mj23

yes regular fills 9 ccs in a 10 cc band

obviously at no point did i think this was a quick fix or an easy way out either i knew i would have to work hard and that it was only a tool and if i didnt use it it would not work but once again im simply stating it just didnt help as much as i thought it would. in some examples i guess you could say i was expecting an air tool and got a hand tool or expecting a cadillac and got a cheap honda i cant rely on the thing for much...

i wasnt going to share about eating around the band because once you figure out how to do it, it really gets you off track stay focused on the diet part but if you most know there are alot of foods you can eat that it feels like the band is not even there and before i knew it i found myself endulging heavily on these foods almost like out of control the easy way around the band obviously is foods that break down very easily the one huge down fall for me is ice cream, even with the band i can eat ice cream very normally before i know it i would have half a carton down and be like what the eff and really upset with myself so certain foods like that. i know when i make meat loaf if i make it just the right way i can eat quite a bit of it as long as i take my time it doesnt fill me per say. foods like that if you dont watch your self you could consume quite a bit of calories. another way of eating around it is to graze i cant eat a whole 6 inch sub to save my life but if i take a bite of it here and then a bit of it later on if i really was focused on doing that i eventually would eat the whole thing which is very embarrassing thing to admit but i have done it before just because i wanted it that bad obviously not worth it but can be done

its not that i am not happy that i have lost the 100 pounds i am ecstatic to lose it and feel better about myself physically and mentally (more outgoing) i am just disappointed that i feel like the band has not help as much as i was expecting thats all. i had to work my ass off to get it off diet and exercise just like before and if i dont do both of those things the weight doesnt come off ive actually gone periods of not doing either and the weight has actually been put back on im simply stating that this is not as useful as a tool as i thought it was going to be

just wanted to update and give some thoughts dont judge or be negative because these are just my opinions. everyone is different

it has been just shy of one year and i have lost 100 pounds and i truly regret getting the lap band, it has not helped anywhere near what i thought it would of.yes i have been following the rules and getting fills and check up regularly so it is not that, it is just the simple fact that it has not helped me as much as i thought it should. On a percent basis i say the band did 10% (maybe even less) the check ups did 10% (i never wanted to go back and not be at least a couple pounds down so it forced me to go work out) and then my own will power and mind set 80% i still have another 60-80 pounds (havent decided final goal) to go and just like every other time i have dieted and exercised i am losing that motivation and fear gaining the weight back or being stuck right where i am... still fat, overweight and obese. the two main regrets i have with the band now besides it not working like it should (which i do have good restriction maybe even a little too tight) is that you can still easily eat around the band if you want and intake quite a bit of calories. it almost has had a reverse effect on me mentally instead of my mind reteaching myself to stay away i have just found different ways to satisfy the cravings. the second thing is long term concerns with the band and port, every day i stress if its slipping or the port has flipped because of the horror stories you read, and the fact that i now have foreign items inside my body. the insurance is getting worse so if anything ever does happen i dont know how i will afford the surgery if it does need to be taken out. i know that any weight loss surgery is not a quick easy fix and that it is just a tool and its only as good as you use it but for me the band was not the right choice it works too slow and not helpful enough. i easily could of gotten the same results with out implanting this into my stomach if i would of just motivated myself and hired a trainer and nutritionist. to make me accountable.

people Exaggerate on here you can drink pop just slow, wait for the fizz to go away a little bit and nothing is going to happen to you from drinking it

thanks everyone for the support i dont think it has anything to do with the support from the doctor or office there doing a great job. him and his team are actually the best doctors ive had. i go once a month i just dont update my profile.... not really sure how to, but total i am down about 70-75 pounds which just like every other diet fad is how much i usually lose and then stop for some reason nothing really motivated me per say to lose the weight which is part of the problem, besides having to go every month to see him and not wanting to seem like a failure to him, but now its just not enough or real motivation to continue i was just expecting alot different feeling and things with the band which is not the case it just isnt helping me the way its helping others. and i have posted before i dont think it is about the fill amount i already have 8.5 or 9 cc cant member now in it so there not much left to fill i just dont get the so called "symptons" everyone on here describes ya there is a little discomfort when i over eat but not to the point of stoping

i think im throwing in the towel after numerous fills and months and months of dieting and exercising, my motivation has gone away like everytime in the past. ive returned to my old eating habits and not exercising anymore. no help from the band at all and im just depressed about it. i feel like this is just another fad diet that ive failed at. i just want people to know its alot of work and not a magical cure. really evaluate yourself before you get this surgery.

