IndyBandster

The 10cc VG band is no different from the other band sizes, but it DOES require larger fills. Hopefully the fill doctor you are using will realize this. My first fill was 4cc. Then 2cc. Then 1.5cc. Then 1cc. I have good restriction finally at this level.

I ,too, have the VG 10cc band. My understanding is that the 4cc and the 10cc bands will tighten to the exact same size (internal circumference) when fully filled. Therefore it would seem we should have the same results or feelings of restriction as those who have the smaller band. The only difference is the fill doctor. They simply MUST give the 10cc banders larger, more aggressive fills. I was banded in Mexico, due to insurance problems, but very fortunately found an excellent fill doctor in the US. My first fill was 4cc and the second 2cc. I actually have pretty good restriction at 6cc but I find myself fighting my band every day and eating all the bad "easy" foods. I am going back in 4 days for a third fill. I am hoping for 1cc as I think this will make me think very seriously about cheating. I wish I were not a slave to food.

I too have the 10cc VG band. I was banded in Mexico. Dr Pedro Kuri. My fill surgeon is here in Indiana and I am quite pleased with him. He is aggressive with fills. My first was 4cc. A little restriction. My second fill: 2cc. I have a total of 6cc in a 10cc band. I actually think I have very good restriction, however my food addiction is in overdrive and I find myself constantly searching for easy foods, ie: ice cream sandwiches. My fill doctor explained to me that all band sizes are the same size (internal circumference) when fully filled, therefore we should have just as much restriction as a smaller band, with an increased fill level. I was banded on June 3, 2006, and have lost 30 lbs so far. Slow, but then again, like I said, I find myself fighting my band. I need to get BACK ON TRACK!

I have had two fills to date. I received my second fill just yesterday. My doctor IS aggressive. I have a 10cc band. My first fill was 4cc. Yesterday I received 2 more making my total 6cc. I have a friend who received his 10cc band 2 years ago. He is just now up to 6cc in his band. I think everyone is different. I had some restriction with 4cc but not much. Tomorrow I will start solids and find out how much restriction I have with my new fill level. I, too, know it is not a race, but being self pay, I would rather push up the learning curve to adapt to my fill levels rather than creep up on ideal restriction. ~Cathy 6/3/06 222/191/142

Physically and emotionally I feel great. I think it was exactly 2 months to the day when I felt I had completely physically healed from the surgery. Don't get me wrong, even in those 2 months I felt great. Wonderful energy. My body is more limber as I lose weight. I feel healthier as I have to make better food choices than before. I love the way my clothes are getting looser. Tonight I am searching my closet for something to wear to work tomorrow. Nothing fits well anymore and I am starting to feel sloppy walking around in baggy oversized clothes. It's a great feeling!!!

I was banded on June 3, 2006. I just had my first fill. I have had some ups and downs, emotiionally, during these few weeks. I want it to be easier, more magical, but at the same time I am ecstatic that I AM losing weight. I have lost 23 pounds so far. I chose the band over the RNY because I didn't want future complications, and also because I want to be able to eat MORE than a RNY patient. Because I chose a procedure that allows me to eat more, I will lose slower. That's the trade off. For the most part I will be able to eat like a "Normal" person. I don't have to tell anyone about my LapBand unless I choose to. All other people will notice is that I am losing weight. It's all good! ~Cathy

I love my new bike. I have had it about 3 weeks. It's a hot pink beach bike; the kind of bike they ride in the Florida keys. Coaster brakes, big soft seat, and plain handlebars. My favorite place to ride is our local cmemtary. It's very peaceful. A nice place to think.

I just bought a bike and relearned how to ride too! LOL! I am 50 and around 200#. I bought a beach bike. Hot pink and very cool. A sturdy safe bike with knobby whitewall tires, plain handlebars, coaster brakes, and a comfy seat. They ride them in the Fla keys. They're cruising bikes for adults. Just look up "beach bike" or "beach cruiser". My guess is that they support a lot of weight. You can check with the manufacturer. I only paid $100 for mine. I ordered it from beachbike.com. Good luck! Happy riding! Cathy 6/3/06 222/201/142

I went through 3 months of seminars and testing and then was told by my insurance company to go to Weight Watchers for 6 months and reapply. I was "too ready" for the surgery so I went to Mexico and self paid. I was banded on June 2, 2006 and I am ecstatic that I went ahead and did it. For me it was the right thing to do. 6/2/06 222/212/142

I am 11 days post op, back to work, and doing great. I am still on full liquids and I get a little hungry.....or so I think. When I get hungry I start to panic. I am afraid I will eat something. But.....all I do is drink a full liquid and the hunger goes away. Amazing, huh? I truly think the hunger is mostly in our heads, before AND after surgery. You will not be sorry you had the surgery. You will be amazed and happy. The scars are small, and on a younger person I think they will fade to nothing. I have a little restriction already in that I feel shoulder pain when I finish a big glass of whatever. I am anxious to start soft food to see how it feels. I am also looking forward to my first fill. It is scheduled for July 19. Good luck with your journey!! 6-2-06 222/212/142

Oprah and I attended Optifast at the same time, same clinic. We both gained back the weight. Now I'm scheduled to be banded. I say she goes for it.

I live in the Midwest. When I researched privately paying, after my insurance was denied, I found Lap Band surgery prices from $17,000 to $24,000. I am a nurse and work for a hospital, and even they would NOT give me a price break. I am scheduled for Lap Band surgery with Dr Kuri in Mexico on June 3. I am extrememly comfortable with my decision to go to Mexico. Dr Kuri has performed thousands of Lap Bnad procedures. The one surgeon my insurance would have approved had only done 4. Go figure. My surgery, including travel, will be less than $10,000.

I will be banded in 4 weeks. Are most of you able to eat salads and raw veggies, if chewed well? How many weeks post op should I wait before a salad could be attempted? Or are raw veggies and salads contraindicated? I would hate to give up salads................

:clap2: I too am a bandster hopeful. Actually I am more than hopeful. My surgery with DR KURI is scheduled for June 3, 2006...just 4 weeks away. I am very excited. I'm a nurse and I feel very comfortable with going to Mexico. I researched LapBand surgery for about a year and I decided to go with Dr Kuri. My family, too, hit the roof when I told them about my plans, but I'm sticking with it. I'm comfortable with the surgical procedure, MD and nursing care, facilities, travel, and recovery process. My biggest fixation right now is whether or not I can be compliant with the diet and be successful. Four weeks away and I have given up carbonated beverages and will ease off caffeine, so I don't get a withdrawal headache at surgery time. I also want to lose a few pounds before the surgery for my safety.