Mrs. CMK

I, too, have experienced this. Brings tears to my eyes thinking about it.

I do a nice amount of flying, out of town, for business. For the past 5 years or so, I have had to ask for a seat belt extender and I hate it. My husband and I flew together for the first time last year and I had to confess to him that I was going to need to ask for one. Being the sweet man that he is, he didn't bat an eyelash. Anyway....I flew to Milwaukee last week and being down 42 lbs, I thought perhaps I wouldn't need it. Unfortunately, I did. But I am very close! I probably won't be flying again until the end of the year. This is my goal....to lose enough so that I can get that regular seat belt fastened with no extra help. I'll keep you updated.

Congratulations! Way to go! Happy Dance for you!!!!!

I know this is a tough time. I lost only 2 lbs in the first 3 weeks after surgery. I was devastated. Then I began to read this forum and there is actually a name for it, Bandster Hell. This is very normal. Type the words "Bandster Hell" into the search engine on this site and read all of the posts of your fellow bandsters who went through the same thing. It did me a world of good because I thought I was losing my mind. You can do this but it will take time and willpower (unfortunately) during this phase of your banded life. *hugs*

I am so sorry you are going through a tough time. Most of us, who have told a friend or a family member about our decision to become banded knows what it is like to get a negative reaction. Mine was from my daughter and I cried for 2 days. Most of the people in your life probably are just concerned for your health and safety and not very educated on weight loss surgery and more than likely, they don't know the level of soul searching you have gone through to get to this decision. I know it is tough to sustain your motivation and enthusiasm but imagine how great you will feel after you have lost weight. Really imagine it. Do your best to shrug off the comments. Unfortunately, sometimes people react negatively because they are jealous and their comments really have more to do with their own unhappiness than you personally. Most importantly, join a support group. My face to face and online support groups have been a God send to me. I get more educated every day and I can counteract any negativity with facts. The positive-ness and success of others who share their story has made it easier to deal with any negativity around me. Everyone's weight loss journey is a personal one. No one knows what is best for you except for you. If others try to talk you out of it, just smile and tell them you appreciate their concern, but only time will tell if this is the right decision for you. And then work extra hard to prove them wrong. I hope this helps you. God Bless

Congratulations. I am so happy for you. I, too, am 2 months post op and have lost 34 lbs. I feel pretty darn good about it! Keep up the great work. You are inspiring me.

I think each doctor may be different but I was banded on 5/23 and did not get my first fill until 7/17. I, like you, had nothing in my band after surgery. He put in 2 cc's on the first fill and I will have another one on 8/16. He requires waiting 30 days between fills. I still don't have restriction yet and am relying on my willpower. Don't get discouraged. It may take several fills before you feel restriction and hit your green zone.

Goodness. I am so sorry you had such a bad experience on your first fill. I was banded on 5/23 and just got my first fill on 7/17. It was painless. I'm not even sure they used a numbing agent but I am going to assume they did since I didn't feel a thing. Be sure to ask questions and let them know you want to avoid another horrible experience. You are in charge.

I just got home from my very first fill. Very simple process and I felt no pain with the needle. He put in 2 cc's and I will be on full liquids for 24 hours and then I have to be careful what I eat until I figure what works well and what does not. I'm just taking it slow and still determining how much restriction this fill will give me. I see the dr. again on 8/16. I wish you well.

I am thrilled for you! Wonderful news. I, too, am looking forward to crossing my legs.

I am so incredibly happy for you. Congratulations and you look great!

Sombody always has something to say. Most of the folks in my life were supportive but for those that were negative, I said things like: "I understand this is not a magic pill but only a tool" "I have done all of my research and this is the best choice for me and my situation." "I am ready to make a change" And for those who asked me if I was scared, I said. "Yes, but I am more afraid NOT to be banded." I wish you well on this journey we are all traveling together.

I bought a recumbant bike and it is really working for me. I do 30-45 minutes almost every day. I DVR my favorite shows and watch TV while I'm doing it. I really like it. I am trying to mix it up with walking but the temperature has been in the triple digits here and it is just too too hot for walking. Exercising in the comfort of my own air conditioning is much more appealing. I pray you find something that you like.

I am so so excited. Finally, finally the scale moved. I was banded on 5/23 and the scal has not moved for the past 3 weeks. This morning I was down 3 more pounds. Yahoo!!!!!!

I also have BCBS of Illinois. I did not talk to the insurance company as it was all done through my surgeon's office. The paperwork was submitted on 1/27/12 and the patient advocate, from my surgeon's office, called me on 1/31/12 to say that BCBS of IL would only consider approval if I went on a 6 month medically supervised diet before the surgery. I cried but of course, agreed. I then got a call the next day, from the PA saying that BCBS of IL called them and said as of 2/1/12 the medically restricted diet was no longer a required part of the process. Whew. Great. They said the paperwork would be looked over and we should expect a response within the week. A week goes by and no response so the PA calls and is informed that there was some additional information needed. The information was provided and I had my approval within 3 days. I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster. I had to wait until 5/23/12 to be banded because of my work schedule and overall have been really pleased with BCBS of IL. Just make sure all of your t's are crossed and your i's are dotted. I wish you well.