Hutch444

Well, I have been banded for 13 months and let me tell you that I am ALWAYS hungry. From day 1, my "head hunger" has never went away. I've been constantly losing even without much restriction at first, but I can honestly say that I have yet to walk past a vending machine and not wish that I could have something out of there... Oh don't even get me started about a Diet Coke machine! I haven't had any pop since my pre-op diet over a year ago, and til this day I am still like a recovering crackhead - I take long pauses at my friends drinking their pop - OH HOW I MISS IT! But, that being said, I chose to give it up. My band has never made me have a feeling like I couldn't eat anything. Very bluntly, up until a few months ago, I was cursing this band to everyone that would listen. The problem with the doctors and the staff at their offices, IN MY OPINION, is that they glorify the band through all their mandatory meetings and evaluations but they NEVER tell you that this is not a miracle solution, which I, unfortunately, was looking for. I have learned to love my band now know that it is A DIET. If you're not ready for A DIET, it's not going to work for you. THE BAND IS HARD, YET GRATIFYING, WORK and if you love your band, it will eventually love you, too. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't agree with the fact that this dr is saying the band isn't about restriction, but the feeling of not wanting to eat. If that were the case, in my instance, I got the wrong band! My old, fat girl sees food in the same way she always saw it. My new, thinner yet not yet done losing, girl knows that she has to stop or she's going to get super sick from her RESTRICTION. But it doesn't mean that the feeling of wanting to eat isn't always there FOR ME, because it is. Thanks for listening to my rant! :w00t:

Hi, I've been banded over a year and whenever I overdo it and eat a little more than I'm supposed to, I get severe mucus in my chest that makes me cough like I have a respiratory infection. It's happened since day one so don't be alaramed. It sucks but it passes after a few minutes for me. Congrats on you band and best of luck :w00t:

I had absolutely no complications. My surgeon has a mandatory rule that all patients must spend the night in the hospital, so I received pain meds while there, but I didn't take anything once I got home. I took a week off work and I was glad because it did feel like I was hit by a truck for a few days and sleeping was very uncomfortable, but after about 3 days, I was all good. I never had a problem. Now, when I was at the surgeon this last time, there were 2 girls that were having leakage from their belly buttons and so we all had to go back and get u/s and blood work to check for infections, but I'm clear and very happy with the way it was done. I know you'll be fine. Nothing to worry about. Then all you'll have to do is get used to feeling this port under your skin all the time! :thumbup:

I bought a pill crusher and crushed mine for about two weeks after surgery. I had to stop taking one for a bit because it's a capsule and couldn't be opened or crushed, but I just took the others with a shot of Water and it worked out pretty well. Hope things get better for you. I know how it is not to sleep.

I was lucky enough to have a procedure on Sept. 21st where they went thru my belly button so I have no scarring whatsoever. They made one pin-hole incision that I can't even find anymore, which was used for the hook to hold up my liver, but as for the entire procedure, you would never know I had anything done. It's perfect! Good luck to you :thumbup:

Oh, how I can't wait to get to that point! I still haven't had a fill because they think I'm doing too good on my own (I don't even want to get into this because it really p*sses me off :w00t:), so when I finally have some restriction, I'm going to be one happy bandster. Until then, I'm dying for a drink with every bite I take!

I'm 2 1/2 months post-op and it still drives me crazy that I can't drink with my meals! I count the minutes until I can take a drink! Good luck with your band. I know you'll do great! :w00t:

This is a new one to me! I was banded on Sept. 21st and after a problem with a referral three weeks ago, was finally set to have my first fill today. I was so excited since I haven't had ANY restriction at all. When I got there, the NUT came in to talk to me and was so happy that I lost 4 lbs in three weeks that she said I didn't need to be filled because I was doing so well on my own. She also said that as long as I'm doing so well, I should save my fills because there's going to come a time down the line where it's going to get harder and I'm going to need the help of a fill and I'll be happy I have room left because you can only have so many until you're "full". I guess I see her point and Yay me! for losing the lousy 4 lbs that I wasn't even happy with, but MY GOD! I GOT THE BAND FOR HELP! I'm hungry all the time and can eat so much. Any one else have this happen to them?! Just wondering. Haven't read it before. Tracy :smile:

They actually gave me back my referral and co-pay and told me to hold on to it for the next time since nothing was done. I understand that this was bullsh!t but I also see the point. I never thought about what happens when you reach your capacity in your band. Now they have me worried about that. From what I gathered, she (the NUT) consults with the dr. about the progress you're making. She said that I can wait and see the dr. but with the loss I had, he's not going to fill me. I just never heard of this happening. There's so much crap with this band that they don't tell you about before you get it. I wish I would've found this site first... I probably would've opted for a different procedure.

Congrats on your progress! I guess you're one of the lucky ones. My only reason for not going completely postal in there was because she mentioned about needing them more later on. That made me think. The NUT said I'm still in my "honeymoon phase" and it's still fresh and fun... another 50 lbs and it's not going to be so fun and so easy and you want to save your fills for those times. I don't know. All I do know is that I was pretty excited today and then totally disappointed all within about 15 mintues!

Hi. I'm in Chicago but my dr. is not where you are talking about. His name is Rami Lutfi and he was great. Was banded on Sept. 21st. Good luck to all! This is tough!

I just started a new thread but I have to add it here - I was banded on Sept 21st and haven't had a fill. Went today and I lost 4 lbs since 3 weeks ago when I was there and they think that's good weight loss so they refused a fill. NUT said to wait until I "really need" one later because you can only fill your band so much. The thing is - I HAVE NO RESTRICTION! I've just been hitting the gym and "dieting" like I could've before and it's driving me crazy. I got the band for a reason and now I'm just basically doing it on my own. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I didn't know they can refuse you for losing "enough" on your own so be warned!

Good luck on Monday!:Yawn:

Hi. My name is Tracy and I, TOO, AM A food ADDICT! I totally agree with what you said. It's so hard not to get rid of the HUNGER that's in your head. I was banded on Sept. 21st and still have hunger issues. I believe they call it "head hunger". I just loved to eat all the time and now that I don't have that option, I don't know what to do with myself! First fill is on Tuesday, December 1st. I know that won't help with the "head hunger," but I can't wait to feel some restriction. They don't tell you about the constant hunger and the no restriction until your first fill aspects of this surgery before you have it! I wish I would've found this site pre-surgery! Good luck to everyone starting, in the middle of, and maintaining their journeys!

I was banded on September 21st and my surgeon STILL hasn't given me a fill. I was supposed to have one November 10 but the forgot to tell me I needed a referral so I couldn't have it done. Now I'm going on December 1st and I can't wait. This "bandster hell" is for the birds!

My first post and it's about itching! I have the same under my breasts and my underwear lines! It's annoying! Glad I'm not the only one (not that I want anyone to itch)!