Thats All Folks

On the liquid phase, you can only have liquids, no meats or chunks of any kind.

It will restrict the amount as far as size of bites and how fast you can eat. Definitely. You will definitely get stuck if you try to mow through a pile of food like you used to. But stopping you from eating? No. I'm here to tell you that if you want to eat a pile of food you will. People eat around the band ALL the time. It's very easy to pace yourself and ignore "stop" signals if you really want to. There is another good article called "Tighter isn't always better". What you're expecting the band to do, physically stop you from eating, is exactly how people end up with bands way too tight and slips because of it. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/page/index.html/_/support/post-op-support/tighter-isnt-always-better-r118 I'm truly sorry either you got bad information or didn't understand the information given to you. You have been given all the correct and necessary information from various sources on this thread. What you choose to do with that information is completely up to you. Just remember though- just because you don't like the truth doesn't make it any less true nor does it negate the consequences for ignoring it. Best wishes.

That sounds like air still trapped from surgery and the reason you can't burp it out is because it's in your abdominal cavity not your digestive system. The best thing you can do is walk a lot to help your body absorb it faster.

I'm truly sorry you feel this way. I'm also sorry you didn't receive helpful information before you got the band. But you need to realize that would be the case no matter which WLS you choose- band, sleeve, or bypass- they are just tools. It will always be up to you to make smart food choices. It will always be up to you to control yourself so you don't over-eat. You can over-eat with any of the surgeries if you want to. In fact, this is exactly why we're seeing so many band over bypass patients- because they've chronically overate and stretched their pouch. The same happens with the sleeve. And btw, the majority of bandsters do not have throwing up episodes. In fact, vomiting is very dangerous with the band and should be avoided at all costs. Most of us never have them unless we're ill. I understand what you're saying about eating beyond satisfaction. A lot of us have done this chronically before WLS. Myself included. There is a very popular saying around here "the band goes around your stomach not your head". That's because while the band can greatly help deal with the physical aspect of hunger it can't change our unhealthy head habits when it comes to food. You have an amazing tool at your disposal. Why not learn to use it rather than giving up before you even start? Best wishes.

I agree with the others, it sounds like your body is going through withdrawal shock. It will definitely pass as your body gets used to it but it will likely be rough a couple days. One other possibility- do you ever have blood sugar issues? If you're drastically cutting carbs, your blood sugar could be bottoming out and making you feel the way you describe.

You've done amazing! Thanks for sharing your story!!

I actually eat ground beef a lot. I make things like mostaccioli, spaghetti, casseroles, tacos, etc. I just use lean cuts (90% lean) and make sure it's really moist. As long as it's not dry I don't have any problems with it.

I'm actually getting a tattoo! Not to cover the scar but I'm getting one where my belly button used to be! lol Yes, I no longer have a belly button. If you look in the before picture, my belly button was already lost way down and into the left in the mess of skin. I told my doc I didn't care if I didn't have one, it would be fun to tell little kids "look, I have no belly button, I'm an alien!"

You have to remember that the band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating anything. I understand you're newly banded but you can't rely on the band to be your self control. The band is there to allow you to be satisfied on much less food for longer periods of time not stop you from eating things you shouldn't. This is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. Have a look at this link, I think it will help considerably: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html Best wishes

It's funny you say that, it's the last couple days I've gone from "ok this was a huge mistake" to "hmmm, I hope he takes the drains out Monday because I really want to go shopping". LOL! You nailed it though, it's like losing another fleshy being around my middle. It's crazy but even with the loose skin I still have all over the rest of me my self esteem has gone up so much since having this surgery. I don't even mind that my boyfriend has to see me naked daily to help me get my binder on. Before the surgery? I'd have NEVER in a million years just stood in front of him naked for any reason. I'm excited for the future

Lettuce isn't a soft food. I'd be willing to bet it was the cause of your discomfort.

I still eat it pretty regularly. I get the 100 calories bags. They're yummy and a great snack.

Every insurance company has their own set of rules. Many don't require a comorbidity if your BMI is over 40. Hopefully yours is one.

If I have a drink, I do so in moderation. I don't get drunk nor get hungover. I definitely wouldn't be so foolish to drink til I puke now that I'm banded.

I started counting my calories religiously the day I got home from the hospital and 16 months later I still do. I really believe it's a huge reason I've been successful so far with my band.

I was never told I couldn't have gum. I was just told not to swallow it.

Oh goodness, I'm so very sorry. I would call your doctor ASAP and have him call you in a script for nausea. I would also go to liquids for a day or two to give your tummy time to heal and recover. I hope you feel better soon

It happens. I've had them poke through, too. If it bothers you, just trim it down with nail clippers and wait until it either dissolves or works itself out. If it's still there at your next appointment point it out but it's not anything to worry about or make an extra appointment for. Best wishes

I love this post and I'm so proud of you!

The hernia covered the actual "tummy tuck" portion because I'd had reoccurring hernias for a decade and my abdominal wall desperately needed to be strengthened. The skin removal, or panniculectomy, was covered because I lost more than 100 pounds and the skin hung below my pubic hair line.

Oh I still need a lot more surgery, too. My legs, upper arms, breasts, and butt all need to be lifted. But because of the medical issues involved my doctor didn't want to wait any longer on this one. Plus, I knew it would be the painful and extensive. Also, I had so much excess skin on my stomach it actually prevented me from being able to ride a bike or do anything that required lifting my legs high. In about a year or so, I plan on continuing to another surgery. I'll probably do my legs and butt next then my arms and breasts the year after.

It only cost me $500 out of pocket. The rest was covered by my insurance because it was deemed medically necessary.

Well I wasn't going to post these, but I figured I've been very open and honest about my journey so far and that I should continue to be open even now. I have to admit, posting these is a bit humiliating but I think it's important for people realize this surgery was no walk in the park. It was painful (and still is) and has a long recovery process. Losing over 200 pounds leaves a lot of excess skin. Last week, May 1st, I had a tummy tuck/hernia repair/skin removal surgery. The top pictures are the before pics taken the morning of surgery. The after pics are taken today, 8 days later. You can see on the before pics I had A LOT of extra skin. You can also see the very large hernia sticking out on my upper tummy. I am still really swelled, have staples from hip to hip, and drains in but I I think my surgeon did an incredible job.

How much and how fast you can eat has nothing to do with whether or not you need another fill. It's about satiety. Can you go at least 4 hours on a cup or less of food without hunger? Then you probably don't need another fill. If not, then you may need another one. Read the link I posted above. "Restriction" isn't at all what band patients think it is.

That's a big misconception. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. This is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. When you hear portion control, it's about feeling satisfied after a band sized portion, not making you stop eating. The band is there to allow you to feel satisfied on much less food for longer periods of time. Have a look at this link, I think it will really help: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html