Hey everyone, Name is Brian.

I have had the lap band for about 3 years now. I lost 50 pounds in the first 3 months with the band. In the last 2.5+ years I have not lost any weight in some cases I maybe gained a few. I have a 10cc band and have 9cc`s currently in my band. No restriction.

You would think that not loosing weight is the worst part. But its not. No matter how little I eat. No matter how well I chew my food. I am constantly throwing up, It has had serious Psychologically hurting implications. I am self medicating with alcohol on a constant basis and I am constantly thinking about going back to smoking methamphetamine's to loose weight.

I have survived through drug induced heart attacks(2) and I have also survived a shooting 1 bullet in my side and 2 in my stomach, and I dont think I have ever felt lower then I feel now. Lots of people know I had the Lap Band and I am always the center of Jokes that I dont know how much more I can take.

Is their any RESTART that I could do? Like Open my band all the way and fast to shrink everything ? Like you would restart your computer when it is running slow. I also need a doctor Local to Los Angeles where I live. Who is caring and will help me. My doctor is about 3 hours from Los Angeles and its too much to go up their and even when I am up their he has little advice to give me.

PLEASE HELP.

Hi Brian, I don't think I'm really qualified to answer most of your questions because I am just getting ready to get banded myself, but from the research I have done I think you need to find a new dr who can help you figure out why you cant stop throwing up. I'm sure you already know that drugs and alcohol won't help solve any of the problems that you are having. Have you considered talking to a councelor as well, I know it has really helped me overcome some very difficult circumstances in my life. I will be praying that you find some answers and that you will be able to overcome all the obstacles that you are facing now. Try to look back and remember all the things that you have already overcome and how far you have come. I know that that is not always an easy thing to do, but it always helps me to think about where I could be compared to how far I have come.

Take care and God bless you, Wendy

I dont know a Dr in that area, but I am sure there are plenty. It actually sounds to me like you are too tight, therefore cannot eat a reasonable amount of food, so you settle for alcohol and proberly other "bad" slider foods. I would consider getting a unfill....I have noticed that I do not lose weight when I eat a lower calorie diet.

And just so you know, I was in the same situation. I have been banded 3 years. I lost 30 pounds the first 6 months. The nothing. I disnt have real good restriction and I didnt make good food choices. I finally decided i needed to use my tool! I started going to the gym 5-6 days a week and realing watching my food. I went and had a fill...I know have great restriction...and I have made it to my initial goal...I now love the gym and really into weightlifting etc...I feel great and look even better...

Dont resort to drugs...use your tool...and yes, its not a magic pill...u have to put in some work!

If you're throwing up and eating nothing but slider foods, you NEED an unfill. At 9ccs in a 10cc band, you're probably too tight. You could really be damaging your band if you're throwing up each day. You may want to get that checked out.

But before you can do that, I'd say find a closer doctor. There is a California forum here, you may want to ask there for a quality LA surgeon.

You started off with a great loss and you can easily get back on the wagon. Find a good doctor to talk with and explain what's going on. Be sure to get a small unfill and see if that helps with the throwing up.

Don't give up on yourself or the band! It obviously worked for you in the beginning, so start over and get back to losing. Falling back onto drugs/drinking is never the answer to anything.

Hello Brian, I am also like the other Wendy. I have not been banded yet. I have learned from the forums on LBT that the Lapband is a tool, it will help you lose weight if you are willing to try. Yeah, that would be my first step, see a doctor. One that knows! If you didn't like your first doctor, go see a new one. Sometimes there is a fee. If you find one search thru this forum and look at the other people that have used him. Check out their weight loss, send them a personal message. I feel everyone out there on this forum is very helpful.

I myself am worried about the alcohol. I drink beer. But looks like that might not be in my future. Maybe I will be able to have a shot and water ocassionally.

May you find happiness with you band and help keep me posted.

WendyAnn

Hi, I'm sorry about all the troubles you are having. I dont' have my band yet so I have no first hand advice.

But I have heard about a 5 day pouch test. Look it up and you should find it online with an explanation.

Hope everything works out.

But don't go to the drugs

Hey everyone, Name is Brian.

I have had the LAP-BAND® for about 3 years now. I lost 50 pounds in the first 3 months with the band. In the last 2.5+ years I have not lost any weight in some cases I maybe gained a few. I have a 10cc band and have 9cc`s currently in my band. No restriction.

You would think that not loosing weight is the worst part. But its not. No matter how little I eat. No matter how well I chew my food. I am constantly throwing up, It has had serious Psychologically hurting implications. I am self medicating with alcohol on a constant basis and I am constantly thinking about going back to smoking methamphetamine's to loose weight.

I have survived through drug induced heart attacks(2) and I have also survived a shooting 1 bullet in my side and 2 in my stomach, and I dont think I have ever felt lower then I feel now. Lots of people know I had the LAP-BAND® and I am always the center of Jokes that I dont know how much more I can take.

Is their any RESTART that I could do? Like Open my band all the way and fast to shrink everything ? Like you would restart your computer when it is running slow. I also need a doctor Local to Los Angeles where I live. Who is caring and will help me. My doctor is about 3 hours from Los Angeles and its too much to go up their and even when I am up their he has little advice to give me.

PLEASE HELP.

Brian, Im sorry to hear your band troubles, I recently was banded on the 11th of Aug. and I used Top Surgeons, they have several offices in the LA area, Beverly Hills, West Hills, and Valencia. I was really happy with all the support I got pre, and post and still continue to receive from their amazing staff..

Best of luck and prayers to you Brian!

Brian, you sound so down, it makes me worried about you. This might be a little presumptuous, but have you considered a 12 step program? AA, NA, and OA all give wonderful support.

Brian, constant vomiting can be a sign of a slip. You should really see your surgeon and be evaluated.

As to the other issues, you should seek professional help. You know substance abuse is not the answer.

If you do have a band slip and it is minor, an unfill can help to let things go back to normal. Then refill to get restriction back. If it is a major slip, you will need more medical intervention.

I cannot stress to you enough to get in and see your surgeon to get your band evaluated. Constant vomiting is not good or normal.

Best wishes.

Hi Brian, Sorry you are having such a hard time. Please go to another Dr. on Monday!! Don't waste anytime. You have done the right thing by asking for advise, so that shows you are a strong person. YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS HUDDLE WITHOUT HELP FROM DRUGS OR ALCOHOL!! I am new, only been banded 6 weeks, so I can't help you with the right advise, but I do know you sholdn't be drinking alcohol, so please call a friend and don't isolate yourself. You WILL get thru this. Hang in there buddy. Junibug