Tricia K.

My surgeon has no restrictions prior to getting the fill but recommends that I remain on liquids for the rest of the day, mushies the next and then move back to solids the following day. I agree with another poster that you should ask your doctor about his recommendations.

Please give it time. It took 3 fills for me to find restriction. It also took a little over a week for it to kick in. I never notice any swelling immediately after a fill so you may not either. I would wait at least a week before scheduling another appointment as it may kick in when you least expect it.

The nerve endings that send a signal to the brain are at the top portion of your stomach. When the band is placed and food has entered the new "pouch" you get the sensation of fullness much quicker. Also, because of the small opening made by the band at the bottom of this new pouch, food stays in there longer, making you feel full longer.

Ding, ding, ding!! We have a winner!! This annoys me to no end.

How cute!!

bumpity bump bump bump

Congrats on your 1st NSV.

Are you getting in enough protein? If not, that may the reason why you're so tired. Protein is very important, now and later. Good luck to you.

I've had chronic back pain since the age of 17 but it flared up really bad yesterday. I have no idea what I did to aggravate it, but I'm paying for it now.

Nothing again today. My back still hurts really bad. :Banane27:

I've had these feelings quite often. Whenever I see an obese person, I want to run up to them and tell them all about the band and suggest that they have the surgery. Of course, I would never do this because I wouldn't want to offend anyone.

My surgeon, Dr. Thomas Lavin in Covington, LA, has a self-pay, outpatient program for $12,900, which covers the surgeon, anesthesia, a 23-hour hospital stay and 1 year of follow-up care/fills. www.whyweight.com Dr. Lavin is a wonderful surgeon and was one of the first 4 proctors for Inamed. I would highly recommend him to anyone. FYI - I heard through the grapevine that this price may be going up soon but I have yet to call his office so that they may confirm or deny.

The lap band actually comes in 3 different sizes: 1) 9.75cm - maximum fill volume is 4cc 2) 10cm - maximum fill volume is 4cc 3) 11cm - maximum fill volume is 9cc The size of the band used is determined by the surgeon during surgery based on the size and thickness of the patient's stomach.

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. Unfortunately, the sweet spot is very individual. Currently, I have 2.9cc in my 4cc band and I'm properly restricted. Howerver, I've read where others have less than 2cc and are properly restricted. My rule of thumb is this - - If I am hungry 2-3 hours after eating and/or I can eat more than 1/2 c. of food at one sitting, I am in need of a fill. I hope this helps.

Congrats, Mary! I absolutely LOVE Levi's. They are so comfortable. I had a similar Levi's NSV last week. I fit into 3 styles of size 13 Juniors Levi's (below). I didn't buy any but it felt good! Slouch Flare 504™ Jeans (Juniors) (These are a lot like the Levi's I'm wearing in my "after" pics from March and June - www.triciakutz.com/surgery.html) Outlaw Flare Jeans (Juniors) Nomad Slouch Flare 504™ Jeans (Juniors)

Best of luck, Sammee! Oh, and Kelly - do you have any recent pictures to share?

Mwah! Welcome back. :hug: :love: Congrats on hitting 165! :Banane27:

:happybday2: :happybday: :first: I hope you have a GREAT day!! :first: :happybday: :happybday2:

Welcome back, my friend. :hug: No exercise for me today. My lower back hurts soooo bad that I can hardly walk. I hope it gets better tomorrow.

Is this the one you're referring to? http://www.scratandboo.com/BandofRebirth.htm

I love popcorn and have no problems with it. It's one of my guilty pleasures.

Congratulations, Regina!

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Good news, Jennifer! What are your plans for this weekend?

Congratulations, Sammee!