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I had my 4 year band anniversary last November. Haven't been on the forum in a long time. I lost 60% of my excess body weight quickly. Then lost a bit more. But after about 18 months, it all stopped. Then I got frustrated and ate too much, started back in on slider foods like nuts and chips and naturally gained some of the weight back. So I went for a fill and the doc told me no. He did the fluoroscope and said I had a lot of restriction and had stretched my pouch. He said he could completely unfill and I could wait a month and start over or go back and follow the rules. The thought of going a month with no restriction scared me so I opted to try again. He the explained prolapse and the consequences of continuing on my path. So, I went back into the fad dieting that I used pre-band. I tried weight watchers and Atkins and others. Even did the HCG, which was pretty close to what we should eat with a band anyway. Lost some on that but it isn't forever and I stopped losing and started gaining again. Finally, I have gotten my head together and am going back to the rules for the band. I saw the 5 day pouch test web site and have just done that. I did lose some weight, even though that isn't the point of the 5 days. But I have to say it is really just like starting over. I feel full sooner, it lasts longer and I am starting to feel like I did after my initial fills 4 years ago. It seems more challenging now to weigh my food and especially not drink with my meals. But I know I have to get back in the habit to be successful. Thanks for posting this, know that you aren't alone.

Tried that Xavier. Dr says no. Said I could only lose 60% of my excess weight with the band and I'm at 70%. Did the xray and said nomorerestriction

I've been stalled for 6 months. I know a couple of folks who tried HCG and it has really worked. Any bandsters out there tried it? Looks like it should fit with band rules pretty well.

Really worked well for me. Flourosce shows still have some pouch dilation. Dr says onlyway to fix that is one month complete unfill. But 2 weeks on liquids has me back on track.

Simply put, eating too much. If you eat more than your pouch can hold, it ba ks up into the esophagus. Do that frequently and it stretches. That part isn't made to hold food like a stomach, left untreated it is a big problem and can require surgery. My symptoms were reflux, ability to eat a lot without feeling full but I noticed restriction in that I would throw up if I didn't chew well or ate too fast. Went in and got the xray with barium swallow for diagnosis.

I could eat a lot, but did have stuff come up if I ate too fast. No weight loss and could eat a lot. So went back to dr, had fluoroscope and diagnosed as esophageal dilation. I have to be on liquids for at least a week. I am using 6 star elite. Dissolves easy, tastes decent but has no added vitamins. Cheaper at wal mart than some of theGNC brands and has 30 grams of protein. If less dilation then can start sifts, but have to measure EVERYTHING for 2 months to learn portion size

For me and everyone I've spoken to, nothing fizzy at all, at least for a year. I was warned and told I'd try anyway. I did. It hurt.

The thing ire ally miss is beer. Like someone said, part of the reason I was fat I try every once in a while but the pain is intense when restriction is good. I have the periodic ahoy, primarily sipping tequila with a drop of lime juice. And red wine But alcohol has empty calories so I actually drink very little now. Unsweetened iced tea is now my usual.

I saw that and totally believe it! After a year of overeating I am now on liquids. It isn't so much being hungry, just a need teat. Didn't you feel like an addict on pre and post op diets?

I am there with you I lost a decent bit and then stopped working the the band. I didn't gain much, but didn't lose either. Now I am on day 2 of all liquids for 2 weeks due to esophageal dilation. I started the couch to 5k program with a friend and am determined to follow the rules this time.

I am there with you I lost a decent bit and then stopped working the the band. I didn't gain much, but didn't lose either. Now I am on day 2 of all liquids for 2 weeks due to esophageal dilation. I started the couch to 5k program with a friend and am determined to follow the rules this time.

Basically, it is a 5 day program to see if your pouch is ok or to get yourself back on track.. 2 days of liquids, one day of soft Proteins like tuna or eggs, a day of more firm proteins like ground meet and then a day of regular Protein. I have no idea if it is endorsed by any doctors. When you search on Google, it is on most of the weight loss surgery forums. Here's website I found elsewhere here. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html

Thanks for starting this one. I don't hate the band, I hate the way I have used it. Or more correctly, have failed to keep up with what I know. I stopped getting regular fills, eat the wrong foods and don't limit meal time to 15 minutes. I was exercising until I tore a tendon in my ankle. But that has been healed for over 6 months. Finally, when a friend was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and wanted an exercise partner, I have started that back up. Now it is time to get the food choices under control. Like the thread and so many of you have said, the band didn't fail me, I failed the band. This is a tool and, like all tools, must be used correctly if it is to work. So question, what did you all do to kick start the process? Did you go with the 5 day pouch test, get a fill or just start following the rules again? I'm thinking about a fill since I can eat a large quantity, but may want to go to liquids for a couple of days to relax the stretched pouch because things do get stuck. Suggestions?

I haven't had a fill in quite a long time. Also haven't lost weight in a year and have been eating around my band. Starting to get my food choices back on track but have a question about the band. I notice restriction when I eat. If I eat too fast or don't chew well, it will get stuck and come back. But I can eat a relatively large volume of food, like more than 2 cups. Should I just get a fill or go on liquids for a few days?