jrg1979

I had some pain like yall are describing that turned out to be a bladder infection. PCP said it could have been a result of too much protein. I laid off the protein supplements and took my antibiotics as prescribed and have not had any more trouble

He said everything looked ok. Went ahead and got a small fill (.2) and said liquids for 3 days. Still seems a little sore. I guess maybe I just irritated the area.

I have been needing a fill for several months, but have put it off because I needed the $150 for Christmas - not myself. I will be the first to admit my eating has been out of control. I have even drank a few dr. peppers - yes the real fully sugared Dr. Peppers (after quitting for 10 months). At Christmas I really over did the eating with Turkey and Dressing, etc. Now my stomach feels very sore on the inside. Kinda like when you do situps and your muscles are sore. And my chest has also felt full, but that could be phlem from a cold). Do you think I could have done some permenant damage (ie slipped band, stretched pouch) or do you think it is just sore from eating more than usual. I have not had any reflux or spitting in the night I have heard of. Going to Dr. Tomorrow, but any input is appreciated.

I would suggest you go to Dallas. I live half way between Tyler and Dallas and find that Dallas doctors always seem to work better for me, no matter what the issue. It always seems to me that Tyler doctors are "behind times". I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas. I was a cash pay, so I cannot say how they are with insurance approval, but i really like Dr. Barker and his staff. I have a friend that used Dr. Benavides in Dallas as well. Keep looking. Surely you'll find the Dr. that is right for you. If the dr. you are seeing is not willing to help you now - run. You definatley want a Dr. that is willing to work with you should any problems occur.

Isopure? (I think you get it at GNC)

My Dr. has strict instructions: clear liquids for 24 hrs, full liquids for 24 hrs, soft foods for 24 hrs, then back to regular diet if you feel up to it. So, to answer your question, no, I don't really feel sick after a fill, but dinner might not be much fun if you can only have liquids.

Anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours, depending on how bad they overbooked that day. They always have a good movie playing on the plasma, though, that seems to make the time go by faster.

Size Matters - RealAge Tip of the Day I get some great tips everyday from the "you" docs. I thought this one really applied to us bandsters - where portion size is key! Does plate size really matter when it comes to watching your weight? Or is it a silly trick your stomach probably won't fall for? As it turns out, in this case, size does matter. Researchers found that when you dish up your meal, you're likely to clean your plate, regardless of serving size. And when you use a large serving spoon and a large plate or bowl, you're more likely to help yourself to over 50% more food than if you use smaller utensils and dishes. To avoid doubling the self-sabotage, think petite. Petite plates and petite spoons mean petite you. It may be an optical illusion. The same amount of food that completely fills a small bowl may look lost in a large one, prompting you to spoon in -- and eat -- more. You also may find yourself more mentally satisfied if you eat from a small plate that's heaping full than from a large plate with a lonely-looking entrée in the middle of it, even though both have the same amount of food. Try using salad plates for dinner, martini glasses for ice cream, coffee cups for Cereal, and petite salad forks and dessert spoons for all your meals. It may drive you or your family a little crazy at first, but you'll get used to it. And isn't it more fun to be unique?

Indiogirl - I always love to read your replies. I think you are the kick in the pants we all need sometimes!

I used Dr. Wade Barker in Dallas, Texas, and paid $9,500 for my surgery, which includes all the bloodwork/ pre-op stuff, all of the surgery (no hidden charges), and 4 free fills if you get them at the hospital. I really like Dr. Barker and his staff, but he has a VERY busy office. He also does gastric bypass and the sleeve, too.

I asked my Dr. the same thing. He said I had a relatively small stomach, and the 4 cc band was the best fit for me. He also said that since I was considered to have "a little less to lose than others", that the 4 cc band would give me the tightest fit when filled and that would give me the best restriction. But if you have only 50 lbs. to lose, you have less than me, so go figure? Guess it is really just each doctors decision. I asked him before surgery what size band I would be getting and he told me "he wouldn't know until we got into surgery and he actually saw my stomach. But yes, I am sure I have a 4 cc band.

If you don't think overeating is your problem, it is unlikely that lapband will be a successful solution. If you have already tried counting calories and exercising, with little or no results, I dont see how lapband can help. All lapband does is help you limit the amount of food you can eat at one time. Even for those of us who are self-proclaimed over eaters who have lapband, it is still a never ending struggle. Sorry. I am sure that is probably not the answer you wanted to hear. But what do I know. If your doctor thinks it is a good idea, then maybe it is.

Apples and Wine Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree. Now Men.... Men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes, and it's up to women to stomp the shit out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with. Share this with all the good apples you know.