DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I agree with running_scared, I think you need to give yourself at least a week.

You definitely don't need a fill, in fact I worry your band is too small. Most doctors stopped using that size band a couple years ago, and you just got yours 18 months? I would be very tempted to ask your doctor why he used that band to begin with. Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I'd be getting a second opinion from another surgeon. Between the size of the band his reaction to you, yours really worries me.

very cool, congratulations

It seems to me a common problem I see here over and over, thread after thread, is people walking around with bands that are way too over-filled. What's sad is the lack of education and understanding about the band going into it, so when they are over-filled they just write off the vomiting, cough, and reflux as normal. It's not normal, and if people would simply take control over their own health and actually educate themselves a lot of pain and suffering could be avoided. Here's a very simple chart the explains how the band should, and should not, feel and be.

You will find every surgeon has their own ideas on the best way to lose weight. Some say 600 calories, some say don't count at all. Some say low carbs, some don't care about carbs. There is no standard, unfortunately. I eat between 1100-1200 calories a day. Everyone is different, you have to find what works for you.

I have noticed that as well, including my own. I didn't have a fill until 6 weeks but I have never had a fill with fluoroscopy, either. I worry when I hear of people getting filled only a week or two after surgery.

Yes, it's a fact. A Clinical Study A clinical study was done in Germany to review complications following lap band surgery. Thirty-five hospitals were involved in the study, with 4138 patients that underwent gastric banding over a five-year period. Lap Band long-term complications were described in 8.6% of all patients. The most common complications included: pouch dilation or enlargement (5.0%), lap band slippage (2.6%), and Lapband migration or erosion (1.0%). (Stroh,C Manger, T “Complications after adjustable gastric banding”, Chirurg, 2006, Vol 77,pag 244-250) Normal Lap Band X-Ray Under Fluoroscopy Enlarged Lap Band Pouch What is Lap Band Slippage? One of the long-term complications of lap band surgery is called“Lapband slippage” and can be defined as “when the Lapband and the stomach pouch are both prolapsed.” This means that the lap band has shifted position and the enlarged stomach pouch has also shifted or twisted so that food does not go through thelapband into the rest of the stomach. This may result in pain, discomfort, decreased appetite and inability to eat or drink, and vomiting. Lapband Slippage does not happen immediately but may take several months to develop. Large Lap Band Pouch Lap Band Slippage generally develops in a progressive manner. As food intake is increased, the stomach begins to stretch and grow and the patient may stop losing weight or start to regain weight. At this point, patients may only exhibit an enlarged stomach Lap band pouch. This can be medically treated by deflating the lap band to release pressure and slow the growth of the pouch (successful in 70% of cases, or surgical treatment can be considered). However, if the enlarged lapband pouch continues to grow, the lapband progressively rotates until both the lap band and the enlarged pouch become prolapsed, resulting in Lap bandslippage. This is followed by functional stenosis (narrowing) of the stomach. Lap Band Slippage Lapband Slippage Symptoms typically include progressively worsening reflux, vomiting and epigastric complaints, which may increase to sudden near-total dysphagia (inability to swallow or eat anything, including saliva). Risk factors or causes of lap band slippage include surgical technique, model of the lapband used, early consumption of solid foods, early inflation or filling of the band, consumption of carbonated or sparkling beverages, and frequent vomiting. Treatment for lap band slippage requires surgical intervention. Thelapband must be repositioned or removed, based on the operative findings and condition of the stomach pouch. If appropriate, the surgeon and patient may elect to choose another type of bariatric procedure such as a Gastric Sleeve. How Do I Prevent Lap Band Slippage? In order to decrease the risk of developing lap band slippage, it is important to follow the recommended diet following surgery and to avoid introducing solid foods too early. In addition, the fills should not be started before 6 weeks post-operatively and these Lap band fills should be very gradual. We also recommend that fills should be done under fluoroscopy, even if you are asymptomatic (no symptoms of lap band slippage), to be able to monitor the position of the lapband, and the size of the stomach pouch and condition of the esophagus. This will allow for early diagnosis of an enlarged stomach pouch or possible lap band slippage. Susana González, MD

Because carbonated beverages are the one big "no-no" for people with the Lap-Band. Because it's a proven fact it can stretch the band and cause slips. Oh and because the woman who shared the room with me after my Lap-Band surgery was in there for a band replacement. Because she had been drinking carbonated beverages and not only did it cause a slip but it prolapsed her stomach through the band.

Overeating, vomiting, and drinking carbonated beverages.

Holy cow!!! How did they fix it?? That looks dangerous!!!

I think something that we all need to remember is, we're in the social situation for the socialization not eating. Eating is just secondary to the company you're with and should have absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you have a good time. I have been to many social situation in recent months, even at my own home, and being banded has never once effected me. As B-52 stated, I just have a small plate of whatever is being served then just pick at it. My focus is my company not my food. I've eaten out many times, too. Again, I either order half portions (if they allow it) or I simply eat very slow, listen to my band for full signals, and stop eating when I'm satisfied. I also use an app called Lose It to track calories but it also a food search by restaurant name, so when eating out if I'm not certain I look it up there to have a look at calories and fat content before ordering. Being banded doesn't have to stop you from having a social life or eating socially. You just have to put the focus back on the people where it belongs rather than the food being served.

