LittleGirlBlue

Forgot to mention she also told me that as we lose we will require more fill for the same reason.

I called and asked the nurse about lower BMI patients needing more of a fill. She told me it varies for everyone but lower BMI patients have less fatty tissue around the stomach. More fatty tissue = less restriction because the stomach tissue is thicker. After hearing her explanation kinda makes sense.

So... I have a little restriction! Not as good as I felt we 3&4 after surgery but I think we're getting there. In two weeks if I still feel this restriction I will wait for my 3 month follow up for another fill. I do realize it is only 2 days since the 6.5 but I am ecstatic about actually feeling something:)

Mine felt just right after surgery too. Weeks 3&4 post op offered perfect restriction. Guess that's what we work toward?

Second fill today, 6.5 cc's. I asked why so much and Dr. Elli explained that it typically takes low BMI bandsters longer to get to the green zone. I've gained .5 lbs since my first fill. When he x-rayed me to fill he tells me that with the previous 4 cc's I was completely open. I'm a little discouraged- liquids for two days and I am already starving. This is most definitely bandster hell! Looking for an emotional eaters or overeaters anonymous meeting in the South Bend or Valparaiso IN area- anyone know of someplace?

I am going through this- I am mourning like I've lost a family member. Last night- superbowl was the worst. I cooked for 3 hours and wasn't able to enjoy it. I ended up in the rec/media room alone watching a movie on HBO. Every time I heard commotion upstairs I just reminded myself that priority needed to be the movie. I did overeat- but nothing like I would have in the past, not even 1/4 of the amount that would provide satiety in the past. Almost 7 weeks out with 4cc's I am terrible hungry but have a fill scheduled today. I'm not expecting a miracle but my fingers are crossed that this gets me closer to the green zone.

Tomorrow marks 5 weeks post op and I am scheduled for my first fill. I am happy, anxious and nervous all at the same time. I've had five weeks to get used to my new relationship with food- now it's time to get serious and get rid of this weight forever!

I survived!!! I experienced a little anxiety but after two calming pills it was mostly good. Four cc's and if I don't feel restriction by next Friday I will go in the next Friday.

My BMI was under 32, with no co-morbities (unless GERD is considered a co-morbidity). Insurance wasn't going to cover so I self-payed (I saved for 18 months) and had no problems- in fact the surgery was cheaper by self-paying and the post-op attention I receive is better than most friends covered by their insurance- same surgeon in the same office but there are insurance limitations. I worked with my family physician and he was able to show proof that my BMI had fluctuated between 35 and 20 for over 18 years. This was my investment in myself to take control and never go back- because of that it came to a point that the money was no longer an issue. I wanted my life back.

Thinking of all of you today! Today marks two weeks and one day post-op. Lost 2.5 lbs. this week. It feels like it is coming off so slow but I realize that is the way the band is designed to work. I upgraded to a 1 mile powerwalk with 2lb weights on day 10 post-op- I am within restriction and it has helped me get back to feeling "normal". Still experiencing some pains in my left shoulder but typically only in the morning, before eating. Thinking it may be a full bladder pushing all the gas up onto my diaphragm and irritating the phrenic nerve- doc told me it may take two months before all the gas works its way out. My first post-op visit is scheduled Monday if things looks good I am hoping Dr. Elli will give me a small fill because my appetite has returned with a vengeance! Started soft foods yesterday and after the mashed potato mooshie incident on Day 9 post-op, I am extremely nervous. Eggs for breakfast today and if it hits my tummy too hard I'll revert back the what I feel comfortable with, protien enhanced yogurt, cottage cheese and carnation instant breakfast (I have never had that before my pre-op diet and it is the bomb ). It has been great watching each of you post your stories and successes- this December Bandsters group has been very supportive and I have been amazed watching how much progress everyone is making in such a short amount of time. Like everyone that participates in this forum, I am done yo-yoing with an up and down BMI between 35 and 20 for the past 18 years it was time to take control. I want to permanently own that BMI of 20 forever and by gosh this time it is going to happen and stay that way... and maybe in a year I'll get that darn breast lift I've been comtemplating since breast feeding my first baby- which by the way turns 15 in February- sniff, sniff . Have a great Saturday everyone!

Hello, Hello! I was banded 12.23.2011. Already down 8 lbs. (178 pre-op, 176 surgery day and 170 yesterday) 11 days post-op with no fill. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in late summer 2011. At the time my neurologist told me that if I wanted to live a long life I needed to get my health in order. I didn't waste any time- this is the first of many steps I will take to watch my children grow older, go to prom, graduate from high school, go away to college, travel the world, get married, and bless me with grandbabies (not necessarily in that order). I am a self-pay, low BMI Bandster- I've noticed there are quite a few of us. Thank you to everyone that posts- I have learned more on here than I ever learned in seminars or support groups. You are all great!

Rachael1, We should connect- Dr. Elli has been great! I live about 2 hours out of the city and commute to about an hour outside the city, certainly not as far as Ohio. I noticed something else we have in common... you are a Corporate Trainer, I am in a similar profession- I came out of training (after about 10 years) and am now an HR Director for Manufacturing Operations, I "own" Employee Relations, Organizational Development, Learning and Performance. Of course my baby is Learning and Performance- I'll be CPLP testing this year We must keep up!!!

I noticed that the surgeons were I was banded put the low bmi banders on mushies week two. Regular bmi bandsters don't go on mushies until week three. A little crazy because I'm not sure bmi has anything to so with the rate at which you heal. I'm going back to liquids a few days- at least until this lingering chest pain goes away:) thank you all- I'm thinking the mashed potato incident was a combination of both too much and consistency... Learning to listen, that is the challenge.

I was banded on December 23rd- band and hiatal hernia repair. Have done relatively well until today. I started mushies last Friday. Today went out with my family and ordered mashed potatoes and gravy (that's a mushie right?). Had the worst experience ever and the most pain ever. I ate slowly about 3/4 a cup maybe less. Felt like my chest was closing in severe pain under my breastbone and left shoulder. Could barely breathe. BelchIng (not productive) and hiccups that hurt like never before. I could actually feel pain in my stomach as it contracted with each hiccup. It took nearly two hours to pass.