DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Entire states aren't stopping the use of the band. Select surgeons are. The reason so many surgeons are stopping use of the band is because of the high patient failure, not the high band failure. They're tired of removing and revising band patients- regardless of the cause. Only 5% of complications with the band are by no fault of the patient. Sadly, it seems a lot of patients go into this surgery totally ignorant to the facts of what is necessary to be successful with the band. Some are aware of the facts but choose to ignore them and misuse the band anyway. Because of this, they end up with a lot of slips and erosion as a result. The next time you see a thread about someone throwing up for weeks or months, or intentionally having their band too tight, or chronically over eating? There's your reason for so many band complications. It's not the band it's the people totally misusing it.

If your insurance excludes bariatric surgery entirely, there's not a lot you can do besides paying for the surgery out of pocket. There are no states that require it's covered, in fact (sadly) bariatric surgery is at risk of not being covered by anyone in the coming years thanks to the healthcare law changes. My only advice is to choose a bariatric surgeon based on their skill level and program offered, not based on price. It's unfortunate, but too often we see people who choose surgeons based on cost who end up greatly regretting it later because they get substandard care both during surgery and afterwards. Best wishes.

Absolutely beautiful

There is no reason you can't eat rice or anything else for that matter. The only reason some stay clear of things like rice and bread is because they're common problem foods for banded people. Or, it's because they're on a low carb diet. I eat rice regularly without an issue. Same with bread.

I'm really sorry to see you leave, Sharpie. Sadly, I fear my time is drawing to a close here too. It seems many others are debating the same thing judging from a lot of PM's I've received all saying they're very unhappy with the combined forums and considering leaving, too.

You are dead right, TMF. In fact, a lot of PCP's are just as ignorant as the general public about WLS surgery in general. I wouldn't get advice on knee replacement surgery from my neurologist, just like I wouldn't get bariatric advice from my PCP. Totally different specialties and fields of expertise.

How did my posts even remotely slammed other WLS? I never even mentioned other WLS in my post about my own weight loss speed.

I lost weight very fast and I did it with the Lap Band. I lost 178 pounds in the first year and had lost 230 pounds within 20 months. My surgeon, nutritionist, and my own research all confirm that it's a big myth that you can't lose weight both quickly and in a healthy manner. If you're starving yourself or losing because of malabsorbtion, then yes you can become unhealthy and sickly looking. But if you're getting the necessary Vitamins and calories you most certainly lose quickly while remaining healthy. There are others on this forum who've lost quickly with the Lap Band while remaining very healthy, too. We're not the norm by any means but we are proof it is possible.

My favorite is Unjury, but you can only get them online so they're not very convenient.

If I were you, I'd call your doctor, just to be safe. The last thing you need is an infection there, you know? Happy healing

It really depends. Everyone is different and has different requirements. The standard formula for minimum required Protein intake is your weight x .3. So yours would be 177x.3=53g of protein. That number will change as your weight changes. However, that is the minimum. It's highly likely your nutritionist will suggest more. Talk to them and let them help you.

Oh yeah, big time! It started for me last winter but this winter (after losing over 230 pounds) it's awful. I am freezing my butt off all the time. It doesn't matter how many layers I put on, or thick my jacket is, I'm cold. I spend way too much time by the fireplace wrapped in blankets just trying to stay warm.

I was told the weight loss can really effect your hormone levels thus your period. Mine was completely out of whack for quite awhile, especially when I was losing quickly at the beginning. In fact, even being on the pill didn't regulate it. Now, it's pretty close to normal again. It took some time though.

"Don't you have alot of loose skin after losing so much weight?" "I'd rather look like a Shar Pei naked than a beached whale fully clothed"

If you're eating more calories than you burn, you can and will gill weight regardless of the band or how much Fluid is in it. So yes, you definitely can gain weight after a fill if you're not careful.

Congrats on your loss! You say "I'm eating way too much", but keep in mind the band is there to control your hunger. It's not supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. When there's adequate Fluid in it, it'll tell you when you've had enough to eat but if you choose to eat more anyway it's not going to stop you. This is a big part of why it's important to stick to band sized portions. Also remember that weight loss comes down to simple math: When you burn more calories than you consume, you lose weight. The easiest way to assure this happens is to track your calories so you can be certain you're not accidentally eating too much. Best wishes.

