hnladue

I'm glad to hear there are many that the band has worked for. When I joined this forum many many years ago the band was still new and there were a lot of people that had success with it. But as they years have gone on, not as many are having success. Again it's a personal experience. The band has not worked for me and I won't go into the details as that's between my dr and me. He is the one that has declared that it is not working right. Not me. I still haven't given up on it. But he has stated that the band isn't what they thought it would be and they are not doing as many bands anymore and are doing more and more revisions. I would hate to see newbies come to this site and see all rainbows and sunshine like I did when I started here. Both sides need to be shown. But again, I am glad it is working for some!!! It's good to hear and I congratulate you all!

I have to agree with Megan. I've had a 14cc band for 10 years and have lost nothing. I've been working with my surgeon and a nutritionist. The surgeon has almost stopped doing bands as they do not work as they thought. More banded people have been going to other methods. The band just isn't as good as was once thought. More people need to be aware.

Exercise??? That's easy right now!! GET OUT AND SHOVEL! hahaha My last fill is slowing me down. And of course I got it right b4 xmas! 8.5 cc's in a 14 cc band now. I can only eat about a 2x2 piece of lasagna. Other stuff I can still chow on. Terrilynn-prayers for the kids heading your way. I hope Santa brings you good gifts! Happy Holidays everyone.

I've been sick all last week! Yuck! Stupid cold. But I am down a couple pounds so maybe that last fill is working! Or maybe it's just this stupid cold.... Start planning for Thanksgiving everyone!! I plan on eating off a small plate!! I'll have 1 spoonfull of everything and that's it! That way I get a taste of everything and a small plate will look full! --Heather.

Find a good place to hide the bodies..........

Andrea, You're not failing. I've read it takes 6 months to get the band adjusted to where it starts working right. I was banded April 8th. Just got my 4th (?) fill. I have 7cc in a 14 cc band..... don't know if I'm feeling the restriction yet(not even a day yet).. and I have NOT lost anything since surgery. Give it some time. Make good food choices, add some exercise in (you want to be toned when that fat comes off!) and keep see your Dr. They even told me yesterday at the office, this is normal!! Keep up the good work! --Heather.

I got another fill yesterday. I've not got 7cc in a 14cc band. I was up a pound but I'm down in inches. Been running around a lot at work and doing yard work at home. Of course, Dr D's first words are You're up! Theresa was there, she said don't worry!! I've done fine, and this is how it's supposed to work. No trouble with the fill this time!! How is everyone else? --Heather.

Hi Everyone!! Just thought I'd pop in say Hi!! Glita-I was at Barktober Fest too!! We had to cut out at noon for our obedience class however. Was an ok day. At least it didn't rain! Welcome Carol and Melody!! I got a reminder the other night that I am banded.... Was out to a fancy dinner with a load of people... ordered sushi appetizer... first bite... got stuck!!! )(*&%$. My mom is like are you ok? I got up to goto the bathroom and as soon as I stood up, it passed. Whew! Must remember: DO NOT TALK AND CHEW!! ha! I still need another fill I think. I haven't lost but a pound or 2 since surgery. I see Dr D in 2 weeks again. Can't remember my total fill.... 6.5cc in a 14cc band I think. I'm going to ask for a whole cc this time.... watch him tweak. I can still eat just about anything and I get very very hungry at night! oye. We should all get together before the weather turns!! Oh and here's by two goofballs from Barktober Fest! hnladue/Barktoberfest 08 - Page 1 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting --Heather.

The band isn't affected by diving. Think about it. They have to make it safe for flying! So it has to be safe for diving. In fact is rated for well over 100ft. I've had mine since April and I've been diving on it. No problems. There's no air in the band, so there's nothing to expand/contract.

I did tell my instructor, because is was odvious! I'd lost 50 pounds since he last saw me. They are supposed to be safe well over 100ft too. I've been to 40 and was fine. Ask me again at the end of Sept. I'll have it too 115ft by then.

Yes you can dive. They have to make it safe for flying! So it's safe for diving. I've had 8 dives on mine already. Remember there's no air in the band, so nothing to expand/compress.

You're not a baby!!! I didn't go back to work for 4 weeks!! I recommend it for everyone. Took a good 2 months before I felt good again.

