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My doc said if I want to drink before eating, go ahead. But no drinking during eating and nothing for at least an hour after eating (preferably 90 minutes after). When I go to a restaurant, I sip on water or iced tea while waiting for my meal then simply push the glass away and stop drinking once my food arrives.

When I was originally planning gastric bypass, my family was worried. My father tried very hard to talk me out of it. When I canceled the gastric bypass appointment, they were all very relieved. When I told them I was getting the Lap Band instead, and explained it was 100% reversible and didn't reroute any of my digestive system, they were very happy about my decision, including my very skeptical father who was so dead set against the gastric bypass. I was banded on Jan. 6, 2012, and I've had such great luck with the band my mom is now seriously considering it as well. I think being honest about the facts helps. It eases their mind to know you're doing anything irreversible to your body. Plus, pointing out the health benefits. I have Multiple Sclerosis, so I pointed out to my family a big part of why I was doing this was take control of the health issues I could to lessen the stress on my body and give me a better fighting chance against the MS. Now, 2 months post surgery, I tell everyone. I don't hide it at all and so far have gotten but positive responses.

There isn't anything I can't eat, however I have to be very very careful when eating any kind of bread. If I don't chew it until it's complete mush, it'll get stuck. I love the Lean Cuisine pizzas, however I don't even bother trying to eat the crust most times. It's just too hard to chew it to the point it won't get stuck. Raw veggies are sometimes rough too. I like salads a lot, but I have to be careful with things like snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower because they're also prone to sticking. But there isn't anything I can't eat and I've never thrown up. I just have to be careful or I end up with a very uncomfortable stuck episode.

Are you newly banded? If so, how long ago was your surgery? You could have a stomach, virus too. It's going around where I live big time. I bought some OTC anti-nausea medicine at the pharmacy so I wouldn't vomit. It definitely helped.

I've read of people needing four or more fills before they feel adequate restriction. Everyone is different, however it's extremely rare to feel any restriction after a first fill. I'd say what you're experiencing is normal. I know it's hard, but hang in there and try to be patient. Restriction will come

I also use the Android "Lose It" app to keep track of calories. It's so handy, I don't know what I'd do without it. I eat 1000 calories a day.

Any time someone is put under general anesthesia there is a risk regardless of the reason. When the person in question is obese or has other health issues, that risk increases. That being said, the only deaths I am aware of are by those quacks at 1800getthin in California, who by the way are under federal investigation and are being shut down because of it. I too was afraid, but I also knew if I didn't my fat would kill me way before my time anyway. I had my surgery on Jan.6, 2012 and have lost 58 pounds so far. Honestly, this is the best thing I've EVER done for myself. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I feel so much better!! It's work and you must change your eating habits for a lifetime, but SO worth it. Best wishes to you, whatever you decide

That is so awesome!! Congratulations!!!

Everyone is different. I have read of people who get 7 or 8 fills and still don't feel they have enough restriction. I am extremely lucky, as I've only had 2 fills (3cc in a 10cc band) and I already have great restriction. For whatever reason, I've always been tight, even when the band was still empty. Oddly enough despite always having been tight, so far I've never once thrown up either. I've had a couple stuck episodes and thought I might throw the food back up, but so far I've been able to avoid it. I also can eat anything. Some have big problems with breads or other dry food. I eat bread (whole grain wheat) almost every day. I have to eat very small bites and chew it until mush- but I can and do eat it. So far I've not found any foods I can't eat as long as I'm careful. Everyone is so different! I hope you find your 'Green Zone' and restriction soon

Yes, because yaya77nc, because unfortunately the band can only stop physical hunger not "head hunger". In other words it won't take away the cravings and desire that have nothing to do with being hungry, Hang in there. I find if I can just grit my teeth and resist for awhile that urge eventually passes. I'm lucky to be in the infamous "green zone", so if I do have a moment of weakness I thankfully can't do much damage because I'm likely already full from my last meal.

Once you're back on normal, solid food and you can still do those things just in moderation. Today I chaperoned a high school band trip to a competition, while down there we had pizza for lunch. The kids ate tons, I ate one single piece slowly, and didn't even have room to finish the crust. Last week I went out to dinner with my kids. I got a wonderful salad with fat free dressing and a bowl of my favorite Soup. I was totally stuffed as well as had a lovely meal with my kids. Your priority needs to be the company you're with, not the food you're eating, then you can make good food choices and still enjoy the social nature that goes along with humans and eating.

