DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Thanks PKB!

I'm not sure when I stopped snoring, but I've stopped completely. I used to have a sleep apnea and now I don't even snore. At all. I'm very happy about that!

Nothing wrong with the Realize bands. Many people have them. I would only ask which model he's using. Make sure it's a newer one. Best wishes.

I've lost 187 pounds in 13 months.

You can up your Biotin to 5000 a day. Nature's Bounty makes them in that dosage, too. There are also hair products with Biotin in them. I use "Fall Fight", with Biotin and caffeine, specifically to lessen hair loss and make hair thicker. While you're eating things with good protein like fish, I would suggest actually tracking your food and counting your protein grams to make sure you're getting enough. Here's a formula to figure out about much protein a day you should be getting: How to Calculate Your Protein Needs: 1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg 2. Weight in kg x 0.8gm/kg = protein gm So if you weigh 231 pounds, it would be 231 / 2.2= 105 105 x 0.8= 84g of protein per day

I am so sorry I really think you should seek out a counselor or other mental health professional. You've been through a lot and unfortunately it seems to manifesting itself in food issues. This isn't uncommon, by the way. We all have food issues or we wouldn't need weight loss surgery to begin with. But when the issues get to a point they're bigger than us, then it's time to seek professional help. I hope you'll get the help and peace of mind you need. Best wishes to you.

There is no way anyone can tell if your band has slipped by pushing on it. The only way is to have an x-ray/barium swallow to actually see where the band placement is.

I would go see your PCP. This long after surgery you shouldn't be having such severe hair loss. I think it's really important to make sure there's not something totally unrelated to food or the band going on. How much Biotin are you taking daily? How much protein are you eating daily?

I'm very sorry you're struggling and going through so much. Has your band position been checked via barium swallow? What caused the esophageal spasms? Have you seen a nutritionist recently? Have you seen your PCP?

At the beginning, the only people who knew were my parents, brother, and kids' dad. I also told a couple friends who also had WLS surgery. I had so much weight to lose I was afraid of failing in front of everyone. Plus, like many here, I just didn't have the emotional strength to try to defend myself against all the judgement. As time went on, I told more people. Now, it's public knowledge I have the Lap Band. The few times I've been told I'm taking "the easy way out", I responded "If restricting my calories to under 1200 daily and walking 2 miles a day is the easy way, I'd hate to see the hard way". Overall, most people have been very supportive and excited for me. At the end of the day, you have to do what's best for you. If you don't want to tell anyone then don't. You don't owe anyone any explanations. If you change your mind in the future and want to share it, great, but if not that's ok too. Best wishes.

They look really good. What part didn't your hubby care for?

Wow that's a huge change! You look beautiful! Congratulations!

That is so awesome! Congratulations!

Yes things definitely change with the band. In fact, if you're eating until you're full, you're likely eating too much. Here's a link I think will help you: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

Excellent post and so true!

I wasn't breast feeding while having Lap Band, but I did breast feed my children. Definitely talk to your surgeon and possibly your baby's pediatrician ahead of time. They pump a lot of drugs into you during surgery, plus they usually send you home with a prescription of two, and all that will go into your breast milk. My guess is you'll have to pump ahead of time for your baby because you won't be able to breast feed safely until the medications are out of your system. You'll also have to expel and throw away your milk while on all the meds. Your doctor should be able to tell you when it's safe to breast feed again. Best wishes.

No one is trying to scare anyone. We're just trying to warn others of some of the hazards of going to Mexico if you're not extremely careful. It's a fact that many places in Mexico still use the outdated 4cc band- even though it's been proven to result in many complications and slips. Sadly, I have seen two people come back from Mexico with 4cc bands within the last month on these forums. It's also a fact that many US doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico because of the liability factor. I'm not saying none will. Some definitely do. But it is imperative to have a doctor to handle your post op care and fills before ever having the surgery in Mexico. I don't mean this offensively, but "talking to people" is irrelevant. What matters is the facts, not anecdotal evidence. I would never begrudge someone the right to get their band wherever they choose. But just like US patients need all the fact of their surgeons and the procedure ahead of time, so do patients traveling to Mexico but even more so. When you go to Mexico, you have no medical or legal recourse if something goes wrong like you would in the US.

I really do take bites that small, but I was never told to take a whole minute to chew. A whole minute between bites seems like overkill to me. Your food would be cold and you'd never get more than 20 bites of food. I was told to take a bite, physically put the fork down, chew until mush, then swallow. When I've swallowed completely then pick the fork back up for another bite. I've done this since I was banded (13 months) and it's always worked well for me. EDIT- oh and I never eat more than a cup of food per meal. Usually, it ends up being less because I'm just not hungry enough for a whole cup of food anymore.

I agree, forget Dr. Oz. You need to talk to your surgeon and do exactly what he recommends, especially where the reflux is concerned.

I was allowed to do that, but check with your doctor to make sure.

Can't feel the band, and if you can, something is wrong. You're not supposed to be able to feel the band. The port, yes I can feel and see it. It never bothers me, though.

Yes, a lot less hungry. I forgot/skip meals entirely because I'm just not hungry.

You just had surgery a couple days ago, so I'm guessing it's distended and sore from the air they pump in during surgery. Walking will help your body to re-absorb it faster. Some find a heating pad helps, too. Best wishes.

The band isn't supposed to effect your swallowing nor is it supposed to stop you from physically eating. Have a look at this link, it'll help you better understand: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Congratulations! (but I'm so sorry about the loss of your grandma)