Ask your doctor to be safe.

Pre op diets vary greatly depending on surgeon. Some have long, strict ones and some require none at all. You'll find a wide variety of post op diets, too. Just remember, whether pre or post op, just follow your doctor's instructions regardless of what anyone else may be doing. As far as drains, I've never heard of anyone having one after Lap Band surgery. There isn't significant internal cutting (i.e. injury) so it isn't normally necessary. However, that's not to say there aren't isolated incidents where it is necessary, but for most people it's not. Best wishes!

I have looked but I can't find Truvia or Stevia in anything. Just the usual artificial sweeteners. (btw, Splenda is an artificial/chemical sweetener too). It's a bummer! Take what you're reading about aspartame with a grain of salt. People have been trying to blame it for everything from diseases to mental disorders for years but without merit. The majority of what you read is nothing more that debunked theories that have been plaguing the internet since the 90's without merit. The only thing I do know to be true (via actual research studies) is that artificial sweeteners can actually increase sugar cravings in some people. They can also cause headaches. Some people gain weight using them because of the increased sugar and carb cravings, too. But...not everyone. Some people can have them without a single issue. The only way to know is to see how they effect your own body. I actually drink a lot of diet iced tea with artificial sweeteners and never have a problem. Best wishes!

Oh goodness, I don't look forward to that! It's funny, isn't it? How we move on and forget the post op diet so when something comes up that requires liquids again we're all bent about it? LOL! I've had to go on liquids for a day a couple times over the last year for medical tests and every time I become this whining, cranky baby.

Granted I'm no doctor, but if you're still always hungry, it sounds like you still will need another fill (or maybe more). 3.5cc isn't that much. I would talk to your doctor, explain your hunger, and see if you can get another fill in a couple weeks. Best wishes.

A couple things strike me about your post. One, you should avoid throwing up at all costs with the band because it's one of the leading causes of slips. The fact you have been doing it weekly is very concerning and definitely not normal. The other thing is that you talk about looking for that "full sensation". With the band, if you're eating until you're full you're likely eating too much. The band is there to allow you to feel satisfied on much less food, not full. Feeling full, aka over eating, can lead to stretching your pouch. Granted I'm no doctor, but it sounds like you may need more realistic expectations of the band, including how to use it safely. Having a band too tight is very dangerous and it sounds like this may be one of your biggest issues. Have a look at this link, I think it will help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Hang in there and never give up

I agree with the above posters. I believe the band is about moderation not deprivation. In fact, for me feeling deprived is a quick route to failure. So, if I want pizza I have it. The difference is, I only have one piece rather than a whole pie. If I want a cookie, I have one, just not the whole box. I don't indulge daily or even weekly but when I do I just count the calories towards my daily total and go on with life. Good luck on your journey!

I chose the Lap Band and it was the best decision I could've ever made for myself. Originally, I was actually scheduled for Gastric Bypass. The surgeon at the time told me that with my BMI being a whopping 72 and weighing over 400 pounds, it was the only option for me. He told me I'd never lose enough weight with the Lap Band. I canceled the surgery at the last minute. Logically, I just couldn't justify re-routing my digestive system permanently. I also couldn't agree to the Sleeve because I wasn't about to have 80% of my healthy stomach hacked out. I didn't want to deal with dumping or malabsorbtion issues for a lifetime, either. So, I found a new surgeon who believed in my ability to be successful with the Lap Band despite my massive starting size. In about 20 months time, I have lost over 230 pounds. I can not begin to tell you drastically my life has changed for the better. Honestly, the Lap Band saved my life. I used to have high blood pressure- now it's about 100/70. I used to be borderline Diabetic- now my blood sugar is about 85. I used to have a sleep apnea- now not only do I no longer have a sleep apnea but I don't snore at all anymore. I used to need a cane just to get around my house and a motor scooter to grocery shop- now I walk over 2 miles a day with ease and unaided. That's my story and why I chose the Lap Band. My best advice to you is to do your research. Learn the actual facts and base your decision on them not anecdotal evidence you may read here. Educating yourself and finding a good baritric surgeon are so crucial. And remember that regardless of which surgery you choose they're all just tools not magic cures for fat. The work will always be ours to do and require lifestyle changes that last forever. Best wishes on whatever you decide.