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I'm very sorry you're going through this. As others have asked, are you getting the band replaced? Has the doctor suggested it? Unless you had yours done in Mexico or some other foreign country, we're told repeatedly from the very first seminar the band doesn't guarantee weight loss. It's not a magic bullet it's a tool and we must still do the work. In your case, your tool is broken and needs to be replaced. Even if your band wasn't broke and you didn't lose weight, I'm afraid you still couldn't have a successful lawsuit. They are very clear the band doesn't work for everyone, it's a risk we all take. The only way I can see you having a successful lawsuit is if your doctor is negligent, such as knowing there is a definite leak but refusing to replace/fix it. (even that is done at your cost. best wishes.

I like: low fat string cheese low fat cottage cheese Babybel Light cheese. sugar free Jello brand pudding (they have some great flavors, like Boston Creme Pie) raw veggies dipped in Hidden Valley fat free Ranch dressing. Skinny Cow candies/treats. (Only 100 calories per serving so good when a sweet tooth is threatening to derail me.)

As others have said walk, walk, and walk some more. See what many don't realize is, the gas isn't in your digestive system. You can take gas meds, and it may help by relieving pressure in your stomach itself if it happens to be gassy too, but the pain you're feeling radiate into your shoulder is from your actual abdominal cavity- not in your stomach. It has be reabsorbed by the body and can't be burped/farted/gas med'd out. Movement is the only way to help your body get rid of it faster, warm drinks and compresses may help the pain won't help get rid of the air itself. btw, I had HORRIBLE gas pain after surgery. It was so bad I remember being in bed thinking "oh crap, what have I done?" Thankfully it did subside and I've felt great ever since.

I don't feel anything at all. The only time I feel the band itself is during a fill, and then it doesn't hurt it's just an odd squeezing sensation that passes very quickly. The only time I feel my port is when I'm actively trying to feel it with my hand. Otherwise, they're just like any other part of me. I don't feel them.

First, if you're having stomach issues, you do not want to take advil/ibuprofen. They can actually make it worse and cause ulcers. If you go to the ER, they have to treat you. If I were in your shoes, I'd go. A fact most ER's won't tell you: if you are broke/unemployed, they have emergency relief funds. After you get the ER bill, you need to talk to their billing department and tell them you need help because you are unemployed with no income. Do not take 'no' for an answer, either. ALL hospitals have it and it can knock up to 80% off your hospital bill. In the end, your health is worth far more than money regardless. I would definitely make a trip the ER sooner than later.

I personally couldn't justify cutting up and permanently changing healthy organs when Lap-Band is an option. If for some reason Lap-Band didn't work for me, only then would I consider gastric bypass or the sleeve. Considering I've lost almost 50 pounds and just had the surgery Jan.6th, I'm thrilled with my choice to get banded so far.

I downloaded it yesterday, I like it!

I agree with the others, it sounds like your doctor billed in such a way to absorb a big chunk of what would've been your costs. I've seen people pay triple what you paid for their surgery out of pocket.

Oh awesome! I'm downloading it now!

Welcome Ann! The liquid diet isn't fun, however, I think in the end it's worth it. Best wishes

Everyone is different. Some people have tons of problems with pills, foods, etc. I still take pills with no problems and I've never once thrown up since being banded. (knock on wood!)

It usually takes 2-3 fills before people start feeling restriction. Prior to that, we have to rely on will power. It's not easy but it is possible. Honk is right- be sure to measure your food and stop eating when the measured portion is gone. Always eat Protein first. I use an Android app called "Lose It!" to track my calories as well as nutrients daily. It really helps me to stay within the desired food range. I was banded on Jan. 6th and just had my first fill on Feb. 10th. I'm still hungry every 2-3 hours so for me, I find spreading my food intake into 6 small meals works much better than 3 bigger meals daily. I am hoping that once I have more restriction I'll be able to go 4 hours without being starving. Also, I eat no more than 1000 calories per day and am sure to get at least 60g of protein daily. So far, for me, it's working beautifully.

The way I see it is this... Insurance companies won't cover the surgery unless your BMI is somewhere between 30-40, obese-severely obese. For the record, someone would have to be 5'8" to be 199 with a BMI under 30. Anyone under 5'8" would considered obese at 199 pounds. If someone weighs 199 with a BMI of 28 then they'll be a self-pay because insurance won't cover it. If they want to put themselves through this and spend their money, that's their business. I do understand what your're saying, but you have to remember we all have different paths and reasons. Just be glad you have the option to be banded and let others worry about themselves. Concentrate on you

I agree with ducker2010, I love unjury products. Also, Koshi GoLean has some cereals with about 8g of Protein. It's not a ton but it helps.

