Thats All Folks

I used E-cigs to quit 2 years ago. I'd tried everything before and failed but the e-cigs worked.

I agree, call your doc

Ok don't pity me, enlighten me! What is a refrito? Inquiring minds need to know!

Wow are you always this needlessly rude and nasty? CarolinaGirl has lost over 100 pounds. She is far from a beginner and her success proves she knows what she's doing. No one was "dogging you" for your complications. Numerous people simply stated they've never had those problems after an unfill and stated the obvious- you don't gain weight from an unfill you gain weight from eating too much.

I agree with hely88- go back to the basics. Measure and/or weigh everything you eat and track every calorie. I would even consider going back to your nutritionist and letting them help you get back on track. Best wishes!

What you're going through is totally normal. I know I was second guessing my decision right up until the time they wheeled me into the ER. I had failed so many times before that I just didn't believe this would actually work for me. I weighed over 400 pounds and was miserable. I couldn't picture myself any other way, either. Now, I sit here recovering from another surgery. 3 days ago I had a major hernia repair, tummy tuck, and skin removal. I started this journey in a 7x or 8x shirt and right now I'm wearing a ladies size large. For the first time in a decade I'm not wearing a shirt that goes to my knees to cover my gut. When my boyfriend saw me his jaw literally dropped. He's been going on and on about how awesome I look and what a cute figure I have. My 18 year old daughter saw me and said "holy crap mom, you're skinny!!" All this and I am still very swollen and have drains in from surgery. It's extremely surreal to lose over 200 pounds and now to be healing from this recent surgery- and none of it would have happened without my Lap Band. Contrary to my own stinking thinking 200 pounds ago, I am not destined to be fat. You are not destined to be fat, either. You are destined for success and happiness. Believe that and believe in yourself. Hang in there. We believe in you

I think the reason people gain back all their weight even with the band is simple- because they can. The band isn't meant to physically stop us from eating anything. Plus, even when there are foods that don't go down well, if someone is determined enough they'll eat it anyway. Of course, there's also slider foods that people can eat like they never had the band at all. The band is a tool not a magic fix for fat. When people gain it's because they're not following the rules and doing what's necessary to maintain their weight. This isn't strictly band related, either. This is true for any WLS. Best wishes

Totally normal because they put a tube down your throat while you're anesthetized. It makes it rather raw and sore.

You need to get back into your doctor ASAP. That could be signs of slip.

If your doctor doesn't have an emergency after hours number, go to the ER immediately. Wretching this soon after surgery is extremely dangerous.

I agree, it sounds like you need one.

I say do what works for you. Some do Atkins (low carb), some do paleo, some just track calories. Weight Watchers is just another way of eating. If works for you- go for it.

You need a fill if you're hunger isn't well controlled. If you can go at least 4 hours on a cup or less of food without hunger, you don't need a fill likely. If you can't then you probably do. Just remember plateaus are normal and that adding Fluid to band won't make you lose weight. The weight loss comes from burning more calories than you consume. The band is there to control your hunger. Best wishes

That depends. Are you taking small enough bites, pausing between them, and chewing til it's mush? (Bites should be about the size of a fingernail btw). If you are already doing these things then call your doc. You might be too tight.

I'm writing from the hospital now. I'm in considerable pain but I think the hernia repair is causing more pain the tummy tuck. In fact, I don't have pain down low except when I cough our sneeze, they pain it's all up high where the hernias were.

I honestly don't know, my insurance is covering it because I've lost so much weight, have a ton of skin to be removed, and have abdominal hernias to be fixed.

It is true. A tummy tuck would be the way to tighten it back up. I'm actually going in for a tummy tuck and hernia repair tomorrow.

I've had two unfills and never experienced any of those side effects. As far as "rapid weight gain", that only happens if you start eating more than you should be. The band itself doesn't make you lose weight or gain weight. The band simply allows you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. Whether you lose or gain weight depends entirely on how much you eat.

Your surgeon should have given you a very specific post op diet to follow. Call his office if you are unsure. Though a day after surgery, I'm guessing you're on liquids still.

As others stated, you need to use a measuring cup (or food scale when you can't use a cup). Even if a plate is the right circumference it won't stop you from piling on too much. Measuring food is the only sure way to make sure you're not getting more than a cup per meal.

You most certainly can start over again, but I think in order for you do that you need to have realistic expectations of your band. You talk about being able to eat whatever you want and the band not restricting your food intake. That's normal, in fact the band isn't meant to physically stop you from eating anything. This is exactly why it's so important to stick to band sized portions. What the band is supposed to do is allow you to be satisfied on less for much longer periods of time. Please have a look at this link, I really think it will help you a lot: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html You have to do whatever you feel is best for you, be it starting over or another surgery. Just make sure that whichever you choose you realize all WLS is just a tool. The work will always be yours to do. Best wishes.

Whether you have it and how much all depends on your daily calories. If you can work it into your daily calorie allowance- great. It's a good source of protein. But it is high in calories and fat so be sure you measure and count the calories.