socalgal3

The band doesn't come with fluid in it, so your doctor must have put it in. It isn't very common to do so exactly because of this! There is almost always pre-op swelling internally and your body needs to heal. I am glad your insurance covered the operation and hopefully they will cover any complications if things don't get better soon. I sincerely hope the unfill works and you will be on the road to recovery and weight loss soon.

It is normal to have second thoughts. I think we all did. Just go over all of the pros and cons again in your head. Or write them down on paper! You have to know yourself. Are you willing to work to lose the weight? You will have to measure your food, chew thoroughly, eat slower and make good food choices. Exercise is important, as is doctor follow-up care. Read through all of the threads here because some people have revised their band to RNY. It is a life-changing decision, so make sure to make the best choice for YOU.

I think the danger is that many who have a binge disorder also have a purge disorder. If you are one who purges, the band would not be good for you. Purging can cause your band to slip. I think the band can help those who are compulsive overeaters in that you feel less physical hunger, however HEAD hunger is MIGHTY STRONG. Overeating can also cause the band to slip if the pouch is stretched too far. I assume your surgeon is aware of your condition and hopefully you have had a psych consult as well. Just be sure you don't think the band will solve all of your issues. You will still have the old demons telling you to eat, whether or not your body is feeling physical hunger. Best of luck to you.

100 pounds lost is great! It all depends on how you feel about yourself. If you feel fine at your current weight, then it's fine. If you had the surgery for health reasons then you need to look at your health. If you aren't having any problems, then you are fine. What does your doctor think? Congrats again on the great weight loss with little to no complications. Your story can really assure others.

I agree with Momma that you have had excellent weight loss so far! I totally understand your frustration as I have had 2 fills and 2 unfills. I am currently unfilled. Usually someone doesn't have weight loss surgery for 45 pounds, but it depends on someone's height, weight, comorbidities, etc. 45 pounds can be a significant amount if you are 5'1" for example. Or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, etc. Advertising will always make it look easier than the reality, but I can't begrudge anyone's decision to lose 45 pounds via surgery. It does seem extreme, but there may be more to the story.

I'm so sorry for your loss Lynn.

Oh gosh Alex, that really sticks! I sincerely hope the insurance goes through. Hang in there and think positive thoughts! You are fortunate to have your family to support you. And all of us at LBT are rooting for ya! Best of luck.

Happy 3-day weekend to you all. Hopefully it is a 3 day weekend for you all and you are enjoying yourself and remembering those who died for our freedoms. Try to be good at those BBQs! I am making a bunch of food to bring to my cousin's tomorrow, but there will be over 10 adults there, plus kids, so it isn't all for me! I WILL practice moderation. I WILL! I am walking today at the lake with a friend. I am a little nervous because the last time I was on the way to the lake is when I had my car accident. Maybe I'll go another route. I hope your dog is better soon Poodles.

Well, you were only banded 3 days ago, so tightness is expected as you are still swollen internally from the procedure. I was on CLEAR liquids for the first week, so maybe it is too soon for thick soup. I've had that soup-did you water it down? Just take it slow. You may only be able to have a spoonful or two of soup right now. Pain means STOP. Take care of yourself and don't go back to work too soon.

Best of health to you on your new path Karen!

Alan- Living with a band that is too tight, regardless of weight loss, is dangerous. You can cause a slip. Please be careful! I recommend an slight unfill. Pneumonia twice in 6 months? That's just crazy. Get an unfill. Bon-You also should see a doctor ASAP. Severe reflux is no joke. If you can't get to Mexico, get in to see someone else. Even your pimary care doctor.

I'm surprised that you have been banded a year and don't know what a PB is! It is a productive burp- or when food get stuck and comes back up. Usually with a bunch of goo! You need to get back to a good fill amount to start losing again and get back to basics-exercise, measure your food, don't drink with meals, log your calories, etc. Sirguy- Do a search on slippage and you will find symptoms of a slipped band.

I have used the Neosporin ones. They work well.

A month? I am glad you are unfilled and feeling better, but I think you should try to get in sooner and be looked at under fluoroscopy.

I'm so sorry you are having a rough time Leece. I got off of my depression medication after the surgery by my own doing and it has been hard he past few months. I thought losing weight would make my depression go away, but it didn't. You will get back to where you were once you get your medication stabilized. It sounds like you are doing all the right things as far as talking to the nurse and dietician. You know the things you are doing that aren't the best choices, like eating cake, so start making some changes. It will be healthier for your son as well not to be eating cake and ice cream. Take one day at a time and make small changes. Post here for accountability and support. Hope you are better soon! Regina-good to hear from you! How are you? Janelle-I'm sorry to hear about your nephew? How is he doing? How are YOU doing? Barb- I hope Dick is getting better each day. Poodles- I'm sorry you've had such a struggle losing weight too. I think we all wish we were at goal by our bandiversary, but that may not happen it seems. I know I won't be there! But the improvements are better than what was. Pinky- I have no new indulgences, but thanks for a positive post and for all your support.