i have 8.5 cc's in a 10 cc band

so ive been getting fills on time with my doctors schedule and he always says im doing really good which is frustrating because the band is not helping! even though i am losing weight ive noticed something the band only works for a couple days after the fill then im back to eating pretty much normal again. i feel no restriction or very little and no there is no leaks or anything because every time i get a fill he pulls out whats in there and its always the same as last time. so then for the whole month i have to constantly struggle to diet and watch what i eat so next month i go with a loss instead of a gain. has any one else experienced that and know why its not working?

THIS IS A GREAT POST!

I really do NOT understand why people automatically assume that it is the fault of the patient when a Lap band fails. Sometimes it is, but the simple fact is that the Lap band does NOT work for everyone.

The reality of the Lap band is that MOST people will lose SOME weight, a small minority will lose ALL their excess weight, and a small minority will lose little or NO weight. It is not a perfect procedure, and the more people that have it, the more the bariatric community sees that the incidence of complete success is very, very small. Please note that I said "complete", meaning that few people ever reach their original goal using the Band. Most people will lose some, but not all, of their unwanted weight.

December, in your case it would appear that you may have not had the best Surgeon, at least in terms of the aftercare. The educational component of the Lap Band experience and the follow-up is crucial and can sometimes make all the difference.

It is unfortunate that your Lap band was removed before you were able to obtain a second opinion. Your surgeon was correct in that it was necessary to remove the Band to prevent ingrowth and erosion, but I would say that his action might have been a little premature.

To those out there who are experiencing less than stellar results with the Lap Band, I would suggest that you seek out a second opinion before you have the Band removed. You are NOT "married" to your Surgical Group andhis/her staff, and you need to exhaust all of your resources before you call it quits with the Lap band. There are adjustments and changes that can be made that might make your Band experience a more positive one.

Having said that, it is important to note that the Lap Band is NOT always the right choice for everyone. The various Weight Loss Surgeries and procedures are meant for different people with different eating and metabolic disorders. Many people whojump on the Lap Band-wagon would have been much better off with a Gastric Bypass. Prospective patients need to perform their due diligence and investigate ALL of the procedures before deciding on one. The Lap Band is being sold as an "easy, simple and minimally-invasive procedure that is right foreveryone"….and that is simply NOT the case.

The Lap Band CAN produce the desired results…..but not foreveryone, and people need to be aware of that going in.

December, I am sorry that you had this experience. I understand how you must feel. I would hope that you might be able to obtain some insurance in the future that will allow you to pursue the WLS option again. In the meantime, though, try and begin a process of healthful eating and exercise. You might be amazed at what you can do on your own. Many people are able to lose weight without surgery, and you might be one of them.

Best of luck to you.

S.

so sorry to hear about this, do you mind me asking why it failed and slipped? i dont know how much help i can be but i worry about this so much happening to me as well because i cant stick to the dieting and exercising even scaring myself into a situation like this. you defiantly have my support and i hope things start to turn around for you. they will start to get better just gotta stay positive. try to get your mind off of it and be more active slowly build your confidence up and start saving some money and get the sleeve you deserve it. surround yourself with family and friends that love you that is the best way to start

