DRIVER

WOW, 6 cc in a 10 cc band on your first fill, I could be wrong , but, it sounds like you got a way larger band than you needed. I have 3.6 cc (total) after my 3rd fill. Here is wishing you all the best on your new journey to being a much healthier and slimmer person.

I love every one's replys. I fit most of them (except the painting my toes thingy!), but I do like having my shoes tied on top of instead of on the sides! 307/238/190ish banded 22 Mar 07 3.6cc in a VG band Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis Mo.

I went with a friend to a seminar last night that my Doctor put on , and one of the things he talked about was people who have lupus. He has had two people who had lupus, and was able to band one, but only after extra test.He has a very positive attitude about banding some one if they can pass the extra tests associated with lupus. 307/238/190ish 3.6 cc in a VG band banded 22 Mar 07 Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis Mo. I'M WITH THE BAND

I to have PBed, and yes it is very unpleasaent, but like Jack and WasaBB have said it is a learning experiance. Each time I have Pbed it has been a few days after a fill, and here is when you have to learn what you can and can not eat. You get a fill you get a new chance to learn, aint it great! Don't let the fear of PBing stop you from doing the best thing you can ever do for yourself. 307/238/190ish 3.6 cc in a VG band banded 22 Mar 07

Welcome to a new way of life.Take it easy, follow your doctors instructions, and you will do great! 307/238/190ish banded 22 Mar 07 Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St Louis,Mo 3.6 cc in a VG band

I have had several SMIRINOFF ICE and had no problems with them. I went to my 30 year high school reunion two weeks ago and had a blast.I was 40 pounds less than the last reunion, but still 50 pounds more than at graduation.Just wait till the 35 year reunion! 307/238/190ish Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis,Mo. 3.6cc inVG band

l. Should I eat even lighter today to prepare for the fill? 2. Do I eat breakfast in the morning or would it be better if I didn't? A. My doctor says nothing after midnight before the fill 3. Were you put on a liquid or mushy diet for a day or two afterwards? A Day 1 liquids only, Day 2 soft, mushy, baby food consistancy, Day3 back to regular foods 4. Does it hurt or is it just uncomfortable? A.I had no problems, only slight pressure 5. Any possible problems with "finding" the port? A. My doctor uses flouro so it is easy 6. What is the possibility of feeling some "restriction" with 1st. fill? A. I have noticed that I eat less with each fill and have to learn to adjust my intake with each fill. I have PBed with each fill! (NOT FUN) 307/238/190ish Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr.Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis, Mo. 3.6cc in a VG band I'M WITH THE BAND

I only told a very few people in my family in the begining,and no one at work. I knew I was going to have it done, so I started dropping little hints before I was banded. I talked about how I joined a gym and was just cutting back on my food intake,and giving up drinking soda. As the weight started coming of no one was really suprized, as they all knew I was back on a diet again!I finally came clean with my family after about 3 months and still have not told any one at work and do not plan on ever telling them. For me, this has been the best decision I have ever made for my self and do not regret it in the least.( even when i'm PBing,which has only been 3 times )Don't want to scare any one off! 307/238/190ish Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis, Mo. I'M WITH THE BAND

SD Chic, I agree, that is one heck of a goal, to be so thin, you have to duct tape your port down! 307/238/190ish Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Louis Mo. I'M WITH THE BAND

Hello Paula, My insurance gave me fits during the process, and I had to fight them a little bit. I started in early Jan. and was approved in mid Feb.and wanted to get it done. I had all of the pre op testing done by the end of Feb. and was ready, but Dr. Minkin made me wait,(can you believe it ,HE WANTED TO TAKE A VACATION, THE NERVE OF THE GUY!) LOL! I can say that this is the best decision that I have ever made in my life Alan

Hello Chris and pbaus, I had my band placed by Dr. Minkin back in March,and love it. Dr. Minkin is a great guy. I'm am attending the seminar on the 14th with a friend,who is very interestd in the band since he has seen how well I have done.Hope to see you there. 307/238/190ish Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr. Darren Minkin Des Peres Hospital St. Louis, Mo. I'M WITH THE BAND

I mix Walmart brand, orange and fruit punch for a different taste, about 85% orange 15% fruit punch. I even have my wife hooked on it! We save our bottled water containers and reuse them for drinks on the go!

