I am six years post-surgery, 66 years old now, in overall good health, all labs etc still well within normal limits, good energy level. My problem is that after pre-lapband weight of 305, and 18-months out was down to 229 lbs. Since then I slowly went back to 260# and have been stuck there +/- 5 lbs for three years now.

MY problem is that I have a "small" band with 3 cc's in it, but any solids larger than a very small pea get stuck. Even shakes or smoothies that are too thick will get stuck... and sometimes come back up. It is very frustrating to be restricted to eating only solids that are nearly pureed. Another issue to whine about is that I have dentures, which never chew foods as well as REAL teeth did. What ends up happening is that at the end of the day I am HUNGRY, and wind up going to the kitchen for "slider" foods (ice cream, Oreos, etc) that sabotage my all-day good-boy efforts. I drink plenty of Water and healthy juices, and take my Vitamins and Protein supplements, etc.

I finally got so frustrated and grumpy a couple months ago (and i am never, EVER grumpy (really)) to the point that I was about ready to ask for the band to be removed, but a few lap-banded friends have suggested that I instead ask the surgeon (who is now an 8 hour drive away) to un-fill the band partially so I will have more flexibility to eat the healthy foods that I crave. I have lost all interest in crap like fast foods, burgers, pizza, etc., and I truly believe that between my own willpower and my wife's "supervision" I won't fall off the wagon if I am sated with normal, healthy "real" food.

I'm sure I'm by far not the only person who's been in this situation. Any suggestions? Thanks so much.

Edited July 7, 201610 yr by harmar

My opinion is it could not hurt to get some fluid out and let your band rest for a bit.

Mine gets plenty irritated and the only solution for me is to go down to a low level fill--- (I am at a 1 if that helps... I have been filled over 3 before... )But when I get stuck and irritated... My best option is to let it rest . The longer I have it, the better my eating is... Even with a small restriction.

Good luck on your journey.

This sounds just like me after 3 years of surgery. I feel that the healthy food I struggle to eat, hardly ever eat while fruit like I used to. Instead turn to sliders and eat ice cream, milk shake and chocolate.

I think I am going to have an unfollow so that I can tolerate these foods again.

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