I personally don't pay attention to volume as much as I do calories. I stay at (or under) 1000 calories a day, minimum 60g Protein, no more than 20g of fat, and no more than 125g of carbs. When I cook, I figure my calories based on 1 cup servings. 600 calories is really, really low. You may not be losing because your body is in starvation mode. Maybe try to stay closer to 1000 and see if that helps?

Every surgeon seems to have their own schedule. Mine was 2 weeks clear liquids, 2 weeks full liquids, 2 weeks mushy then onto soft food. Considering it's only been 2 weeks since your surgery I think veggie pizza is too soon. Just my opinion, mind you, but I tend to be overly cautious anyway. Did you meet an nutrionist pre-surgery? What was the schedule for food you were given?

Hot tea or water help me. I've had two painful stuck episodes since my last fill and neither time anything would actually come back up. I drank some hot tea and it washed the stuck food through. Good luck

My surgery was Jan. 6, 2012 and I'm down 11 bags of sugar

Is there a reason you can't take them forever? Do you have a bleeding disorder or kidney issues? The reason I ask is there is no reason you can't with the band. Some docs advise against them because they're far more prone to upset your stomach than Tylenol, but the band itself isn't a reason not to take them.

Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!!

You must remember your doctor is the employee and you are the employer. He works for YOU. You have every right to insist a an x-ray or other diagnostic test is done to check the band. Don't give him an option in the matter, it's your body, you have to take control. If he refuses? Fire him and find a new doctor ASAP. (though to be honest, after his behavior I'd find a new doctor once you're past this regardless) Something is definitely wrong. If you haven't had a fill since January, and now you're having all these problems, I fear either the band has slipped or something is stuck. Either way it's nothing to mess with and needs to be handled right away. Good luck, let us know how it goes!

It sucks big time. I went 4 weeks on liquids- it was hell. My doctor doesn't allow us to start on mushie food until the 5th week after surgery. That was a LONG month! Though not liquids, I was allowed yogurt and sugar free pudding on the liquids phase. V8 also makes some shockingly good cream style Soups, so I ate those a lot as well. Oh and runny oatmeal helps, too. I know it's hard but stick with it. This time is for healing not weight loss, so just drink when you need to and remind yourself you're trying to give yourself time to heal.

I've been banded for 2 months now and I STILL struggle with that. I'm lucky if I get 48oz of Water in a day. I mean, when you can't eat during meals and 60-90 minutes after meals, it definitely makes it difficult. An hour and a half after my meals, I grab a bottle of water and sip almost constantly until my next meal. Lather, rinse, repeat. If anyone has a better idea, I hope they share!

I agree, I'd look into a lawyer asap. I'd also contact your insurance company immediately and let them know what's going on and NOT to pay his bills.

Unfortunately, you're going to find this on any medical board, especially when costly drugs and/or procedures are in question. I noticed a lot of what I call sock puppets right away when I got here. A sock puppet is the slang term for a fake account made specifically to sell, spam, or bash on the topic at hand. I spend a fair amount of time on boards for Multiple Sclerosis, too. (because I have MS) I see sock puppets there as well, trying to bash on people's drug of choice only to try to sell some new unproven treatment or a different drug. So when I came here, I was able to pick out the sock puppets almost immediately, Here's some hints: If you suspect a sock puppet account, go to their profile and check their posts and topics. 98% of the time it's a dead give away because their patient info is blank and their only posts are to band bash or sell another procedure. It's unfortunate that people are so unethical but rest assure this happens everywhere. Oh and for the record? I love my band. I've lost 55 pounds in 2 months

I'd just say about 90 pounds- what you've lost since your highest weight. I mean, it IS how much you lost. How you lost it is irrelevant. What's important is that you DID lose it. Congratulations!

I use an Android app called "Lose It!" It tracks not only my calories but Protein, carbs, fat, sugar, etc. It's also handy for looking up nutritional value of foods when eating out so I can make smart choices. It's literally my bible. I highly recommend it. My nutrionist suggested I stay around 1000 calories a day. At least 60g of protein, no more than 20g of fat, and no more than 125g of carbs. I've lost about 55 pounds in 2 months, so for me, this approach is working. Good luck to you.

If you'd messed up your band, you'd know it. You'd be in pain and/or vomitting. Just be careful. When I got banded, the woman who shared the room with me was in there getting her ban replaced. She'd lost 80 pounds, then gained back 40 and prolapsed her band by drinking soda regularly. She was very specific, too. It was the soda that caused the prolapse. Not trying to scare anyone, but you can do damage with carbonated beverages when you're banded.