Overjoyed1

That's a big red flag...they "don't like" giving fills for a reason. Maybe they're not properly trained in doing fills and just don't feel confident in what they're doing. And you certainly don't want to take a risk. In that case, if your surgeon can't do the fills, look into an office that has Nurse Practitioners doing the fills. My NP even has the band herself and that helps a lot because she personally understands. BTW...you're doing GREAT with your weight loss!!! 50lbs is awesome!!!

Yes my doctor added 2.2cc during surgery. I didn't know until my first fill this week. Honestly, Im glad he did add fluid because it gave me time to learn what my "full" sensation is like before I started solid foods. My transition went very smoothly. Had .5cc added this week. My nurse did explain to me the reasons some patients have fluid added during surgery. Partially due to the original fit of the 10cc band which can differ person to person. Also during the barium swallow immediately after surgery, any leakage can be detected. Other reasons as well. Im feeling great and loving my band!

So happy for you! Take it easy. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Congratulations again. Praying for your mind to be at ease and that you have a smooth start to your recovery! My biggest suggestions: 1) Follow your health care team's instructions 2) Walk! Walk! Walk!

Wow! I hope you realize what an inspiration you really are! Keeping the weight off for as long as you have is a huge accomplishment that all of us hope to achieve. So glad you've found a supportive provider and hopefully we can all be encourahing as well. We can do this!!!

It depends on the insurance company. I was recently banded through Cigna. If I had lost more than a certain % of weight, I would have been denied because they would conclude that I could lose the weight without surgery. However, some other companies require you to lose a certain amount of weight to prove that you ARE disciplined enough to have the surgery. The insurance specialist in your surgeon's office is probably familiar with the philosophy for each company and can possibly give you more insight on what will get you approved.

Bucket List: Go to Lane Bryant, try on the smallest size & find that its too big! Ride go carts with my son. Wear heels without ankle pain. Get GOOD seats to a comedy show at the Improv without fear of the comedian using me for fat jokes!

Congratulations! Take it easy. My surgery was yesterday. Today I having soreness in my belly. No other pain. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

@princessAmanda...Im also in Houston! My surgeon is Dr. Reilly at True Results.

Also I've found that adding a capful of extract (vanilla, coconut, pineapple, etc) improves the taste of the shakes tremendously.

Hello Cb2. I use PureProtein (100% Whey Protein) in Vanilla Creme and Frosty Chocolate. Can be purchased at Kroger in the Natural/Organic section. There are also different brands of unflavored protein shakes. However, not sure of a "clear" protein shake. If your doctor said "clear" liquids that means beef/chicken/turkey broths, Sugar Free apple juice, etc.

Update: My surgery was performed as planned since I've consistently lost weight from my first visit in March. Yaaaaay...I AM BANDED!!!!

@2savemylife... I surely will Congratulations on your band as well. I hope your gas pain gets better for you soon.

I was banded yesterday!!!! Checked in @ 11:00am & was home by 6:30pm. Incision pain & nausea was awful but were pretty much GONE within an hour. My recovery nurse was WONDERFUL! I was her only patient and she stayed right by my side. Once home, I had SF popsicle for my throat then battled gas in my abdomen for the rest of the evening. The gas wasn't painful, just very uncomfortable. I walked and drank warm broth for that. (Gas-X wasn't very helpful for me). I slept well with my head & upper back elevated & on my side with pillows supporting my back & belly - much like during pregnancy. This morning, my belly & throat are really sore and THAT'S IT! No pain!!!! I have to the ENTIRE team was WONDERFUL! From Dr. Reilly all the way through to the patient escort. I couldnt have asked for a better team. Not one them rushed or made me feel like I was just a case/number. Absolutely wonderful!!

Congrats we have same Band-day!!

I use Pure Protein Natural Whey. The Vanilla Creme & Frosty Chocolate are both tasty. I change up the flavor by adding a tsp of extract to mine. Coconut extract is especially good.

Good to hear everything went well. Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Thanks Ladies! That gives me hope I walked 3 miles this morning instead of 2 and I'll do it again tomorrow. Not much else I can do except pray for the best.

Week one I lost seven lbs. By day two of second week I lost 2 more lbs. So I was so excited, thinking I'd lose more than the 10lbs required. Now it's PMS time and the scale shows that I've GAINED 3lbs!!! Surgery is scheduled for Monday and my nerves are shot! Has anyone not reached the required weight during pre-op and if so did your doctor still perform the surgery?

Congrats Ladies!!!

Congratulations! I will be banded on the 30th and soooooo excited also!!! Wishing you a smooth recovery!!!!

Welcome and congratulations Ruffian! Wishing you a smooth recovery! My surgery is in 4 days and this site has been so helpful! You will soon find the members on this site to be encouraging, reassuring and inspirational. And there's no sugar-coating here I've learned so much from the experiences of others who already been banded. Congrats again on your big day. God Bless you.

I use Pure Protein Vanilla. Add a teaspoon of extract (either vanilla, pineapple, coconut, or banana flavors) and it tastes pretty good. To give it a chocolate flavor I add a little sugar-free chocolate pudding mix. For me, I actually find that mixing it in a mug with an electric hand mixer makes it much smoother than using a shaker and easier to clean than using a blender. Good luck & be positive - it will be worth it!

Congratulations on reaching your big day!!Hope you have a smooth recovery!

@txchickadee2012... Reflux is my biggest concern because I suffered from it so much previously. I talked to my doctor about the triggers though. And I must admit, since I started the liquid diet I have not had any bouts with reflux/heartburn. Hopefully that will continue. Thanks for sharing! @dquoyia... I love peppermint tea and have plenty of it in stock, so I will keep that in mind! Thanks and God bless you as well! I am sooooooo ready for this surgery!