1shauna1

If you drink too much it can dehydrate you, and being dehydrated = tighter band. Also, you need to drink water and coffee doesn't count towards that.

I have had 3 unfills over the course of my band. I am going back tomorrow for another small fill (now I feel I'm too loose; believe me I can eat anything practically). But you sound familiar to me, how I was the last time I needed one. Pretty much any solid, even if I chewed well & small bites, would get stuck. I was even getting stuck on some liquids in the mornings (when I'm tightest anyways). And I've read about people who stay too tight for a while but don't lose weight; their bodies just hold on to everything. Even a small unfill will probably help and you'll feel so much better.

The liquid or chewable Gravol is a good idea. And you probably don't feel like it, but moving around will really help with the gas pains. Try to relax, just keep drinking. I'm sure you will be okay.

You could try half regular, half decaf and gradually cut it out? Do you have to fully cut it out? I have one to two cups a day of the high test (lol) and I don't plan to stop. I try to drink more water to accommodate that.

I would NOT suggest drinking water if you're stuck (imagine pouring more water in a clogged sink; eventually it will overflow)! Sometimes it will pass, but other times you will feel 100 times better if you get it back up. It's not like vomiting as when you're sick. You're just getting the stuck food (no stomach acid, etc.) up out of your pouch. I have PB'd (many call it "productive burping") many times....now I just bend over the sink at the waist and cough...up it comes.

Thank you for this post, it's very encouraging! Congratulations on your weight loss! And good luck to your hubby! I am sure he will learn a lot from your example!

You're so positive, it's great! A slip worries me because at times I tend to PB a lot, so I get worried....but your attitude is contagious I think! Thanks!

62 lbs is amazing! I'm totally jealous of that number! Another fill will make a big difference, I'm sure. I know some docs seem conservative about fills but I believe it's because they dont' want you coming back for constant unfills. So, good luck on Thursday and be TOTALLY proud of what you've accomplished so far!!

Everyone's body is different. I do believe your metabolism can slow wayyy down if you're not eating enough (I don't have that problem :-/). However, to the OP - if you're feeling satisfied, with lots of energy on 1200 cals a day, then go with it! MFP (and I'm on there too!) doesn't take into account weight loss surgery. I don't think you are SUPPOSED to eat that much after being banded (most people that I've read on here range from 800-1400, but I've never seen anyone state their goal was 2000 cals or more per day). Obviously if you're working out a lot, you probably need to make some adjustments for that.

I can't swallow that big pill anymore. I take gummy multis and chocolate calcium. The Vit D pills are really small. Maybe you could try cutting your pill in half?

Just sounds like a bruise. It will heal.

I have heard that, depending what you drink, it can "prime" the band and make it looser. Myself, I don't worry about drinking before. I don't have a drink near me when I'm eating, and I wait (try to) 30 minutes....it's hard, I know!

I think it's a little early to say you will try it without a fill....you're only on the pre-op diet so why bother with the band at all? If you think you can do it without it, then that's great! But really, if you're getting the surgery I don't see the point of not utilizing it to it's fullest potential. Good luck.

It depends on the surgeon; I had 2.5 cc in my band after surgery. But I didn't really feel any restriction from that.

It sounds rough, and I was one of the ones who didn't have to do a liquid diet beforehand. Hm, new liquids....what about yogurt drinks? Can you blend some soups to sh*t in your blender to make them completely liquid?

Nine months seems a long time. However I would continue it until you know for sure what's happening. Are you sure you're going to be covered under your boyfriend's insurance (are you considered common-law?)? Just make sure you know what's going to happen before you stop the diet; you wouldn't want to be screwed after stopping the diet.

Actually, yes as Anita mentioned, I often have issues with milk and yogurt earlier in the day. So, you may want to find another protein drink to try.

I did have a fill where I felt immediately nauseous afterwards....I was too tight. If you think it might be getting sick, then try to wait a day or two. Otherwise, you may need to go back to your doctor.

Great article! I too chose the band because I didn't want to cut out certain foods forever. Of course, we also have to deal with sliming and PB'ing, so there can be consequences to our bad eating but hopefully we learn from those too. I really related to your paragraph on "normal people"....but I have to realize that I guess I just don't have a "normal" relationship with food, and never will. It's been so long I've been trying to lose this weight that I honestly don't know how to maintain my weight. That too will be a learning experience!

Pixie - I've had a fill like that. I could drink clear liquids in the morning, but nothing cloudy like a protein drink. I think (hope) you will find as the day goes on you're getting slightly looser. Also, since you've only had coffee, remember the caffeine can dehydrate you so I would follow that with a glass of water. To be honest, with that fill I had to get some removed but that was just me. You may be able to adjust to this level of tightness; every fill comes with some adjustments I find!

The clear liquids are the worst, but by the time you are back to work, hopefully you're on full liquids (like protein shakes and creamy soups).

Like you, OP I had my surgery a while back, and I'm not down as much as I had thought I would be. In fact, I had thought I'd be at goal by now. But it's mostly my own fault for working around my band. I've also had issues with my fill level (going for another fill next week after three unfill/refills; just can't get this right!). All I can say is, yes it is totally frustrating, but you can't give up! I'm going to be 40 next January and I'm damn well going to be finished losing weight by then! You can do it too!

Well written! At this point, my happy weight will be under 200 lbs. It's been several years since I've been there. I think my ultimate "happy weight" is going to be 174, which puts me in a "normal" BMI. I had originally planned my goal to be 155-165 but I don't know if I can ever get there. At 174, I'll be a size 12 probably (I don't even know it's been so long), but seriously that 200 lb mark is major. However that's also when I get really complacent so I have to watch myself.

I don't think so, especially if you don't have a fill. It's basically like you didn't have a lapband. Honestly, unless you're drinking glasses of fat, I wouldn't worry too much. Nothing is wrong!