Been banded for over 3 yrs. lost 40-50 lbs in first yr. Been bouncing from 170-185 for the past two years. Last time I saw my doctor I had an unfill because of acid reflux. Anyway, I can eat whatever I want and a good amount of food. To tell you the truth I have considered having my band removed. If I'm not using my band why have it in me. I cant get it tightened and have no restriction. I dont know if I believe in the Lapband anymore. Not sure what t o do.

Heidi I'm in the same position as you, I had to be completely unfilled due to what my dr. thinks was reflux (even though it didn't feel like it to me, but whatever...). I do notice that although I don't have the restriction I once did, the band is still doing its job. I am not hungry after just a few bites. It's just that I don't bother to stop eating at that point. I have been stuck in the 190's since September, WAY before I was unfilled. I think it is 100% due to not listening to my body's cues to stop eating, and sometimes eating the wrong things. I exercise but am not taking enough responsibility for what (or how much) I eat.

hi dk, I know what you mean. i pick the wrong foods. i am hungry a lot though. seeing my doc tomorrow. we'll see. i am very depressed about not being abl eto lose more weight. I know 95% of it is in my head......which sucks!

I don't understand? I had reflux before band I still take nexium Don't have problem unless I forget to take pill. Cannt you take any reflux mess?

I looked this up it sounds like a slipped band. The deflati for a few weeks for mild cases to resolve its self. Hope you have mild case and can start fills again.

UPDATE- I just got back from seeing Doc. I was up 6lbs from a yr ago (she was fine with that). I told her I was not happy with the weightloss for past 2 yrs. I told her I know a lot of it is because of bad choices on my end. They gave me a fill. 1/2 of what they took out last time. I will be on liquids for 48 hrs. lol! Lets see how that goes (god help the hubby and kids) Anyway, doc said i have pretty much lost most of the weight they thought the band would help me lose. Sounds like I am on my own pretty much now. I still need to lose about 40 more pounds!!! AGAGAGGAG! I mean I should have less hunger now with a fill nad have to eat slower. I just need to stay away from BAD foods!!! So, I guess the band is not my magic pill I still have to work! I am very frustrated going up and down with weight,. They recommended weight watchers.

woooo now i'm fulll! Sometimes it takes a few days after a fill for me to feel it.

I sure hope this one works for you Heidi. My surgeon says the band is not your autopilot.

Fingers crossed for you!

Cocoa, thanks...me too. I know it has alot to do with me. I have been battling myself for a long time. Last night I had a hard time not eating the wrong food. I deffenitly cant eat as much as much i could b4 this fill. i gotta hang in there.

It is really a shame they cannot band our brains, eh? I am still drawn to junk, but I try hard to make better selections. When you choose solid Proteins over sliders that go down so easily, you'll consume fewer calories and be satisfied longer.

When I am satisfied it helps me to not be drawn to the junk for grazing purposes. When I start to think I want food I ask myself if I would eat a can of green Beans. If the answer is no, I want chips....then I am most likely not hungry. That really helps me determine real hunger.

yeah i get what your saying. I am a little worried because I am gettin gthe tightness in the throat again (acid reflux) meaning that I am probably too tight again. I am not in pain , but the doc told me to let them know if i have reflux issues again. I'm going to try to stick it out for a while but we"ll see. I know I need to stay hydrated because that adds to the throat tightness.

Different people have different effects from the band, it works for some and doesn't for others, it is a tool not a cure all, you have to have the mind set as well that you are determinded to lose and eat the right foods and amounts whether the band is filled or not. I have lost 220 lbs since i was banded almost 4 years ago, I have 10 lbs to go, I have never had a gain but i have been at a standstill or very slow losing process, has it been easy heck no. there are days i feel hungry but just have the mind set not to go grazing and find something to do to keep my mind off it. or drink some water to fill myself up. the band is there to help you and the rest is up to you and how much you want to get to where you want to be. You can do it...I know you can...

thats my problem...I dont have the right mind set. Congrats to you that is a huge weight loss!

took some zantac 75 & I am drinking my water. I feel better ...tightness is less now. I just will have to keep taking reflux meds and drink drink drink.