*slim*

That is what she told me when I called last week. I told her then that I had the EOB showing it paid. That is when she started talking about the hernia repair. Brooke wouldn't tell me at my first fill. Dr. Ponce only came in at the last minute on that one. This time he did everything but hand me the barium. He actually looked a little surprised when I said that I knew that they wouldn't tell me how much was in my band. He went on to explain why the small steps on the fills. I don't see what difference it makes to them whether we want to know or not. It's not like they are going to let us tell them how much fill we want anyway, so I don't see what the big deal is.

Oh yeah, I left a message for Johnna about my money. I told her that I looked through my paperwork from the hospital and that we had asked about a hernia and I was told at that time that I didn't have a hernia repair. We shall see what happens.

He did. He said that they put in 1.6cc in my first fill and that he added 1cc. I was asking what size band I had and mentioned that I knew that they didn't tell what they put in. He said that he didn't mind telling me, but he just didn't want us comparing notes (exactly what we do anyway).

That's awesome Mac!

Dr. Ponce did it this time. He put in 1cc. I guess it will take a few days to see if I really feel a difference.

I get up this early to get ready for work.

I agree with RestlessMonkey. Go to another seminar for another doctor. It is your body, therefore your choice. I know that sometimes, the GERD could be caused by a hiatal hernia. My doctor (and many others) repair that during surgery. Don't give up just because of this one doctor. Good luck with whatever you decide.

If your doctor is anything like my doctor, your first fill was put in to help you get ready for real restriction. My doctor's office told me today that they do the fills in small amounts so that you can learn to eat the bandster way in small ways. Each time you have any type of PB episode, they said that is the band trying to tell you that you are eating wrong. They said that it would take maybe 3 or more fills to feel real restriction. I just had my second fill today, and I was hungry afterwards. I could feel a difference, but they told me not to expect a major difference. So all of that to say this, just concentrate on making sure that you are chosing good foods. Make sure that you are taking small bites. Then lastly, make sure that you are eating slow (the food in the back of the throat could be from eating too fast). I feel your pain, but we will get there. Just take your time.

Happy surgery day! Be blessed!:rolleyes2:

Been there... Done that... I can tell you this, you can eat those foods again after banding. Just way less. I know it is so hard right now. Just keep your strength. The pre-op diet is such a short time compared to your new life with the band. You all were strong enough to make the decision to get the band, you can (and will) make it through the pre-op diet. Be strong.

Drive by post... Hi!

Because it is considered a clear liquid, you probably can have as much as you want. My doctor allowed as much broth and sugar free liquids as I wanted. You should check with your doctor to see if he has a specific limit that he doesn't want you to go over.

Hey Carrie. I had my fill today. I could tell a difference when I was drinking the barium and while drinking the Water. I am starving right now though. I have given up ever getting my money back from them. I asked again about my over payment. Today she told me that I had a hernia repair (I know I didn't because I asked at the hospital). The money is gone and I will never get it back. I just went ahead and paid for my fill and left it alone. She has been searching for a way to not give me the money back. You know that I would be hunted like a dog if I owed them.

PTJP-random post. Should I be concerned that the person that gives me my fills is one of the before and after pictures at the top? They look closer to the before than the after...

Hey Plain! I was sitting here listening to the TV when I heard someone say that they were sitting watching TV, naked, eating cheetos... I looked up thinking I was going to see you. Instead it was Ron White. What a disappointment.

My doctor never said anything about avoiding crunches either. I am glad that you posted this info.

I am 5'1 and I have the APS 10cc band. My doctor also told me that it is based on your stomach size as to what size band you get.

I am glad to see everyone doing so well. I just came back from my 2nd fill. It wasn't too bad. I could feel a difference with the water. Of course, that doesn't mean I will feel a difference when I eat. I will take it slow. I found out I now have 2.6cc in the 10cc band. I will do liquids until tomorrow and try to progress from there. Teri, keep up the good work. Don't let anyone discourage you. You have been very strong and very brave through this entire thing. You keep going the way that you have and nothing can stop you. Be blessed everyone!

Congrats! He finally decided to stop being shy!

My mom wasn't very supportive of the surgery. She tried to talk me out of it. She isn't thin. None of my family is thin. Even now she insists on every conversation to be about food. I told her that unless she had some different conversation, we weren't going to talk as often. She went off saying that I was going to have to deal with food. I told her calmly that though I will deal with food, I won't LIVE for food. She doesn't get it. I don't expect her to get it. Live your life for you. No one else. YOU have to decide what is going to be right for you. Like someone above me said, you no longer have to look to your mom for permission. I understand wanting her support, but without it, you still have support here. It's not perfect, but it is support. I wish you the best!

I know that my husband was not really into me having the band put in. He was worried in general about me having surgery, but I think he was/is concerned that once I lose weight, I won't want him anymore. That said, he still was there for me for my surgery. He also took care of our son for the first week. Regardless of how your husband feels about the surgery itself, he shouldn't put extra stress on you by not helping with your children. That's just my 1.4 cents worth. I hope that he comes around. You shouldn't have to depend on your friend for support. If he isn't willing to come around, it might be time to get some counseling to find out what the real problem is. A man that loves you and wants you to be happy and healthy, shouldn't put extra stress on you by not helping. I hope it all works out for you.

That is where I am right now. I am scared to death. I am having my second fill today and realized I was mourning food again. I have been eating like a mad woman since Sunday. Gross visual. ditto.

Right now I love fried eggs (w/non-stick spray) and boiled eggs. I don't have a problem with them just yet. I go for my next fill tomorrow, so that is subject to change.

I will only add this to what everyone else has said. If your doctor puts you on a pre-op liver shrinking diet, make sure you follow it. You don't want to wake up in the hospital after surgery with no band. One of my friends from this board did their own version of their doctor's diet. When they woke up from surgery, they had no band because the liver was still fatty. They went home and followed the doctor's prescribed diet to the letter and was able to get banded later. Think of it this way, the pre and post op diets are only for a short period of your life. Think of the reward you will get (weight loss and a healthy band). If you are not prepared to make changes to your diet now, what are you going to do after being banded? You still have to make healthy changes. It is a tool. Keep these things in mind while on whatever your doctor prescribes. Good luck!

I was thinking the same thing about boiling eggs for tonight. Egg salad is the only food with mayo in it that my son will eat.