DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

I did a lot of research on these and ProSmoke had great ratings. I thought they were great, plus you can get different nicotine strengths, which really helps as you're weaning off them. The starter kits are really good deals, too. Here's a link: http://www.prosmokestore.com/

ErinMarie, e-cigs are how I quit. I had tried everything in the past- the patch, gum, even Chantix. Nothing worked. With e-cigs I was finally able to quit, it took me about 2 months slowly weening off the e-cigs. I have't had a cigarette in about 15 months and no desire to ever again.

I quit smoking 6 months before surgery because I know smoking can not only cause serious complications while under general anesthesia, but it can also severely hinder the healing process.

A lot of surgeons require you to be smoke free for a month before surgery and will randomly test your blood for nicotine to make sure you're not smoking during this time.

I've had surgeries as a smoker in the past and I can't tell you how much easier it was as a non-smoker. When I smoked, I was on oxygen for 2 days after surgery because my level kept dipping down. I had issues with my incision healing properly and just overall felt horrible. Since quitting, I've had two surgeries, one for Lap Band and one just two weeks ago for a strangulated hernia. I was a non smoker for both, didn't need oxygen after surgery, and my wounds healed so much faster and better.

It could be a number of things. You have fluid in your band, but possibly you don't have enough fluid in it and need another fill or two. I would also suggest having it checked just to make sure it wasn't damaged in the accident.

You shouldn't be physically hungry constantly with the band, but you said "I can eat like if i dont have the band it just goes down slow or gets stuck till i take a breath" Please keep in mind the band isn't supposed to stop you from eating anything. It's not even supposed to make you full. The only thing the band is supposed to do is make you feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. So, please don't expect the band to physically stop you from eating because that's not what it's meant to do at all.

Best wishes to you

My best advice is two things- get into a nutritionist. They can help you establish good eating guidelines to work with your lifestyle and needs. Next, possibly seek counseling. As xsentrick stated, food addiction is very real and extremely hard to conquer. Unlike someone addicted to drugs who can stay away from their addiction, we must face ours many times a day because have to eat to live.

Good luck, you can do this!

Next time he decides to comment on what you eat, you should respond "Do you really think you should you should be acting like my mother in the work place?"

I would be livid. How did the office manager find out to begin with? If it was through medical records, she's in direct HIPPA violation and in a ton of trouble.

I would stay on HR's butt and DEMAND they deal with this and immediately. This is totally unacceptable!

Have you read the reviews for the doctor you chose here? They aren't good. Perhaps this is your sign you need to pick a better surgeon.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/surgeons/1200-richard-carter/page__tab__feedback

Are you eating 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food total per meal and stopping when it's gone even if you're still hungry? Are you making good food choices and getting in all of your protein? Do you count calories?

Have you had fills? Do you have restriction? All these things will greatly effect weight loss.

I suspect there is nothing wrong with your band but rather you may have to make some changes to your eating habits.

Oh no!! Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, but it's possible that they will still cover your surgeon. Is he on staff at any other hospitals? Because if so, then hopefully it's one your insurance will cover so you won't have to switch surgeons.

Good luck and let us know what happens!

If you are taking tiny bites and chewing thoroughly yet can't keep anything down, you're too tight and you need a slight unfill. Having a band too tight can lead to a slip and not something to mess with. I'd definitely meet with your surgeon sooner than later.

The band should not be miserable and throwing up isn't normal. Good luck

That's awesome!! I agree, it sounds like you're differently very close. I'd stick to small fills from here out because I have feeling you could jump the Green Zone into too tight very easily because you are so close.

If you are self pay, co-morbidity are irrelevant. I would see a new surgeon immediately, get all your pre-op testing sent over to their office so you don't have to do it again, then go from there.

I know this will sound contradictory to weight loss, but have you considered raising your calories just 100-200 a day? I know it doesn't make sense, but I was slowing down and read about how the body actually DOES need some carbs to kick start it into weight loss sometimes. So, I allowed myself more carbs for a week increased my calories by 200, and shock of shocks, I lost 8 pounds that week. I went back to my normal routine the following week, and lost another 4 pounds. Perhaps it could help you off your plateau, too.

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story and pics. It's very encouraging.

Btw, you look incredible! Honestly, if I wasn't told I'd never even guess your before and after pics are the same person. Amazing!

I actually think taking one day a week to not obsess is a good thing. I've decided tomorrow (I had a fill today) I'm going to ease up too. Like you, I obsess big time. I log every single thing that touches my lips.

Kinda funny, when I saw my surgeon today I mentioned missing cafe mochas. He said I should allow myself a small one once in a great while because it's not about deprivation, it's about moderation. So on my way home, I enjoyed a small cafe mocha. I figured since I'm stuck on liquids today anyway (because of the fill) it's a good day to do it.

I would definitely wait until after surgery. One, you don't want the tattoo bumped and rubbed like crazy when it's so new, and I guarantee the docs and nurses won't give it a second thought when you're under anesthetic. Second, the doctor *could* potentially see it as an open wound (because it wouldn't be healed yet) and take issue with it. Finally, that is just one more place to risk infection. If I were you, I'd do it about 4 weeks post surgery, then you won't have to worry.

You're not supposed to have problems swallowing or problems eating bread, rice, and pasta. True some do, but that isn't a sign of not being tight enough. Many have good restriction and can still eat about anything- just smaller portions.

I would suggest keeping a food journal so you can see exactly what you're eating and how much. This way you'll be able to see if maybe you're consuming too much carbs or fat. You can eat tiny amounts of food and still not lose weight if the food you're eating isn't good for you. This should help you to figure out if you need a fill, or possibly a change in diet.

You may want to bring the journal to your nutritionist for pointers, too.

I also have Medicare and had no problem. In fact, I went to my first seminar on December 15th and I was banded less than a month later on January 6th. No waiting period or anything.

Congratulations!

There's a whole progression of foods, the length of time you're at each stage greatly depends on your surgeon. The one thing that seems to be consistent is the stages themselves:

-clear liquids

-full liquids

-mushies/soft food

-solid food

Have you met with a dietitian? If not you really should, because eating can be a bit tricky. I'm 10 days post-op and constantly going back to my reference material as I ready for the next stage in foods.

Best of luck to you!