DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I won't even sugar coat it- it's hard. I was the exact same way. I wouldn't think twice about eating a whole cake, or a big bag of candy, or a box of Little Debbies. Like you, I only did it when I was alone so no one else could see my gluttony. My best advice to get all trigger foods out of the house. This way, if you are tempted to give into the urge to binge, you have to physically leave the house and go to the store to get the food to binge on. The majority of the time that alone will stop you. Hang in there, you can do this.

I'm so very happy for you! How wonderful!! Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story. Congratulations on all your success!!

I actually have a really sensitive stomach, too. I totally understand Have you tried really small fills? My last fill was only .1cc and it was perfect. You'd be shocked what a huge difference even a really small fill can make when you have a sensitive tummy.

Night coughs are a classic symptom of being too tight. The fact you PB'd liquid (broth) is another one. I'd definitely follow up with your doctor. Congrats on your babies!

Unfortunately, unless it's meat or Protein shakes, your options are very limited. You could add more nuts and Peanut Butter but that's not nearly enough. If I were you, I'd find a protein shake that you do like and start experimenting with different recipes to find some meat based ones that you do like. Protein is so important, not only for satiety but to help prevent hair loss too.

It's normal for you to be able to eat anything- in fact it's preferred so that you can be assured of being able to eat all the healthy foods you need. Some people do have "problem foods" once they have adequate Fluid in their band but those foods should always be the minority. Remember, the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anything. That will always be your job and why it's so important to make good choices and stick to band sized portions. The band is their to control your hunger. Best wishes.

If you have acid reflux you definitely need to be checked out. Relux is never normal and can lead to band erosion. It's a good thing they're doing a scope. I'm not sure what you mean by needing an unfill 3-4 weeks out?

At the beginning it came off really fast- but when you're starting over 400 pounds the weight does come off a lot faster. Now that I'm down into the 100's, I'm lucky to lose 5-8 pounds a month. Don't ever give up. It just takes a lot longer the smaller you get.

I had GREAT results carb cycling to break a couple plateaus. I actually wish I could right now for a couple weeks but I eat too many green veggies when I carb cycle and I'm currently on Coumadin- and green veggies (Vitamin K) messes up my blood levels big time.

I still have another 30-35 pounds to lose, but it's my most recent "before and after" 228 pounds lost (so far). The before pic was the day of my surgery 20 months ago. The after pic is my daughter and I both in the pants from the before pic.

I would have liquid Tylenol on hand for afterward. Also a heating pad because some find it relieves the gas pain. I also found a body pillow very helpful in getting comfy in bed. I used it to prop myself up a bit on my side, tucking the pillow under my tummy to support it. Good luck!

It's very normal. It's also important to remember the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anyway. It's job isn't to force you to stick to band sized portions- that is our job. The band is there to control your hunger. Here's some great info: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes

Well, I can only speak for myself, but I've lost 228 pounds in less than 20 months and I don't restrict my carbs at all. In fact, I eat tons of bread, Pasta, rice, and potatoes. The amount of weight you lose has nothing to do with low carbs, low fat, high Protein, etc. It has to do with figuring out what way of eating works best for your specific metabolism and sticking to your daily calorie allowance. Diet isn't "one size fits all" and there is no right or wrong way. Just my experience and opinion.

Edited...because I'm way too tired to brain lol. Carry on!

I think they should both go armed with video cameras.

Put it through a blender first then it's a mushie. Think baby food consistency.

Mashed potatoes is really the only thing that comes to mind. I'd check their menu on their website ahead of time so you're not trying to hurriedly go through it there.

Gum and teeth health can be a big indicator of overall health. That isn't a normal side effect- I'd definitely make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out. Best wishes

"We got 2 million posts!" "Cool! What was the 2 millionth post?" "Ummm... a post about Steph trying to peep Guy's schmiddy at a support group" WIN!!!

Best. Thread. Ever. I think we just won the internet.

It's very hard and we hear this a lot. One of the biggest regrets I have is not actually measuring myself and tracking my inches because I know that would've shown a decrease even when the sale isn't moving downward. So, if I were you? Start taking measurements. If you're building muscle, it's very likely you're shrinking despite the stubborn scale. Fat has more volume than muscle. Picture a measuring cup of fat and a measuring cup of muscle. The muscle is going to weight more than the fat because it's more dense. But, the fat takes up more room, so this is why you're burning fat but building muscle you'll see the inches shrink but not the scale Hang in there

Our very own Jean McMillan has one! She's amazing lady and a great author, I'd highly recommend her book "Bandwagon Cookery" http://www.amazon.com/Bandwagon-TM-Cookery-Flavor-Health-one/dp/0578087731

I'm sorry you're struggling. When is the last time you saw your doctor and nutritionist? Good aftercare is so crucial to success with the band. It makes me sad that you feel "banded and sent on your way". You should never feel like that. Are you tracking your calories? Do you exercise at all?

LOL you have no idea how bad I fight the urge to unleash sometimes!!

No, you need to use a little common sense and not get your panties in a twist because you didn't get the response you hoping for. Sorry but I don't coddle people. "Call your doctor. We're not doctors and can't diagnose you over the internet." isn't even remotely rude. If you actually think that's rude then you have issues.