C.N.

I was just looking at my legs this morning. It wasn't pretty. Skin is sagging all over. But, given the other results -weight loss and a new pride - its minor. Yah, don't know what it will look like when I lose more weight. I do know I won't be doing the plastic surgery. Just too much money. C.N.

My last post should have read: left hand and arm extended above my head. Oops. C.N.

I hope it starts feeling better soon too for you. That shoulder pain can be tiring. I am not sure it will totally go away for me, because it still rears it's ugly head. In a way though, it is a reminder to me, to take care of myself. Have you tried stretching out on the floor with your left hand extended above your hand? I started doing that along with the heating pad kind of instinctively. Well, just know that alot of banders have been through and are going through what you are. All the best. C.N.

First of all congrats on your band. It is wonderful. What helped me somewhat was an electric heating pad over my shoulder. Not sure how it did - but it felt better. Good luck. C.N.

Shoulder pain can last a long time. I found that when I got too hungry, in opposition to eating too much, the pain started. I am 5 months out and still will get it although not as bad

Hello, I was banded on the same day as you. I was really surprised to read your post; because, I thought that you would only get completely blocked closer to higher fill levels. So this sparked my attention. I hope you are doing better. I know how disappointed you must be. But, glad you got the attention you needed quickly. I go for my 3rd fill Monday. I currently have 3.5cc in my 10cc band. Hang in there. C.N.

Yes, flying affected me most definitely. I was uncomfortable for about 3 days.

Chris and Jewelee - want to congratulate you both.

No. At the time of that flight - I didn't know what if any fluid I had in my band. I delayed getting my first fill prior to the flight and didn't find out that I had 2ml in their from band placement until my first fill in March ( 3 months post-op). I would really suggest waiting until after a trip to get a fill. I guess everybody is different and we have to know our own bodies. C.N.

Chris, I had a flight from VA to Arizona back in February. With just what fill there was in the band from surgery on 12/12/07. I was miserable for probably 3-4 days. If you ask me - a long flight really does make you tighter. JMO. C.N.

I have a NSV that really made me happy. I went shopping today to an outlet mall close to me. I needed a few new shorts for golf. I have already gone through my saved "smaller sizes" and was really ready to buy something new. Well, for years I have been in the plus sizes, as so many of you can relate. I cautiously picked up a pair of size 16 bermuda shorts and headed to try them on - all the while thinking "I know that salesperson thinks I will never get into them - I should be over in plus sizes." But I was shocked. They fit and were even a bit loose. Thinking I wanted them to fit for a while, I slipped backout onto the floor and picked up a size 14 just to see how snug they were. I could absolutely not believe - they fit! I can lose and they will work for a while. So, today was a red letter day for me. Thanks for the post - so I could toot my own horn. Heaven knows - it's been a long time. Down 59 lbs. and loving it. C.N.

LYNNE731 By the time you get this you will be post-op and I wanted to wish you all the best with your recovery. Don't push yourself - each day will get better. Day 6 post-op was really my turn-around day. You are on your way to "lighter and better days". C.N.

Hi marymc, welcome to the site. I wanted to respond about being tired all the time. I was banded 12/12/07 and have lost 47 lbs. and, I have to tell you that I have so much more energy it is incredible. I used to nap in the afternoons and still slept at night. I never had energy to do anything extra. Now that I have virtually eliminated the sugar ( I was a junky) and increased the protein - I actually feel like getting some things done. I really had to push myself prior to this. Good luck C.N.