Dreamchasertx

Be sure to ASK them how much is in your band. If you've been going to the same doctor, they should know. If they don't, then they need to. They can take it all out and re-inject it so they'll know for sure. It's YOUR body, it's YOUR money.... don't be afraid to ask them! By the way, I have a 10cc band, and I had it filled about 10 times, finally getting 9.3 cc in my band. That was a little bit too much, so I went in and wanted .5cc taken out... Well, she took out the whole thing and then started putting it back in, starting me at 7cc again. No restriction at 7cc. Went back again and up to 8cc. No restriction at 8cc. Went back again and up to 8.3cc. Very, very slight restriction. So I'm headed back again tomorrow and going to ask her to put me up to 8.7 to 9cc. I feel like I KNOW my level after 3 years, and I KNOW what is best for me. Don't be afraid to stick up for yourself!

I have been to Dr. Stephanie about 8 times. She doesn't fill up a whole lot, but she is very nice. She charges $200, but if you get an appt online, you can go for $180. Her site is www.wellspringprocedures.com. Just a note: I was filled by her about 6 times, never full enough. I went to Dallas and had a fill, and it was too full. I did lose about 70 pounds, though. I went back to Dr. Stephanie after a year, only wanting her to take out 1/2 cc. Her normal procedure is to take out the whole amt, and then put it back in. She didn't get back to where I need to be. I've been back twice since then, and I've already gained 30 pounds in 3 months. I do like her a lot, but I'm not happy with my fills.

There is a fill doctor, Stephanie Eijsink, in Tyler. She does fills for $200 or $180 if you sign up for an appt online. Her website is www.wellspringprocedures.com. I have been to her about 8 times since 2007. She is very, very nice, but she doesn't put a whole lot in at once.

I haven't posted anything in quite a while, but wanted to add an update! I'm down to 165 lbs now, from 241. I didn't start losing really good until I got my last fill back in February of this year (09). It's a really tight fill, but it's really worked. (And it's usually worth it!) I'm still having days where I can't eat much at all, but it's because I get tired of yogurt or chicken and want to try a tortilla or something like that... doesn't work! But all in all, I'm very happy! The only thing that is bothering me now is that I have a new boyfriend (for a month), and I just don't know how to tell him about my surgery. No matter what, people look at you differently once you tell them (people that didn't know you before). They look at you like they're trying to see the weight loss. So I know it's going to change his view of me. But hopefully, with some advice from my friends, I'll be able to figure out how to tell him without it being a big deal... what a dilemma!

I haven't posted anything in quite a while, but wanted to add an update! I'm down to 165 lbs now, from 241. I didn't start losing really good until I got my last fill back in February of this year (09). It's a really tight fill, but it's really worked. (And it's usually worth it!) I'm still having days where I can't eat much at all, but it's because I get tired of yogurt or chicken and want to try a tortilla or something like that... doesn't work! But all in all, I'm very happy! The only thing that is bothering me now is that I have a new boyfriend (for a month), and I just don't know how to tell him about my surgery. No matter what, people look at you differently once you tell them (people that didn't know you before). They look at you like they're trying to see the weight loss. So I know it's going to change his view of me. But hopefully, with some advice from my friends, I'll be able to figure out how to tell him without it being a big deal... what a dilemma!

Just wanted to throw out an update! I got really depressed because I wasn't losing as fast as I thought I should have been. I was banded 10/18/07, and only about September of 08 did I really start losing. I'm almost down 60 pounds and everyone is starting to notice. I need another fill because I'm able to swallow too much, but I plan on doing that January 17. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me anytime at carlynsearcy@yahoo.com. I haven't had any complications other than feeling full and having to throw up a few times. Also, I've posted some pics of the hospital I was at and some pics of myself. For some reason, I still don't take full body pics, but I'll try to get something posted! I have a huge butt and thighs, so I hate taking body pics!