marfar7

I feel your pain. I'm 2 1/2 years out now and over 100 lbs down, but my band didn't start helping till 5 mths post op and 3 fills. I ate like a trucker till then. Except for my 4 week post op liquid diet, I ate just like I did before the surgery - hence not losing any weight. Thought I'd failed yet another diet. Then at my 3rd fill, magic happened. When I was able to eat the next day, I took 4 bites of chicken, 3 bites of a baked potato, and a couple of bites of green Beans. And I'd had enuf. Ended up taking most of my meal home with me and saving for about 4 others meals. Over the next year or so, I lost most of my weight. After 2 1/2 yrs, I've kept most of it off. I say most because I had a slip last month and they had to unfill me and I've gained 8 lbs. But I will get back on track and lose that 8 + the extra 9 I need to get to goal. You can do this! Restriction will come. It has to, right? I wish I had followed the rules after my surgery - measured portions, ate lo carb, etc. But I didn't and it still worked. Good luck to you! Marci

I know how you feel. After a slip, last month they took out 1/2 of my 10cc fill (a 14cc band also) and let it rest for 3 weeks. Last week, I went in to get a fill and they only put 1cc in. They decided to fill it slowly. And I've gained about 8 lbs this past month. I'm eating like a moose. Still working out at the gym, but apparently thats not enough. Can't wait to get filled again next week. Hoping that'll make a difference! Good luck to you! I'm glad I have a band too, don't know what I'd do without it! Marci

Well. To put medicaid and medicare in the same category is wrong. Medicare paid for my srgery. Im not afraid to admit it. What did i do to deserve it? Joined the Army, injured my back in Iraq, and had 4to back surgeries. So, yes, I get a VA pension and social security forever. This includes Medicare coverage. Had I wanted to travel 6 hrs away, the VA wouldve done the surgery for free. So to put medicaid and medicare on the same level is wrong. Most people who have Medicare earned it. I think i certainly did Marci

Ok, so I'm 2 1/2 yrs post op. I've lost 104 lbs. Almost to goal. Almost. About 5 mths ago, I started having really bad nite reflux. So bad I was consuming a handful of rx pills + OTC pills every nite all the while sitting up to sleep. And I was still coughing up stomach acid all nite. I emailed the nurse at my drs office and she told me it sounded like a slip. I was afraid of going in for fear they'd take out my band and I'd gain all my weight back. But my husband made me go. They did the xray and indeed, it was a slip. They took out about 1/2 of my 10cc fill (in a 14cc band) and let me go for 3 weeks to refill again. He said he would put all of it back in there if the slip had fixed itself. Thank God. When I went in last week, I found that I gained 5 lbs. I'm eating like a moose. And the dr actually saw me, not his PA that took my fill out and promised me he'd fill it back up again. And he said no, that he would only do 1cc at a time. It hasn't been working. So I called the drs office yesterday to see when I could come in for another (6 hrs round trip/ $160 per fill). I was told 4-6 weeks! Wow. My clothes won't fit me by then. I emailed the nurse yesterday and told her of my crisis (which she understand, having gone thru it herself) and she got me in next week! After only 2 weeks between fills. I'm going to CA for 2 weeks on the 1st and wanted it before then. I'm kinda hoping to see the PA that unfilled me so that I can get more (he's more aggresive than the MD) than 1cc put in. I tolerated 10cc before. And I've gained another 3 lbs. To those who have been unfilled then filled again: Does it take just as long to get the right adjustment as it took the first time? It took 5 mths to get the right amt in there for me to lose. I hope it doesn't take that long this time. Does it mean that I will be good at 10cc again, or do the amts differ since I had a slip? Just needed to get that off my chest. I now officially have 18 lbs to goal. And I've given all my jumbo clothes away so I absolutely can't afford to gain anymore. I hope I get filled to the brim next week! Marci

