DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I am so incredibly sorry you went through that but I'm glad you figured out the problem. As far as your band- if you want it left empty then leave it empty. Don't give the surgeon even an option to refill it. Take control and tell him you're not getting a fill. Period. Best wishes and I'll definitely keep you in my thoughts.

I'm sorry, but apologize for what? Pointing out the fact the original post was just an opinion and not at all based on facts? This is a forum not a blog. People are going to respond whether you like it or not. This is especially true when you post things that are arguably bad or incorrect information. I am not going to apologize for posting the truth and I don't care who gets their panties in a twist because of it. Just because you don't like the truth doesn't make it less true.

It's one of the better WLS commercials I've seen. I really dislike the commercials with people dancing around like idiots or posing like wannabe models. The fact he's had the surgery and is also a bariatric surgeon makes it more "real" feeling. No gimmicks just facts. I like it.

It's not a huge deal but good they know it ahead of time. You just may have to give yourself an injection for awhile before and after the surgery to prevent blood clots. The needles are tiny, the injection is given in your stomach, and it doesn't hurt at all (at least I never felt it).

It is never normal to throw up blood, band or no band. With the band it's particularly worrisome. Call your doctor,

But if you're staying between 1200-1400 calories a day, how much fluid that is in your band is irrelevant. The band doesn't make you lose weight, burning more calories than you consume is what makes you lose weight. The band is there to help control your appetite. Being as you're already monitoring calories and not losing, I really think it's important you see your primary care doctor and get a full physical and blood work up to make sure there isn't something medical stopping you from losing weight.

Have you been to your doctor? Perhaps you need to make sure there isn't a medical reason stalling your weight loss, like thyroid or hormones.

There is a big difference in your pictures!! I looked up Ashley Stewart and they're very reasonably priced, too. I'm definitely going to order one to try it out.

I make sure my overall diet is healthy and I stay active. I also take various vitamins, including a multi vitamin.

I am definitely going to check out those bras. I started at a 46G and am now a saggy 38DD. (I actually might even be a 36DD now, my bra is getting big again) I'm constantly looking for something with good support to hoist the girls back up where they belong lol.

TMF makes a good point. If you are in blood pressure meds or even if your blood pressure is making jumps and dips on it's own, it will cause that. However it could also be your blood sugar falling and/or not eating enough. Or possibly the right type of calories. I would speak to your nutritionist. Tell them what is happening and see if they can recommend anything to help. I'd also have your doc check your blood pressure, too. Best wishes.

I've read this entire thread, and the bottom line is, you're likely too tight and you need to get back into your surgeon. Until you start eating healthy veggies and Protein you're not going to lose weight. There was actually a great article on this even called "Tighter Isn't Always Better" http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 Get an appointment with both your surgeon and nutritionist. If you continue as you are you're not going to lose weight and are going to make yourself ill.

You need to realize two things: 1. What forum you post a topic in is irrelevant. It comes up on the right side of the page and people respond. No one bothers to look at what category it's under. 2. This is a forum. People are going to respond and there is no guarantee you're going to like their responses. When you post something that you know is going stir the pot then either be prepared to deal with the backlash or get a blog where you can post without dealing with responses. I wish nothing but the best for you and my heart goes out to you with your issues, but your personal issues have nothing to do with making posts that many of us feel the need to defend because they're either not painting a full picture or just plain incorrect. If you want to make a post about what you're dealing with personally you'll get nothing but support and compassion I'm sure. But don't make the mistake of trying to mix those personal issues in with topics that are sure to trigger defensive responses. Keep them separate for your own sake.

I think making an appointment with your nutritionist is the best place to start. When you go, bring your food journals with you and let them help you make changes. Best wishes.

I think you have really examine how you're feeling to decide if you need a fill. First, the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anything. It's not meant to control your portions either. In fact, it's not even meant to make you feel "full" and if you're eating until full you're likely eating too much. What the band IS supposed to do is allow you to satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. So really, the question would be: Can you go for at least 4 hours without being hungry after a cup or less of food? If yes, then you don't need a fill. If no, then perhaps you do. Of course your doctor is always the best one to help you decide. The foods you listed are common trouble foods for banded people. However, if you can't get enough Protein in, then that would definitely be a problem. Sometimes people think they're taking small bites but they're not small enough. A lot of nutritionists recommend bites the size of your fingernail, chew it until mush, and pause between bites. Here's a link that I think might help you too: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

Ok it doesn't matter if you "got it down". What matters is sticking to your doctor's post op instructions. Weren't you given a clear set of instructions? Listing different phases and what foods are for each?

I agree with TMF, it does sound like you're off to a good start. Because you're not vomiting, PBing, or constantly stuck I would guess you simply haven't adjusted to eating. Every time you get a fill it's a major learning experience. When I first got into the Green Zone, I originally thought I might be too tight too. In fact, I even had the same symptoms you are. After a couple days I tried a bite about the size of my fingernail (which is what I was told to do anyway) and sure enough I was fine. I simply had to learn to take small enough bites and chew it until mush. Ultimately how tight (or loose) your band is up to you. If you feel you can't be happy at this level of Fluid then discuss a tiny unfill with your doc. But, if I were you, I'd really concentrate on how you're eating and see if that doesn't help so you can be happy where you are now. Best wishes!

That's it? Odd. Well if you're not at least in the mushy phase then no, you can't have it. Once you are on mushies you can put it through the blender then have it.

It's ok when? Are you still on liquids?

I highly doubt it. What does your doctor say? What phase are you on?

Good luck! You'll be so glad you did this!

The article you stated was just opinion. Not a study and not fact. Opinion. I'm sorry but opinions are useless. It's facts that matter. This is an actual study and fact: "Gastric banding is safe and effective for managing obesity long-term, according to a study of patients 10 to 15 years after their surgeries." Weight Stays Off Long After Lap Band Surgery

I don't believe any food is off limit, either. Moderation is the key not deprivation. When I have a little treat like chocolate I just make sure it fits within my daily calorie allowance.