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I'm really glad you got some Fluid removed. It sounds like you were definitely too tight. Here's a really great article Jean McMillan wrote called "Tighter Isn't Always Better". She explains why a too tight band isn't only dangerous but how it can hurt weight loss and even cause weight gain: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/161269-tighter-isnt-always-better/ My two year band anniversary is coming up in January but I personally haven't had any of those issues. I tend to be extremely cautious about my band and not over filling it. Thankfully, my surgeon is too. Best wishes.

I've heard of people coming home from Mexico with 4cc bands that are too small for them more than a couple times. Recently, there was a thread here about a woman who was having serious complications from a 10cc band that was too small so her surgeon replaced it with a 14cc band. Like Sandy, I seriously question the surgeon's competence to allow such a thing to happen.

I'm no doctor so I can't tell you for sure what's causing it but I would try concentrating on smaller bites, chewing more, and slowing down. You might find the problem is simply re-learning how to eat with the band. It's a big learning curve and takes some time to adjust to- and it'll change after every fill too. Hang in there.

Once you're back on solid foods per your post op diet, you can have them.

It's really important you don't gain weight before surgery because if your liver is too fatty, they can actually cancel the surgery. The purpose of the pre op diet is to shrink the liver so they can safely operate. If they get in there and it's too big, they will close you right back up without a band. Unfortunately, I've seen it happen to others. I'm not trying to freak you out- I'm just being honest. Keep in mind you're going to be on an all liquid Protein diet for awhile after surgery that you will have to follow regardless of financial means. If I were you, I'd start planning ahead for that cost now so you're not stuck after surgery. As far as now and Thanksgiving, I would figure out how many calories you're eating a day on the current diet then start tracking your calories so you can remain in the same range through the holidays. This way you won't gain before surgery. Best wishes.

Aside from what you've already been trying and lots of Water, you could try a suppository or enema if it's in the actual colon. I know it sucks, I went like 10 days without a BM after surgery. Keep taking the stool softeners until you go so it won't be so awful to pass. Best wishes and hang in there.

Throwing up is never normal and never ok with the band. Every time you vomit, you put yourself at serious risk for a band slip. It's imperative you call your surgeon ASAP.

I've not experienced this personally, but I've read many stories of minor slips that fixed themselves after unfills. If your surgeon said it's a 70% chance of it fixing itself, I'd say the odds are definitely good!

It'll be at least month before you can swim after surgery. Your incisions have to be fully healed before you are submerged in Water because of infection risk. You surgeon will give you specific instructions, be sure to check with him. As far as once you're healed, the Lap Band doesn't change anything at all except looking a heck of a lot better in a bathing suit

As AJ said, it's just a stitch that didn't fully dissolve and is now working it's way up. Either it will slowly come up the rest of the way or dissolve. Your doctor may even just remove it with a tug. I've had that happen with two different surgeries. It's more common than people realize.

Luna Bars, sold at GNC, come in a lot of different flavors. My favorite are lemon zest and coconut.

I see a HUGE difference!! You look great!!

Your surgeon should have you drink Water before leaving his office after the fill. If the water doesn't go down easily or bubbles back up, you're too tight. Then, he can remove a little immediately. Keep in mind it's extremely unlikely you'll end up too tight after a first fill. In fact, it's unlikely you'll feel much of a difference at all afterward. It takes most (but not all) people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band and can really tell a difference. Good luck.

It sounds like you're way past due for a check in with your bariatric surgeon. If I were in your shoes, I'd make an appointment and discuss all this with him. That's his job. It's especially important to utilize his expertise when you're struggling so you can get back on track. I don't know if you need another fill, but I do know the foods you speak of being problematic likely won't be deterred by a fill anyway. Cakes, greasy food, and deserts in general tend to be slider foods for most people. That means even if you do have adequate Fluid in your band they're going to go right through as if there's no restriction at all. I know it's a struggle, but it's up to you make good food choices and stick to band sized portions. The band is a great tool but only if you use it correctly. I'd make an appointment with your surgeon, start tracking your calories, and even make an appointment with your nutritionist too. Best wishes.

You should never be vomiting. It puts you at very high risk for slips. You really need to make an appointment and discuss all this, in detail, with your surgeon.

I say do what makes you feel best. If you feel great where you are and don't want to lose more? Then don't. You can always change your mind and lose the 18 pounds later if you change your mind. Do what is best for YOU and makes you happy.

It sounds like your band is too tight. Contrary to what a lot believe, tighter isn't better when it comes to the band. In fact, when you're not able to eat healthy foods and have to resort to sliders, you often end up gaining weight. Plus a band too tight puts you at a big risk for a slip or erosion. Give your doctor a call, make an appointment, and discuss this with him. Let him help you decide if you're too tight.

It sounds very cool!

Mine was the same. First night without CPAP to see if I had a sleep apnea, second night with the CPAP.

I'm not sure, I just had the overnight part. Odd.

I'm assuming it's the overnight sleep test? They hook you up to a bunch of electrodes from head to toe- which is painless. They let you relax a bit, take a sedative if you were prescribed one, then you're told to go to sleep. You have to spend a certain amount of time sleeping on your back to see how your oxygen levels are in that position because that's how you'll be during surgery. I personally hated the sleep study. Not because it's painful or anything, but I found sleeping while hooked up to all that stuff in a strange room next to impossible. Good luck.

Well I've got about 10 years until I qualify, but I won't tell if you won't tell

LOL yes, they are the orange ones. Are the Centrum Silver chewables better? I'll have to give them a try!

I personally use the Centrum adult chewables. Cheap, chewable, and not horrible tasting. ...not good tasting either though lol. But tolerable