I physically CAN'T drink when I eat. I throw up unless I wait about an hour. I can tell when I'm ready to drink. So that's no problem for me anymore. When you finally get adjusted correctly and start losing, you'll have all those doubts erased from your mind. Be patient tho. It took 3 fills to get mine right. I lost little weight the first 5 mths. And I can eat ANYTHING except pizza crust and pineapple chunks (have no clue why the pineapple but whenever I try them, they come back up right away). And I'm the rule breaker when it comes to drinking: GASP! I drink soda and beer. You're not sposed to drink anything with carbonation but I do have little sips here and there. I've never actually ordered a soda or beer, but I'll sip on my husbands. And it doesn't cause me any discomfort or I wouldn't do it. I didn't do very much research on banding before I did it and I regret it. I thought I would magically get this band and it would cause me to live my dreams. It didn't - I actually had to work for them. But I eventually got there (almost to goal). It sounds as tho your doing lots of research and thats good. You'll know about patience, the "sweet spot", fills, PB'ing, vomiting, and everything else that this life entails. Good for you! I wish you the very best in your decision. It was the best decision I ever made for sure. And it gave me the confidence to start dating again a few yrs after my husband died. Met the love of my life when I was down about 75 lbs and got married 7 mths ago. Yep, I'm living my dreams. Oh and I eat Pasta all the time. My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden. One meal is enuf for 4 meals for me now tho. And you have to eat it slowly. But I eat pasta, rice, bread (cept pizza crust) everyday. No problems. Good luck! Marci

I'm so sorry. I know how frsutrating it is to have reflux. About 5 mths ago (about 2 yrs post op) I started having nightly reflux. So bad that I took rx Nexium, rx Prilosec, and 5 OTC Zantacs +rolaids and slept sitting up. Only to still cough up stomach acid all nite. I finally, after 4 mths, went in to the doc to see what was causing it (I was afraid of gaining all my wt back). I slipped my band from throwing up too much (my fault. I've never learned the art of eating slowly). They took 1/2 of my 10cc of fill out and let me go for 3 weeks. Just last week, I went in for a fill and they only put 1cc in. I'm still gaining. But ever since the day they took out my fill, I've slept like a baby. Never needed another pill. Now I'm just bummed that I'm going thru the "bandster hell" yet again. Thought that was over long ago. You just started having problems with it 7 yrs later? Thats a good amt of time. I hope I'm so lucky to go another 7 yrs with no problems. No advice here, just thought I'd say I know exactly how your feeling. When my primary care dr told me that untreated reflux can cause esophageal cancer, I decided it wasn't worth it. Good luck to you! Marci

I guess I'm not understanding why he didn't take out the hernia while he was in there? Then place the band? IO'm so sorry. But the first poster was right - you're not a failure. You will get there. I'm going to thank God tonite for my band for sure Marci

I physically CAN'T d rink when I eat. It's called the "cork effect". When there's food in my esophagus and I then put Fluid in, it comes right back up. So it's not really a problem for me. Altho when I eat spicy food, I sure want a drink, but know that I can't or I'll throw it right back up. I drink right up to the time I eat tho. Fluid goes directly down so I don't see why people have to cut off fluids for a time before eating. Good luck! Marci

The first 4 mths after my band was placed, I could eat whatever and however much I wanted. And I did. I thought I had failed yet another diet. Then, my 3rd fill kicked in - like magic. You're empty right now so the band is doing nothing for you. Thats my #1 tip for new banders - have patience. I promise, just like I did, when you finally get restriction, you'll eat as much as a toddler. I've had my band for 2 1/2 yrs now and I was unfilled last month due to a slip. When I went back in last week, he decided to fill me up slowly, going 1cc at a time. I'm starving all the time. And I've gained 5 lbs. I know I need to eat healthier and make better choice, that was the beauty of the band - I could eat whatever I wanted, just a few bites of it. Now I'm white knuckling it and it sucks. I've gotten rid of all my jumbo clothes so I can't gain weight. I just need more self control. I love my band and I want it back! Anyway, to answer your questions: You're perfectly normal. You're in "Bandster Hell" and will be there until probably the 2nd - 4th fill. Some lucky people (very few) never get a fill and their band works from day 1. Obviously you're not one of those. Just know that it will kick in eventually and have patience! It WILL happen Marci

Mine slipped about 5 mths ago. About a month ago, the dr took out about 1/2 of my fill and let it go for 3 weeks. He told me he'd put it all back in. I went last week to get refilled and he decided to fill me slowly. Only put 1cc in. I have about 7cc in a 14cc band. I've gained about 5 lbs since they took the Fluid out - no restriction whatsoever after my 1cc fill. I'm going to CA for 2 weeks next week, so I can't get another fill till I get back. I'm hungry all the time and I'm eating way out of control. I love my band - when it's working properly. I've lost over 100 lbs and was only 11 lbs from goal. Now it seems like I'll never get there. I knew it was too good to be true that he'd fill me back up all the way. I have to drive 6 hrs round trip and pay $160 each fill too. Hope I get back on track soon. I gave away all my jumbo clothes so I'll have nothing to wear. Already noticed I didn't need a belt yesterday with my jean shorts. Uh oh. Need to get control of myself before I gain anymore. I let the band do all the work. I don't have a healthy diet at all. Good luck to you. Just wanted to letcha know you're not alone! Marci

