DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Well, when I had surgery in August (not band related), they said it was because they had to clear the contents of my stomach before surgery. When it's a pre-planned surgery, this isn't usually an issue, because you're not allowed to eat the day before anyway. But with an unplanned surgery I'd eaten. To clear your stomach contents they have to stick a tube into your stomach. If the band is filled, there's a much higher risk of them accidentally puncturing the stomach trying to get past the band. Interestingly, normally you're asleep when they clear your stomach contents before surgery but because of my band I had to be awake. They said by having me swallow while they placed it it made it easier to guide past the band. Let me tell you... it wasn't pleasant. At all. Ugh. The other reason I was told it was best to empty it was because of vomiting risk. It's not uncommon for people to vomit from anesthesia If the band is empty, there's less chance of a slip from vomiting.

EXCELLENT post!! I hope others read this, especially those still considering the band!!

My best advice is to point out being honest doesn't necessarily mean disrespectful. You can tell him "Dad, I know you're trying to help, but your comments don't help at all. In fact, it only makes me feel criticized and judged. Please, keep all comments about my weight and food intake to yourself". That's not disrespectful, that's just be honest.

Unless you're horribly stuck and vomiting (which I highly doubt you are) you're fine.

First, I am so incredibly sorry for all you've been through. I also divorced a lying, cheating ass so I know first hand the pain you've been through. It sucks. My heart truly goes out to you. Maybe you can start over? The 5 day pouch test helps some start over. It starts you back at the liquids diet and over 5 days slowly brings you back to real food. Many say it helps them to mentally start over because it takes you back through the phases you went through post surgery (just faster). Here's a link if you'd like to take a look: http://5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html I'd also go back to band sized portions, no more than one cup of food per meal. It's another way to get your mind and body both back onto the bandwagon. Best wishes to you, and remember, it's never to late to start over and get back on the bandwagon.

First, you need to see a nutritionist. They can help you set up food guidelines specifically for you as well as teach you how to eat with the band. Next, you need to realize the band isn't supposed to stop you from eating anything. It's not even meant to make you feel stuffed full. The only thing the band is supposed to do is keep you satiated on less food for longer periods. Have a look at this link to better explain it: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Finally, fills take time. It's not uncommon for people to need multiple fills before having adequate Fluid in their band. Most good doctors prefer to to fill slowly so you don't accidentally end up over-filled like you have already experienced. So, be patient, it'll come it just takes time. Best wishes.

Yes it would count towards your actual carb count then. Most things that say "sugar free", like candies and Cookies, are pretty high in carbs because they still have to get that sweet flavor from somewhere. I'm not on a restricted carb diet, however I do think a smart phone app like Lose It may help you. It's pretty awesome because the database is filled with nutritional information, including carbs and Protein, of tons of foods. Even restaurant food. If something isn't in the database, you can bar code scan it in. Best wishes to you!

You look wonderful!! Congratulations!!

Nope, not yet, but I'm hoping to be there by summer

If you are on a restricted carb diet, you'll have to read the nutritional labels of foods to check their carbs on a case by case basis.

Welcome! I was banded 9 1/2 months ago and have lost 158 pounds so far. It's a lot of work, and I had to make lifestyle changes, but I absolutely love my band. I truly believe it saved my life. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Ya know, I didn't realize it until I read your post, but my shelf butt is gone. I don't know when it disappeared, but at some point during the last 158 pound weight loss it vanished. I am now shelf-butt free!!

broth (preferably low sodium), sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, clear juice like apple or white grape, Protein shake of your choosing, skim milk. For full liquids, cream Soups with no chunks, some surgeons allow yogurt at this phase too. I discovered V8 makes a light fruit and veggie juice during that phase. It's really good, full serving of veggies, but tastes like fruit juice. Plus, the light is lower in calories and sugar. I was also allowed sugar free pudding during the full liquids phase. Runny oatmeal, too. But again, check with your surgeon. I found bottled Water to be helpful in the early days when even sipping was difficult. I just carried a bottle around with me all the time, sipping constantly.

Well since you asked for the truth, no doctor in the US will use the 4cc band because they were discontinued. They were found to result in a lot of problems and slips so Allergan discontinued them altogether in favor of the current larger ones. However, Mexico still buys up the old discontinued model because they can get it cheap, hence why it's so much cheaper to be banded in Mexico than in the US. But, it's important to note this is also why so many US doctors refuse to touch or treat a patient banded Mexico. They don't want the medical liability of treating someone banded in a foreign country with discontinued, outdated equipment. (though obviously some doctors in the US do and will treat them). Btw...don't shoot the messenger. I'm only answering your question

You're very welcome, I hope you got some sleep last night. Let us know how it goes, ok? I'll be thinking of you! Feel better!!

Hi Donna, Yes, if you PB'd on Tuesday and haven't again since then, it should be all better by now. If my memory serves me correctly, you were also coughing a lot due to the upper respiratory infection. Coughing can really strain the abdominal muscles and the port is attached to those muscles. I think it's highly likely you've strained those muscles around the port, causing the pulling sensation and pain. However, just to be safe and ease your mind, perhaps you should give your surgeon a call and get his opinion? I hope you feel better soon.

I am so excited and happy right now I could bust! LOL! When I started this journey, I weighed well over 400 pounds... ...I have spent the last 6 months cruising down through the 300's Today, finally, I AM IN THE 200's!!!! I still have a long battle ahead of me, but for a girl who hasn't seen the scale display a weight that was in the 200's for 19 years, it's amazing. I am just ecstatic. I love my band!!! <-----My happy dance! LOL!

You'll have to ask your doctor, every surgeon seems to have their own post op diet to follow.

I'm very sorry you have to go through this, but it's wonderful to know you're in such caring and capable hands. Best wishes to you.

I can totally related to your post. Now, everyone knows I have the band, however that wasn't the case when I first got the surgery. Like you, I was terrified of failing and didn't much want an audience for my failure if I did. So, when I was first banded, only very few people knew. There is nothing wrong with keeping it to yourself until you're feeling more comfortable and confident Heck, or even forever if you choose to. You have to do what is best for you regardless of what anyone else thinks. Now this is just a personal opinion... but perhaps tell your daughter at Thanksgiving rather than making a special trip out there just to tell her? If you wait until Thanksgiving, it's like an afterthought "Oh btw, you should know I got the Lap Band". If you make a special trip out there just to tell her, it makes it seem like a really big deal, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid so she doesn't worry. Just my two cents. Best wishes to you

Oh thank you, you're very sweet, but I assure you I'm not amazing. Just a fat chic desperate not to be a fat anymore so I'm willing do whatever it takes to lose it

Well, that's not easy to answer. First, this link explains it extremely well: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html It does suppress the appetite. When you have adequate Fluid in your band, you can go 4 or more hours without physical hunger. Maybe appease the physical hunger is a better word? Regardless, I can easily go 4-5 hours without hunger after eating very little food.

Don't do it!! (shall I invent a good story to deter you? ) ...those cookies are toxic to adults!! To children they're a lovely treat, to adults, they are evil monsters!! They attack our butts and guts while we sleep!! Those cookies are responsible for more busted pants seams and popped buttons than all the apples in this world combined!!! You can do this

Do you "need" it? Most likely not, but it's a choice you have if you do want it. I know people with plication that love it. Then there's people like me. I don't have plication but I have lost almost 160 pounds in about 9 months. It's really a matter of to each their own. You have to do what's best for you.

Mine always has gone slow too, for which I'm very grateful. What's funny is, I was at 5cc before having my band unfilled for surgery in August, and when I went back to 5cc after it was too tight. Now, I'm sitting at 4.7cc. So odd!