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First, doing tons and tons of research is smart! Going into this or any WLS surgery must be done with an educated decision. So, keep asking questions and researching For me, it was an accumulation of events. I knew I had to do something. I watched my kids' grandmother die when she was only 55 years old. She was a morbidly obese chain smoker who died of congestive heart failure. I too was a morbidly obese chain smoker and her death terrified me because I knew if I didn't make drastic changes, that would one day be me. I quit smoking over a year ago and then started getting serious about researching WLS. I also happen to have Multiple Sclerosis. I can't cure the MS, but I figured I could take a lot better care of the rest of me so I'd at least have a fighting chance against this crappy disease. Having MS is bad enough, the last thing I needed was to have a bunch of obesity related (preventable) illnesses like Diabetes and high blood pressure, too. Originally I was scheduled for Gastric Bypass, but at the last minute, I canceled. I just couldn't justify rerouting perfectly healthy organs irreversibly without first trying something far less drastic and reversible. So, I started researching Lap-Band and I knew it was the one for me. I had surgery 6 1/2 months ago and have lost 122 pounds so far. I can't begin to tell you how much losing this weight has drastically improved my quality of life. I still have a lot to lose but I know I'll eventually get there. For me, getting the Lap-Band was the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Thank you all for the kind words and support. You all help me stay on track so much!!

I very highly doubt it. The gas pain after surgery can be really nasty and that sounds exactly like what you're experiencing.

It sounds like gas. If it were your heart, the pain would remain the same regardless of what position you're in. Try a heating pad, it helped bring me some relief after surgery.

My doctor and nutritionist both say absolutely no more than 1 cup total of food per meal, regardless if you're still hungry or not. The reason being is to not stretch the pouch and get used to seeing and eating smaller portions.

I could be wrong, but if you're not hungry or thinking about food, then it sounds like you do have restriction. Restriction with the band doesn't literally restrict what you eat or stop you from eating, nor is it supposed to make you feel stuffed full. It makes you satisfied with less food for longer time periods, which sounds like what you are describing. Before I had restriction, I was eating 1100-1200 calories a day. Since my last fill in May, I usually only eat around 900 calories a day, sometimes even less. My surgeon said quite simply- if you're not hungry don't eat. It's ok if you're getting less calories as long as the food you are eating is healthy and you're not hungry.

That is the best article and description I've ever read. Thank you so much for sharing it, I've bookmarked it for future reference.

First, congratulations on your weight loss, you're doing fabulous! You said you were able to eat the chicken last night, yes? If so, on what food did you start to get stuck again? Also, how long ago was your unfill? Sometimes 24 hours of liquids are enough to calm the stomach and start over. When you vomit, it really irritates the stomach and usually causes it to swell up. When that happens, it's very likely you're going to have eating issues until the swelling subsides. If you decide to do 24 hours of liquids, move back onto solid foods cautiously. Take very small bites, chew it until mush, and pause between bites. That might help you. I know it helped me after my last fill in May. I kept getting stuck and almost went for an unfill. I honestly thought my bites were small enough- but they weren't. So, I took even smaller ones and have been fine ever since.

It sounds like you were stuck and slimed because of it. When the food came back up, was a forceful vomiting or did it just kinda burp back up? I hate it when I slime, it's so disgusting. Try teeny, tiny bites and pause between bites and then you might be able to eat crackers.

I'm sorry you're feeling down today A couple things that may help you to know. First, it takes most people multiple fills to have restriction. It's a slow, frustrating process. Many refer to the time between surgery and good restriction as "bandster hell", because you can still eat just like you did before surgery. Which leads me to the next thing, and this one will be hard until you have good restriction, but remember just because you can eat something doesn't mean you should. The very best thing you can do for yourself is make healthy food choices and stick to 1 cup or less of food per meal. It will get easier once you have good restriction, but in the meantime it's necessary to white knuckle through it if you want to lose weight. Are you getting enough Protein in? It really does help you feel fuller for a longer period of time. I find sipping Water or another zero calorie non-carbonated beverage throughout the day helped to ease hunger too. Hang in there, you can do this!

I know American doctors typically won't touch a patient banded in Mexico, but the majority will take on patients banded by other American doctors. I know there are some that won't, but they seem to be exception not the rule. Some do charge a program or initial fee when you switch to them, though. I'd definitely start looking for another that will take your insurance.

