LowPSI

There are only two possibilities that I can see: either they gave you a placebo band or you haven't been following-up with your doctor. Unless you consume large quantities of beer, that is not the problem. (I enjoy an occasional beer also and drink diet soda daily.) if the band were properly adjusted, you would have to work pretty hard to only lose one pound per month. Eating healthy is not a requirement of the band, since it is designed to control the amount of food you consume. Please, if you haven't seen your doc in a while, do the Catholic thing and go confess your sins to him. Do your penance and move on. It's never too late for backsliders! LOL. Seriously, don't let this opportunity pass you by. You are likely having to live with eating limitations anyway, so you might as well get adjusted and get it over with. P.S. Miller 64 isn't too bad and only 64 calories.

It's been a while since I checked in, but maybe having a lap band talk app will get to visit more often. So far, I've lost 71 lbs, so I'm very happy with my results. I had knee surgery in January and had to have my band deflated. It was interesting being ble to eat almost normally. Of course, normal was not how I used to eat, which is how I got here to begin with. For the most part, I've been pleased with the speed of weight loss and I know my doc is too. I currently have 8.5cc in a 13cc band. Technically, I've got 30 more pounds to go, but the doc says my BMI is already Ok. I'm shooting for 210 to 220, which means another 10 - 20 to go! I hope all you November '10 Bandsters are doing well!

The goal is to eat the right way, eat the right foods, and stop eating when you first feel the Band working. Usually, if you stop for a few minutes, you'll be able to eat more. Not a portion like you're used to, but a "normal" portion. If you eat the right stuff (protein) you'll feel full for at least a few hours. By eating the right way, I have many fewer "episodes". I've had my band for almost a year and I think I'm only just now using it correctly.

I wonder if your doc inserted a catheter? It shouldn't hurt, but you should ask.

From a guy's perspective...The port is the only (barely) visible part of the Band. It's hardly even noticeable, though it may become more pronounced when you've lost the weight, Mostly, it just feels odd and will likely be a little sore for a while after installation. So, if there are areas around your stomach that you enjoy being enjoyed, you may want to ask the doc to put it somewhere else. I would just ask him/her where they normally place it. As for the oral part, well...receiving won't be an issue once the wounds heal. Straining of your stomach muscles could possibly cause some discomfort when you orgasm. As far as giving, the quantities of Fluid (normally) produced should not be a problem, though any fluid right after eating could cause some discomfort. I hope this helped!

Interesting...I don't recall hearing the stories I am hearing in this thread prior to surgery. I am in the same situation as those that have been posting; lost 50lb and hit a plateau. In my case, my doc said 3 months to my next appointment (from Apr to July) and then I had to reschedule to September, so I went 4 or 5 months without seeing the doc. During that time, I actually gained 6 lbs but even worse were the eating habits I re-developed. So, two weeks ago, I had an appointment. Doc wasn't thrilled about having gained (neither was I !). I got a fill from 8 to 8.5. I've since lost the 6 lbs and am doing OK. I'm going to see the doc more often, cause I'd like to finish what I've started. Like everyone has said - small bites and chew-chew-chew! I'll stay in touch.

I have found that drinking with food can cause me to get stuck. The bottom line is...the Band wants what the Band wants.

I think I can actually address your situation from my own personal experience. A little background...I was banded November 10, 2010 at 307 lbs. (I'm 6'1") I have had over a dozen surgeries in the last few years, including two knee replacements and had gained over 70 lbs during that time. Flashback to 1985...I weighed 340 lbs at 26 and hadn't been in a serious relationship in forever. I had a date with a girl I had a crush on and we had a great time. I got mad at myself and determined to lose weight so that I could be "normal". I joined Weight Watchers and lost 140 lbs in 6 months. I too had extra skin. It will return to normal eventually, but in the meantime, you need to live your life. You are who you are and if this new person in your life is a "keeper", they will accept you - extra skin and all. They should be proud of you having lost all this weight and not get hung-up on a temporary issue. By the way, after six months, I had another date with the same girl. We have now been married 25 years and have two kids. Extra skin? Wear it like a badge of honor! (Not to flaunt it, but don't let it dictate your life choices.)

I was banded November 10 and have just reached 50lbs lost! Yeah me! LOL I have 7.75 cc in a 14 cc band and have decent restriction and I'm sure I would have lost more if I had been making better food choices. I feel great and have begun to remember to chew my food and eat a little (a lot!) slower than I used to.

Sounds like you'd be a good candidate for a conversion to the Sleeve.

THIS is your first post? The time to ask questions about the Band or ANY major surgery, is before you have the proceedure. Having said that, If you will share a few more details, we'd love to try to help.

Eating and drinking is fine, though they will likely weigh you, so don't eat too much and remember that Water weighs 8.333lbs per gallon. I was surprised at my first fill that I could feel the saline going in. The saline was room temp, so it felt cool (literally) going in. The doc gave me a local, so no real pain involved, though there was/is an occasional "Ugh" moment. I was made to drink a cup of water - a sip at a time - to make sure I didn't have too much restriction. In my case, I have an 11cc band, had 3cc when installed and the doc added 2cc at my first fill. I had some restriction, which lasted for about 2 weeks. (You will most likely need to go on a liquid diet for a day or so.) Enjoy the fill! Write down any questions you have for your doc.