Lapband failure / waste of time and money

[Fight4Light 130]

My surgeon told me that after the surgery I won't be able to have carbs at all because they will stick in the pouch and cause vomiting. I was also told the vomiting could cause slippage making the band ineffective.

He has me on a high Protein, low fat, no carb diet, the only carbs I can eat post surgery is a small amount of toasted bread (dry, no butter) if I'm craving carbs.

It sounds like you're having an issue with carbs and possibly slippage. You also seem to be defeating yourself if you allow yourself to eat as if you didn't have the band. That's only further stretching out the pouch and reducing its effectiveness.

[line-dancer 810]

welwellweewell, if you were throwing up so much you should be losing weight with just that. So I am think the food you are eating is not as good as it should be. Pasta and bread are often things people with bands cant eat any more for the reason you stated. Maybe keep a food chart and see a nutristion to help you. I know the bands not for everyone but it works with a lot of work on our part and you have to want it to...If I eat more then 800 cals I don't loss weight so I really have to watch what I eat. good luck in finding what works for you....

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

I am sorry to hear your frustrations as well. It doesn't sound like your doctor is giving you a lot of information to work with. I would strongly recommend you meeting with a nutritionist or dietician that is familiar with lapband surgery and get some ideas on meal plans. I will tell you that potatoes and Pasta don't work well for many of us. I am able to eat almost anything except those things and scrambled eggs. I feel like if you had specific ideas of what you can eat, etc you may feel less frustrated. There are also books on the band and recipe books. If there is a nutritionist you could see through your surgeons office they would have insight into the band. My bariatric center has them on staff and they have given me a lot of great ideas and even on how to eat overall.

I am able to eat steak, ground meat (love chili), chicken, ham, etc. I feel like I can pretty much eat anything except starchy foods (incl. doughy bread) and the scrambled eggs. I really don't feel deprived at all. Truly.

I hope the New Year brings renewed success w/ the band. You have done a great job so far.

[SkinnyCubanChick 150]

I am truly sorry that you are having to go through such frustration. I really agree that need to give it a new try with a new doctor, nutritionist, and support team! You have taken a very big step this surgery is not a joke and I feel that you were not treated fairly. Good luck to you!

[Banterwonder 63]

I hear your frustration....

I eat Protein first, small bites, well-chewed.

I sometimes take a bite of whole wheat Pasta, just a bite, again well-chewed.

Mashed sweet potatoes well-, chewed also.

No bread, unless whole wheat , toasted.

Measure your portions, write down, log every bite, no empty calories.

Get a copy of Jean Mc Millan's book, "Bandwagon"-- excellent resource!!!! She also has a great accompanying cookbook.Get both, she has a deal when you buy both.

Sounds like you may be relying on slider foods, hence no weight loss.

Also, if you drink while you eat you are defeating the purpose of the band.

Find a support group and supportive people.

Find a doctor who is more supportive.

Does your MD have a nutritionist on staff? Worth finding one if not.

[tmurphy 2]

I say dry solid food because that is what the dr stresses..... I don't want to have an unfill at all because I, already gaining weight back, And I have 1 of 2 situations. Either i get sick or feel no restriction at all...... Honestly I would never recommend this procedure to anyone, the only thing I've tried that helps me lose and I don't get sick is I went back and did the pre of shake diet......protein shakes for 3 meals a day...... Lost weight and never got sick but who can live like that

[blpchick 50]

You can gain weight from being too tight because you are having to eat slider food which could be bad for you. I also think maybe try a slight unfill. Maybe you will be surprised and it will help. I had lap band with plication and I only have 1cc in my band total and its enough for me. I know everyone is different though.

[Sojourner 2,446]

I say dry solid food because that is what the dr stresses..... I don't want to have an unfill at all because I, already gaining weight back, And I have 1 of 2 situations. Either i get sick or feel no restriction at all...... Honestly I would never recommend this procedure to anyone, the only thing I've tried that helps me lose and I don't get sick is I went back and did the pre of shake diet......protein shakes for 3 meals a day...... Lost weight and never got sick but who can live like that

Are you sure your surgeon stresses "dry" solid food? ??? My surgeon has stressed the importance of choosing moist foods, such as dark meat chicken/turkey and to stay away from any foods which are too dry or over cooked. I do notice a difference, and will get dry foods stuck if I eat them.

We can't rely on Protein shakes long term for proper nutrition, and if you read the disclaimer on the packaging it will tell you that.

If you are not actively looking for ways to solve your problems, you are correct; you will become your own "self fulfilling prophecy" and become bitter and disappointed. There are many ways to avoid that...this is a forum for support and to share best practices. There is a wealth of solid information contained in the threads of this forum...do some research and it may help you. No one but you can turn yours into a success story.

[jrae 38]

I was having similar problems like you. Even tho I didn't want an unfill because i was afraid of gaining more weight, my NEW dr insisted I have one. Then slowly my dr added Fluid & low & behold I started losing finally! I was too tight to keep down good solid Protein so of course I was starving & hungry & eating sliders - which make you feel like you have no restriction. It's a vicious cycle! Try getting some fluid out then follow the program: protein first, then veggies, then carbs. Drink 8-12 glasses of Water. Walk or do something active 30 minutes a day. Don't give up. No one was more shocked than I was that getting fluid out would actually make me lose the weight! Good luck.

[Tomander 614]

I would also suggest you try and find a new doctor.

And a note to Sparkplug I host 4 coffee groups a month for people that are banded... we have approximately 28 men in our 4 groups. The groups consist of men and women of all ages. All the men have been successful with the band and we have all changed are eating habits because we use the band as "tool"... so have the women. There have only been 4 people that have not done well and they know why they have failed... they have admitted that they have not followed the guidelines outlined by their doctors and have not worked with the band.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss; 156 lbs