Mrs. CMK

Congratulations. I am so happy for you. I, too, am 2 months post op and have lost 34 lbs. I feel pretty darn good about it! Keep up the great work. You are inspiring me.

I think each doctor may be different but I was banded on 5/23 and did not get my first fill until 7/17. I, like you, had nothing in my band after surgery. He put in 2 cc's on the first fill and I will have another one on 8/16. He requires waiting 30 days between fills. I still don't have restriction yet and am relying on my willpower. Don't get discouraged. It may take several fills before you feel restriction and hit your green zone.

Goodness. I am so sorry you had such a bad experience on your first fill. I was banded on 5/23 and just got my first fill on 7/17. It was painless. I'm not even sure they used a numbing agent but I am going to assume they did since I didn't feel a thing. Be sure to ask questions and let them know you want to avoid another horrible experience. You are in charge.

I just got home from my very first fill. Very simple process and I felt no pain with the needle. He put in 2 cc's and I will be on full liquids for 24 hours and then I have to be careful what I eat until I figure what works well and what does not. I'm just taking it slow and still determining how much restriction this fill will give me. I see the dr. again on 8/16. I wish you well.

I am thrilled for you! Wonderful news. I, too, am looking forward to crossing my legs.

I am so incredibly happy for you. Congratulations and you look great!

Sombody always has something to say. Most of the folks in my life were supportive but for those that were negative, I said things like: "I understand this is not a magic pill but only a tool" "I have done all of my research and this is the best choice for me and my situation." "I am ready to make a change" And for those who asked me if I was scared, I said. "Yes, but I am more afraid NOT to be banded." I wish you well on this journey we are all traveling together.

I bought a recumbant bike and it is really working for me. I do 30-45 minutes almost every day. I DVR my favorite shows and watch TV while I'm doing it. I really like it. I am trying to mix it up with walking but the temperature has been in the triple digits here and it is just too too hot for walking. Exercising in the comfort of my own air conditioning is much more appealing. I pray you find something that you like.

I am so so excited. Finally, finally the scale moved. I was banded on 5/23 and the scal has not moved for the past 3 weeks. This morning I was down 3 more pounds. Yahoo!!!!!!

I also have BCBS of Illinois. I did not talk to the insurance company as it was all done through my surgeon's office. The paperwork was submitted on 1/27/12 and the patient advocate, from my surgeon's office, called me on 1/31/12 to say that BCBS of IL would only consider approval if I went on a 6 month medically supervised diet before the surgery. I cried but of course, agreed. I then got a call the next day, from the PA saying that BCBS of IL called them and said as of 2/1/12 the medically restricted diet was no longer a required part of the process. Whew. Great. They said the paperwork would be looked over and we should expect a response within the week. A week goes by and no response so the PA calls and is informed that there was some additional information needed. The information was provided and I had my approval within 3 days. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. I had to wait until 5/23/12 to be banded because of my work schedule and overall have been really pleased with BCBS of IL. Just make sure all of your t's are crossed and your i's are dotted. I wish you well.

Well....on Friday, I asked my husband to hide the scale from me. I was making myself and him crazy. I was banded on 5/23 and lost 19 lbs pre-op and then an additional 6 lb in the week after and then nothing. Just yo-yoing between the same 2 lbs for 2 1/2 weeks. I was stepping on the scale every morning and sometime in the evenings. Obsessing and then having emotional meltdowns. I would read this forum and see that so many others go through this same thing prior to their first fill and I would feel better for a few hours and then would begin obsessing again. Eating and exercise is right on target. So...until I get my first fill on July 23rd I will only be weighing myself once per week for mine and my husband's sanity.

Oh Magicfanpjc, I can truly empathize with you. I had my surgery on 5/23 and lost 19 lbs pre-op. The week after surgery I lost an additional 5 lbs and now nothing since. Last week I had an emotional meltdown not understanding what was going on when I was working so hard at watching my calories and exercising. Then I found this forum and realized that I was not alone. When I discovered they even have a name for this phase, Bandster Hell, it made me feel so much better.lol. I don't get my first fill until 7/10 but I'm not giving up and I will take it one day at a time. Please don't give up and be encouraged that this is a normal part of the process. God Bless.

I wish you both well!

Hi there! I am new to this site and know I will need support. I hope I can be a support in return. I had my surgery on 5/23 and will have my first fill on 7/10. I am down about 24 lbs and feel great about it.

This evening will be my first of solid foods since my surgery on 5/23. I am going to start with baked chicken and broccoli and write out a plan for the rest of the week. I can't wait for my first fill on 7/10! I too am nervous but am so looking forward to chicken.