Well, 2 1/2 yrs after i got my lapband and over 100 lbs lost, I had 1/2 of my Fluid removed last month due to a slip. I had the most horrible reflux at the nite for 4 mths (was taking 1 Rx Nexium, 3 rx Prilosec, and 5 OTC Zantac every nite, all the whiles sleeping on my back with 3 pillows). After the xray confirmed a slip, the PA removed 1/2 of my 9.5cc fill with a plan of leaving it for 3sure wks and putting it ALL back in. After hearing from several people on here that they at never put back that much at once, I got a little nervous. When I went back this past Wed (a 3 hr drive and $160 a visit) isaw the actual drnot his PA. I wasgot told theya had to fill me back slowly-going just 1cc at a time. So I got my 1cc fill (and he had a hard time finding my port. I got stuck about 8 times) and I was on my way, hoping that it would take care of the ravennous appetite I had for the past 3 wks. Stuck with my liquids till yesterday afternoon. I then ate about 68 bites of Panda Express and was satisfied. Yeah. Its overA im back on track. Till lunch today. I ate 1/2 my burger (like usual) except this time, I probably couldve finished it. dinner tonite was a whole pot pie. Im still not full. It took me 4 mths to get initial restriction over 2100 yrs ago filling slowly. I really hate to do that again. Ive already gained 5 lbs. Yes, I know I should be watching my portions, counting Protein and calories, working out 7 days a wk. But I got comfortable with my band doi ng its job over the past over 2 yrs and now I'm white knuckling it. Cant afford to get fat again, already gave upo my jumbo clothes. Help!!! Any tips on getting thru this "bandster hell" yet again? Marci

I meant 6 bites, not 68 bites! Good grief. What a typo the auto spell check did Marci

A snowball is like a snow cone, right? I might be wrong but I think it's still considered a clear liquid, so I wouldn't be too bummed. Especially if it was sugar free. Relax, I'm sure you're fine! Marci

Medicare paid $14,000 out of the $16,000 bill + 1 yr of fills. Now, 2 1/2 yrs later, I pay for all of my adjustments. That's what I thought Medicare paid - only for the first year. Is this not true? I pay $160 for my last 3 fills. My understanding of Medicares coverage of the Lapand is: BMI of >40, at least 1 comorbidity. 1 nite in the hospital is required. Everything for the first year is covered and then it's up to me. Inform me if I'm wrong. I'd love for Medicare to pay for my fill tomorrow! Marci

Before I got my band unfilled last month, my band had been slipped for almost 4 mths probably. At first, the only effects were nightime reflux. As it progressed (I was afraid of going to the dr for fear of gaining weight), I becasme less and less satiated after eating. I vomited as often as I had over the past 2 1/2 yrs (why my band slipped in the first place) about 2-4 times a week. The reflux got unbearable. I wrote my nurse about my symptoms and she told me to come in for an xray to rule out a slip. I went (couldn't stand the acid gurgling in my throat all nite, sleeping sitting up, and the 3 meds I took). My band was flattened (slipped). So they took out about 1/2 of my fill (I had 9.5 cc in it) and let me be for 3 wks. The plan is to refill it tomorrow and see where I go from there. I hope to God it rectifies itself. Problem free for over 2 yrs and hope to be forever now. Good luck! Marci

I'm just wondering how many people out there eat perfectly and work out like they should? When I read some posts (none in particular, just generally), it seems that most people on here are perfect eaters. They eat their 3 oz of Protein and then veggies, all 3x a day. If I could stay with that plan, I wouldn't have needed this "tool" to help me not eat so much! I've been banded for 2 1/2 yrs now and have lost over 100 lbs (about 12 left to go) and I'm far from perfect. I'm not even a good eater. I eat whatever I want, never measure anything, don't count calories, fat grams, or protein. I eat a few bites of everything then I'm done. I love my life now. I can fit into a sz 7/8 and no longer have hypertension. My band slipped about 4 mths ago (my fault, too much vomiting from eating way too fast) and I've been unfilled for 3 wks now. I go back in next week (thank God) for a fill. I guess my brain finally decided to catch up with my band and be satisfied on very little food now,cuz I haven't gained a pound. I do eat a little more than I did, but not much. I thought for sure I'd gain 20 lbs. I just wanted to get a count on here of everyone who eats perfectly all the time, works out like they should, and is happy. I sure wouldn't be if I still had to diet the rest of my life. That's why I got the band - so I wouldn't ever have to diet again! Marci

