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Well John, according to every allergist I have seen over the past 30 years ... I am allergic to EVERYTHING! LOL Unfortunately, it's true. From cologne to paper to plastic to dust to grass to cardboard, and the list goes on and on. Sad thought that I might need my CPAP forever. But if I do, I have to get this congestion/coughing/choking thing under control. Thanks for the info. Kosy2 -- I am guilty of not cleaning the Water tank every day, usually every 2 days and last night I was so exhausted that, even though it was time to clean it (it was day 3) ... I didn't, just put it on and went to sleep. I do use distilled water. And, it is true that the times I have had congestion in my lungs has been on the nights that I have gone more than 2 days without cleaning the tank. Guilty as charged. I will clean it tonight, turn down my humidifier a bit and see how it goes. Thanks for your response and for the cpaptalk forum. I am going to check it out right now. Many thanks to all. ~Fran

Thanks Kellie2, it never occurred to me that it could be my humidifier causing the problem. I keep mine at #3 ... LOL Could be that I am doing it to myself ... who knew. I will give it a try.

Although I thought that with my band I'd lost sufficient weight to stop using my CPAP; it appears that I was wrong. My sis spent the night a few weeks ago and I asked her if I snored, she said yes, not loudly but it appeared that I had stopped breathing. So, I went back to using my CPAP. Here's my question, or rather two questions: 1. Did you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a bad "rattle" in your chest, as though you had bronchitis or pneumonia, and coughing up phlegm while using your CPAP? 2. Can you recommend a really good sleep apnea forum? I appreciate any and all information you can give me. BTW, my CPAP is set at 12 and it has a humidifier. Thanks so much. Fran

By the time I was at 12 weeks I had had 5 fills AND they cost me ZERO dollars. Something is wrong with this picture. You MUST live far off the beaten track if you must travel so far to get a fill. Okay, so maybe that can happen, but then, under those conditions for your doc to be ultra conservative with the fills is just insane! It is true that you should be doing more to help yourself (i.e., making better food choices, exercise, etc.) but seriously, without proper restriction one can become very depressed and things can take that slippery slope downward. Keep reading this forum and take the suggestions of those that have success. If you can't get to a doc that is closer to you, then talk to your doc about a bigger fill or at least a fill more often. Don't give up! You can do this!!

Please don't feel like a failure. If you don't have restriction you can find yourself feeling like a failure. The truth is you can't fail if your band is not actually performing as the tool that it can be. Some people are good at following a diet/food plan without having restriction, others are not. The people that are not will need their band filled enough to give them restriction to help them stay on the path. Put all the effort you can into eating right and exercising, but don't beat yourself up if you are not seeing the results you think you should. Not only are we all different, but if we could just follow a diet and lose weight and stay thin we would not need the band. Some of the posts I have read about how "stingy" the doctors can be with fills are just crazy! Once a month, once every six weeks, not until you stop losing weight ... this is crazy! People are hungry from not getting enough nutrition and not having restriction and their doctors act as if the people are just statistics on a piece of paper. We are all REAL people with REAL issues about food and all doctors need to recognize that and treat each patient accordingly! I am fortunate that my doctor is not one refuse me if I feel I need a fill. I have not seen my doctor in more than 3 months because I have enough restriction, but if I called his office and needed a fill tomorrow, he would do it. I know my body and I know when I need a fill. He gets it. I wish you the best. And, remember that even if your doctor is slow and stingy, eventually you will get to your sweet spot. Don't be so hard on yourself. You can do this!

While it is true that I have lost all over, my stomach is the slowest to go. UGH! And my boobs ... they are going, but they were so big to begin with that they seem to be hanging on for dear life! LOL My legs look like twigs compared to the rest of me. I hate that, but I always lose in my legs first. My face is noticeably smaller, my wrists are tiny (but they were never big, just much, much smaller now). But happily my "back fat" is coming down. YAY! I don't know if my stomach will ever go away, but I will keep trying! Fran

Congratulations on your decision to take this journey! On the forums page of this site there is a forum for prebanders. Also, your doc should give you all the pre-surgery and post surgery do's and don'ts. But, this site is very informative. I am a Type 2 diabetic and I was on 1000 mg Metformin 2x a day. Within a couple of months after surgery I was off meds altogether. I periodically check my blood glucose and it's always good (80 - 106 usually). There are a ton of message boards on a variety of topics pertaining to the lapband on this site. I think you will find it interesting and useful reading. All the best to you.

