Well it has been years since I have been on the board but I decided I needed to start reutilizing my band. Before I was just doing it on my own and yo-yo dietiing. Suddenly I realize that I have this tool and I might as well use it. However, I have a few problems maybe you guys can help me with.

1. Eating out with friends and family is a big deal to me. Not everyone knows i'm banded. How do I go out to eat and eat a significantly smaller portion size without people being curious?

2. Anyone pregnant with the band. Does the band show on an ultrasound? Did your port stick out? I am not pregnant yet, I want to get back down to my goal weight and be healthy before I do. How will the band effect my future pregnancy? Will my obgyn need to know? How will the band come into play (other than making sure hte baby gets enough nutrition)

1) If people are going to be curious, they're going to be curious. There's nothing you can do about it. The only thing you have control over is how you handle their curiosity. If they ask I would just say, "I'm really not all that hungry."

2) Since my "baby" was 17 when I was banded I can't really comment on pregnancy and lapband, but as a medical professional I can say that ABSOLUTELY your ob/gyn should know about your lapband. In fact all of your doctors should know about the treatment you're receiving from all of your other doctors. When you go to a doctor they always ask for your health history and any surgeries you have had.