DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Most surgeons don't charge the same for insurance versus cash patients. They try to give a rather hefty discount to cash patients. I'd definitely ask your surgeon specifically what his cash price is.

Ugh unfortunately, yes, it's very common. I don't even go every day anymore. I'm lucky if I go every 2-3 days. A fiber supplement can help but you have to really take it daily religiously. A stool softner can also help. I prefer them over a laxative because they're more gentle and don't cause all the cramping. Drink LOTS of water and try to get in more veggies. Hang in there!

You're not doing anything wrong. The average weight loss post surgery is 1-2 pounds a week. As you lose more, expect plateaus that last for weeks, not days. You simply can't expect weight loss daily long term. It's very unrealistic.

It was definitely that hard for me. I'm not only battling obesity, but I also have Multiple Sclerosis. When I got my Lap Band surgery in January, I needed a handicapped parking sticker just to make it to the front of the grocery store and then a motorized cart to do my shopping. When I did walk, I used a cane. In fact when I first started going to the end of the street and back I had to use a cane to do it. So yes, it was probably even harder than I'm adequately describing here. As for my weight loss, yes I did lose a lot fast, but I'm human. Heck, I've been pretty much stuck for a month now and I'm currently experimenting with carb cycling in hopes of kicking my metabolism into working again. It's incredibly frustrating to be at a plateau like this but I know two things- 1. No weight loss is better than a weight gain and 2. It's normal and it'll pass eventually. Hang in there and don't give up, you can totally do this!

Just remember, you're not even on solid foods again yet. You're on liquids. The reason you're on liquids is to give your stomach time to heal. Eating food too soon can cause major complications. It's simply not worth the risk. Stick to your post op diet.

When it happens depends on your specific surgeon, though usually 4-8 weeks after surgery. Yes, it involves a needle. It's the only way to add Fluid to the band. My fills are always no big deal. A matter of seconds then done. I never even feel the needle go in.

I started walking at over 400 pounds. It sucked and I felt like a complete moron as I huffed, puffed, and waddled down the street- but I did it. Honestly, I started going to the end of the street and back. That was seriously all I could walk and I'd be major pain and exhausted when I got back. But, I kept doing it a couple times a week. Over time, my endurance got stronger as my body got lighter. The end of the street went to around the block. Around the block turned to two blocks. Two blocks turned into a half mile. A half mile turned into mile. Now, I walk about 2 miles with ease. In fact, I truly enjoy it. I find myself even braving the cold and wind because I truly like and need my walks. It took months to get here but I'm so glad I stuck with it! Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. All that matters is that you are doing something wonderful for yourself. Here's one of my favorite motivationals because it's SO true!

It all depends on your anatomy, the band placement, and the size of the band. Some people feel restriction in the band immediately after surgery some need multiple fills to feel any difference at all. Unfortunately, you simply can't know until you live through it and no two people will have the exact same experience.

If I were you, I'd start counting calories. Most people who don't are shocked to find out how much they're actually eating. It would be a good place to start so you can get an idea where possible changes can be made to help you.

How many calories a day are you eating? Are you sticking to a cup or less of food per meal?

What you're going through is normal. It's very likely you won't feel any difference until after multiple fills. In the meantime, all you can do is try to make good food choices and limit your portions. Please keep in mind when you do have adequate Fluid in your band, it still isn't supposed to stop you from eating anything. Portion control will always be your job. Here's a link to better explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

I'm guessing it wasn't the food consistency or texture but rather the sugar and fat. Your body gets used to being fed healthy food. When we suddenly throw junk at it again, it goes "Oh hell no, what the heck is this?" and promptly rejects it. Hence the sick feeling. I wouldn't advise making yourself throw up, btw. It's very bad for the band. I look at moments like that as a reminder of why I need to continue to make good decisions. I totally over-indulged over Halloween and boy did I pay the price. Not in weight gain but I just felt horrible for a day after. Best wishes.

I have only had it happen to that extreme once since being banded. Ironically, it was also the first time I'd ever PB'd (and I've only ever PB'd twice). It was horrible. I got stuck on a breadstick at Olive Garden and ended up in the bathroom in agony. Ever since that, I am VERY careful what I order when eating away from home. I also keep Protein meal bars in my purse at all times, so if there's no good choice I can just have one of those instead. I'm very sorry you went through that. I know it's awful

I personally wouldn't do it. The thing with diet pills is, you will lose, however the minute you stop taking them you'll gain all the weight back and then some. It creates quite a havoc with your metabolism. Plus, if you take them long enough, your body becomes immune to the speed effect (yes, Phentermine is essentially legal speed) and either you need more (which is very dangerous) or have to simply stop taking it. As far as Topomax, that drug is for seizures and/or headaches. It has some potentially VERY serious side effects, too. I would question the integrity of any doctor using it off label for weight loss. To each their own and we all have to do what's best for us, however I've taken both drugs before and I personally wouldn't ever again. Just my opinion/experience.

Just remember, nothing is necessarily "bad" or off limits. You just need to enjoy it in moderation.

You said he was able to extract 4.3cc this time. Have him extract it again next time, and see if the Fluid level has remained the same or decreased. Mystery solved. Here's a link to help you better understand the band and what "restriction" really is: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

I have to count calories. If I don't, I know I will over-eat. It holds me accountable. I usually eat about 1200 a day.

A blockage? If you have a blockage, that would constitute an emergency and require immediate attention. I would go to the ER immediately.

I love it!!! I currently have 3 cats, all rescues. Two literally from outside, one from the shelter. My kids' father had an iguana. Seriously, I loved her. She was the BEST pet!! She had free roam of our home so she just went wherever she liked. When my daughter was a toddler, I'd put her down for a nap and hear her giggling like crazy. I'd go into her room, there would be the iguana, curled by her head napping by her. She was even trained to potty on her cage. Sometimes she'd get fiesty and try to climb a curtain and I'd run up "what are you doing? NO!" and she'd puff up at me like a defiant child. I'd say "don't you puff at me, get!" and she'd scurry off. I'd usually end up bribing her by my sharing my banana with her so she'd stop being angry after LOL. That iguana was the best pet ever!!

I would, 1/2 in a 10cc band isn't much. Just be sure to drink Water before leaving to make sure it's not too much. ((btw, I love your picture! You're a pretty lady! ))

Well... I definitely indulged. The damn Peanut Butter cups won. After eating multiple of them, I dumped the rest into a kid's bag. He thought he hit the trick or treat jackpot, I just needed them out of my house! LOL ...now if I can just get the Almond Joys out without eating a bunch I'll be good! Tomorrow shall be a rather strict food day. Time for Halloween damage control. *sighs*

I would give it a couple days, see if it relaxes a bit. Also, try really small bites and be sure to pause between bites. It sometimes takes a little time to adjust to a fill. Best wishes.