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I have experienced the same issues with food getting stuck often. Its not much but seem to be more frequent after my last fill about 3+ weeks ago. I definitely know when I haven't chewed enough because that it when it really gets stuck. Eating slower is also an ongoing challege for me. I am a mother of 3 busy kids and always on the run. I work on chewing and eating slower every day and just make myself aware of this to help me in the long run. I have a 14cc band and only recently (at my last fill) feel some sort of restriction. I would say that I haven't hit my so-called sweet spot yet, but feel I am almost there. My total fills are at 8cc. I totally understand what you are saying about the full issue. At times, I am not sure either. They only way I really know is when I end up getting food stuck. These are the challeges that we have to keep in mind. As everybody is different, go by what your body is telling you. Hang in there and I wish you luck.

Hi Alfie, I was banded on 11/5/07. First fill was on 1/18/08 with 3cc. Second fill 1-week later on 1/25/08 with 2cc. Last fill 2-weeks later (only becuase I was very busy) on 2/1/07 with 1cc. My fills a relatively close together. My doc says that if I don't feel any restriction with 3-5 days then to comoe back for another fill. I am going back to see him on 2/25/08. I will get another fill then.

I have a 14cc band. Have had 3-fills so far totaling 6cc. No restriction yet. So I am not sure. I am hoping the 4th fill will work. I am getting frustrated as I am not getting any restriction or losing any weight. How about yourself or anybody else out there?

Good for all of you getting your restriction. I am so jealous. I've had 2 fills with no restriuction. I am going to go in for a third fill so I am really hoping this one will be the one or get me a little closer to my sweet spot. My bad is 14cc, with 3cc first fill and 2cc second fill. As I read on, everybody is different when it comes to reaching their restriction. So I am trying really hard to be patient and all.

I have also had 2 fills so far. I was banded on 11/5/07. First fill was 1/18/08 and second fill was 1-week later on 1/25/08. I think I am getting there. I have noticied that I need to eat and chew more. However, I can still eat that same portion size as I normally did. I am going in for a third fill next week. I ahve a 14cc band with 3cc in the first time and 2cc in the second time. I also waited for a week just to see if the restriction would kick in. In my case, it did not. I feel like I am always hungry so I at this point I am looking to get som good restriction. My weight loss is little to none so I am feeling frustrated over this whole process. I guess we just have to go for another fill and hope that this is the one that will hit our sweet spot. Good luck and let me know how you make out if you go for a third fill.

I was banded on 11/5/2007 with a 14cc band. I had my first band on 1/18/2008 with 3cc with no restirction. My Second fill was 1-week later with 2cc, again with no restriction. I am going to get a third fill soon. I am hoping to reach my restriction on this fill. I am hungry all the time and also feel frustrated. Glas to hear that I wasn't the only one experiencing this. Willlet you all know how I make out on my third fill.

I was banded on 11/5/2007 with a 14cc band. I am experiencing little to no stristriction. I had my first fill on 1/18/2008 at 3cc, no resitriction. My second fill was 1-week later with 2cc, again with no restriction. I am trying to by patient but I am so hungry. I am going to call this week to get another fill and I really hope that I will be restricted. I am hoping that the 3rd time around will be successful. To date, I have lost a total of 15 pounds. I was hoping to reach the 20-25 pounds mark by now. My patience is being tried to say the least.

Hi All, I am being banded on Nov. 5th. Went for my pre-testing at the hospital today. All went well. I am experiencing a lot of the same emotions as many of you are. I will tell you that last week I went to a support group meeting. There was about 8 ladies there and I was the only one that was going to be banded. Everybody else had previsouly been banded. Great information and they answer many of my questions. I am on my 10-day liquid diet, start date was this past Friday. I have had a nibble here and there but nothing major. Done very well for the most part. Today I really stuck to all liquids, diet pudding, yogurt and crystal light. I have had a slight headache but I didn't have the best of day at work. Many things on my mind. My liquid diet calls for no Protein drinks. I will incorporate my Protein Drinks after my surgery. I think I will try the unjury also - chocolate flavor. Can you mix it with Water? Or hald milk and water? How do the Protein Bars taste? What are the flavors they come in? I am just curious to know. Keep in touch and talk to you all soon. Dawna

How long did it talk you from your last appointment to get the actual insurance approval? I finished all of my doctors appointment on October 2nd and I still have not heard anything word regarding the insurance approval and my actual surgery date? I was thinking of calling the doctors office tomorrow to see if there was any update. My doctor has a 2-week liquid diet prior to the surgery. The timing stinks if this all goes through, right around the holidays.

what is IT?

I had the nutritionist appointment already. It was simple. They just explain the diet for the banding and stress the importance of following the doctors orders. I will also go back for another appointment after surgery and then one more time. My insurance approved me for 3-visits. Just waiting for pysch appointment setup. I'll share that with you becuase I am quite curious to know what they discuss. Taklk to you soon.

