new_me_2008

That is wild! I wonder if they could use and xray to help find it?

I am new to this and I have my second fill under my belt (no pun intended.) Dec 26th is my next fill schedule and I am wondering about restriction, does it usually come all at once or is it gradual? I know that everyone is different but what has been your experience? I felt nothing after my first fill, for the second I thought that I felt nothing but now it feels a little bit different (doesnt see like I can eat as much - but I am still very hungry and snacking) Any experience that you can share would be great.

This is driving me crazy! Stuck at 201!

I have to agree with Kacee. I hope that people who are very new in this and are still researching the band take the time to read all the way thru this thread to realize that you were just venting and that you have come out the other side on this one. From the name of the post it looks as though the band is not working and/or it was a mistake. I have researched this for 2 years and finally took the plunge in October and it is the best thing I ever did. My only regret is that I waited so long. Had I read the title of the post and even your initial words, I may have let the $$$ and other things you mention get me to believe that this isnt the right solution (I am weak and can be easily be swayed by a crowd.) I am glad that you have a place to vent and share your thoughts and feelings - hopefully next time you will be able to feel this coming on and stop it before it becomes such a huge upset. I am ready for my probably well deserved flaming at this point....

I was banded 10/08/07 and have had two fills since with my thrid scheduled for 12/26. I am just holding on with willpower at this point - it is tough, but doable. At my last appt they told me that I have lost 6 inches from my waist so that alone is worth the trouble for me until I get to restriction. I love my band!

That is exacly why I only told 3 people - much easier. Now all I get from those who dont know is "wow you look really good, what are you doing?" It is lovely. Since you have told people and you had someone else pay - you may be at the mercy of their questions so I am with LovingWhatIs - just try to smile and move on. By the way, dont assume that the first fill will be the magic cure either. I have had two fills and feel no different. Just do what you can until restriction comes. Good luck.

Longing - just a question, is your signature correct? Have you GAINED since having surgery? I am interested in your question too - just had my second fill and I am not hungry until the afternoon either

I am at 201 and just dying to see 199 - it would be a great xmas present. I just had my 2nd fill so I am hoping that the liquid phase is enough to push me over the edge!

I am so thrilled that I just have to share. I went for my second fill this am and while at the dr they asked to take my measurements. They took the waist (right at the belly button) and I have gone down by 6 INCHES!!! In two months -It is so wonderful. Loving this band!

Teri - Your story is exactly why I did not tell anyone except my husband at first. I told just 3 other people (including my skinny mom) the day before surgery. All of these people want the best but they do not live in my skin. I had to make this decision for myself which was tough but so worth it. I gained 10 pounds per year for the last decade and I did not see that ever stopping. Especially at the holidays, it was shear torture. Long story short, like Kacee I just kick myself for not doing this sooner. It is a miracle. I am just at the beginning of the process but 21 pounds down and 6 inches gone from my waist - in just TWO months.

I just had the best day ever - I went for my second fill - I asked the dr to get aggressive and so I am now up to 5ccs in a 10cc band. The Dr warned me that I may not be feeling restriction until one or two more, oh well. While I was there, they wanted to take my measurement (belly - right at the belly button) again for comparison. I have lost SIX inches, just at my waist, since the surgery. This is so wonderful.

Rain - these are awesome!!!! I am going to buy them right now. Good Job!

I am at 20 pounds and going in for my second fill on Wednesday. I had hoped for this to be going faster, but with a lower BMI to start with, I am trying to be realistic. Also, who would have thought I would be DOWN 20 during the holidays???? Never happened before!

AUDR - glad to hear it went so well - those of us, like you, who have had a c-section are well prepared for this surgery - this one is like a walk in the park in comparison. keep us posted...

Yippee! Glad you told him and it is just one more thing that you do not have to worry about come surgery day - you will be fine and I can not wait to hear how it all goes! Good Luck!

I have had my first fill and do not feel all that much difference. Now that I am eating healthier and exercising a ton, I am loosing consistently. My question is: Is there anyone out there who stopped getting fills as they were losing weight consistently - they avoided fills becuase they did not want to experience the PB's that everyone talks about? Just wondering if my behavior modification is working now - along with my drastically reduced calorie intake - why would I want to get to 'restriction'? I am new to this and still trying to figure it all out. BTW, I have another fill appointment on 12/12

I usually feel envious (if I am being honest.) I have now come to realize that the band is not a miracle cure either and takes hard work, exercise and determination. I think all efforts to be healty should be applauded equally. In fact, never understood why Oprah dosent get the band???

I agree with Jack - so profound. When ever you want to eat fast food watch the movie Super Size Me. Guaranteed to get you over that hump for at least a day. I have had my first fill and still can eat but I am doing my best to maintain with willpower and exercise. It is tough but I also have to give thanks for the 19 pound loss so far - that has NEVER happened in the past and certainly not at holiday time. Next fill is DEC 12 - hoping to 'hang in there' until then - your posts let me know that I am not alone. Thanks.

Good luck to you and let us know how every thing turns out! I am sure it will be fine. Do you have someone staying with you down in TJ?

Audri.... I know how you are feeling. My husband is 6'4 and 205 always been in perfect shape (but he works on it too.) I was so scared to tell him and put it off for the longest time. Finally, while on a business trip, I called him and just told him what I was going to do (it was only a week before my surgery) and he says now that the sound of my voice was so different that he totally supported me and even came up with a better way to pay for it. It was a 10 minute conversation and made us closer - in fact he became a huge ally in this with me and has helped me every step of the way. I have only told 3 others and I plan to keep it that way. On another note, if you plan to see your husband in the 4-5 days after the surgery I dont know how you COULD keep it secret. I was sore, gassy and barely able to walk properly. I have also had a C section and this is much easier but still not a walk in the park. A nurse at my doctors office went back to work the NEXT day, so maybe it is possible, but with the bandages etc. I am just not sure how I would have kept that from my DH. Do you keep all of your finances separate? Won't he notice a large expense like surgery? How would you feel if he spent a large amount of money without telling you? Just things to think about... Good luck to you and I hope you have all the success that I and others have experienced. I so wish that I would have done this all sooner, it has been the best 2 months ever.

Thanks Jachut - your perspective is always great to hear. I love your signature. That is exactly what I need to do. I am doing the C25K now and with this one fill, I feel pretty darn good. The band has stopped me from the crazy binging and even much of the grazing when I follow the orders of the DR and only eat 3 times per day - when I am hungry (what a concept?) Everything else is a bonus!

Oh, today was another NSV. I am a pisces too and LOVE the shoes. I am wearing 4 inch heels today with no problem. Also wearing a pair of pants purchased 2 years ago and never worn - when I bought them on sale I underestimated MY size and was a crying mess in my closet when I arrived home and they did not fit. To have them on today is a true victory and I feel so good that I want to wear them all week!

Also, keep in mind the exercise portion of the band. I have been told by my doctor to do at least 30 minutes per day. I am doing that. It goes slow and steady but I am losing with just my first fill. I am definately hungry but I just measure out my food and then quit eating when I am done.

Thanks for asking - I was just thinking about this yesterday. I may try some soon.

jachut - thanks for the note. I really enjoy your perspective and approach to this new way of life. My dr just tells me to eat my Protein first and never has given me a goal. He is much more concerned about 30 min of exercise per day - which is a challenge! I am doing the couch to 5K program and am hoping for it to become a habit like it has for you.