DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

This is strictly my opinion. I am not a doctor and this is only based on my own knowledge of medical implants. Heart valves, insulin pumps, replacement hips and knees, all devices medically implanted into the body have a shelf life. If you live long enough, you'll likely end up needing maintenance and/or replacements. A good example: My grandma had a hip replacement when she was 78 years old. Because of her age, her hip will last the rest of her life. My mother had a knee replacement when she was 40 years old. Because of her young age at the time, she will need another knee replacement during her lifetime. It doesn't matter what type of medical device you have implanted, if you live long enough, chances are good eventually it'll have to be replaced or removed. Being as the Lap-Band hasn't been around 20 plus years yet, it's hard to honestly say how long it will last. But just like a diabetic with an implanted insulin pump for 15 years wouldn't think twice about replacing it when they outlive the pump's life, I wouldn't think twice about replacing my band if that same day comes in my future.

If you can swallow liquids so far, that's a good start. It's very common for your stomach to be irritated and swollen after a fill. That's why many surgeons require liquids for a day or so after, to give the swelling and irritation time to subside. Be sure to take very tiny bites, chew it until it's total mush, and pause between bites once you're back on solid foods. It may take you a couple days and stuck episodes to adjust to your newer tighter band but it's all part of the learning experience.

Unfortunately there is no regulation for this type of advertising. Read the ingredients, it's the only way to know with 100% certainty.

You can gain back all the weight after ANY weight loss surgery- the band, bypass, or sleeve. That's exactly why they offer band over bypass now. I think it's great that the bypass patients have the option of band over bypass if they need it. I know singer Carnie Wilson recently had band over bypass, too.

Actually, the band or pouch isn't supposed to make you feel full. People who erroneously strive for that stuffed full feeling with the band very often end up too tight and have slips. The band is supposed to help you feel satisfied with smaller portions for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning you're not physically hungry- but it does not mean feeling full. I would see a counselor or therapist and discuss your issue with them before going in for WLS surgery. Get their input and see if they agree it's a good choice for you. It's a big life change. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Best wishes to you.

You shouldn't be living on only soup and drinks. Are you unable to eat solid foods?

That is a classic sign of your band being too tight. I'd get into your doctor much sooner than September 6th. Best wishes.

I absolutely love my band and have had great success with it so far. While I do have to be careful to take small bites and chew it until mush, there isn't any foods I can't eat. However, getting the band just because your insurance won't cover the Sleeve isn't necessarily a good decision. If you do get the band, it has to be because you truly want it and are committed to changing your eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime. Do your homework and make sure you know not only how it physically works but what you will need to do to be successful with it. Make sure you have all the facts before making a decision. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

If you ate two nights ago, and you've brought up food/water since then, you are not blocked. You have likely irritated your stomach and caused swelling. I'd go on fluids for at least 24 hours to let it calm. If it continues, get into your surgeon immediately. You don't want to risk a slip.

Wow you look amazing! Congratulations!!

It sounds like you have unrealistic expectations of the band. It is not supposed to make you feel full, nor is it suppose to restrict what you eat or how much you can eat. The only thing the band is suppose to do is help you to be satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied meaning no longer physically hungry. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean you don't need another fill. You very well may. But if you are looking for a full feeling or for the band to restrict what you eat or how much, then you run the risk of getting over-filled. Being over-filled leads to slips and you definitely don't want that. Have you considered counseling? Food addiction is very real and very hard to overcome. I know I still struggle with it all the time. I have to constantly ask myself "Am I physically hungry or do I just want to eat?" Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, us food addicts can't just give up our addiction. We have to eat to live. I hope you consider counseling, it really can help a lot. Best wishes to you.

Congratulations!!! Doesn't it feel wonderful??

Awesome job, you are doing great!

Tiny bites, chew it until mush, and pause between bites. It's likely one of those things that need to be done better.

A lot of surgeons require it because you'll be put to sleep during the surgery. They need to know if you have a sleep apena or anything else that could cause potential problems with the anesthesia. Unless your surgeon waves the requirement, or your insurance agrees to cover the cost, you'll have to reschedule and pay for the sleep study yourself.

Can you please try that again? Your post didn't make sense. Are you saying your sleep study was canceled or your lap band appointment was canceled?

If you're nearing the fill limit of your band, I'd ask yourself some questions: -Are you expecting the band to make you feel stuffed full? -Are you expecting the band to restrict how much you eat? -Are you expecting the band to limit the types of food you eat? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you're expecting something out of the band it's not meant to do. If you're striving for any of these things you could easily end up with an over-filled band and risk a slip because of it. The band is supposed to make you feel satisfied (or not hungry) on less food for longer periods of time. Nothing more. If you're eating healthy and not expecting things out of the band it's not meant to do, then I would talk to your surgeon and see what your options are. Best wishes.

It all depends on your insurance requirements and the speed at which the surgeon's office works getting you approved. I had my seminar the first week of December and had my surgery the first week January. So for me, it only took a month.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

It doesn't matter which WLS surgery you opt for, unless you change your eating habits for a lifetime you won't be successful. I have two friends that had RNY within a month of me. One lost about about 60 pounds in the first couple months then stopped losing. The other has only lost about 20 pounds. Neither of them bothered to change their eating habits so neither of them have been successful. Ironically, both of them came down on me rather hard, telling me how foolish I was for not getting the RNY like them. I've lost 129 pounds with the Lap Band. Needless to say, neither have a bad thing to say to me about it anymore Don't let the ignorant idiots change your mind or scare you. You do what you know is best for you.

welcome to the forums

I am saying this to be honest and I say it with all sincerity: It DOES take a lot of hard work. You DO have to eat healthy. In fact, you have to change your eating habits for lifetime not just temporarily for a diet. It will NOT give you will power, that has to come from inside you. The band can help you to feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time, but it's not magic. It won't do the work or make the lifestyle changes for you. I'm not saying this sway you from getting the surgery. I personally think the band is the greatest thing ever- I love mine. However, I'd rather you know the truth and make a good decision than to go into this rose colored glasses. You don't need to set yourself up for failure. If you get the band and want to be successful, it most certainly is going to be hard work. If you think you can do that, wonderful. You'll do great. But be honest with yourself before being banded and if you honestly don't think you can, then don't do it. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide

I think it's wise you're going in. You've had great success with your band it sounds like you're still very much dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. There are other things that can issues, for instance a hiatal hernia. Sometimes it can slip ever so gradually that it's not even considered a "slip" but it's just enough to seriously effect band tightness. Even weight loss and/or gain can effect it. It's always better safe than sorry, so I'm glad you're going in. Be sure to mention the vomiting to your doc because it's crucial he's aware of that. Unfortunately vomiting does increase your risk of a slip substantially. Congratulations on your weight loss!!