Don't sweat it, the fill is nothing to worry about. My doc numbs the area first,then uses then uses a special needle designed just for fills. I feel just slight pressure, not enough to even talk about. liquids only on the day of the fill, mushies the next day, then back to what ever i want. 307/248/190ish I'M WITH THE BAND!

Nancy, I have had 2 fills and only felt slight pressure. It is a breeze,in and out in 10 min. or less(for the fill )

My doctor does fills at the hospital,so I have to go through the outpatitent processing,then down to the x-ray dept. The fill(adjustment) takes less than 10 min. I am free to go about regular activities, liquid only on the day of fill, mushies the day after, then back to regular foods. Banded 22 Mar 07 Dr.Darin Minkin Des Peres Hospital St.Loiuis,Mo. 307/248/190ish I'M WITH THE BAND

I had my first fill on 09 May, and like others ,I was worried. I was in and out in less than 10 min. totally painless other that the shot to deaden the area. ( I admit it i'm a wuss when it come to needles) 307/265/190ish Dr.Darren Minkin Des Peres hospital St.Louis Mo.

Hello all, I was banded on 22 Mar 07 with the VG. I went for my first fill on 09 May, there were three other first timers there also, all with the VG. I got a fill of 1.6 every body else got 3.0. I FELT CHEATED . The Dr.said he was having problems getting the fill to go in,don't know if that is good or bad..Last week was the first week for me with no weight loss,I hope I don't have another this week or I'm going to see about getting another fill sooner than the 7 weeks he wanted to wait. (RAISES HAND,HANGS HEAD IN SHAME---- I do have to admit it has been two weeks since i have been to the gym and I have been eating more than i should . LOWERS HAND ,KEEPS HEAD DOWN IN SHAME !) 307/265/190ish Dr. Darrin Minkin Des Peres hospital St. Louis Mo.

I agree with every one here, I never want to loose my band.I am only 7 weeks post-op and have already lost 39 lbs.I don't know how much of the weight loss is because of the band or just that I have convinced my self that I am not hungry. I eat very little, and never get the feeling of being full. I just set out very small portions and tell my self that is all I can have, and am satisified with what I eat.If nothing else the band has worked on my head (for now)! I also agree with others that if I was to loose my band it would be a tough row to hoe. (STANDS UP, FACES THE GROUP. "Hello my name is Alan and I admit I am a foodaholic") I was able to quit smoking in Aug of 2001 and still some days crave a smoke so bad it drives me nuts, but I know if I have one, I might as well go buy a carton! OK I'm done now! 307/268/190ish I'M WITH THE BAND

YIKES:omg: I had a pulled muscle in my thigh once and put icy hot on to help with the pain, and went to bed.I have slept in the raw since i was in my teens,well family jewels came in contact with the icy hot and it was not enjoyable!

I am 7 weeks post-op and about two weeks ago I started burping alot, at least 3 or 4 or more in 5 min.These are not good window rattling burps, just small quiet burps. Most people would not even notice I do this, but I sure do.I am sure getting tired of it. ANY IDEAS?

WOW :faint: I never thought of it like that, relating weight loss to something that I dearly loved, (Velvetta cheese my old favorite) Next time I'm in the grocery store, I'm gonna stack 20 boxes of Velvetta up on a shelf and take a pic of it with my cell phone, and make it my screen saver! 307/268/190ish I'M WITH THE BAND

Rubylyn, I am also a stomach sleeper, for the first week or two I slept with a small pillow tucked under my left side to prop me up so I was not lying flat. I 'm doing fine now and sleeep like a baby! Banded 22 Mar 07 307/268/190ish Dr. Minkin Des Peres hospital St.Louis Mo. I'M WITH THE BAND

Hello Shawnna, I was banded 22 Mar 07 by Dr. Minkin at Des Peres hospital. I live in Granite City and am looking for a group also,I've heard there is a group that meets at DePaul hospital, but they are more of a by-pass group. I am going to do some checking around and will get back to you if I find anything. Alan 307/272/190ish I'M WITH THE BAND

I have to say, you women are absolutly hilarious.As a man I wish the 10 pound issue was true as I need to loose 120 pounds, WOW a 12 incher added to what I already have, now that is a dream! I did not have a monster back when I was thin, and do not expect to get one back.