I didin't write the original post but your response really helped me has I'm waiting on my band to be placed on the 28th.  I was going through some issues with not being able to eat or enjoy food anymore and was just in a bad place.  I'm on my 3rd day of liquids and last night I got so hungry and had a really bad headache so I grabbed a hand full of nuts, chex mix and then topped it off with a pack of Lance Cracker.  I felt better but really guilty and started wondering is this how it will always be; me getting hungry because I feel as though I'm starving to death and then pigging out.  Well I know it really want be that bad because I will be able to eat....but it's sad when I think of some of the things I can't eat anymore if i'm going to keep the weight away....but I know that once I start losing the weight food will become less important because I will be focusing on getting healthier and slimmer.    It really helps to see someone that has had the band for a while and still approve of it.    Thanks

Kim, I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through so much due to your surgery.  Can you share just what has happened?  I'm trying to decide if I should do this and it would help me and others to know just exactly the complications that others have experienced. Thank you. Kathy (MN)

You have no idea how important your imput is to this site. We have very few,if any, vets that were in the trials! I'm going to send you a private message because I have concerns about my band.

Amy,      All I can say is BLESS YOU HEART !!!  I know how the Ulcer is.  My was caused because my OBGYN that delivered my daughter didn't pay attention to my Chart & prescribed my Naproxen (An Anti-inflamitory made with Ibuprofren) Go figure that one as soon as I found out what "Naproxen" was I stopped taking it but it was to late.  Just 2 days after I was released from the Hospital with my Daughter I was just over 1yr. post op mind you I was rushed to the ER in am Ambulance having lost over 75% of my Total Blood Volume between the C-Section & Now a Bleeding Ulcer. Dr. Bondari (Thank God for that man) The Gasterwhatever Doc. that did my Upper G.I. & Found the 2 **BRAND NEW** Ulcers as he stated Carterized the bleeding one IMMEDIATELY and after having recieved 5 Units of blood I was on my way to a Perfect recovery.  Every once in a while I hear from my Ulcers if I eat something that is a Spicy Hell No No other than that I am fine.  So I Thank GOD I haven't had the complications following that like you have.  My prayers are with you and I haven't any advice to offer other than stay strong don't give up on healing and don't give up on GOD.... *HUGZ* & Love...

I don't have any answers for you but I can relate my personal experience and struggle. I've not had WLS yet but about 2 yrs ago, I was on a liquid diet for 13 weeks.  I remember thinking around week 9 that I was going to go stir crazy.  I was bored and felt agitated because I missed food so much.  I cried to relieve the stress.  I realized then that controlling my relationship with food is worse than other addictions because those you can cut out completely, this one you have to learn to control.  I thought quitting smoking was hard (did that about 15 years ago).  Needless to say, I didn't learn to control my relationship with food and honestly, didn't spend the time I should have on it, which is why I'm revisiting this issue prior to having WLS.   When I did my psych evaluation for the surgery, I related the story to the therapist.  He suggested I begin behavior modification therapy and go an anti-depressant before surgery to deal with these issues post surgery.   I'm in the process of following his advice.  I'm going to join Overeaters Anonymous to help me with these issues and ask my PCP for an anti depressant.  It took me a while to admit I was this far gone but you know, having the courage to acknowledge it is the first step. Pat yourself on the back.  Your recognition of this issue will allow you to overcome it and not have the weight regain many WLS patients have later on.