Dulci

Realize bands are 11 ccs and only come in one size.

I hit that same place mentally about two months ago. I knew that I didn't need a fill; at meals, I was able to eat an appropriate amount and be satisfied. I was just eating because, mentally, I wanted/needed to eat. I scheduled an appointment with a counselor and talking with her helped somewhat. She also suggested that I talk with my PCP or surgeon about trying an antidepressant to help with anxiety issues. This morning, I finally hit a new low on the scale, after being stalled for about three months by self sabotage.

If you start to vomit, call your surgeon and ask them to call in a script for an anti-nausa medication. Rest, relax and feel better.

I have the Realize band and I am very happy with it. I have had only a few stuck episodes and they were due to user error.

Popcorn is a slider food for me. Tortilla chips and pretzels cause me to get stuck. I haven't tried potato chips. Living with the band is a lot of trial and error. Everyone is different regarding the foods that they can tolerate. You can even have changes from day to day.

I have a constant battle with head hunger and eating because I am bored at work. 7 times out of 10, if I fix a cup of herbal tea, I can overcome the urge to eat. Of the 3 times I give in, 2 of those times I make sure that my snack includes some protein. I even found a cookie that is 110 calories with 4 grams of protein.

I read somewhere on the internet that "the band is like power steering". You are still in control of your food choices and activity levels. If you are willing to make better choices (lean Proteins, fruits, veggies), and add activity to your day, the band will help you to feel satisfied with reasonable portions. You will lose weight. If you decide to eat garbage (ice cream, chips, high fat foods) and don't increase your activity, you won't be successful with the band.

Don't worry about your cycle. Anesthesia always brings mine on, even if it isn't time. With everything that will be happening to your abdomen area, cramps won't even be noticed. And the good pain meds will knock them out. Good luck with you journey!

My doctor requires me to do liquids for 24 hours following a fill. It sometimes takes several fills until you reach restriction. Until that happens, you should follow your doctor's instructions. "Testing" your band can lead to band slippage and other complications.

I have never tried this but several people have recommended "Lap Band Draino". From another post in this forum:

I am happy that your band is ok. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

The band was the right decision for me. Only you can decide if it is the right decision for you. I chose the band because it was less risky than the other options. It provides a slower weight loss. It does not cause malabsorbtion or dumping issues. The band can be removed if I need or want it removed. Some disadvantages: stuck episodes, possiblity of a slip or erosion, frequent and life long aftercare. Research, research and more research. Talk with your surgeon. Make the right decision for you.

I learned to break the habit of drinking with meals by removing my water bottle physically from my reach. After eating, especially at work where I usually eat at my desk, I have an Altoids mint. By the time the strong mint flavor has subsided, it's been 30 mintues and I can resume sipping on my water.

I would try different Protein shakes to make sure that you tolerate them. There are a few brands that send me running to bathroom. My DH commented that it was like I was funnel, pour the shake into my mouth and it runs right into the toilet. (Designer whey and Slimfast Low Carb were two of the brands that just didn't agree with me.) After surgery, use Gasx.

For me, trying to be perfect is just setting myself up to fail. If there is a cake at work, and I *want* some, I will have a small piece. However, I don't have cake because it is there or to be polite. I only have it if I really want it. If I want something crunchy and salty, I will make popcorn with real butter and eat as much as I want. Having my band allows me to: decide if I really want a treat, stop after a reasonable portion, and to move on without feeling guilty. (And I usually stay within my calorie plan.)