Does he not accept your insurance ever, or is he just refusing your case specifically because you have been self pay until now? If it's the later, I'd be livid. I would also be shopping for a new surgeon.

I was terrified of failure. I honestly couldn't picture myself losing weight successfully. Heck, even the day after surgery, I remember laying in bed in tears thinking "what have I done to myself?" However...I couldn't picture how awesome I'd feel 6 1/2 months later, either. I honestly love my band, it's the best decision I've ever made for myself. If you are committed to changing your eating habits to healthy ones for a lifetime, you will be successful. As for fills, it's common to wait 4-6 weeks for the first fill. However, that is also the time period for healing, not losing. My best advice is to put the scale away until after your first fill and then start focusing on losing. In the meantime, making the best decisions you can while on the post op diet will help tremendously. Best wishes to you!

Sounds like you irritated your band, which is pretty easy to do only a couple weeks after surgery. I'd go back to liquids for a day to let it rest and calm.

I would have to agree with the ER doc, dehydration ten days after surgery wouldn't be because of the surgery. It would be because you're not getting enough Water, are severely over heated, or both. It's not always easy, but you have drink lots of water, especially when it's the summer and so hot outside. Many of us (myself included) carry I bottle around with us and sip almost constantly when we're not eating. Feel better soon.

Ohhhh that's a good point, gallbladder would do that too!

What you're describing has nothing to do with Lap-Band, especially the diarrhea. That sounds like food poisoning.

I did the night after my surgery with no problems whatsover.

Yes the dumping and deficiencies are another reason I canceled the Gastric Bypass. But you give more great examples of both WLS success and failure. Two people can have the exact same surgery and have very different results, all based on how much they're willing to change their eating habits to help themselves. It's awesome that your cousin is going to be there for you despite choosing a different WLS than she did. In my opinion, that's how it should be. We're all just trying to do what's best for ourselves and should be helping each other despite our differences, not criticizing because of them.

I personally like the Unjury protein shakes. I tried many different brands and they are the only one I actually like. I still have the chocolate splendor every morning for breakfast.

Thanks for the kind words all, but really it's not about me at all. It's making the point that no surgery is a magic fix for fat, they all take work @bigenuff- My friends don't say a word about the band now lol. To be honest, they kinda avoid the topic with me entirely. I think they're both too busy eating crow after giving me such a hard time about choosing it @JennyBee- My exercise is limited. I do move/walk/do yard work tons more than I have in years, and I will continue to increase my movement as my body allows. However, I have Multiple Sclerosis, so I have physical issues beyond my weight. However, losing weight has helped tremendously. I used to need a handicapped parking spot just to make it to the front doors of the grocery store. Sometimes I needed a motorized cart to shop. Now, not only do I park intentionally in far spots but I can easily walk the entire mall many times over. It's a huge improvement!

Wow, that's quite a story! First, I hate to tell you this, but having surgery on the 7th and returning to work on the 10th is highly unlikely. Most people need 5-7 days off to recover. You said you were told you would have Lap-Band rather than picked it. Be sure to educate yourself to the facts of the surgery and life after. The band is a tool not a magic fix, it will require you to change your eating habits for a lifetime in order to be successful with the band. Get a clear post op diet from your surgeon before surgery so you can prepare at home ahead of time, too. Has your insurance had you meet with a nutritionist? If not, I would highly recommend that as well so you have clear guidelines to follow after surgery. Best wishes to you, be sure to let us know how it goes.

I understand money is an issue, but you need the barium swallow. Your symptoms could be from a slip as easily as from a stretched pouch, and either way, you have to know what you're dealing with for the sake of your health.

A couple things, if you are vomiting blood for any reason, that is serious and something you need to definitely follow up on. You say "why am I still able to eat as much as I do? I just ate an entire hamburger and probably a half cup of potato salad! " Just because you can eat something doesn't mean you should. A cup of food or less per meal is the maximum you should be eating regardless of your ability to eat more. You also must realize the band isn't supposed to make you feel stuffed full. It is supposed to make you feel satisfied for longer periods of time. Sometimes it does make it so you simply can't eat anymore, but having good restriction is about feeling satisfied without hunger, not about feeling like you just a Thanksgiving meal. This is a common mistake a lot of people make and as a result walk around with bands entirely too tight- which often leads to slips. Stick to a cup of food or less per meal, and when it's gone stop eating. Ask yourself "am I still hungry?" If the answer is no, you're satisfied, regardless of the ability to eat more.