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I just got banded yesterday (12/14/11) Found out I had TWO hernia's. I knew about one but not the other. I'm so glad they fixed both of them! My doctor (Dr. Watkins) was wonderful! He is so funny and I heard he sings country music during his surgeries. He told me that he really loves his job and you can just tell. I'm so happy w/ him and the staff at West Chesters "University Point hospital" - I'm feeling a lot of pain in my left shoulder and just a little where the cuts where made. Not sure what my weight is since I don't have a working scale but when I was weighed in last, I was down another 3 pounds so that from 17 pounds lost total! God is good!!

I'm still new...just got my first fill. I have not PBed yet..ever, but I definetly got stuck this morning....it was Peanut Butter toast, which I was able to eat fine before my fill. It was so painful...my eyes started watering, it hurt to inhale...etc...I just wanted it to come up or go down! What have you done to imediately relieve the stuck feeling? If you PB, how do you do it?

Wow, your plate has been full! I started the process last April. I approached my insurance company and they said I had to go through 12 months of weight loss counseling. So twice a month I talk to a lady on the phone. I will be released by May 2, 2012 and I'm trying to schedule my surgery for July as that is the only time I can take off a couple of weeks (I work for a university and the faculty are gone at that time). I'm wondering if you could just show up to the Dr.'s office and say that you will wait for the paperwork you need explaining that you only have a few weeks left in this year (for what it's worth). I have also faced negativity when telling friends. It's almost like they are jealous but some just don't understand how I've lived for the past 25 years. I've decided not to tell anyone else! I will pray for you and follow your posts to check in on you. The people on this site really do care about each other. God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

So, I have to admit... this pre-op diet has been quite difficult.... I think I slightly underestimated the hold that my FRENEMY food had on my life.. In fact, I should call it my food master!!! I've always been the type to not want anything, it if I couldn't have what I wanted... so, day 1 was SOOOO hard!! I wanted eggs, I wanted rice, I wanted cheez-its!! I had to tell myself, NO, NO, NO!!!!! It worked until 8ish and I was desperate to chew... I got over it!!! I'm learning that there will be lots of times when I will just have to GET OVER IT!!! These few days have taught me some very valuable lessons: I can't expect to just WAKE up and be a healthy person mind, body and soul.. All of it takes working through some difficult things and training myself to gravitate towards a new normal. Some of my journey must be private and/or only shared with a very select group of people. I have no room for constant negativity... the "old" me is constantly looking for an ally.. so, I refuse to give "her" one.. I must be diligent about ensuring that my head and heart are aligned when embarking on this life altering event... (I have, but it's still not a cake walk!)

I don't think there's much to be nervious about, you just lie down and wake up in recovery. If you're lucky and stay overnight, you'll go home and that's where the real work begins. Don't forget your slippers andPJs, you know about those hospital gowns. You should have a list of stuff to have at home before you go, sugar free stuff and chewable vitamins. If you're not now, you'll become a walker, miles and miles of walking for the first 6 weeks. I hope you have an easy time of it and best of luck.

A good time is coming, I wish it were here, The very best time in many a year; I'm counting each day on my fingers and thumbs 2 weeks of milkshakes and one cup of hot broth. I finally get weighed for the scary pre-op, But the nurses all smile and write on my chart, I'll not mind the pain, even if my tummy still growls For it brings the time nearer when MY band will be on. Better than cookies with tinsel and glimmer My Christmas cheer, will come -when I see I am thinner!

I am almost 6 months out and still do not have a fill. I also can eat whatever I want, but I choose not to. I am down almost 90 pounds and have not one cc in my band. If you are losing, no need to get a fill. I go to my surgeon every 2 months, but each time they tell me that if I want a fill to just give them a call. I am happy right now without it and I am dropping pounds, so until I start gaining or am hungry in between meals, I will stick with no fluid!

I understand that everyone's journey is different, but I have been banded since October 2009 and have had only 2 fills. One in November 2009 and one in January 2010. There is only 3.5 cc in my band. I have lost 152 pounds with 10 pounds to go to reach my goal. I still have very good restriction. I think that if you go to your doctor regularly and follow a plan that is good for you, don't worry everything will be fine.

thank you all for the kind words I hit 'onederland' today yayyyyyyyyy !

Hi! My Dr is in Chicago at Mercy Hospital. His name is Dr. Lutfi. He accepts medical card but Im not sure how they deal with people who are already banded. I would contact Mercy Hospitals Bariatric Center and ask them any questions you may have. Good luck!