How do I make my lap band work again ??

I had lap band surgery in 2008. I did great until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2009. I had the normal eating issues during chemo that you hear about. I was put on steroids for allergy issues.  Any way  I gained weight in the months following chemo.  I am still not back to my pre surgery weight but I getting close. I do feel some restriction when I eat, so I think the band is still in place and working. I have called my dr and left messages, to no avail.  So, my questions is: what do I do to make this thing work for me again. I don't have any of my literature from surgery Ie: pre surgery diet, after surgery diet etc.  Please help me .....

I do not have a lap band and you may want to post this in the lap band board for better answers. I just wanted to say you may need to see another surgeon if this one will not get back to you. They are the ones who can help you the most. Have you thought about a revision?

Maybe you need a fill.  I"d make an appt with a bariatric surgeon.

I'm sorry to hear about the breast cancer. I hope you're on your way to being well after chemo?

I also gained a considerable amount of weight while on steroids (after hysterectomy.) I had already had my band removed at that point, however. 

Your first step will be to find a doctor who will check you over to make sure your band is okay. Then, if all is good, you'll most likely want to get the band filled to a point where you can comfortably eat (no sliming, choking, etc.) It may take a few tries... sometimes inflammation will occur and the band will become too tight. You want to avoid that happening.

Also consider finding a support group in your area that you can rely on. It helps to learn from others what works and what doesn't. 

There is a lot of information online that you can access, as well. It's okay that you don't have the literature from surgery. It's all accessible on the internet. Just Google pre surgery diet- Lap Band and you should have all the info you need.

Best of luck to you. I hope things go well! 

First things first - see a bariatric surgeon!!!  

If you have other bariatric surgeons in your area, switch doctors.  You need to talk to a bariatric surgeon to make sure everything is working as it should.  

Check out the Lap Band message board too.

First thing is to get the fill level right. And for that you need to find a surgeon/hospital.  Then you can go back to band basics - protein first, then veggies, then carbs if room. 

Giad your breast cancer issues have been dealt with. 

I was waiting for you since I figured you would have some good information.

Your band is still working, trust me.  I would leave that doctor in the dust and find another bariatric surgeon who WILL help you.

Even after my band was removed last July, there are times when it still seems like I have it because, if I eat too much, I feel it tightening up around my stomach.  Most probably because my stomach has somewhat retained that banded effect.  But, if I eat too fast, I still get the bad hiccups.  It took me 2 months before I could get my vitamins (horse pill size) down my esophagus so I had to cut them into tiny pieces (yes, after the bad removal).  I now only have to cut them in half.

Get the new doc and see what you can do.  Probably a small fill at first and back to the basics.  Good luck and god has blessed you.