Liblady

I just had the procedure done, and I have a few questions. Did you think the band would make decisions for you? Calories are all that matter. Fewer calories in, more exercise, equal weight loss. You don't really have to choose between hamburgers and chicken, but you have to eat less of them. The band was probably doing its job when you had pain and threw up. Isn't that what's supposed to happen when you overeat? I was hoping that the band would help me with portion control. See, I love to eat, but I don't know when to stop. Will the band help me with that? If your doctor isn't getting you to the "sweet spot" have you considered going to a different doctor? Perhaps he isn't the right one for you.
It really sounds to me like you might help yourself by meeting with a counselor, and a dietitian to discuss your options for food choices. You could look for recipes for foods that interest you and help you get over your cravings for cheeseburgers. Something as simple as half a cheeseburger with lettuce instead of a bun, might do the trick.
I know this doesn't work for everyone, but if you self paid, and you went through the process, and you really need to lose weight for your health, you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to make this work.
It will require sacrifice, but gastric bypass requires sacrifice too. So does dieting alone. I don't have any experience with lap band yet, but I have lots of experience with life. You may have issues that you need to discuss with a counselor now while you can eat what you want. Relax, eat, get your head straight and try again. That's all I'm saying, and I say it with caring and respect for your pain. I've dealt with my weight for 60 years and this is do or die for me literally. Work on you first, then your diet. Be still for a while...sort things out, and keep in touch.