All the best to all of you on this journey! Brainsss ... if "you'll be fine" doesn't work for you, how about "trust God, he didn't bring you this far to fail you now"? You are in my prayers too. :-) One last thing for you newbies: Read this forum! The post-surgery forum is chock full of information and experiences that you may go through. Remember the band is a tool NOT a miracle. You get out of it what you put into it. Congratulations!

The reason for the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver so that the doctors can easily get to the spot they are placing the band. I had insurance problems so, they called me about 5 days before my surgery to say "we're on" so I didn't have a lot of time for the pre-op diet. Fortunately, the doc was able to do the surgery. The problem comes in when someone is obese to the point that the doc cannot place the band because the liver is too big. So, starving yourself may not be necessary, but losing weight will keep you from waking up to find out that the doc was unable to do your surgery. All the best to you on your journey.

Hi Sabrinaa, Just making up your mind to do the right thing is easier said than done, isn't it? I feel you! We all have different reasons for holding on to our weight, some more benign than others. From your post it sounds like you could use some support. Doesn't sound like you are a person that just follows your doctors orders just because he/she is a doctor. I get it, not everyone is like that. But, sometimes we have to consider that, at the very least, our docs aren't trying to do us harm. So, when your doc says you need to be on liquids after surgery ... you should probably follow this edict -- it is likely for your safety and well being. You may not feel the results of pushing the envelope now, but down the line you may truly regret it. That said, you probably should try to follow an eating plan and maybe go to OA or see a therapist -- one that specializes in food disorders, etc. I found seeing a therapist very helpful with helping me get a grip on why I eat or rather why I overeat. The bottom line is, when you test the limits of your band you are only sabotaging yourself. Our biggest issues are in our heads, not our stomachs. Be good to yourself by doing things/eating foods that are going to further your goal of losing weight. Read this forum! There is soooo much information here and the people are great. Trust me when I say "you can do this!" All the best to you on your journey.

"There's also the knowledge that most people don't fill restriction until their 4th fill swimming around in my head. If I DO pass on getting a fill and get it later when I feel like I desperately need it... That first fill probably won't do anything for me and I'll then be waiting for the next 3 fills before I feel restriction!" I think you hit the nail on the head. You should get your 1st fill as scheduled because it will likely not give you restriction. As a result, you can continue to eat the way you have been eating (only chewing better) and maybe with this fill your hunger will be at bay a little longer, then with the next fill a little longer than before, etc. By the time you get to your sweet spot it should be smooth sailing all the way to your goal weight. You sound like a success story waiting to be told! Congratulations, you are doing great!

Feeling disgusted with yourself is counterproductive. Give yourself a break. Your vacation is not going to last forever. Take a deep breath, relax, and just try eating less at each meal. Chances are you won't have restriction after your first fill so, you have to go easy on yourself so you don't sabotage your progress. You are so early in the game that this little hiccup will be but a distant memory when you finally have restriction and the pounds start to drop! Hang in there, the best is yet to come! All the best to you on your journey!

OMG! I am soooo sorry you are going through this! I was going to suggest this when I read your last line: "My husband is going with me this time so hopefully that will deter some of the negative behavior." I am willing to bet he will not behave in the same way with your husband sitting next to you in the exam room. AND BE SURE TO TAKE HIM IN WITH YOU! Your doctor's behavior borders on criminal. Please let us know how it went with your husband at your side. BTW, you are doing GREAT! Hang in there!

When I started thinking about the surgery I began seeing a therapist (obesity specialist). I wanted to be sure that I was ready to take this step -- and that I was doing this for the right reason. This was eight months before I had my surgery so, when my insurance company asked for a supervised diet I had a food diary that I had been doing for my therapist. My therapy appts were paid for by my insurance with a small $20 co-pay so it all worked out well. If you have insurance, there is a way that your costs should be minimal. All the best to you on your journey.

ok, this is kind of scary ... am I really the ONLY person that Morad Tourah MD has banded???? Wow! Oddly, I am not completely surprised.

