DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Yes, I've experienced this and heard many others talk about it. They call it "first bite syndrome". It's odd and it doesn't make sense (to me anyway) but for some reason the first bite will stick. If you then wait 5-10 minutes to resume eating, you can then eat with no problem. I find this happens if I let myself get too hungry, like I've been starving for couple hours before I finally find time to eat.

I think both should be avoided whenever possible, but if you are going to have bad food and alcohol then be sure to count their calories in your daily total. Let their calories decide what to eat and not.

Perhaps you should try the Sleeve or Bypass forums. You'll find links to them at the bottom of page here.

It's 1 cup total food per meal.

Always follow your doctor's specific instructions over all else, but most say 1 cup or less per meal. How often varies, some say only meals and others allow Snacks. I personally eat when hungry regardless of what the clock says. I focus on daily calories not the amount of meals or snacks. (though I actually miss meals sometimes because I'm not hungry and forget to eat)

I'm not trying to scare you, but please make an appointment with your surgeon too. It's not common but it is possible to cause a slip by prolonged strong coughing. I'm sure you're just fine and the band is just irritated but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Best wishes.

Whether or not you keep the weight off long term is entirely up to you. I know many people who've been great successes for years, but likewise I know many who gained all their weight back. The difference is, the ones who keep it off also maintain healthy eating habits. The ones who gain it back revert back to their old unhealthy ways. The band isn't meant to limit your intake, by the way. It's job is not to physically stop you from eating nor to control how much you eat. That's a big misconception. The band is to help you feel satisfied on less food for much longer periods of time- which is does exceptionally well once you reach the point optimal Fluid in your band. Have a look at this link, it will explain it in great detail. It's called The Lap Band is NOT about Restriction, by Dr. Simpson: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html Best wishes!

I think it's a study from 2006, thus totally outdated and irrelevant for people being banded currently. Plus, that study is going to be largely based on the old 4cc band, which we already know had a high complication rate and is no longer used in the US or UK because of it. If you want a current study (and the largest ever done on the Lap Band), have a look here: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/ Here's just a small part of it: "The study, the longest and most comprehensive yet reported, appears in the Annals of Surgery, and finds a significant number of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (lap banding) patients maintained an average weight loss of 26 kilograms for more than a decade after their procedure."

Congratulations! Your dedication is amazing, you'll do great!

It's always, always better to turn to your doctor for advice than just assume. Obviously, if the doctor gave you an unfill then you were too tight. This is the smart thing to do and please don't let anyone make you question that or tell you otherwise. You did the right thing. Walking around too tight is the leading cause of slips- and too many people around here do exactly that. Years down the road they will wonder why their band has to be removed from severe erosion and slips. You're doing great and don't let anyone make you question that or decision.

Don't worry about your insurance company, only what True Results sends you. The cash price is usually considerably cheaper than the insurance price, so the bill you get from True Results won't be anything like the statement you get from your insurance company.

Everyone is different and follows very different rules, you'll have to ask your nutritionist what is best for you.

There is no way we can answer that. Only your surgeon can tell you for sure after a barium swallow to check your band's placement. You should go on liquids for 24 hours and give your stomach and stoma time to calm. If you're still having problems, call your doctor.

It's not possible to gain 5 pounds in 3 days unless you were eating over 5800 calories a day. Just stick to your daily calorie allowance and cup or less of food and you'll be fine.

Generally speaking, if you can be satisfied on a cup or less food without hunger for at least 4 hours, you don't need another fill. If you find yourself still hungry after a cup of food or you can't go at least 4 hours without hunger, you probably need another fill. Discuss it with your doctor because he's the authority and expert.

Oh I forgot about the Gypsy shows! Have you seen Gypsy Sisters? It's like a trainwreck, it's horrible and you know you should look away but you keep watching in morbid curiosity anyway. We love it! LOL!

I HATE Honey Boo-Boo, that show makes me want to punch people! I am a total Supernatural fan-girl. I am obsessed with the show and the actors in it. (seriously, have seen them? HOT!!) I love Duck Dynasty and laugh my butt off it.

I had a total unfill in August for emergency surgery and wasn't back to where I was again until late October. So, yes, I've been there. I still lost weight during that time between August and October, but I also stuck to my daily calorie allowance and 1 cup or less of food per meal. You will likely be more hungry but if you don't want to gain (or even still lose) you'll have to be careful to stick to your calories and portions despite the band not being at optimal fill. Just think of it as going back to bandster hell temporarily. It may get a little rough but keep doing the right thing and it will pass without damage. Best wishes.

Yes, I swear I'm freezing all the time. My finger and toe nails actually turn purple I'm so cold!

Don't be discouraged. I'm guessing you're still wearing the same clothes, yes? That alone will hide your loss because clothes that are baggy make you look bigger. Plus, I find people are really hesitant to comment on weight until it reaches that point it's impossible not to notice. They're scared of going "Oh you lost weight?" just have you go "Uh no, are you saying I'm fat?" Let's face it, weight is a very touchy subject so people very much approach the topic with a lot caution. No one said anything to me and started to notice until I lost about 60 pounds, btw. Be patient, they'll notice

Well first, you have to remember the amount of Fluid in your band is completely irrelevant. Some are at the perfect level with completely empty bands and others need a lot of fills, it all depends on your anatomy. When you say you feel you no restriction, do you realize that "restriction" actually has nothing to do with the band restricting how much or what you eat? Too often, people say restriction thinking the band is going "restrict" what they eat- and that isn't the case. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating, it's supposed to keep you satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. It will always be your job to make sure your portions are a cup or less per meal and to make healthy food choices. Here's a link I think may help you considerably: The Lap-band is NOT about Restriction, by Dr. Simpson: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html You say you've only lost 10-12 pounds since October. How many calories are you eating a day? Do you keep your portions to a cup or less per meal?

Well I won't lie, I'm glad you have a 10cc band. There's been a lot of problems with the old 4cc bands. So, that's a relief. However much is in your band really is irrelevant. All that matters is how you feel. If you're concerned about a leak, I would insist your surgeon tell you how much is in your band THEN once you know ask that he verify that is how much is in your band. This way you'll know for certain that your band isn't leaking. Do have a look at those links I posted earlier, though. I think they'll help you. Best wishes.

I agree, Amen to that!

Then I wouldn't try eating tonight. I'd go on liquids until tomorrow to give your stomach, stoma, and esophagus time to relax and unswell. You don't want to risk vomiting again. Vomiting is really dangerous with the band, btw. If you do it again please call your doctor so he can help you figure out how to stop.

Do you have a 4cc band by chance?