i cant wait to go to the doctor next month to see what he thinks and how frustrated i am with this band. i cant figure it out. i dont think i am too tight but then at times i do worry that it is too tight and that i throw up way to much and that the dumb thing is going to slip. i will go for days eating just fine and thinking i need more fill that im eating way too much food, then couple days later i will puke every meal up and feel like a bulimic person. im thinking i am not to tight that im just not chewing enough but who knows everyday and every meal its different i dont care about losing weight if i always have to worry about this thing giving me problems and eventually needing surgery to fix it i cant control my eating habit thats why i got this thing in the first place to help me but its just not. ive lost a total of 70 pounds so far which is great but all this stressing and worrying and obsessing about this thing is not healthy emotionally. i still feel like i have lost the weight with no help at all so far from the band that its just been because ive been dieiting and exercising. the last diet fad i went on i lost more then this actually and gained it all back. i gave up which is happening again now i lose motivation. just frustrated and needed to vent this seems to be the best place to do it and if you have negative things to say just dont bother im already insecure and know my issues

i am up to 8cc's and still feel very little restriction i am not even sure what it is suppose to feel like i know everyone talks about the green zone where they eat a small amount and are satisified i hope that comes soon for me because i still have another 100 pounds to lose and only have a 10 cc band i dont think it will give me enough restriction to get me to that goal it seems like i only feel it for like maybe a week and its not even that great then it just goes back to normal the longer i wait for a fill the worse it gets i can eat more and more

i think if you have over 100lbs to lose they should do both, the sleeve then put the band around the sleeve, the band so far to me seems more like a maintance thing then actually helpingme lose the weight. just my opinion

it will consistently start coming off once you start dieting and exercising , good luck!

Have you tried the 5 day pouch test? It is possible that you have stretched your pouch out and are eating more than you should be. That could be part of why you are not losing.

Day 1 & 2-The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb Protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of Water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. It is very important to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of Water each day. This will prevent dehydration, will help curb cravings and will flush your body of toxins and fat. Sufficient water intake improves kidney function and cell processes.

Day 3: Soft proteins- The next three days you get to eat as much as you want as often as you want! But there's a catch: it has to be solid Protein and you only get 15 minutes each time you sit down to eat. No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals and no drinking with your food. A dry pouch will hold your soft protein longer helping your to feel full and fed longer. Protein Recommendations: canned fish ( tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a moist condiment ( Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" -foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Cottage cheese is a good protein and you can include it on Day 3. To firm it up a bit you could add a chopped hard cooked egg to your cottage cheese. And yes, during the liquid phase chicken boullion with added protein is great.

Day 4 Firm Protein- Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but doing so allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works.

Day 5 Solid Protein- Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Don't go hungry! Remember, you can eat as often as you want as long as it is solid protein, consumed without liquids and measured in 4-6 ounce portions.

If you have some time please visit the website I now write for, Truth In Change. It's a free online community driven toward inspiring people toward a healthier and happier quality of life. The link is posted in my signature. Feel free to add me if you have any other questions. Keep us posted

ya this is great advice and something i should do but...obviously im thinking its stretched cause i just cant stick to the whole diet things never have been able to no will power

i know it sounds bad but i do feel restriction its just not enough to stop me

IVE WONDERED THE SAME THING! I HAVE BEEN EATING A LIL MORE BUT HAVE ALSO FELT SOME RESTRICTION. HAVE YOU HAD A FILL?

ya ive had numerous fills i have 8 cc's in 10 cc band my next one is next month

unfortunatly its the same as before i had the band, Protein bar in the morning, subway at lunch then what ever is for dinner this isnt going to stop you from eating poorly fyi

just out of curiousity how easy is it to actually stretch your pouch out ? is there any certain types of symptoms to let you know? i feel like ive been able to eat alot more lately and get more hungry sooner i have been so far off eating its terrible

That is such good advice with eliminating one bad food at a time, I think I'm going to try that. I am a major sweet junkie and having small children I dont buy so much of it because I know its not good for them. But their daddy however, he loves his sweets and Snacks, so its hard to get in the right mind frame-yes, I'm weak I am also a cash patient, just banded Aug 17th with my first fill yesterday, and had MAJOR misconceptions about the band. I would read things online, but until you are actually faced with setting your mind right, you dont really know that yes, its HARD work. Being a fatty sucks, I just have to keep reminding myself of that while I am sneaking bites of whatever I shouldnt be eating!

