DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Have you had your blood sugar tested recently? If not, I recommend doing so very soon. An unexplained sweet taste in your mouth can be a symptom of diabetes.

First, when were you banded? You've had 2 fills so far? You should really fill out your profile so we can better answer your questions. 3cc during surgery is a good amount. As for the fills after, most surgeons do tend to give conservative fills so they don't accidentally blow past the Green Zone and into the Red Zone. It takes some people many fills before they are finally in the Green Zone. As for moving overseas, I honestly have no idea. Perhaps as your surgeon?

First, if you're actually vomiting not PBing, you need to let your surgeon know immediately. Vomiting puts you at real risk for a slip and the band shouldn't be resulting in regular vomiting. Acid reflux can be a sign of a band too tight. I would be getting into your surgeon ASAP and be sure to tell him all this.

I have to have MRIs yearly and have been assured there's no problem with the band and MRIs. I was told this not only by my surgeon but my neurologist.

That's almost a pound a day. I don't see how you can consider that stuck. Sounds like you're doing great.

Not growling because banded tummies are loud. Not thoughts of food for sure, because that's head hunger not real hunger. It's the actual physical feeling of hunger, which ironically most obese people don't even know what that feeling is like so it's a major learning experience in the beginning. You have to learn to listen to your body.

My biggest struggle is actually because of the weight loss- extra skin. Right now I'm taking at least a full size, if not two, bigger than necessary because of the excess skin on my tummy. My thighs aren't a lot better, either. It's awful, I look like a Shar Pei. My surgeon is planning to do a tummy tuck on me this winter or spring and I seriously can't wait.

Each surgeon has their own rules, so none of us can answer that. You'll have to ask your surgeon to be sure.

If you can't get any solid food down, even when taking small bites and chewing it til mush, you're too tight. Being too tight and risking a slip isn't even remotely worth the extra weight loss. Call your doc.

I very much have faith in God, but I also believe in the old adage "God helps he whom helps himself". I have faith God will see me through this journey but the work to be done is mine alone. I agree- we are the ones 100% in control of our success or failure.

It sounds to me like your band is too tight, those are classic symptoms of it. Possibly even a slip.

I was a lot heavier than you are- I'm 5'4 and was 421 pounds on the date of my surgery. You're definitely not too heavy at all.

My entire life has changed. I feel like I'm finally starting to live life rather than just sit and watch it pass me by. I actually see value in myself. I no longer think and dream about "if" I lose the weight, now it's WHEN I lose the weight. I'm happier than I've ever been in my adult life.

As far as smoking, check with your surgeon. Many won't even perform surgery unless you've been smoke free for at least a month, and most will randomly do blood tests to make sure you don't have nicotine in your system. I was a smoker for 20 years and a heavy smoker at that. When I knew I wanted this surgery, I quit. I haven't had a cigarette in about a 18 months and my surgery was 8 months ago. Complications are much, much higher for a smoker than non smokers. They heal slower and less efficiently, they have more problems under general anesthesia, and they are much more likely to develop pneumonia in the days following surgery. For me, it simply wasn't worth the risks so I quit.

Oh this sounds wonderful, I'm totally going to make it for my kids and I! Thank you so much for posting it!

If this doctor is an "expert" I'm afraid. He doesn't even have his facts straight. Quality of life? Frequent vomiting? Fills every 2-3 months? NONE of this correct. Oh and that the Sleeve doesn't have as much complications? I would call leaking all along the line where the stomach has been hacked off a pretty severe complication. Just say'n. It's obvious he's just another doctor trying to sell the real money maker, the Sleeve.

Prayer coming and good luck, let us know how it goes.

Here check out this thread, there's a few good ones including one with a blender and ice: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/148321-mocha-frappe/page__pid__1768446#entry1768446

I never have, I drink it hot. I bet that would work though!

I honestly see it like any other topic on here, if I don't agree or like it, I just pass by it. No one is forcing me to read or like anything. Everyone has a voice and their motivators, if this particular motivator doesn't apply to you, then just pass it over and ignore it.

I use one cup of coffee, 1/2 cup skim milk and a scoop of protein shake. I think it's pretty good.

Hang in there, Jim. You're doing so well already! I know it's frustrating but don't let that frustration diminish how amazingly far you've come already. I really think the calorie increase will help you a lot, too.

Yes, in fact I just had to have one for surgery 3 weeks ago. It wasn't fun either, I'll be honest. They have to empty the band before placing the tube, if they don't, you run the risk of your stomach accidentally being punctured. I also had to be awake to have to placed (normally they wait until you're asleep to do it) because they needed me to swallow as they did it to make sure it went in correctly. You definitely need to see your bariatric surgeon before the surgery and tell him about the NG tube. I'm sure he'll need to empty the band. Also, be sure the surgeon doing the surgery is aware of the fact you have the Lap Band. Best wishes.

Yes, I had to actually get documentation from my primary care physician stating he felt the surgery was medically necessary. Just go to your doctor and tell them what you need. Hopefully they'll be eager to help you.