I'm a tummy sleeper and I was sleeping on my tummy within 3 days after surgery. I've never had a problem.

Thanks for sharing in my laughter all I will be going to buy new panties and bras this weekend. It was bad enough with my undies falling down under my pants. If my bra decides to revolt and my "girls" are suddenly free-flying it won't be a good scene! LOL!

I had to share this because I thought it was pretty funny... So I'm now down over 44 pounds and I haven't replaced any of my clothes yet. I'm holding out until 50 pounds then I'll pick up a couple things. Meanwhile, I'm very aware of how big my clothes are currently fitting me, including under garments. Tonight I was in Walmart with my son, daughter, and her boyfriend. It was rather crowded and I was pushing a very full cart of food. As always, I had my cell phone in my pocket. I am wearing cotton pants with an elastic waist, however, apparently the elastic isn't helping because I realized halfway through the store my pants kept sliding down my hips with every step. So I take the cell phone out of my pocket to stop the pulling, and I think all is fine. Well apparently my underwear are too big now, too. As I walked, I could feel them slipping down my hips. I kept putting my hands in my pockets trying to discreetly hike them back up, but eventually they'd slipped too low and it was a lost cause. I was stuck walking through Walmart with my undies nowhere near the parts they are meant to protect. By the time I got to my car, the waist band of my underwear was literally under my bottom, hanging out around my thighs, only being kept on at all by the crotch of my pants!! The kids and I all had a good laugh!

I agree with the others, stick with what your doctor told you. Unless the guy working at the nutrition store moonlights as a Bariatric Surgeon during his off hours, he's not the expert, your doctor is.

I like the Lose It! App for android. I log everything there.

Unfortunately yes, it is possible. The reason being all the foods you listed are high in both fat and carbs. Even the fish from Long John's Silvers is has more carbs than Protein because of the breading. Look I copied it here, this is for one piece of their fish: Calories: 260 Total fat: 16g Sat. fat: 4g Carb: 17g Protein: 12g Still, I wouldn't beat yourself up. Look at it like this, at least you had your "oh crap" moment and got back on the bandwagon after only gaining 5 pounds. Some people gain 20, 40, even 50+ pounds back and still don't get back on board. I bet the 5 pounds will fall back off relatively fast once you're back on good, healthy foods again. Just chalk it up to a learning experience and move ahead

unjury makes a non-flavored one. 20g of Protein, 100 calories. Their flavored ones are also excellent. I drink the chocolate Splendor every morning for Breakfast. So far, Unjury is the only brand I actually like. Here's a link: http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/

You can't help who you are, and are not, attracted to. I mean, it's no different than men who would have nothing to do with a fat girl. We all have our things we find both attractive and unattractive. For instance, I like a bigger buy and have no problem dating them. However, if a guy is shorter than me, I'm not attracted to him. It's not a conscious decision, it's just the way I'm wired, just like you can't help the fact you're not attracted to him physically. It doesn't make you a hypocrite at all- you're just being honest.

That's a good question, one I've struggled with too. I stick to measured portions and stop eating when it's gone, regardless of whether or not I think I'm full. Since I had my first fill, I have stopped eating before finishing because I get this pressure and lump in my throat that I take as my cue to stop. For me, full seems to be that tight feeling. I also notice I'm going considerably longer between meals without being hungry, which I take as another sign I'm definitely eating enough. It's a huge learning experience!

One fill isn't very much, most people need at least 2 or 3 before feeling restriction. Phentermine is by prescription only and it is addictive. It's essentially speed. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, it's particularly unsafe. You can only get it through a doctor. Phentermine is a quick fix. I took it many years ago, and I would strongly suggest against it. When you stop taking it, you'll gain back every pound and then some. If your body becomes to immune to it (and if you take it long enough, it will) again, you'll gain the weight right back. Just my opinion, but you need to give your band time to work. One fill isn't enough, you need to be patient until you get some restriction.

Congratulations! You're very lucky to have so many around you to support you! I hope you and your in-laws have a wonderful experience!! Keep us posted and best wishes to you