I couldn't have agreed more. I actually go around 3 1/2 hours of sleep. I felt like I was in intensive care hooked up to everything. It took me 2 days to recover from that night. I do have sleep apnea. A like my insurance BCBS, since I have a lower BMI (35), they require an another health issue. I have been researching this surgery since the summer. It was recommended to me by my PCP. So glad he mentioned it. It's been a lot of doctors appointments and co-pays. I also have a $2,000 deductible. I'll keep you informed of my status and surgery date. Stay in touch.

Do you even eat breads? Is it true that you cannot drink and eat at the same time? What about when you are out to eat with friends or family. I take it there will be no sipping on wine during you meal.

Hi...I am also a low BMI-er. I have sleep apnea (been through the entire sleep study, what an experience) and reflus. So far, my insurance has approved the nutritionist appointments and my surgeon appointments. I have the pysch testing to complete and then meet with my surgeon to get my surgery date. Hopefully it'll all come together. Do you have a surgery date yet? If not, when do you think it will happen. I am wondering about the pysch appointment. What's it all about. Nobody is answering my question to this? Hope to hear from somebody who has already had the pysch evaluation. Eager to know what to expect.

Hi Anyalee, What was the pysch appointment like? What questions did they ask? This is the last step I have to complete, then I go back to my doctor and with any luck with get my surgery date. I take it there is no right or wrong answers, therefore, I will speak from my heart and the truth. I have asked so many people on this site about the pysch appointment and have not received one response. I am looking forward to your response about this appointment.

Congrat on your approval. I only have the psychological appointment to go and then I'll get my date, hopefully. What was the psych appointment like and what did they discuss? Just curious.

When did you have your surgery? How was your experience? I eat very fast and cannot imagine myself eating slow. Did you have to give up any specific foods or really cut back. I hear horror stories about chicken and that is probably to only meat I really eat quite a few days a week. I am still thinking about my decision on to have it done or not. Sometimes I think yes I will other days I say no. Let me know. Thanks.

Can anybody tell me what / how the psychological appointment is? What do they do and ask. Is there anything I should know before going to my appointment? Please let me know as I am not sure what to expect.

Hi Judy, How was your experience with your banding done on 4/17/07? I am currently in the stages of getting approved for my surgery. I have had my blood work, sleep apnea test and seen the nutritionist. I just need to have my psychological appointment and then get my date. I need to loose a total of 50 pounds. Not alot to many people but sure a continued struggle and battle to me. On the fence about the surgery and torn, scared. This website is great but the horror stories really scare me. Keep in touch.

Did you get sick after eating the solid foods or throw up? Interesting how the hospital would do that.

Hi Augusta, I a considering having this procedure doen soon. I am 5' 3" and weigh 195 pounds. My goal weight will be 135. Currently, I am weighing the pros and cons. I am torn but have an extremely difficult time loosing any amount of weight. I am scared that people will judge me and find me shallow. I will be doing this more for health reasons; I have sleep apnea and bad reflux. My mom is 100 pounds overweight and has multiple health problems and I am just trying to avoid these in my life. I am still doing my research on this, have had my appointment with my nutritionist so it's only a matter of time before they assign my date. I'll keep in touch with any questions I have.

Hi, I'm also a newbie who's considering the lap band. It's a big decision for all of us who are thinking about having this done in the real near future. I am weighing the pros and cons. I need to loose about 60 lbs. Like you, I have tried everything all of my life with little to no success. I think that the lap band gives us so much hope and encouragement to go forward in our lives. My mom, is 100 lbs. plus overweight, however can't have the surgery due to her age, 69. She has numerous health issues on a daily basis. She supports me in either way. I am torn on whether or not to have the surgery. Sucky timing...right before the holidays.

How are you doing. Anything good or bad to share?

Hi, Thanks for you reply. You were banded in April 07. Please share you experience with me. I'd love to follow your progress. I feel confident that I will loose my 60 lbs. but am scared of he life long commitment with changes. I don't eat excessively, actually I've been told I eat too little. I also like to have my weekend drinks, 2 to 3 and kick back. I was also told that I could never eat ice cream. Is that true? I am very active with my family and exercise regularly. I just want to make sure that I am making the best decision with no regrets. Look forward to hearing from you again.

Hi Vanessa, I am also new to the site..today. I am 41 years old, female, 5' 3" tall, BMI of 35, have sleep apnea, reflux and need to loose about 60 lbs. I have struggled for the last 20 years to loose 5 lbs and have been unsuccessful. My doctor recommended the lap band. I have already started the process, met with the nutritionist (today) and received approval from the insurance company. I am outweighing the pros and cons. I have a family history of high blood pressure, chlorestorol, sleep apnea, respiratory issues, orthopedic problems. I am considering this more for health reasons I see in my future. I just want to be able to tuck in my shirt and shop for signle size clothing, not 14 or 16. Truly, I am on the fence and find this website very helpful. I cannot digest the fact that I cannot have carbonated drinks (I love my bubbly lemon water), I don't drink soda. Is is true that you cannot drink and eat at the same time? That'll be hard for social occasions.