Thats All Folks

You're not supposed to have issues or reflux. Plus, you haven't had any fills, so it's highly doubtful your band will be noticeable at all right now. As far as the band itself, I think maybe this will help you better understand it, what it's supposed to do, and what it's not supposed to do: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

What makes you think something is wrong with the band?

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry! That is just horrible!! Will insurance cover it so you can at least rebuild? I will definitely keep you in my prayers.

I agree, sounds like you need a slight unfill. I had a .1cc unfill once and it made all the difference in the world.

If it helps, I have to go on full liquids for 24-48 hours after a fill. I'm pretty sure yours probably means full liquids, too.

Skinny Cow makes some simply amazing candies and Cookies. They come in little packages and are usually around 130-160 calories. When I'm truly craving something sweet, it's what I go for. Oddly, there's some shockingly good sweet cereals that won't blow your diet, either. Sometimes I have a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. 3/4 cup of it is only 120 calories.

I agree with the others. First, attend a seminar and find out all the facts about the Lap Band. Be sure to really research it, too. Learn what to expect from the band and what you'll be expected to do to be successful with it. Learn the risks, too. With that said, I have been big my whole life. When I was your age, I was about your size too. Honestly, I wish the band existed back then. It would've saved me from an adulthood of obesity and eventually ballooning up to over 400 pounds. Best wishes to you.

Wow 22 pounds in one month? You're off to a great start! Congratulations!

If it's a medical expense you paid out of pocket, you can deduct it. If the insurance paid it, then it's not deductible.

How soon you can get fills is dependent completely on your surgeon. They all seem to have their own schedule. Keep in mind it takes most people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band. Even then, you will always feel hunger because hunger is the body's natural signal that it needs food. You'll just feel hunger less often.

You were just banded 4 days ago and are already eating chicken and green beans? Didn't your doctor put you on a post op diet?

Wow, you're doing so good and you look great!!! Congratulations!!!

As long as your doctor says full liquids, then that would be fine.

If you make it fit into your daily calories, I honestly don't see a problem. You obviously are able to control yourself. I, on the other hand, realized I was "oh just one more spoonful" until I was over my daily calories. Repeatedly. It is just too dangerous of a snack for me because I apparently lack the self control to stop at just a spoonful.

They actually make a low profile port, too. I've heard of quite a few people having their original ports moved and replaced with low profile ones. Honestly, if it's something that bothers you, I think you should do it. I mean, you did all the work to lose the weight. You deserve to fully enjoy it without being self conscious about your port.

Have you tried Gala apples? They're not always easy to find but oh my gosh they are SO good with Peanut Butter on them! I actually love peanut butter, too. Too much. I had to stop snacking on it because I was eating way too much. I think it's a "trigger" food for me.

Unfortunately it varies greatly not only state to state, but also on your state uses to issue the coverage. Your best bet would be to ask your case worker where to find out.

Thank you all for the kind words, encouragement and support. Having my "band family" here means the world to me and helps me so much. :wub:

Here is a picture of the band: The band does two things, it creates a small pouch above the band and it adds just enough pressure to the Vagus nerve to dim the hunger signals to the brain. The combination of these two things make it so you're satisfied on much less food for a considerably longer period of time. Essentially, it tricks your brain into thinking "oh, I've had enough!" with only a fraction of the food we used to eat.

I couldn't agree with you more! Granted I only have 2 children, but when I started changing recipes to make them healthy they never noticed. I buy all whole wheat pasta and I use it in everything from spaghetti to macaroni. I buy skim milk, low fat cheeses (they eat a lot of cheese) and either ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef. I even buy turkey bacon. Honestly, they never notice and still love their old favorite foods. Only difference is, I can eat them too and we're all healthier for it.

I also drink right up until the point I start eating. I then a wait 30 minutes after I finish eating to have a drink again. I've never had a problem with it and it's what my surgeon advises. I really wish all the Lap Band surgeons followed the same protocol! It would make our lives so much easier if we all followed the same rules!

That's an awesome NSV! Congratulations!

Well, I can tell you what kicked it for me. Fear. When I was in the hospital getting the Lap Band the roommate I shared a room with was in there for a band replacement. Apparently drinking carbonated drinks not only caused her band to slip, but her stomach actually prolapsed up through the band. As a result, she had to have her band replaced and gained back 40 pounds. That's why I kicked the habit. I didn't go through all this and lose this weight to sabotage myself and my band. It's just not worth it.

Thank you...it's funny, but my doc just asked if I'd speak at both his seminars and the bariatric support group. I'm kinda nervous but I agreed.

That's so weird!! Can you see it like this? :