DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I believe it's not the surgery that is so effective, but rather the desire for change by the person who gets the surgery that makes it so effective. The people who are committed to changing their eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime, restricting their portions, and following up with their doctors are the ones who are successful. The people who expect the band to do all the work and continue the same eating habits that led them to become obese to begin with, won't be successful. The band is an amazing tool when used as it's meant to be used.

It sounds to me like you're band is either too tight or has slipped. You're right, that is no way to leave and you shouldn't be puking ever. I would see your surgeon, tell him exactly how your feeling. Have him check your band placement and take a little Fluid out so you can eat normally. Best wishes to you.

No. Lung cancer isn't a fun way to die.

I know, the post op diet generally sucks. I had 4 weeks of liquids after I had surgery. It's pretty bad when your chewable Vitamin is the highlight of your day just because it's not a liquid lol. Hang in there, you can totally do this

I worry about the gurgling liquids. I agree with the others, I'd give it another day or two on liquids to see if it relaxes. If it doesn't I'd contact your surgeon for a possible unfill. Best wishes to you.

Wow, a bit defensive? Not sure where that came from or why. No one "bashes", but if someone asks for advice or states they're not losing then people do give their opinions and suggestions. As for the cup of food thing, as NWgirl stated it has nothing to do with dieting and everything to do with the nature of the band. The pouch above the band isn't meant to hold more than a cup of food at a time, and stretching it isn't wise, so we're supposed to stick to a cup or less of food.

When I first started losing, I think I was losing about 30-40 pounds between sizes. In more recent months, I am feeling my clothes get too big after about 15 pounds. I have no idea why it's happened like that but for me, it has. It seems like the smaller I get, the more I notice drops in sizes.

First, you must realize the 4-6 weeks immediately following surgery are for healing, not losing. I'd put the scale away entirely for another month and give your body time to heal, especially since you're battling health issues beyond being banded. Second, steroids are wicked when it comes to weight. I say this from much experience. You will retain A LOT of fluids while on them, so don't be surprised if you see scale go up temporarily. Drink a lot of Water, both while you're on them and for a week or so after, to help combat it. Hang in there. Weight loss will come, but right now your focus needs to be strictly on healing and getting healthy again.

You can eat whatever type of popcorn you want once you're on solid foods, just in moderation.

I wake up with zero appetite and when I try to eat, it feels very tight and uncomfortable. I just have a protein shake for breakfast every morning, mostly because of my band being tight in the mornings.

The best advice I can give is to see a nutritionist and set up food guidelines specific to your needs and lifestyle. I don't eat anything special, in fact I don't even do low carb like most here do, but I do follow the directions my nutritionist gave me. As for exercise, I walk 2 miles about 5 days a week. Every day if I can.

I would be positively livid! Couldn't you just call in sick, then provide a doctor's note when you return, including the no lifting restriction? Then they wouldn't have a choice in the matter. I'm so sorry this happened. I'd be so p!ssed if I were you! Hang in there.

Kudos for going back to your doctor and getting back on track! You can do this!

That's awesome! Congratulations on such a huge success!

I know this isn't the response you wanted, but this is exactly why having good support and follow up after surgery is so important. Unless there is a nutritionist on this board who's willing to talk with you extensively to help you establish eating guidelines specifically for you, we can't tell you how many calories or carbs to eat. For one thing we're all on different programs. Some of us do very low carb and others don't restrict carbs at all. Our calorie ranges go from anywhere from 800-1600 calories a day. There is no right or wrong way to eat, it's all dependent on your own individual situation and needs. Nutritionists aren't expensive and they're everywhere. Just find one near you and set up an appointment.

I'm very interesting what responses you get because I was curious about the same thing. I know when I was there 20 years ago I weighed about what I do now (267) but I'm still super scared of going and not being able fit. I was considering taking my kids to Cedar Point for a weekend for Fright Fest, but despite the weight I've already lost, I'm afraid of being still being too big.

You'll have to ask your surgeon, every doc is different and some even charge differently for insurance versus cash patients.

That's awesome, congratulations!

The size of the band has nothing to do with how fast you lose weight. It's just based on your anatomy. Some people simply require a bigger band than others due to the size of their stomach.

Welcome to the forums

Your weight can, and will, fluctuate greatly from day to day. For instance, Water retention. If you've had more sodium than usual, you could be retaining considerable water weight. Muscle is more dense per inch than muscle thus weighs more. If you're building muscle, you could gain a couple pounds despite losing inches. Honestly, I know it's frustrating. When my weight does a random fluctuate I usually stand on the scale going "WTH just happened?" But if I just give it a couple days, that random weight fluctuation resolves itself and takes a pound or two with it. Hang in there, you're definitely back on the right track.

This is just horrible and completely inexcusable. I cannot fathom this happening in this day and age, and worse, I can't fathom the pain and fear your poor wife went through. I am truly sorry. I would be raising holy hell if I were you. I'd be demanding a patient advocate, I'd also filing a formal complaint with the AMA and the hospital board directly. Quite honestly, I wouldn't stop until I had the heads of whoever was responsible for this on a platter. They cannot get away with such gross neglect.

That is awesome! Congratulations!

If you mean immediately going through as in diarrhea, no, it's not normal. I would see your doctor to make sure you haven't developed IBS or another intestinal issue.

I hate to tell you this, but you need have your band checked again and likely another unfill. Vomiting is never normal with the band and can lead to major problems. The longer you put it off the worse the risk of developing major issues, and you've already been putting it off since June, so I'd strongly suggest getting into your surgeon right away to figure out what's going on. Best wishes to you.