DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

It did for sure. I was very irregular for the first year after surgery. I would have a period, then nothing for 8 weeks, have another period then have yet another 2 weeks later. I gave up trying to track them at all because they just came so randomly. My gynecologist said weight loss, especially rapid weight loss, can really play havoc with a woman's hormones. I went on the pill about 6 months ago and now they are very regular again.

Honestly? I think genetics, amount of weight to lose, and age have a lot more to do with saggy skin than anything. You can exercise like crazy but some people just have excess skin after weight loss.

My tastes have really changed since I had surgery. I think it's as a result of my drastic diet change overall. I absolutely love salads. I crave them. I keep a variety of low fat and fat free dressing in the house, too. If someone had told me before surgery I'd be craving salads, I'd have burst into hysterical laughter lol. I've always been a big cheese fan, the only difference is now I try to stick to the lower fat brands. Thankfully, they still taste excellent. The Laughing Cow and Babybel cheeses are wonderful too. Perfect snack size. One of my most common quickie meals is jazzed up chili. I take 2/3 cup 98% fat free turkey chili with Beans and mix in 1 tablespoon of low fat cream cheese. I then sprinkle some low fat shredded cheese over the top and heat it up. It's quick, it's easy, and it tastes so good but it's very low calorie and high Protein.

I agree with TMF (I seem to say that a lot! lol), if meat is moist or tender cut I have no problem with it. But, if it's dry, forget it. Leftover meat is out of the question for me because it's just too dry and it'll get stuck.

I'm sorry but that PA was 100% wrong. Acid reflux most certainly is possible with the band, and if you are having reflux with the band then something is wrong. Acid reflux with the band is one of the first red flags of being too tight or having a slip.

Actually, it's a big misconception that there will be all these foods you can never eat again. Some people do have specific problem foods but even that list is short. Many of us, myself included, can still eat anything we want so long as we take small bites and chew thoroughly. This is just my personal opinion, but I would stop with your bucket list of food. All that will do is result in unnecessary weight gain before surgery. After you're past the post op healing phase you'll likely be able to eat it all again, anyway. Best wishes.

All the body wraps work on either thermogenic energy or diuretics- or a combination of both. They can make you shrink inches but if you stop getting the wraps then the inches come back. That is because it's not true "inches", it's water weight coming off.

From what I was reading, it seems grey vomit is a sign of bile. It could be from your band being too tight. Do you still have your gallbladder? Apparently that can cause it, too.

If your doctor wants an upper GI done, then why doesn't he just call the order for it into the hospital?

That is so wonderful! Congratulations on both your success with your band and in your marriage!

I think part of the problem may be you're expecting the band to do things it's not meant to do. You say you don't feel "full" and can eat a lot. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything and this is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. If you are getting fills trying to get the band to stop you from eating too much, you run the risk of accidentally ending up too tight. The other thing is, if you're eating until you're full, you're likely eating too much. The band is about satiety and hunger control not fullness. What the band is supposed to do is allow you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Here's a great link that explains it all. I really think it will help you. Having realistic expectations of the band will really help you to be successful: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes. Don't give up!

Just because you can't feel a difference doesn't mean she missed. It might simply mean you need another fill or two. You can't gauge it on how it was before you were pregnant, either. Our bodies change so the amount of Fluid you need in your band can change too. I would just have them verify the amount in the band during your next visit to ease your mind.

There is no "only" 45 pounds! 45 pounds is a HUGE accomplishment! Think of it like this- you're lost the equivalent of a 5 year old child!! You look great!!

When were you banded?

Exercise, hydration, and good genes. Unfortunately some people are simply going to have excess skin and nothing will help but surgery.

There is no "right" range. Everyone is different and has different needs If this is what your nutritionist recommends then this is what is right for you.

You'll find this topic is very subjective, not only from patient to patient but from doctor to doctor. I personally prefer slow, gradual fills. It's a lot easier to gradually work into the Green Zone than it is to blow past it and try to back into it, bouncing between not enough and too tight. But that is just my opinion and my doctor's opinion.

Keep in mind you should not be gauging whether or not you need a fill based on how much you can eat. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything or control your portions. That will always be your job and why it's important you stick to band sized portions. What the band is supposed do is keep you satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. This what should decide whether or not you need a fill- how well your hunger is controlled. I agree with Catfish, your stomach is likely swollen from the fill then likely further irritated from eating too soon after. I would go on liquids for a day or two then gradually work back to real food. If you're then still having the same problems, call your doctor and discuss a small unfill. Best wishes.

Do your homework, there is a reason the FDA has thousands of complaints about the 4cc band and as a result will no longer support it's use in the USA. The 4cc band is essentially the Pinto of Lap Bands. In case you don't remember Pintos, they were cars that came out and everyone thought they were great- until you exploded in flames if it was ever rear ended. As a result, in 80's Pintos were recalled and discontinued. I wouldn't go buy a Pinto today just because I can get it cheap. The 4cc band is Pinto of bands.

I eat them or Lean Cuisine when in a hurry or just don't feel like cooking. They have a huge variety and they're the perfect portion size.

If it's a max fill of 4cc then it's a 4cc band. That is the outdated one with all the complications. Saying it helps patients get to goal sooner is crap. It's a smaller band you would feel it sooner however it's also no longer allowed to be used in the US or UK because of the high rate of severe complications. You need someone who uses the most recent and newest model bands. NOT an outdated and unsafe 4cc band.

You can always eat whatever you want, you just have to ask yourself is it's a healthy choice. If you do have them be sure to measure them and count the calories towards your daily total.

You do not want a 4cc band in your body and should not be an option. The rate of people having their 4cc bands removed due to severe complications is very high. Doctors in the US and UK can't and won't use them anymore. Look at like this: If a car was proven to be unsafe to drive and outlawed in the US, would you run off to Mexico and get one anyway? Knowing it was unsafe and you were putting your life at risk? It's no different putting unsafe medical equipment in your body. If I were you I would find a new doctor. Even if he did agree to not use the 4cc band on you I wouldn't want a doctor that's irresponsible enough to use it ever. Just my opinion.