DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I don't know if I'm a veteran, I was banded in January 2012, but yes I'd definitely do it again in a heartbeat.

That has got to be one of the best NSV's I've heard yet. Congratulations

I'm very sorry to hear about your struggles. Have you considered a gradual refill in small increments? The rapid refill may be causing you problems.

I would go to your insurance company directly because ultimately they have the final say. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the hospital just screwed up and gave you bad info.

Did your doctor put you specifically on Optifast? If so, can you ask him about using something equivalent? If your doctor didn't specifically require Optifast, then yes, you're free to use whatever brand you like. Some of those Protein shakes are downright nasty. I know I had to try 3 or 4 before finding one I actually liked. (I really like unjury brand) Best wishes to you.

I tend to eat a lot of Lean Cuisines and Weight Watchers frozen meals for lunch. They're the perfect serving size, low calorie and fat, and there's a very wide variety to choose from. Plus, it's quick and easy.

Unfortunately it doesn't exist because there is no right or wrong diet to follow. Some do low carbs and others don't. Some say 60g of Protein, some say 80g. Every surgeon and nutritionist seems to have their own ideas what works best. I would highly suggest making an appointment with a nutritionist that deals with bariatric patients. They can help you establish eating guidelines to fit your needs and lifestyle.

A moo-moo or roomy house dress would actually be really comfy. If you wear pants, I'd suggest roomy ones with elastic waist bands, like sweat pants. I definitely wouldn't wear jeans or anything remotely tight around your tummy.

Honestly, there is no set answer for that one. Some must take tiny sips, some can gulp with ease, everyone is different. I would simply stick with whatever feels comfortable to you.

You need to see your family physician. We're not doctors, and even if there is a doctor on these forums, they can't diagnose you via the internet.

I'm sure many do weigh themselves regularly right after surgery, however considering you just had surgery 7 days ago I'd advise against it. The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing. Many don't lose at all during this time, some even gain a little. If I were you, I'd put the scale away for at least the next month and focus on healing.

Congratulations and on your decision and welcome!

What kind of scaring is there? 2-4 dots?- I have 5 very small, virtually unnoticeable, scars Can you feel the lap band around your stomach? -no Can you feel the fill port from the outside? -some people can, yes What happens when you are sick and you have to vomit? -you try your hardest not to vomit because it can cause problems. If you're vomiting regularly, you contact your doctor immediately. Can you actually vomit? This scares the hell out of me, btw. -I actually had to vomit once and couldn't How long do you wear it? -forever The rest of my life? -yes If so, does it need replaced at any point? -that's hard to say, it's entirely possible at some point it could need to be replaced. It depends a lot on how old you are when it's placed and what type of wear and tear you put it through. What are the complications that you have heard of? -The biggest and most common complication I hear of are slips, though keep in mind the majority of those are self induced and not the fault of the band. I've also heard of slips severe enough to require band revision or removal. And is it realistic to eat portions like I have the lap band and be satisfied? -Without the band? Only you can answer that. With the band, we have to stick to a cup or less of food per meal.

Well when your hunger is simply satiated, there is no pain. Or at least there's not supposed to be. If you're not trying to feel full and you're feeling pain, then I'd discuss it with your surgeon. That's not normal.

You should contact your family doctor immediately. If you're having chest pain, go directly to your ER.

My BMI was 72 when I was banded. Since then I have lost 143 pounds in 8 months. Currently my BMI is in the high 40's. It's true if you're grazing all day and eating junk food you won't lose weight. But, that's not band specific, that's the care regardless of which WLS you choose. The band is just a tool not a magic bullet. The band won't change your brain, it's up to us to come to terms with our food addictions and find a way to control it. Counseling is very helpful in doing this. The band also won't restrict what you eat, how much you eat, nor will it make you feel full. It is entirely up to us to limit our portions and to make good food choices. The only thing the band will do is help you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. The rest is entirely up to us. Whether we succeed or fail has nothing to do with the band and everything to do with the choices we make.

Then you are the 1% that have some issue with your intestines, because dumping is is not a symptom of Lap Band. This is directly from the makers of Lap Band: "Dumping syndrome occurs when sugar enters the lower intestine too quickly, resulting in cramps, sweating, rapid heart rate, and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome can occur with gastric bypass surgery, but not with LAP-BAND® because the stomach has not been bypassed and intestines have not been significantly altered." http://www.lapband.us/diet-restrictions.html

You're not supposed to be looking to feel full with the band, perhaps that's why you're feeling pain. The band isn't supposed to make you feel full nor is it supposed to restrict what or how much you eat. The only thing the band is supposed to do is allow you to feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning no longer physically hungry, it has nothing to do with the full feeling you knew before being banded.

I don't mean this offensively, but you are reading completely incorrect information. The Lap Band doesn't cause dumping because our stomachs are fully intact and our intestines aren't rerouted. Dumping is common with Gastric Bypass because the intestines are rerouted, resulting in the rapid passage of undigested food into them. This isn't the case with the band and it's not a side effect of the band. Perhaps you're confusing Gastric Bypass with Gastric Banding, I don't know, but whatever you're reading is completely incorrect.

I also agree that if you're back on solids as tolerated, you did nothing wrong. You had Protein, brown rice, and veggies. It sounds like you had a small portion, too. btw, congratulations on the 42 pounds loss so far!

Congratulations!!!

I crave cheese and chocolate (not together lol) something wicked during PMS week. So, I work it into my diet in moderation. I'll have one slice of cheesy pizza, or one peanut butter cup, or maybe even a small cafe mocha. I realize if I totally deny myself I'll end up binging eventually so I allow the "bad foods" in moderation when the craving is really bad. I am also sure to work them into my daily caloric allowance, too. So, even when having my little indulgent moments, I'm still at least being careful not to go way over in calories.

There is technically no "no-no" or forbidden food. The only thing banded people aren't supposed to have is carbonation. As for stuff like frozen yogurt, the key is moderation. I have had since being banded, however it's been a small serving and still fit into my daily caloric allowance. Plus, it's a rare treat, not a daily or even weekly occurrence.

It takes time, usually multiple fills, before most people have adequate Fluid in their band. But keep in mind, the band isn't supposed to keep you from "eating normal". It's not supposed to restrict what or how much you can eat, nor is it supposed to give that same full feeling you had before surgery. The only thing the band is supposed to do is help you feel satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Nothing more. It is 100% up to us to make good food choices and to eat band sized portions, the band won't do either for us.