... was anyone banded by Dr. Morad Tourah? He has an office in Beverly Hills but works out of a surgery center for the most part. He did my band. Just wondering what experience others have had with him. BTW, I have no complaints. thanks. Fran

Hannah, please keep reading this forum, it has a wealth of information. To begin with, once the swelling from surgery goes down it is as if you have never been banded. You have NO restriction, and restriction is key with the band. It is a good practice to eat "as if" you have restriction (i.e., 1/2 - 1 cup of food per meal), but not everyone can manage this. You will lose faster if you change your eating habits sooner. I will not claim to be one of those that was able to eat like I had restriction before I hit my sweet spot. I tried, but didn't quite make the mark. What I did do is accept and realize that the band is a "tool" for helping me lose weight and that there is quite a bit of work left for me to do in order to succeed. You are in control of how much you lose and how fast because, as always, it is about what we put in our mouths and what we are willing to do (i.e., exercise) to be healthy. The band is a wonderful tool if we are honest with ourselves about the fact that it is just that, a tool, not a miracle. Take good care of yourself, don't beat yourself up when you don't do things perfectly, don't compare yourself to anyone else and give yourself credit for your willingness to make a change in your life that can give you a better quality of life. This is a journey and it will be what you make it out to be. I am so happy for you! All the best to you on your journey!

4them, this is NOT your fault for having the surgery! Please wipe that thought from your mind. Try not to become frustrated and just take really good care of your open wound. I had one, but it was an intentional gaping hole left by my doc after I had surgery my breast a few years back. I had to pack mine a few times daily too. Please be careful not to become infected. I did, and was back in surgery within a week. Just keep your wound clean and packed and consider this a little bump in the road to the new, improved YOU! If you can heal from this without incident you have one heck of a future ahead of you! Stay positive. All the best to you on your journey.

Yep, if I were you I would probably change practices. But, I do have this to say about you trying to follow this docs orders not to snack: ARE YOU CRAZY????!!! You are a diabetic, low blood sugar is as bad as high blood sugar. Don't listen to crazy people (your doc office) telling you to do things that will harm you (don't snack -- even if you are crashing from low blood sugar!). I'm sorry, but that is insane! Also, have you considered that when you eat too few calories your body goes into starvation mode? C'mon, give yourself credit, you know your body better than anyone else and particularly better than a doc office that can't tell you from 50 other patients. I am a diabetic too ... but I haven't been on medication for almost a year now. Had my surgery, lost some weight (my ticker is not accurate, I no longer have a scale -- for months now) and poof! no more diabeties! I still check my blood sugar and the numbers are always good. About six months ago I wasn't getting enough calories and I was crashing a little but that was simple enough to fix. Take care of yourself -- you are the ONLY one that will, believe me. Your doc is obviously in this for the money only. Do all the reading you need to do and then make your move. Also, there have been posts here about people having difficulty changing practices so you should check it out here first. There's a lot of help here - read, read, read and ... ask if other posters have used your practice, they may be able to tell you something about changing or not changing. Use this resource, it's great. Take care of yourself! Eat good healthy Snacks to keep your blood sugar up. All the best to you on your journey. Fran

