I had the surgery a few years ago, with several complications. I finally have resolved the problems, by being unfilled for a number of months so my gastritis could heal and I would stop regurgitating everything I ate. I was really miserable, and couldn't believe I spent 2 years vomiting at least 2x a day!

The relief of not vomiting soon subsided, when I realized I gained about 40 points in these last few months. I went in for my first fill this week- with trepidation. I honestly wasn't sure if I was filled, if I would be able to do it. My eating has been "normal" meaning I can eat a whole plate at a restaurant or eat 3-4 regular meals a day. My doctor gave me Phentermine so that I can re-adjust. I had a lot of problems with "working around the band" even when I was filled. I was holding steady, but not losing when it was tight.

Has anyone else done the Rx along with the band? My doctor said they do it all the time. I honestly didn't even know people were given pills anymore! I was pretty shocked.

Needless to say, this is honestly the first time I have been filled since maybe my first two fills when I was actually able to stick to liquids for all three days. Before I would feel so hungry and end up eating soft foods (often bad ones like mashed potatoes) in order to feel satisfied.

I'm excited that tomorrow I can start solid foods again, and see how my band feels and my appetite is.

Any tips or suggestions? So far I feel really good, have good energy (but no insomnia) and have had almost NO desire to eat. I even made Halloween cupcakes and didn't even sample the frosting, and stayed away from all the chocolate at work this week.

Oh, and sadly, the ticker at the bottom is SO off! I only wish I was still 193! I weighed in at 243 at the doctor's office this week- so I have gained back almost all my weight.

Phen gave me a heart murmur... not worth it to me.

okay I am confused here.. so you have a band but you're taking appetite supressors? Why did you get the band then if you could stay on diet pills and lose? I don't think chemicals will solve your problem.. If you have the band and it's adjusted correctly you should not need to take drugs.. I got the band so I would never have to take anything like that.. I went to a Dr. who prescribed the topomax, combo stuff and I thought I would jump out of my skin.. it was horrible. my regular Dr. had a fit when I heard about it.. too many dangerous side effects for me.. but, hey I'm just working my band and doing fine.. I refuse to go back to diet pills, diaretics, nutrisystem, jenny craig, hcg any of that ever again.