Well I was banded back in March of 2008. Lost about 20 lbs before on my own . You know the liquid diet. So i got banded had alot of issues and no communication with my doc until 2 weeks after surgery. I had problems after the surgery, my dr wouldnt even see me as she told me to go to the emergency room if I need to be seen. I was in such pain for almost a month so badly I slept on the couch and was on double strenght percs which I had to wean myself off of. Yes I am rambling now. So I got my first fill 6 weeks after surgery and it was like only 1.4 cc. I think . Then had to wait another 6 weeks even though I felt nothing. So each time I went back a pound or so lost ..And slowly giving me a little at a time for the fills. Last time I went it I was kinda depressed as I feel I have done all the work on my own. Yes I was told this is a tool and only a tool but shouldnt the tool have worked by now. Its really odd cause as of last year my insurance changed and now she has me coming in every month. And sometimes she is like oh I dont think you need a fill you are not working hard enough at it. I feel like saying I didnt go through hell for me to just give up> I joined a gym and eat healthy I try . But like us all if diet worked for us we wouldnt have had to go through this surgery. She really botherd me as she said oh you got to think if you are sneaking m and ms in the bedroom or eating grinders. I dotn even do that so why does she sterio type me. I am at I think around 5 cc in my band. The last fill was about 1 1/2 month ago, I had to cancel out my month fill as my copay is 40 and she may not give me another fill and just to say hi its not worth it.

This is my problem and questions I have.

Is my band really working for me...Is it right that I only feel it with chicken ,pork ,and bread. And when I do feel it its lots or pressure nto a fullness. And I do not stay not hungry. Like I can get tightness then in half hour hungry again> Not as though I eat again but dam its a fight.

When I got my last fill that day I can barely get anything down but now its just like normal. Yes I get kids meals when I go out to eat.

I feel i am fighting this all times. I am doing most of the work still struggling with it. I try the protein and still feel unsatisfied. Trust me I have my cheat days but mayeb a 100 calorie pack or 2 and feel guilty for it.

I wonder if my band is correct still on my stomach . Maybe the pouch is not small enough. I had a hernia too and she was going to repair it but when she got in there she said it was not big and would be ok. Its like you were right there why didnt you fix it

I was thinking to get another opinion on my band,I know 2 other people that got it done through her and same thing happend. With them , They say she dont like giving fills and their weight loss to has been not good. I just dont know what to do. I have lost about 45 lbs but its a loosing battle at this point and I dont want to give up but its hard. Thank you any advice would be great.

Well first of all you have lost 45 pounds. That is great. It has not been easy but you did it. That said, it sounds like you are getting close to your "sweet spot" but not there yet. Is there another dr affiliated with your dr so maybe you could see that dr instead of the one you are seeing now? Your current doc doesn't sound like she is trying to work with you. Have you told her how you feel? It may not change anything but it couldn't hurt. I can only say that you may have to really speak up for yourself. If she says things about you sneaking m&m's that is a real insult and I would tell her so. If you get a fill and within 2 weeks you still fill nothing call her up and tell her that it isn't working. Ask her what she suggests. I know how hard it is to stand up for yourself cos a lot of us overweight girls just have that problem. But you are a new you now. If you don't speak up and try to get some satisfaction she probably will continue to treat you the same way. Also, I have found what I eat makes a big difference in how long I can go without being hungry. I try to eat foods that "stick" with me for a while. I really like diced chicken breast with a little mayo and just about a half an ounce of fat free refried beans. I can go for hours and I haven't eaten 300 calories! I have hunted around on the internet and on this site too for food ideas. Also, is there a nutritionist affiliated with your dr who can give you an idea of what may help as far as foods that keep you full longer? I am just trying to think of things that will help you. So many people have helped me in the 7 months since I've had lap band, I want to help now too. Let me know if there is any thing else I can do to help. You are not alone. Hang in there. I will keep my eye out for your postings and try to help. Pam