DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I say do whatever works for you. Some do low carb, some count calories, and if Weight Watchers works for you then do it. We're all following some sort of "diet" regardless of what we call it. We're all making changes to our eating routine to lose weight. I personally count calories, stick to a cup or less of food per meal, and am careful to always get in at least 60g of Protein daily. It is work. The band significantly reduces hunger and increases satiety but I could easily over-eat if I really wanted to. That's why I track calories, it holds me accountable and keeps from eating too much. I think it's always going to be some degree of work, the difference is in time that "work" becomes second nature so it doesn't feel like work as much anymore.

That is a major symptom of a band too tight. Call your surgeon so he can have a look and take some out if he feels it's necessary.

Yes, in fact some don't need fills at all. It's all dependent on your anatomy.

If it's too tight and you're vomiting? It's a definite possibility. Call your doctor.

If you're pear shaped when overweight you'll just be a smaller pear shape when you're thinner. Women typically lose from the top down.

I don't know, that's another reason why if I were you I'd be calling your doc in the morning. Let them decide what to do, it's their job and what you pay them for.

Actually, 1/2 cup isn't standard. I know, confusing huh? Some surgeons say 1/2 cup but some say up to 1 cup. It all depends on what yours says. Mine happens to say a cup of food or less. As far as forbidden foods, there are none. Carbonation is the only "forbidden" thing, anything else you can have in moderation. I personally don't deprive myself but I am careful to log the calories of absolutely everything I eat to make sure I'm not going over my daily allowance. Best wishes!

If you haven't been able to eat anything for a day and a half, you're too tight. Losing a couple pounds because you can't eat isn't worth it if you end up with a slip from a band too tight. The choice is yours but so is the risk. If I were you, I'd be calling your doctor tomorrow and letting them decide what's best.

Amy your post was simply heartbreaking. I am so incredibly sorry that you encountered such mean, nasty people. No one deserves that abuse. Hang in there. ((hugs))

First, I am sending you a virtual hug Your post actually makes perfect sense. You're tired, you're frustrated, you're sick of waiting for the surgery, and your insensitive jerk of an aunt just made it all feel ten times worse. Believe me, I totally understand and your post definitely makes sense. I wish I had some wise, wonderful words to make you feel better. I don't. All I can tell you is that you're on the right track. You're taking the necessary steps to not only better your life but your kids' lives by giving them a healthy mom. You're half way through the supervised diet, so that means you're only a couple months from surgery too. Try not to look at it like you have 3 months to go, look it like you're almost done. As for your aunt and people like her...never be afraid to stand up for yourself. You don't have to fake laughter when their hurtful remarks make you want to cry. Tell them how it makes you feel and don't take that abuse from anyone. You are a wonderful, worthy human being and deserve to be treated with nothing less than respect. Best wishes on your journey. Hang in there.

I would go back in for a slight unfill. Being too tight actually leads to weight gain because you're reduced to eating slider foods and drinking your calories so it's definitely not in your best interest. On a side note- if you're expecting "magic" or even weight loss from a fill, you're going to be very disappointed. The band is just a tool and fills don't result in weight loss. Weight loss happens when you're burning more calories than you're consuming, so even with the band, you still have to work for the weight loss. This link may help you have more realistic expectations from the band: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

I actually don't have a supplemental plan right now. Trust me, it's extremely pricey too. But being on a fixed income I just don't have another $300-$400 a month to pay in another premium on top of the Medicare premium. I called Medicare directly when I was going through my Lap Band. My surgeon did get pre-authorization. I had to have a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with 2 other obesity related co-morbidities. I also had to provide a letter from my primary care doctor saying the band was a medical necessity and why. I know they still require it for skin removal, but it's possible their requirements have changed in the 2013 calendar year for Lap Band. They have a bad habit of doing that almost yearly it seems. In fact, prior to when I had my band, Medicare required a 3-6 month doctor supervised diet even, but that was dropped not long before I started looking into it so I got lucky and didn't have to do it. Please do call CMS and verify it directly. I'd even go so far as to ask them to send you their requirements (or lack thereof) either in an email or via USPS. This way, you have proof if something goes wrong.

It's not happened to me because I didn't go on birth control until after I was banded, however it's not uncommon at all. Weight loss can cause some major hormonal changes. It's not uncommon for women to have irregular periods, miss periods, spot more, or even get pregnant easier because of weight loss. I personally wouldn't worry about it. If it continues you may want to just double check with your OBGYN.

Welcome and congratulations!

What size is your band?

Welcome Lalou. I'm so very sorry you lost your husband I'm only 39, however my neighbor across the street is your age. She was banded about 4 months ago and is doing really well. I see her outside walking all the time while out on my walks. You're not alone

I think maybe this link will help you better understand the band, what it's supposed to do, and what you're supposed to do and not do. http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

It really depends on you. I personally don't have a problem with pills. Just check with your pharmacist before crushing or cutting any pills. Some are time release and can actually result in an accidental overdose when they're crushed or cut. Best wishes.

I wouldn't eat if you feel nauseous and don't feel like eating. Just sip on some Water or tea. I hope you feel better soon!

I think it's a great place to exchange information and experiences. I also think it's a good tool to help keep you on track and a reminder that others are in the same boat you are. Plus, I've made some cherished friends here!

Being as you're more than 2 months past surgery it's highly unlikely to be surgery related. My stomach is the same way but I have very large hernias that have to be fixed very soon, too. In fact I already had one get strangulated this past August. I would have your doctor check it out, just to be safe.

No one is trying to bully anyone, in fact I have been nothing but respectful and decent to you. I simply don't want people scared off by unfounded horror stories anymore than I want people getting banded who truly have no business getting one. People need to see the good and the bad, but not presented in such a way to make the band look horrible or like a magic bullet. Neither extreme is good or honest.

I don't disagree with you at all, actually. There are WAY too many people getting the band that simply shouldn't have it. They go into this completely blind and ignorant to the facts. I often wonder, are there this many doctors just shoving patients through with little or no information or are there this many people foolishly ignoring their doctor's instructions? But even so, it needs to be specified that this is why people are failing, not that the band is failing. I know some people have issues by no fault of their own. It's horrible but it happens and it's the risk we take going into surgery. Heck there's no guarantee I won't be one someday, who knows? I just know that there has to be some distinction between patient caused failures versus band caused failures to give a truly objective and honest portrayal of the band. Just saying "I've read the stories of 700 people having problems" without mentioning that 75% have no one to blame but themselves is extremely misleading.

Yeah you definitely don't want to be too tight, not only does it cause eating issues but it's a major cause of complications. I'd give your doctor a call and tell them what's going on then go from there. I suspect they'll want you to get a slight unfill. Best wishes!