Surgery date May 23, 2007 I am so losing steam...

Hello all fellow lap-banders..... I am in stuck a funk! I am craving food like crazy and angry that I can't eat it. I think I may need a reduction in my fill amount. The only things that go down and stay down are salads, oatmeal and stuff I am not supposed to eat - like candy and McFlurries, ice cream, etc. I just cannot get my mind in the right place. I have lost about 43 lbs and am happy about that, but just can't wrap my brain around sticking to the program. I am just angry. Unfortunately my husband likes to eat out a LOT - like several times a week. This would be easier if I was single I swear! I feel bad when he has to eat alone, so I order what I think i can eat and then I can't and leave most of it on the plate or go throw up when it gets stuck. Stupid, I know, but that the sorry truth. I NEED to get back on track. I am almost embarrassed to call my Doctor again and tell him I want some fluid removed. I have been up and down probably 4 times and I feel like an idiot. Is anyone else having such trouble getting the right fill amount? I feel like a pain to him, even though he doesn't make me feel like one - its just me. This whole lap-band thing is MUCH more difficult than I thought it was going to be. Anyone have those feelings? I am thrilled to be down the 40 something pounds, but should be down more. Help and encouragment please?????? I will appreciate all replies. Thanks, Beckie

Beckie, I had RNY not Lap-Band but what you are discribing sounds like you may need an unfill. I have several friends that are banded and one had trouble jsut as you described. she got a little taken out and then was much better!!! From what I understand it takes a while to fine that right "sweet spot". As for calling your doctor, yes, that is what you should do. I know it sometimes feels like you are bugging them , but honistly that is what they are there for. And until you have the band adjustment like you need it I am sure he will continue to be there for you. Sorry I am not more help! Maybe there is another May Lap-Band lurking out there that can give you more advice. Mine-call your doctor!

Hi Beckie-- I'm going to go with what Donna said....call your surgeon!! That IS what he is there for. Even if you feel like you're being a pain...I'm sure he'd rather you "bug" him with your concerns than to see you not succeed! This is all about success...and you need to find a place with your band that is comfortable for you. If all you can keep down are things you aren't supposed to eat.....then you probably need an adjustment. I, personally, had RNY...so I don't know your struggle with the band.........but I can relate to what you are saying about wanting to eat things that are bad for you--and getting upset when you can't. After all, our stomachs were operated on...not our heads! Sometimes our mind tells us we need something...and when we can't physically have it...and the other part of our mind is telling us we don't NEED it.......it can be a huge internal power struggle! Just keep in mind WHY you had this surgery in the first place............to get healthy, right? I'm not going to tell you that a McFlurry is going to kill you---we all know it won't. However, you can't let the McFlurry win! You have to fight the urge when it takes over...maybe even have just one or two bites if you can't fight the craving and get rid of it! Throw it away so you can't finish the thing. Keep your eye on the prize and you will get there! Good luck...........and welcome to the May board!! We're all happy to help if we can... =) Courtney