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You're most welcome! I agree, a lot more doctors need to spend time really explaining what "restriction" means and what the band is meant to do. In the almost 9 months I've been on these forums, I can't tell you how many stories I've read of people having slips from bands too tight for months- because they're expecting the band to restrict what they eat and stop them from eating. It's true, if your band is tight enough it will prevent you from eating, but that is very dangerous. Ironically, those people often end up gaining weight because all they can eat are slider foods. I actually just had a little removed from my band yesterday. I had a 1cc fill on Tuesday and by yesterday I was still struggling to eat anything other than soup and Protein shakes. I knew that was no good, and knowing the risks of a band too tight I went and had .3cc removed. It's actually rather amazing how such a small amount of Fluid can effect your band but it can and does. Now, I'm back to eating normal yet totally satisfied with a little food for long time periods. Best wishes to you

You are 100% wrong. The band actually regulates the hormone that causes hunger, the small pouch above it tricks your body into thinking it's no longer physically hungry when in the past it would be. Don't be fooled into thinking the band is going to stop you from eating anything. That is not it's job. There's a reason so many people continue to over eat and learn how to eat around the band- because the band was never meant to physically stop you from eating. Dr. Simpson is one of the pioneers and leading experts in Lap Band. He explains it here: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html "When talking about the band, some patients talk about restriction. Let's first be clear about one thing: the purpose of the band is not restriction; the purpose of the band is to lose weight by suppressing the appetite. When band professionals talk about restriction we are talking about something totally different than "restricting what a person eats." In fact, many band surgeons avoid talking about restriction so as to not confuse patients. The band works by dimming the appetite, and this provides a conscious control and decision made by the patient, it does not work by "making" a person do something, or keep them from eating too much. The Lap-band works by suppressing your appetite As a result, you are less interested in food between meals, making it easier to resist temptation. The analogy is when you are near a vending machine when you are hungry-- what do you do? Probably find yourself with some junk food that is not a part of your plan. But, when you pass a vending machine when you are full, it may not even catch your eye. Having the appetite dimmed makes you less tempted by the many food choices modern living throws at you - -this is what the band does, by suppressing appetite you become less interested in food. What you should not feel, with the band, is the sensation of being "stuffed." When you eat Thanksgiving dinner, you can feel stuffed. Contrast that with the sensation two hours after you eat your big meal, at that point your appetite is suppressed. It is the subtle dimming of the appetite that the band should provide. Being stuffed after a large meal is a complicated sensation of the abdominal wall stretching and a lot of gas in the bowel, in addition to feeling a diminution of appetite. You will not, and should not, feel the abdominal wall stretch with the band. You should not feel the "near nausea" and you should not feel bloated. Key point: You should NEVER eat until you feel full. It is best to stop eating before you "feel full." If you do eat until you feel full you will most likely be overstuffed. This leads to the universal key to success -- patients who eat a small volume of food (which, if you measure, is consistent) will be successful with the band. If you want to succeed, you need to know how much you are eating, and then stop eating -- it is in your control, but the band will help you -- not by stopping you, but by allowing you to feel satisfied after the small volume."

It's hard but try to focus on the big picture. This is just a temporary and short place on your journey, soon it'll just be a memory and you'll be well on your way. Definitely get some decent protein shakes, though. They will help with the hunger. Best wishes to you, you can do this

Considering you're considerably post op, it definitely wouldn't be gas from surgery. I'm sure you probably just pulled a muscle when you fell and then further aggravated it by carrying your son, however I'd give your surgeon a call and see what he says. Better safe than sorry plus it will ease your mind.

Ok this thread is the type that makes me want to bang my head on my keyboard. How can so many people be so foolish to blatantly go against their doctors orders? It doesn't matter what someone else's doctor says or what you can "get away with". Those guidelines are in place for your health and well being. You're really willing to risk that? Why bother going through a surgery just to toss it all away with bad judgement that you know is wrong? Seriously folks, be an adult and use common some sense. Follow your doctors orders.

Best wishes to you! It definitely does work if you're willing to do the work for it.

Only you can know for sure if you're over filled, however considering you ate a sandwich for lunch with no problems, I would guess that you just took too big a bite and/or ate too fast at dinner. Now your stomach is irritated and swollen from the stuck episode. I would go very easy the rest of today, liquids only, then take even smaller bites and pause between them tomorrow. It's definitely a learning experience after fills. I actually got a tiny unfill of .3cc today because I was slightly over filled this past Tuesday. Good luck!

I do believe in ghosts, in fact I lived in a haunted house for a couple years. We were SO glad to finally move!! However, I think this picture is pure bogus. I'm thinking a camera trick.

Welcome!!

Congratulations!! Be sure to let us know when you hit that 100 mark! How exciting!

Ok I'm going to get way too graphic and nasty here, but if it's just "normal" diarrhea I'd attribute it to all the liquids you're eating and the lack of fiber. If it is snotty looking or has mucus in it, then I'd call your doctor.

