I am asking this question because I am concerned about my SIL. She had Lap Band surgery a few years ago and has done well with her weight loss. The problem is that she told me over Thanksgiving that she sometimes goes as long as 6 days without being able to eat anything because something will get "stuck" and she just can't take in any food only liquids. She also vomits on a daily basis... so much that the enamel on her teeth is being to erode. She refers to her Lap Band as a medically induced eating disorder. She has some bad habits... too much alcohol and smoking. I am quite concerned about her. I encouraged her to go back to her surgeon because I don't believe it sounds right that she vomits so much and sometimes can't eat for days. She won't go because she is more than a year out from surgery at this point and has to pay in full for each visit. She simply refuses to pay the $ to go because she believes she is fine. Is this normal? How did any of you know if your band was causing erosion? I believe she is headed for trouble. Am I right or is this normal for a Lap Band patient?

I agree that she has to go back to her surgeon. After my lapband I did a lot of liquids and soft foods early as your stomach inside of the band gets irritated and swells making the hole that goes into your stomach even smaller. I did have my fair share of vomiting but it was more later on when things would get stuck and it would all come up. But after that I could eat most things again and not have to go back to liquids. She should go to the doctor as if she has been throwing up this much so early after surgery her band may have slipped and moved.....or she may need to have some of the water taken out of the band to make the opening larger until her stomach becomes less irritated. Either way get her back to her surgeon.

This is far from normal. First of all, she's not chewing her food enough - that's why things get stuck and she vomits. She doesn't seem to care because she's happy with her results. She may have a slip at this point and time because of all the vomiting. Worse yet, her band could be eroded. Either way, she needs to go back to her surgeon -

Yikes! Daily vomitting is not normal. Losing your teeth is a serious thing. She absolutely should get checked out and make sure everything is OK.

The problem is that you can't force someone to do something with their body that they dont want to do.

Good luck...

Tell your SIL that you are concerned for her health and ask her to go see her surgeon. It's not fun not eating for 6 days. If she refuses, then let her know that is her choice, but a foolish choice nonetheless. Keep reminding yourself that she will only go when she is ready for help. You are a very caring compassionate person. Do you have a Sleeve?