LittleGirlBlue

I was told no swimming or bath (shower only) until after two week appt. and doc released me.

Added XiolaBlue77

I'm with ya... 15 lbs by June 7th! That will leave me 15 lbs to goal:D

Interesting... We are learning every day. I realized today that stress can trigger left shoulder pain for me. I've seen some people post about stress making them feel tighter and/or they can't eat as much when syressed. Just wondering if that cam push on the phrenic nerve. I know if I have waited to long to pee (sorry if this is TMI) the pressure and fullnes pushes on enough internal stuff that I have left shoulder pain. I'm 3 1/2 months out. Please keep updating- I like learning about what each of you experience.

Do or die- mine was do or waste your life away in a wheelchair. I have been criticized as a low BMI bander- why didn't I just lose the weight? Why? Because I have the same problem we all have- I can't keep it off. I can lose it a hundred times over. I needed a tool to help me with portion size. I couldn't be happier and and trying my hardest to learn how to live with the band. I understand your frustration with the site- last night I posted about managing head hunger and most of the responses I got were related to portion size. While there were a few great responses about head hunger I was discouraged. Especially after someone criticized me for not going through the pre-surgery counseling- the person stated it should be mandatory... What? If I had waited any longer who knows what my condition would have been. Sorry now I am venting, the point is when asking for advice you expect advice, shared experiences, not opinions.

Hmm... Thank you all. I'm struggling with the head hunger not portion size. It's knowing when how much of the 1/2 cup portion is enough. It's good to hear that some of you have struggled with the same thing and have tactics to approach it:) I'll be messaging you for that egg trick. Thank you!

So I had my third fill three weeks ago; 7.5 in an 11cc band. I have great restriction- not to little and not too much. The problem is I was banded on December, a self-pay patient that went through no pre-op counseling. I thought that after 10 weeks of reduced portions I would have no problem when I finally felt restriction but I do. It's like my head tells me to just try to get in one or two more bites- even when I'm full. No wasting!!! Of course that no wasting mentality makes for one or two bites too much:(. Followed by misery sometimes purging and PBing. How have each of you overcome this head hunger; the feeling you are depriving yourself?

I was diagnosed with MS last year and my Doctor was clear with me loose the weight or lose your livelihood. I am a low BMI lap-bander right about 32. The lack of insurance insurance coverage didn't stop me. I am a self-pay. Had the procedure at DayOne Health in Chicago (one of the best) 13K with all fills paid for the first year. Just filed my tax return and was able to claim the surgery- yeah to my CPA... my refund without claiming surgery was about $500- with the surgery a little more than 4K. 9K out of pocket for a surgery that will save my life- doesn't get much better than that.

To share or not to share... I shared with my husband who was semi-supportive, now three months post-op very supportive. My two children 15 & 12, who love watching mom lose weight- they've watched me work to a size 2 three times to always gain back plus more. They are excited that this time mom has something to help keep it off. My mom and my sister because they both struggle with weight (they were asked not to say anything to other family members). No one else needs to know. I'm a self pay low BMI patient- it's my journey, it's personal!

Good luck tomorrow! Keep your head up:)

Hot liquids in the morning to open you up... thanks for sharing!

I am going through this- I am mourning like I've lost a family member. Last night- superbowl was the worst. I cooked for 3 hours and wasn't able to enjoy it. I ended up in the rec/media room alone watching a movie on HBO. Every time I heard commotion upstairs I just reminded myself that priority needed to be the movie. I did overeat- but nothing like I would have in the past, not even 1/4 of the amount that would provide satiety in the past. Almost 7 weeks out with 4cc's I am terrible hungry but have a fill scheduled today. I'm not expecting a miracle but my fingers are crossed that this gets me closer to the green zone.

I survived!!! I experienced a little anxiety but after two calming pills it was mostly good. Four cc's and if I don't feel restriction by next Friday I will go in the next Friday.

Tomorrow marks 5 weeks post op and I am scheduled for my first fill. I am happy, anxious and nervous all at the same time. I've had five weeks to get used to my new relationship with food- now it's time to get serious and get rid of this weight forever!

My BMI was under 32, with no co-morbities (unless GERD is considered a co-morbidity). Insurance wasn't going to cover so I self-payed (I saved for 18 months) and had no problems- in fact the surgery was cheaper by self-paying and the post-op attention I receive is better than most friends covered by their insurance- same surgeon in the same office but there are insurance limitations. I worked with my family physician and he was able to show proof that my BMI had fluctuated between 35 and 20 for over 18 years. This was my investment in myself to take control and never go back- because of that it came to a point that the money was no longer an issue. I wanted my life back.

Rachael1, We should connect- Dr. Elli has been great! I live about 2 hours out of the city and commute to about an hour outside the city, certainly not as far as Ohio. I noticed something else we have in common... you are a Corporate Trainer, I am in a similar profession- I came out of training (after about 10 years) and am now an HR Director for Manufacturing Operations, I "own" Employee Relations, Organizational Development, Learning and Performance. Of course my baby is Learning and Performance- I'll be CPLP testing this year We must keep up!!!

Hello, Hello! I was banded 12.23.2011. Already down 8 lbs. (178 pre-op, 176 surgery day and 170 yesterday) 11 days post-op with no fill. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in late summer 2011. At the time my neurologist told me that if I wanted to live a long life I needed to get my health in order. I didn't waste any time- this is the first of many steps I will take to watch my children grow older, go to prom, graduate from high school, go away to college, travel the world, get married, and bless me with grandbabies (not necessarily in that order). I am a self-pay, low BMI Bandster- I've noticed there are quite a few of us. Thank you to everyone that posts- I have learned more on here than I ever learned in seminars or support groups. You are all great!