Danno

Eddie, I read about your problem, If you can eat without throwing up, stay right where it is, it will take time to lose weight, the 1st 6 weeks or so is Water, it takes 2 months to go through that, you were only banded in May, you should give it 6 months, usually you do not want a fill for some time after the surgery to let the band heal and not cause slipping. I lost most of the weight the 2 weeks before banding, then it was slow for a while, but it came off gradually, rememberm everybody is different, what works for some does not for others, you have tolearn what your body can do, so give it some time, I started at 265, and down to 219 almost 2 years now, its a learning experience, if you have questions you can e-mail me for help Danno

Yes, You need the fill reduced or taken out, I had a fill put in and when I went to sleep, made a mistake in drinking a little water 1hr before bedtime, I felt it girgling for hours, felt like water in my throat, my nurse said don't drink anything, but when I lay down it happend all the time, I had 1/2 cc removed, made all the difference, do not live with the pain or irritation, you will know when you are ready, don't be in discomfort, just take it a little along, I find that it takes time to slowly lose weight, its better for you that way, so don't get to much to quick Danno

I had my first fill in January just 1 cc, I did not feel anything, They told me liquids and musshies also, but, it did not bother me at all, they require us to wait 2 weeks until the fill has had time to adjust before coming back. In about 2 more weeks I went to have another fill. They put in 2 more cc's total of 3 now, and liquids and then the same you had stated, really no restriction again, so I had to wait 3 more weeks and went back again, this time they put in 2 more cc's for a total of 5. I really thought it would make a difference as well, but again very little difference. I waited again 3 more weeks and went back to describe how I felt. The Doctor then took out all the fill to check and withdrew 5 cc's (Correct), then put back in an amount, did not tell me ( It was 8cc's) asked me to drink water, and it was tough, so they took out 1/2 cc for a total of 7.5 cc's. Its been 4 weeks now, I lost 7 lbs the 1st week, as taking out all the fill and putting it back in made my stomach swell, took 5-6 days to get back to the point I wanted to eat. Now I am very tight in the morning, a little tight at Lunch, but by Supper, I can eat most anything, weight has stayed the same during this time. Yes, I have to be very careful when eating in Morning & Lunch, chew very well and then some, I seem to have truble with chicken, & BRead, it can fill that it might get stuck. I have learned to sit up straight when I eat, don't bend over as it can kink the swallowing process, then sometimes if I get up an walk around, I can fill it going down or a slight burp. Every body is different, each purson seems to do better with different foods. Sometimes I have Salmon, no problem with fish, I do have some rice sometimes, and that too, gives me a problem, just sometimes, The Rice. I find if you eat meat , that it helps me to have it moist or put catsup or steak sauce on it, makes it go down better. Yes, I'm going back for a little more, to get to that perfect spot, Keep it up, 4 fills and at 7.5 cc's probably will get 8.5 cc's total soon Danno

Yes, I tried Xenical, had the same results as all the others, lost about 2 packs of underwear, Smelly, oilly, just a mess, as others suggested not worth trying. I had Lap Band September 2005, 1st Fill in January 06, I'm up to 7.5 cc's now, just starting to grad me, I can see how you will lose weight now, but I was eating less but not losing much until the fill gets right. I just stops you from doing what you have been use to, eating to much. It will take some time, but you can tell this is the best method, it works Good Luck with yours Danno

Marcus, I also live South Georgia, There is 2 Doctors who are in Albany who do this, have 3+ years and have done over 400 successful surgeries. The cost for a self pay is about $16,000 for all, including fills etc... covered in cost. I can tell you that they are great, they walk you through everything, no surprises, have a special nurse that you can call for anything. They are 1st class in every way. There are also banks in the area that will finace this procedure as well. You need to go to a meeting They have one each month, they will give you all the info. If you have any questions, let me know Danno

Wow, You have done really well with your weight! I have talked to another banded from New Orleans like us, he has done well too. I can't wait to see 200 and maybe I can come off meds. Keep in touch with me Danno

Benet, I found the same thing, not many men on this site. I am Male 47 started weight 265, was banded 09-28-05, no fill yet, down to 246, would like to get down around 200, It will probably take a while. It seems our weight and size or similar. I am als a Type II Diabetic, it has all got better, would like to get off meds one day! Danno

Congratulations! I was banded last week 09-28-05, Any questions, I'll be glad to tell you what I went through, overall no problem, it worked out great! Danno

Fee, I will post after Thursday, They said I would go in at 12:30 and be released 3-4 that afternoon, I will keep everyone posted Danno

The "goal" weight in the tickers is picked by the person making the ticker, but when I went to my Doctor for Pre-Opt, I stepped on a scale, loaded Height & and other items about me, the Print out told BMI, % of Fat in Body and Target Weight to be within goals, After you reach that Goal, they will redo the measurement. So I placed my starting weight at the begining and then placed what I thought was my Goal or ending weight. You can change it from time to time. My goal was never a certain number or size, so I don't have a ticker since they force you to identify some quantitative goal. So the ticker is really up to you, but my doctor gave me some advice on the starting target weight. I will be banded on 09-28-05, 1st in a line of 3 that day Danno

Danno, Is Great ! Had a Atkins shake for Breakfast, I guess I'll get use to these for 6 weeks or so, They do have 20 grams of Protein, 1 gm of Sugar, so It looks much better than Slim fast. My Doctor said that when I reached the weight of 222, I should be able to come off all medicines, not sure, just a guess at that time. Danno

My BMI was 38, As long as your Primary Doctor says, its medically neccessary, it was approved! Weight now 265, probably down to 190 in time, With Diabetes and other Meds, Lipitor and more, It was accepted Danno

Going to Albany, Georgia! Dr Joseph Burnette, He has done over 300 Lap Bands with his partner. Danno

I go in next week Wednesday 28th, Had all pre-opt test run Monday! Look forward in it, I have stocked up on Liquid Protein drinks Danno

Steve , Good Luck, but it probably has already happened now, just update us! Danno

Thanks for the advise! I don't plan to tell anyone except of course, my spouse Danno

Gordon I've asked the same question, Where are the Men? I have been approved for the Surgery 09-28-05, Pre Opt on 09-19-05, I will let you know when I get there, Don't know about food yet, but liquids seem to be what I hear? I just Hope I heal up fast, you know us Men can't stand pain, thats why God let Women have Babies! Danno

Jodi I'm to be banded 09-28-05, Did you recover quickly? Do you care to mention how long till you could get about? Danno

Hi, I'm in Southwest Georgia and have been to a meeting in December 04, I have been to both doctor's and they have written a letter to my insurance carrier. It took 4 months to get the doctors to write, and another 2 months to get the carrier to respond, should have an answer this week Danno