When looking for a surgeon I visited a few great office with compassionate surgeons and staff. Unfortunately, they were not on my insurance, ugh! So, I ended up with a likeable surgeon, but not much aftercare. My surgeon sometimes doesn't even remember he had an appointment with me. I know that's not a good thing, but for me it's not the end of the world. He's only done that once, although I have had to wait for him for hours because he was in surgery. I prepare for this ahead of time by calling the office on the day of my appointment to make sure he knows I am coming. I also either text him or email him to remind him. (his office calls him also). I haven't had any complications and, while it would be nice to have a surgeon that was more involved ... it is what it is. My doc is a Beverly Hills surgeon and they are all about the money -- for the most part. My doc does have his good points: he never gives me a problem if I ask for a fill, doesn't give me grief because my weight loss is slow (just says that as long as I'm losing, it's good). Part of the reason that waiting for my surgeon to get there is not so bad is because he is in the office with a cosmetic surgeon who has given me free evaluations on what, how and how much he would charge to "fix me up" once I reach goal weight. Everyone in the office is great, but they work for the cosmetic surgeon mostly. They are not familiar with the lapband yet. I relish my time away from my busy desk and I have enough vaca/sick time not to have to worry. So, sometimes I take off the whole day for my fill. I do understand that everyone does not have that option. But I will say this, lapbandtalk.com is a terrific resource for information and the people here are truly great and very generous about sharing their experiences and advice. All the best to you on your journey.

There is a good chance that your illnesses caused you to become dehydrated. Whenever I am dehydrated for whatever reason, I am tighter. When I am 100% myself again, things get back to normal. Just a thought.

I truly understand how you feel. I started therapy 8 months BEFORE I had my surgery so that I could deal with my "binging issues". It helped, but, now that I am at my "sweet spot" and under a great deal of stress (work, home, family), I find myself binging at night which, BTW, doesn't work with the band!! Last night was the first night in a week that I did not throw up before bed. I was NEVER one to throw up, NEVER... hated it ... absolutely hated it! I even went to an OA meeting last week because I am seeing signs of bulimia in myself. I know I should stop eating, I am as full as a tick, but I don't stop and THAT'S THE PROBLEM! So, I saw my therapist on Saturday and did much better on Sunday. I am working this one day at a time. Try not to get too worried about this in the beginning because you won't have restriction for a while and for several weeks you will need to heal. Just use every tool available to you to stay on track with your eating (journaling, therapy, lapbandtalk, etc.). I feel good about getting past this little episode I am going through. I believe you will too with the band as a tool to help you through it. All the best to you.

Thanks to all for your replies. It's true, I possibly need a small unfill. You know what's holding me back ... that the doc will take out too much and I will be able to eat too much. But I have been thinking about a small unfill for a while, trying to figure out if I am too tight. Also, I do wait until I am too hungry and, as a result, I eat too fast. So, first I will try not letting myself get too hungry, eating slower and chewing better. If that doesn't work ... it's off to the doc for an unfill. I appreciate your help.

I had a "duhhhh" moment today. I have been struggling with eating three or four bites and feeling full. To some that might not sound like a problem, but for me .... The first problem is that I know that I am not getting enough nourishment in those few bites so I finish my meal -- my meal is generally between 250-325 calories. The second problem is that because I feel soooo full and awful, I don't want to eat the right foods (would rather eat sliders - but I don't want the repercussions of eating sliders). I have also been having problems keeping the food down. It wasn't until today driving home from work that I realized that there are numerous people on Lapbandtalk that can help me figure this out. So, please tell me, how do you eat very little and still have enough energy/nourishment to get through the work day? I am so exhausted when I get home I fall asleep, but wake up a few hours later and ... you guessed it ... I can't get back to sleep! What to do, what to do?? All responses are appreciated. Fran

Loserheather, Don't give up, don't give in! Right now it may be tough, but it will get better, I promise. I have been banded a little over a year and have had my share of struggles. It is harder for some of us BEFORE we get to our "sweet spot." It took about 9 months before I got there. I stopped weighing -- because I was obsessing over it -- months ago, so I don't actually know how much I weigh now ... I just know that I buy my clothes smaller and smaller. If you fall off the wagon, get back on. Don't beat yourself up, don't compare yourself to others, just keep getting up and getting on with your "new" life. Went to the funeral of a longtime friend on June 26th (wanted to eat something comforting when I found out), then found out yesterday that one of the ladies that spoke at her funeral (that I also went to high school with) died sitting in a chair watching TV this weekend. We are all around the same age (54) and it is freaking me out that my comtemporaries are dying. But, thanks to being at my "sweet spot" I can't overeat -- my band says "NO", and I stop. So, hold on ... everything is going to be all right! All the best to you. Fran