DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

You look amazing! Congratulations!

Do not believe everything you see on YouTube or the internet in general. It hasn't been banned in Europe, in fact, it was invented there in 1993

If your band has been checked and is ok, then I would suggest seeing a doctor that specializes in gastric issues. Don't immediately assume it's your band causing your problems, it could be many many other things totally unrelated to the band. You owe it to your health to explore all the possibilities.

the pros and cons? -I honestly can't think of any cons. I've had my band for 8 months and absolutely love it. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself. I've lost 143 pounds in 8 months and I'm positively thrilled with my progress so far. Does it eliminate hunger? -not eliminate it but it does greatly reduce it Is your diet dramatically different? -yes, I eat healthy now. Is it easy to eat less? -yes, it's a lot easier, especially when I'm no longer hungry after very little food Do you have health benefits? If so what kind. -I feel better than I have in years. 8 months ago, I was using a cane to walk and could barely make it to a grocery store door from a handicapped space. Now, I'm walking a couple miles a night with ease. My blood pressure was borderline high, now it's normal. What problems do you have. -with my band? zero. no problems whatsoever. How long does it take to start losing weight? -everyone is different and that's totally in your control. It all depends on how willing you are to change your eating habits and stick to band sized portions. I have consistently lost weight ever since surgery. Is thee a lot of follow up? -My doctor wants to see me monthly for the first year. I'm more than happy to do that as he's very supportive of me and offers great guidance. I firmly believe following up my doctor regularly has helped me be successful. Does the band have to be adjusted? -yes, saline has to be added until it's adequate to control hunger.

Good I'm glad you healed up well

I think it's totally possible! I've seen people here who started in 28's and are now wearing 6's. Anything is possible with determination!

That's awesome! I bet you feel great! Congratulations!!

Perhaps you're expecting the band to do something it's not meant to do. It's not supposed to restrict what or how much you eat. It's not even supposed to make you feel full. The only thing the band is supposed to do is help you to feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. It will help so you don't feel physically hungry, but it won't stop you from continuing to eat even when you're not hungry. Too many people expect the band to stop them from eating too much and as a result end up with an over-filled band and slips. Definitely get back into your doctor and talk to him about everything that's happened. A visit to a nutritionist may help you considerably as well. But don't expect the band the restrict what you eat, that's not what it's meant to do. Learn to listen to your body and it's hunger signals. Also, sticking to a cup or less of food will help you not to over eat as well. Best wishes to you

I'LL POST BIGGER SO IT'S EASIER TO SEE. I WOULD TALK TO YOUR SURGEON BECAUSE YOU SHOULDN'T BE VOMITING, VOMITING CAN LEAD TO SLIPS. I THINK THE SUPPORT GROUP WILL BE GOOD, AS WOULD SEEING A NUTRITIONIST. BOTH ARE VALUABLE TOOLS WHEN TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH THE BAND. GIVE YOUR SURGEON'S OFFICE A CALL AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON. BEST WISHES TO YOU.

I agree with TKW. It is what it is, and depending on your starting weight, age, skin elasticity, and genetics there isn't a whole lot you can do to change the outcome. I'm 39 years old and have lost 143 pounds in 8 months. I still have considerable weight to lose, too. However, I have a lot of loose skin, especially on my tummy. I also have it on my thighs and arms. Thankfully, my insurance will cover to have it removed from my tummy after losing 100 pounds so I'm hoping to have that done this coming spring.

I eat a cup of it, just like I do everything else I eat.

I bought some spanx type briefs to help keep my tummy under control. It does help considerably.

You honestly don't sound like you need a fill. Empty or not is irrelevant, the only thing that matters is how you feel and how well your hunger satiated. I would talk to your doctor, tell him what you wrote here, and get his opinion.

PBing is Productive Burping. It's when you burp the food back up, it's not forceful or violent like vomiting and doesn't result in the stomach retching like vomiting.

Wow I wish I'd seen this thread months ago. Granted I still have a ways to go until I'm at goal, but when I had Lap Band surgery I was 421 pounds with a BMI of 72. Now, 8 months later, I have lost 143 pounds (and still losing). I am 278 pounds with a BMI of 47. Don't let anyone tell you just because you have a high BMI the band won't help you. If you're willing to do the work and use the band as the tool it's meant to be, you can have great success with the band.

Are you PBing or actually vomiting? If you're PBing, try taking very small bites, chewing it until mush, and pausing between bites. If you're vomiting, call your doctor immediately, you shouldn't be vomiting.

Congratulations on your loss!

I have taken NSAIDs regularly since surgery 8 months ago with no problems. My surgeon is aware of it, too. I just wasn't allowed to take them 2 weeks before surgery or 2 weeks after because they are blood thinners.

How much protein are you getting in a day? And what are you eating to get your protein?

Because often a fill can irritate the stomach and cause some swelling, being on liquids after gives your stomach time to calm.

I completely agree with Carolinagirl. I can and still do eat whatever I want. There is nothing I can't eat and I wouldn't want it any other way. I just know that when I do want to indulge it has to be occasionally and in moderation. For instance, about once a month I order pizza for my kids and I, but I only have 2 pieces rather than a half a pizza like I used to. A couple days ago I was really craving a Peanut Butter cup, so bought one pack, had one and gave the other to my son, rather than eating two entire packs alone like I used to. I go by the 90/10 rule. 90% of the time I eat healthy, 10% of the time I eat what I want. But I don't mourn any foods. I just enjoy them in moderation.

You can start walking as soon as you like, however I wouldn't jump right in with an hour long walk. You're still very much in the healing phase and though you might feel fine, it's very likely you will find you're worn out and tired a lot quicker than usual right now. I'd start with 15-20 minutes, see how you do, then gradually increase from there.

I think part of the problem is you are expecting the band to do something it isn't meant to do. You say "In fact, just to prove a (stupid) point, I ate a portion of what I would normally eat, and it all went down." The band isn't supposed to restrict your food intake or stop you from eating. It's not even supposed to make you feel stuffed full. The only thing the band is supposed to do is help you feel satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning no long physically hungry. The common saying for banded people is "just because you can eat something doesn't mean you should". I would go back to your doctor, be honest about why you've been gone, and rather than ask for another fill ask for help to better understand the band. The band is a great tool but only if you use it as it meant to be used. Hopefully your doctor is a good one and will be willing to help you, or at the very least, point you towards someone who can. Best wishes, don't give up, you can do this.

If you are vomiting and even struggle with liquids you're too tight. Call your doc ASAP