Alexandra

Newlapper, the last couple of days it definitely seems like it's been taking more to fill me up. But when I look at it objectively, the amount I'm eating is still just a fraction of what I used to eat, so the band is doing its job, and well. As far as the weight loss goes, I'm still stalled at this point and have been for about a month. But I know, too, that I haven't been exercising and have been indulging way too much in simple carbs. All of these other factors come into play and they're within my own control when I decide to take control again. So it's definitely NOT the band's fault that I'm not losing weight at the moment. It IS the band's existence, in fact, that is preventing me from gaining. Thank goodness.

Good luck, Donali!! Here's wishing that everything works out beautifully for you and you're back with us before we have time to miss you.

Hope you're sleeping tight this morning, DeLarla! Just want to say HI and welcome back. My fingers are crossed that you are back to 100% before you know it!! :)

Hope you're sleeping tight this morning, DeLarla! Just want to say HI and welcome back. My fingers are crossed that you are back to 100% before you know it!! :)

Hi Connie, Welcome and congratulations on your banding! The good news is that fills do not hurt at all, though there have been stories of inexperienced doctors or technicians having a hard time here and there. From what I hear, most doctors do numb the area before inserting the needle. I know mine does, and I can't feel the needle at all. I am also happy to say that I can't even see the needle, since I'm lying down and it's easy to avert my eyes. Seeing it would make the whole experience way worse, IMO. Once the needle is in, the process takes only a few minutes. You'll be glad to have the fluoroscope to reassure yourself that everything is in place, and it's really cool to see the difference your band makes in how liquid goes down. Quite an education! Good luck, and let us know how it goes! :)

I have the 9.75 cm Inamed band, and I understand it holds something over 4 ccs of Fluid. I don't know how much is in my band now, and I know that even a fraction of a cc can make a big difference. I asked the doctor if by "the razor's edge" he meant that I could never have another fill. The answer to that question was no, there's always room for more adjustment. What he meant was that at the very moment he did the fill it looked as though the stoma was small enough that going any further could create complications. But as time goes by things will change internally, and there could be room for more fluid down the line. My last fill was also very tight at the doctor's office, but three months later the restriction was hardly noticeable. As I say, it's a mystery.

It's really all a mystery, how this works for different people. I just had my third fill, and my doctor told me at the time that I was at "the razor's edge" and any more fill would be risky. I walked out of there feeling nervous, but ready to handle a fill that was on the border of being too tight. A week later I feel WIDE OPEN! It's frustrating, and I really wonder what happened to that razor's edge. Sigh... Maybe it will come back.

I'm so glad you two were able to get together. Wish I could have been there, or at least been a fly on the wall. I'll bet there was a lot of laughing, hmmm? Thanks for the update, Donali! DeLarla, we can't wait to hear from you, too!

Thanks for taking the time to do this, Donali! I think this is SO important to shine a light on. People are being told every day that all WLS surgeries are the same, and we all know that's not true. Please let us know what Dr. Lopez says when you bring this to his attention. I'm very curious to know!

Donali, I think that last post deserves its own thread. I can't believe you got a brochure from Dr. Lopez that spreads all that misinformation! Considering how many people might see that brochure, would you start a new thread with your observations on it? Thanks!

I totally know what you mean, Bright. In my line of work there is a lot of shmoozing at industry functions, and I'm always hearing the "day after" stories. Everyone thinks these stories are so funny, and even laugh about their own antics at this or that convention. But I find the whole thing utterly distasteful, and it really makes me uncomfortable. Part of me wishes I didn't feel this way--they do seem to be having fun, and a lot of bonding goes on at those functions, which can really help in business. But then I remember the evil effects alcohol had in my life and I'm thankful to be rid of it. I'm thankful I was able to stop my own over-drinking before having serious problems, and thankful that my children will grow up in a household uncorrupted by alcohol. It's a better life without booze.

