tracking my calories if I were you. It's the only way you can be 100% sure you're not eating too much or too little. Remember, the band is just a tool. It won't do the work for you it'll just help you do the work.

Honestly? I wouldn't care if he was mad. Let him be. He has zero say over it and can't do anything legally to stop you. You deserve the best treatment and care possible. You owe that to yourself!

I personally would insist on knowing for my own reference. It is your legal right to know that information, btw. He may not like telling you but if you insist he has no choice.

I'm sorry you have struggled. When you say the band didn't work, what exactly do you mean? Did you have complications? Was your physical hunger never satisfied?

That's not true, either. Is your current doctor the one telling all this misinformation? A new doctor will see you without anything other than walking in their office and having your medical records transferred to their office. People switch bariatric surgeons all the time. You don't need an upper GI to switch.

It doesn't matter if he has 4cc or nothing at all in his band. The amount of Fluid in your band is completely irrelevant. Everyone's anatomy is different. What matters is how tightly the band is fitting around your stomach and his is clearly too tight.

I'm no doctor but if I were you, I'd be looking for a new one. Throwing up should NEVER be "normal" for someone with the band. In fact, most reputable bariatric surgeons will tell you to avoid vomiting at all costs. Even one episode of vomiting can cause a slip. Regular vomiting makes you a ticking time bomb for a slip. Saying esophageal dilation is no big deal and that every band patient has it is flat out wrong. It's a very big deal and it can lead to problems a lot worse than a slipped band. And I guarantee you, every patient does not have it. If we all did the FDA would've pulled the Lap Band from the market years ago. Seriously, please find a different doctor and get a second opinion. I'm sorry to sound so harsh but your doctor is so misinformed it's downright scary. If this is how he treats his patients I'm shocked he doesn't have a pile of malpractice suits against him.

First, don't feel guilty for eating like a "normal" healthy person. You have a small piece of cake not an entire cake. You didn't do anything wrong. There is nothing wrong with the occasional treat once in awhile in moderation. You shouldn't be looking for a "full" feeling at all, actually. In fact, if you're eating until you're full you're likely eating too much. There is a difference between feeling satisfied and full- what banded people should be striving for is satisfied. As far as being able to eat more than a cup- most people could if they really want to. You have to realize the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating. It will always be your job to do. This is why it's so important to stick to a cup or less of food so you don't accidentally over eat. Have a look at this link, I think it'll really help clarify things for you a lot: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes

You say you're eating less but are you tracking your calories? Eating smaller portions doesn't necessarily mean you're consuming less calories. If you're not tracking calories I'd start. It's the only way you can be certain you're not eating too much or too little. Best wishes.

I am the same way. I used to be sweating my butt off even when everyone else was cold. Now, I'm freezing when everyone else is warm. I am constantly cold and in a hoodie lol. I think it's the loss of insulation (fat). I don't mind though!

That is just too cool!! Congratulations!!!!

Hi Lexi, Your weight will bounce around considerably during the healing phases and post op diet. It's also really important to remember that the 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing not losing. Right now it's important to follow your doctor's instructions and give your stomach time to recover. Weight loss will come once you're back on solid food and healed up. Best wishes

It sounds like you're too tight. Vomiting is very dangerous with the band and can lead to slips. I would strongly advise getting into your surgeon ASAP to discuss this all with him. It's really important to realize the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. Portion control and good food choices will always be your job. It's very common for people to accidentally end up too tight when they expect the band to do things it's simply not meant to do. Here is a couple of links I think will help you a lot: The Lap-Band is NOT About Restriction Tighter Isn't Always Better Best wishes.

Are you on a low carb diet? It's possible your in ketosis. It's common on high protein/low carb diets.

I won't lie, I'm really scared lol. Partially because mine isn't just a tummy tuck it's also hernia repairs (multiple big ones) and repairing my abdominal wall. Most people I've spoke to who've had the tummy tuck definitely need time to recover but they all say it's worth it.

Phentermine for weight loss is bad because the minute you stop taking it you gain all the weight back. Phentermine for fatigue is even worse and more dangerous. Phentermine is essentially speed and addictive. If you're struggling with energy, you need to find the cause not make it worse by taking drugs. Vitamin deficiencies such as B12 and D3 can cause it. So can being anemic. Then there's all the many illnesses that cause fatigue. Or, it could be as simple as your diet needs to be healthier. Plus, if you have real problem with fatigue, they do make medications specifically for fatigue. Whatever the case and cause, you need to see your primary care doctor to find the cause not take an addictive drug. Best wishes.

Unfortunately none that I'm aware of. Some will let you order off the children's menu or a half portion but that's about it. I just order the smallest portion available and take a lot home for future meals.

I don't have recipes but I absolutely love the Unjury Chocolate Splendor. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake more than a protein shake.

I've had problems with it for years before I had band surgery. It did shrink a lot as I lost weight (fat) but now I have a TON of excess skin draping off me. It's so bad that when I had my gallbladder out 3 weeks (my band surgeon did that surgery too) my doc asked as I'm getting wheeled into the operating room "In a couple weeks we're getting rid of this skin!!" Sure enough, when I went in yesterday for follow up appointment, he put me on the books for May 1.

Oh yes, it's a HUGE problem. In fact, I'm finally having mine removed May 1st. I have found a high waisted control pantie (like Spanx) helps a lot. It keeps all the jiggling to a minimum. Catherines also makes their own line of control wear and they're just as effective as Spanx.

I totally agree!

I think that's because some people are more in tune with their band than others. For those that listen to their band and how it feels, they don't want the uncomfortable feeling that comes with over eating. For those that don't listen to their bodies and band, they usually are too driven to eat to even care about the sensation it's creating. Plus, it's also very easy for people driven to quantity eat to learn how to eat around their band. It's unfortunate but it happens.

You've done your homework so trust your instincts and do what it is best for you. It's unfortunate your family isn't more supportive but that doesn't matter. YOU are what matters and you have to do what is best for your long term health. Best wishes to you and enjoy your cruise!!

I've personally not experienced that but I know of others who have. It all depends on your anatomy and some people are just lucky because their band alone is enough. Btw, you're doing great on your weight loss!