DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Soft foods are foods that are soft but you still have to chew, like scrambled eggs or really well cooked Pasta. Mushies are food made into baby food consistency. In the mushy stage most of us come up with a lot of food concoctions with our blenders. One of my favorites was putting chili and cream cheese into the blender.

If you get to a healthy weight and maintain it for a set amount of time (all insurance companies have different guidelines), then you're no longer a risk due to obesity so you'd be easier to insure with less money.

Originally, they used have all those drinking rules. They now know that food passes through the band in about a minute and actually shouldn't be digesting in the pouch at all. Because of this, the old theory that if you drink while you eat or immediately after washes the food through too fast is no longer valid. Now, many surgeons are changing their recommendations and allowing small sips with meals and immediately before/after eating. But as always, it's best to follow your specific surgeon's instructions.

In that case, cheating isn't good. Stick to your post op diet because cheating on it could result in serious complications- like a band slip or ripping the sutures in your stomach. Definitely nothing you want to deal with.

You shouldn't struggle just to drink and keep down fluids. If this continues through the weekend, I'd call your surgeon on Monday for a slight unfill. One important thing to point out: Just because you're not losing weight and can eat normally doesn't mean you need a fill. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything, it's supposed to allow you to be satisfied on much less food for much longer periods of time. Here's a link that explains it well: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes.

You should have gotten a detailed post op diet in writing from your surgeon. Have a look at that and see what you're supposed to be eating. Every surgeon is different so no one here can answer that question. If you don't have anything to reference, give your surgeon's office a call and ask them. Best wishes.

I still have a Protein drink for Breakfast every morning, but that is because I'm always tight in the mornings plus I never have an appetite in the morning. I've never been a breakfast person, so for me a Protein shake for breakfast works. Plus, it is a good way to get some extra protein in, too.

Unless you're on a pre op diet before surgery or healing on the post op diet after surgery, you didn't do anything "wrong". The Lap Band isn't about never having favorite foods again. It's about moderation not deprivation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a treat once awhile.

My progress has been really good. I'm not in maintenance yet. I've lost 227 pounds over the last 19 months but I'd still like to lost at least 30-40 pounds more.

Welcome! None of the different weight loss surgeries are better than the other. They all have their pros and cons so it all comes down to personal choice. You have to choose which surgery is best for you. As for myself, I chose the Lap Band because I couldn't logically justify rerouting my healthy intestines or cutting out 75% of my healthy stomach. It just seemed way too drastic. Plus, I worried about things like future illnesses. If I ever got something like cancer that required stomach surgery I'd be screwed if the majority of it was already gone. For me, starting with the Lap Band was the logical choice. If something went wrong I could get it removed. I could never fix my intestines or get that huge part of my stomach back with the other two surgeries. Best wishes on whatever you choose is best for you.

No, there is no correlation between Shingles or weight loss. I had Shingles years ago- they're awful. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Best wishes and I hope they calm and subside sooner than later.

Is there a support group near you that you can attend? The thing about the band is, it goes around our stomachs not our brains. The band is great to control our hunger but it can't control our mental issues with food. Many of us need extra help, be it via a support group or counseling. (myself included!) Don't be so hard on yourself. You can do this.

Ok no offense, but why in the world are you wasting time posting on a forum when you're having breathing problems? Seriously, just go to the ER.

You need to call your doctor. That sounds like you were on the verge of passing out not just dizzy. Either way, neither are normal and there is no dumping with the band. Call your doctor.

I agree, call your doctor.

If you're eating until you're full, you're likely eating too much. With the band, the idea is to eat until satisfied not full. Have a look at this link, I think it'll help you better understand the band: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Do you always track your calories? If not, that is the first place I'd start. Smaller portions doesn't necessarily mean less calories and tracking them is the easiest way to make sure you're not accidentally eating too much. If you do already track calories regularly, I'd see your doctor to make sure there isn't a medical reason you're not losing weight. Best wishes

This is strictly my personal opinion, I'm no doctor or an expert. But, if it were me, I'd get it removed. The old 4cc bands are (unfortunately) notorious for slips and major problems. Chances are (again, unfortunately) that it's only going to get worse for you as time goes on. I'd prefer to get the problem resolved sooner than later. If I were in your shoes and it was an option, I'd consider getting the 4cc band replaced with a newer bigger one. If I couldn't get a replacement, I'd consider getting the Sleeve. Best wishes with whatever you decide.

Once you go to the seminar and let them know you're interested, the surgeon's office will have staff to help you through the whole process. They will tell you exactly what letters need to come from which doctors as well as any tests you need ahead of time. Best wishes!

You look simply amazing. I think it's hysterical she actually got in a snit because she thought you were trying to dupe her.

Honestly, I would stick with him. You trusted him to operate on you so I'd trust him that there's a medical reason he's saying too soon for a fill. If anything, ask him specifically why he says that. He might have a legitimate reason you're not aware of. Best wishes.

Neither procedure is better than the other. It all comes down to personal choice. You have to do what is best for you. Just remember that regardless of which weight loss surgery you choose the work will always be yours to do. The surgeries are just tools not magic fixes for fat. Best wishes with your decision.

Weight loss boils down to simple math. When you consume less calories than you burn, you lose weight. Unless there is medical issue at hand, you're not burning more calories than you eat. If you were, you'd be losing weight. It's your choice whether you count calories or not but the way you're doing it now isn't giving you the results you want. So, time to try something new or accept your weight loss as it is. The choice is yours. Best wishes.

Are you counting calories? It's the only sure fire way to know you're not eating too much. Small portions doesn't necessarily mean less calories, either.

The symptoms you describe can happen if you're not taking small enough bites, not chewing enough, eating too much or too fast. If none of these things apply, then you might be a tiny bit too tight.