DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

My ignorance is clearly showing because I've never experienced it, but are reflux and heartburn different? I honestly thought they were essentially the same thing. What makes one different from the other?

I'm going to regret this, but I feel the need to chime in here. It is actually VERY important to know the statistics and risks before surgery. In fact, one of the biggest reasons we see so many failures is because people went into this surgery totally clueless. I hope the statistics showing a whopping 60% complication rate for people who aren't compliant with the rules and their doctor does scare the living crap out of everyone that reads it. Sometimes, a healthy dose of fear is exactly what people need to keep themselves in check and take this as seriously as it should be. Ignorance isn't bliss, especially when it comes to something as serious as surgery. Everyone should go into this educated about all aspects of the Lap Band- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I'm very sorry you're struggling. If your surgeon isn't sufficient then it's time you take charge and find one who is. Studies have shown that aftercare and patient compliance is crucial for weight loss success- and so far it sounds like you have neither. You talk about not going for more fills- but it sounds like a fill is the last thing you need. You're clearly too tight and are having "soft calorie syndrome" because of it. Being too tight is not only dangerous but often leads to weight gain because you can only eat slider foods and liquids- which are notoriously high calorie. Not to mention because you can't eat healthy foods, you're probably seriously lacking necessary Vitamins to be healthy. Btw- vomiting is also extremely dangerous with the band and by doing so regularly you're begging for a slip. You need an unfill so you can actually eat healthy and not jeopardize your band. Here's a really good article about why being tighter isn't better and the dangers that come with it: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 Make an appointment with a new surgeon if that's what is necessary, but one way or another it's crucial for your health you get in to see one ASAP. Best wishes.

Call your surgeon. You shouldn't be having heartburn and it's important to find the cause.

Gallbladder issues are very common after weight loss. I had mine removed this past April. Honestly, it's no big deal at all. It's done laproscopically with minimal pain and a quick recovery time.

Congratulations! Clothes have definitely become my reward. I have a definite shopping addiction these days lol.

If it isn't something that can be measured by volume, then either I use a good scale or size comparisons. For instance, a piece of meat should be no bigger than a deck of cards or the palm of your hand. Hope that helps!

I have never heard that caffeine causes stomach cancer. Heck, most doctors live on coffee. I drink at least 1-2 coffees a day, btw.

*AHEM*... if I may interrupt for some statistical assistance All the stats posted earlier were true, however the problem is twofold: Some of those studies are very old and use the old 4cc band. This is makes the study no longer valid because it doesn't apply to the new generation of gastric band. Plus, it's common knowledge that the old 4cc band is no longer used in the US because of it's high complication rate. The second issue is the fact most studies only look at overall complications rather than patient caused complications versus band caused complications. If you're looking at overall complications, I'd very much believe the higher (scarier) statistic. I'm no expert, but after reading these forums for 20+ months is sadly apparent that many people are going into this surgery totally ignorant to the facts. I don't know if it's a lack of doctor education or them not taking the time to educate themselves (or both?) but it's no surprise so many end up with problems. What's sadder is, I read some threads on here where people are walking around for months or years with a band WAY too tight. I think to myself "well, we'll be seeing them back complaining about how evil the band is when they have a slip". Sure enough... I have lost count of the number of times I was (sadly) right. There is a study that is very recent, included a major larger number of participants, and actually makes the distinction between true band complications versus patient caused complications. This study only shows 5% of all complications are by no fault of the patient. The rest of the complications, or 95%, are because of patient error. http://www.futurity....p-band-surgery/ Okies...y'all may carry on with your previously scheduled bickering. I've got my popcorn ready to watch the rumble!!

Wow, that sounds incredibly frustrating and a bit scary. I would definitely go see your doctor, preferably both your bariatric surgeon and your family doctor, so between the two they can figure out what it is.

Very normal. We all go through it and we all survive it. Actually, my post op diet was much worse and stricter than yours. I was in liquids for 4 weeks after. Just remember, this is a very short term part of the journey. Your stomach has been sutured, manipulated, squeezed, and overall traumatized. It needs this time to heal so you don't cause major damage. Hang in there.

Wow!! I'm not even going to lie, there's no way I could follow that program. I eat chili 3-4 times a week and have a Protein shake for Breakfast every morning.

That's exactly why I say nothing is off limits. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what works, the trick is finding out what works best for you. Btw, that would drive me nuts to have 2 NUTS giving conflict advice!

Congratulations!

No foods are off limits. It's about moderation not deprivation. I LOVE grilled cheese sandwiches and have them regularly. I just use low fat cheese, whole grain bread, and "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" spray. I usually have half a sandwich with a nice cup of tomato Soup. Yum!

A lot of things could be causing it and a large number of them aren't band related. I would definitely make an appointment with your doctor. I would also start noting if it's certain types of food that cause it more than others (greasy, sugary, milk products, etc). For instance, if your gallbladder is going greasy foods would could cause that reaction. If it's all food causing it, I'd try to really remember exactly how and when it started. Hang in there!

Very cool! Btw, you totally rocked that pink shirt!

I tried to find a way to do that too and couldn't. I hate to admit it, but that's why I don't keep pics in my gallery at all besides the before and after.

Yes, and I won't lie, vomiting this soon post op would be very bad. You definitely want to do all you can to fight it. The anti-nausea med you took should be kicking in pretty fast (thankfully!) Are you still on Clear liquids? You could always let some ginger ale go flat and see and that helps soothe your nausea a bit. (just be sure it's flat before drinking it) My doc gave me a script for Zofran- the stuff is like magic. I actually still carry some with me at all times, just in case.

Wolverine blue here!!

You know, it's sad this thread has gone so off the rails. Not because it's been hijacked by bickering but because the people bickering actually have the same message to share but because of differences in delivery and perception it's turned into a pissing match. It's like one is saying "the sky is powder blue!" and the other is screaming "No it's not! That's cornflower blue!" Isn't the sky still freak'n blue regardless? What's even sadder is, that message is spot on but it's being lost in semantics. *sighs*

You look amazing, congratulations. But, keep in mind that some people are going to have excess skin no matter how much they weight train or work out. Whether or not someone has excess skin comes down genetics, age, skin elasticity, whether or not someone smokes, how much weight they lose and how long they have been overweight. It's unfortunate but if any number of these factors are working against you, there is nothing you can do about the excess skin except plastic surgery. Best wishes.

There is no reason you can't go back- you certainly can. You just have to stop when you're satisfied, Had you stopped eating after the small salad, you'd have been fine. It isn't the type of food that caused you pain it's the over-eating that caused you pain. It's a learning experience for the future Best wishes.

The end of the journey is by far the slowest. When I was at the beginning, I could lose 20 pounds a month no problem. Now that I'm down to the last 30-40 pounds, I'm lucky to lose 4 pounds a month. Weight loss always comes down to math: When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. If you continue to stay in your daily calorie allowance and exercise, the weight will come off. It will likely just not come off as fast as we'd like it to. But...be patient...it'll happen. Hang in there!