DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I used the Fruitese "Fall Fight" shampoo and conditioner, it has Biotin in it. I also take 5000 units of Biotin daily. I find it does help.

You look GREAT!! The swelling and inability to stand up straight are totally normal. I think I was close to 4 weeks post op before I could stand up straight. I was told it could take as long as 3-6 months to fully heal and have all the swelling subside. I'm currently 3 months post op and I do still have some residual swelling in my abdominal muscles. I can still feel that tight, pulling sensation too but it there's no pain.

You're actually losing exactly how you should be. You've been banded about 20 weeks. The average weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds per week. You've lost an average of 2.5 pounds per week. So, you're actually ahead of where you should be.

Everyone is different. Just because that's the case the with some people it doesn't mean it will be with you. I'm tighter in the mornings. I just have a Protein shake for Breakfast then a regular food lunch. Btw, liquids should NEVER be a problem for any reason. If they ever are, the person is too tight.

I love Skinny Cow products! When I really want a treat, often I get one of their products. As you stated, they taste great and (in my opinion) are worth the calories.

Holy cow, you're losing FAST!!! You look great!!

It's just another example of uninformed ignorance. I was originally told Gastric Bypass was my only choice because of my size- I was over 400 pounds with a BMI of 72. I also had friends that had Gastric Bypass or the Sleeve telling me how stupid I was for choosing the Lap Band. They all said I'd never lose enough weight with the band. I found a new surgeon who supported my decision to get the Lap Band. Since getting my band almost 19 months ago, I've lost 227 pounds (and I'm still losing). I've actually lost 3-4 times more weight than my friends with the Sleeve or Bypass have lost, too. They're still shopping in plus sized clothing stores while I enjoy shopping in regular sized stores. Needless to say, they don't think the band is so "stupid" anymore. Don't worry about things said to you in ignorance. Your future success will shut them right up

When was your surgery?

Burping has nothing to do with it. Carbonated drinks pass through the band immediately but expand in the stomach below it. This causes a risk for slips because the expanding stomach presses upward against the band. Some doctors allow carbonation so I'd check with yours. Personally, I don't think it's worth the risk. The woman who shared a room with me after getting my band was in there for a band replacement. She said her stomach actually prolapsed up through the band because of drinking carbonation. She said she also gained back 40 pounds because of it. I just don't think a pop or a beer is worth the risk of going through that.

The post op diet isn't about eating right or even losing weight. It's about giving your body time to heal. Your stomach has been moved, squeezed, and stitched. It's wounded and needs time to heal. By cheating on the post op diet you are risking ripping out a stitch, causing a slip, and/or hurting your stomach rather badly. Stick to your post op diet. It's not worth risking your health to cheat.

It could be you're not taking small enough bites, eating too fast, or not chewing enough. Or any combination of these things. I was told bites should be the size of a fingernail. I've also heard others say that bites should be the size of an M&M- which is about the same size. Try smaller bites and pausing between bites. I always put my fork or spoon down between bites so I'm forced to pause and don't accidentally shovel food in too soon. Hang in there.

Yes, it's totally possible. Plus, 4cc is a big fill. Give your doctor a call.

If the pouch above your band stretched, you're going to have less satiety. It's very important you measure your food and stick to band sized portions strictly. If you continue to stretch your pouch, you risk a slip.

Then either you're taking too big of bites, eating too fast, not chewing enough, or are too tight. If you modifying your eating habits and still can't eat properly, you'll want to contact your doctor.

Not usually because they're not soft. Check with your doctor to be sure.

I'm glad you're healing so nicely and you look wonderful!! Can you imagine how amazing you're going to look once the swelling goes down! WOW!

It's all the time. I haven't had a fill since January, actually. My bites are a little bigger than this these days but not by much. I still take very small bites.

When I originally went to my nutritionist, she told me my bites should be no bigger than my fingernail. Yes, that's really small. It took some time to get used to it but now it's second nature. I also put my fork or spoon down between bites so I don't accidentally shovel more in too soon.

Happy Bandiversary!! Congratulations on your success, too!

You shouldn't be vomiting ever and just because you don't have hiccups or burping doesn't mean something is wrong.

I agree with the others, I think it's time for a new sleep study and have your CPAP settings evaluated. Like Guy, I used to have a sleep apnea too. Now, not only do I no longer have the sleep apnea but I don't even snore anymore. You've lost A LOT of weight. I'd be shocked if your CPAP needs haven't changed drastically.

Then you need to find a new primary care doctor. What your describing could be a number of internal issues and none of them are good. You can't risk your health, you have to find a competent doctor to help you figure out what's wrong and resolve it.

Considering you were fine before the fries, I'd guess you're just swollen from the PB. If I were you, I'd go on liquids for a day to let your stomach calm. Then, cautiously reintroduce regular food. If you still have problems after that, I'd call my doctor.

Well said. I couldn't agree more.

I started out at 421 pounds wearing a size 46. As of today, I've lost 227 pounds and am currently 194. I wear a size 14 jeans and size 12 shirts. My original goal weight is 160. At 5'4", but I would still be in the overweight BMI category at that weight. I honestly don't know what I want my goal weight to be anymore. I think I'll just get to 160 then decide from there where I want to end up. I originally set my goal weight a bit high because when you start over 400 pounds, it's almost impossible to imagine yourself even under 300 pounds let alone under 200. Now that I'm close, I suspect I'll end up lowering my goal to around 145.