Sabrinaaa

I know that cost is not the most important part of a fill, but I am researching to find the best for the best, since Im a self pay bander! What do you pay for your fills? Especially, in the Los Angeles area?

I was banded about 10 days ago and since the very beginning, I could feel the edge rim of my port, which my doctor placed right next to my belly button (literally right next to). It feels like its at a 15 to 20 degree angle, with the highest rim futhest from my bellybutton. I would guess that its 1/4 to 1/2 inch below my skin and assume that with minimal weight loss, it will be veeeeeerrrrryyyy apperent. I have an appt on Monday to speak with him and see what he says. Has anyone had this experience?

I completely understand your disappointment, I too am 10days out (w/o fill) and starving! It really is a daily battle to maintain the recommended 3 meals of 3-4 ounces, and I have fallouts daily, but it will get better (based on research) just really has to do with the fills. My doctor too, doesnt fill more than once every 6 weeks. I have two fills with him for free and will definately search another place to fill, as long as I recover from the fills quickly. I dont think others will recommend seeing another doctor, but being here in the Los Angeles area, there are doctors on every corner. I do know a doctor in Glendale, that doesnt have restrictions on the time, but its not under flouro sp? and its around $200, let me know if you need a reference. Hes a good doctor too. Hang in there, it will get better.

Jachut, You look great by the way! You and I had similar starting BMI's. I am starting @ 185 (now 180) and would like to get down to @ 125. Just 1o days banded. Just out of curiosity, using your idea of losing slowly and eating most liked foods, how long did it take you to get down to where you are now?

I feel your disappointment. I am only one week out, but really felt out of control, since I was gaining back my 8lbs lost since pre/post op. I know after researching that 90% of the weightloss comes from reaching the perfect fill for you, but the other part is chosing wisely. Go back to the drawing board and remember what they told you before you banded about eating the small palm size portions of protein with low carb vegies, 3 times a day and use small portions (1/2 c) of protein shakes in between. I finally got hard on myself last night and decided to stop testing the limits and follow that plan and I already feel better today. I am also a mother of 2 and find staying home can really destroy a good nutrition plan, when you feel like cheating, get the kids in the stroller and go for a walk. Good luck to us all! Go get a fill if you can.

Try asking your insurance or doctor about some kind of herniation. I cant remember what was herniated with me (somewhere in the esophagus), where it was stretched and allowing food to come back up Luckily, when banding my doctor fixed that as well and I have no reflux at all. Its great.

whats sliming?

I was banded on 08/18/10 and couldnt really stick to a pre-diet knowing id never be able to binge again. I did though stick to pre op instructions and lost a couple of lbs from that. My start weight was 185. I felt some restriction and loss of appetite post-op, but find my appetite increasing every day. I was down to 177 (-8), but found myself testing the limits and eating stuff that is not part of liquid diet. Since yesterday I went from 177 to 180 again. Im kind of scared that Im going to gain back the 5lbs before my doctor allows me to fill. He will only fill once every six weeks (for which, my first 2 fills are free), and im also scared that I wont feel any restriction with only a few fills considering his conservativeness. I feel like Im not going to reap the benefit of the band for quite a while. Did anyone have similar experiences? Would anyone recommend me getting filled by another doctor to speed up the process? I do understand the first 6 week wait, to allow the band to sit and the stomach to heal, but after that, im not sure. Also, Im still feeling semi pregnant with the swelling. How long will this take to go down? Thanks, Sabrina:Dancing_confused::Dancing_confused::tongue2::Dancing_confused:

Thanks Jamyie & Shelly, Your both right, but its sooooooo difficult. I feel as if nothing has happened, everything goes down as if I had no band at all. I feel so lost, I know that we have the mushies, but are we supposed to count calories or plan a protein meal. I feel like i was given a list of mushies to eat, but not good at understanding what to eat and what porportion? Am I to eat until Im full or just the 3-5 ounce rule? What are you doing? Thanks Again, Sabrina

Hi, I am looking forward to being banded, but am still looking for a low cost package in Southern California. Does anyone have current prices on packages around here? Also, I have a starting BMI of 33 and was wondering if anyone else has been in my situation or know anyone else who has? What is the expected loss and rate of loss? Any other info would be great! Also, if anyone recommends Mexico packages, please site the office/dr. name for referrence. Thanks so much! Sabrina