Question:
What if accidently messed up and now wonder if your band is really working?

I am in my 3rd week postop. Has anyone out there accidently ate the wrong food at this stage and wonder if you have messed up your band because of it? How could one tell if there band wasn't working? I sure cant tell my band is even there because I didn't feel a thing when I messed up. Please don't get mad as I know I was stupid. :-/    — Eileenr (posted on July 24, 2006)

July 24, 2006
Good question. I do not think you messed up your band as it is not filled yet. You will not get your first fill until your 6 week check up. The area around your band is swollen after surgery and this is why they leave it emtpy for 6 weeks to let it heal. I am sure you are fine, I too worried about this, but all was well. Good luck to you and please feel free to ask me any questions. Diane P.
   — noboat4u

July 24, 2006
Yup, ditto what Diane said. It'd be hard to find somebody who hasn't done that. Don't panic; I doubt you did any permanent damage unless you really went buck-wild. Just try to stay on the straight-and-narrow from now on, and it will get easier once you get restriction. Promise.
   — Jeanie

July 25, 2006
Don't beat yourself up; just go back to the diet you are supposed to follow. You are paying the doctor good money for his advice, so you should follow it, don't you think? You are still human, so you will have an occasional lapse.
   — Novashannon

July 25, 2006
Leenie...I hear ya! I am 2 weeks post up band surgery. About 1 week a go I posted a similar question. I, the idiotI am, ate a bit of bread ( I know) and had a horrific pain in my upper chest for about 5 seconds. I swore I tore a stitch or something. I go to see the doctor for my first visit since surgery on Fri. I prayed that I didn't do anything stupid to myself either. I will pray for you as well. Let's just be smart adn do what we are told.....:}
   — LeighMcCall

July 27, 2006
I would not worry too much :) Some people heal sooner after surgery. I am 2 1/2 months post-op. I too worried about my band ripping from my stomach or moving on its own. However, my doctor assured me that I would have to be really pushing my boundaries to tear it just by eating something. Of course, you don't want to be eating a boca burger or doing sit-ups at this point! If you felt pain, that was your band's way of telling you to chew better or take smaller bites. You might feel as though your chest is going to explode....that is a bite of food sticking. It is a good indicator that you need to chew more and take smaller bites. If you are having these problems, you may need to take a step back in your diet. Perhaps your band is not ready to move on to the next stage of food. My doctor told me that a good way to guage oneself is to not take bites larger than dime-nickel size. Also, your body will let you know the foods you can tolerate. Bread is one of those foods that not too many lap-band patients can ever tolerate again. One other thing.... walking is excellent for you and will help in your digestion. Hope this helps. Anna Fort Worth, TX
   — ahluchtman