DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Actually, any surgery can lead to hair loss. It's the drugs they pump into you during and after surgery, specifically anesthetic. This is why so many band patients lose hair 3-6 months after surgery, I would start Biotin a month before surgery to try to lessen the effects.

B-52 is dead on correct. You can definitely have too much Protein and it can have very bad consequences. I actually had this happen to me. Many years ago, I tried the Atkins diet. I lost about 40 pounds but I ended up in the ER with a raging kidney infection. Apparently I had a build up of protein in my kidneys/urine and it had a toxic effect. I was very sick for a couple days, it wasn't fun. Talk to your nutritionist and find out the recommended minimum and maximum amounts of protein that is necessary for you.

I'm no doctor, but I would increase your calories a little rather cut your exercise.

Always talk to your doctor to get his clearance. Pill size matters. If it's small, you should be fine. If it's larger, be extremely cautious. Always consult your pharmacist before crushing any pills. Some pills are time release and crushing them will cause them to be absorbed too quickly, leading to accidental overdose.

Yes, it could. Not that you threw up due to drainage, but because you have an active infection in your body and could throw up after surgery because of it. Definitely let your surgeon know you're sick ASAP. It's always better safe than sorry.

Well a couple things. The first 4-6 weeks post surgery are for healing, not losing, so I'm more than a little shocked your surgeon gave you a weight loss goal for the first month after surgery. The body has been through a lot and needs time to heal, not to mention the post op surgery diet phases aren't very helpful for losing. With that said, I did lose consistently even during the post op diet phases. The way I lost is by religiously counting calories- which I still do to this very day 11 months later. So, if you want to lose during the healing phase, counting calories is what I'd suggest.

When is the last time you had it checked? I worry you are showing signs of a slip, which would explain the night reflux as well as the weight gain. I'd get into your surgeon ASAP. Best wishes to you.

Given the choice, I'd definitely have it done at home. As stated by LoveTheNewMe, aftercare is a huge and important part of the Lap Band process. Unfortunately, I see a great number of people who go to Mexico get the surgery with very little pre-op information and almost no post op direction. They're left to figure it out for themselves. I'm sure there are some that's not the case for, but the majority I see posting on here, it is. The other issue is trying to find a doctor to give you fills once you're home. A lot of American doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico, so if you do decide to go there, be sure you've already found a doctor at home to care for you after first. Best wishes

I am so incredibly excited for you. You've worked so hard and come so far, you totally deserve this. I can't wait to see your fabulous results in the weeks to come. You will be in my constant thoughts and prayers over the next week. Let us know how you're doing when you feel up to it. ((hugs))

You're definitely in bandster hell, I don't miss that all. Ugh. A couple things struck me about your post. Don't expect the band to restrict your food intake. You mentioned in more than place how you could eat large quantities without being stuck or vomiting. That isn't abnormal. In fact, that's exactly why it's so important to stick to a cup or less of food per meal to make sure we don't accidentally over-eat. The band is supposed to control our hunger, not control our portions. Here's a really good link I think may help you: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html Now as far as the hunger, that IS the band's job to help you control. Being early in your journey, I'm not surprised right now it's a struggle. The only way I was able to lose weight without starving to death during bandster hell was by concentrating on calories rather than meals. There was no way in heck I was going to be able to make it on just 3 meals a day. So, I spread my calories out throughout the day to allow me to eat every 2 hours. It wasn't always easy, but it did work. Best wishes to you!

Have you had any fills yet? Prior to having adequate Fluid in the band, it's hard because your hunger isn't satiated. I found concentrating on calories rather than meals helped me to control hunger and still lose before I had fills. If I was focusing on 1200 calories a day, I'd spread it out so I could eat every 2 hours. For me, it worked. I continued to lose even before I had fills. Hang in there, it gets easier.

I can definitely notice mine more and I'm still not done losing. When I was first banded, I couldn't even feel it if I pushed around. Now, I can see it when I tighten my tummy and simply look down. (with no shirt on, not through clothes) I honestly don't care, even if it shows more in the months to come. I figure it's like a little badge of honor "Look! I've lost so much tummy fat you can see my port!"

Ok well several posts on other threads won't help us to offer you advice on this thread. You need to update your profile so the info is right there and available or be prepared to answer the same questions on every thread you start. You say you're a newbie. Are you new to the forums or newly banded? When was your band surgery?

I've gone multiple weeks without weight loss. It sucks and I hate it, but I also know it's a very normal part of the weight loss process. I'm not sure if others have experienced this, but I find I'm in a literal "cycle" these days. For the last couple months, I won't lose anything for 2-4 weeks, then all the sudden drop 5-9 pounds in a week, another 2-4 pounds the next week, then back to 2-4 weeks with no loss.

Yes, but I have found after a couple weeks with no loss, it's pretty easy for me to dump a good amount in a week. I'm pretty sure my loss will now slow A LOT for the next couple of weeks. I guess it's kinda like my "weight loss cycle".

You look great! Congratulations!

We need considerably more details if we're going help. You should fill out your profile. When were you banded?

I've lost 174 pounds in 11 months so far.

I don't know anyone who's died directly from Lap Band surgery, however I know of multiple people who've died from causes that are a direct result of obesity.

I know some do fine without logging food and calories, but they seem to be the exception not the rule. I find it to be very important, if not crucial, to my weight loss success. I have tracked every piece of food that's gone into my mouth since my surgery 11 months ago. I use the Lose It! app on my phone. I'm certain I wouldn't have lost even half the amount of weight I have without doing so. It keeps me accountable and helps me to see problems when they occur.

Congratulations! You look amazing!

The first thing I would do is try smaller bites. Really small, like the size of your fingernail. Also, chew it until mush and pause between bites. If you do this and still can't eat solids, it's entirely possible you're too tight and need a slight unfill. If that's the case, don't wait, call your doctor. Being too tight can not only prevent you from getting enough nutrients and cause weight gain, but it can actually lead to slips if left that way. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Best wishes.

Well a couple things: Sandwiches, as others have stated, are very hard for many with bands to eat. It's just not easy to get a small enough bite. The only way I can eat a sandwich is with a fork. There is a difference between vomiting and PBing. Vomiting is violent and should be avoided at all costs with the band as it can lead to slips. PBing is gently burping stuck food back up and happens occasionally If you're truly vomiting, then you need to get into your doctor immediately. If you're only PBing, then I would suggest smaller bites and more chewing to see if that helps. As far as your weight loss, are you counting calories and tracking what you eat? Are you sticking to a cup or less of food per meal? Are you getting in all your Protein daily? Do you exercise?