Thats All Folks

I did do my research and there are thousands of FDA reports about them, which is what led to them no longer allowed to be used in the USA. There is an extremely high complication rate with the 4cc band. This is fact. If someone is willing to risk their health using outdated bands- when there are newer safer ones available- that's their choice. But it's describable that "medical tourism" in Mexico uses them to cut financial corners.

Definitely call your doctor Monday. In the meantime, try some warm liquids like coffee or tea before you eat. It may help.

Are you tracking your calories? It's the only way to be certain you're not eating too much or too little.

I was in the grocery store about a year ago. I had already been banded and lost about 60 pounds but was still extremely big. Well, as I was walking with my kids, this little girl who was maybe 4yrs old starts pointing at me yelling very loud "mom look that fat girl!". She proceeded to yell this over and over, and the worst part is her idiot mom didn't even seem to care. If I could have punched the mother in the head I would have. Repeatedly.

I would call a very high rate of serious complications to the point it's not allowed to be used in the US and UK defective.

Honestly, I really wouldn't. 99% of the time it's no big deal. Like I said, both my kids have it (makes me think it's genetic on their dad's side). They just have to be careful getting up too fast or standing while over-heated. It's actually really common. Hundreds of thousands of people have it they just don't realize what it's called, they just go "oh got up too fast!" and go about their day not giving it a second thought.

It's entirely possible because it does put pressure on the vagus nerve. However, you are also very recently out of revision surgery. That alone will take a toll on your body. Do you get enough Protein? I would also get a full blood panel done. Things like low B12, D3, Iron, potassium, and blood sugar can also cause this. This way you can rule out a treatable medical issue. Here is what your doctor is talking about, btw. It's actually not serious and it can come on any time during life with or without the band. Both of my kids have it (they don't have bands): http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vasovagal-syncope/DS00806

Oh I agree, it's possible with the newer bands as well. It's all based on your anatomy, the way the way the vagus nerve runs and how sensitive it is, and how tight the band is. But it's pretty rare with the newer larger bands because they don't put the same pressure on the vagus nerve, whereas with the 4cc bands it's (scarily) more common and one of the reason they're not allowed to be used in the US or UK anymore.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, this is one of the many problems linked to the small 4cc bands and why both the US and UK refuse to use them. What angers me is so many in Mexico are still using the 4cc band to cut costs- despite the dangers like this. Dr. Kuri being one of the worst offenders, even lying to people telling them the 4cc bands are better. It's truly despicable in my opinion. Best wishes and thanks for sharing your story as a warning to others.

Most of us can eat more than a cup of food, that's why we're supposed to measure our portions. It's our job to stop eating after a cup not the band's job to force us. Have a look at this link, I think it will help you understand: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Let your doctor help you decide if you need a fill or not, but remember the band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything. So, don't gauge whether or not you need a fill based on what or how much you can eat. Can you go at least 4 hours after a cup or less of food without hunger? If yes, you probably don't need a fill. If no, then you might need a small one. Talk to your doctor. Best wishes

Quite honestly, I decided I didn't want to die before I was old enough to be a grandma someday. I wanted my life back and I wanted to actually be an active part of my family's lives not a bystander. I didn't want to spend my life a fat, miserable, bitter woman watching my life go by without me.

I would definitely start tracking your calories. It's the only way you can be sure you're not eating too much or too little.

It's funny, but I started snacking on cheese and fruit recently too. Now my weight is moving downward again. Coincidence? I almost never ate fruit before, btw.

Kathy is SO right! I don't buy the whole "oh they mean well" crap. Unless they're completely socially inept and a total moron, they know exactly what they're saying and they see how it effects you. When someone says "oh they mean well" they're doing nothing but maxing excuses for poor behavior. I don't know who this person or how close they are to you, but if this person makes this a habit then perhaps it's time to get some distance from them. You don't need toxic people in your life. Best wishes and hang in there.

How long have you been "stuck" for? Do you track calories? How many calories to do you eat a day?

I agree with Kime-Lou, the very first thing you need to do is go back and see your surgeon. I don't see why he'd want to empty to your band to re-do fills but I do know it's never too late too start over. The next thing I'd do is go see your nutritionist. Be honest in the areas where you struggle and what your needs are and let them help you establish food guidelines that fit into your lifestyle. Remember that weight loss boils down simple math- you lose when you burn more calories than you consume. Perhaps you could start tracking calories? I know for myself, tracking calories is the only way I can be sure I'm not eating too much. It holds me accountable, too. I also measure everything I eat to be sure I'm sticking to band sized portions. These two things have been a very big part of my successful weight loss. I would also look into a support group either near your home or college. I know I'm going to sound like a mom (I have a daughter your age) but it's so crucial you have good support as you restart this weight loss journey. If your family can't do that for you then a support group to lean on will be a truly invaluable resource. Just remember, it's never too late to start over and you can do this

Well..honestly...yes. There are rules even with the band. You will always have to make good food choices, stick to band sized portions, and change your entire way of dealing with food. You have to be committed to change and right now that means sticking to your liquid pre op diet. But right now, your concern should be whether you'll be able to have the surgery. Not to scare you, but the pre op diet is to shrink your liver. When they do the surgery they have to be able to move around your liver. In obese people the liver is very enlarged and fatty. The doctors put you on this liquid diet to shrink your liver so it's safe to do the surgery. If you continue to cheat and your liver isn't sufficiently shrank, you run a very real risk of the doctor canceling the surgery. There has been multiple people on these forums who've gone into for surgery and come out with all the scars but no band- because the doctor couldn't continue once he saw their enlarged fatty liver. If you truly want the Lap Band, stick to your pre op diet. Best wishes.

Ask your surgeon why he says no steroids. Is it medical or for weight reasons? I'd even have your primary doc discuss it with your band doc so together they can decide what's best.

You could have heart burn, reflux, unable to eat and/or drink, pain, vomiting. ...or you could have no symptoms whatsoever. The only way to know is to have your bariatric surgeon check your band.

Honestly no, but hey if it works it works!

You should be proud!! You lost a lot and you look great!!!

See? Now aren't you glad you went and got it checked out?