illuminationlady

I got my first fill of 3ccs 4 weeks out. Now I will go every two weeks until I hit my sweet spot. Best wishes!

Getting banded for me was anticlimatic. I, too, was very excited and at first I had some restriction. After a while you can eat anything and that's where the let down was for me. I have had one fill and will get another one Feb. 8th. My weight has completely stalled and I lost quite a bit before surgery. Just hang in there and the swelling and scars will be gone before you know it. But don't be surprised if you don't lose anything for a while. I'm just glad I haven't gained anything as other on this site have.

I had the runs at first but has now stopped. It took about 6 weeks. You do not say when you were banded so I don't know if this is the same.

Growling doesn't mean hunger. It's hard to distinguish when we are hungry because of this. I grumble all the time and have trained myself to say that I'm not hungry. I think it's just part of being a band patient.

It is nice to hear everyone is doing so well. Tina, my status hasn't changed. I have no restriction. I haven't gained any so that's a good thing. My next fill is Feb. 8th. Hope I get some restriction with that one!!!

Glad to hear you are better. Just remember that it can take many fills to reach true restriction so don't get down if your fill doesn't last long.

I also only see the Physicians' Assistants. He has two. They are trained by him and very well versed in Lap Band. I figure that he does the surgery and that's his expertise and they handle patient care. I don't mind at all!

Yes, follow the link that Melinco suggests. There is also a Group under Social Groups. You can join us there too.

At most restaurants you can ask for half of your meal to be boxed up before it's served. I do this automatically when I order the food.

You sound very upset and if you are not "educated" about how the band works, this is understandable. I had my surgery Dec. 16th and have had one fill on an empty band. I struggle with "food" every day. I was upset at first and then realized that I must have restriction in order to forget about when my next meal is. You need to listen to the other posters about saving your money for fills. I was not self pay so I can imagine that you are more frustrated than I am. Can you find any support groups in your area? I am going to a support group meeting tonight. They help a lot. I have met many people who thought the same as you and then they found restriction. Many of those people are at goal. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck and take the advice given here to heart! Best wishes!!!

When you do finally get in set up your next two appointments right then and there.

See this concerns me...I'm going for my second fill a week from today. I got 3ccs in an empty 10cc band the first time. I have no restriction. I want her to put in 2 more ccs but am worried that I will feel like you guys do. I would call your doctor's office for advice. I know you are afraid they will take some out and you'll have no restriction but you should be able to at least eat something. Call your doctor....

I am currently in Bandster Hell and awaiting restriction. I know I will get there but the scale isn't moving. The problem is my close family and friends always ask, "How much have you lost?" What do you all say when posed with this question? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know the scale will move again and have come to terms with this but hate explaining about fills and restriction to people who don't understand what "band" life is like.

My first fill only lasted about 12 hours. Am looking forward to the next one...

I don't think I'll ever be a 3 meal a day gal. I do the same thing. I'll have a little Greek yogart or a piece of low fat string cheese. The hardest part is between lunch and dinner for me. That's just too long to go without any food (having no restriction). Can't wait for that sweet restriction....:thumbup:

And you stay full for 3-4 hours? Even with that 3oz. I have been told any liquid with your meal makes it a "slider" meal and it goes right throught the band. Interesting...

So true!!! lol...Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. I really was stummped on this one. I tend to be very open...too open sometimes. Some of your suggestions made me chukle too. But some really great thoughts on the subject! Thanks for the reminder that I am doing well just by maintaining also. This site has been a tremendous support to me On the subject of educating people. I tell them the all about the fills, etc. and the next time I see them I have to repeat the whole thing. It gets old. It's not the focus of their lives so they need refresher courses each time I see them. And yet, the question still comes up...usually right away..."How much have you lost." Maybe if I was a little more forward and to the point, as one poster posted, about the subject they would stop....thoughts to ponder...

I only told my family and my best friend. I am in the same situation as the OP. Only 12 lbs lost. What do I say when people (who love me) ask, "How much have you lost? What do you all say? Any suggestions whould be greatly apprecitated.

Keep us posted!

You all have such inspiring stories. I agree with the poster who said this site is awesome!!!

I have heard from people who are/were in your situation too. My support group leader also did not lose until the second year due to lack of restriction. Restriction is an important process and, I agree, should be taken slowly...at least for me. I do feel the pain of the OP. Perhaps that is why I have taken such an interest in this thread...it pertains to me also. Thanks to the poster for your story.

I can't feel mine. I had one fill and felt a "tightness" within but can't feel the band at all.

Thin people are treated better than fat people...in my opinion. I have been thin and I have been fat. But to me...in my mind...I always look fat. But I do agree with the poster who said she is treated better when her hair is curled. I know for a fact that when I am thin I am treated better...like I count!