I developed a night cough about 5 mths ago. I had severe reflux too. I was too afraid of getting an unfill for fear I'd gain weight. Last month I just couldn't stand the acid any more. Went in and they found I had slipped my band. Probably from all the vomiting I did over the past over 2 yrs. They took out 1/2 my fill and I'm scheduled to go back for a fill tomorrow. It went away the night I had the unfill. sleeping like a baby now. Hopefully my band is fixed now and I won't have the same problems after they refill it. You really need to see a doctor. My primary care dr told me that severe reflux untreated can eventually cause esophageal cancer. Good luck to you! Marci

My fav places r Old Navy and Eddie Bauer. Reasonable prices too. Im happy to wear a Med on bottom and a Large on top. I even have to wear junior size 7 jeans cuz my husband thinks the butts are too saggy in a womans size 8. I DID BUY A PAIR OF REALLY SHORT SHORTS AND Im a little uncomfortable in them. So no matter how much Ive lost, those "coochie cutters" are too short for a 44l yr old! Have fun shopping! Marci

Please dont get discouraged. I promise you - the "zone" is just right around the corner. The first 5wk mths, 8 thought I had failed yet again. I could eat just like before I was banded. It only took me 3she fills to get there tho, but I was discouraged just the same. I think just about every new bander worries they are going to fail. They can teach us nutrtition facts, about exercise, etc - but they really need to teach patience. Thats my number 1 hint to a newbie. 6 fills is alot to not find any retriction however. Do u know how much is in your band now? Some people who have 14cc band ('ike me) sometimes get to the right restriction at 5cc. And someone with a 10cc band may need 9cc. Im not sure of the science behind it all -day but i promise it will eventually kick in. Its almost impossible for u to be doing all the right stuff, get all the fills u need, exercise, and fail. I believe that those who do fail at this gave up early on and werent patient. Im here to tell u that IT DOES WORK. In Oct of 2009the 8 weighed i n at 248the lbs. My last drs appt 3 wks ago, 6 fills later, and 2a 1/2 yrs later, I weighed in at 148. 8 still want to lose about 13every lbs and have found myself at a standstill, but I know I can do it. I literally cant afford to gain weight. The fortune that I've spent on a new wardrobe (and I gave away every one of my 3x clothes away)!!! Good luck to u. I hope ur next fill is the "one". Let us k. Now how it goes! Marci

THANK YOU!! Marci

I started dating almost a yr after having the band (down about 70 lbs) after being widowed for almost 4 yrs. I told every guy I had a meal with (meeting for coffee didn't warrant telling them). All the guys I went out with thought it was interesting. I dated 1 guy for about 10 weeks that wanted me to have it out. I guess he was a "chubby chaser". When I met my now husband a yr and a half ago, I told him on our first date. When we became intimate, I showed him where my port was (at first he was afraid of hurting me when he touched it) and my scars. He never minded. He likes the fact that I've lost over 100 lbs. Especially when he sees before pics of me. I never felt the need to keep it a secret from anyone. I'm proud of the fact that I made the choice to take charge of my weight and actually did it. My husband does worry a little when he hears me throw up that I'm gunna slip my band (which I did 4 mths ago). He tells everyone that he knows that I have the band too - I think he's a little proud! Good luck to you! Don't worry. You'll know when the time to tell is right Marci

Yeah! Congrats! 100 lbs is wonderful! So happy for you! Marci

After 2 1/2 yrs, the only thing my band dislikes from me is pizza crust and pineapple chunks. And I'm with the other [poster who said nothing worked except getting he stuck item out. I love pineapple juice tho so maybe I'll give it a try next time.... Marci

I physically can't drink till about an hour after eating or I vomit. But the fill was taken out of my band 2 weeks ago to fix a slip and I've been spoiled by drinking with my meals. I get filled again next week so that'll be out soon. I love Mexican food but also can't drink when I eat it. I'm really thirsty till I can drink again. Marci

Went to Outback the night before surgery for ribs, baked potato, salad, and cheesecake. That didn't quite tide me over for the 4 week liquid diet! Marci