Congrats on the 55lb loss!! I was banded April 17th and I also have a 14cc band. I just got my 3rd fill yesterday. I only have 6.5cc. I don't know how to tell you if you've reached your 'sweet spot' as I'm not at mine yet! However the book he gave me yesterday said if you're losing a pound or so a week, and not hungry between meals then you're at the right spot. I've only lost a few pounds since surgery, so I know I need more work yet!! Maybe this last fill will help.

I got my 3rd fill yesterday. I'm up to 6.5cc in my 14cc band. Dr D had a little touble finding the port. Ouchie. Then when filling it I could feel the fluid going in. I thin it was the temperature difference in the fluid. He took out the old and added new that was room temperature. As a precaution, he stabbed me again and checked to make sure all the fuild was in the band.... ouch. So I was really sore yesterday and on clear fluids until this morning. He said I'm gonna briuse good because of that. So I hit him in the arm! He's never had trouble finding my port, but I did bruise really good last fill. Ok today, I can feel tighter. Not bruising yet, but my belly looks like a pincusion. Oh and I'm down anoyher pound at least. Maybe this fill will get me on track! Hows everyone else?? --Heather.

Love Stinks: J Giles Band

I think it's Dr D's support group only. Don't know. Call 922-link and ask about Dr Dibeneditto's support group.

It's the support group meetings at RGH in the Weiner room .... gotta love that name.... next one is wed. at 6pm.

Anyone going to the support group for Dr D this week?

yep. Peanut Butter and Saltine crackers!!! I switched to organic peanut butter instead of lowfat.

I did a lot of egg drop soup too but I thinned it with chicken broth. Dr had me on clear liquids only, so I had to make the egg drop clearer!! For clumps, stick it in a blender!!

Gilta, glad you're surgery went ok!! The gas pains will pass but they take a week. Gas-x does help a little. I didn't have any fill in my band after surgery. He did a 3cc fill 6 weeks later and then I got a 2.5cc 6 weeks after that. So I have 5.5cc in my 14cc band. I'm surprised they are allowing you protien already!! I was on clear liquids for 10 days after.... really hungry by then!! I was able to sleep on my stomach about 3 days after surgery, so hopefully you'll be sleeping in bed soon. Barbie, good to hear from you too!! No PC?? ACK!! As for losing and gain, get with it sista! I know you can do this and yes, he will schedule before you lose all 20. I had only lost 16 and he scheduled. You will lose the rest going on the 5 days pre-op diet and then the wonderful colon cleanse!! *flush* Take care everyone.

Good Luck!!! You'll just love the 'pre-flush' before hand.... ya know, the stuff they make you take to clean the colon!! Don't plan on leaving the house!!! Let us know as soon as you're home if you're ok!

Hi All I hope everyone is doing well. Gilta-goods news on the pre-op testing...that was the easiest thing to go thru!! And don't feel odd-ball out because you are using Highland. It'll be good to have different options for all those that come here... even if I hate highland!! But I will support you in any way!! Teri-Welcome!! I was banded by Dr D, April 8th. I have stalled a bit on my weight loss until be find a good restriction, however I have been on vacation for the last 2 weeks and have lost 3 pounds!! I always lose on vacation.... I do a lot of scuba diving!! How is Barb and Tang????? Heather.

My port is to the right of my belly button, right were my kitchen countertop touches my belly!! of course... murphy's law. It's also right were your jeans go across too!!! oye. about 3-4 inches over from belly button and 2 inches up. Like if a drew a line down from my right nipple it lines up. I go for a 2nd fill wed..... and of course I go on vacation for 2 weeks starting Jul 12th....someone is out for me!

TV-Great to hear from you!! I can't believe you've PB'd already!! I've had one fill. I have a 14cc band and there's 3cc's (I think) in it. I can still eat and eat!! The band does slow me and I do eat less. I'm not gaining any. Still the same after surgery! But not losing either. I don't think Dr D. will mind, at least I haven't gained. I go in for my next fill Jul 2... of course it's right before my vacation! As far as overall, I'm glad I did it! I'm not in pain anymore, I feel great. It's nice to be able to move better with almost 40 pounds gone!! I still have port pain, shows up more when wearing jeans or anything with a button/zipper. Of course, leaning on the counters in the kitchen... lines right up with the port!! Murphys Law I guess... Keep in touch everyone!