It will be fine, you'll be done and approved in no time

Some people do struggle to get their body used to real foods again after the long post op diet. I've even heard of some having slight gains. It's only been a week since the increase so try to be patient. If you make good food choices and stay in the guidelines your surgeon gave you, the weight will come off. Your body has been through a lot, give it time to catch up Best wishes.

I really don't. I know if I take tiny bites there isn't anything I can't eat. I eat breads, Pasta, rice, all the stuff people have problems with or have to stop eating entirely. To me, it's a fair trade. Tiny bites but still able to eat anything I want.

I hate to tell you this, but the band isn't supposed to restrict what you eat. If you're expecting that to happen you're going to be disappointed or even possibly fill it too tight (risking slips). The band is supposed to keep you satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning no longer physically hungry. This is part of the reason banded people are advised to keep all their meals to a cup of food or less. It prevents from over eating as well as stretching our pouches. If I were you, I would start measuring all your food and not eating more than a cup per meal going forward. The band won't stop you from eating more than a cup so it's your job to start practicing portion control now. Just because you physically can eat something, or more of something, doesn't mean you should. You've very new banded and you don't have adequate Fluid in your band so it's going to be rough for awhile. However it does get much easier as you get fluid in your band and more used to the 1 cup portions. Hang in there and start practicing portion control, you'll be glad you did. Best wishes to you.

You're doing exactly what you should be doing, concentrating on drinking liquids and staying hydrated. Really, during the liquid portion of the post op of diet, that's all you should be doing. That's especially true because you just had surgery a couple days ago. You're doing just fine

You have found an awesome group and nutritionist! Definitely stick with them!

How long ago was your last fill? Is it possible you're not taking small enough bites, chewing it enough, and/or pausing between bites? I find since getting into the Green Zone, I have to take very small bites. I also put my fork down and pause between bites. If I don't do this, I will get stuck for sure. I actually took a pic of the bite size I use: If you try all the above and still are PBing and eating only mushies, you should talk to your surgeon about about the possibility of being too tight and a little unfill. Good luck!

You are totally correct! You reach this point you simply realize you're not at all hungry. Everyone has different "soft stop" feelings, for lack of better term. Some people will get little hiccups, or a sigh, or burp. Still others don't get an actual sign but simply know when they're done. It's very much a learning experience, especially since most of us did our fair share of binge eating before being banded and have relearn to really listen to our bodies. Sticking to a cup or less of food per meal can really help, too. That's especially true in the beginning when we're learning and still prone to over eat due to old habits. And btw, you feel that feeling of satisfaction a lot sooner. Best wishes

I take Woman's One A Day Petites. They're tablets not chewable but they are half the size of normal Vitamins. I've never had a problem taking them. I also take 5000iu's of Biotin, for hair and nails. It's a tiny little capsule the size of a pea.

I'm not giving a half answer. Did you even bother to read the link I posted earlier? Heck, have you ever even researched the topic from actual medical sources not just anecdotal evidence on forums? Because I have extensively and I bend over backwards to pass that knowledge onto others who may be struggling here. I'm sorry you're so stuck on the word "full" but I prefer not to mislead people. I have no idea why you're so defensive, especially when you're wrong. Get over it.

Actually, I have tons more energy and am much less tired because I am eating healthier. My concentration is much better because of it, too. You shouldn't touch your meds without talking to your doctor first. Adjusting your dose is something only he can safely decide. Everyone is different, how soon you see the difference depends on your body and how much you have to lose. You should be eating "normal" healthy meals, definitely not just snack food. Have you been to a seminar to learn about the band? Have you been to a nutritionist? If not, I'd highly recommend you do both as both are crucial towards your success.

Cool topic My story is pretty simple. I woke up one day in the spring of 2011 realizing my life was a miserable trainwreck. I was married to man I truly hated with a passion, I was smoking almost 2 packs of cigarettes a day, I weighed about 420 pounds, and I was fighting Multiple Sclerosis. I was only 38 years old and I knew if I didn't make some drastic changes I wasn't going to live to be 50. So, first I quit smoking. A couple weeks later, I filed for divorce. I spent the summer and fall dealing with both of those messes but did so successfully. In November 2011 my divorce was final (YAY!!) and in December 2011 I went to the Lap Band seminar. I was banded January 2012. Now, I am happier than I ever have been in my adult life. I am thrilled to still be a nonsmoker and I've lost 143 pounds so far. I still have a ways to go but I know I'll get there. I still have Multiple Sclerosis (stupid incurable disease!) but the symptoms are a lot more manageable since getting the rest of my health in order. My goal is to continue to lose weight and make my body healthier as I do. My goal is also to never lose sight of the beauty of the journey because of tunnel vision on the goal. I want to enjoy this and savor every little victory along the way. I think my ultimate goal would be to be a healthy weight in ten years, still eating healthy, and still able to walk and function at least as well as I can now (MS can steal all that from me but I refuse to let it). We already support each other, both on the boards and in PM's

Your profile is blank, we could help you better if you'd fill it out. Regardless, I would still get a physical just to rule out any medical issues.