Thank you for posting this. You may get some backlash for it, because I know many here have gone to Mexico for their Lap-Band to save money, but I always worry when I hear of them doing it. Especially when I hear about the Mexican surgeons using outdated "old" model bands and the surgeons in the US refusing to touch or fill them when they return because of it. I just don't think surgery is the time to be bargain shopping. It's your health not a pair of shoes. Just my opinion. I don't begrudge someone their decision to use Medical Tourism to get their surgery, however you couldn't pay me enough to do that. It's just not worth the risk.

oh my gosh I am so sorry!! I had shingles a couple years ago and it is pure misery. I can't fathom going through it while recovering from surgery, too. Are you on pain meds for it? It does help. I'll be praying it lets up soon for you.

I've heard a few people note how often people post with issues but not nearly often enough about their success. Those people were right, and those of who are having success with the band need to post our stories. People need to see the good as much, if not more, than the bad. Today, when I was driving my son to school, I realized my car seat position just wasn't working anymore. I smiled, because I remembered how just four short months ago my tummy was literally pressed against the steering wheel when I drove. Now, despite the fact I lowered the steering wheel (tilt steering) and I've moved my seat up- I still have at least 8 inches between my tummy and the steering wheel. That got me thinking "wow that's a biggie NSV!" Then I realized I've had many, so, here's mine: -Tummy no longer touches the steering wheel when I drive, with lots of room to spare and move. -85 pounds ago, I could barely walk into a store from a handicapped spot let alone around the store itself. Aside from being obese, I also have Multiple Sclerosis, and the combination of the two made mobility VERY difficult and painful. Now, I stopped using my handicapped tag, and I can easily walk through the entire mall (repeatedly, with my kids lol). Losing weight has relieved so much stress from my legs muscles, it's even significantly helped my MS spasticity. -I am chaperoning my son's field trip to the zoo next week because now I know I can handle that much walking. Before I was banded, I wouldn't have even made it to the zoo entrance let alone walking around the zoo all day with a bunch of 4th graders. -My cane sits in my car trunk totally unused. I don't need it anymore. -I have dropped over 4 clothing sizes. -I saw my dad and nephew for the first time in a year recently. My dad was floored how good I look. My 11yr old nephew told my brother (who told me) "Dad you should see Aunt Mis, she looks so different and so good now". I still have a long ways to go with my weight loss journey, but I know I'll get there. These are my NSV stories, what's yours? Please share!

It's supposed to be in for life. I'm not sure why people tend to freak out about that, it's no different any other artificial part or implant people have. Heart valve stents, fake hips and knees, filters, heck even fake boobs. Like the rest, the band was made to last a lifetime.

I wish I'd known about the Lap-Band and done it years sooner. I've lost 87 pounds since I was banded in January and feel better than I have in many years (decades).

If you're not keeping track of your calories and protein intake, I would suggest doing so for awhile to see how much you're eating and where you should make some changes. When you're logging what you eat you're much more apt to hold yourself accountable, too.

I stayed over one night, went home the next day.

First off, my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry, from the bottom of my heart, that you went through such horrible trauma. I pray you're doing better now and have found some peace. As far as starting over, I know of many who have used the 5 day pouch test to start over. It takes you from liquids, to mushies, to soft, to solids again. Many think it's a good way to jump start losing again and put yourself back in the mindset of being newly banded. Check it out: http://5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html If you had slipped or damaged your band, chances are good you'd have signs. Be it night cough, vomiting, pain, sliming, etc. If I were in your shoes, I'd make an appointment with your surgeon to have him check it for peace of mind. I'd also request a fill while you're there, too. You've been through, and survived, so much! You're obviously an incredibly strong woman and a fighter. I have no doubt you'll get back on track with the band and be successful at it, too. Best wishes to you.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with that. That's total crap! It blows my mind they make it so difficult for people to get a surgery to improve their health. It's like telling a heart patient "Oh you have a blockage in one artery, but we won't do surgery until at least three are blocked". Ridiculous!! I won't lie, if I were in your shoes, I'd be packing on the 12lbs for the insurance to cover it, too. I know, it's horribly unhealthy and likely wrong, but if only 12lbs is standing between you and a healthy future, I say break out the Hostess Cupcakes and some Coca-Cola to appease them.

A couple things... First, you must stop beating up on yourself. It does no good whatsoever. You need to chalk it up as a mistake and move on with good food choices. If you have a defeatist attitude of "Oh I messed up, screw it!" then it will become a self fulfilled prophecy. Second, you also need to remember the first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing not weight loss. Weight loss will come once you have some restriction, which leads me to my third point... Third, you need to remember you band is likely empty right now. If you do have something in it, it's very little, and either way you have very little (if any) restriction. Most people take a couple fills before they have restriction and often call that phase in between surgery and restriction as "bandster hell", because until you've had the fills you can likely eat just like you did before surgery. Bandster hell is truly a matter of white knuckling it to eat the right things and portions. Either you can grit your teeth and fight through the hunger until you do have restriction or you can simply try to do damage control and not gain a ton of weight until then. Rest assured what you're dealing with is normal, just hang in there and be patient until you've had a couple fills. In the meantime, just try your best to make smart food choices. Best wishes.

The veggie thing is a good one, too. I really like cucumbers so I eat them as snacks. Sometimes I'll have raw veggies with fat free ranch, too.

I always just white knuckle it. If I know I'm going to be hungry in 2-3 hours, I plan accordingly for it. For instance, I keep low fat wheat thins, light babybel cheese, low fat cottage cheese, and sugar free pudding in the house. If I knew I was going to be hungry after dinner, I'd be sure to budget a snack into my calories for the day. I know we're not supposed to be snacking, but I figured I was better off budgeting in a snack than trying to get through without it- and ending up eating something anyway. It's not easy, in fact it's why people refer to that time before you have good restriction as "bandster hell".