catfish87

I second guessed myself a lot! Why couldn't I just diet? Why not exercise more? Why not just eat better foods? Do I really need surgery to eat less? etc, etc,etc...... My answer to myself was I had already tried all the above several times, for several years, yet I continued to gain. I could do all those things....for a few weeks at a time. I needed something to help me get my eating under control, LONG TERM.....and my experience with it is YES, this IS what I needed! I would do it again tomorrow! Best wishes to you, know that a lot of us have been through the exact thoughts you're going through.

If I may make a suggestion....I'm not sure where you are with getting adjustments to your band, BUT for me, getting the hunger under control is a seperate issue vs exercise. I thought I could exercise my weight off too for the first couple of years being banded. Then I continued to read on here and other places..from the one's I found who were very succesful at getting their hunger under control......I forgot/refused to do the ONE thing that's important....ADJUSTABLE lapband. Otherwise, why have adjustable band surgery?? I could have just exercised and ate like I had for all my life and NOT LOST longterm weight. If you're really as hungry as you describe, I know what I would be doing....getting an adjustment! I realize everyone's different, but this was very, very important to me. I'd exercise 300-500 calories, then be hungry, and eat everything I had just burned...or maybe even more. NOW, with a properly adjusted band, I am NOT hungry....and I've burned 3000 calories today just exercising....between biking and mushroom hunting. Hopefully, this comes across in the way its intended.....a supportive suggestion. Get the hunger under control, the exercise and weightloss will follow. I wish you the very best in your journey. Never, ever give up! You're worth it!

That is SO AWESOME! Thanks for sharing

Hmmmm... I've had mine since 2009. Because you're new to the site, I'm wondering what these "dangers" you're concerned about are? BTW, I haven't had any band problems....so I'm curious. Thanks

As the others have said, follow what YOUR surgeon suggested/ordered. Each may be different on their directions/"menu" postop. Don't beat yourself up if you aren't losing weight during these first few weeks postop. Lots of folks actually gain a bit during the first few weeks/month(s) post op. Not to burst your bubble, but unless you have an agressive doc or one that does fills using fluoro, it may take several fills over several visits to progress to any real level of restriction. Rest assured, you can get there. Hang tough and be in this for the long haul... Best wishes!

If you only had two fills, you may not have stretched anything. Did you feel restriction? If they were small fills, and you drank to wash food through, you probably haven't caused any longlasting issues. Only you and your doc can be for sure. You can read on here almost every day about folks who "fell off the wagon, eating too much, don't feel any restriction, not losing any weight, etc, etc". Thats the good thing about the ADJUSTABLE lap band.......its adjustable for a reason. I'm speaking from experience. I too, at one point a couple of years ago had almost given up on this whole band thing working for me. ALMOST being the key word....I got on here and read the success stories, met a friend who had the band in my area, and said "get your butt back to the doctor. I did that, although I was somewhat embarrassed because I had not been following up like I knew I should have been. Now, perfect restriction and completely loving my newfound lease on life....IT WILL WORK!! Obviously, the first step is a big one. Getting back to seeing your doc should be your first goal. Hopefully, he/she will understand your reasons, and allow a payment plan as the poster above described. Best wishes for you to find this same happy/successful ending. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Thanks Steph! I owe you

Thanks for posting! I really enjoy reading longterm/lifestyle success stories like this. CONGRATS!! Well done!

Lexi,One thing that is pretty consistent with all the responses above you'll notice is that the one's who've experienced it, HAVE LEARNED FROM IT. "too dry, totally my fault, etc." Notice how they all seem to mention that. Was true for me too. I learned the hard way too. I was so hardheaded...didn't chew well, ate too fast. Now, never an issue anymore. Don't fret it...we all learn.

Maybe PM toomuchfun for his device. I think its a Polar that links to his IPhone. I know there are tons of them that do that. I seen one yesterday that plugs into your headphone jack, with a passthrough that lets you still use the jack for music, etc. It was on Heartratemonitor.com i think.

Dannon Lite and Fit Greek Cherry yogurt mixed WELL with two tablespoons of PB2 in it. 125 cal, 1.5 grams fat and 17 grams of protein. AWESOME!!!!

T Pops...I could have written your exact post a couple of years ago. I just knew I was eventually gonna get right back to my old habits, thinking this was only a diet, I'd return to eating too much, etc, etc. But I was wrong! At least for me, for now, I no longer have that same fear. It took me much longer than a lot of folks to reach this point.....but I'm here! Now, I am at a wonderful spot with my band. But more importantly, even with my head. Congrats to you, my friend, and keep on rolling!

It makes PERFECT sense to me...now that I there.

I had some issues with acid reflux PRE banding. Not so much as a single Tums since. I agree with the above. I eat some very spicy foods too.

So happy to hear this success story from an experienced bandster! 7 years and going strong for you. Congrats!

Sounds pretty normal to me. This is the time when its 100% willpower...Hang tough and it CAN get much better soon.

I had acid reflux at times PRE band. Since banding over 3 1/2 years ago, NEVER have it. I haven't taken anything for reflux since I was banded...not once. BUT, I don't have my band too tight either, its JUST RIGHT! Loving it! Best wishes

I THINK its pretty standard now a days. Mine did exactly what you describe.

Perfectly normal...or maybe even above average! Without fills, its just a diet. 10#'s in a little over three weeks....that'd be on track for over 150#'s a year. Think of this weightloss for the long term....not a week or two. This is a lifestyle change. Congrats and hang in there!

Yes, definately after 2 1/2 hours it should have long been through the band. If it was juice, much sooner than that. I certainly wouldn't think of that as a PB episode. I'd be looking for a barium swallow using fluoroscopy...immediately! I'm not familiar with the other test mentioned above, but something is def amiss.

Spoiltmom....just to clarify, are you vomiting ( emptying your stomach from below the band ) or what we sometimes call "PB'ing" ( spitting up the food above your band )? I agree 100% with the above about vomiting....I don't understand how the band can cause vomiting from your stomach.

I haven't any personal knowledge of other devices. I know 2muchfun has a different one that he likes. I think its compatable with an Iphone and all you need is the HRM strap??? but not sure. As for mine, I got it for $209 as a factory refurb on ebay.

I've had a garmin 310xt for a little over a month, and absolutely LOVE it! I have used it for cycling and hiking/walking. It is amazing! Heres an example of what it shows using garmin connect. VERY easy set up. Cycling yesterday : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/298643423 Hiking/mushroom hunting Sunday : http://connect.garmin.com/activity/298182681

In my experience, you can see it while they are doing the fluoroscopy. My doc uses it WHILE ADJUSTING THE BAND....hopefully, your's will too.