So, I am going on a cruise March 22, and I am so excited.
My question is this, I am currently at 8cc's and at good restriction. This is what I have been looking for all my life! Ha
At the clinic where I receive my fills, it was suggested to get an unfil before the cruise, and then a fill when I come back. The reason being, I dont want to be in the middle of the ocean, or in another country, and get something stuck. I totally understand this. Additionally, I would like to enjoy eating yummy steak and lobster while I am there. So, we scheduled an unfil for March 19th. My thing is this, I am not able to get in for a fill until April 14th!!! Almost a month with minimal to no restriction! I am soooooooo scared. My head knows that the unfil is the right thing, I certainly dont want an emergency situation while on the cruise, but I have this irrational fear that I will gain ALL FIFTY POUNDS BACK!!!

I would just like to hear everyone's opinion. What do you think?

P.S. Be honest, would you want to go on a cruise and have a difficult time eating?
BTW, I will be unfilled to 5cc's, not to Zero.

re: "I would like to enjoy eating yummy steak and lobster while I am there."

This is a gamer approach....you can eat while banded....and not be hungry.

If you want to be able to overeat....that's another thing...

Per your request....."My opinion"....

NOTHING tastes as good as being thin feels....

my opinion is, that you got your band to help you loose weight, controll your intake and be conciously aware of what you consume. You have already proven to yourself, that you can and are successful with your lap band. I cant imagine for a minute that you would want to loosen your band just for a cruise!!! If your focus is on the food, instead of the beautiful atmosphere, all the fun activities, the scenery, and the sun, then i think you have failed to learn anything so far about eating, and yourself . If you are thinking of the steak and lobster (that you can STILL eat, only in moderation ) and not on yourself...you have missed the point of your surgery. If you havent gotten stuck so far and have been reasonably successful , why worry about getting stuck while cruising? Also all cruise ships have excellent medical care. You are already a success story, down 58 pounds. Bite the bullet, and go on your cruise, and take your filled lap band with you!!!! focus on other things besides food....it is the issue of your new life, throw your old way of thinking away once and for all!
happy crusing, and take good care!!!

ParaGirl
If it was me, I probably would not get an unfill. I don't usually get stuck anyway and I would be sooo worried about gaining weight back. You can still enjoy the food, just in moderation. Cruise ships are all about food and have many varieties, just eat tiny portions of whatever you want.

Are you prone to getting food stuck?

My opinion...your cruise lasts for a week (at most), your life much longer. I wouldn't get that unfill. I was totally unfilled for 42 days in November and it was hell. I managed to lose 10 pounds but that was because of serious will power and staying away from anything that could deter my weightloss. You are putting yourself in the middle of a feast and even the most steadfast person would be tempted. At least the band won't let you go too far overboard. Again my opinion...but you asked for it! Plus for a lot of people it takes a lot of work to get to their sweet spot, so my saying would be...if it is not broke, don't fix it.

I am going to Thailand at the end of this month, so I too asked my Doc and suggested an unfil might be a good idea - just to play it safe. I have 6cc in a 10cc band.

He said, no, he preferred to leave well enough alone, and in his experience was that it caused problems further down the track.

Enjoy your Cruise

HTH

dont get the unfill. you can still eat on the cruise, but not in unlimited portions. just eat till you are full and chew well. are you realy going on the cruise to gorge yourself (as many ppl do!) or are you going to have a good time and see new sights with loved ones and friends? just go, order things like steak and lobster, chew well and don't go for an all you can eat buffet on the water.

After the first couple of responses, I felt a little snippy- feeling a bit judged and all. However, being that I am a grown up, I chose to wait a few days and really think on the subject and I realize that you all are here to support me and offer advice that you would want to be given, had you asked the same question.
Ive come to the conclusion that I will not get the unfil. Everyone here had valid comments and did a great job influencing me, and I also realized that I have only PB'd maybe 3 times in 5 months, and have never gotten stuck. I am pretty good at judging what I should eat, how much and how slowly.
I appreciate everyone's comments here and know that your intent is for my benefit, not to judge me or look down upon me in disdain.
I still have "fat girl" syndrome sometimes, (at least that is what i call it) where I feel self conscious and looked down upon for being overweight, or not good enough.
Thank you for your opinions and comments. It has led me to the right desicion.

That is the decision I would make. I wouldn't get an unfil for vacation either. Good choice.

I think you made the right decision too! Since you are pretty good at judging your limits, I think you'll be fine. Just be careful. I hope you have a fabulous time on your cruise. I'm soooo jealous, I've never been on a cruise and I would love to go on one! Maybe all the Bagnato Bandits could go on a cruise together one day, lol. That would be really fun! Anyway, have a great time on your cruise!

That is what got us to be over weight in the first place. Is it really worth it to you? I think you need to answer that yourself. Good Luck