Julie norton

Wow. Wishing you well. After 11 years, I had to deflate my band for 5 months. Worked well. Well except the 15+ lbs that came. Hard to lose. Just got a tiny fill. We shall see.. keep trying is my 2 cents!

At times, I find that as well. Sometimes a tiny deflate.... sometimes just waiting. I drink hot tea in the afternoon. It seems to help open my band just a bit. I have always !! Not been able to eat til around 2-3-4. Late lunch works. Hard to find a spot that works for you ... keep trying!!

Maybe an unfill to start? Your doctor surely wants to see you. You should not be sick for a week, let alone 9 months. Please try.

The band is NOT for many. For all kinds of reasons: placement, fillls, compliance, defects, etc It is reversible and adjustable. I appreciated that when I made my decision in 2006. I understand the sleeve is the most used surgery in the United States. I really like my band. I do NOT challenge her. I have a fill or a deflate about every 6-9 months..... and it is harder to find Doctors now. I would do it again in a heartbeat [emoji175]! Helped me lose 85 lbs., although it does not do it for you. I have kept off 75 and still try everyday. Best of luck on anyone’s choice of surgery...it is truly a personal journey. And for once... the weight stays off for many!

I had a TT and plication....he was also kind to lift a bit of my mons so that it was more fitting. I waited 5 years and saved up...very glad i did..

I have seen many posts about members who traveled for surgery at a reduced rate. I would usually dismiss this idea, but having recently gone to a very clean and organized clinic in mexico....and met at the airport and back easily .....(just cosmetic) i am saying perhaps look into all your options. Best of luck on changing your life!

I am hoping you make an appt with your dr, maybe a small fill ? Perhaps load up on Protein Drinks, Protein Bars , eggs, tofu. Whatever you know works for you...i think half the battle is at the store! Please don't mistake me for someone who has the right answers....ive been at this 11 years and just experienced a weight gain I never thought i would have again....now, i do have a bit of a fill, but it is a long journey! I try to remember that I don't have to be at my destination ,but need to be on the road headed the right direction...and moving Best of luck Ps. You are not a failure! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thank you jfc.... I have an appt on Monday with a different doc who will I believe do a fill.... never had any issues like this

Nice to see you posting again

Sadly, my Dr retired. It took time, but found a new band Dr...... maybe. Has anyone else had to go through another seminar for wt loss after YEARS with your band? I went. Finally appt scheduled. Months later. (After 11 years with my band, I'm comfortable with small adjustments ... ). At last,today I see him for a fill... I thought....He handed me a paper with high protein food list, and scheduled Labs and radiology tests. Sadly. At least another month .... Not wonderful with an emptied band.... I have never had to jump through so many hoops to get a fill...( and not yet). ... wondered how other banders fare with fills at a new Dr? Is this long scheduled waiting a familiar new technique with band Drs? Please let me know. Thank you

Perhaps a few provokers left? (No lipstick lady drama) it is nice now imho

I have had a stomach issue 2x since my band was installed December '06 Not pretty. Not fun. Hurts But after a day of liquids and carafate and tums I got back to normal Best of luck

It is frustrating to have band issues. Same food, Next day and it is a no go Water or salt intake ....or hot liquids before/after,time of day, have been some responses here. If I had the answer , I wouldn't be filling and deflating my band most years. Still trying Regards

Yes. I agree. I only have this group of veterans to talk band with. Most of us are trying.... Remember where we started.... I was large and really frustrated... I could NOT get a handle on losing weight... AND KEEPING it off. Still trying! I will not give up

Please keep going until you reach a bit of restriction. That means the band will work with you. Hopefully not too tight to reject food. I think it is different for everyone. Please try. You did not have surgery to stay the same! Best of luck.keep posting!

Thanks for sharing. We need each other to help with this journey. I finally found, qualified and scheduled a dr/ fill appt!!! Took about 4 months... Makes me feel like I am going somewhere I need to just practice healthy habits....I AM trying this year!!

Thanks for the kind words Kathy. It is so nice to see another upbeat post from you! Do you wake up singing ... and the birds come to eat from your hand? Haha. I so appreciate your pep talks and positivity. And yes, having a Drs appt scheduled IS one of the basics here... And water .. and protein... and exercise See? I know what to do, but stumbled and fell I am gonna pick my ass up and continue.

Happy to see bander chatting here.... ok. Just got a fill appt with a new dr. After mine retired, it was difficult to find band drs that do fills here in central California. After being deflated (?) last summer, I knew I had this down after 11 good years, right? WRONG... that beast is still there and 10 lbs turned into 15... turned into 20.... Walker Liz, I'm also tired of having only 2 or 3 pairs of comfortable pants!! The others are just staring at me from the closet. It is a new fresh year and the Drs appointment in 2 weeks is helping my head. I know the drill I believe it was almost exciting to eat anything without any problems.... I'm done being excited..... I really am serious and starting over is actually positive. And 20 is easier than 90!!!! Many ups and downs along this journey.... I am healthy and strong and still am faithful to working out..... sigh.... just more to do this year. Thank you all For listening.. Jules

Kathy So proud to hear you reached another year. And here we are in 2018!! sounds like you are well congrats vet!!

Best of luck... this appears to me to a long term solution and it takes the right combination of fills. AND attitude. This is us changing our behavior. Last month I passed my 11 year mark. I am very proud to have kept off 70 lbs .... it was 85-90 lbs and it is not now, since I am almost unfilled.... thought I knew.... hmmm I need a fill to start the year right My dr just retired so I am switching... and I feel like a dinosaur looking for a band dr. glad to see they are still effective for many... regardless of what you read! happy start of a wonderful year!

Happy New Day and Year!! all is well here on the ca coast. Need rain again as dec was 3rd dryest on record ( NY looks cold!!!) but very mild Xmas and NYeve however. Today is fresh... I can try to be a better person this year. i know that is kinda vague.... but it was what I wanted to try hardest at. You know... patience.....kindness.... thankfulness hope all my cyber bander friends are well. You do help me to know I'm not the only one with victories and defeats in this life and size and self image thing ...... hope '18 is joyful jules

Oops. Meant to reply to all Glad to hear of Joy in this group! Life continues to change. So happy for Sharpie and Liz to enjoy their lives with a great person[emoji95] Tomorrow marks 11 years for my good ole lapband Things are well. I have less than 1 in my 4 capacity band and is fairly on my shoulders... this is where it gets a bit rough. Silly me, kinda thought I understood And went along. Now I am up a size and over 15 lb gain... still happy. Still rather normal Feeling, but no more. New sleep meds have helped and. Life goes on JWM. I'm always glad to read your posts. New house. Empty nester No husband ...is that all there is? I'm ok if it is

Best of luck JWM The last guy that flirted with me worked at a grocery store and I think cut his own hair. He was really trying to engage me with his offers of 1/2 off sandwiches.... nice enough guy. not quite What I was thinking I ignore 99% of the other sex.... (truly not interested since hubby passed) You go find a decent match and I'll live vicariously through you[emoji95]

Still almost empty. Kinda arguing with 10 lbs. sigh