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With the first bariatric surgeon I went to, I was told I couldn't have the Lap Band because I was too big. I was over 400 pounds with over 260 pounds to lose. I was told I could never lose enough weight with the band and I had to have the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass- neither of which I wanted. I found a new doctor because like you, I didn't want 3/4 of my healthy stomach hacked out or my intestines re-reouted. I have lost over 230 pounds since getting my band 21 months ago. That's 88% of my excess weight and I'm still losing. You can lose as much with the band as you're will to work at losing. It's completely up to you how much you lose. It's also your choice which surgery you want so don't let anyone try to talk you into anything you don't want. Best wishes.

It definitely sounds like you're too tight so it's a good thing you're getting some Fluid removed. It's definitely not worth the risks that come with a band too tight. Perhaps you're expecting the band to act in a way it's not meant to. You stress you're "able to eat everything". There's no reason you shouldn't be. The band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anything- it's your job to make good food choices and stick to band sized portions. The band is meant to keep you satisfied on much less food for much longer periods of time. It's there to control your hunger not control what you're physically able to eat. Here's a really great article that I think will help: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html Best wishes.

Ok ladies, after losing 227 pounds I've gone from a 52G/H to a 36DD bra. The problem is, my girls are awful. No really, they're very droopy and sometimes I swear there's more skin than breast tissue. They need some serious help so I don't look like an issue of National Geographic gone horribly wrong. So, I'm looking for your input. For those of who have bigger boobs, like a D cup or more, what bra do you prefer? I need something with lift but also some light padding in the cup so the girls don't look odd shaped. But, not too much padding because I don't want to look bigger and not "push up" because I'm not trying to be cleavage queen, either. Just some shape and to hoist the girls back up where they belong. Thanks ladies!!

The Lap Band. This forum is for Lap Band patients.

It's not about gratitude. You are paying for your doctor's services, they're not being done out of the goodness of his heart. Going in for help when you need it has nothing to do with being ungrateful and everything to do with being smart and taking care of your self. If I were in your shoes, I'd be getting another small unfill immediately. It doesn't matter if you have to go in there every day for a week to get to a point you're not too tight. You have to do what's best for you. Best wishes.

First, it's important to point out that how much anyone else loses it irrelevant. All that matters is that you're losing, not gaining, regardless of how much someone else has lost. As for your question, I had lost 178 pounds at the 1 year mark.

I am so sorry you had to deal with this. Don't let anyone try to tell you this is somehow your fault. It's not. You were one of the many who were mislead by the Mexican Medical Tourism industry into thinking the old 4cc bands were a good idea- despite the fact they're no longer used in the US because of their high complication rate. I only hope that others will read your story and reconsider their choice to try to save money by getting a 4cc band in Mexico. Best wishes for a wonderful future.

Very normal. Most people can't feel their port at the beginning because it's buried under fat. As you lose weight, you'll be able to feel it more and more. Possibly even see it. When I first started I couldn't feel mine at all, let alone see it. Now, you can actually see mine sticking out.

I have never had a problem with pills. I'd trust your doc.

Unfortunately, because we don't know the cause of the pain we can't realistically suggest something to help relieve it. If I were you, I'd talk to your doctor about it. It could be something as simple as indigestion or something more serious like your gallbladder.

The best advice I can give you is this: Make a list of questions and fears then bring it with you for your next meeting with your surgeon. Go through them all and let him help reassure you and answer your questions. That is part of his job and it's important that you resolve these feelings. If after talking to your surgeon you're still unsure, then quite honestly I'd postpone the surgery. It's so important you are totally confident in your decision for weight loss surgery. If you are unsure, then it's better to wait until you are sure or cancel it altogether. It's too big of a life changing decision to be anything other than 100% positive this is what you want. Best wishes. I hope you find peace with your final decision

If you haven't had a fill in a long time and suddenly find yourself having more food problems, it's time you call your doctor and get in for an appointment.

Call your doctor, tell him what's going on, and let him decide what's best to do.

You need to do what's best for you, but for me I chose the band because I couldn't rationalize cutting out 80% of my healthy stomach. God forbid I ever got stomach cancer or some other disease effecting the stomach I'd be screwed. If I were you, I'd research both so you can make the best decision. Best wishes.

I was told a soft food is anything easily mashed with a fork. I will be honest, your choices are a bit limited on soft food if you can't have carbs. Chili would be a good one. Refried Beans, too. Tuna fish. chicken salad.

PM's aren't, but blog and posts are being linked into Twitter.

My kids were 9 and 17 when I had my Lap Band surgery. I was totally honest with them about it and I'm glad I was. I told them I was having surgery to help me lose weight so I could be a better mom to them and be alive long enough to see them both grow up. Through this whole journey, they've been a part of it rather than confused spectators. They know my eating habits, they know what foods I gravitate to and which ones I stay away from, and even know from my expression if I'm stuck. I've brought them to my doctor's appointments with me as well, in fact they've even watched me get a fill. Just my opinion, but I think honesty is best. Kids are smart and they deserve the truth.

Breastfeeding helps to lose weight, not make it stall. If I were you, I'd go see your nutritionist and find out how many calories you should be consuming while breastfeeding to allow you to properly nourish your baby while losing weight.

Down another pound, now at 190 lbs

I'm very sorry you're struggling. food addiction is very real- and very hard to overcome. Unlike a drug addict or an alcoholic that can leave their object of addiction behind, a food addict has to face their addiction many times a day just to live. If I were in your shoes (and I have been, btw) I would really strongly advise seeking help. Maybe a local support group, a counselor, or even a 12 step group. Someone who can help you overcome this addiction and help you get back on track to health. You can do this, you just may need a little help to get there. Best wishes.

Holy cow you look GREAT!!

For me, it was a gradual "coming out" process. When I first decided to get the band, the only people I told were my kids, my parents, and my brother. I knew they'd support me without judgement- plus I needed help with my kids after surgery so I had to be honest. Originally I was terrified to tell anyone else. I kept thinking "what if I fail?" I didn't want to be a failure (again) while the world watched. It would've been too humiliating. Plus, I didn't want to deal with being judged. As time went on and I started losing, I slowly started telling more people. Somewhere around the 100 pound loss mark I started telling pretty much anyone who asked. Shockingly, the majority of people were very supportive and encouraging. The few he did make the stereotypical "easy way out" comment I just set straight- counting every calorie that goes into my mouth and pushing myself to exercise is anything but easy. I worked for every pound I lost. These days, I'm very open and honest about it. I hope that by sharing my story, maybe I can help teach others about it and start to help fight against the stereotypes. At the end of the day, you have to do whatever is most comfortable for you.