I have been banded about 2yrs. At each fill never felt restriction really until the last fill. Then occasionally after that, very occasionally if I ate too fast I had terrible pressure as if my esophagus (area) was going to explode. Gross part*** sorry, there would be much saliva to have to spit out. Only twice with food returning, other times just the huge pressure like the largest gas bubble in the world in me.

Now we have different insurance and it does not pay for lap band ANYTHING. I am already in debt due to a lumpectomy during a "no insurance" time and money is very very tight with other bills other medical as well. H does not support lap band process, thinks it has been a failure, I have been a failure and I know he is disappointed in the lack of result.

When last fill occurred MD withdrew Fluid before putting in more so band must be in correct position and ok, right?I believe I was at 8.?? full. He told me then no more fills, acting very annoyed and borderline angry. Definitely not supportive. I left feeling very very humiliated.

So now no insurance, MD that did procedure seems to thrive on the successes (understandably) but where does that leave the failures? The social worker of the program was very supportive and helped me by keeping e-mail tabs every so often. I re-visited dietician (my cost) at her suggestion and learned my Protein intake way way to low so I have tried to improve intake and have pro drink for Breakfast. I cannot get breakfast down at 6,7 or 8 am I am up around 4:30- 5 ish. Can drink a pro drink though. Dietician said better than nothing and increases protein.

**

I rarely post here, once I saw someone admit to slipping, and having a hard time and person was flamed and judged so harshly I chose never to write here. I feel in a quandry though and just do not know what to do and I am risking. I know I am asking what would you do, but please ahead of time, I beat myself up enough. I really would feel awful (more so than normal) if I get a lot of judgemental, mean spirited, harsh not helpful comments.

I do exercise what I can, I fell 2yrs. ago and really hurt one and cut the other kneecap to the bone needing stitches in and out, never went to PT (cost) So now they are very painful, car accidents hit from behind (not my fault they put up a stop sign and I stopped, ditto for the green light that turned red. My back really hurts and neck. I am in PT now (insur.pays) for my back very helpful.

Why is it that it does not seem to work for some people?

I am truly looking for helpful feedback. I am 51 y.o.and feel 97.

5'4 and still in the 200's where I started. I lost initially for a few months

Well here goes and I will be off and send this in good faith that maybe there is someone out there that may have/had similar experience or give an opinion.

Thank you so much,

forreste

Just don't give up and don't look for the band to do all the work, it's a tool to help you. It's easy to get discouraged, but you have to help your band-help you.

I have not lost any weight in over a year, but I'm ok with that, because I haven't gained, but I try to remember to eat Protein first. I know what my problem is and that is that I don't exercise, no one to blame, but me.

Start over, it's not too late, you still have the band, take a deep breath and take it a day at a time.

It's NOT too late!

Hugs

forreste,

It's amazing how our body can fight the weight loss. It is so true how we can learn to trick the band and eat around it. It's so important to recognize this so you don't develop a complication and loose your band altogether. I have to always keep this in the front of my mind. I've had two semi slips requiring unfills. Each time I swear I'll behave if I can keep my band, but you get comfortable.

My advice is to listen to the dietician(as hard as that can be sometimes). Eat a lot of small, high protien meals. Be mindful when eating. When ever I go back to basics I loose weight period. It is only a matter of how long I can stick with it.

Best of luck to you.

MikeC