thanks hopefully it goes good for you!, sweets are my down fall as well!! soo good haha, i know im going to try and get back on the horse and focus on dieting and exercising again ive been slacking so bad lately. back to Protein bars and shakes.... how boring

I am exactly were you are on this. I can eat anything I want and as much of it as I want, I am almost 4month out and have had 3fills, I think I have about 4-5cc in my band, I have only lost 26lbs and I havent lost anything in the last month I have acually gained a pound or two. I have to watch what I eat, it is just like being on a diet and it gets frustrating. I am afraid this is not going to work for me, I have about 100 more lbs to go and I think it is going to be very hard for me to reach that goal.

yes it is frustrating but dont worry and just keep your head up the more frustrated and depressed you get the harder it is to stay focused just stick to your diet and exercise i know it sucks but thats what needs to be done u will feel more restriction the more fills you .im up to 8.5 ccs in a 10 cc band so you have plenty of room i noticed what works best for me is pick one bad or enjoyable food and take it completely out of your routine until you just dont crave it any more. my first take away was pop i loved pop so i focused on not drinking that, then it was pizza, now im trying to work on no more burgers. its just making the right choices and i have to retrain myself to make the better choice.

_{Seems like everyone's experience with the band is different. I am sorry the band hasn't been the tool you hoped it would. I feel the same way. My experience has been I'm either starving or getting sick. I would get the slightest fill and go from being very hungry to getting sick even on shakes. I did have a few weeks here and there where I was in a good place. That being said, I did loose all my excess weight-107 pounds. I was self pay and I think that was a huge motivator to succeed once and for all. I wish you the best in your weightloss journey.}

yes everyones experiences are really different with the band and i want people to realize that and understand that its not like the other major weight loss surgery's out there. im sorry your fills are so delicate that would be really tough to try and pin point a good spot to be in, but thats awesome you lost all that weight great job!!

no offense to any one that these things really do happen to and if this is how it actually is for you , but i just want to share my personal experience so far with people that read this who are thinking about getting the band. its just me personally so please dont jump my guns and get all defensive. or say oh i am not tight enough because you dont want to be too tight any ways.or call me immature or what ever negative comments you have for me, but since ive had my band so far im starting to think some of the symptoms and feelings people talk about on here are a little bit of an exaggeration. i can eat and drink what ever i want. yes there is some discomfort but not to the point of me not wanting it any more. i have gotten stuck and had to puke but it wasnt anything to do with the type of food. just that i didnt chew enough.and it feels more of stuck in your throat then actual stomach. ive drank pop it doesnt hurt. no i dont sit there and slug bottles and cans on a regular basis but its my own choice not because of the band.i just stay away from it now because i want to. if i want something with flavor besides Water they now have arnold palmer (ice tea & lemonade mix) with no calories that i drink. i eat less but because i stop myself i feel full but could eat more if i wanted too. if you think the band will be an easy fix or the best route you may want to research and think more about it. yes its a great tool and yes im loosing weight but its more of will power then anything else you have to watch what you eat, you have to diet,exercise, deprive yourself of the foods you loved because its more mental then anything else if you go through a drive through and want that burger bad enough you will get it and you will be able to eat it and you will gain weight if you dont watch what you put into your body just like some one would with out a band. so far it seems like it does not work all the time either. some days i will feel full off of half of what i use to eat and say oh man this is great, then other days or a different meal i will be able to eat alot of it and if i dont watch myself i will eat the entire thing of whatever it was. you need to be dedicated and motivated to the whole process in order for the band to work for you. i know with me i am learning that its wasnt all about the amount of food and thats what the band focus's on. for me its that i like bad food too much and dont exercise enough, im lazy thats why i got fat and nothing can change that and im sure im not the only one and my metabolism and genetics dont help either but im trying to stop finding excuses these are just my thoughts like i said before i dont mean to offend anyone like i said im just realizing its more of a mental problem then my actual stomach and that the band will not help with that