cknight

I've had my band since dec. 2008. After finding a good restriction between 5.75 cc and 6 cc, I lost over the years nearly 85 lbs. Currently, I'm not feeling nearly as restricted as I normally did with this amount and packed on 20 lbs over about a year. Part of it I know was some hormonal issues which have been addressed but my restriction has definitely declined as well. My worry is that there may be erosion ( cause I've had the band so long) but I'm not uncomfortable, no port infections and no acid issues unless I eat to close to bed time. I do occasionally get a night cough though ( but I also have asthma). So my question is this: is it common for restriction to fade over years? Or is it more likely erosion or slippage?

I just wanted to share some experience with self pay banisters or people new to lap band. I was banded in 2008 and self pay. I flew to Detroit from Maryland for my band and I literally pay my local doctor a fee to fill or unfill my band. He will do pretty much whatever I want cause no insurance is involved. In the time I have had the band I've lost about 80-85 lbs. but I've completely abused the band. I eat whatever and whenever I want knowing I will vomit or can easily vomit up the food if I choose. I have crazy acid problems at night and will aspirate in my sleep. I never really exercise and rarely gave much thought to the food I put in. Recently, I found myself at the bathroom of my job vomiting up bright red blood. I cannot tell anyone who has been thought this how frightening it was. What a wake up call! All I could think about was how much I have abused this amazing tool over the years and how it has caught up with me. I knew I didn't really have medical support so I thought I would try to handle this before seeking outside help. Since then I have made LIFE CHANGES rather than a quick fix like I was doing before. I cut out most meats and breads, this was always hard for me to digest. I really focused on fruits and veg. I stop eating before 7 at night, I never drink alcohol. I began taking an acid reducing tablet before bed and number one, I stopped releying on vomiting up food as a way to stay in control. I'm no telling anybody who has gone though this not to seek help because you should. But I know how easy it is to fall into these horrible habits and please beware.

This happens to me too! It's very odd when it happens. I'm struggling myself with the days when I feel I'm eating to much. I think your best bet is to make sure what your putting in on these days is good stuff like fruits and veg. On these days in particular avoid ice cream, and sweets because for some awful reason they always go down easy

I didn't get the stuck feeling till I was about 5 cc. Believe me when your stuck... You know it! The feeling is how it feels when you need to barf but no nausea. You feel it in your upper torso/ chest area. Feeling stuck is bad, feeling full is what you are going for. When your stuck you feel like your only option for relief is to vomit. Avoid this feeling!

So happy to hear from everybody! Prior to making the changes, I gained 10 lbs. I haven't been able to lose them yet with a better diet and exercise but I can say with all honesty that I feel better, mentally and physically. It's really hard to deal with weight gain after having been through so much. I really need to focus on losing it the right way now. Thanks for the replys!

I had surgery on Dec. 21, so I am about a month out. I lost about 5-7 lbs after the operation but I have gained it back. I feel like I have no restriction right now, I can eat pretty much anything I want, the amount of food I can consume really is upsetting (although still not as bad as before the operation). I have started exercising and feel good about that but I feel like a big loser that there are no results so far. I am hoping this is pretty common and when I get a fill it will help. Any advise or silmilar stories I really need any inspiration I can get. Corinne

Hi fellow marylanders I am from baltimore county (Randallstown/owings mills area) but moved to cecil co. (elkton) last year. I will be banded on Dec. 21, so right around the corner. I am really nervous and excited and look forward to reading about everybodies experiences and very soon sharing my own. Corinne