Susan and April-were you on liquids during the unfill phase? I had a slip in January and live in fear of another slip. Being unfilled didn't help and I had to have another operation. Things are better now, but this week I was having back pain so put myself on liquids. Dot- I was self-pay for my operation, so I had to pay for my revision. Although, I have since heard that I should have tried to get it covered by my insurance as medically necessary, but I didn't even try. If you are covered by insurance for your initial surgery you should be covered for a slip. But check to be sure.

Also, have you taken your measurements? Sometimes there is a change there when you don't see one on the scale. You said you get "enough" exercise, but how much exactly? Exercise really helps with irregularity. Also, be sure to do cardio and not too much weight training which may increase muscle weight. Keep your chin up. There are times I go without losing for several weeks and then it starts to come off again. Definitely discuss your concerns with your doctor, but don't be too hard on yourself. You have made a lot of positive changes already.

Sometimes, you need to vary your calorie intake so your body doesn't go into starvation mode. Do 1200 calories for 3 days, one day of 1600 calories and back to 1200 for 3 days. Also, what is your exercise routine? Make sure you are doing cardio and not much weight training that could add muscle weight. Also, drink that water! Hang in there! If weight loss was easy we wouldn't need a band!

Even if you don't have fill, you can stretch your pouch and cause a slip.

Hey ladies. I need some encouragement! I don't know if it's PMS, having no fill, stress or the fact that I am a compulsive overeater, but I just can't stop eating. I had some pain in my left shoulder blade area and it has me fearing stretching my pouch. I try to do liquids, but by the time I get home from work I am ravenous! I have no motivation to exercise. I only rode my stationery bike once this week for 30 minutes. Encourage me! Empathize with me! YELL at me! I don't want to become complacent or worse yet, cause another slip. Help please!

I understand that you want a very specific answer, but unfortunately, there isn't one. I was never told specifically what caused my slip, though I believe it was a combination of being too tight, PBing too often and overeating. It may have even been my original band placement because since my revision surgery I feel completely different. I think I have had 2 PBs in 4 months and opposed to 2 per week before the revision. I still have trouble tolerating fills and will be going back soon to try .5cc. The best advice is to follow the band rules. Measure your food to prevent overeating, eat slowly, chew thoroughly and keep in close contact with your doctor. Everyone's body is very different as well as different doctor recommendations, so there is no one answer.

Usually it is someone from your doctor's practice if not the actual surgeon himself. My surgeon doesn't do my fills, but another doctor at his office does. You may want to research in your area or ask your doctor if there is someone closer to you for follow-up care. I know many people who drive very far for fills because they live far away from their surgeon, but if you are able to find someone closer, it helps. My doctor is in Tijuana and even though I only live less than 30 minutes away in San Diego, sometimes it takes forever waiting to cross the border back into the US. 3 hours may seem close, but if you have an emergency or a tight schedule, it will seem VERY far!

How has your weight loss been? You may not want to get into your personal reasons for having your band removed, but just think about all the reasons you had the band put it in the first place. A little discomfort that your surgeon has offered to fix doesn't seem like enough of a reason. If you tell us a few more details we may be able to help better. Whatever you do, we will support you through the process, but just make sure it is really the best decision and not one made after a short period of frustration with the band. Because we all have those days/weeks!

I had a nice weekend. On Saturday, I went to a breakfast on the beach sponsored by Kashi cereal. Breakfast was served on tables on the beach with white tablecloths, umbrellas and sunflowers in vases. There was yogurt, juice, cereal, milk, fruit, coffee and tea. Then they had several activities going. My cousin and I did the yoga class, a walk on the beach and kayaking in the ocean! I had never kayaked before. It was really fun and not too hard! We even saw 2 dolphins swim by! Then we all got a gift tote bag with a big towel, Kashi cookies, granola bar and cereal, a bowl and a sports bottle. It was a Chamber of Commerce Day in San Diego too-just perfect weather. My scale has been the same for awhile now, but I'm not worried. I have no fill and I'm not gaining! I will redouble my efforts once I'm off for the summer. Work is just too stressful right now. Hope everyone had a good Mother's Day and has a great week.

Oh, I forgot to add that bread was the biggest problem for me. I can't even have a tiny bit or I plug up completely. Mostly I can eat the same foods, just less.