I've just been reading the lapband complications forum and am completely freaked out. I'm now terrified that if I PB I'll get some horrible oesophagus diesease 2-3 years from now. So can I double check something: burping without bringing food back up is OK (i.e. gentle, non-reflux, non lesion inducing) but PB'ing is not so good (irritates the oesophagus and can create future problems). Are there any rule-of-thumb stats on safe levels of PB'ing?

Remember we're spread out over the entire country..actually the world. We have few people to talk with close to us that have had band experience. For some when things are going ok...nothing bad, nothing great...they don't post. But when something doesn't feel right...or when something wonderful happens...that is when they post.

Some people make a mountain out of a mole hill. Some have no tolerance for any discomfort. I have a friend that never has a headache...she always has a migraine. I used to have migraines...believe me I can look at her face and her activity level and know she is NOT having a migraine...she has a simple headache. Painful yes, migraine level pain...no. The doctor has given her migraine medication that she says doesn't work...guess what migraine meds don't work on other headaches. Same here different people have a different prespective on the severity of their problem. So take everything with a grain of salt.

Personally, I've slimed, I've pb'd, I've had some pain....and every time I can attribute it to something I HAVE DONE!! This isn't the case for everyone, there are some with problems...but those with real issues such as erosion or slipage are few.

Being banded was the absolute best thing I have ever done for myself....no matter what, even on my worst day...I haven't regretted it one minute.

Good Luck!!! If you are suseptible to other peoples complaints...stay away from those posts...

Thanks for all the terrific advice.

I tend to over-magnify things and lose perspective. So small issues become big problems and then I get mugged by my insecurities. Having the band is such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's forcing me to (i) acknowledge and then (ii) deal with all the lifestyle/personality/relationship/emotional stuff that made me fat in the first place.

It's not always easy, but then neither was being fat. The difference is I knew my boundaries as a fat person - I'm just learning what they are as a bandster.

I've only PB'd once so I wouldn't worry too much about it. You will know when to stop eating so you will not push yourself. Continued PBing is only when you push yourself. You will be fine.

I would suggest that you discuss the various complications with your surgeon and find out what is recommended to avoid them. PBing a few times is unlikely going to cause a disease of esophagus - that is caused by constantly irritating it by throwing up or "PBing" a lot. Your doctor tells you the "chew chew chew" to avoid this happening. The other thing to watch for is eating even one bite more when you are full. It may take a few PB's for you to recognize the "full indicator" for your body. For instance I hiccup! When this happens I now immediately stop eating - if there is food in my mouth I remove it rather than swallow it.

But of course your doctor is your best source of information. I think it is good to know about the complications but then be prepared by knowing how to avoid them if possible.

Lucy

You know, you could give some people a piece of cake and they would moan and groan that the icing was too sweet and the batter too lumpy. You, on the other hand, might find it just fine. That's life.

Do some people have complications with their bands? Of course. But the great majority of us are doing just fine. We're thrilled to have this 2nd chance at life.

One of the best things you can do is just relax. Read up on the band, but take most "instructions" with a grain of salt. I think there are several critical rules:

1. let your stomach heal after surgery for those 4-6 weeks. Don't worry about losing weight. Don't try solid foods. Let the band heal in place.

2. Eat small bites and chew thoroughly. Swallow small amounts.

3. Sip, don't gulp.

4. Relax when you eat. Don't rush.

You will find that different people can eat different things. Once you get your first fill, you can start trying different things and see what works and what doesn't. At first, I invariably ended up in the ladies room spitting up foamies (your body produces extra saliva and stomach fluids if you eat too much too fast). This was because I was unconsciously rushing myself to try to keep up with the rest of the group. Now I sip a glass of wine and eat a little, and take the rest home in a doggie bag, and have a delightful time.

I drink diet soda every day, but have trouble keeping shrimp and lobster down (they don't dissolve easily). I can eat spaghetti, no prob, but have trouble with the larger size ziti.

The most important thing to do is: work with your body and your band. Find out what you can tolerate and what you can't, and eat healthy foods, not junk. Keep your Protein intake up. Exercise. This is a lifestyle change, not a free pass. But I think you will be very happy with your band, overall. I know I am! And best wishes for a new future!

And I agree 100% with vlb11752. Some people magnify things all out of proportion. It's important to remember that hyping things up, magnifying problems and stress can cause your stomach and stoma to tighten up.

For me, if we start discussing politics at the dinner table I immediately start having problems, and end up in the bathroom. My stomach just cinches right up. So I know how the mind has a great effect on my body.

The more you worry, the more problems you may have. RELAX. Having an occassional PB or foamie is not going to cause you problems. The body is a remarkable instrument. And the band has been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Just.....relax.