Oh, Penni, what a relief! And let me say too that it's wonderful to see someone handle such an upsetting situation with so much sense and grit. I'm not at all sure I'd have been able to do the same faced with similar circumstances. Now you go home and heal up, ma'am. Thank you so much for the update! :(

Um, Janie, have you checked your own message here? I don't see anything at all about "not losing" in this phrase!! You've lost almost 4 lbs a week in the last 6 weeks!!!!! This is amazing progress, and no, of course it can't be sustained at that rate. Shelly is absolutely right, you are doing everything perfectly and should NOT worry about the scale on a daily basis. You may indeed gain some weight back before your first fill, and that is nothing to worry about. YOU'RE DOING GREAT!!! :(

Michele, you and I have a LOT in common. My first marriage was an exercise in co-dependency, something I was really good at as the daughter of an alcoholic. When I was 30 I walked out and it was the single best thing I could have done for myself and my future. I'd be happy to commiserate with you in private if you need any support. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. You are a stong, strong woman and deserve to take steps for your happiness. You owe him nothing and yourself everything. Lots of cyber-hugs from me to you, sweetie. It's a tough road but one you'll be glad you traveled someday.

Hi Bailey, Hunger is a GOOD sign! Your body is healing up nicely and your regular bodily processes are back in gear. That's good news! So now your task is to satisfy the hunger while following your doctor's instructions as to what you can eat. Protein is the key to satisfying your hunger and staying satisfied longer. Look for Soups with high protein contents, like egg drop Soup or bean soups that you can whirl in a blender for a bit. If you're on to mushy foods, chili or refried Beans are the best for stick-to-your-ribs staying power. And a good Protein shake should fill you up and keep you full for a while too. You're movin' on, girl!

Lois, I agree absolutely with Donali. The band can absolutely work its magic on larger people, and I'd think even more so now that there is a new larger version available in the States. Banding is perfect for people like you (and me) whose main problem is portion control. It's absolutely amazing to have a tool that lets me know when enough is enough, and I trust it to make decisions I have heretofore been incapable of making on my own. Good luck and don't let anyone tell you you're too big!

Good luck indeed to our infirm bandster buddies!! Fingers crossed and good healing vibes coming your way. NO MORE SURGICAL SNAFUS!!!

Hi Pamie Jo! Welcome to the site. Nice to have another Amazon among the ranks! How tall are you? I'm starting to feel outnumbered with all the Left Coasters coming here. Gotta start recruiting among Garden Staters. Mary Beth? Pam? Gaynel? Where are y'all??? :D

Hi Karen, Welcome! Can't say I know anything about Arkansas or Arkadelphia, but we're glad you're here anyway. Arkadelphia...I love that word!

I'm a Nor'Easter, originally from NYC (a native Manhattanite, really!) and now living in the Garden State. Michael and I just celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary, and we have two wonderful daughters, ages 3 and almost-6. I was banded last summer after realizing that my weight endangered my children, and have so far lost 52 lbs on three fills. Being banded has changed my life infinitely for the better, in that it has improved my present and VASTLY improved my future. I've had no complications of any kind (knock wood) and would do it again in the flutter of an eyelash. Donali, my bro lives in Santee. When I go out to see him next we'll have to have a major league BASH!! :(

Lisa, I just have to say how in awe I am of your spirit and fortitude in the face of these travails. A lesser woman would have keeled over by now, and you're still being funny!! I think I love you. Can you come to my house next? Seriously, you are really inspiring, you and Penni both. I have all my digits crossed that your repairs will go smoothly and you'll be back to worrying about bra sizes instead of leaking wounds.

Hey Bailey, glad you're back and posting!! Take care of yourself and heal quickly. Welcome to Bandland!!! :(

OK, I figure it's time for me to show more than my tiny little face over there since everyone else has been so brave. I don't really think I look a whole lot different, and neither is a good picture to begin with. You'll just have to trust me when I tell you I'm a whole lot prettier in person. This is before, in early summer 2003.

I went home the same day and was glad I did. The surgery was so quick I was home by 1:00, which gave me four hours of peaceful rest before my daughters came home. But I agree, it's not necessarily the thing to do if you live by yourself and no one will be staying with you. But for my money, the hospital is no place to recover. I was thrilled to go home as soon as possible.

Lisa, my thoughts are with you as well. Here's hoping all will work out smoothly and easily. Hugs coming to you from New Jersey!!