WendyMary

Hi all, I just got my 4th fill yesterday. I had to get an unfill last time (long story), and then I didn't feel restriction, but about a week or two into the unfill, it started getting tighter. It always seems to be about a week or 5 days before my menstral cycle, so I asked the doctor. He said the band will tighten before and during your menstral cycle. I've heard others mention this also, so I wanted to ask the Dr. and he confirmed it to be true. Maybe that is what is going on with you gals??

I have UHC and I have been trying to get the band for over 3 years now. They are constantly giving me wrong info. Once, the Dr. office called got all the info. was in the works of getting me going for surgery and then all of a sudden, they said WLS surgery and procedures were excluded from my policy, so that stoppe it in the tracks 3 years ago. Then, I was ready to self-pay, but had them check insurance once more before I paid and again, they told them I was covered only to find out I was not and I requested to see in writing the exclusion and they sent it. So, my policy must be different from yours, but I would only stress to check and double check that it covers WLS. They are constantly screwing up when I call to get coverage info. I actually ask to speak to a supervisor now. I ended up being a cash pay patient and had my band placed in Jan of this year (2009). I love it and it was the best thing I have ever done. Best of luck and I hope your policy is better than mine.

I just got a fill and am feeling really good restriction for the first time. I am also worried about getting my fluids in. It seems first thing in the morning and after 8pm, I'm not able to do to well with fluids. I find that cold drinks hurt going down, so I've been warming Crystal light a little to room temp or a little warmer and I do fine sipping all day. I can't chug water or drinks like I used to, so I just sip all day. I don't like tea and I usually drink iced coffee, so I've warmed my coffee in the morning and then the crystal light warmed. I think I'll try some water warmed too.

I can't access that web site either. Wish I could sounds like a great site.

I slept on my side. One side was always a little more comfortable than the other and I would hug a pillow and put one between my legs and one just under my stomach for support. I had pillows all over to make me more comfortable. I also put a hot water bottle leaning against my back and it helped with gas a lot. It took me about 2 weeks before I was completly comfortable on my stomach again. I think whatever feels comfortable is fine. If it hurts, don't do it yet. Best of luck.

I was reading some of the posts and just wanted to comment. I was banded in Jan and still don't have good restriction and haven't yet PB'd, but have come close on many occasions. This is something me and a fellow bander have discussed and I'm trying to pay attention to it and see if its true for me. It seems that when I am really hungry (like stomach growling and all) that my band is a little tighter also, when you PB, people have said your band tightens up maybe because you caused a little swelling from the PBing. So see if the days you are tighter might be because of these episodes and the days you can eat anything might be smoother days without any episodes. I'm curious if there is any correlation.

I am a private person and chose only to tell my husband (not even my young children know), my parents & brother. The weight loss will be slow and at times nothing at all until you get fill just right. I don't want people noticing everything I put in my mouth. I have lost 22 pounds so far and no one has noticed except for the few people who know I have had the surgery. Isn't that funny??? I've gone down 2 pant sizes and no one has noticed. When people do start to notice, I am just going to say I've been eating less, eating better choices and exercising and that is not a lie. I don't think I will ever tell anymore people than the ones I have already told.

Hi there, I was banded on Jan 19 and have lost 22 pounds so far. I have been at a stand still lately. I've had 2 fills and am going in for my next on Aprl 14th. I love my band.

Hi there, I'm in SoCal as well, I went to Dr. Owens in Rancho Cucamonga. I had my surgery 1/19 and don't regret a single moment. I've lost 22 pounds so far and down 2 pant sizes. I know its scary, but you'll be so happy after your done.

My husband has gastritus (not banded). The causes of his gastritus are the foods he eats & stress. He shouldn't have spicy foods, alcohol or stress or his stomach hurts and he gets an ulcer that acts up and bleeds a little. He is on Acephex and it helps a lot. He only takes it when his stomach is bothering him and then it heals up and he doesn't need medicine anymore. Maybe its something your eating. Do you eat spicy foods???

Hi all, I just found this link. I have been searching for other Jan 09 banders and couldn't seem to find anything until today. Yeah!!!! I was banded on the 19th as well and I'm feeling good. I lost 12 pounds on the pre op diet and only 7 post surgery. I don't go for a fill until the 24th and I haven't lost any weight for about 2 weeks now. I'm playing with about 3 pounds going back and forth. I'm very hungry and feel like my appetite is pretty big, but not as big as before. I also haven't been very disciplined with my diet during the last few days (valentine weekend and all). I'm going to try to be good this week and maybe drop a pound or two before my fill. Otherwise, after fill, I hope to be on my way to good restriction. I love hearing how everyone else is doing. Is there a name for January banders??? I'd love to keep in touch with everyone. Is everyone eating normal food now??? Has anyone actually had their first fill and how are they doing with it????

That was the worst problem for me. I think it was the pain killers. I have a tea I make that helps me with constipation, but I have to say, when I think about the surgery, the worst part for me was the constipation. Call Dr. and see what you need to do... Hope you feel better soon.

Hi, I was banded on 1/19 and feeling great. I lost 12 pounds pre op diet and only 7 post op, so far. My appetite feels like before. I did 2 weeks post op liquid protein, 1 week mushies and now, regular food. I'm trying to make smart choices and feel like I'm doing fairly well, but the weight hasn't moved in a week. I don't get a fill until the 24th. I'm going to increase my exercise starting this week and hope to loose a little more. I don't feel any restriction as of now. I did the first 2 weeks or so, but not anymore. I'm trying to pay attention to when I'm full. I can't wait to feel that restriction again. Best of luck to all of you.